For the last part of 2014 I felt like I was on auto pilot with my faith. I would go through the motions and tried to learn my lessons, but I wasn't pursuing God. I was just getting by.
Then New Years Day it happened. I was left a message to call Burns Family Studios. They asked me to come up to Michigan to work for them for three weeks. I was floored. I had put in an application to work from home. I never thought that I would be chosen to go.
Yet there I stood in the Austin airport a week and half later waiting for my flight to take off. It really hit me, I'm going to Michigan.
That night was a different story. Because of a matinence issue, my flight was delayed and I missed my connection. I was stuck in the airport waiting on standby for the next flight to Detroit. As the hours dragged on and the flight kept getting delayed, I realized that my chances of getting out that night were slim. Since it was the airlines fault they had given me a hotel voucher and a ticket for a flight the next day. I was so tired and feeling so alone. I decided to get some sleep and catch the flight in the morning.
At the hotel I sat down on the bed and cried. Lord, I feel so alone. I'm in a strange city and this isn't where I wanted to be. Please help me. Through the tears I heard Gods reply. I am here. I am with you. I will watch over you and protect you. Deep in my soul I felt a peace that had been lacking. God wrapped His arms around me and showed me love and grace for all of my whining and complaining. I sent a final message to my family letting them know I was okay and resting. Not only did they give me encouragement, but several friends were praying for me and encouraging me. I went to bed feeling better.
The next day I was about to catch my flight and arrived in Michigan without incident.
The following weeks were a wonderful and challenging adventure. I found not only a group of amazing women waiting for me, but friendship. We bonded in a special and unique way. Each of these girls was a treasure and a delight to work with.
Work started as soon as I got there. We all spent long days making calls, sending emails, and promoting Beyond The Mask. It was very rewarding.
What God did on my downtime was nothing short of a complete turnaround. Through conversations and sometimes debate, God showed me that I was hiding my faith because I was afraid of legalism and fear of people. It totally broke me. I saw how I had become afraid to speak. I repented. God forgave me and showed me great love.
In the days that followed God and I shared many sweet moments of fellowship together. Enjoying the trip, playing in the snow, and reading Romans. He reignited a passion and love for Him that I had been missing. He changed me.
My faith was restored and my eyes were open to see what God could do through me. It was a huge turnaround.
In the meantime, we as a group were taking a lot of little adventures. Going to Canada, enjoying the snow (a big event for a Texas girl), ice skating, and just being together.
God provided so many wonderful opportunities while I was there. I didn't want it to end. But as with everything in this life, it came to an end.
Now that I'm home and looking back on the whole fun wonderful crazy fun adventure, I see how much God used it to grow me.
I now share Him and His message of love and grace more freely. I love more. I enjoy the warmth and green of Texas more. Life is better, richer, and deeper.
That's how God rocked my world. He gave me a blessing so big that I couldn't contain it. I had to let it spill over into others. And may His love and grace continue to spill through me now and forever more.
