Following the direction...

It's amazing what happens when you know you're following God's direction.

Before I moved back up with my parents I was barely making it financially and emotionally. I was stressed, making myself sick, and stretched very thin. Not a good combination when you're working full time, going to school full time, and trying to fit hours of studio time in as well.

At a certain point, I had reached rock bottom. I didn't know how I was going to pay my bills, I didn't know where I was going to live when the lease was up, I didn't know where I'd find a job if I moved.... there were "what if's" everywhere I turned. At that point, I cried out to God. I had nothing left. I remember sitting in my room with my hands open saying, "God I give this nothing to you" I'm crying for help and direction. I decided I was going to move back with my parents. I knew that even if I had nothing else... I'd at least have a roof over my head.

I moved up there in blind faith that God would provide. I quit my job and had no idea where my next paycheck would come from, or even When. Knowing this was a HUGE step in my trust in God, I prayed for peace in my spirit as my human mind tried to panic over the "what if's"

The week I moved was the week of my sister's wedding. I couldn't do any job hunting or anything during that time. The wedding came and went, and Monday morning I was woken up by a phone call. It was a local Insurance agent wanting to know if I'd be available for an interview in an hour! I yelled "YES" and jumped in the shower. I went to the interview and met my future employer. I was working by Thursday.

God had provided me with an ongoing income the next week. He had everything worked out before I even made the decision to move. Not only has he provided a fantastic job, I'm getting more freelance offers than I ever had living in OC. He's opened up doors to starting the business I went to school for. I didn't even ask!

How awesome is that?! We worry and stress about all the stuff the world offers and demands in return. We make stupid decisions about money and things we HAVE to have or do and we forget the true reward that awaits us if we only stay focused. He definitely got my attention!
My mom tells me I'm ADD. I can imagine God standing in the door way calling my name. I take a step forward and then am distracted by something "shiny".... "Annie" He'll gently call, and then I snap back to attention. I take another step. "Ooo something pretty!" and I'll swerve off the path again. He never gives up on me. He's got the door wide open with more rewards than I can dream of and yet I'm still distracted by the things this world offers.

These last few months have been a life lesson to me. I've learned to put my trust in the Lord and know that he has an ultimate plan far greater than anything I've ever imagined.

Don't forget to follow the direction....