Well, actually, I meant to title this "Good Day", but my typo came out "God day"; I thought I would leave it, at that, lol. I had a pretty good day at work, with some encouraging comments from my supervisor at work, and I am actually allowing myself to hope that this could become a permanent position. It's just funny how this job, which I applied for with really no hopes of it being a 'real' job. I was skeptical all the way up until I received my first paycheck-direct deposit, with taxes taken out. Now that I think about it, God gave me exactly what I needed, really, and when I needed it.
After having been out of work for 2 1/2 years, God knew that it would be better for me to start back to work slowly, getting back to having to be on a schedule of some sort, and having to be somewhere at a specific time, every time and on time, as well as getting used to just being an employee again. I can’t begin to explain how good it felt to receive my first paycheck, and to feel like I’m contributing to our household income, after applying to so many jobs, and trying so hard. Granted, this isn’t exactly what I had in mind, but it has been a very humbling experience, and I honestly believe that God put this job before me for a reason. Who knows, it could be a start to something much bigger in the long run.
As a side note, I just have to mention how God is allowing me to appreciate people in my life. I found myself today just watching my husband (of 25 years!) and smiling at what a wonderful husband he is, and how much I truly love him from the bottom of my heart. Talk about a gift from God-he is it!! I believe 100% in my heart that God gave him to me to save me from myself, and I am SO grateful! Thank you, God!
“God, thank you so much for always knowing what’s best for me; I know that you have a plan for me, and I know that your plan is so much greater than I could ever hope for. Lord, you are so loving and kind, and you know my heart better than I myself do, and you know how to guide me to do your will. I pray, Lord, that you will reveal your plan to me as I am ready to receive it, and lead me so that I may follow. Lord, I love you and I praise you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Showing posts with label pray. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pray. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Communion
If someone would have told me 2 months ago that I would look forward to going to church, I would have told them they were off their rocker. However, today during work, I found myself anticipating the end of my shift and getting ready for church. I actually couldn’t wait! Who would have EVER thought? Even when I did attend church regularly in Indiana, and I enjoyed the service and fellowship, I can’t say that I actually looked forward to it. And as for reading and studying my Bible, I actually enjoy that too, rather than think of it as a chore, as in times past.
During the service tonight, we had communion, which I have participated in on multiple occasions, but this time was different. (As a side note, I have to say that I really appreciated how the pastor explained what was going on and how they did it at this particular church-I have many times felt uncomfortable in not knowing how they did things in a particular church. It was very much appreciated and helpful to newcomers or visitors.) But for the first time, I was overcome with emotion, and fully understood the meaning of the communion. It was VERY powerful to grasp the full and true meaning of the practice, and for the first time, I felt like I was worthy to receive communion. I am so grateful for such a loving God.
“Dear God, I thank you for loving me so much that you have given your only son to give his life for my sins. Thank you for your forgiveness, and for lifting the burden of guilt that I have been weighted down with for so long; thank you for lifting me up, Lord. Lord, I surrender my will and my life to you and your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Friday, February 4, 2011
I'm never alone
For a lot of my life, I have felt very alone. Not necessarily 'lonely', just alone. For the first time in my life, I can actually feel His presence, and I can say without a doubt that I am never alone. God's presence in my life, 24/7, and knowing that He is watching me always, keeps me accountable. I only wish I would have truly become a Christian a long, LONG time ago; it would have saved me (and everyone else) a lot of heartache. I don't think I would have done a lot of things that I've done if I knew someone was watching me and judging me. But, I suppose it was God's plan for me to experience all that CRAP in order to get me to be who He wants me to be.
For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to try to be something I’m not, because if I do, God will call me out, lol. I’m feeling a lot more comfortable in my own skin these days, and I know I always have a friend in Jesus, and that He is always there with me. I will never be anywhere by myself ever again! How awesome is that?!
It is truly a miracle how different I feel, and how differently I think and react to things. He immediately hollers at me when I have a wrong thought or say things unbecoming of a woman of God. I am not, by any means, saying I’m perfect, or a “finished product”, I’m just saying that God is doing amazing things in my life, and I’m thankful.
“God, thank you so much for filling the void that I have so often felt in my life, and thank you for always being there for me. Lord, you are truly a loving and amazing God, and I am constantly in awe of all that you are and all that you do. Thank you for your love and your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen”
For the first time, I don’t feel like I have to try to be something I’m not, because if I do, God will call me out, lol. I’m feeling a lot more comfortable in my own skin these days, and I know I always have a friend in Jesus, and that He is always there with me. I will never be anywhere by myself ever again! How awesome is that?!
It is truly a miracle how different I feel, and how differently I think and react to things. He immediately hollers at me when I have a wrong thought or say things unbecoming of a woman of God. I am not, by any means, saying I’m perfect, or a “finished product”, I’m just saying that God is doing amazing things in my life, and I’m thankful.
“God, thank you so much for filling the void that I have so often felt in my life, and thank you for always being there for me. Lord, you are truly a loving and amazing God, and I am constantly in awe of all that you are and all that you do. Thank you for your love and your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen”
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Praying for His will, not mine
I never would have thought it would be so hard to let go, and give up control. However, since I have been known to be a bit of a control freak (that's putting it mildly!), it is EXTREMELY hard to accept and admit that I am not in control, God is.
I have decided to give up TV for the month of February, simply because it was having far too much influence on my life, and I was wasting too much time watching TV rather than doing things that need to be done. So, I sat most of the day clipping my coupons (I had made the mistake of getting a couple of weeks behind) with no TV on. I don't know which is worse: listening to my own thoughts, or the TV. I was thinking all day about the situation of someone very close to me who is about to move, and I was fighting all day not to be sad and/or angry. But of all the things that I was having feelings about, I realized that they were selfish reasons.
I was sad that we hadn't been able to really go to the beach together, and sad that I don't know when I will see her again, and sad that the next time I see her kids they will be so much bigger/older,etc...And I am trying not to be angry, and I have to really fight to completely let go. I keep giving it to God, but it's like I'm still hanging on to a thread, and I keep trying to pull it back. It's SOOOO hard!! I have to have faith that God will provide for her and her family, and that He is in control of not only my life, but of theirs, too, and His will will be done, not hers, and not mine. I know He has a plan for them, and I need to step aside and let go of my own personal feelings, and stop judging (THAT IS SOOO HARD TOO!!).
I know in my heart that God will take care of it, but is it wrong to pray that His will may include giving them a reason to stay? Just askin' :) . In order to do God's will, for me, I have to be here, and be supportive, and pray, pray, pray, and of course, love them all...yes, I said love them ALL. "God, show me the way!"
"Dear Lord, please help me to let go of my old thoughts and feelings, and to do your will. Lord, show me how to love and not judge, how to give up control and learn to follow your direction, and help me to know my true motives. Show me how to give words of encouragement, and help me to be genuine in my well wishes. Lord, I love you, and I praise you. In Jesus' name, Amen."
I have decided to give up TV for the month of February, simply because it was having far too much influence on my life, and I was wasting too much time watching TV rather than doing things that need to be done. So, I sat most of the day clipping my coupons (I had made the mistake of getting a couple of weeks behind) with no TV on. I don't know which is worse: listening to my own thoughts, or the TV. I was thinking all day about the situation of someone very close to me who is about to move, and I was fighting all day not to be sad and/or angry. But of all the things that I was having feelings about, I realized that they were selfish reasons.
I was sad that we hadn't been able to really go to the beach together, and sad that I don't know when I will see her again, and sad that the next time I see her kids they will be so much bigger/older,etc...And I am trying not to be angry, and I have to really fight to completely let go. I keep giving it to God, but it's like I'm still hanging on to a thread, and I keep trying to pull it back. It's SOOOO hard!! I have to have faith that God will provide for her and her family, and that He is in control of not only my life, but of theirs, too, and His will will be done, not hers, and not mine. I know He has a plan for them, and I need to step aside and let go of my own personal feelings, and stop judging (THAT IS SOOO HARD TOO!!).
I know in my heart that God will take care of it, but is it wrong to pray that His will may include giving them a reason to stay? Just askin' :) . In order to do God's will, for me, I have to be here, and be supportive, and pray, pray, pray, and of course, love them all...yes, I said love them ALL. "God, show me the way!"
"Dear Lord, please help me to let go of my old thoughts and feelings, and to do your will. Lord, show me how to love and not judge, how to give up control and learn to follow your direction, and help me to know my true motives. Show me how to give words of encouragement, and help me to be genuine in my well wishes. Lord, I love you, and I praise you. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
God's 'Love Taps'
I was really struggling with a family issue, as was mentioned in yesterday's post, and thought I had gotten the right answer. Until today, when I talked to someone near and dear to my heart, who knows the whole situation, and I began to question the origin of the answer I received...was it my will, or God's will?
The thing nagged me all day long, and I was even talking to God out loud, it was weighing so heavily on my heart. Finally, as I was driving home, the thought popped back into my head, and I felt the tears well up, and I finally surrendered. I did what I knew I had to do, and the weight was lifted, and I feel so much better! I am going to refer to these moments as God's 'love taps' from now on, because it's kind of like getting hit upside the head, and it brings tears to my eyes...all done in love from God.
He is truly amazing, and to think that I have changed so much since I asked Jesus to come into my heart...and all I had to do was ask! I would say that I wish I had made the decision and surrendered my will to God's 30 years ago, but then, my life wouldn't be what it is today, which is good, and I wouldn't have the people in it that I have...so no, I wouldn't change a thing. It has all happened in God's time, the way He intended, and I am so thankful!
"Lord, thank you so much for your wisdom and your mercy. Thank you for your guidance through difficult situations, and for the peace that comes from doing your will, not mine. You are such a loving God! In Jesus' name, Amen."
The thing nagged me all day long, and I was even talking to God out loud, it was weighing so heavily on my heart. Finally, as I was driving home, the thought popped back into my head, and I felt the tears well up, and I finally surrendered. I did what I knew I had to do, and the weight was lifted, and I feel so much better! I am going to refer to these moments as God's 'love taps' from now on, because it's kind of like getting hit upside the head, and it brings tears to my eyes...all done in love from God.
He is truly amazing, and to think that I have changed so much since I asked Jesus to come into my heart...and all I had to do was ask! I would say that I wish I had made the decision and surrendered my will to God's 30 years ago, but then, my life wouldn't be what it is today, which is good, and I wouldn't have the people in it that I have...so no, I wouldn't change a thing. It has all happened in God's time, the way He intended, and I am so thankful!
"Lord, thank you so much for your wisdom and your mercy. Thank you for your guidance through difficult situations, and for the peace that comes from doing your will, not mine. You are such a loving God! In Jesus' name, Amen."
Monday, January 31, 2011
"Let Go, and Let God"...Easier said than done...
Although my perspective has changed so much this past month, I am still me, and I still struggle with certain situations. I am seriously praying for guidance (as I write this, I think I just got my answer) on how to handle a situation, or should I simply not handle it at all. I am really trying to follow what God would want me to do in every aspect of my life, and this particular situation is particularly difficult for me.
I have decided to let God handle the situation, because there's really nothing I can do, or any human can do, for that matter. Some find me to be insensitive and cold hearted and unforgiving when it comes to this situation, but that is so not the case. I do care, and I do pray, every day for God to take hold of the situation, and I have faith that His will will be done. But that's all I can do.
Honestly, I really need to do some praying about the feelings I am having after a conversation with a family member I just had. I am feeling very angry and hurt, even though I know that was not the intention. All of a sudden, a lot of old feelings are arising, and I don't like it one bit. It is really hard sometimes to set my own feelings aside, and think, "What would Jesus do?" Did Jesus' feelings get hurt, do you think?
I know God will comfort me, and I'll get over it, but MAN! It really gets old shedding tears over the same things, over and over and over and over...etc., etc.....
"God, I ask you to please give me guidance, and help me to set aside my own thoughts and feelings, and to do your will. God, please take control of this situation as I surrender it to you, and please, Lord, watch over those involved, and guide them, help them to make good choices, and please, PLEASE, Lord, keep them safe. I love you and I praise you, Lord, Amen."
I have decided to let God handle the situation, because there's really nothing I can do, or any human can do, for that matter. Some find me to be insensitive and cold hearted and unforgiving when it comes to this situation, but that is so not the case. I do care, and I do pray, every day for God to take hold of the situation, and I have faith that His will will be done. But that's all I can do.
Honestly, I really need to do some praying about the feelings I am having after a conversation with a family member I just had. I am feeling very angry and hurt, even though I know that was not the intention. All of a sudden, a lot of old feelings are arising, and I don't like it one bit. It is really hard sometimes to set my own feelings aside, and think, "What would Jesus do?" Did Jesus' feelings get hurt, do you think?
I know God will comfort me, and I'll get over it, but MAN! It really gets old shedding tears over the same things, over and over and over and over...etc., etc.....
"God, I ask you to please give me guidance, and help me to set aside my own thoughts and feelings, and to do your will. God, please take control of this situation as I surrender it to you, and please, Lord, watch over those involved, and guide them, help them to make good choices, and please, PLEASE, Lord, keep them safe. I love you and I praise you, Lord, Amen."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
God's Gifts
God blesses us with so many gifts; the gifts right in front of us often go unnoticed and/or taken for granted. I had to good fortune to spend the weekend with a dear friend from back home. Besides doing a year's worth of catching up in two days, we spent most of the weekend walking on the beach hunting for sharks' teeth. But besides the pure joy I get from finding them, as well as other cool shells and fossils, I took the time to appreciate the beauty of the ocean, and the miracle of all that God has put on this earth. I am amazed at the intricate design of the shells, and the beauty of the flowers, and how carefully He created each living thing. And the gift God gave mankind in having the ability to appreciate the beauty of nature-sights, sounds, and smells. I could sit on the beach for the rest of my days, just hunting for sharks' teeth, watching the sunset and sunrise, watching the dolphins playing, observing the habits of various kinds of birds, and being mesmerized by the sound of the waves. I don't think I would ever get tired of just sitting there, marvelling at it all.
Not only has God blessed us with the gift of nature, but He has also blessed us with the people He has put in our lives. I am so grateful that God has given me some of the best friends a person could ask for-people who know me, understand me, and love me anyway. He is such a loving God, He is an awesome God!
"Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts that you give to us, your children, and for loving us so much that you have given us the ability to love, and appreciate, and enjoy all that you have put on earth. And thank you, Lord, for the people you place in our lives; people we can laugh with, and cry with, and simply enjoy the gift of life together. I love you and I praise you, Lord, and I am in awe of all that you are, and all that you do. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Not only has God blessed us with the gift of nature, but He has also blessed us with the people He has put in our lives. I am so grateful that God has given me some of the best friends a person could ask for-people who know me, understand me, and love me anyway. He is such a loving God, He is an awesome God!
"Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts that you give to us, your children, and for loving us so much that you have given us the ability to love, and appreciate, and enjoy all that you have put on earth. And thank you, Lord, for the people you place in our lives; people we can laugh with, and cry with, and simply enjoy the gift of life together. I love you and I praise you, Lord, and I am in awe of all that you are, and all that you do. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Good News!
Some of you know that my dad has had some pretty serious health issues lately, the most recent being a quadruple bypass surgery a few months ago. He has recovered remarkably, by the grace of God. He met with a specialist today, expecting to have to schedule another major surgery, but his condition was better than expected, and they don't want to see him again for 6 months! What great news!
My relationship with my dad has been pretty rocky over the years, but today, our relationship is better than it has been for as long as I can remember. He has been so blessed in the gift of my step-mom; she has brought out a side of him that I have never seen before. I only wish he wouldn't met her sooner! God definitely knew what he was doing when he put them together.
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always knowing what we need, when we need it, and for providing for us as you see fit. Thank you for loving us so much that you see the good in us, when we can't see it in ourselves, and thank you, Lord, for forgiving us for our sins. Lord, I love you and I praise you. In Jesus' name, Amen."
My relationship with my dad has been pretty rocky over the years, but today, our relationship is better than it has been for as long as I can remember. He has been so blessed in the gift of my step-mom; she has brought out a side of him that I have never seen before. I only wish he wouldn't met her sooner! God definitely knew what he was doing when he put them together.
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always knowing what we need, when we need it, and for providing for us as you see fit. Thank you for loving us so much that you see the good in us, when we can't see it in ourselves, and thank you, Lord, for forgiving us for our sins. Lord, I love you and I praise you. In Jesus' name, Amen."
I'm so Grateful!
I am just feeling so grateful for EVERYTHING! God is so good, and he has blessed me more than I ever thought I deserved.
I am so blessed to have the gift of my husband, and the awesome children we have. I think a lot more about the 'haves' than the 'have nots' lately. I haven't been feeling sorry for myself in not being able to find a job, or dwelling on all the things that used to really get me down. Those things just don't seem to bother me now; I am just feeling so grateful to have a husband and children who love me. I may get frustrated with my (extended) family, but only briefly, because I realize that I am blessed by having family at all, and they are healthy, and we all love each other.
Also, I am grateful for the experiences, both good and bad, that I have had in my life, because without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. It is hard, though, because right now, I am watching my son endure his first heartbreak, which dredges up horrible feelings of guilt for me, because it's like watching him feel the same pain that I have inflicted on his dad in the past. I know the Lord has forgiven me, but I still have a hard time letting go of my guilt. I am just praying for God to take ahold of my son's heart and comfort him.
"Lord, thank you for all of my blessings. Please Lord, watch over my friends and family, and especially Adam, and keep them all healthy, happy, and safe. Lord, I pray for you to lead me and guide me, and that you will work through me to do your will. I love you, and I praise you. Amen."
I am so blessed to have the gift of my husband, and the awesome children we have. I think a lot more about the 'haves' than the 'have nots' lately. I haven't been feeling sorry for myself in not being able to find a job, or dwelling on all the things that used to really get me down. Those things just don't seem to bother me now; I am just feeling so grateful to have a husband and children who love me. I may get frustrated with my (extended) family, but only briefly, because I realize that I am blessed by having family at all, and they are healthy, and we all love each other.
Also, I am grateful for the experiences, both good and bad, that I have had in my life, because without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. It is hard, though, because right now, I am watching my son endure his first heartbreak, which dredges up horrible feelings of guilt for me, because it's like watching him feel the same pain that I have inflicted on his dad in the past. I know the Lord has forgiven me, but I still have a hard time letting go of my guilt. I am just praying for God to take ahold of my son's heart and comfort him.
"Lord, thank you for all of my blessings. Please Lord, watch over my friends and family, and especially Adam, and keep them all healthy, happy, and safe. Lord, I pray for you to lead me and guide me, and that you will work through me to do your will. I love you, and I praise you. Amen."
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
My Greatest Gifts
Ever since I re-dedicated my life to God, I have found that my senses are heightened like nothing I've ever experienced. I am so emotional...I cry at the drop of a hat lol. (Okay, so I have always been a little sappy, but this is sappy on Miracle Grow lol) I am kind of feeling like I did when I got sober, when I was finally able to feel, only this is way better. I was already feeling, but now I have a much greater awareness of the importance of EVERYTHING.
I have been thinking about my kids a lot lately. It's like their entire lives are on autoplay in my head whenever I think of them. When my son walks in and says, "Hey, Momma..", I don't just see a tall, lanky 17 year old young man, I see the toe-headed 4 year old who was afraid of waves, and the baseball/basketball/football/tennis player throughout the years, and hearing the "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh" of a two year old wearing Tigger footie jammies coming down the hall. And when I'm talking to my 21 year old daughter about her moving into her and her boyfriends' new home, I envision the buck-toothed 6 year old with an arm full of kittens, and the softball player throughout the years, and the drum major leading the band. It's like every memory I have of the two of them comes rushing at me everything I talk to them or think of them.
I have just been spending a lot of time thanking God for the gift of my children that He has given to me. I realized a few years back that in them, God has given me what I had been searching for my entire life: someone to love me unconditionally for the rest of my life. I looked in all the wrong places, (thought just popped into my head) and ultimately, what I had been searching for was within myself all along. WOW! That's AMAZING!! I totally just got that! lol....sooo...okay! Exciting stuff! (For anyone reading that does NOT know me...yes, yes I am a dork! lol)
I am so blessed to have been given the kids that I have, that they are good kids, and most amazing to me, is that they still like me. That totally just blows my mind. It never ceases to amaze me to pick out mine or my husband's traits in them...it's just such a miracle. Aghhhh!!! Here come the waterworks! lol. I just love them more than I thought it was possible to love, and I thank God for that wonderful gift!
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have blessed me with. I especially thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful husband, and two great children. Please, Lord, watch over them and keep them healthy, happy, and safe. Amen."
I have been thinking about my kids a lot lately. It's like their entire lives are on autoplay in my head whenever I think of them. When my son walks in and says, "Hey, Momma..", I don't just see a tall, lanky 17 year old young man, I see the toe-headed 4 year old who was afraid of waves, and the baseball/basketball/football/tennis player throughout the years, and hearing the "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh" of a two year old wearing Tigger footie jammies coming down the hall. And when I'm talking to my 21 year old daughter about her moving into her and her boyfriends' new home, I envision the buck-toothed 6 year old with an arm full of kittens, and the softball player throughout the years, and the drum major leading the band. It's like every memory I have of the two of them comes rushing at me everything I talk to them or think of them.
I have just been spending a lot of time thanking God for the gift of my children that He has given to me. I realized a few years back that in them, God has given me what I had been searching for my entire life: someone to love me unconditionally for the rest of my life. I looked in all the wrong places, (thought just popped into my head) and ultimately, what I had been searching for was within myself all along. WOW! That's AMAZING!! I totally just got that! lol....sooo...okay! Exciting stuff! (For anyone reading that does NOT know me...yes, yes I am a dork! lol)
I am so blessed to have been given the kids that I have, that they are good kids, and most amazing to me, is that they still like me. That totally just blows my mind. It never ceases to amaze me to pick out mine or my husband's traits in them...it's just such a miracle. Aghhhh!!! Here come the waterworks! lol. I just love them more than I thought it was possible to love, and I thank God for that wonderful gift!
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have blessed me with. I especially thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful husband, and two great children. Please, Lord, watch over them and keep them healthy, happy, and safe. Amen."
Monday, January 24, 2011
I GOT SAVED!!
I sent a text message to my sister this evening after church, which said, simply, "I just thought I'd let you know I got saved tonight. :) " She called me back, and in total confusion, said, "WHAT??!"
You see, she and I have gotten really close this month, since I recommitted my life to God. It's really nice to have someone who is such a devout follower of Christ to lead me, and help me to understand; we have had LOTS of spiritual conversations over the last 3 weeks. What we never really discussed, though, is whether or not I was saved...she just assumed that I had been.
And she was partially right. Over the pasts 30+ years, I have attended church on and off, and at a variety of denominations: Christian, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Free Methodist, Catholic, Pentacostal, and non-denominational. At most, if not all of these churches, I have gotten to the point when they ask if you want to give your life to God, I have pretty much said, "OK! Sure! Where do I sign up?" But I never REALLY knew what the full meaning was, and I never, until tonight, understood why Jesus had to give his life so that I could be saved.
Although I have felt led to come forward every time I go to church, I didn't want to make the same mistake as in the past. Because I didn't fully know the meaning of "getting saved", I wasn't really sure that I was, so I wanted to wait until I was ready to go "all in" before I jumped. I didn't want to accept Jesus as my saviour until I knew all about everything, and I haven't gotten that far yet, was the way I was looking at it lol. But tonight, when Pastor said, "If there is anyone who wants to give their life to God, and to understand what it means to be saved," that was my cue! I couldn't have stayed in my seat if I had wanted to! The Holy Spirit grabbed ahold of me, and I felt him run through me, and I just knew it was time.
I felt led, during the service tonight, to start this blog; I sincerely hope that I can live up to what He has called me to do.
"Lord, please speak to me, and guide me, so that I may glorify you in all that I do. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen."
You see, she and I have gotten really close this month, since I recommitted my life to God. It's really nice to have someone who is such a devout follower of Christ to lead me, and help me to understand; we have had LOTS of spiritual conversations over the last 3 weeks. What we never really discussed, though, is whether or not I was saved...she just assumed that I had been.
And she was partially right. Over the pasts 30+ years, I have attended church on and off, and at a variety of denominations: Christian, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Free Methodist, Catholic, Pentacostal, and non-denominational. At most, if not all of these churches, I have gotten to the point when they ask if you want to give your life to God, I have pretty much said, "OK! Sure! Where do I sign up?" But I never REALLY knew what the full meaning was, and I never, until tonight, understood why Jesus had to give his life so that I could be saved.
Although I have felt led to come forward every time I go to church, I didn't want to make the same mistake as in the past. Because I didn't fully know the meaning of "getting saved", I wasn't really sure that I was, so I wanted to wait until I was ready to go "all in" before I jumped. I didn't want to accept Jesus as my saviour until I knew all about everything, and I haven't gotten that far yet, was the way I was looking at it lol. But tonight, when Pastor said, "If there is anyone who wants to give their life to God, and to understand what it means to be saved," that was my cue! I couldn't have stayed in my seat if I had wanted to! The Holy Spirit grabbed ahold of me, and I felt him run through me, and I just knew it was time.
I felt led, during the service tonight, to start this blog; I sincerely hope that I can live up to what He has called me to do.
"Lord, please speak to me, and guide me, so that I may glorify you in all that I do. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen."
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