I've always been a believer, but I haven't always been focused or dedicated to my God. VBS was a must, church not so much when I was a kid. Then, I was an Easter-Christmas churchgoer.
A little over 20 years ago, I took a bigger step. I'd been attending church regularly and decided to declare my "Christianity" by joining my church and being baptized. I even spoke to a group of church leaders about my faith journey before standing before the congregation and having water dripped on my head.
I transferred my church "membership" to northwest Arkansas when I moved here and tried to be more involved with a church in Springdale. I never really felt like I fit, and neither did Joseph. Church became part of past. It felt like most churches just wanted my money.
Fast forward to about 3 years ago - I started having a strong desire to find a church home again. Joseph was willing but less than excited, so I tempered my desire and turned to Bible study.
I really enjoyed Beth Moore studies and learned a LOT. She spoke my language and brought the Bible to life with understanding that I missed my entire life. I learned that the Greek word translates to baptize literally meant being immersed. My heart told me I needed a do-over, but I really wanted a church home first.
As many of you know, I found that home this past spring. I attend a Lifechurch.tv campus in Jenks, OK, in March and introduced my family to it through church online. My mother-in-love, Sarah, tagged along when Joseph and I attended together for the first time at the midtown Tulsa campus a month or so later. By summer, we were finding excuses to go to Tulsa for the weekend just so we could attend church. Online is great, but that church just felt like home.
In June I recommitted my life to Christ. I have to admit this time I felt different. I hunger for more and work daily on my relationship with my Savior. As soon as I could I signed up for baptism. To my great joy, Joseph and his mom also signed up to join me in that pool to celebrate our new lives in Christ!
Sarah was an inspiration that day! She struggled to get into that pool because of physical limitations, but she was determined to make it happen. I think every person in that room was rooting for her and thrilled in her accomplishment. But no one more than her mother, who had travelled from Louisiana (her home) by way of Missouri (where her son lives) to see this moment.
I'm grateful for Clara (Joseph's grandma) and George (Joseph's dad) for being there with us and helping our kids see the celebration of faith and our lives made new.
God is good all the time! And all the time God is good!
Whoever finds God, finds life!
Heather
That just made me cry!! Such a beautiful story!!
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