I said last week in my peer group at school that sometimes, in order to move forward, we have to look back. Never in my life has this saying been so true. As I look forward to my future with my boyfriend and life after graduation, I can't help but remember where God has brought me from.

I will not rehash my life story here, but I am ever mindful of how God orders our steps even when we are not trying to stay in step with God. How can it be that God looks and cares after us all, even when we're not looking for or caring about God?

I am really writing this to clear my thoughts for the day as well as cope with how I experience tough situations in my own life. Today was a pretty great day actually. I started my chaplaincy internship, celebrated my 6 month anniversary with my boyfriend, and the kids did an awesome job at Kids Club! I think we are finally getting past the rough spots and now the kids are seeing the fun and purpose of what I and the volunteers are there to do.

Those bad apples from last week, did try to come back to the center once again.

I have really been enjoying what I do here at Brightwood. Although I have come to realize that I cannot help everyone, I understand that with those that I can touch, I am making a difference. This past Tuesday was especially hard for me after several neighborhood kids came to the center right off the street. From a pastoral perspective, I realize that these kids see the Center as a safe place; they are curious about what is going on here. From a work perspective though, I have to think about the safety and well-being of all those under my care; sometimes you have to decrease in order to increase.

So many people know I am really enjoying my new job here at Brightwood. Today, I decided to play around some more with the Brightwood website. I can't believe all that has been done with it since its creation on Wednesday! We've also been getting a lot of traffic to the site as well and it's just amazing! I didn't know I knew so much about social media and web creation until this week. I am always thankful when the Spirit opens up something within me to bless others; its just an awesome feeling to be used.

As the late Notorius BIG said, "if you don't, now you know!" The Brightwood Community Center is taking it up to the next level in 2011 and we want to invite you to join us! Along with all of the great programming and services we offer, we just recently remodel our facilities (pics to come) and "boy" (tribute to Mr. Stan) is the NEW and IMPROVED Brightwood the BOMB!

I am so excited to be interning here this year and look forward to all that God has for me! I personally want to invite any and everyone reading this to get involved with Brightwood; whether it's through volunteer work, donations, or becoming a tutor.