Jesus Loves Me

When I was a little girl, my parents told me that Jesus loves me
and that he hears me when I pray.  Then one night, after many nights of horrible nightmares, I lay in bed terrified to go to sleep, so I prayed.  I asked God to help me not be afraid and to give me good dreams.  The next morning I woke up and realized
that God had heard the cry of my heart and had blessed me with peaceful sleep
and I knew, "Jesus, loves me!"

When I was about seven years old, I gave my life to Jesus.  I may not have had a wealth of Bible knowledge or doctrinal views, but I knew what I needed to know.

I knew that I was a sinner.
I made mistakes.  I was not perfect.  Sometimes I yelled at my mom.  Sometimes I bullied my little sisters.  Sometimes I was rude.

 I knew I needed forgiveness.
The sin in my heart, that caused me to yell and bully felt yucky inside.  No one had to convince me that I needed forgiveness. 
My own conscience spoke loud and clear.
         
   I knew that Jesus was God,
and that He loved me. 
He came to earth as a baby, lived a perfect life,
died on the cross for the sins of the world, and then rose from the grave - conquering death! 

I knew Jesus offered me forgiveness and was my way to a friendship with God,
and eternity in heaven.

Now I am sure there are some who will read this and think...

"Well, of course you believed those things.  That's what your parent's taught you!  You've been brainwashed!"

For those of you who would respond that way, hear me out. . .

I tell my kids that Brussels Sprouts are delicious!
I've been telling them that since they were very little.
(bear with me, I really am going somewhere with this)
I truly believe it with all of my heart and I have done my very best to convince them how tasty Brussels Sprouts are.  -

But they both still gag every time they eat them!

I have also always told my kids that potty talk is NOT FUNNY!  "People don't like it!" I say. "They won't laugh!"  I insist. -

And yet, fart noises and poop jokes continue to be
irresistible to them.

Now please don't be offended!  I know I sound sarcastic, but honestly I'm not trying to be.  My hubby is the one who is great with deep metaphors and analogies. I'm not!  This is the best I've got.

The simple point I'm trying to make is that
even at a very young age, even while we still believe deep in our hearts that our parents know best

personal experience
still greatly affects our beliefs. 

My boys tasted Brussels Sprouts and their experience told them
Brussels Sprouts are nasty

My boys tried out a little potty joke and someone laughed
(thanks for that, by the way!)
and so their experience convinced them that
despite what Mommy thinks, they are indeed quite funny!

The reality is that our parents DO have a strong influence on our beliefs, but when it comes down to it,

we decide for ourselves.

I am not great at deep theological discussions and I do not enjoy doctrinal debates.  There are many men and women out there who are far better at intellectually defending their faith, so if that's what you are looking for and if that's what you need to believe, then I plead with you, "Please, seek them out!"

But if you are willing to listen to someone who is not the wisest, most educated or knowledgeable, but who knows Jesus personally, who has experienced the reality of His sovereignty, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and provision in her life . . .
If you are curious about what it looks like to live life leaning on a Savior who Never, EVER let's you down . . .
then I'm your girl!

Life is not easy, things do not always go as I wish and
my relationship with Jesus is my life line. 

It's how I survive the ups and downs of life. 
Jesus is the only way to find peace in a world full of turmoil!
He is my Savior and my Best Friend!  If you want to talk more about Jesus, please get in touch with me!  I'd love to tell you all about who Jesus is and just how much He loves you!