Finding my faith again and strengthening my love for Christ has been an extremely incredible journey for me this past summer. From going to church every Sunday to buying a bible to read, having that connection again with God that I have not had since I was a little girl is truly a gift!

My journey back to God started at the beginning of July when my neighbors invited my mother and me to go along with them to church. I was really skeptical about going due to the fact that I have found going to church in the past boring and a waste of time. However, when I stepped foot into the church and was surrounded by so much love, joy, and worship I knew that this church and my faith, Christianity was the right one for me.

At my church back home worship music is a big part of our praising of the Lord. The singers and musicians are an incredible group of individuals who are truly gifted by God to spread his love and devotion to his followers. Music was already such a powerful aspect of my daily life that now I find myself listening to Christian worship songs over my usual country music on my walks to class.

When one renews their faith in the Lord and feels themselves opening up to him and praising him more than they ever had before it is such a powerful feeling that comes over you. I started looking up bible verses to get me through my daily life. I turn to God when I feel as though I am at my lowest, and I used to not be that way. Actually wanting to go to church and hear the messages from God and figuring out the journey and plans he has in store for me is a blessing!

The most impactful topic that my church was covering when I decided to start going was that of depression and anxiety, two struggles that I had been dealing with for months prior to finding Christ again. It is truly amazing how God works and knows when to put certain signs, people, and messages into your life at the exact moment in which you need them. Hearing the messages about coping with depression and anxiety as well as any suicidal thoughts through the love of God helped me get through every day and want to keep going and pursuing my dreams in life. We all have a purpose in life and going down for prayer after service and feeling so much closer to Jesus has been a great and impactful experience in my life and I know that no matter what he will always be there to guide and love me.

If you are like me and either a new found Christian or you re-discovered your faith, know that God has so many wonderful things and opportunities in store for you. You are not alone with being new to Christ or coming back to your faith, there are so many people who are dealing with the same stuff as you and turning to God for guidance and strength. Find strength in knowing that there are churches. small groups, even online communities in which you can join to get closer in your relationship with God. Do not ever give up for we were made for a purpose and we are all true blessing from our Lord and savior

I for one am super pumped to continue my faith even being away at college. Joining a new church can be scary but if you believe in Christ he will watch over you and wash all your worries away! I am also thinking about joining organizations my college has to offer involving faith, do not be afraid to get out in the world and find others like yourself that love the Lord as well, you never know the relationships you can build and the amazing opportunities you can receive by doing so!

Keep on loving and praising our Lord and savior!