Today, I am sharing with you my testimonial, because the Lord wants you to   know how important it is to lay down your burdens and change your life to follow Him.

Have you ever had a friendship end that devastated you so much that you could not get past the hurt?  That is exactly what happened to me and that is when God stepped in, took my hand, and carried out His plan for me.

The day that close friendship ended my whole world was turned upside down.  I was devastated, crushed, hurt, and down as low as I could go.  I ran to my church.  I prayed and prayed searching for an answer at church.  It seemed that each message I heard was directed to me.  I talked with my family and friends, but I just couldn’t shake the emotions.  Finally, when the despair was more than I could handle, I went to see the minister.  She talked with me and told me that friendships can be like seasons. This friendship, not by my choice, was over, and I needed to move on with my life.

I thought this might be easier said than done. As a child I could always show my affections and words flowed easily. When I became an adult, each time I was hurt, I slowly put my affections on hold and would be cautious of appearing to care too much. Inwardly I would care very much for others but outwardly I would hide those feelings and stuff words of affection deep inside myself.  When they hurt me, I wouldn’t even respond to this hurt, because I didn’t want them to feel bad.

 I was a very shy, quiet person around groups of people and at times I felt invisible. I had many thoughts, but had a great fear of speaking them. I was so lonely, and the fear of starting a new friendship gave me stage fright.  How could I take another chance to open up to another person when my heart was broken in so many pieces?  Moving on with my life might be difficult for me.  I needed some way to get my voice back.

Through the grace of God I was introduced to a Bible Study called “Experiencing God”.  Since I had never attended a Bible Study, I really didn’t know what to expect and was very apprehensive. I knew that I needed to be around other people.  From the moment I opened the workbook and started reading, I could feel the presence of God more than at any other time in my life.  The ladies in the Bible study opened their hearts, their minds, and their souls to me during our time together. I still remember the first card I received in the mail from one of the Bible study members.  I thought “WOW” that is really neat that someone would take the time to write to me.  It made me feel so special. The fear I had of starting new friendships quickly disappeared. Rose Ann took the time to call me, send me cards, answer my numerous questions, and just talk to me.   I thank God everyday for the friends I now have in my life. During this time I found myself spending more and more time in the word of God.  As I studied the lessons and read the Bible, there was a calmness which came over me that I can’t explain.  Even during times of chaos I now find comfort in God’s word.

After completing “Experiencing God”, I knew my life had been changed forever.  Now the ladies in my Bible study like to tease and tell me that I’ve found my voice.  You know what?  I have!  God helped me find my voice but he had even bigger plans.

The most incredible thing happened to me after this study.  During Christmas, I made some screensavers for the Bible study ladies with scriptures and pictures of the rural Montana countryside my husband, Ronny had taken. My new friend, Rose Ann, had a MAC computer, and the screensaver didn't work on her computer.  When her birthday came in February, I thought a DVD would be a neat gift for her.  I started making a DVD with scriptures and pictures similar to the screensaver but then decided to include music.  While I was making the DVD, I was in awe of the pictures Ronny had taken, and the scriptures seemed to find a home with each picture.  I decided to show it to my Bible study friends.

The Bible study group was excited about it and thought I should pursue making it to share with others.  With their encouragement and the Lord guiding me at all times, I finished the first DVD project.  It is called “Montana Moments With God.”

The Lord led me into ministry and for that I am truly thankful. Since this first DVD was completed, I have received numerous notes and cards indicating how comforting it has been to families and friends. It has been a gift that keeps giving back in all ways even in other countries and all over the United States. This DVD has taken on a life of its own.  I am blessed and overwhelmed with the way the DVD has ministered in the lives of others.  The Lord found a way for a quiet, shy person to magnify His voice through this DVD. 

 My life has changed so much since this first Bible study.  Now, I spend time with the Lord daily. Visiting has become one of my most favorite things to do.  I smile sometimes when I think how this quiet and shy person is now visiting people and maybe helping them find their voice. God is so good. Rose Ann and I visit shut-ins, nursing homes, and hospitals, where we lead Bible studies, read, pray, sing songs and share the love of Jesus.  The visits also provide an opportunity to show the DVD to those who are unable to get out and see the beauty of nature on their own. I have completed a second DVD and now have found myself at times in a leadership role in Bible Study and I am surviving.  This voice seems to continue to find new and unique opportunities for one previously so quiet person.

The Lord gave me courage through His love and the love, encouragement, and fellowship of others to tell my story. God used me in His ministry and continues to use me to share the Hope, Joy, Faith and Peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I would like to encourage everyone to get involved in a group and personal Bible study. Bible studies encourage one to spend time in God’s Word daily.  It opens the heart and allows God to reside there.  What a wonderful way to share the word of God with others. Once a week, people of all different faiths get together, discuss what they learned, and get to know each other in a very personal way.  It is a safe place where friends are made and lives are changed.  The Lord loves it when we fellowship with others. Take a chance in a circle of friends, and you will be wonderfully blessed. The Bible Study helped me to seek a closer personal relationship with God, and He blessed me with many new friends. I thank the Lord for His friendship and His daily reminder that He loves all of us.

The Lord took the fear I had of speaking up away and gave me the voice I lost so many years ago. Through God all things are possible. 

My friend, Freida, brought this message to me, and I would like to share it with you.