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.

We Can Do It!

Okay, So my this is inspired by the last paper I wrote. It was entitled "Mixed Messages for Rosie". Many really do not know who Rosie is. So, for the young ladies who don't let me introduce her to you. Rosie is a fictional character developed during WWII. She inspired women in America to join the work force. Before that women were only allowed to take jobs, that women were capable to do. Rosie brought women into shipyards, factories, and they even welded. Well, when the men returned from war these ladies were forced back into the home. Sad but true.

This post is not a feminist perspective, so sorry! This is from a young Apostolic woman who believes women should be submissive to their husband as the husband loves her like Christ loved the church, who believes a mother is the most rewarding job a woman could ever obtain, who believes women should wear skirts, who believes women should not wear make up, who believes in modesty, and who believes a woman should never cut her hair. But I am posting this in the avenue to stir young apostolic women.

Now that we have the disclaimer here is what is on my mind. I was putting my life on hold until I said "I Do". I kept saying "Oh my ministry will start with my husband.." Ummm....WOW... Who am I to say that God can't use me? I finally realized my call to join Hope Corp and I am so excited. I know that God has something in store for me. I have been given a gift to teach, it is so evident it is not even funny. So, I am looking at what avenues that God wants to use me in with that. I want all you young women to see that "We Can Do It", yes it is a blessing to be married (and believe me I want to be), but until that time LET GOD USE YOU...