| Author | Message | ||
| Lrcrabtree Registered user Username: Lrcrabtree Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2007  |
I grew up in an Adventist home. My parents had converted before I was born. I have since learned that my oldest brother still bears a grudge against them because when they converted they began to limit his time with our grandparents, whom he idolized. I never really got to know them; my grandmother died before I was born, and I didn't realize that I could have spent more time with my grandfather, except that he was not an adventist so we didn't associate with him. I went to Adventist schools all my life (except for one semester in high school when I got expelled from the Adventist school). In 1972 when I graduated from high school, I moved out, got married and didn't go back to church for the next 30 YEARS! I got a really good job in the fire service and (looking back now, I know that God made sure that) I had a really good life, all things considered. I always knew that something was missing, that I wanted to be a good person, and that Jesus was real. I just couldn't give up the ways of the world and at the same time reconcile all that I had been brainwashed with for 18 years. About 10 years ago when my two youngest children were little, I knew that I needed Jesus, so I tried the Adventist church in Sacramento. Pastor Doug Bachelor is an inspiring and awesome preacher and storyteller, but that didn't fill the hole in my heart. I went once when my parents visited us, and once more after I separated from my wife. But it just didn't feel right. I always told myself, and anyone who would listen, that I would not be one of those hypocrites who went to church on Sabbath, but didn't really believe or follow ALL of the commandments and rules. I couldn't bring myself to be that 'two-faced' about it, so I didn't do any of it! About 6 years ago I met a lady on Match.com who is now my wife. She listed her top priority as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. I had listed my top priority as my children, and my second priority as church / religion / Jesus, although I don't think that I really knew what I was writing at the time that I wrote it. We hit it off, emailed for a while, met for lunch in Old Sacramento, and the rest is history. She took me to the church that she and her Aunt and Uncle attended. It was large and non-denominational - clearly Biblically based and Christian. She told me that her uncle would be wearing docker shorts and flip-flops, but that he bought new flip-flops once a year for church. I thought that she was kidding - boy was I wrong. I was flabbergasted by the music that I heard and relaxed atmosphere both with the leadership and those in attendance. Long story short: We are happily married, live in the Sacramento, California area and currently attend the First Baptist Church, although we have attended 3 other, non-denominational churches in our area (now there's another story in here, but I'll save it for later). That's about it. Just kidding, I got a million stories from a very exciting and interesting life that God has given me. Lots of mistakes, but NOW I know that God forgives, and I'm saved by grace, not grace + works. Larry Chapter Two: How I Found FAF | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3228 Registered: 3-2004  |
Larry, I always find it awesome in how God brings a person to him. He knows exactly what to do for each individual. Thanks for sharing your journey with Jesus Christ. I look forward to the rest of it. God is always awesome. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5174 Registered: 12-2003  |
Thanks for your openness in sharing your story, Larry. I'm looking forward to the next installment! Colleen | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 279 Registered: 8-2006 |
Again, welcome, Larry, and thank you for sharing your story. God does work all the events in our life to bring us to Him, as Diana says. Share as much with us as you feel led to. Is that a fire service uniform you are wearing? (my old eyes can't see the small pics that well  ) Susan | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 359 Registered: 6-2006  |
Hi Larry! Welcome. Tell us how you found FAF!!! Leigh Anne |
