Surprise.

This photo was taken the other evening as I strolled the streets of my little hometown. Etched in the sidewalk, surprise, a love note from Jesus.

Faith is messy. Faith is beautiful. Faith draws you closer to the heart of the Creator.

In the past six weeks I've seen God move in abundant ways, stories I'm itching to share with the world. I want to shout "GOD IS FAITHFUL" from the highest rooftop. However, since there aren't that many rooftops around here that would be a fan of that idea I'll stick with my recliner this sticky Monday morning and let my fingers do the shouting with the hopes that you, the reader, wherever you may be, will feel the passion arise within that God really is alive.

Since writing last, Jesus has continued to knock me down in awe at his work in my life. I stop to share because the power of testimony can change lives. A testimony can be the thing that pushes you over the edge to say "yes, I believe." Be it believing in God for the first time, or believing that He is good, that He is wanting to speak with you. I was told many months ago that the upcoming season of my life would be one marked by the awe of God in a way I'd never experienced before. I thought that was a neat, thinking it would be a growth within me and who doesn't like to have an increased awe of God? A couple months ago the Lord seemed to whisper, the awe that will grow will be because of acts done- get excited. Wait a second, I'm going to see things happen in my life that will cause me to respond in a way that I'll be greater in awe of you? OH BOY! I had no idea what was to come and even as I type, a smile dances across my face as something tells me I haven't seen anything yet.

We left off last month with the starting of a new design business, a paid plane ticket from a stranger, and the offer of furniture for our home we had yet to find in California. Since that time, we have found a home, my tuition for the ministry school I'm attending has been generously paid in full by a future classmate, I had the amazing gift of sharing one of these stories in front of my wonderful home church of roughly 400 people before they blessed me with prayer and commissioning as I pack up to leave in less than a week.

So I don't turn this into a book, I am going to only share the details of the house story, it's one of my favorites.

I've spent months, entire days, countless hours, calling, researching, emailing, planning, hoping, praying-you get the picture. One of the best parts? As much as I wanted the process of finding a home in California to be over, my peace didn't waver. That wasn't me, that was supernatural. During this time I was so challenged by the process. Why? I know that Jesus can do anything, so therefore, the time in between must have a purpose. The moments where I felt like it would  have been acceptable to freak out a little, I just felt a reassurance. A knowing that this God I've given my life to, is good, he has never and will never fail me. I can't help but wonder if that's the point. The process caused me to say "Jesus, I NEED you. Only you can do this." One day last week I was sitting on the couch and had a little conversation with Jesus that went something like this:

Me: "Okay, Jesus. I don't have a house. I know you and I know that you must have a surprise up your sleeve. What could you possibly orchestrate at this point in the game that would make me go No Freakin' Way?"
pause 
Jesus: "vacation rentals"
Me: (turns head) "That's brilliant."

Let me explain something real quick here. I'd been going to property managers in the area and well, they aren't a big fan of less than a 12 month lease- our story of having six women from all different states and one different country was just seen as messy. Our ministry school is for 9 months, so either me and the other five women I'll be living with would have to pay an extra three months or stay thru the summer next year. However, vacation rentals are really excited with longer leases. I quickly got on the phone and the first place I called, I was welcomed with overwhelming kindness. The voice on the other line the nicest I'd spoken to since I began the journey of finding a home. She partnered with me in finding just the right place. She was excited about our adventure, wanting to know details, and genuinely interested in our story. A seemingly amazing option arose, all utilities included, furnished all the way from couches to sheets and silverware. Nestled two miles from the Church, two blocks from the beach, and two miles from where I hope to be working. The only problem was that it wasn't available until the day school started- I'd have to spend two weeks staying in a hotel. "Jesus, I really want to be able to walk in the door to my home when I arrive in town- if this is where we are supposed to be, can you please make that happen?" The next day the sweet manager calls "Guess what! The man who was staying in the rental just called and said that things ended with his business trip much faster than he expected and plans to be out in a few days!" No Way. In less than a week I'll only have to pack up my clothes, some shoes, and maybe a toothbrush. I will get to live in a beautiful home, within our budget, near the beach. Surprise, Jesus did it again.