Soul Food, My Walk With God (VERY, VERY LONG POST)

The Beginning of my walk with God.

I said something on twitter the other day, I can't even remember what it was but it prompted one of my friends to ask me who witnessed to me. What did they say that made me want to "walk toward the light."

It was REALLY interesting how it happened. When I look back on it now, I realize God had it ALL in control.

We were previously "good christians" and then we walked away from the church AND our relationship with God. We were at this patricular church for ummm maybe 5 yrs or so.

I didn't realize until we joined this church that we had been out of the Will of God for SEVEN WHOLE YEARS. Seven is the number of completion. It was TIME for us to get back in God's will.

Ok, last May I met this lady who wanted me to bring my products to her birthday party. But instead of people celebrating HER birthday, she wanted to shower love on all of her friends who had stood by her during a super hard time in her life. I was like YES! I'd LOVE to! I'd never heard of anything like this before so I was down!

The party was in either July or August I can't remember. While I was there I met a LOT of women from the birthday girl's church. What amazed me more than anything was the love that you could feel. I don't ever think I've seen SO many women in the same room ALL love each other and show so much concern.

Instead of playing "games" they did this thing of what they shared what God has blessed them with on that week and one thing that they were thankful for.  Man, that was almost overwhelming. There was NOTHING selfish. They ALL thanked GOd for something that He had done for someone else. It was AMAZING.

I was pretty much speechless. All of the women were so nice and sincere. It just kinda oozed from them.

I left that birthday party wondering WHY were they like that. It was like no other birthday party I'd ever been to.

I continued to do business with the birthday lady and she witnessed to me the entire time. You ever had someone say something to you that NO ONE else knew about? Like one of those "grave secrets"? Yeah it was like that. I KNEW God was talking to me.

She kept inviting me to church and I never went.

Remember when Aj broke his arm? I was getting ready to go visit her church that night. Aj went outside and broke his arm. Couldn't go. I decided if he felt better the next day I was going to go.

We went and I was like WOW. I can't even explain that service.

I told Tony about it and he was kinda like whatever.

Found out another old friend of mine went there and we reconnected. She invited me also and like before I didn't go. She said, just come ONE Sunday morning, your life will never be the same.

Didn't really pay her any attention.

Later in the year we took the kids on a cruise and had a great time.

I don't know what happened between the time we got off that cruise ship and got home.

We stopped at the "adult beverage" store before in Atlanta, the HUGE one in the marketplace, and just STOCKED UP.

Took some on the ship with us and the rest we left in the car and brought home.

A couple days after we had been home, Tony said he was ready to go to church. He took ALL of our new "dranks" and poured them ALL down the sink. I was so mad lol. I was like just don't touch my Patrone. He poured it out anyway.

The next day we went to church. He said when he sat down, God let him know that is where we were supposed to be. I cried the entire service.

I wasn't ready.

I know it's a lifestyle. Living for God is MORE than just going to church on Sunday.

Just like schools, jobs, military...EVERYONE has rules that they have to follow. Same goes for God.

It is truly a lifestyle (IMO)

I wasn't ready.

I literally cried for days. Then I was like ok. I'm ready, let's do this.

He was going to do it with or without me.

In the beginning I did it more for Tony, but it didn't take long for ME to make MY mind up and decide this is what I want to do for me.

I stopped doing a LOT of things and I don't regret any of it, nor do I miss anything.

I figured if I wouldn't do ANYTHING I would feel uncomfy doing if God was sitting RIGHT next to me.

I still do that.

He's my "daddy" and I want to please Him.

I found out later that during the cruise God had been dealing with Tony about him and his family and how as the head of the home, he is held accountable for us. JUST like as parents we are held accountable for our children. The things that Tony shared with me had me floored. I had NO idea. NONE.

I'm SO glad he made the first move. I thank God for it ALL the time.

I guess I'm just rambling now but I'm so thankful.

My life has truly changed. There will be no walking away from the church OR walking away from God.

I've matured so much since we left our first church. The mistakes that were made were learned from and actually put us on the path that God wanted us to be on.

We know it's NOT about religion but about relationship.

One thing that I LOVE about my church is that it's ALL bible. NOT doctrine. They encourage us to get into the bible for ourselves. To read it and get an understanding.

I LOVE that.

Well, I guess that's it lol. I could literally talk about this all day but I guess this needs to end somewhere.I hope I answered your question :)

Thanks for reading if you got this far and if you are local, come ONE time and your life will not be the same.

I'm not perfect, just striving to be the woman God wants me to be. Keeping my life lined up with the WORD!

Comments

[Rachelle]

Great uplifting post. TFS

[LadyLee]

I have been to your church. And I Love it. Great great place of worship. I understand what you mean. This was a great testimony :)

[Tracey]

I have enjoyed reading your blog for quite some time, and I have been praising our Lord for the amazing change he has made in your life. As much as I enjoyed your blog before, there used to be some posts that were a little "difficult" digest. But praise God old things are passed away...... Thank you for sharing how the Lord has done a wondrous work in your husband's heart as well. Grace and peace to you and your family - and continue to encourage others (especially young families) with your testimony of the life-changing power of the Lord Jesus Christ. I love you with the love of the Lord.

[Kelly]

Beautiful post. I'm so happy for you and your family.

[Kimberly]

Such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[Robin]

I always enjoy your blog. You seem to be a woman at peace with God. That's a wonderful thing to reach that point in your life. Not that everything flows smoothly, but you're on your life journey. The growth and wisdom you experience from this journey is precious. I have been on my journey with God almost 32 years. Like CeCe Winans sings: it isn't easy, but it's worth it. The Father gives to us so that we may give to others. When you give from your heart, it's always the right gift. Be Blessed my sister.

[Angie]

Great testimony. I am so glad God used someone to be a witness to you before they "witnessed" to you. Because if you are anything like me- It's not what you say, its what you do, that makes more of an impact on my life. Thank you Jesus for true men and women of God. Not just pastors but people in the congregation who live it.

[Sandy]

I love your testimony! I tell folks God is Good All the time! (And I mean it!!!!). Sometimes God lets you "experience" life, so that you can truly know the true meaning of his love and forgiveness! For me its always comforting to know that God has my back :)

I love reading your blog, and not only has God blessed you and your family; but he's also blessing all those around you.

[Nicole]

WOW! I like how he showed you the church then moved on Tony's heart. Husband and wife are one. That want that long :-).

[Barbara Ashe]

I been serving the Lord for a long long time, and my eyes were damp with tears as I read your story. I love you both, and am excited and happy that you have truly become part of the family of God.
Your fan in Florida
Barbara

[Nicky]

Beautiful testimony!!!!

[Roz]

And they overcame him by blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; Revelations 12:11
Beautiful!!

[opal215]

Very positive and uplifting post. Keep sharing.

[Moe]

I was in tears mid point through this post. Thanks for sharing.

[mzinspiredmind]

BEAUTIFUL post. Thank you for sharing this.

[Dawn]

Thank you for sharing! Wonderful testimony. Gloy to God! It feels so good when things are done according to God will and purpose for our lives. When we realize what an awesome responsiblity the husband has to the Father, it is so much easier for wives to submit to a God-fearing man. You are touching so many lives and I thank you once again for being obedient to Jesus and sharing your testimony.

[TJ]

Thank you for this post. I've been inviting a friend of mine to church and she has been really indifferent. I guess I'll keep inviting her.

[LyNn]

Good morning! This was truly an uplifting and beautiful post. I'm so very happy for you and your family. May you continue to be Blessed!!!!!

[MrsTDJ]

Wonderful post and testimony! Thanks sooooooooo much for sharing!

[tracie]

thank you for sharing. thank you for you, oftentimes i read your blog and feel you're working through me. i am working towards it and i understand and can feel the things u write about. thank you

[Towanna]

I dont know what God has in his plan for you but I feel it's something powerful. I am literally sitting at my desk in tears because I was so moved by this post. You and your family is such an inspiration to me and Im not easily inspired. Your walk with God has made me make some well needed changes in my life although its a daily thing. Thanks so much Adrienne. I appreciate you sharing.

[Gladys]

Beautiful testimony! I love how your husband took the first step. Most times it's the wife and the husband is taken to church kicking and screaming. God is blessing your family and it shows in your joy for Him.

[Mecca]

Im touched by this. Thank you for sharing.

[Bunny]

Beautiful, beautiful testimony Adrienne!!

[Hidi]

"One thing that I LOVE about my church is that it's ALL bible. NOT doctrine. They encourage us to get into the bible for ourselves. To read it and get an understanding." <--- This!

I am in the process of changing church myself because I want to be focus on the BIBLE not religion. I am happy for your journey. Thank you :-)

[Stacey_CrimsonPurl]

I am so glad you took the time to testify!! I was smiling the entire time :)
I SEE God on you - what a blessing to be born again!!