My mini-story: a sinner saved.

Linking up with Becky's blog today. This is so inspiring and I can't even wait to connect with other women through this.

Although I am a young woman still, I had to grow up really fast. Something I have learned over the past 5 years is that putting yourself out there and showing your heart (your real feelings) can allow others to see your struggles and I think thats something everyone can grow through.

I'll start at the beginning...

When I was a sophomore in high school, I met a boy. Things started out great, like every young relationship. But slowly things began to change. We both made terrible decisions and were heading down a bad path. It started to become a very immature and unhealthy relationship. The sad part is? I thought it was totally normal to feel that way. What's even more sad? He probably felt that way too. I really thought that that was what love was (mind you, I was in high school... silly me).

My senior year I was on the verge of depression. I honestly didn't know what my purpose was. Too much had gone on in my life for someone my age to handle, and half of it was my own fault. I lost friends and went through embarrassment beyond belief.  Little did I know I had lots of people praying for my heart, and for me to see the light someday. A very persistent Marie (who I didn't know at the time), went to some of my families church, invited me to church camp. I thought she was crazy! I think I recall telling my family I would never go to something so stupid. But did she give up on me? Never. She called and called until I finally agreed to go to this camp with her (she was a few years older than me).

I left for church camp still dating this certain boy. As the week of camp went, I made some really great friends, and instantly felt the love of Jesus. Over that week, I had a few really incredible moments and really felt the love of God, and His true presence. I got saved that week and knew that my life needed to change drastically. Once I returned home, I broke things off with that boy. It was difficult, because he didn't agree with my new beliefs. I was made fun of and then some...

Let me tell you, I lost a lot of people when I gained Jesus... but you know what? It was worth it. All totally worth it.

I began to hang out with this guy named Caleb (wink)... who had a crush on me since I was in middle school. He had grown up in church and knew how to treat a girl. He made me laugh, smile, and taught me what true love felt like. I made a decision when I came home from camp to get baptized... on the day of my 18th birthday.

It has been an incredible journey since. I am learning every day that God's Love is forgiving, jealous and something I can't even fathom. I get emotional even thinking about the sacrifice He made for me.

I went off to college for 2 years, and after finishing nearly an entire semester I was told I couldn't stay on campus anymore because my loans were denied. It was absolutely heartbreaking. I recently wrote a short post about that here. It was devastating, I didn't understand why it was happening. Shortly after, another life altering event happened... but I'll save that for another day.

My point is.... no matter how hard life is for you in this moment, right now... I promise you, it will get better. I can't even believe the blessings I've been given this past year. A future husband who I can trust, a killer job I have, and a love I can't even begin to understand. Things have NOT been easy, but was it all worth it? Heck yes.

I wanted to just write a brief testimony, and I think this was a good start. Lots of details were spared, maybe I can dive into those another day. But this was a whole lotttaaa serious for just one Monday. Being strong for so long can get tiring, trust me.

If any of you can relate to me or would just ever love to talk.. PLEASE please know that I am here, and will talk to you through the night until the sun comes up. Because thats what someone did for me once, and it changed my life :)

PS- you guys are incredible 50 followers?! yaaayyy! My first little milestone.