a turn that changed my life forever...

Today is day 6 of the Blogtember Challenge on Story of My Life!   Today's blog prompt asks that you, describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

September 17, 2005

I would never give up an opportunity to tell my testimony over and over again.  This was one of the biggest and most important decisions that I have ever made in my life.  A turn that changed my life forever...

We went to church every Sunday for as long as I can remember.  My parents were and still are great examples of Christians.  but, as a kid I never figured it out...  i was still lost.

I went away to college in June 2001 and freedom grabbed hold of me.  For several years, I lived the 'wild' college days as I'm sure most do.  In 2003, I started focusing more on school, work, and finding new friends.  In 2004 I decided I was tired of being hurt in the dating world and wanted to be single for awhile.  My goal was to not date anyone for at least one year...  I was about to graduate from college, I had job in place after graduation, no debt to worry about, I was happy for the most part.  There was still a part of me that was unhappy, I knew I was missing something in my life.  It wasn't a boyfriend, it wasn't friends, it wasn't a job...  In May of 2005 I thought I would try going to church again.  My roommate went to Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale and loved it.  So one Sunday morning I went by myself.  I remember sitting in this giant church (18K+ membership) and broke down in the pew during a song.  I wish I could remember which song it was, but I knew this was what I was missing.  It wasn't church, but Christ.  He was absent from my life...  Once I started my new job, my supervisor (Erica) and one of my co-workers (Heather) had invited me to their small group bible study.  They had asked a few times and eventually said yes.  These girls were an integral part in start of my Christian walk.  After several months of studying God's word, I was ready to commit my life to Christ.  That fall on September 17, 2005 (almost 8 years ago) I was baptized at Pompano Beach, Florida.  a day I will never forget.  a day that will remind me that I am His for eternity.  

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

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Last year was my and Joe's first year attending Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).  There are over 1,000 classes in 38 different countries, all ages, all races.  We study the same book, the same lesson simultaneously every week around the world.  How awesome is that!  Last year we studied the book of Genesis over 9 month period, with the summer off and we started the book of Matthew yesterday.  Joe and I both came home exhilarated to start a new book and get back into the grove of studying His word.  If you are looking for a great way to learn the bible whether it's your first time or you have studied the bible for a lifetime, bible study draws us closer to God, giving us a better understanding of Himself, His love and His purposes.  You can drop in at anytime!!!  I'd love to hear if you attend somewhere around the world and where?

Linkup: Blogtember @ Story of My Life