Testimony

This week, Ann A. graciously invited me into her Thursday morning bible study to say a word or two on the subject of testimonies. Ann's class is studying the book of John and if I remember correctly, the first chapter mentions the word testimony or a variation of it, 14 times.

I get rather passionate about this subject.  It is one of the greatest tools a Christian has for sharing the Good News, right in their pocket. If you haven't memorized any salvation verses or you get frustrated when you try and explain the gospel message to someone (sometimes we know it in our head but have trouble putting it into words), the one thing we have is OUR OWN STORY. 

There are three main parts to a testimony: what you were like before, your conversion experience and how God has changed you?Think of a few sentences describing each part.

Think back to the time when you first became a believer?" Try to describe how you were before you knew that Christ died for your sins. Did you feel lost, alone, fearful, self-reliant  or even all of the above? 

What was the new understanding you embraced to bring about a change? Something like, "I realized Christ died for me or I knew my sin was separating me from God." 

How are you different now? Can you say you trust God has a plan for your life. Maybe you no longer live doing exactly what you want to do because you take into consideration God's way of living.

I encourage you, Reader, to spend some time thinking thru your own story. Hone it up because you never know when you might be called upon to share it.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (NIV)

Tank Fillers

Whenever I go through tough times, my accountability group reminds me to pay attention to my "tank fillers". I need to seek out the things which make me smile, bring me comfort or are just plain fun! I read my go-to book about British tea drinkers, watch any of the versions of Pride and Prejudice or ride my scooter when the weather permits. But attending the Fairfield County Fair, one of my favorite events on the planet, fills me to the brim.

Racetrack, Grandstand and Mt. Pleasant

This final fair in Ohio always falls the week of Columbus Day. Besides the usual greasy, yummy  supremely caloric foods to feast on, the setting of this fair proves spectacular. Two giant wooden grandstands frame a white fenced racetrack where tractor pulls, marching band shows and horse racing take place throughout fair week. Lancaster's famous Mt. Pleasant sits majestically across the street from the fairgrounds, displaying its large sandstone face coiffed by colorful autumn foliage. It's a glorious scene at a magnificent time of year.

Me at the Fair!

I have a routine whenever I get to attend the fair. I eat the french fries right outside the grandstand. A walk through the Art Halls includes scanning the Grange displays, viewing the baked good entries and always a purchase of vanilla and cinnamon at the Watkins booth. And I never leave the grounds without a sentimental visit to the Firemen's tent. Here, two large framed picture collages show active and deceased Lancaster Firemen. A grandfather I never knew and a beloved uncle are among the deceased. Sometimes I shed a tear or two but mostly I smile inside, remembering stories of these men told to me by my mother. Speaking of which ... I miss my mother at this time of year most of all. She and I established these traditional routes among the food booths, animal barns and rides. The County Fair is just not the same without her.

No, I most certainly did not eat this!

My husband and I returned late Thursday night from this year's trip to the Fair. With my tank filled, I look to the weeks ahead as an opportunity for God to bestow His grace upon my stressed but full life. He, after all, is the only true tank filler!


Reader, what are your tank fillers?

2 Corinthians 1:5

^{5For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.}

Do I Believe?

Last weekend I arrived at Kings Domain with bags in tow and a sense of expectation. I prepared by praying about who my conversations would include and who would I have an opportunity to encourage? I am not sure who I encouraged but plenty of women ministered to me. As I have said before, our family is going thru a difficult time. Apparently we are not the only ones! Often, when my eyes scanned the meeting room, I saw tears flowing. Watching women pursue growth and share their trials in the safe atmosphere of the retreat, fed my soul. 


So now that I am back home, I find myself in one of the most emotional weeks of my life. Why can't I hang on a bit longer to that great get-away feeling of communion with God? Why is my declaration of, "I am just going to trust God"  now sounding hollow and unconvincing? How can I go from proclaiming "I can do all things in Him who strengthens me" to, I don't want to get dressed and off the couch?


Do I believe what God says about Himself? Yes! Now to get it from my head into my heart!


I will repeat: 

Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

 ¹⁰ Though the mountains be shaken
       and the hills be removed,
       yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
       nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
       says the LORD, who has compassion on you.