Thank You Pham

[CrossCuT]

I have been on here pretty irregularly in the past, but whenever I have, seems like it was always to ask for prayers.
Ive been going through alot of ups and downs in the past year especially in the area of my faith.
Been looking for answers, been looking for who I am suppose to be, what God wants me to do.
Its hard to know these things especially when youre not listening to the answers.

God works in interesting ways.
I had recently joined a non denominational christian group at my school just to meet new people and talk about God with some of our other brothers and sisters in faith.
Its been interesting to say the least. Im pretty sure I am the only catholic there, but it has given me an opportunity to really be a witness to my faith.
On a casual lunch out at a restaurant we had planned with the group, one of the girls asked me what my testimony was. I didnt have any powerful, awe inspiring story to tell about my faith. I simply said Im working my way out of being a luke-warm cradle Catholic.
Upon the mentioning of "Catholic", Im pretty sure she got blood thirsty.
She quickly asked me how I believe we are "saved".
I wont go into detail as to the conversation, but basically this group and environment have given me opportunities to grow in my faith and become stronger in it.
Talking to her about it terrified me! But on my drive home after that, I felt so amazing! I dont know how to explain it, but I felt like I did something really good!

I have put more and more time into learning more about why we believe what we believe and how to tell people about it.
Im falling in love with it all over again and I couldnt be happier!

Im not out of the clear yet. The next step is breaking some very bad habbits and replacing them with good ones.
God has always been there and hasnt let go of me yet. He has something planned for me, just dont know what it is yet.
Keep me in your prayers Pham! <3

Edited December 11, 2010 by CrossCuT

[dominicansoul]

Cross, that's beautiful! You are very courageous to join such a group and witness to our Catholic Faith!! I will be praying for you! Looks like it has been a good experience, and one that is leading you to a deeper relationship with God and a deeper understanding of who you are.

God bless!

[CatherineM]

That's great. About changing habits, it takes 6 weeks to 6 months to change a bad one or start a new good. Baby steps. Take on one, and don't give yourself a hard time about the others until you've got the first one tamed.

[Archaeology cat]

Wonderful! I'm proud of you. I know that some people in non-denom groups on campus can almost make it a mission to convert Catholics (I speak from witnessing this firsthand as some tried to get a friend to leave the Church, and unfortunately succeeded), so it is wonderful that you were able to respond to this person and are learning more. I'll pray for you and for them.

[CrossCuT]

I didnt really know what to say the first time she started asking me, but I said a quick prayer that God would give me the right words and that I wouldnt say the wrong things.
She wants to get together and talk again, and this time Im prepared!
Im actually rather looking forward to it!

[MIKolbe]

I am proud of you!!! God certainly does have wonderfully odd ways to bring us back to Him. May you faithfully continue to serve as His witness.