I was pondering my “story” this morning as I eagerly await a retreat I will be attending this weekend.  That’s right — I’m packing my bags and leaving my little family behind for a couple of days.  I’ll share more about that in a minute. 

Ok, back to the story I mentioned.  Don’t we all have a story?  A couple of weeks ago Pastor Ron Lewis shared his “life” story and gave me the idea to think about my own.  

It is interesting to see how God placed certain people in our lives to point us to Him.  Please bear with me as I recount where I’ve come from and how I got to where I am now.


I was born into a home where my parents confessed to be Christians.  Though I was never “taught” about the Lord, I somehow knew about Him in my young spirit.


At age 11 I met Pam H. who became my first true best friend.  Unlike me, Pam was raised in church and I began attending a small country Baptist church with her.  I didn’t learn much of the Word during that season, but surely there were some seeds planted.  I accepted Jesus as my Savior and went through water baptism.  THANK YOU PAM.

In the early 90’s I met my friend Katherine E.  She taught me how to pray!  Katherine had some awesome “God” stories that made me hunger to experience Him like she did.  She is still one of my closest friends today.

My sister, Kathy, through a personal trial — heard the Lord speak to her.  I wanted to hear Him too! 


As a young adult, I met Melinda A.  She was further ahead in her walk with the Lord and she spurred me to want MORE of God.  Melinda and I began to chase after the things of God and we began attending every Spirit-filled meeting we could find.  I look back at our immaturity during that time and it makes me smile.  It was my friendship with Melinda that brought other dear Sister’s in Christ into my life:  Tami H. and Laura C..  I love you ladies!  Tami worked with us and joined us when we formed a small prayer team.  Laura hosted the “team” and God used her hands when I was baptized by His Fire!  


It was during this season that I was introduced to Women’s Aglow by my husband’s cousin, Cindy H.  Cindy would tell “Holy Ghost” stories and experiences and I wanted to experience Him in that way too.  I wanted so much more!  I remember when I began attending Women’s Aglow meetings — those women on the stage were bigger than life to me.  I have no words to describe the love and admiration I had and have for these women.  They ministered to me and were used as a LIFE LINE for many years!  At the time, I was still in a traditional church and this was the only place I could go where I was completely free!  I love you LORRAINE M., INGRID C., SHIRLEY C., AND IANTHA G.  You ladies are precious jewels in the kingdom!


It was within those years that God brought me other heart-friends who were used to shape me, encourage me, and grow me:  Connie S., Michele K., Angie H., Ashley P., Karen C., Diane H., Deanna F., and many of the women (Sandy, Lori, Joanne, Michelle, Karen, Juli …) who entered and exited the GH prayer team.  That was the toughest assignment by far, but the most lessons learned.  Jim B., the pastor at the time, was led by God to place me in a role that would change my life forever.  I learned a lot — thank you Jim.

By God’s Hand I was brought to the place where I am now.  God has richly blessed me with other women of God who are like iron sharpening iron:  Angie M., Linda G. (though she is missing in action), Pam P., Robin B., Altaira K., and the list could go on.  I am honored to sit under the teaching of men like Pastors: Taylor, Ron, and Jim.  I am blessed to know their beautiful wives: Elizabeth, Lynette, and Cathy.  I love Molly, Lisa, Anitra, Cathy, Kimwa, Erica, Jennifer,  … so many I can’t list.  I am truly blessed.


Last, but not least — I have learned so much from my relationship with my husband.  Opposite in so many ways — the same in others.  It is through our differences that my flesh has needed crucifying over the years.  I love you Honey!   And who could forget the lessons I have learned about God’s love through our precious daughter?  She oozes love and joy!  What a blessing she is to us!


Ok, so in the beginning I mentioned a RETREAT!  Guess where I am going this weekend!?!?!?  A WOMEN’S AGLOW RETREAT!  To say I’m excited is an understatement!  I’m doing the happy dance!  I get to see the women who were instrumental in my spiritual development and growth.  I can hardly wait!  I don’t think I’ve been to one of these retreats since our daughter was born (she will be six this summer).  Before our Princess, I attended every year! 

Romans 12:11
Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

So for now, this is my story.  I can hardly wait to see what God has planned!

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Have you ever considered writing your story of faith?  Who did God use in your life?

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!