Thirty Years Ago Today...

...my life changed forever! I sat in the services at family camp near Mt. Rainier, Washington next to my Grandma Hopkins. I had loved God for several years, I had tried to do everything the "right way" and I was eleven years old. But, noone had ever shared with me that I needed to respond to God's call on my heart. As I listened to Brother J.V. share the Good News of the Gospel, my heart blazed on fire. I squirmed in my seat, waiting for the altar call so that I could go forward. I knew I must do it, I had no choice. To say no or turn around would be to deny every fiber of my being. I was amazed at the Truth I heard and requested to be baptised that evening with the adults. They must have seen the earnestness in my request and they allowed me to be baptised and chose Kenda Weber, a young married woman in my Grandma's church to be my sponsor. So, at dark after evening services I was baptised in the Deschutes River. I was nervous at first, never having seen a baptism. Would the pastor hold my head under while he prayed? Would I shiver and freeze? No! Even though the water was glacial cold, I was toasty warm. I came out of the frigid water with my little blue and rust plaid dress clinging to my body, filled with joy and warmth, that I know now must have been the joy of the Holy Spirit.

It was the beginning of a wild and wonderful adventure! It hasn't been easy, but it was the best decision I have ever made. I haven't always made the right choices. I have had a lot to learn and I continue to learn and grow. Sometimes there has been overwhelming joy, sometimes grief and pain, but always He has been there with me. His Grace leads me gently on.

Do you know the joy of His love for you? Have you chosen the neverending journey of Life? If you sincerely want to know more, please ask me and/or click on the red "ready?" button at the right.

Today my heart sings the theme of camp that warm July 1977 week when my journey began..."This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it"! I wish you Joy in your life too. Thank you for reading!