In our early married years in Vancouver we went to a nearby church more for social reasons than because of a deepening faith; church wasn’t our highest priority. Then we moved to Edmonton, and through the mother of our daughter’s friend, I was invited to attend “Friendship Neighborhood Bible Coffee”. Now to me, the Bible was not my favorite reading material, but I thought I needed more friends in our new neighborhood, and I did enjoy coffee. I figured 3 out of 4 was pretty good odds, so I agreed to attend. That was my first Bible study - and here I am today.

Through this same lady, I returned to the church of my roots The Anglican Church, and grew in my faith, attending conferences, Home Fellowships [Life groups] and more Bible studies. I also attended the Alpha Course put on through our church and it was during the Holy Spirit weekend that I became truly on fire in my new life with Jesus.

After this experience, the Bible came alive to me and passages I’d read before took on a whole new meaning.  Words to hymns and praise songs would move me deeply and I knew things had really changed in my faith journey. I began seeking God’s will, instead of boldly doing what I figured He wanted. I discovered we’re all gifted differently and now seek to serve Him by using the gifts He has blessed me with.

My favorite verse which has become a daily prayer is Romans 12:1-2.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to present your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable.  This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing  the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing, and perfect.”