The Lord blessed me with Christian parents and I was in church every time the doors were open my entire childhood. I always thought I was a "good girl" and definitely acted the part, doing well in school, being involved with my youth group, obeying my parents (for the most part) and even participating in summer missions programs. I know that the Lord began His work in my life at a young age, allowing me to hear his Word regularly and especially to hear the gospel repeatedly. I knew that lying, disobedience, being unkind to my sisters, and such were sins, but I never saw them as they were: a violation of the commands of a sovereign God, a rebellion against my Creator, offensive and vile in the sight of a holy God. One day I committed a sin that I thought I would NEVER commit and it was that moment that I finally realized that no matter how good and clean I seemed on the outside, my heart was wicked and deceitful.

I had known from a very young age that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:23), I knew that "The wages of sin is death" (Rom 6:23), that "There is no one who is righteous, not even one". (Rom 3:10), in fact, I had shared these truths with many children through teaching Bible clubs, and even with my friends. Somehow, I just never felt that they applied to me. Well, I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for showing His mercy and grace to me, a sinner. As He worked in my heart and drew me to Himself, I was truly broken and humbled before Him. I knew that there was no way I could save myself from my sin---there was nothing I could do. I could never be good enough to satisfy a holy God. Within me, there was no hope... but Christ!!!

I've heard it said that a person cannot be saved until he realizes he needs a savior. Well, I knew that I needed someone to save me and the Bible says that there is no one who is able to meet the demands of a holy God except for Jesus Christ, the very Son of God who gave His life on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He won the victory over sin and death through His resurrection. Because of His great love for us, He offers us salvation, eternal life to all who believe. John 14:6 says, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but by Me." I have put my trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for my salvation. I praise Him for what He has done in my life. He has given me such peace and joy, a purpose for my life---and wonderful hope for the future.

For now, I just want to know Christ more. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Ephesians 1:1-14. It speaks of the incredible love of God and how He chose me before the foundation of the world! How He has given me forgiveness of my sins according to the riches of His grace---all to His glory! I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and 5 beautiful children, but the blessings of God go far beyond that which is physical. I can only praise Him and thank Him!          Ruth Dingus