What a beautiful week it is! Longer days....Spring has SPRUNG! :)) March 10 was a very special day to me. I was baptized at First Baptist Church in Benton, which is now officially my church home. I rededicated my life and my sweet Sam shared my testimony with my family, friends, and fellow church family.
I was so happy that day!! Meant the world to me that my brother and his family traveled to be here and share in this day with me. Also my aunt and uncle. My dad chose not to attend, and I won't pretend not to be disappointed but I didn't let it affect my day. I also had many of my wonderful friends join me and I was so happy to have them share this day with me!
Thought I would share my testimony......
Terri Baker
Sunday,
March 10, 2013 11:11 am
Clay
Cunningham, Minister
Sam Baker,
Testimony
These are my mother’s words:
From the day I was born, my mom had me in church. Raised in the United Methodist Church, my
mother and grandparents were always “fixtures” there whenever the doors were
open. My Papaw even “opened” the doors
for the majority of my life. My fondest
memories were growing and knowing Christ from the very beginning. I was
baptized as an infant and later confirmed as a young girl. After college, I served in Youth and Sunday school
ministry for many years. In theory,
Christ was no stranger to me.
Like many….there were times in my life where I was
separated from God. I will forever keep a photograph in my mind of those dark
times so that I can never EVER return there again. Some were at the hands I was dealt, and
others were mistakes and choices I made.
Both forced me to live in shame and such regret. Bottom line….I was lost.
When my Sam started middle school, he was asked to
attend Youth on Wednesday nights at FBC.
We were active strong members elsewhere and I am a believer that we “all
worship under the same roof.” But we
compromised and Sam immediately became involved. Soon thereafter, Sydney Clare followed suit
and both were plugged in. I reached a
time when I felt the need for a new church home and it seemed like God was
telling me strongly to come to FBC. My
children were here, most all of our friends were here….so I answered the call
and immediately fell completely in love.
Some of my mother’s last words to me were “continue to raise your
children in the company of Christian friends.”
God immediately placed FBC in our future.
God is always present
in our home. When I am struggling, my
children renew my faith, and vice versa.
From Sam’s reminder of Philippians 4:13 on his wrist, to Sydney’s verse
reminders daily on the fridge….We are a team. I stand here today in a journey
to make our family complete in the Lord. I want to be the kind of woman that my son
searches everywhere to find. And the
kind of example to my Sydney, that she wants to be the woman I am becoming…just
as I honor and seek to be like my own mother.
I seek guidance from my God and accountability from my friends and
church family. For we really are a
“Village”. That the world truly knows
“We are Christians by our Love”. I’ve
been reminded over the last year, that even when we separate ourselves from
Him, all we have to do is turn our faces back to Him and He RUNS to us…arms
wide open. There is no doubt in my mind
that He placed my little family exactly where we needed to be. I couldn’t waste another minute and literally
have been so excited about this day.
True redemption and salvation is leaving it all at the foot of the cross
and no longer living in shame, fear and regret.
I am totally rededicating my life to my God and am no longer embarrassed
of where I’ve been. Instead, I can be so incredibly proud of where I’ve
come. I want to tell EVERYONE about Jesus!!!
My flaws are
visible. I’m not perfect. I have fallen short. I’ve been a sinner. I have been weak. But today, through His
grace, I am His child and I am new…..just as He promised. I know that He has plans for me. He has work for me to do. He has blessed me with my two precious
children. I’ve been given another chance
at love . A job with Godly examples of Christian men to work for and with
daily. A loving spirit filled church
home here at FBC. He has restored my
health. He gives me joy in simple things. Gives me eyes for true beauty. A tongue for truth. A heart that loves. A soul that forgives. A mind that reasons. A sympathy that understands. Friends who are like family. And family who are friends. A longing to be kind. And this “village” to hold me
accountable. And at the close of each
day…I will lead MY family to praise and glorify HIM. And when I happen to fall short, my family
will lead ME. From Joshua 24:15: “As
for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Note from my kiddos:
Here are a couple of pics from my day:
20 foot Clay and Terri.....:) Sam is to the right on the mic, sharing my testimony above.
Clay Cunnigham and I just before the service.
This was my mother's ring. She wasn't a flashy person and this was a little dinner ring that she bought for herself, so I know she loved it! The only piece of jewelry I have of hers....and I cherish it. I wore this to have a piece of her with me. :) I know she is preparing a place for me in heaven someday, and my salvation is my ticket there! :)
I think I'll close. Pray for me friends, as I "Spring Forward" into my new walk with Christ....I know Satan is gonna be hard a work! :))
In Him,
Terri
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