Okay- so I have to admit "in a nut shell" phrase dumbfounds me. Phrases, stories, and in my case LIFE can't possibly fit in a nutshell. Let's just say I will do my very best to "simplify" for you.
I was born 1987 LaCrosse, WI. Raised in Minnesota.
I Moved my entire life, not quite sure which place I ever considered "home."
Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that back in the day my dad was willing to move us around to support our family and find a better income. My life on the move I will say taught me many things. The big one was learning how to adapt in new places and meet new people on a whim. The fear of people was no longer a concern. Thank God for this because I have no problem socializing in just about any place ya throw me. :)
I grew up mostly in Minnesota-- yeah YE HA. Minnnnnnn---eee-sooooo---taaah! Yah sure ya betchya. PEOPLE we don't really sound like this. Well, at least maybe I am oblivious to it.
With Minnesota came many challenges. Snow, snow, and more snow. With the occasional Spring, Fall and VERY short Summer.No I won't complain. For the most part (minus this year) we have pretty beautiful seasons. I have really come to appreciate Minnesota and the LAKES.
I guess I could get on with the challenges. The snow was not a big one for me. Mind you, It wasn't hard for me to meet people. But meeting the right people was where the challenge came. I found myself getting involved with many of the right people making wrong decisions always looking and seeking for something more. Something more to fulfill me and bring me "happiness" or excitement in all the wrong places.
My entire life was the search for "something more", trial and error, fall down and well--didn't quite get back up. Up until about 2 years ago.
Literally, I found God.
He was always with me really. Every step of every where I went my entire life. I just didn't really know what that meant. How could he always be with me? Why didn't he stop me from doing ridiculous and unforgettable things in my life?
The fact is, he loves us so much and will never leave us or forsake us but he is NOT forceful. He cannot and will not make us do a darn thing. God gives us a choice to make good habits and wise decisions. To follow in his foot steps. He can also give us the strength to turn away from all the things of this world too. But we have to ask! We have to listen to that urching feeling in our stomach when we know we shouldn't do something. To me that IS in fact God warning us by his Spirit that it is not the right thing to do.
I chose my entire life to not believe he could help me through struggles and bad choices I made. I chose to ignore his voice and spirit and take things into my own hands. Let me tell you this--because of MY choices I am still reaping the consequences. God will in fact bring so much good from all of this and HAS. My life because of God is completely brand new. I asked him to wash me clean of my nasty sinful life and make me new again. Because of Jesus and what he did we are able to ask for this!
My hope for all of you reading this is that you would come to know God the way that I have and remember that no matter what life you lived or live GOD is faithful and he loves you enough to forgive you and give grace, mercy and fill you with his PEACE AND JOY!
I just find it so crazy how God can truly heal you from the inside out. The things and miracles He has done in and through me are unexplainable. I feel like a NEW person!
