When I moved back to Arkansas at 7 months pregnant I lived with my parents. Along with that I attended my parents church. It's just what I did. That was a difficult and scary time in my life and I felt safe being with them. It was where I needed to be at that time in my life, however, as time went on I felt that it was not the right place for Camryn and myself. The preacher there was the one who counseled Dwight and I when he was trying to get me back. He later told my parents that in 20 years of counseling he had never come across someone like Dwight and that was the first time he had ever feared for his own safety. So he knew the situation. When he left is when I really started to realize I needed to find a church home that was where God wanted us. Then one day my mom sent an email telling me that if I didn't feel that church was where Cam and I needed to be, that she and my dad wanted me to know that was fine. They know me well enough to know that I would stay so as not to hurt their feelings. They assured me I needed to do what God wanted me to do and they were 100% ok with that....confirmation. God always gives confirmation. So, a couple more years went by because I just didn't know where to try. One church kept popping up in my mind to go to but I kept thinking "it's so far away, I need to find something close".
That church was Vilonia Baptist Fellowship where my sister went for years. Whenever I would go visit, as strange as it may seem, always felt like home. The people were so nice and I LOVED LOVED LOVED the preaching. God ALWAYS spoke to me when I was there. One of my first times visiting was when I was going through a nasty divorce and custody battle. I can't remember what the sermon was about but it touched me and at the end of service I went down to the alter to pray. It was no time and my sister, her friend and the pastors wife where there with a hand on my back praying over me. HOME!
So, I kept putting that church out of my mind because of the drive. Until one day recently I was struggling with somethings and my friend Billie called to tell me she felt like God wanted her to talk to me. I went to her house and she was talking to me about this series of Restoration they were going through at church. She gave me a cd of the first sermon and told me when church started if I wanted to come, if not, she would continue to get me the cd's. I'm here to tell you that that series was LIFE CHANGING. I started going and even though that series has ended every single Sunday God speaks. After months of prayer, Camryn and I joined that church family this past Sunday. It's home, it's where God wants us. It may not seem like a big deal but it's a huge thing to me. It's a huge step and Camryn and I are so excited to see what God has in store for us and the church. (I know because that night while praying, Camryn said "thank you for letting us visit Mrs. Billie's church, we are just excited about that" when I told her we were not visiting we were members now she said "oh yeah, He knew what I meant"). Camryn was saved at age 6 but was never ready to be baptized. For a while now she has been begging to be baptized, so, we are going to get her set up to be baptized! We are so thankful for our new church home and can't wait to see where God leads!
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8 comments:
I'm crying. and Crying. and crying right now. Watching what He has done for you and thru you and thru Camryn the last few months is amazing! Even Belle could tell Sunday. And Camryn looked just as proud as Belle! Like Wayne said...we are exicted not only to see how you will fit into His work at VBF but how we fit into His work in you two. Looking forward to the baptism and I'll try to make it thru the song...for her.
*But feel the need to step in and help out when your Carrie Underwood begins to surface!
hahah!!! I only sound like her in the car! It's all on you! I gotta get a date set.
I can't tell you how happy we are that you are finally getting plugged in to a church where you feel you can serve. We have prayed for a long time that you would find the place God had for you and Camryn...where you could both be fed, where you both could serve Him and where you both could grow. I am very excited that you have found that place and can't wait to see what God is going to do through you both as you seek to serve Him at VBF. What an answer to prayer! Praise the Lord! Now if we can get through Camryn's baptism without all falling into ta puddle of tears! lol
"kinda" nothing...finding the church home that God wants for you is a HUGE deal.
I knew you were going but didn't know you had joined. That is awesome.
Let us know about Cam's baptism.
We just joined Sunday and I'll be sure to let you know when it is.
I saw your mom's pictures of Camryn's baptism. It's so wonderful to see the outward show of the committment she has made. And it's so special that your dad was able to perform it!
Thanks Randi, yes it was a very sweet time!
i think I'm agreed with you...cause my mother also become a single mother for 10 years until now...she is very strongest than others.
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