What was life like before you met Jesus?

Before I met Christ, the “needs” that filled my mind were very materialistic and self-centered. I was consumed with trying to keep up with my peers, and everything I did was for my own personal gain. In my early adult life, I faced a lot of guilt as if the Spirit was speaking to my actions, but I had such a worldly focus. Deep down, I think I knew something big was missing in my life, but I tried to fill that void with things that satisfied me momentarily.

How did you meet Jesus?

Early in my marriage, we attended church as I felt the old saying, "a family that prays together, stays together" was true and worth investing in. Personally, I was going through the motions until we went to Family Camp at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. The leading pastor asked 3 questions: 1) If you died today, would you go to heaven? 2) If you were standing in front of God and he asked you if you deserved to be in heaven, what would you say? 3) is your relationship with God personal or impersonal? I pretty much stuttered with my pen in hand. I was completely unsure about question 1, left question 2 blank, and answered question 3 as "growing”. Through the course of a week together, I came to answer question 1 as yes. That week of fellowship and study of the Word changed me forever. I know I don't "deserve" to be in heaven on my own accord, but only through faith and God's grace I will be in heaven someday. Jesus died on the cross because he loves me, and he took away the power of sin.

After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?

I am still on a journey of learning and application, and it becomes more rich every step of the way. I still stumble, but I am renewed in His spirit. Acts 2:38 - "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."