Intro - A little about me first and what this blog will be about.

"Now, through ALL of this muck and pain that life dealt me....you wouldn't believe what God did. There was a BRIGHT LIGHT through the midst of it all, and THAT is why I am here, not dead, talking to you today."

This is a daily account of real trials, my viewpoint, and real solutions that will hopefully help you know that someone else out there has struggles too. This life is NOT easy. I understand. I am also here to tell you that there IS hope. I am LIVING PROOF.

                   (Im the one on the right with my eyes tightly squinted shut. I was about 7 here.)
  
As a child, my mother married several times. That seems to be the story with a lot of people these days. you might even be able to relate to that.

During that time it was hard for me. Not only because I was moved from place to place, but I was molested several times by several people.

First by cousins, then by a friend of the family, until eventually I was raped by my step brother at the age of 12. I felt like I had a sticky note sign on my forehead that said "please abuse me".

I realize that childhood abuse is a story that a lot of people share, whether or not they talk about it, or ever admit it to anyone else. 

But, I want you to know, you are not alone. 

Every single person on this earth has suffered trials of some sort, even those who pretend that they have the "perfect life". The perfect life does not exist. Not on this earth at least.

Maybe you are like me and you married early in life. I went on to marry at the age of 19. I think that mainly it was to get away from the abuse that I suffered at home. Sad thing is though, that I went from abuse at home to abuse in a marriage. Not once, but twice, before finding "the right one".

It wasn't until I was taught about what the cycle of abuse was....that I could escape from it. Thankfully, God led me on the right path to discover the truth. (if you are in an abusive relationship, seek the council of your pastor and take the time to read this article. http://www.domesticviolence.org/violence-wheel/)

I do have two GREAT kids from that first marriage though. (Had to brag for a sec on them.)

My gorgeous two sons at Galveston beach in November of last year.

Friend, even if you can relate to my story. Even if your story is much, much worse. There is hope. There is a purpose for your life. The abuse is something that happened to you. It is not WHO YOU ARE. 

God has taken my life...and the things that happened in it and He has turned it all around. He has given me the complete ability to forgive those who hurt me, move on, and actually even move forward.

What the devil had meant for harm in my life, God has changed for the good. Like what? Well, I have been fortunate enough to have traveled on missions trips to Cambodia, Mexico, Thailand, and Africa. I have been able to relate to them, and to some of their trials and abuse, in ways others may not be able to. In being able to relate to them, it gave me an open door to share the gospel with them. Ultimately being able to lead them to Christ and salvation.

God has allowed me to share in youth groups, teach in women's prisons, and meet a lot of beautiful people along the way.

I am not saying my life is perfect now, far from it. I think we only get a perfect life, free from trials and pain...when we get to Heaven.

Jesus Himself said that in this life we WILL have trials and tribulations....but to be of good cheer because He has overcome this world. We even get to read the end of the story and see how it goes. I will let you in on the secret if you don't already know. As a Christian, we WIN.

Welcome to my blog.

This diary is an account of my day to day REAL life. I hope it blesses you.

 If you have a prayer request, I am more than happy to pray for you. We are in this together ya know. Never feel alone.