My Story

I grew up in a family that loved Jesus (and still does). I am told that I asked Jesus into my heart when I was about 3 years old at Sunday School. There was never a time that I did not attend church regularly, and for most of my life my dad was a youth pastor or director of a Christian summer camp. I attended private Christian schools from 4-8th grade. I graduated from Westmont Christian College in Santa Barbara. Growing up I was usually known as the "good" girl who didn't get in trouble, cause problems, or do all the "bad" things that "good" girls didn't do. I earned good grades in school and received a lot of praise for my accomplishments (and I liked the attention a lot).

I married my high school sweetheart in 1996, graduated from college and started teaching Spanish in 1997, had my daughter Abby in 2000, adopted Peter from South Korea in 2004, and adopted Isaac from South Korea in 2006. Obviously, there is a lot more to my story over these 13 years, but I will save some of those for another time.

Right before my 33rd B-day (March 2009), I was watching cardboard testimonies at my church, and I realized that these testimonies of God's transforming work in people's lives is what brings Him glory. I told God that it was the desire of my heart that any glory or attention I receive be only because of Him living in me. My Birthday was coming up and this was the only time (besides Christmas) that I receive new clothes. We don't choose to buy clothes for ourselves throughout the year (thanks to the great example of frugal living of both our parents). One day on a run, I felt like God was asking me not to ask for any clothes for my Birthday. He reminded me that cute clothes are going to bring me attention and not him, so why don't I ask for things that would benefit others and not just me. It may seem like a small request, but this was not easy for me. I knew I would have to go almost 10 months (Christmas) for new clothes. As I struggled with whether to obey and trust him or not, he gently reminded me, "You say you want to give me everything, do you really mean it?" I really did mean it, and not just when it was easy. So I asked for items that would benefit my family and friends as opposed to just myself. My Birthday passed and in one month I had 5 large bags of hand me down clothes brought to me or left on my doors by friends and neighbors! The crazy part is that not a single person knew about the Birthday decision I had made. The clothes fit me, were cute, and in great shape! The ungrateful person I was, after receiving 4 bags of clothes I was in my room wishing I had at least asked for a new pair of jean capri pants because mine had a hole in them (I am such a brat!). Within a few hours, another neighbor showed up at my door with a pile of clothes and included a perfectly fitting pair of capri jeans!

It was at this point that God gave me a choice. I could either choose the life I had lived for the past 33 years in which I followed Jesus in some areas, but I also lived for the praise and attention for others. This choice would bring cute clothes, comfort, and praise and approval from people I love and want to like me. I had a pretty good life. Or I could choose to give it all up and follow Christ whole-heartedly with all I am. Although I could not see the treasures God had in store for me, he assured me that they FAR surpassed ANYTHING I could ever even imagine. But he would let me decide. I was just reading in 1 Kings 18:21 that says, "Elijah went before the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people said nothing." It was not until God displayed his power by calling down fire from heaven that the people chose to follow God.

I chose him. All I can say about the past 15 months since I made that decision is WOW! He has done above and beyond what I could ever ask or imagine! Spiritual and eternal blessings that are thousands of times more precious than any worldly riches! The best reward of all is simply having Jesus himself (the God of the Universe!) as my friend, Father, Savior, comforter, bridegroom, etc. I get to know Him in ways I have never known Him before, to hear him speak to my heart, to know without a shadow of a doubt that he is in control and I do not have to worry about my life. I cannot imagine life any other way.

Sometimes I am sad that I wasted so many years of my life cheating myself from experiencing the fullness of God in my life. I was so afraid of missing out on something that I love and enjoy in this world, but the irony is that my fear caused me to miss out on seeing the God of the universe working miraculously in and around me!

I pray that as you read these God Stories, that you would not think, "Oh that is so great how God works in her life," but that you would desire to know and follow our amazing God whole-heartedly and experience the abundant life that he has for you. God in His grace chose to set the choice before me in a very obvious way, follow Him or follow the world. I will never regret my choice! Life is not always easy following Him, but the peace and joy in the middle of hard circumstances is beyond anything the world can ever offer.