Relationship VS Religion

As far back as I can remember I went to different churches. Before my parents divorced when I was four years old, my whole family attended together.  After mom and dad divorced, mom took us to some different churches of various denominations and beliefs. I went to Sunday School and catechism, but somehow I don't recall what I was taught. When I was a little older, we lived at grandmas house for a year while she cared for an injured son out of state.

During that time I attended a neighborhood children's bible time at Bethel's house next door. Every Wednesday children would come running home from school so as not to be late. Bethel taught us songs, read Bible stories and had crafts for us to make all about Jesus. She served cookies and juice, and we just had an overall great time. One day Bethel asked us who would like Jesus to be their savior my sisters and I raised our hands, We felt so happy and excited to have Jesus as our friend. The next week I was no longer allowed to go to Bethel's. My babysitter thought it best if I spent that time doing homework. Needless to say what I may have learned at Bethel's slipped away from my mind and heart as disappointment and discouragement took over.

The years went by, then as an adult, a lovely gal named Sandy ministered to me while we volunteered together at the army community center in Germany. She gave me a bible and encouraged me to read the book of John first then start with Matthew and read the new testament. I started doing that, but when my husband came home from field duty, I didn't want him to know I was reading the bible. (I was afraid of what he would think.) I couldn't read it without crying, so I quit reading it at that time.

After moving back to the states, my husband came back from training where he met a Chaplin who ministered to him out in the desert. He asked Jesus to come into his life and be his savior. Then he came home and told me I should do that as well. Wow!, that's all I needed, I was on my knees beside my bed asking Jesus to come into my heart and life.
I poured my heart out asking forgiveness for the sins of my lifetime. When I finished, I knew I was a new creation, cleansed and free from my past, with a fresh new life ahead of me.

Although in my early years I had attended different religious gatherings and activities I did not fully understand what Jesus did for me. By giving his life on the cross so I could have forgiveness for my sin. He became the bridge from sinfulness to relationship with our creator. I believe when I asked him into my life at Bethel's house, God put his seal on me; He saved me for such a time as this.

God created us to be in a relationship with him. We can do that through talking to him and waiting and listening for his heart to speak to ours. He loves us, and although life in this world will have its troubles, He will be with us to see us through them all.