Fellowship Memphis

Pictured above, the Van Horn Family: Michelle, David, Madison (9), and Cameron (8)

Our pastor said a closing prayer at the New Year’s weekend service. If you remember, he prayed that God would crushingly bring you to your knees in order to grab your heart and turn your face to God. This was my experience 5 years ago, when my actions and use of alcohol nearly crushed my life and my family. My God boldly shouted for me to change my ways. I had never truly asked or considered what plans God had for me, and how my walk could be used for the kingdom. My religious history had been one of fear, rules, and performance. Grace and love had not been the hallmarks of my spiritual education.

With my heart turned toward God I was suddenly not only able, but actually interested in reading the Word and growing my faith. I know now what it means when people say the Holy Spirit can change you. I could not stay focused to read three pages of anything; now I pound through the Bryan Loritts’ recommended book of the week. The first book I read was A Praying Life by David Powlison. It revolutionized my prayer life. And that was the beginning of true change in my heart.

I began to meet with another more spiritually mature Christian once or twice a week. As I got into the Word, I realized in passages such as Titus 2:3-5, it laid out a standard for being a Godly woman that I was not even striving to meet. God began to reform me as a spouse. My true journey had just begun. God began to reveal other areas of weakness. The changes that I felt led to make actually caused me to begin home schooling my children, an option I never would have previously considered. Gradually God put his hand on every part of my life. This journey brought my family to Fellowship last year. He continues to reveal himself as a redeemer to me almost daily. My life and the life of my family has truly been blessed by the Fellowship family.  We have felt Grace and received Love. I believe that the blessings of being discipled are been priceless. I now have a passion for discipleship and have enrolled for DownLine Discipleship training next year.

I am both nervous and excited about where my journey will lead me next but I know it will be growing with God.