My Story

My parents became Christ-followers when I was two, so I basically grew up in a Christian home. I have been in church ever since I can remember and I learned about Jesus from a very young age. Since I found Christ at the age of seven, it is hard for me to remember what my life was like before Christ. I wasn't old enough to get into much trouble, but I remember doing things that I clearly knew were wrong.

When I was seven, after hearing about Jesus many times at church, I went to my parents and asked them what it was all about. They pulled out the Bible and explained very simply that we are all sinners and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we wouldn't have to go to hell. That was a simple explanation, but it was more than enough for me. My Dad asked me if I wanted to pray with them and ask Jesus to come into my heart, but I said that I wasn't ready to do that yet.

I was ready, though. Very ready. I only said I wasn't ready because I think I was scared of being vulnerable and admitting my sins in front of Mom and Dad. And I think that I understood this decision to be one that was not private but, well, personal.

I went back into my room and climbed into bed, but I couldn't sleep. I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep unless I took care of business with God. So, I knelt down beside my bed and started telling God every sin that I could think of that I had ever committed and how sorry I was for doing them. Then I told God that I knew I needed Jesus in my heart and would He please come in and be my Lord and my Savior.

It is one of the earliest and clearest memories that I have.

About two weeks later I went down the aisle at church to tell the pastor that I had found Christ and a week after that I was baptized.

Now here I am, twenty years later. What a long way I have come! I know that I have had my ups and downs, I have made choices that were far from correct, but I am most definitely closer to the Lord now that when I started. God is teaching me more and more every day about what it means to rely on Him for the strength I need to live a life devoted to Him, how to lead my family in a godly way, what my place is in serving and furthering His kingdom, and how best to glorify Him with my life. There are so many quotes that have had an impact on me. And there are countless Bible verses that I keep going back to, learning something new from them every time. However, two things really stand out for me over my life so far.

First is a quote from Oswald Chambers: "Grow where you are planted." The youth pastor that mentored and discipled me through some very formative times in my life shared it with me before I moved away from the church where he was serving. He challenged me to consider that thought and the attitude that it would require of me as I continued to live life for Jesus. I continue to ponder it even now because I need reminding all the time that my purpose is to do what God has called me to do, wherever He has called me to do it - no complaining!

Second is Psalm 46:10, "Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." What a great command for me! I have trouble with sitting still and waiting for God to reveal more of His plan or lead me into the next task that He has for me. I want to run around all the time doing stuff for the Lord, but God wants me sitting still sometimes, waiting on Him and His perfect timing. It is a never-ending lesson in patience and submission.

I mess up all the time. His grace abounds all the more.

I try to be lord of my life. His mercy leads me to repentance.

But that's how it is when you truly encounter the One True God.

Jesus has changed my life.

And I will never be the same.