Part Two

Okay, this long story is getting really looooong. Lemme try to finish up by giving the highlights.

After Johnny left, my world kinda fell apart. What I knew and the person that I was all changed at once. I got into a relationship that was emotionally, physically, and spiritually detrimental to me. But even in the midst of all that, God called my name again. I don't know how long the relationship with that guy went on before this, but I do remember a particular day very clearly. I was riding in the car with my mom and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" came on the radio. I always used to describe that as my song with God. That was "our song". When I heard it, I knew it was time for me to return to Him. And that day was the beginning of coming back to who I really am.

When Scott came to our church, I was still working my way back to that fearless, "Jesus freak girl" from high school. I had determined when Brother Johnny left that I would never be that close to a youth pastor again, because it hurt so much when they left. I think I fell even harder for Scott and Laura than I had for Johnny and Sheri...but I digress. I was having some "relationship troubles" with whichever guy it was that I was dating at the time (sad that something that was important at the time really isn't now). The important thing was, this guy and I were struggling with our relationship. And I went to Scott about it. I don't remember exactly what he said to me, but I do remember him talking about our purpose and about what our lives are really supposed to be about. I didn't understand everything that he said because he was so on a different spiritual level than I was. But I was intrigued and inspired by what he said. Shortly thereafter, I broke off the relationship and began really seeking after God. I began working for Scott and Laura, getting very involved in ministry at the church, and figuring out who God wanted me to be. (Also, beginning in my high school years, Daniel and I were friends. He was always there for me. Satan tried to come in between that relationship many times, and almost succeeded a few times. But God had bigger plans for us.)

I was just struck today by how many times God rescued me...how many times I should have lost it all. How many times Satan tried to "derail" me, and couldn't. He still tries it. He just tried when Scott passed away. He also tried when I lost my job. He tried to get me to lose hope, lose faith, and turn my back on God. He has tried to destroy me so many times because he knows that God has great plans for me. But each time he tries to come against me, it's just like the Bible says, "the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard against him". God may let him try and test me, but he won't allow him to take me out spiritually. God will finish the good work He began in me. I can't wait to see what His plans are.
He has already restored my relationship with my dad, given me a wonderful husband and a beautiful child. He has given us a ministry (or two) in our church, and has blessed us beyond measure in so many other ways. I am forever grateful that He saw who I was and still recognized potential in me.