My life has been transformed. Following a few years of tragedy and sorrows, I knew I needed something to help get my life back. It began slowly....very. slowly.
Although I was baptized Catholic, my family was not religious. I always considered myself a 'Christian,' yet never associated myself with a particular denomination, nor was I a member of a particular church. I was one of those "nones" that you read about. The middle generation who considers themselves spiritual, believes in a higher being, thinks they have a relationship with God, but also bucks the system by declaring it 'not necessary' to attend church or read a Bible to be Christian. Oh, what a turn my life has taken!
Not long after my mom (who was my best friend) passed away, I read Rick Warren's A Purpose Driven Life. Although I had no recognition or understanding of any biblical references since the only scripture I could list by heart was 1 Corinthians 13, it - ignited is too strong a word - lit a small flame inside my soul.
Max Lucado was the next stop in my journey. I had come across a devotional post somewhere and really enjoyed his writing. Ran out and purchased or was given five or six of his books - still unread. A big turning point occurred when I purchased One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, completely on a whim...thinking I may have heard good reviews. I now own five copies to have on hand to give to those I believe need some joy in their lives. I still consider Ann Voskamp one of the pivotal people in the experience.
Like I said, my journey has been slower than slow. Almost two years passed between reading One Thousand Gifts and my current location on my walk. Although a close friend is an active member of a church I thought I liked, I still had not brought myself to attend a service. Why? Did that mean I had crossed a line? Now I was truly a church person? It was when my 3-year-old daughter attended Vacation Bible School and the parents attended a short bible study at the same time - that is when My Journey Full of Grace and Joy fully began!
Today, I regularly (for the most part - but give me a break...I do live in MN) attend Sunday service and Women's Bible study, I am still so incredibly uneducated when it comes to God's Word! Embarrassingly so! I will not go into the details I learned about the birth of Jesus while watching a video of my daughter's. Sad.
Now at current day....this is my blog. This is my study notes. Not necessarily posting them to have them read by anyone. But I know how I learn best, and by picking out points and reading and rereading verses I am more apt to understand - therefore retain the information. However, if other 'newbies' would like to walk along, I would welcome that. My hope and prayer is that it is God's purpose and plan for me to become knowledgeable and educated in His Word (to be honest, I experience an insatiable hunger and thirst for anything God), so that I may be able to walk along with other new believers - fill them with God's promises of hope and joy and peace as they experience their own life-altering journey. So, if you are reading and have thoughts, questions, or even criticism and corrections...please comment!!! I am so excited!
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