My Testimony

I have been blessed to have grown up in a Christian home. We went to church and Sunday School "religiously" every Sunday. I remember my pastors wife was my teacher in one of the classes when I was maybe 6 years old. I vaguely remember saying "The Prayer" for Jesus to come into my heart and forgive me of my sins. I never had a falling out with God, but I was passive about it. I went to public school and never really read my Bible or memorized verses. Not surprising though, memory things have always been an issue for me.

I do remember when I was in High School, at 14 years old, I was in youth group and I re-dedicated my life to Christ one night. I remember coming home, telling my mom, and her being so happy and gave me a huge hug in the kitchen. I know I meant it both times, and I have never had the feeling or fear of death, I know I will be in heaven with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and saved me through His Grace.

That doesn't mean that for the next many years I didn't live in sin. I didn't go to church because of work or my health. The church I grew up in was no more and I just didn't try to find another one. My parents found a church here in Longmont, Grace Church in 2016. We went a few times. I really enjoyed it and my husband Adam really liked listening to Pastor Jeff (which was awesome because he wanted to go to church then), and they had a great kids ministry. We attended off and on between work and health again, and just having a day to do nothing. I helped in AWANA and VBS at times, but honestly, Childrens' ministry is just not my thing.

It was in 2019, when my health was at the breaking point, that I really felt my heart pulling to God again. I started to pray more, I actually did the "Read the Bible in a Year" plan and joined the ladies Bible study on Philippians. I could do this because COVID had made everything remote, so zoom Bible study was a thing. It made it possible for me to connect with ladies at church and really learn how to study and read my Bible. I can never thank Roberta and the ladies from the group enough for their patience and kindness to me in this class. I loved it!

We started to watch the YouTube sermons from home. I wanted so desperately to connect with the church, and I was starting to more and more. We started to attend, actually in person and the kids have been so excited for Sundays and Wednesday nights, and so have I.

I am training to be a Stephen Minister for the congregation, and I am loving it. I plan on serving more in the church, and am excited to connect with more people.

When I started to let go of control of my life, God stepped right in when I let him. For so long I have held so tightly to everything, that my health and relationships and life was suffering. When I "gave up" He led me to answers, to information to heal my body, to people and things that stirred the Spirit in me. My life has completely changed in the last few years, and I am so thankful to God for loving me, saving me and showing me what he wants for my life. Is this where I had planned? NOPE! Not at all! But His plan is so much better.