If anyone is an example of God's saving grace, it is me...here is a copy of my personal testimony...I read this at my baptism at Berean Baptist Church where my family attends: I was raised in a Christian home with strong religious beliefs. It was expected and I never doubted that I would "join the church" at the appropriate age. I was taught to love the Lord and that we were sinners and needed to repent and be baptized. I was 17 when I made this decision. At that time, in order to become a member of the church, I followed all of the requirements and was approved and baptized by immersion into membership. I worked very hard to maintain my approved standing by looking and playing the part. I believed in Jesus and what He did for me on the cross and trusted God for a few major decisions. Most of my faith was accomplished through legalism. It was all about me. Looking back, it was very man centered. I tried to live as sinless as possible, but my faith was very watered down. Approximately five years ago, sin and depression took a foothold in my life. About that time I also started questioning the beliefs of the church that I had been raised in and was still attending locally. I became discontent and unhappy. Unbelievably, it was the beginning of a work in progress that would eventually reveal God's glory. During this tumultuous time in my life I attended a Beth Moore Conference. Her topic was Grace. That weekend resulted in a new and deeper understanding of what grace meant to me. It was more than "an undeserved gift. I suddenly knew that what Christ had done was pay the price for my sins, yesterday, today and forever. I also realized that there was nothing that I did or could ever do, to deserve salvation. I realized that I was a sinner. I, was taken out of the picture, and Christ came to the forefront. Following man made traditions did not result in more Grace. Ashamed, but also relieved, I opened my life to Christ in a way that I had not before and asked for the forgiveness of my sins. After growing in the Word, I feel that I truly became saved at this point in my life. As a testimony of my faith and in obedience to the scriptures, I would like to be baptized at this time. Since that awesome experience five years ago, I have continued to struggle with strong holds and legalism. I have struggled through many tears and have longed to be set free. Glory to God that He eventually brought me to a place, personally, that all I could do was trust in Him. I stand before you as testimony of great grace. I have been set free. I stand in awe of the hugeness of God every single day. I am humbled daily of the sacrifice my Savior made for me. My once, not so long ago, fruitless life, is flourishing, by His grace alone. I am thankful that God lead our family to Berean, where we sit under sound doctrine and have grown to love you, our brothers and sisters in the Lord. I am blessed to be receiving spiritual guidance from Godly men to nurture me and bring me deeper into God's word.

Make Up and skin care artist/homemaker

What I love to do: *Go to the movies *Watch CSI (on DVD no commericials) *Watch 24 (on DVD no commercials) *Fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ *Travel with my Husband of 16 years *Girls weekends with best friends *spend quality time with my three kids