In my grade 11 year my family moved to Kelowna. I didn’t have your stereotypical teenage rebellious phase, but as the months went by Jesus slipped lower and lower on my priority list. He was crowded out by my perfectionistic drive to get the highest grades and to look beautiful.

I didn’t feel accepted by my youth group and I took it out on God. Gradually, I lost track of the joy I had had in Jesus, becoming more and more dissatisfied and depressed. I was crying out for help in some very unhealthy ways and nothing was working.

One day I realized how very much I still needed Jesus - and of course he took me back!

Today I still struggle. I still am tempted. But with God’s strength I am able to resist and overcome more and more temptations, and I am growing. I have a purpose in life and I wouldn’t want to do it without Him by my side.

Please, please, please take the time to spend on your relationship with Jesus, for “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5