Being a Part of the Bigger Plan

Today was my first day of helping at NewSpring Church. It was extraordinary! I was able to be a part of the baptism service and talk to two people who lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ. Both are involved in a rehab facility and came to NewSpring's Easter Service. One was transformed by understanding that she could not change the woman in the mirror. ( http://newspring.cc/series/mirrormirror/easter-2012/ ) She needed Jesus to help her change. That is the most awesome realization one can have. Praise God for her new life in Jesus Christ!

The other girl was the one who gave goosebumps. She used to be an atheist. She was addicted to drugs and took some unaware it was laced with poison. She was lying in a bed dying and said she would do anything to live. She gave her life to Jesus. Now she is a born-again believer. She has seen an amazing transformation that she did not think was possible. Today she was baptized. She went before the congregation and declared Jesus as Lord of her life. Isn't that beautiful?

I related to her story because my husband was a drug addict. I know how painful addictions can be. But I also know how freeing it is to allow Jesus to transform you. It starts with one step.

So today I stand grateful and honored to be able to witness all of these baptisms. They were only two of the many that were baptized this morning. Our congregation gets up and cheers each one. We believe in going crazy over people whose direction has moved from death to life. We want to rejoice in every next step. I was just a small part of God's plan. It was important for me to hear their stories and it was important for them to see how excited and supportive NewSpring is. I am one of the many that celebrates each transformed soul. I love my church and want everyone to experience God's grace, mercy, and love.

God loves everyone. Everyone has a story. Each story matters to God. What is your story? No matter what it is, God still loves you. He is waiting for you to turn to Him and invite Hi into your heart. No one is too far. Nothing is so bad. He loves you! He loves all you! He loves every part of you! Do not believe the lie that you are not redeemable. No matter what Jesus died for you. Call on Him and see. He will never disappoint.

Peace worth the Pain

Wow! it has been almost two years since I have been on this blog. Well...no one reads it so no harm, no foul. So I figure, if no one is reading, I can say anything and not have to worry about controversy or argument.I can say whatever I want because I am the only one here.

So, let's see...I am still teaching although only at one school. The students are still the same. I am not the same. If anything I became more discontent. I felt as though I was in the wrong place and not living out my God-given purpose. I did not think I was making a difference in their lives and go everyday becoming disappointed and disenchanted. Yet, I was filled with hope that I would not remain this way.

My family found a church. FINALLY! It only took three years of visiting church after church after church. We go to NewSpring church, one church, many locations. It is the first church that has all the values a church should have. 1) Growing people change, 2) You can't do life alone, 3) Saved people serve people, 4) You can't outgive God, and 5) Found people find people.

NewSpring sees salvations everyday and has baptisms once a month. We celebrate every Sunday. But that is not where it ends. NewSpring believes that believers all have a "Next Step" in their walk with Christ, so they have monthly classes for everyone to find and work on their next step. Volunteering and tithing is expected of Owners. We are not members, but owners. When you own something you take care of it and do whatever is necessary to keep it working.

Pastor Perry Noble is a visionary. He can explain the Gospel like no other. He makes it applicable and he is very transparent. He does not yell or condemn. He has been there and empathizes with everyone. I laugh and I cry. The Holy Spirit is alive and well! I invite you to check it out. www.newspring.cc .

Since my ownership at NewSpring, I have grown as a Christian. I am volunteering, going to a Small group, and tithing. God is faithful and I am grateful to be a part of His plan for my life. I may not like everything about my life, but I can rely on Jesus to help me through every situation until there is a breakthrough. That is what is new in my life.

I am learning to find my peace in God no matter what the circumstance. Is it easy? No. But I have found that the peace is worth the pain. Growth can only come through the difficulty times. so bring it on. Jesus is faithful and I trust in Him.