It's happened a lot recently. These random opportunities keep presenting themselves to me. At first, I thought that maybe it was just something that happens when big changes happen in your life. I thought, "hmm, maybe when big changes happen, big opportunities always follow." But that thought process didn't seem realistic, as many of my friends have had big changes occur in their lives and have stayed in the same monotone daily routine and have maintained a pretty balanced lifestyle as well.

Recently "balanced" would not be how I would describe my life. The only thing that makes me feel balanced right now is Jesus. So spending time with Him has definitely increased. Not that it shouldn't increase on a regular basis or that I wasn't spending time with him before. It's just that right now I am so out of my comfort zone, and I'm taking leaps of faith that I've never even dreamt of taking. I wouldn't say that I'm always fearless in doing it, but I have definitely felt that way when I've gone to Jesus about it. When I try to lean on my own strength, I almost always immediately realize just how weak I really am.

I've been given so many crazy opportunities these past few months. All of which I've found God within, over and over again. First of all, being able to even write here for Odyssey is so humbling. I'm given a chance to share what God is doing in my life in an effort to allow God to take it and use it however He wants to, even if that means that it will never do a single bit of good. At least I'm giving it to Him. I want everyone who reads what I write to see Him, more than they see me.

Then I had the awesome opportunity to go to Nashville, Tennessee and to physically meet the amazing women in my creatives group that I've spent the last two-and-a-half years building relationships with. Did I mention that every one of them loves Jesus and did nothing but encourage, love, and push me to pursue what God has called me to do in my life? I mean, what did I do to deserve a group of women like that in my life? I'm so thankful for them. I place my love for every one of them in God's hands and somehow it grows more and more each day. I'm thankful. I love my sisters in Christ.

Now, this most recent opportunity I was given is what has me completely vulnerable. I'm so joyful but simultaneously clinging on to Christ for dear life. I've sacrificed almost everything I was working towards and decided to make the choice to run full speed at what I knew God has been calling me to do. It wasn't until one of my leaders at the Nashville intensive started to speak about God's calling on our lives, that I realized it was time for me to stop doing what I thought was best for myself and start pursuing what I know God was calling me to. God's way is ultimately the best. I've figured that out in every situation, relationship, and life choice I've made so far. So, what makes me think that choosing to follow what I think will make me most successful is what God wants me to do? It wasn't that way when I was looking for happiness, or love, or peace. He's always been The One and He's always been The Way. Who says that what makes the most sense is what God is calling us to? Because right now, any person who looked at my life would, without a doubt, say that it doesn't make much sense. The way God works doesn't always make sense to us. If we could understand God 100%, I don't think that would make Him much of a God now, would it?

"Delayed obedience to God is still disobedience." Those were the words that sparked my heart. It stepped on my toes because I was most definitely putting off what God had called me to do to achieve something I thought I needed to do first. These moments are the moments I like to call "spiritual spankings." They sting, but in the end, they end up teaching you a valuable lesson. Redirection.

Right now, I'm so out of my comfort zone. But I have never been more joyful or at peace. I am pursuing a job in becoming a worship leader. "A facilitator of His presence" is what one of my dear friends and role models likes to refer to it as. I know I am doing what God has called me to. As long as I'm following Him, I'm good. That doesn't mean I'll be successful or that I'll get the job I want or win the person I like. It simply means that I am content in the fact that no matter what happens in the end, I am joyful because I know that I am allowing God to shape me and I'm making myself available to anywhere and anyway that He would like to use me. When your joy is found in Christ, you will find joy in your obedience to him as well. Fear is real, but perfect Love drives out fear. There will be hardship. There will be beauty. But God is consistent and He stays the same. Find your balance there.

Cling to Him and watch your life turn into an adventure.