Maidens For Missions

Hey everyone,

I know I am horrible about posting! But I would love if you all would take time to look at my new Blog, MaidensforMissions.blogspot.com. This blog is about The Maidens for Mission, which is a group of young ladies, getting together to raise money for Missions!

Loves,

Court

Happy Holy Ghost Birthday to ME!!

Some people believe that miracles were a thing of the past, but I know that they still happen on a daily basis. It was November 23, 2008 I was 19 at the time. It was the first time I had ever walked into an Apostolic church, and it felt completely different from anything that I had ever felt in my life. I didn't know that that service would completely change my life forever. I had been living a life of heartache and pain wondering around without purpose. I had tried everything, said the sinners prayer on a daily basis, and nothing helped me to change. My brother, his girlfriend (now wife), and my best friend and I were all sitting in a pew together. I remember looking around watching people worship and raise their hands. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. I turned to my brother and said "When can I get baptized?" He looked at me and smiled, "Courtney its worship service now just wait." Everyone had their eyes closed and they were worshipping! I knew if I didn't get baptized in that moment, it may never happen. So, I left the pew and walked down to the altar over to a preacher and said, "Excuse me, if you do not baptize me now, I will leave here the same way I came."  He jumped down from the platform walked me to the back where the baptismal was. I was so excited and nervous all at the same time, but I knew that I needed this. Finally, Kendra and Misha noticed I was not longer with them. Kendra turned to Brendan and said, "Wheres Courtney?" In that moment they opened the curtain to the baptismal, everyone turned and looked. My family and friends saw that I was being baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus. Finally, my sins were remitted and I was washed clean by the blood of the lamb. While worshipping at the altar I was filled with the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. I had never felt cleaner nor had I ever felt lighter. After altar call we were walking out of the church and someone turned to me and said, "Courtney your pimples are gone, and your hair is laying perfectly." Now for some of you reading this, that is no big deal but for those of you who knew me then you know that I battled with painful cystic acne and well I have curly hair so enough said there. God showed me that night that nothing is impossible for Him.

As I sit here and write this post my heart is full! Knowing that 4 years ago God changed my life. I will never go back to the life that I had lived. Through all of my heart ache and trials nothing will ever convince me to not live for God. I can't believe its already been 4 years, but yet it feels so much longer.

The New Chapter...

Finally, I have moved to Southern California to start my new chapter in life. It was bitter-sweet leaving my home for 5 years, Sacramento. I met so many amazing people who truly impacted my life and supported and loved me in my times of need. My last Tuesday night service was truly emotional, shockingly I balled my eyes out (okay maybe thats not shocking). After that I packed with some belongings that I still had in Sacramento and headed to Tracy, to pack up what I had stored at my parent's. After loading up my I had another emotional fair-well with my Daddy and then once again with my Mommy. It was so hard leaving my parents because I knew at that moment our relationship would change. I was moving from dependency to independence. 

My little brother and I left Tracy that friday at 6am. It was such an easy drive but nerve racking wondering what Upland/Ontario held for me. Its silly to think how nervous and emotional I was because I moved with my big brother and sissy. But it was me growing up and that in its self was scary. So, now I am here living my new life. Starting Grad School in 6 days, interviewing for jobs, and getting established in the church. BTW, I love my church! 

I know I have been inconsistent in my blogging but I promise to try harder!!