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.

I grew up in the First Baptist Church.  My mom and dad, my two sisters, and I were involved in all aspects of the church.  I can still remember the day of my baptism as if it was yesterday.  I have known Jesus all my life.

There were times when my faith was a struggle and times when it strengthened me.  I have always believed that I was a Christian.  I knew God was there.  However, I placed Him in the back seat  of my life when things were going well and in the front seat when things were hard.  I attended church regularly when I felt a need.  I would leave God there until the next week or until  another crisis. Then, I would move Him back up into the front seat.

A year ago, a close friendship ended, and 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 for an answer to what I should do.  I went to church week after week.  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.

That day, I took the first step of giving this burden to the Lord.  It took a long time to let go of the hurt, but Jesus took my hand, walked with me, and put His plan into motion.  The minister took me to the Sunday School room and introduced me to the ladies in the class.  I stayed with them, but at first, I felt like I was behind them in the study.  So, I thought it would be better to wait until the fall.  Sue asked me if I was going to come back, and I told her I didn’t think I knew enough.  She said that she didn’t either, but we could all learn together.  I have been going to Sunday School ever since, and it has not only been a valuable learning experience but also a great way to meet some very wonderful friends.  We have great discussions, and I have learned so much more about the Lord.

While attending this class,  Rose Ann invited me to a Bible study called, “Experiencing God”.  I had never participated in a Bible study before, so I was somewhat apprehensive.  From the moment I opened the workbook and started reading,  I could feel the presence of God more than any other time in my life.  The ladies opened their hearts, their minds, and their souls during that Bible study.  With Jesus at my side, along with their fellowship, I was finally able to lay down my burdens.  I continue to grow in the Lord daily, and He rides in the front seat of my life.

The Bible study encourages time to be spent in God’s Word daily.  It opens your heart and allows God to reside there.  Once a week, you meet with people of all different faiths, discuss what you learn, and get to know people in a very personal way.  The Bible study provides a group of friends who will be there to help you and listen when you need to talk.

After completing “Experiencing God”, I knew my life had been changed forever.  The ladies in my Bible study like to tease me and tell me that I’ve found my voice.  You know what?  I have!  I used to be afraid to say what I thought and would let things happen even when they were hurtful.  I would just keep them to myself.

Now I know that God wants me to show my love for others, to help others, and to share what I have learned.  God loves us and protects us.  We can knock on His door any hour of the day or night, and He will listen to us.  We can share everything with God, and can depend upon His grace.  We are never alone when we have God in our hearts.  I now understand that with Him all things are possible.

Living a Christian life is about loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  It’s about fellowship with others. It’s about loving your neighbor as yourself, forgiving others and forgiving yourself.

Making this DVD was therapy for me.  During Christmas, I made some screen savers for the Bible study group.  Rose Ann had a MAC computer, and the screensaver didn't work on her computer.  When Rose Ann’s birthday came in February, I knew a DVD would be a neat gift for her.  I started making a DVD with scriptures, photography and music.  As it turned out, I didn’t get to see Rose Ann on her birthday, but I really wanted someone to see it.  I made another one to show to the Bible study ladies.

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.  The Bible study group was really 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 DVD project.  It is called “Montana Moments With God”, a name that Rose Ann suggested.

Everyone had a part in the video.  My family, my friends, and the Bible study group were all involved.  I am so thankful to each one of them.

My dream is to sell enough of them to meet my costs and then allow me to give them to people in nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, shut-ins, missionaries, churches, or anyone who needs to be lifted up to the Almighty. 

In closing, I would like to encourage you to become involved in a Bible study, Sunday school, and church.  I made that giant step, and it changed my life forever.

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