A Testimony

Another eventful week! I've been in staff meetings since Sunday night and have just now taken time to write this.

Today (Tuesday), for the first time that I can really remember, I was asked to share my testimony. For those of you who may not be sure what that means, it's just sharing with others about how I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. That was somewhat of a challenge, because I have never really had to put my experience into words. I tell you, when you stop to try and put into words your salvation experience, you really examine where you are in your walk with Christ.

Anyway, it got me to thinking that I really need to practice sharing my testimony. After all, the Bible tells us to be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). So, here goes:

For the most part, my family was normal. My two brothers and I had both of our parents around. They both worked to provide for us and made sure we went to church on a regular basis. If dad wasn't able to go, mom made sure we were there - probably more for her own sanity than anything else. :) Well, needless to say, I was raised in church. As some folks would say, I cut my teeth on the back of the pew. So I had a pretty good head knowledge of the Bible and God and Jesus....you know, the whole nine yards.

I attended my first summer church camp at the age of seven. I'll never forget it. It was the first time I would be staying away from home for a whole 3 days! Camp became something I looked forward to each summer. God's presence was on that campground in a way I had never before experienced. I must have gotten "saved" every year. Mostly, that was because I didn't truly understand what it meant to accept Christ in my life. I think it was more about getting caught up in the moment and the emotion of those powerful services. Now, I don't want you to think that God wasn't working. He was using each of those experiences to bring me closer to a real knowledge of Him. But it wasn't until I was 14 and in camp, that I really felt God speaking to me and saying, "ok, this is it....it's time to make a real commitment." So I truly repented and accepted Christ as my Savior...but not really as my Lord. I was saved - no doubt about it - but the trials of life were still to come and test my willingness to completely surrender my life to Jesus.

When I was 18 and a freshman in college, I attended a youth convention with my church that really stirred within my heart the need to let Jesus be Lord of my life. I had been living my life as a Christian...for the most part. I was never tempted by things (like drinking or smoking or sleeping around) like most of the people I went to high school with. I won't act like I was perfect - I was far from that - but I at least acknowledged God's presence in my life and tried to do those things I thought were necessary to be a "good Christian". But when I entered college and was away from home and away from my home church, I started not attending church and not giving so much thought to where God fit into my life. I didn't start giving in to those temptations that I had withstood to that point, but I was living life for myself. When I went to that youth conference, I was really challenged by God's Word and began to examine in my own heart whether or not I had allowed Jesus to be Lord of my life. What that meant was this: was I going to continue doing things my way or was I going to seek God for His will in my life? It was a tough question.

I made the decision to allow Him to guide me in every aspect of my life. I won't pretend that it was easy or that even now I still always let Him lead and guide me, but that was a turning point in my life. I decided to come back home and attend a local private Christian college and at the close of my freshman year, went on a mission trip to Greece and Bulgaria that really changed my life and my perspective on the Christian experience.

Ever since that pivotal year (now an amazing 11 years ago!) I have seen God move in so many ways in my life and in the lives of those around me. I've had other struggles that have challenged my walk and my faith, but each time, God has been so faithful to me and has been with me each step of the way. I can look back now and see His hand in so many areas of my life. I am truly thankful and awed by His grace and mercy.

I used to feel like I didn't have a great testimony. I wasn't one of those who had come from the pit of hell (so to speak) and had a miraculous conversion. As a matter of fact, I hardly remember living my life without a desire to please Him. However, I realized that my testimony was just as incredible as the person with the miraculous conversion. My testimony is all about God's keeping power. His ability to guard me and keep me from sin.

Now, some of you may be thinking, "Well that's just great, Christy. I'm glad your life has been so wonderful. You haven't had to struggle with things like I have. I've not had it as easy as you." You are wrong. Sure, I didn't struggle with some of those things like drinking, smoking or sleeping around - but I've had other struggles. Struggles like pride, selfishness, self-righteousness....just to name a few.

The point of all of this is regardless of when you gave (or give) your life to Christ - whether you committed your life to Christ at an early age and lived a life pleasing to Him or you were an alcoholic living life on the edge without one thought of God and His will for your life - we all are sinners in need of a Savior. Thank God His grace and mercy are available to us all. The one thing I know is this - He is able to guard those things we give to Him (2 Timothy 1:12) and if you make the commitment today to give your life to Christ and entrust Him with that - you will never be the same.

If you would like to know more about accepting Christ as your Savior or need a friend to talk to about struggles you're facing as a Christian, please email me. I would love to help you in any way I can.

A post for today...

Hey all. Seems like there's some problem with my commenting feature. If it doesn't get straightened out soon, I'll change to another service. I hate that because it means I'll lose all the great posts you've left until now. If you know a good commenting service to use, email me!

Well, anyway.....life goes on, doesn't it? ;)

On to something a little deeper....

Someone pointed out the following scripture to me the other day and I read it again last night:

"After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." Hebrews 12:4

In this chapter, the writer of Hebrews is encouraging his readers to lay aside the "sin that so easily hinders" their progress and reminds them to keep their eyes on Jesus - the one who endured the cross. When we compare what Jesus endured to what we struggle with - there is no reason for us to lose heart. After all, we have not given our lives in our struggle against sin.

We all struggle with sin - that's just a fact. But I've come to realize in my own walk that I don't fight nearly hard enough to avoid sin. In fact, I sometimes don't put up any kind of fight.

Yikes! It really is convicting when I sit down and think of what my Savior did for me....and then realize I don't give my best effort in resisting sin. Now - I know I will fail. Even if I strive every day to totally resist sin, there is something I will miss. But you know what I mean - the sin (or sins) that continually raises its head in our everyday living. And you know as soon as you overcome that one, another is there to take it's place.......

Well, I guess that's the growing process. All I know is I want to be more like Him. I'm glad He's always there, prompting me, encouraging me and yes - even disciplining me. According to Hebrews 12:6, God disciplines those He loves. It is good to be loved!

I've been published!

Well, my friends...I answered the call on a fellow blogger's page about insight into Southern Belles and he printed some of my thoughts (along with a few other ladies) on his site.

You can read the article here. It is very good - and true!!!!

Thanks, Adam, for including me in your article!

Thought of something else to say...

Well, as you can see by the posting time of this entry - I'm up late!!!!

Everyone made it safely home today! Thank God! Deedee and Meagan's mom is here visiting as well as her friend Pat and a little girl, Sam, that's a friend of their family. As I said the other day - this weekend is going to be a riot! Up until about 30 minutes ago, we were out on the porch visiting.

I just love people! (Most of the time!!) And having them at my house is even better! I don't know how much of that is just bred into me (being born in the south) or how much of that is born in me because of Christ being in my life. His word does say that

"Love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God - for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

That is so cool!

It is my heart's desire that our house will be a place of refuge - not only for Deedee, Meagan and myself - but for anyone who steps over our threshold and needs a little love. I pray for God's blessing to be on our house and that He would use it for His glory. Who knows what will happen??!?!?!?

Still thinking about starting a new blog about our house. Deedee likes the idea, and I haven't talked to Meagan yet. Keep watching! We may have one up soon!

Give me a break!!!!!

OK!!! HERE THEY ARE!!! GEEZ! After being harassed by a few friends, here are some pictures of the house. I don't have any of the outside (I'm never home at a good time to get the outdoors photos) but you'll get a good idea of what we're living in from these pictures. I'm only posting 3 right now - so as not to make it difficult for viewers still using dial-up.

Let me know what you think! The picture below is of our living room. Don't you just love the hardwood floors?! Bottom left: the dining room. Bottom right: kitchen - we love the funky blue color!

I'm still here...

No, I've not fallen off the face of the earth. I've just been otherwise occupied.

I do have pictures of the house and will have those up by the end of the week. I love our house! Right now, I've got the house to myself as Deedee left for Illinois on Monday. She'll be back on Friday, along with her sister (our other roommate) Meagan, their mother and their mother's friend - and no telling who else that's coming to help Meagan get settled in. This weekend will be a riot!

Especially when we have our "Stripping & Screwing Party" on Saturday. . . . . .

Ok, I'm sure you're thinking "WHAT THE...."

It's not what it seems! We've got to strip down my/our dining room chairs (all six of them) and then screw the legs on tight - they're a bit loose. Anyway - we've had a bit of fun asking everyone if they wanted to attend our "Stripping & Screwing Party". You can imagine some of the looks we've gotten!!!

Oh, one other thing.....they got me! The folks from my church got me good last week for my birthday. You know, I turned 30 this year, so I was hoping someone would make a big deal of it - and they did!

My cell group normally meets on Thursday, but due to some scheduling conflicts, we had to move our meeting last week to Wednesday - the same night of the Bible study we recently started at the church. So, no big deal, our group just wouldn't be able to attend the Bible study.

Well, our home group meeting begins and there are a couple of people in attendance who normally aren't there - that was really cool since I knew them and had been hoping they would come to one of our meetings. We begin discussing our topic and people keep showing up. Now, I'm thinking...."Wow! God is really moving! Thanks, Lord!" and at the same time "God, help me not say something stupid!!" It all seemed a bit strange, but I've seen God do some weird stuff. I must have re-capped our topic 5 times by the time the group from the church shows up at our meeting. Then I knew - they were all there for my birthday! I experienced a myriad of emotions - all the way from excitement to embarrassment (I don't like being the center of attention like that.) It was great - and I really felt special and loved! (Thanks to Deborah and all those who helped her pull that off!)

So the adventure continues. I'm thinking of starting another blog just about my roommates and our house. Could be a lot of fun! I'll let you know if I do!

Have a great day!

Quick post

Here is one of the pictures of my car. It's a little hard to see, but I wanted to "share" a little of my experience!

We will have internet access tomorrow, so I hope to post some pictures of our house! I'm so excited! However, I find that, given a choice, I would rather stay home - so I know it will be even harder to leave the house once I get internet access. There is so much to do online!!!

Well, I guess I'd better get to work! Have a great day!

Today is a good day!

How about this - today is my birthday, I have the best roommate in the world and my website has registered over 1,000 hits!
Alright!

My roommate, Deedee, is the greatest! This morning, I woke up to my dog barking as Deedee was leaving the house. Very early. I thought maybe she had an early staff meeting (she's a teacher) and didn't think much of it. As I'm outside with my dog, she rolls back into the driveway, jumps out of her car and says "Happy Birthday! Breakfast for the birthday girl!" She had gone to McDonald's and gotten me breakfast! How awesome is that! That's not all....I go to get into my car and come to work, and lo and behold, my car is all painted up! She had painted birthday messages all over my windshields! You know..."Honk, it's her birthday!" "Happy, Happy Birthday!" "Birthday girl!" I couldn't believe it. No one had ever done that to or for me! I love it! She called me as I was driving to work, and of course I had to threaten her - "You are so dead!" I said. She just laughed and asked me if anyone had honked at me yet.

What a way to start the day! It is a good day!

Another mile-marker

Well, folks - I'm all settled in (with the exception of a few things that still need to be put away)! Have I mentioned that I love my new house? Deedee and I are enjoying ourselves and have already had company over this past week! Meagan will be home in a few weeks and then we'll really find our "groove". I'm excited.

Tomorrow, I will be turning 30. Woohoo!!!! I am excited. I feel like I'm on the verge of something great - either for me personally or with some part of the many things in which I'm involved. I just have a sense of underlying excitement deep within. Have you ever experienced that? Only God knows the things He has in store for me over the next year, but I sure am looking forward to whatever it may be.

I know I said I would post pictures of the house, and I will, but it may be a couple of days. I haven't had an opportunity to borrow my dad's digital camera to take the pictures!!! I'm at my parent's house now, so I'll get it today. Updating this page will be easier once we get the internet service connected at the house.

Anyway, I guess I'll get off of here for now. We're about to have dinner and some birthday cake!! :) Yum, yum!

It is good to be home!

We are in! Well, at least Deedee and I are in! We absolutely love our house! I'll try to get some pictures this weekend so you can see, too! :)

It has been a long week. Since Sunday night, I haven't been to bed before 2 am until last night. I got to sleep a whole 2 hours longer! Moving is hard work, but the really tough part is getting everything in it's own place! I didn't realize how much junk I have!

Anyway, I hope to be a bit more regular with my posts, but I won't have internet connected at the house until next Thursday. Oh well....soon enough!

Now for something a little more uplifting: I was reading the Bible this morning and ran across a passage that was extremely comforting. In today's climate of political unrest, wars abroad and troubles in our daily lives, everyone needs something on which to hang their hope. At least I know I do. Hebrews 2:8 says:

"In putting everything under him (Jesus), God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present, we do not see everything subject to him."

EVERYTHING is under the Jesus' control. Even though we don't see it right now, there is coming a day when it will be obvious to us all. I was just so encouraged when I read that. If you're having a rough time, have courage - Jesus is in control. If you don't see a way out of the situation, be strong - Jesus is in control of that situation. I don't know about you, but I really find that comforting.

I hope you all have a wonderful July 4th weekend. If you haven't read the Declaration of Independance do that sometime this weekend. It is truly inspiring. God bless you all!

I'll be back!

Well, as you know, we got our new house!!! Woohooo! I'll be out of touch for a few days as we move and I get my cable internet service connected. Yippee!

I'll be back online on Tuesday or Wednesday (Lord willing). Keep us in your prayers as Deedee and I get settled. We'll just be getting settled in when Meagan comes back home from Illinois with all of her furniture! It's going to be a busy month.

On top of all of this, I'll be turning 30 next Monday! This is an exciting time for me - I feel like I'm just getting started on the rest of my life.

Anyway, have a great weekend and I'll see you when I see you!

Blessings!

WE GOT IT!!!!!!!

Ok, I didn't sleep very well last night and I probably won't tonight either! We got the house we wanted!!!! Woohoo!!! Deedee and I are ecstatic. Meagan hasn't even seen the house yet, but is glad we finally have somewhere to live.

As soon as I can, I will post pictures of the house. This is going to be so good!

Now, let's see: I've got to pack, get folks to help move, get new curtains, rugs for the floors..........oh dear, it's going to be a long weekend!!!!!

Flattery does not get you everywhere....

"I'm going to make your car as pretty as you."

"Ok, thanks."

"You sure are a pretty lady."

"Thanks."

"Are you married?"..........."No"

"Dating anyone?"........."Uh, no."

"I sure would like to call you sometime."

(very awkward pause)

"Thank you?!"

No lie - this was an actual conversation from my life. It happened today. I must say, that's the first time I've ever been hit on like that. I did not know what to do.

There were several reasons why it would never happen, but for a split second I was way flattered! I mean, who doesn't want to hear that they are beautiful!? The only problem is, reality has a way of working itself into the picture.

Alas, I am no beauty queen, but for that instant someone considered me extra special. It was kinda nice!

Life is definitely interesting

Well, me and one of my future roommates are still waiting to see a house we are VERY interested in. By tomorrow, we'll know for sure whether or not we totally like the house - if we do, then hopefully we'll know by the end of this week if we got it! I'm so ready for this to be over! The good news is, if this doesn't work out, another option has opened up! I don't understand this journey called life, but at least I do know the destination!!!!

I tell you, in the midst of all of this, I am being challenged spiritually. Over the past few years, I've struggled with breaking through the barriers that "religion" imposed upon my life - and feel like I've come a long way in learning how to have a relationship with Christ- but there are more lessons to be learned.

I'm learning a different side of Grace and freedom in Christ. I don't think most Christians fully understand these things. I know I don't. It's kind of scary. It is amazingly.....free! But, there's also a fine line between having freedom in Christ and crossing over into sin. This is my struggle. Let me explain.

I have formed some incredible friendships over the past few months with people who come from different backgrounds than myself. I cannot begin to describe how excited I am. These folks are incredible people and have amazing relationships with God. However, they are in a different place in their relationship with Christ than I am. Not saying either place is better than the other - just different. I am learning a lot about myself and my relationship with Christ because of their friendship. My struggle is learning how to be with them and accept them for who they are without changing what I know is necessary to keep me in a right relationship with Christ. Does any of this make sense?

I don't want to hold on to an idea just because it's what I was taught to believe. However, I don't want to do things or begin to accept a different attitude about things just because someone else does it and is not convicted in their spirit about it. After all, they have a different walk with Christ than I do.

I guess what I'm coming to realize is that if I don't keep my eyes on Christ and my ear tuned to His voice, I could begin to falter. I could step out of line with God's will for my life, because I was too focused on someone else. For me, this means that I need to learn to accept people for who they are and accept where they are and not necessarily change who I am.

I do know this - I do not want to be "stuck" in one place. It's just that I want the changes in my life to occur at Christ's prompting and not Christy's.

The search goes on...

I hate house hunting!!!! We are still no closer to finding a place to live than we were last week! However - the pressure is off a bit. Deedee has a friend who said she could live with her for a couple of weeks until we get the housing situation worked out. Meagan decided to go back to Illinois for a bit to save up some more money - she has a new job down here which starts in August.

There is one option we'll be looking at on Wednesday. (Lord willing!) I went by and looked at it today - it looks like a serious possibility!!! If it's not rented when we look at it, we'll probably go for it - all that's left is to clear the credit check. *fingers crossed*

I know it will all come together. As I said in my previous post, I know that God's hand is in all of this. Too many things have happened for it not to be so! The hardest part is trusting Him to bring it to pass, because it is always in His time and not ours!

Keep us in your prayers!

Good things come to those who wait

Well, I am in another waiting game! Me and two friends (Deedee and Meagan) are waiting to hear whether or not we'll be able to rent this house we want. The problem is - Deedee and Meagan have to be out of their current home by the end of the month!!!!! That's only 11 days away!!!!! Aaaagggghhhh!

I am so excited about being roommates with these two. I met Deedee at church about 2 months ago. We hit it off instantly! She is so awesome! Her sister, Meagan, moved to Mississippi from Illinois two weeks ago and we, too, hit it off instantly! They are great and a LOT of fun!!! Once we get settled in, our house will be like Grand Central Station with all the friends we have coming over!!

Anyway, if the house we want doesn't work out, we do have a back-up - but it's not what we want!!! I must say, though, I do see God's hand at work in every step of this process: from when a testimony I gave about God's provision prompted Deedee to approach me about being housemates to right now. I know it is in His hands. Sometimes, I just don't like not knowing how it will all work out. Wait a minute - who am I kidding - I never like not knowing how it works out! Lord, just be patient with me!

I'll keep you posted as to what transpires!

Life is good

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted something interesting to read. (At least I hope my ramblings are interesting!) There have been a lot of things happening in my life over the past couple of weeks.

As I posted a few weeks ago, I got a new laptop. My iBook came in!!!! I love it! I've been frustrated that I've not had the opportunity to really explore it and the software I have loaded on it. I'm very familiar with PC's, but Mac's are totally new to me. Although a Mac is not too different from a PC, there are some significant differences that elevate the Mac far above the PC. I have been won over to the Mac side and it is Good!

My church is growing and as a result, I've been involved in a couple of things. I'm a cell leader, so we have weekly meetings. On top of that, our church hosts a motorcycle ministry and we've had a bunch of people join our church in the past few months because of that ministry. I've made some really awesome friends and God is opening so many doors, I'm overwhelmed by what is taking place. As things develop, I will write more about what is happening. There could be some really interesting posts!!!! I'll tell you this - it is so cool to go outside of our church on Sunday mornings and see all of the motorcycles! I'll post some pictures so you can see. :)

I feel like I'm on the verge of some great things happening in my life. I'll be turning 30 in July, and I am really excited! I've been a "late bloomer" in a lot of ways, so I really do feel like I'm just getting started in my life. I know that I have a closer relationship with God than I've ever had and I'm more confident in who I am than I've ever been before. I know, too, that I have a long way to go! I look forward to the journey ahead!

What book of the Bible are You?

Here is another one! I really like it.

You are Psalms.


Which book of the Bible are you?
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By the way - Psalms is my favorite book of the Bible!

If you want to see a good movie...

I just saw the best movie for the second time tonight. "Bruce Almighty" has to be one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. Now I know that a lot of folks will have problems with this movie, and that's ok. If we all saw and did things the same way, it would be a boring world. But if you can get past some of the details, this movie is rich in it's spiritual messages.

Here's the premise of the move: Bruce Nolan is a quirky news reporter (who always ends up doing the everyday, local interest stories) but wants to be an anchor for the evening news. He is unsatisfied with his life and blames God for all the bad things that happen to him. Bruce thinks God's doing a terrible job and says he could do it better - so "God" gives Bruce that chance. I won't say more about the movie so as not to spoil it for those of you who haven't seen it yet. If you're worried that it's blasphemous, it's not. It presents some thought provoking ideas and has several clear messages (you'll have to see the movie to find out what they are!)

Without giving away any plot details, I think one of the best things the movie shows is man's struggle with himself and with God. Bruce is very self-centered, and his perception of God is distorted. As he says "God is like some big kid with a magnifying glass sitting on an anthill and I (Bruce) am an ant." He begins the journey of learning that it's not all about him - the earth does not revolve around Bruce. He comes to realize that even with all of God's powers, he still is unable to satisfy his soul. Bruce finally surrenders himself to God's will. Yes, I know - who would have thought Hollywood would produce a movie like this. It is fantastic! Bruce learns what true love is.

I must say, I was amazed at the overt spiritual messages in this movie. I just have to believe that many people will explore their relationship with God and with others as a result of this film. I know that it was the topic of conversation in my car all the way home from the theater!

Anyway, if you've seen the film, leave a post of your thoughts on the film.

Now I know I'm getting old

"Kiki, you need to get married."

This was the statement made to me yesterday by my 5 year old niece. I was speechless! "Oh my goodness", I thought to myself, "what have I done to bring about this question?" So I asked her, "Who told you I needed to get married?"

"Momma."

"When?"

"On the way to Papaw's house."

"Oh, ok."

I knew there was another aspect of this conversation that I wasn't privy to at that moment, so later, I asked my sister-in-law about it. Sure enough, my niece had asked when I was going to have a baby and my sister-in-law had told her I had to get married first. I guess my niece is thinking about babies these days since she already has one brother and one sister, and my brother and his wife are expecting a fourth child in September.

Still, every time I think about this conversation, it makes me laugh. I have finally gotten to the place where I am content. I honestly thought this day would never come. There was a time when I couldn't stop thinking about getting married and finding "the one". Sure, I would like to be married and believe I will be one day, but for this moment, my plate is full and I am satisfied. God has been so good to me, I cannot complain. I have a wonderful family (and super nieces and a nephew!), outstanding friends and I am a part of an incredible body of believers on a weekly basis. I couldn't ask for more.