The "Compass"

Stephanie Marshall...In her own words.
Just a little background, my husband Ryan and I have three kids Payton, 15yr, Zack 10, and Rylie 4 years old.

I have always beleived in God. I just lost my way for a while. It was during this time that I disconnected form Him as I went through a lot of years of personal conflicts. On the outside I seemed to be alright, while on the inside I was angry, hurt, lost and confused. I became a bitter person and this not only affected me, but also my children and family. I felt like a failure, and become this person I didn't know or like. I was confused and searching for answers. I was at my wits end! It was then that my best friend of 27 years lost her 9 mo. old dauther. There I was, with this defeated attitude. I have a wonderful life and family and was ashamed of how I had taken it all for granted.

So, I started praying and reading the bible everyday. Some dear friends of ours Kyle and Donna Helms invited us to FBC and a small group they were going to for 40 days of community. Ryan and I had talked about getting our family back into church. In August of 2006 we started attending FBC and this small group. The people we met were wonderful! We couldn't get enough. I was so excited about what God was doing in my life and I finally felt at peace. From the moment I walked into FBC, my life was changed. I heard the praise band worship and I felt a connection to God in a way I'd never felt before. I knew I had to be a part of this!

That was 6 months ago, since then I have been baptized by our new and wonderful Pastor Darrell Bridges. I now worship God everyday. I am continuously educating myself with the Lord's Words. As a memeber of FBC I am active in small groups, the praise team, choir and the church community as a whole. I have peace in my life that I've never felt before. Besides being a mother, daughter, sister, wife and Friend, I NOW know my purpose in life. I wished I would have discovered this years ago, but I know I had to go through what I have, to be where I am. I am truly blessed! God is working in my life and I am excited to see what he has planned for me and my family. "In the world you will have tribulations: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"-Joh 16:33.

I know that on the path of life there will be many right and wrong turns, stop signs, green light and road blocks. But, with God, my family and the church family at FBC, I will be okay

This was the article in the "Compass" that was mailed out for March I told you I would share. It turned out to be really nice. (except for the picture that I have no clue who took and where I was-but it wasn't very flattering!) Anyway, I just talked from my heart and tried to keep it simple. I could have gone into more detail but, that would have been way to much Info like Kathy types on her blog TMI.