~Testimony~

Well, I have been having troubles sleeping here recently. I thought I would take this chance to tell you all my testimony and a little bit of why I am who I am today.

I was saved at an early age. It was May 13th 1999. I was six years old, in first grade and lived in Virginia. It was a either a Monday or Thursday, and the only reason I remember that is because I remember going to a Sunday School or Awana classes the day before. In my class I remember the teacher teaching a lesson about Heaven and Hell. We went to this little copy room, in our small group. I sat on top of the copier and she had us imagine how dark and scary hell us. She turned off the lights and everything. (I was very scared, mainly of the dark!) That night I had a horrible night mare. I remember it to this day! I woke up when I felt my stomach leave my body and I felt like I was falling. My first thoughts were I am going to hell! The next morning I went to my mom crying. She asked me what was wrong and I told her I was going to hell. I don't remember what exactly she said. I entered in my Dad's computer room, where my mom was, and sat on her lap, where she led me to the Lord. That day I knew I was saved! I do believe I was somewhat scared into salvation, but fear doesn't save you! The fear just got me to listen and pay better attention. Because I was young I really didn't see much of a difference in my life.

Shortly after we moved to Middle Tennessee I got Baptized; it wasn't until I was in the third grade. I have for the most part always been in church. For a time I was even considered a staff kid.

In 2005 I began to struggle some. It was the year we started to grow up some and my Mom professed salvation. My mom called one night while away at my church's ladies retreat. I answered the phone to hear her crying. Me being who I am thought something was wrong. She told she had gotten saved. I was very surprised! I thought wait a minute, your my mom! You've already been saved! Satan then really started playing tricks in my head! I thought if mom did the salvation plan with me and she wasn't saved then I must not be saved...I struggled for that for a few weeks.

A few weeks later I was going to Jr. Church. When I got to the doors of my class there was a big table in the middle of the door way. The first thing I did was try to move it. haha The first thing my children's pastor, Bro. Jerry said was, "Amanda! Don't you go and move my table now. I put that there for a reason." then he laughed till he was purple. (-If you know him, you know that is normal.:)-) His message that morning was on taking the path less traveled. He used that table as an example for us kids to see what path we took with out knowing. He then talked about how no one can take that path for you, it was something only you were allowed to do for yourself. Bro. Jerry explained to us that there was not one person in this whole wide world that could get us to heaven. The only way we could get there was though the grace and saving power of Jesus Christ.

John 10:27-29

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."

That day I learned a lesson I will never soon forget! I apologized to the Lord that day.

A few years past and as a grew strong some weeks I back slid others. I became less personal with God and more into a routine. At the WILDS camp in 2008 I rededicated my life to the Lord.

I've had my highs and lows. I sure have seen the Lord do great things! I have been working in the children ministries since I was in them myself. I love those kids!  He has been working so much in and through me. I'm glad that He is still working and isn't done yet. I know that for a fact, because when He is done, I won't be here. I will be home!

John 14:2-3

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."