WHY AM I HERE?

Why am I here?

About 60 years ago, my mother brought me to church - and while I was too young to understand the words of the sermon, I was brought closer to God by the music. I think that somewhere in Heaven there are still angels who sing praises.
I want to go there someday.

I was a teenager - with my family at a pond. We were having a picnic and swimming. I waded out in the pond, feeling the freshness of the water - and dropped out of sight. I went down, and again a second time, before members of my family noticed what was happening. My brother-in-law pulled me out. I feel that was God at work. There was more to be learned in this life.

When I held closed my father's eyes when he died, I prayed for his soul. I believe God heard and gave me grace to live through this and other deaths in my family.

In Germany, I was riding in my husband's car when speed, drink and the devil careened us into a cement post. We were both thrown from the car
and it went headfirst into a tree. I believe that God lifted us up and saved our lives. He knew we weren't ready yet.

When I gave birth to my first child in Germany, far from family and with few friends, I felt God beside me as I never had before.

When I went through the horrors of a crashed relationship; my marriage ended; and left with children to raise alone, I knew in my heart that God would see me through.

I will admit that I gave God "a run for His money". I have sinned and have asked forgiveness. I believe that through the blood of Jesus that He has forgiven me. I pray that others can forgive me too.

I believe in God. I believe that Jesus died for my sins. I believe that there is a place I can go to find Him, to worship Him, and to grow in His word.

I have prayed for many things. I may not always have prayed for His Will to be done, but I feel that I am learning - every day - so please be patient with me - God isn't finished with me yet!

I have found God in the mountains, at the ocean, in my car, at the bedside of the dying, in the eyes of little children, and in the smiles of strangers.

Since I met you, came to church and found a new fellowship with others who also know and love God, my life and outlook has changed. I don't know the Bible well. I've always just believed. In reading the Book, I am finding answers, and finding more faith every day.

So - your question - Why am I here? I know why I am here - at this place and time. God has led me to this church, and I am here - not to question but to listen to His word.

Do I pray for the church? My prayer - is my presence - and my willingness to help in any way I can.

Do I pray and come to church to impress others?
No; I can pray anywhere. I come to church because I have seen the faith and love that the pastor and his wife have, and the little guy who can sign his love. I have seen the belief that each of the members have.

We each, in our own ways, love and serve the Lord. When we fall, He is there to pick us up, to guide us. I believe that He is a loving and forgiving God.

You may not realize the value of your words at church - but they made me stop and think, and my first thoughts were that you spoke deeply from your heart, and you ARE already a teacher.

For this I thank you, and am honored to call you Friend.