My Testimony
I was raised in a Christian home, by loviging parents, wonderful grandparents, and dedicated babysitter -who is still a large part of our family. My brother, Andy, and I were raised attending the church in which one set of grandparents, and my mother had atteneded services for many years. Both my brother and I attended Vacation Bible School classes -at least one/summer- as far back as I can remember. Its hard for me to look back and pin-point one moment at which I "became" a Christian, as it was a lifestyle that I always knew. Andy and I were baptized with several of our peers in the summer of 1985 at First Baptist Church of Fresno.
I muddled through highschool and the beginning of my college years not doing much to strengthen my relationship with Christ. About 6 months ago, I was finding that I wasn't following the same paths that many of my friends were. Though I always was aware of how I "should" be doing things, I was not diligent in living my life for Christ -but I still held on to the many morals and values that were instilled in my early in life. As I watched my friends doing things that I knew strongly opposed to my beliefs, I realized that I needed to alter the group of friends that I was "following." I say "following" because I know, that in many ways, I am a follower, rather an a leader. -I follow the group that I am with, rather than standing up for my own beliefs or against those that I fell are wrong.
It was then that I was led to become more involved with other Christians, with whom I could share in fellowship. I found myself in the midst of a group of wonderful people in the #Christian_Singles chatroom on IRC -and it was those people who have helped me to rededicate my life to Christ. Though I tend to be a "Quiet Christian" there are many subtle changes that are being made in my life -and I hope that others see the changes that are making me a happier and healthier person.
Though Christ is always in my heart, I keep a keychain with me at most times, which helps me to remember where I am headed in my life. It is a small heart with the following verse engraved upon it. (well, not the whole thing, but I'll include the rest of my favorite verse here as well!)
Trust in the lord with all
your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall lead your path
straight.
~Proverbs 3:5-6
One of Life's Lessons