Moving to Austin, Texas.
My life has never been about things remaining stagnant - no matter how much I may wish that were the case. I was born in Germany to a military man and his wife. The next 15 years, I lived in England, North Dakota, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and finally settled in Arizona. When we moved here I told my parents that I would not be staying. Now is the time.
About 7 years ago I met Chris Tomlin at Arizona State University. He was touring with the Passion movement Promoting a large meeting in Colorado. I remember enjoying his voice and what he had to say, but he did not stick in my mind until later. The Passion movement, however, did stick with me and has been in my prayers ever since.
7 years ago, I was a baby Christian. I had been saved for 3 years, but I had little exposure to God and to God's people. I did not understand what my faith was all about. God lead me to a church where I was able to learn, grow and discover the beginnings of who I am in Christ. After a few years, I was prompted by the Spirit to move to another church. Through that church and the worship leader there, I discovered my love of recording music. I enjoy everything about it - including the editing process - and that is saying something! I have grown stronger and more knowledgable in my faith, but I am constantly reminded that I still have much to learn. For that I am greatful.
Back to the Passion story.
I then became interested in a group called Watermark. Kristie Knockles voice is absolutely amazing and God used her to speak to me as an artist. She worked with the movement as well, and that becomes important as my story progresses. During this time, I am still praying for the movement and for the lives of the college students who are blessed to be at the functions. I am thrilled that avenue exists. I had been working on my voice and started recording a CD.
Also during this time, I developed a strong admiration for Chris Tomlin. His music connects with me in a powerful way. I will admit that for a while I had a bit of a crush on him...I have to admit that because anyone who knows me will spill the beans! I read his book and became more interested in who he is and more interested in his ministry - which feeds right back to Passion.
October 2004, Chris came to town with Casting Crowns and Stephen Curtis Chapman. The concert was held at the Glendale Arena, and there were between 6-8000 people there that night. The week before the concert, I found myself daydreaming about meeting up with Chris again - if just to be able to tell him how much his ministry means to me. The reality part of my realized that it was so far fetched that I was not even going to think about it. I did not even pray for that to happen - I wanted God to work and for me to remain calm and focus on God.
The concert was amazing. Chris's time of worship blew me away. At one point I was completely in worship, my eyes were closed, my hands in the air. Something prompted me to look at the stage. Chris was on his knees with his hands in the air. The power of that motion hit me like a brick. I was humbled and awed by his humility. The other artists were great as well, but nothing hit me quite like that one moment.
At the end of the concert, Stephen invited anyone who needed prayer to come forward to a prayer partner. I felt lead to go. I argued the Spirit and was prompted again. I went. The time of prayer was a turning point in my life. During the time I spent with that wonderful woman, we were moved twice. The second was after we had finished our prayer. We were told that we were blocking the Star's dressing room, and they wanted to go to their bus. OOOPS! We asked for our apologies to be conveyed, and we were told that they had been praying for us. Wow.
Wow.
We were told to exit the arena through a set of double doors. Behind door #2, I found Chris Tomlin. I was tearstained and shaky, but more grounded than I had been in a long time. I did not want him to notice, infact I tried the jedi mind trick (you see nothing of interest here...) but it did not work. He asked if I was ok and if there was anything he could pray for. I told him yes, I am ok now, and general prayer because it was a bit personal. We spoke about several things that night, about 20 min of conversation. He was gracious. After telling him about our previous meeting, he remembered that he had given me one of his first CD's. I was surprised.
I left in awe that God had given me the desire of my heart and if I had tried to make it happen, it would not have. There was no way for me to have manufactured that meeting.
So I wondered what God was doing, and why I was allowed to experience this. There were (and are) several things I could think of. So I decided to file the information and let God continue to work. I was not going to worry about it.
A few more months go by and I am at another Christian music concert. This one was a mini-festival with many artists. One of which was Watermark. During Toby Mac's performance, I went to the bathroom and met Kristie Knockles in the bathroom. We spoke briefly about making CD's and about her children. I then left.
I was now wondering if both of these events were connected. I was pretty sure they were. So when I got back to my friends (in the lawn seating) I laid on the ground and prayed. It was awesome. I asked God what was going on and for guidance. I was prompted to take a trip to Austin in August of 2005.
I went and met Celeste. She is a good friend now and will be instrumental in my living situation there in Texas. I did not feel lead to move at that time and continued asking God for his answer. His answer until about a week and a half ago was "just wait." Through another series of events, which is a huge story as well, God has said "go." and I am.
I am excited and just about 2% fearful of moving to a new city. :)
Austin Texas, here I come... Are you ready for me????
Christa
