My faith

This is a photo of a Bible, though not my Bible. I took it in a hotel room for promotional materials for a women's retreat for my church.

This represents a very important aspect of my life, my faith in Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.

I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every week. I "asked Jesus into my heart" as a 6 year old in Sunday School. While I believe that what I did was genuine, I know that it was a basic faith. In junior high I really made my relationship my own, not just something that was there because of my parents. I was lucky enough to attend a Christian school, and one that really did a great job of exposing us to the world and challenging us to think rather than keeping us in a protective bubble.

When I went to University, I was challenged in my faith, but encouraged by the opportunities to grow and be mentored. After I graduated, I participated in a one year discipleship program in Branson, Missouri. My faith was really challenged and stretched while there. I moved back home and taught for 9 years. Each summer I went on a mission trip. I went to Russia, Spain, Guatemala and Japan sharing the gospel, working with kids and the poor. It was a great experience.

Now that I am married and a mom, I am not able to go on mission trips but we are very involved in our church. We have been involved in a young married Sunday school class and community group and I have been on the board of the Women's Ministry. I also completed a Certificate Program at Dallas Theological Seminary.

My faith has helped me to get through some challenging times. I am thankful to the Lord for what he has done in my life. I am thankful that I live in a country where I am free to worship and study the Bible.