In my Family I am the youngest and have four older brothers.My mom became a single parent when my father left us for California to follow his dream-a motorcycle gang!

My Mom set a good example teaching us the importance of family and the value of hard work.She didnt drink,smoke,do drugs,or entertain men.She worked hard,kept a clean house,taught us to fish and crab,and took us to Pizza Hut and Carvels for family night.Every Sunday we went to my aunt's for the The Italian Dinner! There was great fun playing with all our cousins.

When I was 13 my mom remarried.She had a right to be happy again with a man who would love her and not leave and he has always been there for us.

However,Like most teenagers,I didnt feel that my mom listened or understood me.At 16 I discovered a "good time" world.Friends-who cared about me,wanted to hang out all night,and just have fun-or so I thought!I didnt do drugs but I did start drinking on weekends. I left home at 18.I soon learned those "good times" werent so good after all-I got Pregnant!! NOW WHAT!!??

When I called my mom to tell her,she was upset! She told me I needed to take responsibility for my actions.The father of my child split.I needed a place to stay and I didnt want to stay with any of my friends.My mom was right-I needed to be responsible.I was Pregnant,Scared and Alone.!

I went to a home in Salem for unwed mothers-Cornerstone Pregancy Center.Our house mother was very caring.The people were different-I know now it was Jesus.

The longer I stayed at Cornerstone,the more I felt their Love for me.I started to feel like someone really cared.We had to go to church on Sundays and attend their bible studies.I started asking questions.

Growing up I had never heard about a personal relationship with Jesus.He spoke to me and I remember my heart beating fast as I accepted him as my personal saviour.I cried because He chose me and it was a relief to get rid of all my pain.I knew being a single mom would be hard,but with God and my family for support I could do it.

For the next five years I lived for God.Then my fall came.I moved away from My Christian friends,thinking I was strong because I read my Bible,prayed,went to church and sang and did all the right things.

Over the next several years,I was in a relationship with a non-christian man,I became pregnant,he became abusive,and forced me to leave one son to save the other.

I didnt think I could go to Jesus..For 15 years I had believed satan's lie that I was unworthy.I found myself going back to the world for comfort and happiness.But something was always missing.Inside I knew I should be living for God.

God was calling me back to him..In November 2006 I surrendered my life to Him Its not always easy but Its been Great!!!He has blessed me so much! He has renewed my mind and showed me how to forgive.

I have had some tough times since that November but I know that there will be better days ahead! Everyday cant be perfect when we live in a unperfect world..Trials will come that will make me stronger and enable me to help others..


God has blessed me with two wonderful sons.A christian mom and Dad,wonderful friends, and a solid bible believing Church and inner peace..

Here is what I have learned..Pray often..Dont let the past control my future..Help each other..If I fall-get back up..Life has its ups and downs but Jesus is right there with me..I pray that I can show others they have value,how much Jesus really loves them and there is Hope in HIM!!!!

May we all continue to seek him for all things!!