A Testimony of faith

 Awhile back in 2020 we were asked if we wanted to share our testimony in bible study tonight. Our entire lesson has been about God's story and how He has created our own story. Here is mine.

The truth is I didn't know how my story would go, I think that goes for a lot of us. We don't know but I knew God had a plan for me as He does for you too.

In the beginning it was uncertain we were told my story would be short if I had a story to tell at all.

I have struggled every step of the way but God is the center of my life and I think that is the key. Along with an army of family by my side we held on to faith and by faith I am here today.

Now I not only share what having a little bit or a lot of faith did for me in my life but what it will do for anyone who chooses to believe in the goodness of God. He is faithful.

I pray my testimony will help all to choose God because when you do you'll see Him move every day.

He is always with us.

My heart has been hurting lately, not only for me but for so many others who I know are struggling with the challenges life has given them.

There are things that happen to us in life that doesn't always seem to make sense and it is hard not to question why.

I don't pretend to have all the answers to our unknown questions because I don't know why but I pray to the One who does to guide our way and to give us strength to know that we will never be left alone in our struggle.

I like to think that God is always near to us with little reminders of His unfailing love for us to those who know and who believe in God. In Christ is where our hope is found.

Thank you God for blessing us with the hope and with the knowledge that you cradle us with your love and that you are always with us every step of the way.

Have a great day friends! I love you all to the moon and back!

A Small Group with Big Love...

I used to consider myself an oyster shell that was clamped down tight. I didn't open up easily and I kept things to myself a lot of the time unless it was family.

In March of 2020 the world turned upside down and what we considered "normal life" no longer existed. We were forced into unknown territory not knowing what the future held for anyone. It was a scary time for everyone but I saw the blessings in it too.

One Sunday morning toward the end of May while watching church online I made the decision to rededicate my life to Christ. I grew up in a family who for as long as I have been around has always known the Lord and I have too but it wasn't until I was an adult that I fully grasped what it meant to be a Christ follower. I was taught how to live a Christ like life by the example of my family. 

Shortly after I rededicated my life to Christ I was introduced to a wonderful lady at church who offered me an opportunity to join a small group that meets online weekly. I didn't hesitate at all and signed up quickly. Since I have been in my small group they have encouraged me, supported me, loved me and prayed with and for me every step of the way.

I am at a point now where I can see I have grown and changed. I am more like a butterfly learning to spread my wings. I feel that I can open up share my heart and encourage people and that is all because of the love of God, a big family and a small group who has surrounded me with love, support, encouragement and A LOT of prayer.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I am forever grateful for the tribe God has placed in my life. As I always say I have found my people!

Do You See God?

 Do you see God? I don't mean in a picture hanging on the wall but in your every day life. He is there wherever life has taken you. Be a reflection of God wherever you go today.

I don't know God's plan but I know He is for us. I know He loves us and calls us His own. He holds us close to His heart and walks beside us every day. He comforts us when life is hard.

I pray you'll trust Him enough to walk with Him today. Wherever you are at in life let Him in to guide you every step of the way. God will never take you in the wrong direction.

Thank you God for showing up for us every single day. We have done nothing to deserve it but regardless I am thankful we can count on you to be right there with us.

Think about where you are right now even if it may be in a hard season and thank God for being with you through it. You'll never find a better friend than Jesus.

The proof of God's love is in us. Just look in your heart you'll find Him there if you have invited Him in it. God bless you all!

The longest year in history

 2020 has felt like we are on a broken rollercoaster. We have seen things I never imagined I'd see in my lifetime.

There has been heartache.

There has been hurt.

There has been sadness.

There has been suffering.

There has been loss, oh has there been so much loss.

BUT...

Here we are now. It's almost the end of the longest year in history since I've been alive. We are about to go into 2021 we can say we survived it. 

It may be harder to see this year but there have been many blessings in the middle of the chaos. The fact that we survived this year is a blessing all in itself.

So, I want to remind you as we go into 2021 to count your blessings because even in our moments of weakness God has been present. I can tell you I have your back I do and I mean that with all of my heart but no one has our back more than God.

Let's keep our eyes on Him in the new year and watch as His blessings flow through the world. We will see change and things will slowly start to get better.

We are survivors because as long as we stick together we can do hard things through Christ who strengthens us.

October is here!

 October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month!

When first diagnosed with Spina Bifida doctors will tell you the can't do's, the won't do's, the struggles, the surgeries, the hospital stays, the constant ongoing care that will be required. You'll hear the dreaded word "Termination" probably more than once your entire pregnancy.

They don't tell you that your child will laugh, they will cry, they need your love and support to do all things just as much as a typical child without Spina Bifida they just may have to add there own style to accomplish things. 

They will tell you everything they know from a scientific stand point what your child may or may not ever do but what they didn't know is that most thrive with love. I know this to be true because I am one of 166,000 who has thrived with love and support from family and friends.

Long before I was born God whispered hold on tight my child it might be a bumpy road from time to time but I've got you. I am never letting go and hold on He did...

Spina Bifida is NOT something that I "suffer" from but something that I live with every day of my life and you know what? I have no complaints what so ever. Do I struggle sometimes? Yes I do but don't we all? My life is a gift I have been blessed with for 31 years.

Today I am grateful to have such wonderful parents who gave me a chance to be more than just a statistic. Thank you mom for choosing life for me and for always being a rock for me to lean on when things get heavy. I am so grateful for life today!

God Loves You!

 It seems to me that the people who appear to be the most unlovable are usually the ones who need our love the most, even if they try to push you away which most often they do because they feel unworthy of our love show them love anyway. Love them just as God has always loved us. The world around us needs the love we have to share and more importantly to see the love of Christ through us every day.