What Jesus' Holy Sacrifice on the Cross means to this new believer

CHAPTER FOUR

FROM UNDESERVING

TO GRATEFUL;

MY APOLOGY TO GOD

__________________________________

2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people, who are called

by My name will humble themselves,

and pray and seek My face, and turn from their

wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin, and heal their land

(NKJV).

I have written this book to admit my sins and as my prayer to God asking forgiveness. I hope to demonstrate my desire to continually seek God and to express my longing to turn from my past sinful behavior. I am also writing to worship God and praise Him. I wish to thank God for the many changes He has made in me and for the opportunities He has given me to surrender my life to Him. When I speak to God now through a repentant and humble heart, I say “I am truly sorry it took me so long to devote my life to Your will God, please forgive me! Thank You for sacrificing Your only Son for me. I love you!”  

The night I was arrested, and a few months after, I found myself complaining about my life. I told others, “I didn’t deserve what happened to me!” I felt sorry for myself and whined a lot. I grumbled about the handcuffs which had dug into my wrists and how I couldn’t feel my thumbs for about two weeks. I talked about a painful seven inch bruise across my lower back. I told others I was embarrassed to be charged with a felony by the court system. In many conversations, I looked to others for sympathy. However, since then, I have developed a completely different perspective regarding my arrest. These days, I stand in awe of God’s faithfulness. I wonder why our God, creator of heaven and earth, gave me another opportunity to change my life. I still cannot grasp why He loves me so much.  

Before celebrating Easter in 2009, I enrolled in a class called, An Introduction to the New Testament. Reading the Word was still very new to me. Continuously I picked up the bible, read a few verses, then put it down again. I was surprised at how much effort and time it was taking to understand the meaning of a few verses. I had a lot to learn! As I read, I was troubled. It would be Easter and something was stirring my heart to understand Jesus’ death and resurrection. Yet, as many times as I read the words, the meaning seemed to fall on deaf ears. I didn’t understand! In the past, I had successfully learned information by watching movies. So, I decided to rent a movie I hoped would portray the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection. Three years prior, the movie, The Passion of the Christ, by Mel Gibson was released. Despite its popularity, I had not yet seen the movie, so I rented the movie from the library. However, after only one scene, I was wet with tears. I quickly turned the DVD player off and placed the movie back in its sleeve. I just couldn’t watch Jesus suffer.  I was solemn for weeks.  

When I returned to my assigned reading, I struggled again and I prayed for God’s help. My youngest son interrupted my studies and asked me if he could watch a movie. Being a single mom at the time, I often sat him down to watch television so I could study. I browsed his DVD collection and found a cartoon video called Worthy is the Lamb by NEST Family Entertainment. Together we watched The Passion of the Christ in a simple cartoon format. I was starting to understand Christ’s final hours and the blessing of his resurrection. I thought about the worst day of my life weighed against the worst day of the life of Jesus Christ. I compared each aspect and felt heaviness in my chest.

• The night Jesus was arrested he was abandoned by His friends. In His agony, He was left alone.
• The night I was arrested, God rushed family and friends to my side to console me.
• Jesus suffered accusation by a whole multitude. My husband stood alone in his accusation against me.
• Jesus’ trial was travesty. My case never even made it to trial. Instead, the charges were quickly with a lawyer who advocated for my innocence.
• Jesus suffered humiliation from others who spat on Him and mocked Him. I was shown great compassion by a jail officer who sweetly said, “You are going to get through this.”
• Jesus’ back was marred with lashings, while I only felt one bruise on my back.
• From the large, ugly Roman nails, Jesus suffered permanent wounds to His hands, while I simply felt numbness in my thumbs for a couple of weeks.
• Soldiers divided Jesus’ garments and cast lots, while I was offered blankets to warm me.
• Jesus carried the emotional weight of all of my sins on his shoulders. I didn’t even recognize I was a sinner before my arrest. In His innocence, Jesus suffered. In my guilt, I was shown great mercy!

My Son's Drawing

I am amazed at how much God loves me! One day, I began to think, “Why was I forgiven when Jesus was condemned? I am the sinner. I am nothing. Why does God even love me at all?” I had known about the choice to accept God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, into my heart from an early age and I was too proud to receive this gift. Sadly, it took a great fall for me to finally reach up for help. Even so, God was there to pick me up and offer the gift of His Son once again. The feeling of gratitude towards God in sparing me the consequences I truly deserved overwhelms me. Yet, He continually affirms His love for me. One day, while sitting in church, I drew a happy face on my five-year-old son’s hand. Under the happy face, I wrote, “Hi.” When I was finished, he smiled. He asked to use my pen. He then placed my hand in his lap and began to draw on the top of my hand. I glanced down and noticed my son was drawing a similar happy face. I figured he would write, “Hi mommy,” on my hand. However, under the picture of the happy face, were the words, “God loves you.” My eyes filled with tears. I said under my breath, “I love you too, God!”

God’s love is Amazing! I have never experienced the intense love I have in my heart for God through any earthly relationship. Every day, I am excited and have a growing sense of completeness as I know Him more. I pour my heart out to God and He returns my love. A simple apology doesn’t seem enough. I am grateful for the gift of His son, Jesus. Thank you God for your Amazing Love. I am sorry I didn’t return your love sooner. I deeply and sorrowfully apologize for the wasted years I spent making my life about everything but You. Please forgive me God!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read my entire testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

How to become baptized as an expression of new faith in Jesus Christ

John 3:3 (NKJV) "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' ”

        The first time I began to see through the eyes of a believer, was on the night of October 20, 2008. As I sat in a jail holding cell, I desperately thought, "How did I get here?" http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personal-testimony.html. In that moment, I knew I had to turn from my sin and selfishness. So, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. 

        Soon after, God orchestrated a way for me to attend a Baptist University. I enrolled in a seminary program and for the first time I began to read God's Word. Scripture had a way of piercing my heart. The more I read, the more I desperately tried to place my pride, my past and my entire heart in God's hands. Then, after a year and a half of repenting and turning from my past sinful ways http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-does-it-really-mean-to-repent.html God instructed me about the important act of obedience through baptism.

       In scripture, I read Acts 2:38 (NKJV). "Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." I also read Romans 6:4-5 (NKJV) "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection." The more scripture I read, the more excited I became. Soon, I couldn't wait to publicly testify and stand before witnesses confessing my new identification with the Lord.
      One day, I approached our Pastor at church. I asked, "Is there any way that I can get baptized?" At that moment, another church member stole the Pastor's attention. As a result, I left the service without a reply. Still, God continued to reveal His desire and prepare my heart. I read, 1 Peter 3:21 (NKJV). "There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Then I read, 1 Corinthians 6:11(NKJV) ^"And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
       Later, I approached our Pastor a second time. "Please Pastor, can I get baptized soon?" This time, he responded. He placed an announcement in our church bulletin. Almost immediately, several people of all ages expressed an interest in becoming baptized. Wow!
      At first, our church planned to hold the baptism at a local beach.  However, at the last minute, the event location was changed. Now, I would be getting baptized at a place my husband held dear, an award winning golf course he knew well. God had known just how to spark my husband's interest too!

        The day was perfect and my soul felt uplifted. While my husband joyfully barbecued all of the meat, I sat among friends, soaking up the sun and listening to our church's worship team play familiar songs.  Then unexpectedly, one of the few guests I had invited to witness the event, expressed her own desire to become baptized. Suddenly, I felt my cross necklace fall from my neck. There was nothing wrong with the clasp and I had worn the necklace without fail for several years. Now, in the very moment God was using me to lead others closer to Him, my cross necklace fell straight to the ground. I giggled at Satan's minor attempt to take my focus from God and used the situation to further praise Jesus Christ.
     Soon, it was time for the baptisms. All of the participants surrounded a beautifully designed over-sized jacuzzi that reflected the light from its overflowing waterfall.  I quickly and joyfully volunteered to go first. As I stepped into the warm water, I noticed a feeling of complete relief from the pain I had experienced the day prior. Was God telling me to let go of all my past pain?
        Then, as I stood by my Pastor's side, I listened as he proclaimed, "This is an expression of your faith. The water symbolizes being washed clean from all of your sins." I jokingly responded, "Well, you better hold me down for awhile then." Everyone laughed. Then quickly, my heart filled with gratitude and my eyes welled with tears. I prayed, "Thank You Lord for washing away my sins and giving me a new life through You!"
         Now, two years later, I find myself sitting at our breakfast table praying with our seven-year-old son regarding his upcoming baptism. Only a few weeks ago, on his own, our youngest son approached the same Pastor, and asked if he could get baptized too. What joy! 
       As my son and I read John 3:3 this morning, I quietly praised God for that valley I experienced back on 2008. Through it, the Lord provided a way for our family to live a new life filled with hope and joy. And now, one by one, we are outwardly professing our faith in Him and turning from a life of sin!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Valentine's Day 2012. God is Love! (John 3:16)

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."(NKJV) 

On October 20, 2008, after many years of calling myself a Christian, I finally accepted Jesus Christ into my heart. Soon after that glorious day, I repented, asked for forgiveness and turned from my past sinful ways. And, in the process I learned to how to pray to God.

Over past three years, I have prayed many prayers. And in return, God has demonstrated that there is no limit to His reply. This past Valentine's Day, God answered yet another prayer.

It was during a church service, a few weeks prior to Valentine's Day, February 14, when our Pastor shared a story with our church congregation. He said, "A congregation in the foothills of the Smokies wanted to build a new sanctuary. But days before opening, the building inspector noted that they could not open until the parking lot was doubled. The only way to have more parking was to move the mountain out of the back yard. The church prayed asking God to remove the mountain and to provide enough money to have it paved and painted before the scheduled opening next week. The next morning the pastor was visited by a construction foreman. He said, 'We’re building a new shopping mall in the next county and we need fill dirt. Would you be willing to sell us a chunk of that mountain behind the church? If we can have it right away, we’ll pay you for the dirt we remove and pave all the exposed area free of charge.' The church opened and was dedicated as planned. God does move mountains!" http://www.aminuteofencouragement.com/god-moves-mountains/

As I listened to the Pastor's motivational story, I felt inspired to pray a private hope-filled prayer to God. I prayed, "God, will You please write, "John 3:16" in the clouds above this town for Valentine's Day?" After the church service had ended, I approached my Pastor and shared with him the prayer I had prayed. "Just think people will be looking up to God on Valentine's Day." I said with a pure heart. Later, I returned home and on my prayer board I drew “John 3:16” in cloud like formation. Then, for the next two weeks, I prayed with all my heart that God would answer my prayer. On the morning of February 14, I scrambled to find my camera. I was excited to capture on film God’s glorious response to my prayer. Perhaps, I could snap a picture along the way to dropping my youngest off at school.  With my camera in hand, I drove under the speed limit. I tried hard to pay attention to the road. Yet, I was so eager. I couldn’t help but glanced up to the heavens to see if God had in fact responded to my prayer.


3:

Along the way, I noticed a few clouds in the shape of numbers and symbols. One cloud was in the shape of the number 3. It even had a semicolon beside it. Two other clouds formed a perfect "JO." However, I still hadn’t seen a complete “John 3:16.” So, after I dropped my son off at school, I continued to drive around town looking for the entire biblical address. Finally, about an hour later, I decided to return home. After entering our apartment, I felt an urge to sit at my writing station. Out of habit, I booted up my computer and began to read my email.

Right away, one particular email grabbed my attention. A friend who knew about my Valentine’s Day prayer to God wrote, "I saw this while driving back into town this morning." She attached the following photo.

 



Just above our hometown, was a cloud in the shape of a heart. I smiled as I began to wonder if the heart was God's reply to my prayer. I spent the rest of the day looking up even until dark. No “John 3:16!”  

Soon after I tucked my youngest son into bed, I glanced at my prayer board. I humbly and tearfully asked God, "Was it selfish to hope for something so personal Lord? I am sorry if I acted silly."

A few minutes later, I picked up a copy of a paperback booklet called Our Daily Bread. I opened the booklet and began to read a story called, Magic Eye. "But even though he couldn't see the hidden image, he believed it was there because others had seen it." My shoulders slumped and tears filled my eyes. I began to pray, "Okay, God." I said. "I don't need to see the miracle. I know You are real.”

The next day, I received a call from a friend whose father had recently and suddenly experienced a massive stroke. He was still fighting to recover. "Will you be home in an hour?” She asked. I want to drop by on the way to the hospital." She said. I asked my friend if it would be too weird if I prayed with her over the phone." She softly replied, "You can pray." So, I prayed. "Please Lord, comfort my friend in her time of need. Show her a sign that You are with her and her family right now." 

As she walked up to my front door and reached out to me, I felt the Holy Spirit urge me share with her my prayer for Valentine's Day. Afterward, I said, "I didn’t get to see the entire ‘John 3:16’ written in the sky." Then, I added, "For some unknown reason, I still find myself looking up." She smiled and said, "Now, I am going to be looking up too!"

Then, approximately fifteen minutes after she left, my telephone rang. "Hello?" I said. "Donna, I just had to call. You are not going to believe this! As we drove out of town and into the next, we looked up towards the sky. There it was! " 3, dot dot 1 6. Your 3:16!" Tears overflowing! "But even though he couldn't see the hidden image, he believed it was there because others had seen it."

 Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

My Love Letter to God for Valentine's Day

February 14, 2012

Holy and Forgiving Father,

I may not know everything about You, but I am trying to learn. I am becoming familiar with Your ways. Thank You for creating me in Your image. Thank You for writing my name in Your book. I am sorry that I misrepresented You because I didn’t know You. I know now, You are the complete expression of love and it is my only desire to worship You. Thank You for every gift You have provided to me from Your own hand. I know now You will meet all of my needs and Your plan for my future is filled with hope. I stand in awe of Your countless thoughts toward me. I think of You continuously too! I praise You with singing.

Thank You for calling me Your treasured child. With all my heart and all my soul, I desire to establish a relationship with Your only Son, Jesus Christ. I want to make You proud. I adore You with all my heart and have found delight in You. You have done more for me than I could possibly imagine and have been my greatest encourager. You have comforted me in all my troubles. When I was brokenhearted, You drew me near. You dried the tears from my eyes and healed my pain.

Holy Bible

Thank you Father for loving me as You love Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for not counting my sins. I would give up everything as I return Your love. I have received the gift of Your son Jesus- nothing will ever separate me from Your love again. I wait in joyful hope of going home to You. I love you God!

Love,

Your daughter, Donna

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Or to purchase a copy the first written and published personal testimony please go to:  http://www.amazon.com/Donna-L.-Young/e/B0057Z8QZY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

My Son's Note, John 3:16-17

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (NKJV)

          

One of my favorite special moments with God over the past year involved a simple, yet profound confirmation I unexpectedly received one day. God spoke to my heart through a simple handwritten love note.

My Son's Love Note

            One day, I sat at my writing desk and placed my bible in front of me, I began to reflect on the happenings from the week prior. I had been experiencing a new hardship in the relationship with my oldest son. He had begun to distance himself from me. Now, I was having a hard time reaching his heart with God’s Word.  Rather than see his behavior as a normal desire to fit into the world, I became overly critical of my own behavior and actions. I wondered, “Is he feeling judged by me again? Is that the reason, he is keeping his distance?” For some reason, I was allowing doubt and fear to enter my heart. Then, just before I opened my bible, I questioned, “Lord, have I even led anyone to Your side lately?”

       Then, tearfully I opened my bible. As God would have it, just then, my eyes caught sight of a handwritten love note from my loving and tender six-year-old child. With all my might, I tried to remember the moment he handed me this small token of his affection. Yet, no memory came to mind. So, wiping the tears from my eyes, I began to read the note.  "I love you. Thank you for teaching me about God and Jesus Christ and you are pretty."  Amazing! I bowed my head and prayed, “Thank You Lord for making me an instrument of Your Holy Name!”

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

And to read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

THE GROCERY STORE BAG BOY

Philippians 1:9-10 (NKJV) "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ."

One day, God employed me to share His presence with a local grocery store bag boy. The young man was in his early twenties, average size and good looking. We had met in our local church a few months prior. During that brief first introduction, the young man spoke very few words and avoided making direct eye contact with me. At first, I thought his behavior was a bit unusual. Until one day, when the young man’s father shared his personal testimony with me. The young man’s father said, “It was my son’s special needs that first brought me into a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Then, from time to time, I ran into the young man while shopping at our local grocery store. Each time I approached the gentle and soft spoken boy, he looked at his feet and said, “Hi. How are you?” And, then he briskly walked away.

Until one day, when something out of the ordinary happened. On this particular occasion, I encountered the young man while he was gathering grocery carts in the grocery store parking lot.  This time, before I approached him, I prayed, “Please Lord, help me to reach this sweet young man’s heart.”  Then, I walked over to where the young man stood. Suddenly, I found myself at a loss for words. I couldn’t even say the word hello. “H…h…e…l…lo,” I said. What was wrong with my tongue? Immediately, the young man looked me straight in the eye. His eyes welled with compassionate tears as he said, “Hi. How are you?”

I still couldn’t gain control over my tongue, so I remained quiet, while the young man began to speak. Through his stuttering, he expressed the feelings of his heart. Unbelievably, I understood every word.

While he spoke, I smiled a compassionate smile. I thanked God under my breath for silencing my tongue. For the first time in any conversation, I had walked away after saying only a few words. Oddly enough, I still felt as though I had reached out and shared God’s love.   

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

And, to purchase a modern day written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Salvation Mountain our Family's Valentine's Day gift from God!

John 3:16 NKJV 

"For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

During this year’s Thanksgiving Day vacation, my husband surprised my young son and me with a trip to a monument called “Salvation Mountain.”  Through a coworker, he had learned that a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had spent much of his life creating a testament to express his love and admiration for God. I couldn’t wait to see the hand painted scripture on the side of a mountain. http://www.salvationmountain.us/.

 We drove an hour to see the believer’s work. All the while, I held my bible in my lap and quietly praised God. I just knew that the Lord had a special day planned for our family.

Right away, our youngest son excitedly ran ahead and began to climb the side of the mountain. At one point, he stood directly above a sign that read, “No climbing!” So, I yelled out, “Come on down Son.” As our son climbed back down and returned to our side, I felt my husband place his hand in mine. I smiled and put my head on his shoulder and we all walked along together.

At one point, I noticed that we were all standing directly in front of a puffy paint version of the sinner’s prayer. I began to read the prayer out loud. Then, I shook my head in wonderment. God had saved our family from our past sinful ways. We had come so far!

 Next, we slowly walked around the mountain together. 

We took turns reading the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A9-13&version=NKJV) 

Then, John 3:16 http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=3&t=NKJV . 

Later, we privately worshiped the Lord in our own hearts as we climbed the 50 foot mountain. 
Now, as Valentine’s Day approaches, I can’t help but praise God for the gift of His Son and the work He has performed on our hearts. Just three short years ago, our family was broken and headed down a path of destruction, loneliness and sorrow. We were all unbelievers. Now we are saved!

I wonder if perhaps the day that we stood admiring a painted Sea of Galilee, a big red heart, and that glorious white cross was more than just a simple family outing. Maybe the events of that day were orchestrated for us to realize the valley we had crossed and the mountain that our family now stands upon!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 
To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Fearing God; What does that mean?

Genesis 22:12 (NKJV) And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only [son], from Me."

Below our humble little Christmas tree still lies one lonely, carefully wrapped Christmas gift. The gift was thoughtfully chosen for my twenty three-year-old stepson. Yet this year, he decided not to come home for Christmas.

So, while I felt joy for other reasons this past Christmas, I also felt a feeling of emptiness over my stepson's absence. I missed his arm around my shoulder in church. I missed seeing him across the dinner table where he normally sat. And I missed the upbeat and playful excitement of watching his reaction to our opening presents.

Instead of opening the door to a warm hug, this year our only form of interaction was through text messages. On December 24, I texted my stepson the words, "Merry Christmas Son." He replied, "Merry Christmas." Even so, I felt very strongly that his desire to keep his distance was not because he was upset with me. Only ten days prior on my birthday,  my stepson made a point of calling our home to wish me a joyous day and express his love for me.

So, keeping this in mind on Christmas Day, I prayed God that would stir my stepson's heart and possibly bring him home. However, the Lord stirred my heart instead. As my thoughts drifted back to another time and place, I remembered the day my stepson left our home to reunify with his biological mother for the first time.

My stepson had packed his few boxes of belongings and stacked them in the corner of his room. His mother and stepfather patiently waited in the driveway. Overwhelmed by the moment, my husband withdrew his emotions and kept silent in the distance. Soon, the time had come to say our "goodbyes." So, I entered my stepson's room where he sat on the edge of his bed, lonely and choked up with tears. Quietly, I approached him and sat by his side. At a loss for words, I simply placed upon his lap the going away gift I had purchased the week prior. He slowly opened the box to find a bible with his name inscribed on the front. With our shoulders slumped, we both remained silent and allowed the tears to flow from our eyes.

Finally, through those croaks and squeaks in a young boy's voice my stepson broke the silence and spoke the only words he would speak to me that day. Wiping his eyes and clearing his throat, my stepson said, "I have to go. I just can't bare the thought of disappointing you!"

Now, as I thought back to that time in my life, a feeling of bewilderment encompassed my heart. "Dear God, does my stepson think I am still the same judgmental person I was before?"  God responded. "No." Then, the Lord spoke quietly to my heart. God said, "It isn't because your son believes you will judge him. He stays away because he respects you and loves you so much that he fears disappointing you!"   I began to cry uncontrollably,. "Lord Jesus, that is exactly how I feel about You! If only I could only teach my stepson to fear You instead!"

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Our young son gave away his last dollar. Then God blessed him in return!

It was right before Christmas when our youngest son started counting his money. He said, "Mommy, I finally have $25.00. I have enough for the Power Ranger Wolf Morpher right?" For months, our son had been saving his allowance to purchase this particular toy. However, what he didn't know was that his father and I had already purchased the toy as a Christmas gift. Over a week prior, I had carefully wrapped and hidden the toy under our Christmas tree. 

As I watched our 7-yr-old spread out his dollar bills across the kitchen table, I couldn't help but think of God's glorious timing! Earlier in the week, I had promised our church Pastor that I would locate the homeless men and families in our town and inform them of a local food basket Christmas event. So, while our son was making plans to spend every dollar, I was planning how I would incorporate the message of giving to the poor.

Later, he and I climbed into our car and began to drive down the beaten path of our town. As I drove, I shared the story of the poor widow's offering http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/20_45-21_4.htm. Next, I began to teach my son what Scripture says about God blessing those who give to the poor and about his warning to those who don't. Luke 14:12-14 and Proverbs 28:27.  My son was unusually quiet, and I wondered if he was even listening. So, I asked, "Son, how do I treat the poor?" I choked up and began to cry, when he replied, "You give all your money away." Not only was he listening, but he had been watching me all along!  I looked up towards Heaven and under my breath, I thanked the Lord.  I said that's right Son, "We do it because the Good Lord would want us to! And, there's joy in helping the poor say 'I am rich because of what the Lord has done for me!' " 

Then, at that very moment, our car approached a homeless man we know well. My son screamed, "Stop Mom!" So, I abruptly pulled the car to the shoulder of the road. My son ran up to the man we call "Woody,"  pulled out a ten dollar bill and two one dollar bills from his wallet. He handed the money to the homeless man. Woody lost his composure. And, it took both of us a moment to wipe the tears flowing from our eyes. 

Just then, another homeless man approached where we stood. My eyes lit up when I  noticed that the man was wearing the old Navy Seabee T-Shirt I had given him a month or two ago. The man and I greeted each other with a hug as my son waited patiently below. When, as we pulled away from each other, the man and I noticed that my son was holding another $12.00. He generously handed the money to the second homeless man. All of us praised God for my young son's heart. Then, after telling the men about the soup kitchen, my son and I slowly drove away. He said, "Mommy, I only have one dollar left." I asked him, "But how do you feel?" My son replied, "Really Good!"

Next, we drove to the local McDonald's parking lot. I was hoping to find yet another homeless man I know. However, when I pulled into the parking lot, the man was no where to be found. Instead, I saw a parked car with an open trunk and two people sitting on the curb. I approached the couple and asked, "Are you guys hungry?" The woman replied, "You are not going to believe this, but I was just thinking, 'I wonder if there is a place like the Salvation Army around here? We are from out of state. We lost our jobs and we're hungry.' " Amazing!


I began to share my personal testimony with couple. I told her, "I too went through a trial not so long ago. But I surrendered the situation to God and He brought me out of it."  Later, as I provided directions to the soup kitchen, my son exited the car. He approached the woman and softly said, "Here you go," as he handed her his last dollar bill. The woman looked at my son with tears in her eyes, as we hugged the couple and slowly walked away.  

The day before Christmas Eve, my young son receive a Christmas card. Excited, he tore open the envelop. Inside was a Christmas card with a check for $20.00. My son looked at me and smiled. I said, "I wonder if God will give you the exact amount back." Then, on Christmas Eve, our family drove to my parents' home to share in the holiday festivities. Under their Christmas tree was an aluminum container with my son's name written on it. When my son opened the container holding five one dollar bills, he screamed, "Thank you Jesus!" God had returned all of his money to him. 


Imagine his reaction on Christmas morning, when our son opened his Mighty Morphan Power Ranger toy. With joy overflowing, he exclaimed, "God gave me back my $25.00 and I got my Wolf Morpher! Praise God! Thank You Jesus!"

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

God opened my eyes a little wider!

This past week, I wrote the following post, Apologies From a Repentant Christian: I prayed, "Please God use my life to bring others to You!"  In the post, I shared with my readers how God had answered my prayer of using my life to lead others to Him. I mentioned how still today, I stand in awe of God's glorious plan for my life. Amazingly the following Sunday, God opened my eyes a little wider.

It was Sunday, early morning, when I picked up my bible. Just as I usually do, I allowed the pages of scripture to fall open. This time, the pages landed on Jeremiah, chapter one. As I read how God laid out his plans before Jeremiah, I started to think about the past three years of my life. God had used me to build and to plant. What joy! Afterward, I thought, "I wonder what God has planned for me next?" 

Then, I read:

"Therefore, prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them. ...They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you." ( Jeremiah 1:17-19 NKJV) 

I contemplated, "What if I was promising God that I would walk closer to Him even as He was preparing to lead me through another trial?" I placed my bible down and began to get ready for Sunday service at church. We arrived a few minutes late. We took our seats just as the worship team began to sing the next song. Unbelievable! They sang, "Greater things have yet to come and Greater things are still to be done." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk

Later, the Pastor began to lead us through the bible. During his message, he pointed to Romans 8:18. He said,"Troubles don't last and can't ever compare to the glory that follows." Then, he added, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV).

I found myself lost in the moment as my thoughts returned to that post from earlier in the week. Could I have focused on only what I could see?  I started to marvel at what might still be unseen and the plans that are still unknown to me. A calmness came over me!  I was ready for what was yet to come because finally, I walk by faith, not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV).

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To read the first written and published personal testimony,

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

We're Unequally Yolked! Now what?

One cannot bring a person to God any faster than 

the Lord prepares them to accept His instruction!

Matthew 22:37 ^“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (NKJV)

           

In December 2008, my husband continued his abuse of prescription drugs, so I decided to move out of our home and into an apartment with our youngest son. Three years later, we are still married, yet, in many ways, we have remained separate individuals. We still live under separate roofs, have separate bank accounts and worship the Lord in our own personal ways.  

            Also, in 2008, I watched as my husband fell to his knees and accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. At the time, I had recently accepted the Lord too. We were both just beginning to surrender our separate wills to God.  Since then, my faith has grown immensely. First, God orchestrated my enrollment and graduation from a Seminarian program. Next, I was baptized. Then later, God led me to write and publish a book about my repentance and utter surrender to Jesus Christ. Over the past three years, my walk with Christ has felt more like a run at top speed! In comparison, my husband’s walk has been more methodical and seemingly cautious. So, I wait patiently, sometimes impatiently, for my husband to catch up.

What makes this situation difficult is the imbalance of emotions I feel towards God and my husband. Over the past three years, I have relied on the Lord for strength and help during trials. In doing so, I often share my innermost personal thoughts with the Lord rather than my husband. It is the Lord’s comfort and warm embrace I have come to depend on.  I have often failed to allow my husband the same access to my heart as I have my Lord and Savior. I pray that during the next part of my journey, I will learn how to become a loving encourager and friend to my husband as well.

MY WAYS ARE NOT HIS WAYS

Constant physical separation within a family causes each to develop individual routines in the absence of the other partner.

While my husband works away from the home for long periods at a time, our youngest son and I have settled into a comfortable routine. We begin each morning the same way.  I wake up a few minutes before he does, make a cup of coffee and read a chapter in my bible. Then, I wake him up and he scurries off to school. When he returns home, we eat a snack together, complete his homework and watch his favorite cartoons. Throughout the day, my son and I often suddenly stop to pray for someone God places on our hearts.

At night, we dance our favorite dance down the hall towards his room. We say our nightly prayers and then I kiss and tuck him into bed. When I read Scripture to our son, I try to explain God’s purpose behind His Word. Sometimes, God will bring His Word to life in a beautiful way that inspires wonder and joy. During these moments our young son and I praise God! Over the past three years, the two of us have experienced many exceptionally lovely moments together with God.

Sometimes a visit by my husband can upset this daily routine.  During one recent visit, our young son approached me after returning from day of golf with his father.  My husband had become angry on the golf course and had used foul language. Our son, not knowing many profane words, was stunned. He said, “Mommy, Daddy said two bad words today.” My husband, who was standing nearby, remarked, “And I told you that you didn’t hear those words.” Our young son, so astute, then said, “Now, are you asking me to lie?” Rather than speak to my husband in private, I immediately and outspokenly sided with our seven-year-old and belittled my husband for his improper example. 

Then, there are those other times when I try to remain altogether humble, kind and gentle through a rough weekend visit. During these times, I ask God to help me bear with my husband in love (Eph 4:2). One day I learned that my husband had lied to receive a refund on his income taxes. Rather than make him feel worse, I simply asked, “What can I do to help?” Then, I said, “I have some money that I can pull off of a credit card to assist you in a payment if you would like.” While he politely refused, I could tell that he was thankful for the compassion I had offered. In moments like these, I often pray out of desperation to God regarding my marriage. I ask God, “With all that I went through, why hasn’t my husband fully surrendered to Your will yet?”  In response, God softly reminds me that He is God and that His thoughts are not my thoughts, nor are my ways, His ways!

  He said, “The homeless man walked straight up to me and said, I want to enter your sober living program!” The speaker shared his reservations about admitting that particular man into his program. “He was older, had been on the street for fifteen years and I wondered if he could ever learn to fully accept sobriety.” I felt like God Himself was telling me one of His parables. Then the man said, “But as I stared at the aging man, I remembered something my father said to me once, ‘It’s never over with God’s Kingdom!’ So I admitted the man after 15 years of homelessness and the sixty-year-old man graduated from our sober living program, attended a bible college and is now a local Pastor.” “It is never too late for God’s Kingdom!” I thought. “Please Lord, lay a burden on my husband’s heart to seek help from a sober living program. And give me the strength and patience to wait on You.” Just then, one of my favorite worship songs began to play. Streams of tearful joy and hope ran down my face as I heard, “Strength will rise when we wait upon the Lord, wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord!”

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read about the night that caused me to surrender to God's Will, 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

I prayed, "Please God use my life to bring others to You!"

One night in October 2008, I prayed, "Please God, use my life to bring others to You." God responded! http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personal-testimony.html

It has been three years since I prayed that prayer. I still haven't traveled to distant lands to participate in a short-term mission trip. Yet, God has certainly used my testimony to reach out to others. How could I ever have imagined that I my life story would touch the hearts of those in Countries across the world without my ever having to leave home?

2,497 people in the United States

244 people in Russia

68 people in Sweden

54 people in Japan

44 people in the United Kingdom

40 people in Germany

35 people in Romania

22 people in Malaysia

19 people in the Netherlands

and 18 people in Canada. When I attempt to absorb the fact that others are walking along side me while I follow Christ, I am left feeling overwhelmed. Three years ago, no one would have followed me on any journey. However today, there are thousands. Unbelievable! I must admit, this can only be due to the work of the Holy Spirit!

I am certain, that the numbers above are all that our Good Lord has chosen to reveal to me at this time. I wonder what else I have yet to discover. Praise God!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

GOD thinks about me?

Psalm 81:1 "Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob." (NKJV)

One recent morning, I drove to the local post office to mail a belated birthday present to my father. Only blocks from our home, I turned on the radio. The song that was playing was coming to an end.  When it finished, the D.J. began to speak to her listeners. While pleading for monetary support, the DJ read a letter from one particular listener. As I listened, I became lost in the author's story that the DJ read about how the woman came to know our Lord and Savior.  

I must have taken my eyes off the road because when I looked up, I was quickly approaching a red stop light. When the DJ finished reading the woman's letter, she played the woman's surrender song. I thought of the song that spoke to my own heart and had helped me press on during my own trial.

At the post office, there was a long line and only one post master assisting customers. I knew the post master well, so when I made my way to the front of the line, I began to chit chat. She asked me how my Christmas went. I told her it was filled with peace. Then the postmaster commented, "I hope your New Year will be just as good." Without thinking or hesitating, I replied, "Oh, it will be. Ever since I accepted Christ into my heart, my life has been good everyday! I'm going on three years of walking by His side." The postmaster nodded her head and smiled a huge smile.  I walked out of the post office wondering how many of the people still standing in line had heard our conversation.

When I returned to my car, I turned the key in the ignition. I couldn't help but smile. God was playing my surrender song. I turned the song up and began to sing along. Then when I turned the corner and began to drive down a long road leading to our home, I noticed a few church members walking along the side of the road. They were heading my direction. As my car drew nearer, I was surprised at their reaction to me. Instantly, they began waving their hands and jumping up and down, as if they needed a ride. But as I came up on them, they simply waved enthusiastically and smiled. I felt my heart fill with joy. I began to sing even louder to God. 

I continued driving home. Suddenly, two more people began calling my name and jumping up and down from the side of the road. I started to giggle and thought, "God, I know you are with me! Thank you for sharing Your joy!"

Finally, as I turned into the apartment parking lot, I noticed two doves on the grass near my normal parking spot. I slowed down, sighed and thanked God once again! The doves flew over top my car while I shook my head in amazement. I ran into the house and shared the story with my husband. All along, I praised God for the thoughts He has towards me.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read a modern published personal testimony 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

I heard God laugh!

GOD DOES HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

I had often heard others say, "God has a sense of humor."  However, for much of my past, I simply couldn’t comprehend this concept. For years I had believed that God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, was a judgmental ruler who looked for ways to find fault in me. Therefore, I simply couldn’t understand, how the same God could also love, be kind and be playful. Then, during one recent quiet morning prayer time unexpectedly, I heard God laugh!

Since 2008, I have started each morning by reading my bible and spending quiet time with the Lord. At first, I didn’t know if there was a right way to read scripture, so I just let it speak for itself. I would grab hold of the spine of my bible and allow the pages to land as they may. Next, I would begin reading, starting with the first bold chapter number on the page. I simply did my best to comprehend His Word and personal message to me.

Over the years, my bible pages have settled numerous times on the book of Isaiah, Chapter 52. Oddly enough, the pages and binding of my bible never seem to show bulging or partiality to this chapter! It must have been God’s desire that I read this chapter while considering a career change, questioning my marriage, seeking direction for my life, and on several other occasions. At one point, I even felt as though I had read this particular chapter to exhaustion and had asked God, “Can I please read something else?”

Months later, one morning, while I eagerly held the spine of my bible, I jokingly pleaded with God, "Please Lord, not Isaiah chapter 52 again!"  Then, while smiling, I closed my eyes and began to anticipate what He would have me read next. Yet, when I opened my eyes and looked down, I couldn't believe what I saw. Isaiah, chapter 52! My shoulders instantly slumped as I heard myself grumble.  "Really God? Isaiah Chapter 52?"

Suddenly, I heard the sound of laughter fill my head. It was the same toneless voice I had become accustomed to. However, this time, it was simply a delightful and contagious laughter that tickled my heart. Soon, I couldn't contain the feeling inside and I burst into laughter too. What must I have looked like laughing along with God?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Walking Closer to God in 2012- Proverbs 28

This past week, I resolved to creating my New Year's Resolution for 2012. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-new-years-resolution.html

Yet, I wondered how I would accomplish this goal. So, I prayed, "Lord this year, help me to continually attempt to discover ways to walk closer to You."

Then, I opened my bible this morning and allow the pages to fall. As God would have it, the pages landed on Proverbs 28. Smiling, I thanked the Lord for providing the perfect way to achieve my New Year's Resolution.

In 2012:

Proverbs 28:5

I will seek the Lord with all my heart to better understand His ways and His plan for my life. 

28:6

I will be content with having less money,  remembering how I have found comfort in being an honest and more godly person. Better to have less money and more understanding!

28:8

I will obey God's commands and turn my ear towards His law.

28:10

I will remain blameless so that I can be a greater blessing to the world.

28:12

I will join voices with other righteous believers and praise God for my freedom.

28:13

I will continue to humbly confess my sins and repent so that I can continue to enjoy the true peace and mercy that I have found.

28:14

I will continue to fear offending God.

28:16

I will first consider my own behavior before seeking understanding from others. 

28:19

I will continue to pursue this new way of life (as a true believer) because my conscience is finally clear and I have found comfort in becoming the person God intended for me to be.

28:20 

I will attempt to lead others into a life of true happiness by modeling holiness and honesty.

28:25 

I will not let pride allow me to stir up strife. I will remember that life is easy if I continually depend on God and His Grace.

28:26 

I will not place my trust in my own strength, heart or merit but will submit every issue to God through prayer. 

28:27 

I will give to the poor. I will not turn away from people needing compassion, especially when God calls them to my attention.

AND,

28:28

I will not take pleasure in the failure of the wicked. I will pray for God to show them the mercy He has freely offered me.

Please share your thoughts in 
the Comments Section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony, 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Had I been praying for myself?

As I combined through past blogs today, one particular blog caught my attention. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/10/our-soldiers-are-coming-home.html

I hadn't read the entry for some time. Yet, when I noticed it was the most popular post, I became curious. So, I clicked on the entry and began to read. While I read the post out loud to my husband, something wonderful happened. My heart leaped with joy! Until Christmas, I had resolved to pray on my knees for God to comfort His children with a Bible. I asked God to place His Word, my favorite book, in the hands of the lost and hurting. I wrote, "I wonder who will receive a bible as a gift for Christmas this year."

When I finished reading the post, I smiled. Immediately realizing that God had included me in my prayer for others. Because, this Christmas past morning, I received a beautiful, brand new, shiny white bible! http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-12-27T13:53:00-08:00

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: 

http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

My New Year's Resolution

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." 

 Sometimes, I feel regret for spending over 30 years of my life as a distrustful and guarded woman who refused to surrender to the will of anyone, even God. Other times, I find myself pondering what it took for me to finally accept God's mighty existence.  But mostly, I feel grateful for the day I chose to surrender to God's will!

For much of my life, I brought upon myself needless years of pain. I had unknowingly forfeited the feeling of peace. Each time I thought, "I know it's wrong, but I don't care," I would find myself falling away from the right path. Then, to escape the resulting feeling of failure and despair, I would resolve to change my ways. On New Year's Eve, I would commit to no longer partying, overeating, over spending or keeping companionship with the wrong man. I would say, "This New Year, will bring new hope!" However, even before the month of January would end, I would miss the mark.  

It was until I was arrested at age 38 that I was finally willing to accept that my life was out of control. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personal-testimony.html. Until that time, I was able to convince myself and others that I had it all together. Now, for the first time, I had a choice to make. I could either change my mind, heart and attitude and make a 180 degree turn from what I was doing, or I could retain my stubbornness and pride and continue to live a life of confusion and despair.

I was tired of choosing not to see what was in front of me and being made to feel instead! It was time for a sincere New Year's Resolution. Fighting those internal desires of constantly doing what was wrong, was making me feel miserable. I needed to be rescued; mainly from myself and the many years of bad decisions I had made. I needed once and for all to stop rejecting God and disobeying His commands. I needed a new life and I was willing to do whatever it took to achieve one.  http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-does-it-really-mean-to-repent.html

First, I took some time to learn God's message to man. What relief I felt in discovering the Good News about Christ's purpose on earth! http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV. Next, I told myself I was worthy of someone dying for me. This was hard to accept after all that the years of suffering and confusion. Yet, once my soul found its worth, my heart was filled with feelings of love and grace.So on January 1, 2009, my New Year's Resolution was to obey my quiet inner voice that distinguished between right and wrong. This became a life changing decision that offered mercy, protection, comfort and returned to me that lost feeling of peace.

For the past two years, I kept that same resolution. As a result, I have come alive spiritually and feel as though I have been given a new life. Therefore this year, when I make my New Year's Resolution, it won't be to lose weight, save money, or stop a bad habit. Instead, I will resolve to become closer to God and walk more in His Ways!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE HEART 

OF A NEW BELIEVER!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html