God has done so much in my life. I don’t even know where to start. I came from a background of sexual abuse as a child from an alcoholic step-father. I didn't go to church when I was a kid unless I was at my grandparents and they took me. So, when I got up and on my own, I lived my life doing a lot of partying and running wild and not answering to anyone. After what I went through, I wanted to "enjoy life" and see what it was really all about. At the age of 26, I grew up a lot. My mother (by then was divorced) had a major stroke in August of ’87 and became completely disabled and I had to step in and take over all her stuff and mine too. I also meet someone, fell in love and then had my son by the time I was 28. I went from not having any responsibilities to having a lot really fast. My son was a year and half old before I married his father. And about a year after that in Sept of 91, I had my daughter.

On February 17, 1995, I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I realized that not only did I need Jesus in my life but so did my children. My son came to the Lord in May of 1996 and then my daughter in Aug of 1998. My husband was an alcoholic and after 12 years total, he left. I had stayed with him because that was what you were supposed to do. Alcoholism is a sickness and I made a vow when I got married, so I stayed. But, he met someone else that "didn’t mind his drinking" so he moved in with her in Feb of 1999. During this time, we were going to a church that turned their back on me for being separated and getting divorced. I was bitter, I was alone with 2 kids, a mom to take care of, and a "why was this happening to me" attitude. So I turned away from God.

I remember one night after crying for hours and hours that something had to give. I wanted everything to end, mainly me. Then I remembered that there was this EASE line, Emergency Assistance Suppose for Employees, that my work had set up for their employees. I called it and a girl named Michelle was on the other end of the phone. When I called I told her just how I felt that I wanted my life to end. She talked to me for 2 ½ hours. She told me that she was a Christian and that not only was she there for me to talk to but that God was there too. I was reminded of the awesome responsible I had with raising my kids and taking care of my mom and who would they have if I was no longer around. So, I started going to another church after that night and went for several months until the church decided to fired their pastor. I was totally against them doing that, so I quit going to church.

In August of 2000, my divorce was finally. I struggled for 2 years as a single mom of 2 and having to take care of my mother. Then, by the grace of God, I met Mike. I tell him that he is my Prince Charming but I know that he was given to me by God, that he was my answered prayer. God placed him in my life at a time that I not only needed him but could really appreciate him after all I had been through and what my kids had been through. We meet 2 weeks before my divorce was final and married 8 months later. Now after 7 ½ years of marriage, I know that God was there the whole time, that He paved the way for us to be together and everything fell into place. Our house, my job, everything. He worked it all out. See, I lived in Nashville, TN and Mike lived in Frederick, MD, 650 miles away from each other. There was never a doubt as to who was moving or where we were going to live or where I was going to work. He just worked it all out. I got laid off at my job with a great severance package, the second house we looked at is where we are living, and the first job I applied for I got.

Mike had not been going to church either but after we got married, we decided that we needed to be back in church and to set an example for "our" kids. We visited several churches before coming to First Baptist Church of Thurmont, but from the very first visit, we knew that is where we needed to be. We have had some trying times during the last almost 8 years but we know God has His hands in our lives. It has not been the easiest thing "blending" a family, but Mike was willing to step up to the plate. He loves my kids and he loved my mother as if she were his. We are all so blessed because of having Jesus in our lives.

Mike has had the opportunity to go on several mission trips and play drums again, both of which he loves to do. I have been able to be more involved with the women’s fellowship and fellowship committee at our church. Our lives are not perfect but we know we are blessed and know that we CAN do anything with Jesus at our side. I know that the road ahead is not always going to be easy and we will struggle at times. Whether it be with worries over finances, sickness or whatever, BUT I know God will always be there for us to lean on. My favorite hymn is Amazing Grace. Because you see, I was lost in the world and by God's Amazing Grace and Love I am found in Him and will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Philippians 4:13 "I (We) can do everything through him who gives me (us) strength"

May God bless each and every one of you; too and always know that He will be there for you too if you just let Him. You see I felt that I was never worthy of His love but as bad as my past was, He took mercy on me and saved me and He will you too if you will let Him. All you have to do is be willing to ask. John 3:16 is there for EVERYONE, even you.