Good doesn't even begin to describe it.....

This post is going to be a little different than others in the past....but allow me to just take a moment and testify to the awesome-ness of God.
Take this post as a confirmation that God works miracles.  He is not limited to a certain amount of time, He can work instantly.  He is not hindered by our mistakes, He holds the power to course correct once we come to repentance.  God isn't held back by our pasts, He is the ultimate Redeemer.  And God doesn't need a padded bank account, He choose to use those who are poor, broken, and by the world's standards, useless.
I can say that with confidence, because He has done that for me.
This time last year, I was headed off to Indiana Women's Prison.  Exactly a year ago today, I packed what little bit I was allowed to have in a plastic garbage bag, was shackled at the wrist and waist, loaded on a bus and transported to Indiana Women's Prison to serve until the end of December.  Man, what a difference a year can make!
What God chose to do in me and through me at Indiana Women's Prison is beyond description.  But what is really amazing is God's handiwork afterwards.
Within the first week or so of coming home, I was told that the house my husband and I were renting was being sold and we had to move.  My husband and I were a bit worried about finding another place that would fit our needs and our budget.  But without even having to look, God put the most amazing home in our laps.  We desperately needed new furniture and new appliances....the house came with it all, furniture, appliances and decorations if we wanted it.  It was more than we could have ever imagined.
Within the first month of being home, God told me to offer my voice to the worship band at church.  I thought there was no way, I couldn't be on stage each Sunday helping to lead worship....since I was just worshiping in prison, not even a month ago.  But I did and the worship band embraced me and I fell in love with worshipping with that group of musicians.
The next month, the church asked if I would lead worship while our regular worship leader took time off.  Seriously?  I hadn't even been home three months!  I did lead that month and I was humbled beyond measure and honestly, I was struck speechless. Many Sundays I lead with tears streaming down my face, not in sorrow, but in pure love and awe of God....that He would allow me that opportunity.
Within the first three months of coming home, I launched reVision.  While in prison, God gave me a clear and concise vision for my purpose and ministry.  As I started to strike out and share bits and pieces of my story as well as the Holy Spirit given insight on certain scripture, the response was overwhelming.  This blog continues to grow in readers...by numbers that blow my mind.  The doors of opportunity have blown open as I have the chance to now go out and speak at different events.
When I came home, I brought with me a large debt owed to the State.  On my husband's salary alone, it would be difficult to make a dent in this debt.  And I spent months looking for work...but with my criminal record, it proved to be difficult.  I pretty much had given up.  I remember just about two weeks ago, writing in my journal a prayer that simply said, "God, if you want me to have a job, give me one.  If not, help my husband and I to trust that You will provide for us."  The week after I prayed that, the local newspaper called me.  Did you catch that?  They called me....they sought me out!  They wanted to know if I was interested in a job.  I knew that this was an opportunity of a lifetime.
My husband and I discussed how much of my past I should tell them.  I felt that I had to trust that if God wanted me to have that job, my criminal history wasn't going to be a problem.
I went into that meeting and stepped out on faith.  I told them about my charges and the "boss" looked at me and simply said that it didn't matter to him.  What?!?!?! 
I got the job with hours that are perfectly suited to me and my needs.  It is just enough pay to settle my debt and the hours still allow me to spend time in my ministry.  The job is a writing job - how cool is that!  It puts me in front of and in contact with community leaders, people of influence and allows me to network with groups who might be interested in my story.  On top of it all, I am sharpening my writing skills, working with editors and publishers and getting to know the printing business.  How amazing is that!
I had to share this with you, not because I want to brag or boast, but because I had to see it in writing to really believe it!  All I can do is shake my head in amazement at what God has done in just a hand full of months!
The best part of the story is that God is working and using me.  ME!!  The one who has made mistakes, failed a hundred times, ran away, dug in my heels and said no way.....God is using me.  God is a miracle worker.  And although all that He has done for me is a miracle, the very fact that He loves me enough to forgive me and still call me His daughter....well, that is miracle enough....the rest is just an added bonus!