Bloggy Tour of Testimonies: The Short Version

I already spent an inordinate amount of time getting my testimony down for my children and my children's children, and it's really toooooooo long to expect most anyone else to want to read in one shot, so here is the short version. Okay, well, the shorter version at least.


I was conceived with a sin nature and began acting on it right out of the womb (if not sooner, I don't remember).

My selfishness only grew as I did.

Spent my teen years hating my parents, my teachers and my friends because -- well, you know, they treated me so unfairly.

Spent my adult years hating bosses, co-workers, other drivers, neighbors, and almost anyone else who crossed my path because -- well, you know, they treated me so unfairly.

All along, I behaved as though I thought that maybe other people didn't actually exist if I wasn't there to see it...kind of like, "Does a tree falling in the forest make any noise if nobody is there to hear it?"

Pursued Self.

Found a partner and we pursued Self together.

Had a baby.

Recognized God in that He created this little life.

By His mercy and though His hovering Spirit, I sensed my separation from Him.

By His grace, I received Jesus to bridge that gap.

Found myself changed at my core, and I don't think it is just because I had matured in age that day.

While I still struggle with temptation at times, I honestly have no desire to pursue my former wickedness because He has changed my heart.

While I still am vulnerable to blind spots and fall into their traps on occassion, I am always grateful for the conviction of sin brought forth by His abiding Spirit, and the power to find victory through the life given me by my Savior.

I do not find repentance a shame -- humiliating, sometimes -- but always a gift and a liberator.

With this new heart, I find I can love others.

With this new heart, I find I can forgive others when they don't reflect Jesus to me, though admittedly it sometimes takes longer and requires more fervent prayers than other times; I do always long to forgive.

With this new heart, I find I can put others' needs above my own -- gladly, even if I am still working on doing it confidently.

And all the while, I anticipate with great joy, the return of Jesus Christ for His bride!