Having thought a lot about my life and how I came to be, I realized I have never really thought about my testimony. I wanted to write it down and just share it with anyone who will listen. I am not perfect in any way, just saved by the Grace of God! :)I have also included pictures throughout the years so you can kind of have a sense of being there with me. Enjoy!
I was saved when I was 8 years old. I distinctively remember talking to Pastor David Carboni in his office about what it means to become a Christian. We talked about God sending His son to die on the cross for us and believing that He died for our sins to save us. I walked down the aisle the next Sunday and made the decision in front of my church, Crumly Chapple United Methodist, in Forestdale, AL. Being a Methodist, we were "sprinkled" as infants. I went through confirmation classes and started my spiritual journey that day.
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
When I was in 7th grade, my family switched churches and we started attending Westwood Baptist. We joined the church, and having accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I was baptized as the next step in my spiritual walk. I specifically remember doing this because it was just my luck that the people who helped with baptisms, were my crush's parents. I walk down the first step in the baptism and then slipped into the water. The church members giggled as I struggled to get up. The pastor said some witty remark about me being too eager to walk down all the steps, ha. Talk about embarrassment, ha. Needless to say, I was baptized that day and publicly declared my love for the Lord following in the second step, believers baptism.
"I baptize you my brother (sister), in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ... buried with Christ in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life." "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." ~ Mark 16:16
Throughout my time at Westwood, I attended several Disciple Nows, Mission Trips, VBSs, and got involved with Drama, Choir, and AWANAS. I was enjoying my time learning about the Lord and all He has done. I grew leaps and bounds in my relationship with Him and I am thankful for that time in my life where I had mentors, great encouraging friends, and a spiritual background that was being developed. My high school years were some of the fondest memories in my spiritual walk that I look back on and am thankful for. I had a wonderful christian boyfriend who encouraged me, loved me, and taught me more about the bible and what being a christian meant. He prayed for me, with me, and was someone to whom I always looked up to. I never realized the impact his faith would have on me and my walk with the Lord. I am thankful for Jeffrey and what his life did for me and still does when I reminisce. In time though, his family moved and we ended up breaking up because the distance was too hard for me. He was an important part in my life and while he lives in Texas and we don't speak much, I am thankful God put him in my life and I am so proud of the man he has become today.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
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When I graduated and went to TROY, my relationship with the Lord was there. I prayed, read the bible, tried to get involved in church there and the BCM, but I could never find the "right place." I struggled a lot during my time at college, and slacked off in my relationship with Him. I am not proud of my unwillingness to fight harder to keep Him the center of my life, but I am grateful that He forgives and offers His Grace daily. I went through a lot of doubt while at college. It is a trying time where tons of students are trying to figure out life and where it was going to take them. I already knew what I was supposed to do in my life. God told me while in Chicago at Urban Connect, that I was to work with children. I also knew since I was 8, that I wanted to be a teacher like Mrs. Cunningham and my mom. I think in a way, I was so certain of all this, that I wanted to do things my way and see if I could have a little of uncertainty in my life. I know that may not make sense, but I guess I tried to shake things up for a bit. College was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot, not only about myself, but about other as well. I am thankful for my relationships while at school and the things they taught me. I only wish I would have focused more on my relationship with God, than with others. I took for granted the fact that He would always be there for me.
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While in college, my relationship with God was like a roller coaster. One year we were fabulous, and the next, I slacked off pushing Him aside a bit. It went like this my entire time. Crazy, I know, ha. But one of the best, if not the best, experiences of my life was being able to work at Pine Cove Christian Camps in Tyler, TX. Now I love me some Texas, ha. I had always wanted to go there since Jeffrey was from there and he constantly talked about how great it was. I had been to Texas only in passing through the airport terminal on my way to California a couple of times. It was cool then, but I only realized how awesome it was living there for 2 summers. Pine Cove Towers was amazing!!! I could work at PC the rest of my life and never get tired of it. It is like living in your own little PC bubble, we would always say. The staff were amazing and I grew so much in my faith those two summers (2008, 2009). I got to lead 4 of my sweet campers to Christ and seeing how God could work though the minds of 1st-5th graders, always amazed me. They brought to life the meaning of child-like faith. Seeing how they could grasp how much God loves them and how we cannot live our lives without Him, reminded me of when I became a Christian and the young age of 8. We think because they are young, they cannot grasp the whole concept of God and what He sent His Son to do for us. While in reality maybe they can't grasp the complexity of it all, but they know that God is sovereign and He is The Man! Working for Pine Cove taught me to be selfless and put other first in being Christ-like. I learned to study my bible and pray daily. I was on my way to becoming the person/Christian that God created me to be. I went back to college, I started dating a boy who I thought I would marry one day. When he broke up with me, I felt my world crashing before me. I started to doubt everything, like most girls do after a break up. God was there to pick up my pieces and show me that He had better plans for my life than one boy. He also showed me that I replaced Him with Stephen. I relied on Stephen and our relationship for things that only God could give me. The rest of my college days were spent struggling to find where I was in God's plan for my life and Him showing me the way and loving me through it all.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
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Post college was not easy. In fact, it was the hardest time of my life. I graduated in December of 2010, not exactly the best time in the teaching field. Not only did I graduate in the middle of the school year, but I graduated in the time where it was the hardest to find a teaching job. It was rare to find a job in education because of the recession and lack of funding. I relied on God to handle my job and He in fact came through like I knew He would.:) I subbed at Oak Grove and had a wonderful experience there. The upcoming Summer had me worried sick about finding a job. I worried and worried until God showed me that He will provide for my needs and fulfill His promises.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34. I received 2 offers that year; one as a 2nd grade teacher at Sumiton Christian, and the other as a long-term sub at Brookville Elementary in Jefferson County. There were hardly any jobs available and I was blessed enough to get two offers. God provided for my needs. It wasn't until January of 2012 that I really took a big step back in my faith and relationship with God. I am not proud of this, but for that whole year.. I can count on 2 hands the amount of times I went to church. I get teary eyed just thinking of that year because it is my least favorite part of my life. I can't believe that everything that God did for me and the blessing he bestowed on my life, I just threw it away like it was nothing. Yes I still believed in God and I never really doubted Him, I was just tired of being Cadie. I was tired of always being the "good girl" and tired of being "predictable". I had never done anything unexpected and lived my life the same as I always had. The devil definitely got the best of me. I went out to bars and drank some trying to figure out who I was and I tried looking in all the
wrong places. Now when I say drink, I mean this lightly. I have never been one to get drunk every weekend or drink until I black out. I see nothing wrong with drinking; I'm not saying it's bad. I do however think taking it too far should never happen. I had a few times where I took it further than I should and again, I'm not proud of that moment in my life. I was caught up in the moment of feeling like a rebel, if you will. I had never once been rebellious or strayed too far from my upbringing. To some people this may not seem at all indifferent, but to me it was.I knew it was wrong yet I kept doing it. I am by no means proud of this dark time in my life, but I am thankful that it happened. It is my past, but it also made my stronger in my faith in God. I realized quick that that life was one that I was not meant to take part in. I was desperately trying to seek the answers I thought I needed in something other than the only thing I could get the real answers from. God got a hold of me with a firm, and I mean
firm wake up call.
"All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6. This reminds me of the Parable of the Lost son in Luke 15.
"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."... But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 15: 18-24, 32
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I got a job teaching Kindergarten at Oak Grove Elementary for the 2012-2013 school year. This was one of the biggest blessings in my life. After the last 7ish months of "rebellion", I was working my way back to God and asking for forgiveness for that horrible, messed up time of my life. I hate for it to be in my testimony, but I believe that I went through that to make me realize how amazing my life is with God. I appreciate my life so much more now knowing that what the world has to offer is complete garbage compared to the riches God will give me. God quickly forgave me because His Grace is overwhelming and I literally felt Him open His arms for me when I ran back to Him crying and apologizing for not trusting in Him and giving in to my sinful nature. I haven't looked back since. I have been going to Church of The Highlands off and on since I moved back home in December 2010. It is a big church and I just felt like another number in a sense, because I didn't make any effort to get plugged in. I made a commitment at the beginning of 2013 that I would listen to every message that was preached. Pastor Chris is an amazing man of God and I absolutely love him. I knew I wanted to join the church in January, but missed the growth track for 101 that month. I started the growth track on 201 the following Sunday and finished it February 3 with me joining the church. I felt at home. God had been telling me that this is where I was supposed to be and having relinquished all my fears and my life to Him, I followed His command. Since joining Highlands I have gotten involved in the Dream Team serving with our students at Motion and even came out of my comfort zone, overcame my insecurities and anxieties, and joined a fabulous small group. I cannot tell you enough how immensely God has blessed me this year. Pastor Chris said, "This will be the best year of your life, IF it is the best year of your life spiritually." I have held to that statement and it is true beyond words. And that leads me to where I am today in my walk with my ever-so loving and wonderful maker.
"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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
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I have grown in my faith and love for the Lord this year and I feel like I know Him on such a deeper level. With that being said, I wanted to show the Lord how much His grace and mercy mean to me. I rededicated my life to Him on February 14, 2013. Coincidentally it is Valentines Day, the day of love, and He was my Valentine, <3. I had been thinking God wanted me to take the next step and get baptized. I tried to rationalize this by having already done so when I was 12 at Westwood. He however, would not have it. The thought from Pine Cove crept into my thoughts and changed me once again.
"The first step of obedience is faith; the first step of faith is obedience." I knew that I had faith in Him and what he tells me to do, so I knew I would be obedient in doing it. So this past Sunday, June 2, 2013, I got my strength from the Lord and got baptized in front of my church friends and could not have been more ecstatic!! Just the freedom and the weight being lifted off my chest was more than I could have ever asked for. I knew what I was doing was in obedience in what God told me to do, and I felt it. I was not nervous or anything walking up which totally surprised me, but then it didn't. God was with me and gave me the confidence I needed to do it. He has shown Himself to me in so many ways and stays with me through it all. I am a sinner by nature, but I have been redeemed!!.
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ~ Acts 2:38
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The Rascal Flatts' song "Changed" says it all..
I came up out of the water
Raise my Hands up to the father
Gave it all to him that day
Felt a new wind kiss my face
Walked away, Eyes wide open
Could finally see where I was going
Didn't matter where I been I'm not the same man I was then.
I got off track, I made mistakes
Back slid my way into that place where souls get lost
Lines get crossed
and the pain won't go away
I hit my knees,
Now here I stand
There I was, now here I am
Here I am
Changed
I am currently in two small groups in which I am in love with. I am also reading,
"The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson and have been blown away by only the first few chapters. I definitely cannot wait to dig in and see what else it can show me. My prayer life has already changed and I cannot wait for God to really show me things while I am learning to change my prayer life. :)
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All this being said, I am thankful for my life and what it has brought me to. Yes there have been mistakes, and there will be plenty more, but I know He loves me and will forgive me as soon as I confess. While I am still struggling a bit with my insecurities, I am finding that I am whole and complete in God and it gives me comfort. God is great, wonderful, powerful, loving, enduring, and most of all forgiving. I am thankful that He loved me so much, that he sent his son to die on the cross for little ole me. :) (John 3:16)
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When I graduated and went to TROY, my relationship with the Lord was there. I prayed, read the bible, tried to get involved in church there and the BCM, but I could never find the "right place." I struggled a lot during my time at college, and slacked off in my relationship with Him. I am not proud of my unwillingness to fight harder to keep Him the center of my life, but I am grateful that He forgives and offers His Grace daily. I went through a lot of doubt while at college. It is a trying time where tons of students are trying to figure out life and where it was going to take them. I already knew what I was supposed to do in my life. God told me while in Chicago at Urban Connect, that I was to work with children. I also knew since I was 8, that I wanted to be a teacher like Mrs. Cunningham and my mom. I think in a way, I was so certain of all this, that I wanted to do things my way and see if I could have a little of uncertainty in my life. I know that may not make sense, but I guess I tried to shake things up for a bit. College was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot, not only about myself, but about other as well. I am thankful for my relationships while at school and the things they taught me. I only wish I would have focused more on my relationship with God, than with others. I took for granted the fact that He would always be there for me.
.JPG)
While in college, my relationship with God was like a roller coaster. One year we were fabulous, and the next, I slacked off pushing Him aside a bit. It went like this my entire time. Crazy, I know, ha. But one of the best, if not the best, experiences of my life was being able to work at Pine Cove Christian Camps in Tyler, TX. Now I love me some Texas, ha. I had always wanted to go there since Jeffrey was from there and he constantly talked about how great it was. I had been to Texas only in passing through the airport terminal on my way to California a couple of times. It was cool then, but I only realized how awesome it was living there for 2 summers. Pine Cove Towers was amazing!!! I could work at PC the rest of my life and never get tired of it. It is like living in your own little PC bubble, we would always say. The staff were amazing and I grew so much in my faith those two summers (2008, 2009). I got to lead 4 of my sweet campers to Christ and seeing how God could work though the minds of 1st-5th graders, always amazed me. They brought to life the meaning of child-like faith. Seeing how they could grasp how much God loves them and how we cannot live our lives without Him, reminded me of when I became a Christian and the young age of 8. We think because they are young, they cannot grasp the whole concept of God and what He sent His Son to do for us. While in reality maybe they can't grasp the complexity of it all, but they know that God is sovereign and He is The Man! Working for Pine Cove taught me to be selfless and put other first in being Christ-like. I learned to study my bible and pray daily. I was on my way to becoming the person/Christian that God created me to be. I went back to college, I started dating a boy who I thought I would marry one day. When he broke up with me, I felt my world crashing before me. I started to doubt everything, like most girls do after a break up. God was there to pick up my pieces and show me that He had better plans for my life than one boy. He also showed me that I replaced Him with Stephen. I relied on Stephen and our relationship for things that only God could give me. The rest of my college days were spent struggling to find where I was in God's plan for my life and Him showing me the way and loving me through it all. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
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Post college was not easy. In fact, it was the hardest time of my life. I graduated in December of 2010, not exactly the best time in the teaching field. Not only did I graduate in the middle of the school year, but I graduated in the time where it was the hardest to find a teaching job. It was rare to find a job in education because of the recession and lack of funding. I relied on God to handle my job and He in fact came through like I knew He would.:) I subbed at Oak Grove and had a wonderful experience there. The upcoming Summer had me worried sick about finding a job. I worried and worried until God showed me that He will provide for my needs and fulfill His promises. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34. I received 2 offers that year; one as a 2nd grade teacher at Sumiton Christian, and the other as a long-term sub at Brookville Elementary in Jefferson County. There were hardly any jobs available and I was blessed enough to get two offers. God provided for my needs. It wasn't until January of 2012 that I really took a big step back in my faith and relationship with God. I am not proud of this, but for that whole year.. I can count on 2 hands the amount of times I went to church. I get teary eyed just thinking of that year because it is my least favorite part of my life. I can't believe that everything that God did for me and the blessing he bestowed on my life, I just threw it away like it was nothing. Yes I still believed in God and I never really doubted Him, I was just tired of being Cadie. I was tired of always being the "good girl" and tired of being "predictable". I had never done anything unexpected and lived my life the same as I always had. The devil definitely got the best of me. I went out to bars and drank some trying to figure out who I was and I tried looking in all the wrong places. Now when I say drink, I mean this lightly. I have never been one to get drunk every weekend or drink until I black out. I see nothing wrong with drinking; I'm not saying it's bad. I do however think taking it too far should never happen. I had a few times where I took it further than I should and again, I'm not proud of that moment in my life. I was caught up in the moment of feeling like a rebel, if you will. I had never once been rebellious or strayed too far from my upbringing. To some people this may not seem at all indifferent, but to me it was.I knew it was wrong yet I kept doing it. I am by no means proud of this dark time in my life, but I am thankful that it happened. It is my past, but it also made my stronger in my faith in God. I realized quick that that life was one that I was not meant to take part in. I was desperately trying to seek the answers I thought I needed in something other than the only thing I could get the real answers from. God got a hold of me with a firm, and I mean firm wake up call."All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6. This reminds me of the Parable of the Lost son in Luke 15."I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."... But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 15: 18-24, 32
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I got a job teaching Kindergarten at Oak Grove Elementary for the 2012-2013 school year. This was one of the biggest blessings in my life. After the last 7ish months of "rebellion", I was working my way back to God and asking for forgiveness for that horrible, messed up time of my life. I hate for it to be in my testimony, but I believe that I went through that to make me realize how amazing my life is with God. I appreciate my life so much more now knowing that what the world has to offer is complete garbage compared to the riches God will give me. God quickly forgave me because His Grace is overwhelming and I literally felt Him open His arms for me when I ran back to Him crying and apologizing for not trusting in Him and giving in to my sinful nature. I haven't looked back since. I have been going to Church of The Highlands off and on since I moved back home in December 2010. It is a big church and I just felt like another number in a sense, because I didn't make any effort to get plugged in. I made a commitment at the beginning of 2013 that I would listen to every message that was preached. Pastor Chris is an amazing man of God and I absolutely love him. I knew I wanted to join the church in January, but missed the growth track for 101 that month. I started the growth track on 201 the following Sunday and finished it February 3 with me joining the church. I felt at home. God had been telling me that this is where I was supposed to be and having relinquished all my fears and my life to Him, I followed His command. Since joining Highlands I have gotten involved in the Dream Team serving with our students at Motion and even came out of my comfort zone, overcame my insecurities and anxieties, and joined a fabulous small group. I cannot tell you enough how immensely God has blessed me this year. Pastor Chris said, "This will be the best year of your life, IF it is the best year of your life spiritually." I have held to that statement and it is true beyond words. And that leads me to where I am today in my walk with my ever-so loving and wonderful maker. "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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
.JPG)
I have grown in my faith and love for the Lord this year and I feel like I know Him on such a deeper level. With that being said, I wanted to show the Lord how much His grace and mercy mean to me. I rededicated my life to Him on February 14, 2013. Coincidentally it is Valentines Day, the day of love, and He was my Valentine, <3. I had been thinking God wanted me to take the next step and get baptized. I tried to rationalize this by having already done so when I was 12 at Westwood. He however, would not have it. The thought from Pine Cove crept into my thoughts and changed me once again. "The first step of obedience is faith; the first step of faith is obedience." I knew that I had faith in Him and what he tells me to do, so I knew I would be obedient in doing it. So this past Sunday, June 2, 2013, I got my strength from the Lord and got baptized in front of my church friends and could not have been more ecstatic!! Just the freedom and the weight being lifted off my chest was more than I could have ever asked for. I knew what I was doing was in obedience in what God told me to do, and I felt it. I was not nervous or anything walking up which totally surprised me, but then it didn't. God was with me and gave me the confidence I needed to do it. He has shown Himself to me in so many ways and stays with me through it all. I am a sinner by nature, but I have been redeemed!!.
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ~ Acts 2:38
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The Rascal Flatts' song "Changed" says it all..
I came up out of the water
Raise my Hands up to the father
Gave it all to him that day
Felt a new wind kiss my face
Walked away, Eyes wide open
Could finally see where I was going
Didn't matter where I been I'm not the same man I was then.
I got off track, I made mistakes
Back slid my way into that place where souls get lost
Lines get crossed
and the pain won't go away
I hit my knees,
Now here I stand
There I was, now here I am
Here I am
Changed
I am currently in two small groups in which I am in love with. I am also reading, "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson and have been blown away by only the first few chapters. I definitely cannot wait to dig in and see what else it can show me. My prayer life has already changed and I cannot wait for God to really show me things while I am learning to change my prayer life. :)
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All this being said, I am thankful for my life and what it has brought me to. Yes there have been mistakes, and there will be plenty more, but I know He loves me and will forgive me as soon as I confess. While I am still struggling a bit with my insecurities, I am finding that I am whole and complete in God and it gives me comfort. God is great, wonderful, powerful, loving, enduring, and most of all forgiving. I am thankful that He loved me so much, that he sent his son to die on the cross for little ole me. :) (John 3:16)
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