Redemptive Abundant Provision

Just let me start by saying "GOD has a plan!". And more precisely, He has had a plan ALL along. I am amazed at every centimeter of it.
I just wrapped up a life-changing first year at The Deeper School. I couldn't have done it without the love and support of my family and friends. Thank you so much for allowing me the chance to learn how to be me out loud. I know, you're thinking, "Isn't that what you always did?", but brace yourself, there's actually more than meets they eye. And through these last nine months I've opened the treasure chest and I'm beginning to examine each tiny fortune God has placed in me. It cracks me up that He's been aware of it all and I'm just clueing in! I'm already really missing everyone in California, and I can't WAIT to return for 2nd year and move forward with my heart to spend LOTS of time traveling and singing people to Jesus!

The extra goodness I get to share with you is that my daughter just had her son, Bradley, last Thursday morning. And let me tell you that was a long labor. I didn't sleep for over a week - but how do you not say it was totally worth it? Mariah and Bradley are both healthy and beautiful. He looks so much like her that I feel like time has reversed somehow and I'm holding her again. Honestly, it's a bit weird! I am so glad to be blessed to be here in Florida with them both for the summer - which leads me to the story of redemptive abundant provision.

Right before I left CA for FL, my summer housing fell through. I literally did not know where I was going once I got off the plane. Good thing God did! My daughter's friend, Brittany, invited me to stay at a log cabin her family owned...right on the canal. I had it all to myself and it was gorgeous! It came complete with a loft, which, if any of you know me well, totally made my day. I spent several days there, and the day I had to leave, Mariah finally went into active labor. Which was great, since I had no place to go! We stayed at the hospital three days, with me not knowing where I was going once they discharged her. BUT GOD. Before I left CA, I asked God for two things in my new provision; my own room so I could really focus and a piano so I could get serious in my learning. During Mariah's stay at the hospital I met Ian's (Bradley's father) grandma, Rita. When I walked into her home I saw a piano. I thought, "Lord? Is this it?". I was happy to find her to be a daughter of the King, a musician, writer and artist. I didn't say anything about needing a place to stay because I knew God would open the door if that were the place. A half an hour later I met her daughter, Teri, at the hospital. It turns out that she was my vet from WAY back and remembered me well (all good!). When she asked where I was staying, I said "the hospital!". Well the next morning, Rita called and invited me stay with them for the whole summer, saying they had a room set aside for people in ministry. When I arrived, she offered me piano lessons! And when she showed me where I was staying, there was an electric guitar already in the room! AND it's my own room, with my own bathroom - I LOVE it! I'm sure the abundant provision part is obvious to you by now, but let me explain "redemptive". When I met Teri years ago, I was a newlywed and Mariah was not even born yet. We made a connection then that was awesome, but I never really saw Teri after that. I even made her dinner (try not to faint in disbelief, but I do actually cook)! But God knew that years away, my daughter would be in relationship with her nephew, and that we would re-encounter one another just at the time when I would need provision for ministry. He also knew that I would make mistakes in life that would delay ministry, yet He planted the seeds for provision WAY ahead even when I didn't know what I was about to walk through in life. This redemptive act of provision has completely shifted my understanding of the God we serve. Think about it - He planted a future provision for the steps I would be making toward my calling, knowing I would veer way off path and return, and lead me right back to the place of abundance in the very place where I first went off track. Ahhhhhhhh....God is so GOOD!

This morning I got my first lesson from Rita, whom I already adore. The last two evenings I've had lots of private face time with the Lord and been practicing both electric and acoustic guitar. This afternoon God allowed me to re-connect with Mike and Donna Carroll, two very special people who loved me well as a teenager. I can't believe how awesome it is for God to surround me with loving, tried and true friends everywhere I go! I am serious, I will never cease to be amazed :)

My next step is to begin work and allow God to lead me into His provision for the next year at The Deeper School. I fly back there September 1st, and I am super excited! Over the summer, I would like to raise the money for the school year, which is only $3200 if I pay in full at the beginning of the year. I'd also like to save toward the end of the year mission trip, which will likely be around $2000. It's also really important to me to become a stronger financial witness, so I am working really hard to clear up debt and walk in financial stability - yes, on faith! I really appreciate all your prayers and support. If you would like to contribute over the summer, you can still do that through The Mission, so that it is tax-deductible.

Please send donations for tuition and missions to: THE MISSION6391 Leisure Town Rd.Vacaville, CA 95687 These donations are tax deductible. Please do not write anything on the "Memo" portion of the check. Attach a note including my name and the purpose of the donation, "tuition" or "mission trip".
And one final note - my best friend and my friend are getting married - to each OTHER!!!! YEEHHHH!!!! Congrats to Sarah and David - I love you BOTH :*