Cornerstone Blog

My grandparents have been a large part of this church, and I couldn’t think of a better way to make them proud than to take steps to further my relationship with God. They have recently passed away, hugely impacting my life over the past two years. I have gotten back into attending church, which has completely changed my outlook on life. I want to grow my relationship with God and help others do the same. I have never been baptized, and I am ready to give my life to Jesus at this time and place.

I thank God and Leslie for all they have done for me, and I’m turning it all around because of Jesus. You can say I was born with it; my mother and father were also alcoholics. I was born a preemie baby and wasn’t expected to live; that is when Jesus came into my life. He rescued me and let me live another day on his earth, then and now.

My kids are grown, I live alone, and I go to work and come home to an empty house. Alone with my thoughts, I began seeing what God has done for me in the past 12 years since I got released from prison. Even though no employer would give me a job, I feel as though society will punish me for the rest of my life, and I was afraid of becoming homeless because with no way to pay my bills…little things would happen that would give me just enough money to keep a roof over my head and my utilities on. I know that was God looking out for me, nobody else. And I knew I needed to find a church to go to in person and thank him for carrying me. 

I was not baptized as a child. I never felt totally connected to or officially belonged to a church. I kind of bounced around from church to church in my 20s and early 30s. However, I always appreciated Pastor Brenda's preaching and the good things Cornerstone was doing in the community. 

I'd like to say thank you to all the people who helped me find my faith again. I wouldn't be where I am now without them. I know that I will be supported by people who will love me, encourage me, and challenge me to grow in my faith.
Most importantly, I'm getting baptized because I have placed my faith in Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads.

As soon as I saw the tenderness in the eyes of the character of Jesus, I saw something I had been missing my entire life and didn’t want to go another day without. That feeling haunted me and followed me. A few days later I told Kevin that I still had so many questions and doubted my ability to hold up God’s standards. He told me God just wanted my heart and that I don’t have to have all of the answers, but at some point, I’ll have to decide to either follow Him or not. 

Before Jesus I felt like everything around me was negative and unwelcoming. I knew I needed a Savior when my grandpa passed away. I had so much grief and sadness not only because of his passing but also watching how sad my mom was. It was just heartbreaking.

Religion has always been a part of my life, but Cornerstone is where I have really come to know Jesus. It is easy to get wrapped up in religion and lose touch with what is most important- the love of Jesus!

I made the decision to follow Jesus at 11yrs old. I was so sure of my dedication to living by Jesus' love and direction in life, I was baptized. But then the next year, I had a tragic experience that caused me to lose my faith and stray away.

My mom has always talked to me about Jesus since I was little. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was very young. Growing up, I didn't go to church much, but I always prayed when I needed God because I always felt He was there. As I've gotten older and as I have become a teenager. I've been dealing with some anxiety and depression recently, but I have turned to Him with it. I know now that I need HIM more than ever; the hard times become easier the closer I get to Him.

In the past, I had been to other churches, but I had never really given any thought to the idea of salvation, or even understood what it was.

As I went through high school, I was bullied. I felt alone and isolated in groups I considered my friends. I developed anxiety and depression. During my darkest times, I felt so alone and without any hope. I saw no reason to continue going.

Jesus has always been a part of my life, for as long as I can remember. But, it wasn’t until these past couple of years that I came to realize I haven’t been following Jesus as close as I should.

I asked Jesus to be in my heart when I was a little girl. He has always been a part of my life but it was an on/off relationship. After five years of being part of Cornerstone, I've decided to take the next step in my faith.
Life before Jesus was unsure. Lots of unanswered questions and events would waver my faith. When I made that decision to come to Cornerstone, I was looking for a Savior.

Following Jesus hasn’t made life easy, as some people think it should. We have been through a lot. Our kids were not perfect. We have a son with multiple disabilities.

I was a lone wolf all my life, struggling with my demons. A few people in my life tried to help, but I was nowhere ready for help. I didn't think I needed help. I lived life wanting to square up with God and stand in front of him and demand he answer me, “Why?”