Hey, you know LA is up in this!

The title is a line from the late Tupac's song California Love. I tried to be creative...

So I started two different blogs. One entitled, “Adventures in La La Land” and this one, “Delighted in Grace”. Though I will be blogging about my adventures in Los Angeles, I decided to go with a title that reflects the grace and love of the Lord more. I actually had a really hard time deciding on a title, but what can you do!

Well, I have officially been a California resident for a little over 4 months now. It is incredible how quickly the time has flown by and how much has happened. It seems like just yesterday I was walking across the stage at the University of North Texas and receiving my diploma! Though I do miss Texas on occasion, I have truly been enjoying my time in California.

It is still a little surreal that I am actually living in Los Angeles. For so long it was this distant dream that I wasn’t really sure was ever going to happen. But I knew in my heart that the Lord wanted me in L.A. The last semester of college, I felt the Lord preparing my heart for this city and by December, I had complete peace and excitement for the move. The day after graduation my Dad and I hopped in my car (which was full to the brim) and I watched the Lone Star State fade in my rear view mirror. Luckily, my dad and step-mom have been living in L.A. for a few years, so I am completely blessed to be able to live with them in our cute little house on a hill (literally though, our house is on a hill)!

So the first month happened. I got to spend a lot of time with Jesus and try to figure out what my life in L.A. was going to look like. I was fervently searching for a job, church, and a community. I was praying like crazy for the Lord to give me strength and He most certainly did. Though there were many nights of me going to events alone and forcing my friendship upon people, I eventually found a wonderful community of believers. Though the first month was a drought, the Lord, with His perfect timing, provided like crazy. I found a job as a receptionist for a production, lighting, and studio rental company, an amazing church with solid, gospel teaching, and a wonderful group of believers who actually live life together.

So the past three months have just been a whirlwind of building relationships, learning and worshiping at church, and learning the ropes at my job. Currently, there is not much acting happening, but I know that will come in time. I feel affirmed in my move to L.A. The Lord wants me here and I have a heart for this city. I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store over my first year here.

I have been incredibly encouraged this week by the message this past Sunday. Pastor Tim talked about Enduring in the City. Though as believers we have the city to come to look forward to, we should not be absent in the passing city. “We are not to leave the city, but function differently in it”. This message was so important to hear and definitely has me thinking and praying about how to function differently in the city of L.A. If you are interested in the message, you can check it out here: http://realityla.com/category/teachings/.

I’ll try to post pictures and fun stuff in the blogs to come!

-rita