07/29/2026
Revelation 12:11 reminds us that we triumph over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.
So here's a little of mine...
I was baptized 10 years ago as an adult, in front of our church with my daughter. It was a beautiful moment to share with her. I had known the Lord and accepted Him into my heart years before but, to be honest, it's always been a give-and-take relationship...until more recently.
Over the past few years, God has been working in me to let go and truly let Him lead. When He brought me to Jeremiah 29:13, I knew that was what I should call the shop as a reminder that we have to seek Him with our whole heart, but when we do, we find Him. It has been a constant reminder to me that what is from Him, for me, is better than anything I could strive for myself.
Instead of me giving it to Him and then taking it back, I have wholeheartedly surrendered it all to Him. Along the way, He has taken some things away and even asked me to make the difficult decision to remove things myself. He has grown me both as a daughter in Christ and as a servant of the Lord Most High, who has brought me to the end of myself so I could find ALL of Him.
My life looks vastly different than I ever thought it would and better than I could have done on my own. I don't want for much. I live very humbly. I have a different outlook on how I spend my time, talents, and treasures. I realize it's all His and, without Him, I'm not sure I would be here today.
I've become who I am by His grace, and I want to continue following Him wholeheartedly without fear of the future. Declaring that in baptism, outside in His creation, is what He spoke to my heart a little while ago. I didn't know the time or the place until the day it happened.
You see, devastation brought joy...but let me tell you how.
His Word says in Psalm 46, "A river brings joy to the City of our God." The Scripture goes on to say, "God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it."
When He called me to Lesterville and Black a few weeks ago, He wasn't just calling me to serve. He was bringing me into relationship with family...His family...and relationships that have quickly become some of my most cherished. It's never been about me, only Him and answering the call. I'm so grateful a few friends have answered too.
We truly do have to come to the end of ourselves to receive the fullness of Him and, friends, I am there. I praise God even when it isn't easy because, when I am weak, He is strong!!
On Saturday morning, my new friends and I were sitting around a table, sharing a meal, talking about the Lord and how much good He is doing. We were planning the evening made possible because our friends at Big River Outdoors Campground opened their gates to the Black River Baptist Church family to enjoy a night of rest and refreshment after a time that has depleted so many.
In that conversation, baptism in the river came up, and that's when the Lord laid it on my heart. He provided the time, the place, and now the perfect people to share in this moment with me. Although this moment was truly between me and God, having these beautiful people surround me, love me, and so quickly and effortlessly invite me into their family...well, it's only, again, by the grace of God.
This wasn't a decision I took lightly. Pastor Greg didn't hesitate, and we went to the river almost as soon as we got there. One of the best parts? THREE friends also decided to get baptized right there, one after another. So many full-circle moments, but none greater than seeing how the Lord has brought His kids together to serve, to love, and to worship.
I am so excited about the future for one simple reason...He has told me to wake up in expectation of Him, and that's just what I'll do. Every day isn't easy. When you follow the Lord wholeheartedly, you come up against some serious opposition. Why? Because the enemy finds you a threat. And you know what? He should!
I left it in the river that day, and I'm not picking it back up again.
To HIM be the glory!!!
☮️💜✝️