As some of my friends know, this past year I have been through a lot of changes. Namely, I became a Christian and embraced God into my life. I know this will “scare” a lot of my non-Christian friends away, or probably “turn them off”. That’s okay with me – I still love ya all, but I love God more. 🙂 And I want to do whatever I can to reach out to others, so they can have what I have.

So here is my story of how I came to God – baring my soul here so be gentle:

First, a quick note about my past. From when I was little to about the age 16, I attended church every Sunday with my mom – a United church. This style of church (or at least when I went), was very traditional and old school – a choir of elderly people (mostly!), ministers who mostly read from the bible, hymns from a Hymn book (ie, not modern Christian music – more on that later). I do not remember anything about my early church-going years that inspired me to live a life with God, nor did I realize that it was even a thing at all. Once I reached my teenage years I stopped going to church, and for the rest of my life I only dabbled in church here and there (Christmas, Easter, etc), nothing “serious”.

But – throughout my life I remember at different times I would be posed the question: “Do you believe in God?” And without a doubt I would always answer yes, of course. Like… who doesn’t believe in God? Duh.. I never stopped to think about what it actually meant, it was just a fact.. like breathing.

But not once, until about a year ago, did I realize there’s a HUGE difference in BELIEVING in God, and LIVING with God EVERY DAY and really knowing God. I may have believed in God my whole life, but I certainly did not KNOW God or that a relationship with God was even possible. I did not have God in my life the way I do now.

Fast forward:

About a year ago I heard about a new church starting up in Truro, at the cinemas (!!), called Groundswell. That’s where (and when) it all started. My friend Selina and I decided to check it out. To be honest I didn’t have very much conviction about bringing church back into my life (notice I said CHURCH, not God – this is an important distinction). Church never did much for me in the past.

But guys listen, other churches (Baptist, Pentecostal – maybe others?) are NOT like the United church I grew up in. These people are super passionate, and they talk about God in their lives NOW, and worship and love God immensely. This was NOT like any other church experience I had ever had. Combine that with the fact that at this time in my life I was super DOWN and STRUGGLING. I was pushing people away, ignoring responsibilities, and beating myself down badly. For me, I had hit MY rock bottom. But Groundswell, and Tammy, started opening my eyes and my heart.

The first time I went to Groundswell, I cried.

The second time I went to Groundswell, I cried.

The third time I went to Groundswell, I cried.

Get it? Something was going on. I’d be sitting there listening to Tammy, the pastor, and just be moved in an incredible way. That was the Holy Spirit within me, but I didn’t have a clue then! I was coming to a breaking point and realizing that I needed help.

But things didn’t just miraculously turn around for me right away. They got worse actually. Even my mom (who was living with Sarah and I at the time) moved out to go stay with my brother. Because I was horrible to live with. I think she just couldn’t stand by and literally just watch me destroy myself. And I got myself into some other troubles. I pushed friends away. I was so depressed. But even amidst all of that, something was happening. I was taking super small baby steps, but I was learning more about God.

I started getting to know more about what it meant to be a Christian. Well not even that yet. I was observing and analyzing things still. Seeing how others at church acted towards God, felt about God, etc. Learning about what God wants for us. Slowly, I started to feel better and climb out of my depression.

Not long afterwards, I met someone. I found out, as we got to know each other, that he is a Christian, and a strong believer in Christ. Even then, I didn’t really know what that meant at the time. But my journey of faith has continued over this past year, with him at my side and some great people at a church in Moncton. It’s a slow journey at times, but one that I am committed to for life.

Once I learned how I could have a daily LOVING relationship with God, things radically changed WITHIN me.

I am SO full of joy.

I don’t know how else to express it. And JOY is different than just happiness guys, it seriously is. Joy is when your heart just feels FULL. I’ve had some (still!) serious financial struggles and even so, my heart feels full of joy. I’ve had some serious struggles with my teenager and STILL my heart feels full of joy. Because God is greater! And I talk to God every day (ie, pray!) And the peacefulness… to know that God loves me, and is a LIVING GOD here now in my life, brings me such enormous peace I can’t even describe.

I love MORE, I care MORE, and I just want to spread kindness and love everywhere. If God and the Bible can do that, why wouldn’t everyone check this out!!

Oh and if you think reading the Bible is beyond your ability to understand or it’s just a bunch of confusing old literature, you are wrooooong. There are versions of the Bible (eg, NIV) that use modern language, so no “thee, thy, taketh, etc” that gets us all tongue tied and mystified. Nope. How about “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4). That’s not difficult to understand is it? The Bible teaches us how to LOVE, ourselves and each other.

The Bible is the BEST self help book on the market, and I bet you could find it for FREE. I challenge ALL of my friends and family, get a Bible and open it to the New Testament. Read the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Find out how Jesus came to live as man, to TEACH us, and then was sacrificed on the cross to rise again, to FORGIVE us – human beings, eternally – for ALL of our sins. The Bible is written by men two thousand years ago – but not by their own volition. It is God-breathed, and every word in the Bible is lead by God, and is exactly what God wants us to learn.

Did you know that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time? Check it here! Think about it. The Bible has existed for over TWO THOUSAND YEARS. What other book do you know that has lasted this test of time?

Estimated 5 BILLION BIBLES SOLD. Whaaaaat?

But even more amazing – the Bible is the best-selling book EVERY year.

I’ve been learning so much as a Christian. Like, how to pray, how to hear God’s voice, how to forgive, how to love myself, how to love others. I have a lifelong journey in front of me, and I am excited for each and every new day.

I am SO blessed with an amazing daughter, and my dear beautiful mother. I am blessed with the strength and love of my brothers. I am blessed with my dear friends whom I love incredibly. Thank you God for every person you’ve let touch my life. Thank you God for all of the opportunities you keep putting my way.