During this time, I read through the chapter in Experiencing God, called,’ God Reveals Himself, His Purposes, and His Ways.’
I felt guided by the Lord to begin volunteering, so I registered with an app called 'Hands on San Diego.' My initial volunteer experience was at a homeless encampment called Dreams for Change. After returning home from this activity, I experienced an overwhelming feeling in my chest—a profound emotional heart tug (pull) unlike anything I had felt before. My mind was filled with ideas on how to further assist those in need. This powerful sensation was unmistakable, and I recognized it as a calling from Jesus.
I immediately embraced this calling, praying for clarity and direction on what steps to take next.
During this time, I read through the chapters in Experiencing God, called ‘ God Speaks Through the Bible, and God Speaks through Prayer.’
During my quiet time, the Lord continued to show me through various Bible verses that He wanted me to serve Him.
Mark 10:43-45
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”[a]—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
Galatians 6:8-10
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
1 Peter 4:2
2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires but rather for the will of God.
1 Peter 5:2
2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;
I submitted my two-week notice at the tech firm where I was employed. When my boss inquired about my future plans, I told him I was unsure. He suggested that I remain at the company until I figured out my next steps, assuring me that once I decided, he would allow me to leave within a week. I accepted his offer, as it seemed like a practical arrangement.
I attended a tradeshow where the turnout was low, and we only met a few people. One individual I spoke with revealed he owned a nonprofit that supports children in various ways. I shared with him how ironic this was because I was currently seeking the path the Lord intended for me, feeling a strong calling in my life. Noticing the gold cross around his neck, I was struck by his advice to follow my calling. His organization is named ‘Alliance for Success,’ it operates under the motto ‘Walk Away, No Drama Today!’
During this time, I was reading through the chapter on Experiencing God, which is called ‘ God Speaks through Circumstances.’
While volunteering at a horse rescue, I struck up a conversation with a woman about our lives. I confided in her about my current challenges, and she revealed that she was a life coach. She then asked me a question that resonated deeply: “What’s holding you back?” Coincidentally, just the day before, our boss had advised us to ask potential clients the same question. I laughed at the timing and explained the coincidence to her, which led me to reconsider my own situation from a new perspective. I realized that my schedule was completely packed: I started each day at 5 AM with quiet time, prepared my daughter for the day, worked 40 hours a week, and attend school fulltime. Every minute of my day was accounted for, leaving me no free time.
I requested to switch to part-time work to explore the new direction I felt God was calling me toward. My boss agreed, on the condition that I commit to this arrangement for the entire month of February. I accepted this condition.