Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Very Best Christmas Ever

Our minister urges us to "tell our story" to our neighbors, friends, strangers, and church members. I think y'all, dear blog readers, fall somewhere in there, don't you? So here goes.

Thirty-eight years ago this December 12, I made a life changing decision. I decided to trust Jesus with my life. Now I grew up in Metropolitan Memorial Methodist Church in Washington, DC. Christened, Baptized, went through Confirmation Classes where you learn the tenets of the church, was a member of the MYF, went to Sunday School, Lenten Lectures, etc...

When C. and I married and I moved here, we joined Bethlehem United Methodist Church and raised our family there. December of 1971 our pastor invited a team of Lay Witnesses to come to our church and tell their stories. Lay Witnesses are ordinary Christians who are willing to go spend a weekend with a church that invites them and stay in the homes of its members.

One couple, Joe and Louise McBride stayed at our home.

As I heard the Lay Witnesses tell their stories, I was entranced. They told of prayers answered. Peace and joy in their hearts. Forgiveness for sins. WOW!

But I had my doubts. Was this for real?

Finally, my husband said, "Donna, if these people are crazy, they are a lot happier than we are!"

Point well taken.

So we stepped over the line together. We asked Jesus to take control of our lives and help us make God the main thing in our lives.

That Christmas was magical. Every hymn and carol was new to me. Why they are all about Jesus, and salvation! Who knew!

And so dear friend, if you haven't already taken that "leap of faith" to ask Jesus to come into your heart and help you live for God.... I strongly encourage you to do it.....I PROMISE it will be the best decision you will ever make and you will NEVER regret putting your trust in THEM.

Oh, and do not be afraid. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us: "God knows the plans He has for us; plans for good and not for evil, plans to give YOU a future and a hope." It doesn't get any better than that.












2 comments:

Ashli said...

Glad we will be spending an eternity together! What a gift, right?

Anonymous said...

I love this story every time I hear it/read it! I can really relate to it b/c I know what it's like to be raised in church and not get saved and know Jesus personally until I was an adult. Thank you for sharing.