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My testimony:
I was raised in the Catholic faith. I followed all the rules the best I could, but my heart was lonely and longing for more. I prayed and asked God if He is for real, that He would somehow let me know. My older sister became involved with a guy from Huntington Area Youth For Christ, and that is where I learned that God wanted a relationship with me as much as I longed for one with Him. At 15 years of age, I understood for the first time what salvation is and jumped at the chance to be counted righteous through Christ, rather than my own works.
I went forward to be filled with the Holy Spirit at Icthuse in 1983, but was told when hands were laid on me, that I already was filled with God's Spirit and needed to learn to use my prayer language. I allowed it to flow through me for a while, but fizzled out because I didn't understand the purpose of it. In college I attended a home prayer/worship meeting where I was told by a prophet that God was grieved that I haven't been using my prayer language because through it, many people were going to be healed. I sure was motivated after that! I find myself looking for healing needs and praying in the Spirit and with understanding.
I attended a wide assortment of churches looking for one with honorable leadership that I could willingly submit myself to. I've had several experiences where I had to choose between church leadership and God, and didn't want to repeat that experience by taking membership in a church and having a leader in authority over me that was not following after God. I remained pastorless for 20 years, visiting various churches and particiapting in various Bible studies and online Christian women's groups. I tithed to groups such as Focus on the Family, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Compassion International.
My husband and I were married in 1990 at Christ Temple Church by Rev. Gardner. We now have 4 children ages 14 to 2. We've lived in Northern Virginia and Coastal South Carolina, and returned home to West Virginia when we learned that Mike's dad was diagnosed with cancer. He lived another 4 years after his diagnosis and by that time, the children have put down roots here and we decided to stay. We ran into Pastor Chuck at one of the children's birthday parties at Ritter Park and he invited us to Christ Temple. I saw a love and compassion in his eyes that I did not see when we fellowshiped with him years before. We attended the "Judgement House" that Christ Temple put on that year and I saw how much Chuck as well as other members of the church have grown spiritually in our absense. I desire that growth. We started attending. I attended through the internet due to my health struggles, and Mike took the children regularly. I was so amazed that everytime Chuck preached, he spoke exactly what God had been speaking to me that week. There is no doubt in my mind that Chuck seeks and hears from God and is one of God's spokespersons. Through that experience, I also am learning to recognize God's voice.
Homeschooling the children has become more and more difficult as my health seemed to be declining. We chose to put two of the children in Christ Temple's Academy this year and took membership to qualify for the reduced tuition for church members. We've been tithing to the church and using our offerings to support the other ministries that are dear to us. God is blessing us tremendously. Mike was offered a job that better meets our financial needs and is at home more often. My health has improved to the extent that for a few months I was able to work at the school helping children with their homework assignments. I'm struggling again with my health and don't know what to make of it. I just pray daily for the strength to do all that God has called me to do each day and the insight to know what is of Him, and what is not. | | Interests | | Music | | Books | | Television |
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 | posted 3 months ago | | |  | 1 comment | | |  | 1 star | | | 113 reads |
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| posted 5 months ago | | | | 1 comment | | | | 1 star | | | 152 reads |
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| posted 6 months ago | | | 207 reads |
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hey girl. didn't know who superman fan was so i deleted before i knew it was sorta you.
gotta know how you set up the slide show.
and no. the pic of us freezing by the water was up here in maine. sadly we haven't been back to va since we moved. we haven't been anywhere since we moved here.
whats going on with your health. i thought you were getting better since they got the mercury out of your teeth.
glad to keep in touch with you.
many blessings
angel
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Happy Birthday!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
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Hey Marlena,
Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have a wonderful day. Enjoy your day!
peace
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Hey Marlena,
Great slideshow you have running here.
Hope you have a great day today.
peace
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| Jodi |
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October 23, 2007 |
Hey how did u do all that cool stuff to yer page?? I have been looking but have not figured it out yet. LOL.. Thanks
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| Jodi |
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October 22, 2007 |
I have heard of that book by Watchman Nee, Gary said it was the next one to the Spiritual Man. You are more than welcome to borrow it after Carrie get's it, she called first dibs. :) Your page looks awesome~!!! I will have to work on gettin my up! Have a good week and God Bless!!
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