Anniversaries

Saturday marked 19 years ago that I met Jesus. Well, not like "met him in person," but it was a life changing experience when I realized that God was real, the Bible was true, and Jesus was the only way I was going to get to Him thru my sinfulness.

I remember the night like it was yesterday. I attended my best friend's church because it was her birthday. I went down to pray at the altar, and while I'd prayed many times before (usually alone, at night), this time I just had an awareness that God was with me. I don't remember what I prayed, I don't remember the sermon. But I do remember coming home to my scary, dark, and creaky house, and my mom was watching "Friday the 13th," and for once I was not afraid. I no longer feared death.

I didn't go back to church for a few months, but in that time I noticed other things start to change. It was like my conscience had grown stronger. I didn't want to cuss or lie. I wanted to be more loving to those around me.

Anyhow, God in His grace led me to a church that would disciple me and teach me why all those weird things were happening. I could never repay the various churches I've been to for the love and grace they've shown me...or really, that God has shown me thru them.

And speaking of grace, today marked 7 years that I asked the Lord to give us a son. We'd been trying to get pregnant for awhile, but on this particular Sunday, Mother's Day, the sermon was about how Hannah prayed for Samuel, which led me to realize I had not formally asked God to give us a son. And specifically - a son - not just a child. I really wanted a son. So I asked Him. And a few weeks later I was caught by surprise when the pregnancy test was positive. Oh me of little faith...

A very happily exhausted me with a very newly born Charlie.




The exciting thing is, God isn't done working in my life. Thru Jesus He gave me eternal life (here and now, too!), and thru Charlie He gave me a calling as a mother. I could not ask for more.