I am so thankful my mom and dad made sure I was in church every Sunday. My mom’s parents and my dad’s parents were all Christians, and they faithfully attended church. My Aunt Lynn, who lived across the road, read the Bible to me every time I went to visit. God was gracious in placing godly people all around me. Loving Jesus and knowing He died on the cross came easy because I was taught that everywhere I went.

During Vacation Bible School I felt Jesus knocking on the door of my heart. All of the children were singing the song, “Trust and Obey,” and I remember just standing there, not moving at all. The gentle knock I felt in my heart turned into a pounding. I remember walking down the aisle of the church, and I told the preacher I believe Jesus died on the cross and He arose from His grave, and I told the preacher I wanted to open the door of my heart and let Jesus live in there forever. I could not wait to get home and call everyone and tell them I was a Christian and I was going to be baptized.

I was seven years old the day God saved me and since that day I have failed Him so many times, but that is why Jesus died on the old rugged cross. He knew I would fail Him, and He knew that I, on my own, could never be good enough no matter how hard I tried. I do not believe Jesus lives just because that is what my family taught me. I know He lives because I myself have experienced Him as a Perfect Friend, Comforter, Provider, Healer, Protector, Shield, Strength, and as Perfect Peace. I am so thankful that God gave His only Son. And because I believe and have a relationship with Him I will live with Him forever one day, and I will get to see all of my grandparents and my Aunt Lynn again when I move to where they live—heaven.