I am thankful to have parents who know and desire to serve the Lord. Because of them, I grew up knowing about my Creator and His love for me, but that doesn’t mean that I had this whole “Christianity thing” figured out. They taught me what it meant to love my neighbor as myself and live my life for God. I was involved in my church youth group and went through the church program to make my “profession of faith” in front of my church in December of 1996. It wasn’t until high school that I really understood how to make my faith my own.

I got involved with Campus Life–part of the Youth for Christ organization. I was inspired by being around hundreds of high school students who held the same beliefs that I did. I felt the spirit moving in me and showing me what it was like to completely give my life over to Christ. I attended public school from K-12 and am beyond grateful for the Christian friends with whom God surrounded me.

As I continued growing, I felt really called to go to a Christian university. This was the first time that I really studied the Bible “hard core” and started seeing how God made all things, is in all things, and wants to redeem all things. I met my to-be-husband in college, and we were able to encourage each other in our walks with the Lord. What a blessing! Our goal was always to find a Bible based church that was less of a show and more of a deep dig into the Word of God. I soon realized this was quite different from what I grew up with, which was more of a cultural Christianity, a faith that was based more on feelings and experiences than truly knowing God’s Word and accepting even the hard stances that Christ modeled for us to take. So this “profession of faith” program I went through, though I’m sure was only based on good intentions, where did it come from? About 3 years ago, I was challenged by a pastor to get baptized “if you never had before”, since that’s what the disciples did after they accepted Christ – so I did! Not that my baptism saved me, but it felt good to proclaim my salvation in a way that was modeled for us in the Bible. Through God’s work in our hearts, by means of these great churches we were a part of, we have continued growing stronger in our faith, and we want to live our lives for the One who gave it to us.

As a teacher, I am challenged to examine my life daily as I have hundreds of discipleship opportunities before me – a scary thought, yet an amazing blessing. As a wife, I am challenged to serve selflessly and love unconditionally. As a sister (in-law) and daughter (in-law), I am challenged to pray regularly for family members and their true salvation. As a friend, I am challenged to be gracious and humble.

As a mom-to-be, I anticipate the challenge of daily discipleship. The Lord is good and the one who renews my strength each morning. My favorite worship song as of late has an encouraging section that I love reminding myself of: “The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning. It’s time to sing your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.” I want my life to reflect the joy I have in salvation. My name is Michelle and I am Barabbas