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Raw milk is such a controversial topic! Some people, like me, rave about its many benefits. Others, especially google, say that it’s dangerous and should be avoided.

So, what is raw milk? Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized – straight from the cow! Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria, while homogenization is a process that breaks down fat molecules to create a uniform texture. Raw milk is usually produced by small-scale, local farmers who use sustainable and humane practices.

So, why raw milk?

• It is nutrient-rich: full of vitamins and minerals. Raw milk contains up to 5x more vitamin C than pasteurized milk.
• It is better for digestion: it contains beneficial bacteria and enzymes that can improve digestion and support gut health. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that raw milk consumption was associated with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal infections in children. Not to mention those who have lactose intolerance, like me, have no issues with raw milk!
• It is immune boosting: it contains natural antibodies that can help support a healthy immune system. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who drank raw milk had a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies.
• It can lower the risk of allergies: Studies have shown that children who drink raw milk have a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who drank raw milk had a 41% lower risk of developing asthma.
• It tastes delicious: a survey conducted by the Weston A. Price Foundation showed that over 80% of raw milk consumers preferred the taste of raw milk to pasteurized milk.

The benefits of raw milk are for everyone! Whether you:

• have lactose intolerance – it contains lactase, an enzyme that can help break down lactose and make it easier to digest.
• are an athlete – it is a great source of protein and can help support muscle growth and recovery.
• have kids or are pregnant – it is nutrient dense and immune boosting that can support the health and development of kids and unborn babies.

So, where can you find raw milk? It can get a bit tricky due to the regulations. It differs from state to state, but when there is a will, there is a way! The Real Milk Finder is a great website for finding raw milk in your area. Another great way to find milk is to check in your local Facebook groups. That’s how I found mine! One of the biggest benefits of raw milk is that it can support local farmers. When you purchase raw milk from a local farm, you’re supporting a small business and investing in your local community. I am so happy to support the family I buy from and look forward to picking up my milk every week!

If you are still skeptical, here are three common myths that could use some debunking!

Myth #1: Raw milk is unsafe to drink.

The truth is that raw milk can be safely consumed if it comes from a clean, healthy cow and is handled properly. In fact, raw milk from grass-fed cows is less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria than milk from factory-farmed cows. If you buy from a farmer you trust, there is no need to fear. Farmers are often very transparent and will let you tour the farm so you can see for yourself the state of the land, cleanliness and how they treat their cows.

Myth #2: Raw milk causes foodborne illness.

While raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, the risk of foodborne illness can be greatly reduced by following proper handling and storage procedures. It’s important to buy raw milk from a trusted source and keep it refrigerated – as it says above.

Myth #3: Pasteurization is necessary to make milk safe.

While pasteurization can kill harmful bacteria, it can also destroy beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Pasteurized milk is also often homogenized, which can result in a less nutritious product.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it interesting!

Until next time ❤

As wives, we know that we have a profound impact on our homes, but I don’t think we always realize how big that impact is. Proverbs 14:1 says, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” This got me to thinking about what that looks like. I’m sure you can think of examples of the foolish woman and the things she does that tears her house down. What does the wise woman look like? Maybe some specific examples of women pop in your mind? I want to be a wise woman who builds her house! Either way, we make an impact in our homes, which in turn, impacts our family. Will it be a positive impact or a negative one? I want to strive to build my house, not tear it down.

When it comes to my husband, I know that my love, support, and encouragement play a significant role in his life. There’s something else that also plays a significant role. Prayer.

How often do I genuinely lift him up in prayer? It’s easy to get caught up in the business of life, but prayer requires humility and a willingness to set aside our pride and examine our heart. We should challenge ourselves to be intentional about interceding for our husbands and experience the blessings that can happen through our prayers. Whether that blessing is something good that the Lord gives to us, or something He reveals to us, like a blind spot.

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start or what specifically to pray for. We aren’t supposed to approach God with all the things “wrong” with our husband and all the ways he needs to change. Our prayers should come from a place of humility – ask for the Lord to make him more like Christ. Quite frankly, the prayers we pray for our husbands are probably applicable to us too!

Simplifying things helps me feel less overwhelmed. I know it sounds cheesy, but when I break it up like this, its so practical!

Praying for your husband from head to toe:

Pray for his head. Ask God to grant him wisdom, discernment, and clarity of mind. Pray that his thoughts would align with God’s truth and that he would make decisions rooted in godly wisdom. In Philippians 4:8, it says, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Pray for his eyes. Pray and ask God to guard what he sees and fix his gaze upon things that are pleasing to God. Pray that his eyes would be a source of love, compassion, and discernment. In Psalm 119:37, it says, “Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways.”

Pray for his ears. Lift up his ears in prayer, asking God to tune them to His voice. Pray that he would have the ability to discern between truth and deception. Ask that he would listen attentively to God’s leading and the needs of those around him. In Proverbs 2:2, it says, “Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding.”

Pray for his mouth. Pray that his words would be filled with kindness, encouragement, and truth. Ask God to guide his speech and use it to build up others. In Ephesians 4:29, it says, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Pray for his heart. Pray that Christ would dwell in his heart and that he would love God wholeheartedly. Ask God to help him love others, including you, with genuine affection. In Mark 12:30-31, Jesus says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Pray for his arms. Pray for the work that he does. Pray that God would strengthen his arms, both in his physical endeavors and spiritual battles. Ask for God’s favor on his labor, that it may be fruitful and bring glory to the Lord. In Psalm 90:17, it says, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands.”

Pray for his legs. Pray for endurance and strength for his legs, both in his physical pursuits and in his spiritual life. Ask God to help him run the race of life with perseverance, without growing weary. In Isaiah 40:31, it says, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”

Pray for his feet—his path and his choices. Ask God to guide his steps, leading him away from temptation and toward righteousness, peace, and truth. In Psalm 119:105, it says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Praying for our husbands is an incredible privilege and responsibility. Our prayers make a difference! So, commit to praying consistently and fervently for your husband, knowing that it isn’t for nothing and it does make a difference!

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤

Fathers are so important. They are essential and make such a big impact on their children. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau about 1 in 4 children live without a father in the home. This translates to nearly 25% of all children in the United States experiencing fatherlessness. The U.S. Department of Justice states that approximately 85% of youths in prison come from fatherless homes. These statistics are an obvious reminder of what a crucial role fathers play in shaping their children’s lives.

The presence of a father adds depth, humor, and vibrancy to a child’s life. As a mother, I have come to deeply appreciate the unique things that my husband, as a father, brings to our daughter’s world. It’s the little things—the silly faces, the tickle fights, and the spontaneous adventures—that make her eyes light up with pure joy. Psalm 127:3 says: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Our children are truly a gift from God, and fathers play an instrumental role in nurturing their hearts and shaping their character.

As women, it can be easy to be overly critical of our husbands and their parenting styles. I know I can be quick to judge when he’s playing a bit too rough, pushed nap time while I was gone, didn’t wipe her messy face or dressed her in a mismatched outfit as were walking out the door. When I thought about these examples, I felt so convicted. I was being so critical! My husband wasn’t doing anything “wrong.” These things aren’t a huge deal! It’s so important to remind myself of the bigger picture – he’s present, loves her and is pouring into her.

Although our society would say otherwise, men and women are different. The Lord made us different on purpose. Our roles as husband and wife are different, as well as our roles as Mom and Dad. This isn’t true across the board, but generally mothers tend to be more nurturing, care more about daily routines like nap time, are more talkative, match outfits or put hair in pigtails better, and maybe even multitask better. These qualities are irreplaceable. You know what else is irreplaceable? Dads who play and rough house, teach problem solving skills, encourage independence, are role models for their sons and show their daughters how they should be treated – or even something as silly as the way they “neigh” when reading a book about horses.

So, stop being critical of how your husband parents. I’m talking to myself too! Men and women are different as are fathers and mothers, and it’s okay. Let us embrace the messy moments, the bed-head hair, and the pushed nap times or whatever it is that irks you. These imperfections prove a father’s willingness to dive into hands on parenting. It’s in these seemingly small moments that deep bonds are formed, and memories are made. Choose gratitude and contentment, knowing that their love and dedication shape our children’s lives in ways we never could ourselves as moms. I think we should foster more moments where our husbands can truly be dads with their kids. Maybe this means we run away for a few hours or maybe they run away for a few hours. Quality time like this is important.

Today is a day where we celebrate and appreciate the fathers in our lives. They bring color, humor, and love to our children’s world. Instead of being overly critical, let’s choose gratitude and contentment, knowing that their love and dedication shape our children’s lives in ways we sometimes can’t fully comprehend. As we honor the fathers who strive to be the best they can be, let’s remember Proverbs 23:24: “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” We need to bless and uplift the fathers who walk in integrity, as they leave a legacy for generations to come.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤

Friendship is truly an incredible bond, isn’t it? It brings so much joy, support, and companionship to our lives. To form genuine friendships, we need to take an active role and sometimes even be a little assertive. It’s important to have a willingness to reach out and initiate conversations. Being proactive in making friends is a key part of this. The goal is to cultivate deep and meaningful friendships that enrich our lives.

When I think back to my childhood, I feel truly blessed. My siblings and I had the sweetest elderly neighbors who became bonus grandparents to us. Despite the physical obstacles between our houses, like trees, branches, and tall grass, we managed to create a well-traveled path by constantly crossing back and forth. We affectionately named it “the friendship path.” It reminds me that the journey to forming lasting friendships can sometimes be just like that path. We often encounter barriers such as shyness, fear of rejection, social awkwardness, or even physical distance. But it’s important to acknowledge these challenges and remember that they can be overcome with perseverance and genuine intentions. Just like the friendship path, friendship takes time, care, and dedication to develop. It’s a truly beautiful analogy.

When it comes to the topic of friendship, I automatically think of Sally Clarkson. Sally has moved around a lot in her life and has mastered the art of making lasting friendships. She emphasizes the importance of taking the first step in building friendships, just like Jesus did during His earthly ministry. Jesus showed genuine interest in people’s lives and initiated conversations with them. We can follow His example and make an effort to step out of our comfort zones. A simple “hello” or initiating a conversation can go a long way in showing our genuine interest in others. God has placed us here on this earth for a purpose, and one of those purposes is to connect with others so we can make His name known.

One of Sally’s books is called “Girls’ Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World,” a book she wrote with her two daughters. This book gave me a lot of great insight. I learned that friendship is not something that just happens to you. You have to be proactive and take the lead. You can’t sit around waiting for the perfect time or place to come along. You can’t wait for the right church, school, or job to magically bring people into your life. And you definitely can’t wait for someone to come up to you and start a conversation. It’s important to take the next step yourself and to be willing to step out of your comfort zone. One of the key factors is showing genuine interest in others. Ask questions. Find out what they like and love. Be an engaged listerner. 

Friendship takes patience and persistence. We need to remember that friendships don’t develop overnight. Instead, they grow through shared moments, memories, mutual support, and investing in each other’s lives. Don’t get discouraged by the initial barriers or setbacks we may encounter.

Another one of Sally’s books that has been an encouragement to me is called “The Lifegiving Home,” and in it, she emphasizes the value of hospitality in creating relationships. Inviting someone into your home creates a safe, intimate space where deeper connections can flourish. It allows for genuine conversations and meaningful moments that are often hard to replicate in public settings. Sally has some wonderful tips on hospitality too. She suggests small gestures of care, like baking cookies or perfecting your craft of making a great cup of coffee or tea. This shows others you value their presence and are invested in their well-being. It’s these acts of kindness that nurture a sense of belonging and strengthen the foundation of lasting friendships. This is so crucial as hospitality is truly a lost art. 

As I reflect on the friendship path between my childhood home and our neighbor’s house, it truly became a symbol of the deep bond we shared. And in the Bible, there are verses that beautifully speak about the importance of friendship. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Another verse that comes to mind is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

So, my prayer is to be humble and brave, allowing the Lord to use me in making His name known to everyone I meet. I want to be a light and encouragement, taking the time to listen, being slower to speak, and quicker to hear. Friendship is undoubtedly a precious gift from God that brings immense joy and fulfillment to our lives. From taking the first step in initiating conversations to extending invitations and investing in the lives of others, we can build deep and meaningful friendships. Let’s embrace the power of friendship and create lasting connections that enrich our lives, just as God intended.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤

Life often presents us with overwhelming challenges, leaving us feeling isolated and burdened. Yet, in these moments, we have the opportunity to embrace vulnerability and seek support from trusted friends. I had a day like this recently. Many things were weighting on my heart and mind. I felt so overwhelmed! Things about motherhood, marriage, life in general – a multitude of things.

I’m sure you’ve had a day like this. Instead of succumbing to despair, I decided I wanted to use my head instead of following my heart. I reached out to my husband during his lunch break, longing for understanding and a lift in my spirits. However, as the conversation unfolded, I realized that he couldn’t fully grasp my emotions. He tried hard to understand where I was coming from, but he couldn’t understand why I felt the way I did and how to encourage me. I felt frustrated, but I was upset and did need to talk to someone.

I decided to muster up some courage and turn to a few of my closest friends. It took a lot of vulnerability and some effort, but I knew that opening up and sharing my struggles would be the first step towards finding comfort and encouragement. I also knew that I could depend on these friends to tell me the truth and set me straight if I was just being dramatic. So, I texted an SOS to three close friends explaining my situation. My friends listened wholeheartedly, offering unwavering support, empathy, and understanding without an ounce of judgment. Their genuine care and godly advice was so refreshing. They shared their own experiences, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. I felt heard, loved and encouraged to re-focus my eyes on the Lord. Because of this, I realized the strength and power of godly friendships.

Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Whatever earthly struggles we have are meant to bring us closer to Him. I truly believe that the Lord wants us to have friends exactly for this reason! Not only to encourage us, but for us to encourage too, as well as bear one another’s burdens. We’re meant to invest in peoples lives. This is a big reason why the church exists! What happened was exactly what I hoped and I felt so encouraged by it! My friends were understanding, gave godly advice, and a gentle kick to get back up.

Proverbs 27:9 says “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

In sharing this, it is important to emphasize that I don’t undermine the significance of a spouse’s support. It’s not that husbands can’t help, but its unkind to put expectations on them of fulfilling and helping you in a way a godly girl friend can. Men and women are different and sometimes we forget that we have specific strengths and weaknesses. Through this, I came to appreciate the godly friendships I have with other women. Friendships like these are vital!

When life presents us with its trials, we must remember the profound strength we gain from reaching out and cultivating godly friendships. Sharing our burdens with trusted friends grants us solace, renewed perspectives, unwavering encouragement, and at times what we need, tough love. While our spouses undoubtedly play a crucial role in our lives, the connections we forge with godly women can provide us with wonderful support. Together, we can find comfort, grow spiritually, and navigate life’s challenges with renewed hope and resilience.

There is so much power in simply reaching out. There’s no need to feel alone, isolated or just do it all by yourself. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of vulnerability and effort for a friendship to flourish. Who can you reach out to today?

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤️

Think about the last time you received a physical card in the mail. I mean, a real, tangible card that someone took the time to write and send to especially to you. Did it warm your heart? Did it make you feel excited, happy, and valued? Because we’re so tech-focused nowadays, we often forget the power of personal connections. Writing letters is a beautiful way to invest in people’s lives. In my previous blog post, I touched on how being hospitable is a great way to invest in others. Today, let’s explore another wonderful way to reach out to others—writing letters.

Writing letters does take more time than shooting a text to someone, but the overall experience is definitely worth it. It’s an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and truly connect with people on a deeper level. When we take the time to craft thoughtful messages and put them on paper, we show our loved ones that they areare worth our time and effort. It’s also a great way to show them God’s love through our actions. One of my favorite parts of writing letters is going to the post office for stamps. Sometimes they have really cute designs. It’s a little detail, but it adds an extra touch of love and thoughtfulness. I also LOVE customizing return address labels. You can go for fancy pre-made labels or even get a custom stamp! It’s these small personal touches that make your letter stand out and show your recipient that you put extra thought and care into it. 

In our fast-paced, digital-driven world, letter writing has become a lost art. In a world where emails and messages can be easily forgotten, a heartfelt letter stands out and leaves a lasting impact. It’s amazing how a simple letter can brighten someone’s day, uplift their spirits, and remind them that they are cherished.

There was a time when I used to do this every week, reaching out to someone with a letter to encourage them, but I’ve fallen out of the habit. However, I plan to rekindle this tradition once again. So, I want to find at least one person each week to write a letter to, someone who could use some words of encouragement and love. I believe that by reestablishing this habit, I can not only bring joy to others but also grow closer to the Lord by having a heart of thankfulness. Instead of been selfish and only thinking about me, it is great to shift focus towards encouraging others. I find that when I do that, I am encouraged! 

Won’t you join me? Pick up a pen, buy or make beautiful cards, get creative with stamps and labels, and let others experience God’s love through our words and actions. Let’s reignite the art of letter writing and be a light in this dark world.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤️

This Mother’s Day was my second! More important and special than my first. My daughter was about three months old last year and it was quiet and sweet! I say this year was more important and special because I was reminded of a valuable lesson. To have a childlike faith.

We went out for dinner to celebrate and as I sat there at the dinner table, feeding my daughter, I had a moment of realization: she effortlessly trusts me to take care of her. She doesn’t worry about being fed, clothed, or comforted because she knows, without a doubt, that I am there for her. She knows she will be nurtured, taken care of and loved. This made me think of the nature of my relationship with God. Just as my daughter confidently relies on me, I should have that same unwavering trust in the Lord. What we can learn from the innocent trust of a child, is to approach God without hesitation or reservation, knowing that He will take care of us.

Watching my daughter at the table, taking in her surroundings with curiosity, I laughed but was then humbled when she opened her mouth without hesitation or making eye contact, expecting the next bite. In the same way, I should be ready to receive the provisions that God has in store for me, even when they may not match my expectations. In that moment, I had to gather my emotions and hold back tears. I was just thinking about financial concerns, questioning how certain goals would be met and how expenses would be covered.

The Lord is our provider, our protector, and our loving guide. He sees our needs, both big and small, and He is faithful to provide abundantly. We don’t have to worry or be anxious, for His love for us is immeasurable, and His care knows no bounds. Thinking about these things made me remember Matthew 6:25-34 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

A child’s trust in their parents is marked by simplicity, innocence, and complete dependence. What a great example for us! Our relationship with God thrives when we approach Him with the same childlike trust!

Sometimes as we grow older, we often lose that childlike faith that previously came natural to us. We become jaded by disappointments and struggles, and our trust in God wavers. But when we face those challenges with a childlike faith in God, we can find strength and hope in Him. We need to let go of our worries, doubts, and preconceived notions of how things should be. We can trust that He will guide us through every situation, and that He will provide for us – sometimes in ways that we never thought possible.

Who knew that such a simple moment would open my eyes! It’s funny to think that my daughter taught me a valuable lesson about faith. As a mom, I often feel the weight of responsibility in teaching and guiding my child, but in moments like these, I realize that she has a lot to teach me as well. Her unwavering trust and simple reliance on me, serve as a beautiful reminder of the kind of faith I should have in the Lord. As we navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties, we can find solace in knowing that God is our loving provider. By embracing a faith that mirrors the trust of a child, we can experience peace, joy, and the assurance that our needs will be met.

So, let’s embrace the childlike faith! Let’s approach God with unwavering trust, knowing that He’s in control. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, may we find peace in the assurance that our God is our loving provider, protector, and guide. Let us live with open hearts, ready to receive His provisions, and always be willing to learn and grow in faith!

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤

Having moved recently, we started attending a new church and decided to become members. Part of that process is submitting your testimony. The last time I wrote it was when I got baptized in 2011. So it was time for an update anyway! I’m happy to share it cause it shows how the Lord has worked in my life.

I grew up in a Christian home where I regularly attended church with my mom and sister. My earliest memories as a child are memorizing bible verses for AWANA – a weekly kids club our church had. Besides John 3:16, 1 John 4:19 was one of the first verses I ever memorized “we love Him because He first loved us.” It was also one of the first verses my dad memorized which ultimately led to him becoming saved when I was about 4 years old. We all went to church as a family ever since.

When I was about 10 years old, my mom asked me if I was a Christian. I knew the gospel and it had been presented to me many times at church, however I never “prayed the prayer.” I knew that we were sinners in need of a savior, that God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins and if we put our trust in Him, by grace, through faith you can be saved (Rom 3:23, John 3:16, Eph 2:8-9.) Right then and there, my mom led me in prayer to be saved. I’m not really sure if I became saved in that moment, but it opened the door for more theological conversations with my parents in the future.

A year or two later, I remember being up late at night crying to my dad and asking him questions like “but why can I be saved when I’m not a good person? (Rom 3:22-26) Why did he choose me? (Rom 8:28-30) Why do bad things happen to good people?” (Rom 3:10; Rom 8:28; Lam 3:37-39.) All questions about God’s Will and Sovereignty. I wanted answers for all of my why questions – and when some of the answers to specific circumstances weren’t specifically in the Bible, but the answer was simply to have faith that the Lord is in control and He knows, it made me question more. I didn’t like that answer but instead of reading my Bible or praying, I let my pride get in the way and didn’t have any interest in those things. I didn’t have the faith to trust in Him in everything. Looking back at this I’m reminded of Rom 9:19-23.

When I was 14 years old, my paternal grandfather developed lung cancer. A few months into his diagnosis, he became saved! This was an amazing thing especially considering that whenever my dad would share the gospel with him, he would shrug it off. He seemed the least likely to be saved in our family. But the Lord did a great work. The chemo appeared to be working and I was very hopeful he would beat cancer. After all, he was now saved so it only made sense in my mind that he would live. A few months later, he wasn’t doing so well and was going downhill. When he passed away, I felt so hurt and betrayed by God. How could he allow this to happen? He was the glue that held together my dysfunctional extended family. How was this a part of the plan? All of those questions I had years ago came up again. It’s so sad to see a loved one deteriorate from such a nasty disease. The Lord is good and he softened my heart enough so that I could see His hand in it all. I began to see all the little blessings in such a difficult situation. One was seeing my dad who lost his father and one of his best friends, have such a godly attitude in the situation. Of course he was sad, but he had faith. He didn’t have answers to all the “whys” but he had faith that this was something the Lord allowed for a reason. Shortly after becoming saved, he made a comment to my dad saying “You know the Bible says that I am a child of God” (John 1:12-13.) A big blessing was that my grandfather was now in eternity with God. It was through this that I began to learn first hand about God’s Sovereignty and Will. Confronting my sin, seeing my need for a savior, how good He is despite how bad we are, how gracious and merciful God is towards us – I couldn’t help but get down on my knees and ask for forgiveness. Was this a moment of becoming saved or rededicating my faith? I’m not sure but I know that from that moment on I truly began walking with the Lord. I was baptized shortly after, on Easter Sunday in 2011.

Since becoming a Christian, I’ve learned that my life is primarily about learning to trust Him in all my circumstances. Sometimes I’m confused and don’t understand His plan, but when I look back I always see that He had me right where I was supposed to be. Some verses I take to heart are Ephesians 1:11-12, Proverbs 16:33 and Proverbs 3:5-7.

Thanks for reading it. I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤