Introduction

When I was in college, I attended various churches and Sabbath Schools within my denomination - The Seventh-day Adventists.  I struggled with wanting to be there.  It seemed pointless.  A place to show off as well as go through the motions. Sure some things reached my soul: a favorite teacher at sabbath school, praise songs... yet something was missing.

Then a concerned friend took me to the church she attended.  At first I was jealous of the love, caring, and amazing atmosphere I found there.  I felt invisible among my peers and those older than me who discussed enthusiastically the topic in sabbath school.  The praise music reached me though as I witnessed those around me worshipping for God and not to show off themselves.  Then the sermons started getting through to me as layer after layer of the walls around my heart were breached.  The pastor (and others who gave the sermon) actually cared about those listening.

I had found a place where Bible discussions were in-depth.  You could talk about things or viewpoints that weren't "traditional" and have them considered honestly.  You were accepted for who you were and after awhile I found myself wanting to be a better person.  I had found a church family that actually practiced their faith.

Then I graduated and got a job overseas.  Suddenly I found myself in a land of another culture.  I can't understand the language and there are no deep discussions involving anything, much less the Bible.  Crushed, I slowly felt myself sinking.  Wishing for nothing more than to return to my beloved church, I stopped looking outside myself.

Then God began to get through to me.  I needed to learn to lean on Him, not a church denomination or even a church family.  Sure those things are nice, but a relationship with Him is what those things are based on.

So the purpose of this blog is simple:  A way for me to share with others as well as remind myself what I am learning.  Also, knowing that others can keep track of me from here, I'll be more likely to keep up with my devotions and Bible studies.  It isn't that I don't want to... but rather that I am a rather lazy person at times even to my own detriment.

Blog readers, feel free to read what I write.  Share my blog address if you wish.  And if you want to leave any comments... I would be most honored.  I'll even set the settings so you can leave a comment without an account.