I was thrust into the "real world". I spent the next 6 years spiraling out of control. You see, having grown up in that Christian home, I never knew Christ. Not really, not personally. I thought I was fine. I had the knowledge of Christ. But I was seeking to do things unconventionally now. I was using my teenage years to find out what it was that the world had to offer me.

In my search I found a lot of things. I found I did have problems, I was finding out fast that everyone has problems. The most important thing I found was the love of my life. On Main Street. :o) He was in a band and we all know band guys are really cool, right. No, I mean it, really they are. To this day he's still my right on band guy. I was (and still am) his biggest fan. His groupie, if you'll allow me the term. I followed him everywhere. (you think God knew something I didn't). It was the best thing I ever did, following Jeff around. God took his life and changed it. Jeff got saved. But the rocker in him would not change. Now he was in a Christian band, and having Christian concerts, I still followed him around. Why wouldn't I? I was fine with God. I would certainly never get in His way. I grew up in a Christian home, went to church my whole life. I didn't have a problem with Christians. I was one, right?

Little did I know, as I was standing backstage at one of those Christian concerts preparing to receive "new believers" and pray with them, I became ONE OF THEM!!! God grabbed a hold of my heart that day in a way that I had never felt before. My God became My Savior that day. Jeff and I have been serving our Savior together ever since. We've been serving the body of Christ at CC Joplin for over 17 years now. We have 5 (count them) beautiful children, 2 boys and 3 girls, ranging in age from 4 months to 18 years. It's been a WILD ride, but I wouldn't change a thing. Because Jesus changed everything!