It's About Time
I think it is about time that I wrote about how much I love Jesus, although, I'm not sure that I can actually write all of that in words. Jesus is incredibly indescribable and words from the human language are limited. I am going to try to tell some of my stories, anyways.
I want to take some time to tell about and thank a few crucial people and organizations that have dramatically influenced my walk and life with Jesus. I first was introduced to the concept of sin and the need for a Savior who offers redemption in a formal setting at an A.W.A.N.A. club when I was three years old. I have fond memories of the singing, dancing, memory verse time, and Bible lessons on the felt story boards. Then, when I was in elementary school, I attended Release Time, which is apart of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). It was there that I truly know and remember committing my life to Christ, confessing my sins, and accepting Him into my heart.
Throughout the next six years, I continued to attend Release Time, Sunday School, church, A.W.A.N.A., C.E.F. day camps, Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), youth group, and overnight camps. Perhaps some of the most amazing experiences of my life occurred at overnight camps where I encountered Jesus and all that He gives through role model counselors, terrific speakers, mature cabin-mates, and from diving deep into His Word. He showed up in my life and taught me how to love others, forgive myself for my sins, and make disciples. Isn't He a good God?
When I was twelve, I attended a VBS in a neighboring town. I didn't know anyone at the VBS, so I quickly became attached to my leader, Alan. Being in the oldest age bracket and being alone was challenging, but God provided Alan as an incredible example of His love for His children. Without Alan, I probably would not be where I am today. Alan baptized me, gave me a Bible that I have had ever since, honestly and truly loved and accepted me as a daughter, helped me through a medical scare, has prayed for me ever since, was supportive when my grandpa died, and graciously did my husband and I's pre-martial counseling, even though we were about an hour apart from each other.
Casey, a dear friend now, but a counselor at the time, invited me to a youth group that he helped lead back when I was at camp one summer in high school. This was a pivotal point in my journey with Christ. Casey, along with his soon-to-be wife, Katie, and the youth pastor, Troy, helped encourage me in my walk with Christ as I grew and developed into someone who craved intimately knowing Christ as their main identity. Casey and Troy also helped me become passionate for actually making Christ known, since, hey, that was Christ's biggest plan for us. Katie was in our wedding and when we lived closer, we would try to go on walks together once a week. I am very grateful for these individuals who so consistently display the fullness of God's relationship with humanity.
It is truly through other people and studying God's Word that we find hope, peace, and enjoyment in life. Without these things, I would be long gone. Without the hope of and certainty for tomorrow, my life would be meaningless. I find great relief in knowing that Christ always has my back, and like the people I have mentioned brought me to know and realize these truths, I long to be that person for others.
I want to take some time to tell about and thank a few crucial people and organizations that have dramatically influenced my walk and life with Jesus. I first was introduced to the concept of sin and the need for a Savior who offers redemption in a formal setting at an A.W.A.N.A. club when I was three years old. I have fond memories of the singing, dancing, memory verse time, and Bible lessons on the felt story boards. Then, when I was in elementary school, I attended Release Time, which is apart of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). It was there that I truly know and remember committing my life to Christ, confessing my sins, and accepting Him into my heart.
Throughout the next six years, I continued to attend Release Time, Sunday School, church, A.W.A.N.A., C.E.F. day camps, Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), youth group, and overnight camps. Perhaps some of the most amazing experiences of my life occurred at overnight camps where I encountered Jesus and all that He gives through role model counselors, terrific speakers, mature cabin-mates, and from diving deep into His Word. He showed up in my life and taught me how to love others, forgive myself for my sins, and make disciples. Isn't He a good God?
When I was twelve, I attended a VBS in a neighboring town. I didn't know anyone at the VBS, so I quickly became attached to my leader, Alan. Being in the oldest age bracket and being alone was challenging, but God provided Alan as an incredible example of His love for His children. Without Alan, I probably would not be where I am today. Alan baptized me, gave me a Bible that I have had ever since, honestly and truly loved and accepted me as a daughter, helped me through a medical scare, has prayed for me ever since, was supportive when my grandpa died, and graciously did my husband and I's pre-martial counseling, even though we were about an hour apart from each other.
Casey, a dear friend now, but a counselor at the time, invited me to a youth group that he helped lead back when I was at camp one summer in high school. This was a pivotal point in my journey with Christ. Casey, along with his soon-to-be wife, Katie, and the youth pastor, Troy, helped encourage me in my walk with Christ as I grew and developed into someone who craved intimately knowing Christ as their main identity. Casey and Troy also helped me become passionate for actually making Christ known, since, hey, that was Christ's biggest plan for us. Katie was in our wedding and when we lived closer, we would try to go on walks together once a week. I am very grateful for these individuals who so consistently display the fullness of God's relationship with humanity.
It is truly through other people and studying God's Word that we find hope, peace, and enjoyment in life. Without these things, I would be long gone. Without the hope of and certainty for tomorrow, my life would be meaningless. I find great relief in knowing that Christ always has my back, and like the people I have mentioned brought me to know and realize these truths, I long to be that person for others.
I started this blog as a memoir to share some of my life stories with you. My goal is that these encourage and educate you on how to live a more joyful, healthier, full life; one of hope.
I write about my fascination with whole foods, my love of Jesus, my struggles, my childhood stories, my passion for education, and my devotion to creating a healthy life (body, mind, and spirit) for every person in the world.
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