Four Years

May marked my four year old birthday as a Christian. Sometimes I forget to celebrate this little birthday in May but always remember to celebrate July 11th since that was the day I got baptized. While these little celebrations I throw myself don't include cake or presents, I always reflect on just how much I've grown since I found God.
I always read what was read at my baptism and usually feel inspired about my own story, although this year I find myself laughing at how young and awkward I sound.

But I do love my story.

I love how in my journal I can flip from May 2003 writing about how I am certain there is no God (and feeling the need to spend my lunch at Urbandale High School sharing that with everyone) to May 2005 praying for wisdom on how to teach the children coming to Bates Park about Jesus and show them how much God loves him.
I love how even when I was “certain” there was no God I still prayed.
I love how God chose Stefanie, all the way from Germany, to be the person to introduce me to Two Rivers.
I love how after my first small group you can sense in my writing I knew it was where I was supposed to be.
I love how I accepted Jesus as my Savior at Bates Park, the same park God is calling me to pour my heart into everyday so that people will know him.
And I love how if I ever need to be reminded of one of God’s miracles I need to only look at the pages of my own story.

So anyway I’m totally going to be celebrating my birthday on July 11th, and while I may not make a wish with birthday candles, I always pray that somehow my testimony can lead someone else to know Jesus. That the trials I have been though will somehow, someday give glory to God.