Stories of our Faith:

A collection of “Personal Faith Expressions” by Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church members, 2004. The predominant themes woven throughout the stories became and remain today LHPCs current Ministry Foundations:

Relationships: In a world of distractions and superficial relationships, we provide a diverse community that sustains the people of God through a deep, meaningful relationship with Christ and each other.
Children: As the people of God we provide the foundation, fellowship and teaching from which our youth and children develop Christ-centered lives of integrity and faithfulness.
Community: We live out God's love for all people by sharing our physical and human resources with our community, working together for the enrichment of life.
Worship: Because the worship of God is the highest human achievement our worship is centered upon God and is emotionally expressive, intellectually challenging and varied in its elements so that we know ourselves to be in the presence of God.
Faith: God carries us through all the unexpected crises of this world, so we are to each other a connection to the unchangeable truth of God's constant love and quiet, undeniable presence.

OUR STORIES

I realized, through the recent death of my father, that I have grown spiritually, especially in relation to my own family. I watched my mother deal daily with my father's death, and even though my brothers and I tend to keep our feelings inside, it made me wonder "what would I do?" And I can't answer that question. My kids understand the physical aspects, but I don't think they fully understand the impact on our family.

My time of significant spiritual growth came when my son was age two or three. I recognized that he needed to grow up in The Faith and within a church, so we sought out a church and became members. In looking for a place and community for my child's spiritual growth, I learned I was taking care of my own spiritual needs.

I experienced significant spiritual growth from the time when my Dad and my Mom had cancer. Dad did not believe in church, but Mom was very religious. Being there at this time we grew together spiritually as a family. My experience has allowed me to talk to God more...I feel closer........more connected. Although a sad time, the experience has allowed me to be closer to my family.

There has not been one "light bulb" moment. I have lost my parents and my husband and know that God gave me strength to get through those times. Our minister visited my husband daily in the last days of his life. I was not aware of it, but he had things with which he was struggling. He and the minister talked a lot, and I could see a peaceful glow in my husband. I believe in the comfort that one receives from their relationship with God.

I grew up in a strongly religious home, and, consequently, attending Sunday School and Sunday church services were just a natural part of my life. For this reason, I cannot remember a time when I might have experienced a "light bulb" religious experience. Thinking back through the years, however, I probably came close to that when I was diagnosed with cancer. At that time I prayed for support and strength to come through whatever ordeal might lie ahead of me. After spending several days in prayer, I felt confident that my future and I were in God's hands and that He would sustain me. Through my prayers I had gained the strength to face my surgery and the days that followed.

The children's sermons add a layer of faith for the children of our church, and I confess they are a favorite part of worship for me as an adult. These sermons, along with Sunday School, impart to our children the great gift of a foundation of faith. This will guide them through their years. They don't yet know how to fully answer the questions like, "What does it mean to be a Christian," but when they reach that maturity, they will have a wealth of resources from which to draw and then to share.

A few years ago, I was involved in a life-threatening accident. I would say without any reservation that this was the time in my life that I felt the most significant spiritual growth. After the accident, I remained unconscious for some time, and even after regaining consciousness, I was unaware of the seriousness of the accident and the extent of my injuries. After being unconscious for some time, I remember regaining consciousness and feeling such calmness all around me. For an extended period of time I had this strong sensation of being with a very dear friend of mine who had died almost one year before my accident. Her presence with me was unmistakable. It was her presence that helped calm me during this catastrophic event and period of time. I know this was God's gift to me.

The night before my accident, I was attending an activity of My Guardian Angel, a group with whom I regularly volunteered at that time. On this evening in June, the leader had the children and volunteers write on a small piece of paper, about an event or situation that had occurred in their life, which caused such deep hurt or anger that they wanted to symbolically purge it from their life. This piece of paper was then placed in a small metal dish and set ablaze so that nothing remained of the recorded event and anger but ashes. I remember being so deeply moved by this as I thought of the anger I held for my ex-husband and for the pain I had experienced because of him and even more for the pain he had caused our son. With the burning of the paper, I felt a deep sense of relief in letting go of this ten years of anger. I had the accident the next day. It was as though my life began afresh. I was a different person - confident, more content with a much greater sense of who I am, with a true sense of connectedness - to God - to others - to myself.

I love the Presbyterian Church and have been a part of this community since my mother first enrolled me in Cradle School when I was one month old. Although I have been a Presbyterian all of my life and love this denomination, it has not always been easy. In the early eighties, a person very close to me tragically chose to take her own life. This marked the beginning of numerous painful events that ultimately led to significant spiritual growth for me. This person and I were both members of the same church at that time. When she died, the minister there met her suicide with a judgment that she had committed a horrible sin. Because of his personal judgment of this event, he was willing to hold the funeral services but chose not to visit in the home of the grieving family to minister to them during this intensely sad and difficult time. This was very painful to me and her family, and it affected me deeply for a very long time.

It was shortly after this painful loss, while we were all still grieving her death, that our church began experiencing a philosophical division over the growing charismatic movement. Over time, this philosophical difference was brought to vote by our membership and the charismatics won out. This meant that since we loyalists represented the smaller number at that time, we were the ones who were forced from our church home to find a new place to worship. This became known as our time in exile.

For the years of our exile, we met in the gymnasium of another Presbyterian church. This time was very difficult for all of us and it was very inconvenient to meet early at the school Sunday after Sunday, to unstack the folding chairs, line them up and lower a backdrop to simulate a sanctuary. But, it wasn't very long before we all realized that we were no longer simulating a sanctuary. This gymnasium had become a very sacred space and, indeed, a real sanctuary for all of us. Through those seven years and the shared turmoil, those of us meeting there grew closer than ever - we became a real family. During this time, not one original member ever left our group. I look back at this time as one of the most enriching periods of my life. After seven years of litigation that culminated with a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court the building was returned to us. After seven long years in exile -- we returned home.

The most significant church-related event for me was our building campaign last year. I spent weeks thinking about our pledge amount and discussing it with my spouse. I was moved by the stories that were told in the "home meeting" that I attended I was impressed by what we could do with our new facilities. I hope that the Family Life Center can be added to our building plans in the near future.

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I grew up in the church and the church was a very important part of my life as a child and teenager. My mother was the organist and my father was an elder for as long as I can remember. Various relatives and family friends, who were like family to us, performed other roles in the church. My grandfather always had a stick of peppermint candy for each child every Sunday. I remember the energetic adults and ministers that lead the youth group. My membership in that church has always been very special to me and I will always carry my memories from that church in my heart. There was a period in my adult life, before my child was born, when I stopped attending church (except when I visited my family when I, of course, attended the church in which I had grown up). After my child was born, I began to attend church again. However, it was not until after I attended Lake Park for a number of years that I was able to join another church. After being a "visitor" at Lake Park for many years, I was finally able to transfer my membership from my family's church. This was very difficult for me to do. In addition to attending worship services at Lake Park, I began to attend Sunday School. Initially, I was shy and afraid to say anything in Sunday School. Eventually, I got so comfortable with participating in Sunday School discussions that I began teaching Sunday School. After I saw I could teach Sunday School, I stretched myself and took on more and more roles in the church. Church took on a different, bigger meaning for me and brought me a lot of happiness.

It was Easter and I had been very depressed. I went to the sunrise service at the Methodist Church and the pastor told a very emotional story about a little girl who ended up dying. There were no dry eyes present. I came home after the service and lay down in bed in the dark and quiet. I kept singing the hymn "In The Garden" and crying. I realized that Christ died for me and actually understood what that meant. I realized that he had been pulling at me for months now and that I was suffering for a reason, so that I could understand the true meaning of Christ dieing for me. Now I witness to everyone I see, sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it. I want the whole world to feel this joy and have this joy in their hearts. This was truly a light bulb moment for me. Awesome is the word! Church and Sunday School now have a totally different meaning to me; I truly realize the reason now! Hymns are pouring from my mouth now; I don't even know half the time where they are coming from. It's absolutely the most beautiful thing!

It was during my junior high year in high school, I was about 12 or 13. We had a communicants class at church (to become a member), and it opened everything up for me. I was so full of questions, and it really opened my eyes. It was wonderful! I wanted to know everything; of course, I realize now that the full answer has come some 30 years later.

Being a cabin counselor at summer camp was a time that had a significant impact on me. In addition to interacting with the junior children as a counselor, I assisted with the instruction in several classes. In one particular class, counselors and teachers would dress as a biblical character and tell their life story to the class. I played Noah. After telling my story, the kids would ask "Noah" questions about his life such as why he did certain things, how did he feel at certain times, etc. They were full of questions that would test you, questions that would require you to pause before responding.

Years ago, my husband and I moved here and found a congregation. The day they decided they wanted to be a church was a very significant time for me. They had been split wide open, had experienced many struggles and now were pulling together, each and every one, to become a church. Even though we didn't even have a building, everyone was working towards the same goal. This helped me to grow spiritually.

When my husband had a heart attack, I feel I really grew spiritually. Through every moment I spent in the waiting room, I knew God was with me. The doctors kept telling me he wasn't going to make it, but I knew he would. This experience helped me grow to accept whatever God gave me to bear. When my husband passed away some years later, I knew again that God was with me.

An event that had a significant impact on me was when a congregation, of which I was a member, decided to become a church and had a groundbreaking. They went through so many struggles to get there and, again, everyone participated in the process. The whole experience had a major impact on me.

The day God blessed me with the family I had always dreamed about was a very significant turning point in my life. Growing up I had a lot of issues in dealing with my parents, and I began to wonder if love was real, why God would let my family go through these trials, and whether families could really be happy. God has blessed me with such a wonderful family of my own and also a wonderful church family that my faith in God and love has changed dramatically. Now I thank God for every blessing in my life.

The Maundy Thursday service this year was extremely moving for me. I had never been to a Maundy Thursday service before and I'm not even sure I could put the effect it had on me into words. It definitely had a significant impact on me.

The day my daughter was baptized was very significant for me. I realized that through her baptism and the beginning of her spiritual journey, I was also beginning mine. I was focused on helping to establish a strong spiritual foundation for her, but now realize that I was also establishing mine.

Throughout life I never really connected with very many sermons, but the opportunity to hear a special minister preach gave me the opportunity to connect, understand and relate. His preaching was joyful, insightful, humorous and even sometimes sad, but packaged in a very engaging way. He never seemed to be preaching to the congregation, but rather engaging them in a conversation.

Growing up in the faith and staying in the faith have been the consistent theme in my life. But it wasn't until my children were born that I really reached a point of understanding the need for a church home. My life has been a complete blessing primarily because I have always felt God's presence, the Holy Spirit. Don't mistake this experience as one of those life altering experiences with God, but rather the undeniable accompaniment of God the Father that leaves me secure, calm and confident. This is no modern day, headline suitable miracle; this is my personal relationship with the Lord.

I have always known that part of my call in life is in the ministry I fulfill at work. However, over the last two years God has opened my eyes to see that some of my characteristics of the flesh have kept me from being able to deliver my best for the kids for whom I work. It was in seeing my weakness that I realized again how much I need Him. God brought me home. Don't worry...I still struggle with it. But God is bringing me Home.

Each and every time we celebrate a baptism I think the church is in its finest hour. At this point in the life of a child/adult we all corporately promise to spiritually nurture and "raise" the individual towards Christ. We also reflect on our own baptism and the meaning of it all as we are marked for His service. God gave Christ to do what we could not do for ourselves. We are no longer separated by sin.

My journey has been a gradual meandering where I initially felt like I was outside of something and I wanted to be inside. My first outward acceptance of my faith came by way of a representative from the Billy Graham crusades. In high school I attended Lovers Lane Methodist, but it wasn't until settling into church with the people at Lake Park that I became equipped to learn about God through music. That's how He communicates best to me, and in turn, that is the ministry in which I feel called to communicate to others. It is such a beautiful thing to feel God through music. My past could be characterized as treading water, but now we are being intentional and very open to His lead.

There are a lot of little things that touch me, but the most dramatic occurs during the last few words of a song that you know God used to communicate His love, the Gospel. The songs I learned while my brother was dying still have a lasting impact. God gives us songs to carry us through. The ability to share those songs at church continues the blessing on to others. He landed in my heart. When you need that link with God, He is there. The church was both my support and my opportunity to pass God's blessings on to others.

My spiritual journey started with a car accident - my father's. My husband left immediately after an evening phone call and a short explanation. I was unable to wait at home. With a babysitter in charge, I got to the top of the hill where the wreck had been reported. What I saw was a wrecker with a completely crushed vehicle. My husband was still on the scene, but my thoughts were completely of my father and the wreckage. After I took a needed deep breath, I heard as clear as a bell "everything is going to be okay" from "my friend" in the seat next to me. The peace that came from this presence carried me through that initial scene and the entire ordeal. I revisited the experience every day for three months. God gave me the strength to accept whatever came. I knew He would be there just like He was with my dad in his car and with me in mine. Childbirth was, of course, life altering, but my first experience of spiritual magnitude was in that wreck when I realized I had a guardian angel and there was no debating God's presence.

I recall three different events while a member of the church that had a significant impact on me: First, the Christmas Eve service when all of those who passed away that year are mentioned. I always think further back on other saints who have gone on, but the entire experience affirms that they are in a better place. Other churches do similar things on other Sundays, but it is that contrast of celebrating the birth of Christ and how He overcame death that I am humbled and full of hope. Second, when I was pregnant and in bed rest with my first child, the majority of my contact came solely from the nurses. But one of the headstrong, God-fearing women of the church refused to let that be enough. She knew of my situation, walked in with lunch, handed me a book and promptly told me she would be back tomorrow. She came back and met needs without asking, and always to perfection. Third, a dear friend's husband was in the hospital completely tired of the food and deeply missing the music from church. So on that next Sunday, we taped the music during the service, ran by Steak and Ale for a dinner to go, grabbed some candles from home and took them to one surprised hospital room. He was so surprised and loved every minute of it. So did we. He died the next day, but enjoyed some wonderful pieces of earth before entering the majesty of Heaven. It was so special to share that with him.

I don't really have this extreme or miracle-filled story to relate, but rather simple, common events ongoing within my life that have provided me with a real sense of spiritual presence. When I was eight years old my father was killed in an automobile accident. I remember the sadness that my mother and my brother and I felt in his loss. In my room hung a sepia-tone picture of Jesus. I remember spending time in my room looking up at that picture and feeling such comfort and calmness. Just having this picture hanging there, representing Jesus gave me a great sense of peace at even this early age.

As I reflect back over my life, music has always been a reoccurring element that provides a deep spiritual component to my life. My mother was my choir director for many years. Music was always a major part of my life growing up and continues to be today. I find many spiritual moments through the music at church.

In the late eighties, my life seemed to be unraveling. I lost my job and much against my will, I found myself divorced. It was in this deepest time of darkness that God's presence became most evident, however. Within a relatively short period of time, I moved to Dallas, met my current wife, found a good job and started attending this church. I moved into one of the most secure times of my life.

While attending church camp as a senior in high school, we had a preacher as a teacher who taught us about organized worship and the significance and purpose of each part of the service. Until then, I did not particularly care to go to Sunday worship. However, understanding and having the preacher who taught was a blessing.

Of all my experiences at LHPC, I continue to feel Sunday morning services still have the most significant impact on me. All of our pastors have been "teachers", delivering God's word in the form of a conversation with a friend. I am comfortable and emotionally involved with a message that I am receiving with my "family."

Over the years we have attended several churches in the area, but did not consider ourselves particularly religious. As our boys grew up, they were both active in youth activities (both preached from the pulpit when members of the youth council) in the Presbyterian Church and to this day are still active in the church.

We felt lost in the church we were attending and started to search for a church in which we were interested and a church that was interested in us. Through the power of prayer and faith we came to LHPC. We immediately felt welcome…the warmest fellowship of Christians we have ever met.

My life has been a series of God's miracles, some of which I was aware at the time and others that only become apparent as I looked back on my journey of faith.

Several years ago my "other half" had gone out to run an errand and was late returning home. I kept looking for the car……….it finally came around the corner at high speed. It was being driven by a stranger. The stranger pulled into the driveway. He got out of the car, ran to the other side of the car, pulled my spouse out of the passenger seat and brought him to the back door of the house. He had suffered a stroke.

The stranger said he had been jogging and as he passed my spouse parked on the side of the road he noticed he appeared to be having some difficulty, but thought the man was okay. After jogging some distance, he thought he would double back past the man on the side of the road, just to check. This time he realized he was in serious trouble. He pushed him to the passenger side of the car, found his wallet for identification, and drove him home.

After the paramedics arrived, the stranger told me he had to get going. He turned and jogged down the street. My spouse recovered and to this day I have not seen that man again nor do I know his name.

I have always been involved with a church. Some of my earliest memories involve my church experiences. I remember the small sandbox with it's pure white sand, in which there were models of biblical villages, in the basement of my childhood church. I remember the Christmas tree in my Sunday School classroom - on which hung a beautiful ornament that broke when I touched it. I grew up in a small town, and we did not even have a full-time minister until I was a teenager. We shared our minister with another church in the area. He preached at our church every other Sunday. We attended another church in town when our minister was away. That church also shared a minister so those church members attended our church when their minister was not preaching.

The time in my life that stands out as the most meaningful and inspiring moment of my Christian life was at a church camp I attended as a teenager. I truly felt the presence of God as we had vespers at that camp. The setting was a beautiful hillside, and there were three crosses at the bottom of the hill. I later served as a camp counselor, which was also a meaningful and inspirational experience. As church has always been a part of my life, I don't know how to be uninvolved. There would be something missing in my life if I was not actively involved in church.

A time in my life when I experienced significant spiritual growth was during a Circle Bible Study Group where we read the entire Bible. Previous to this time I had a lot of questions and this experience helped me to validate a lot of things I really already knew to be true as well as giving me a much deeper understanding.

A service that had a significant impact on me was an Easter Sunrise service sermon entitled "Give it to Jesus." This sermon changed my life and if I didn't have a true relationship with Christ prior to then, I certainly did after and have had one ever since.

I was involved in Campus Crusade at a college I attended in California. Then when I came here I attended a Campus Crusade at the Cotton Bowl. The place was filled; there were at least 75,000 people in attendance. It was such an incredible experience, especially at a young age. One thing that really impressed me was at the end of the event they asked everyone to clean up their trash. We were told later that the cleaning crew had nothing to do because the entire place was spotless.

An event that had a significant impact on me was being nominated to be on the Session at Lake Park during our church merger. Although the process was exhausting, in hindsight it had a major effect on me.

The last approximately 2½ years have been the most spiritually significant time in my life. It began with the start of my sister's illness. I went through a period of time where I was very angry and questioning why. Why do bad things happen to certain people? I then moved into a period of acceptance and slowly began to understand that God does have a plan, even if it is not one we always understand. I realized that she was being called to a better place. By the time she passed away, I did not have any more anger. My sister had a very deep faith, which never wavered throughout the time of her illness. Her faith allowed me to gain the understanding I needed to accept her illness and finally be at peace with her passing.

An event at LHPC that had a significant impact on me was the confirmation of my older son. I did not realize how emotional and how much of an impact it would have on me until it happened.

About eight years ago, I moved my elderly uncle to Dallas to a retirement center, and shortly thereafter I moved my mother to the retirement center. Only a few years before, I had started my own business and the stress of starting my business combined with helping my uncle and mother was a lot to handle. I knew that I had to find a way to relieve the stress and tension. I began to think about meditation. I spoke to a psychologist who taught meditation techniques, but I was not comfortable in setting up a meeting with him since I was not sure what I would be getting myself into. Some time passed, and I began to attend a local church. The psychologist that I had spoken to by phone was going to be the leader of a short course offered through that church. I decided that this would be a safe way to learn more about this psychologist. I ended up speaking with him and ultimately met with him and did learn meditation. I find that meditation relieves my stress and truly frees my mind. As a result, my spiritual growth occurs everyday in little things -- when I am with a friend and I feel our souls have touched through conversation or when I see a beautiful tree arching over the road.

The most spiritually significant growth in my life occurred about ten years ago. This was when my wife and I left my parents' house and became closer as a couple.

The most significant point of spiritual growth in my life was when I was in the 7th or 8th grade. My mother was very religious, and she really drew my siblings and me into our faith. She continuously encouraged us to explore our faith and drew us closer to God. As an adult, our minister's sermons have had a significant impact on me.

My husband and I were a part of a very young congregation much earlier in our life. The church we were attending was located away from any major developed area, so we, as congregants, were pretty reliant on each other. The minister was actually a licensed psychologist and was a wonderful minister. He played a significant role in helping us start a Sharing Group. We would meet in each other's homes on a regular basis and just share the events of our lives. This truly helped us develop such close ties with each other. We really looked forward to these sharing times. At one point we stopped having them for a short time. One of the regular attendees of the group, however, asked us to continue, because he really needed it, specifically at that time in his life as he was going through a deeply trying time. We immediately resumed and were all very glad to be back in the group. I can truly say that this was one of the most meaningful and spiritual times in my life. The intimacy of this group helped to shield all of us from any outside turmoil. We all felt so close to each other and genuinely connected and felt such trust among each other.

Something happened in the 70's when I experienced significant spiritual growth. I am not sure what it was called, some called it a "lay witness program." Rather than relying solely on the minister, other avenues to test and strengthen my faith seemed to open up. Activities from songfests, to retreats, to a teaching approach from the pulpit became available where I could share thoughts and increase the depth of my understanding and relationship with Christ.

Last spring I read "The Purpose Driven Church." It showed me what can be done when we come "to give," not "to get," look at what you can do, not what other people are doing.

I grew up in the Presbyterian Church and attended very faithfully. I began having numerous questions during my college years and actually stopped attending the Presbyterian Church and started looking at other denominations. They seemed to raise even more questions in my mind, however. Shortly after college, I developed a close friendship with a woman whose unquestionable gift had to be that of communication. Her continuous flow of words included numerous recommendations to me on my faith along with questions that really caused me to think. Even with her guidance and council, my questions and doubts continued to grow. She was, however, influential in getting me involved in a Bible Study through a local Baptist church in our area. This group and their detailed study of the Bible really struck a chord with me. As the intensity of my continuing questioning grew, I was home alone one day when I just sat down and aimlessly picked up my Bible. It was as though it simply fell open to Proverbs and my eyes were directed to Chapter 3, Verse 5 - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." All of the sudden I knew I didn't have to understand, I just needed to trust. I felt this huge sense of relief. That became a real turning point in my spiritual growth.

My favorite part of this church is the people of which it is comprised. Their love, compassion and support show me the presence of God. So many have played a part in my life. This is where my spiritual growth continues. The other part of the church that lifts my heart to the rafters is any aspect of the music ministry. The music finds you where you are and lifts your spirits on high.

In suffering from the loss in my divorce, I found that my curiosity grew in the different aspects of death. Trust me, it is not as scary as it sounds. While books on other religions and meditation satisfied my intellectual craving, working with a hospice met my need to help others. And at this time when my world was upside down, I saw that the people who were facing death were the most clear on how they spent their time and knowing what mattered most. There was an undeniable sense of peace in time well spent, and it was always spent with and for other people. It was their clarity that helped me reprioritize my life in order to heal and grow. In facing end times, I could not imagine doing it without faith in God. My faith strengthened, my hope made new, and my life with a new perspective catapulted me to be the person I am today.

It has not been a service or event that has impacted me the most at church, but the people-two in particular. The first touched me with his passion and enthusiasm. I'll never forget the way he would say, "Pray for me and I'll pray for you." The second always seemed to have the energy, emotion and willingness to invest in my life and those around her. They are the proof, as are so many of the people in our congregation, that God blesses us through our church family.

One day, many, many years ago, when my daughter was six years old, I would take her to school and she would walk back. One day she didn't come home. I waited and worried. I worried more. I started heading out the door when something stopped me cold. I heard a voice-was it in my head-or did I really hear it? He said, "She's in my hands"-I opened the door. My daughter was standing there. Since then I have never doubted. I know He is there for me.

Every Day is a special day for me in the community of my church.

I was 18, and I was in a state hospital hemorrhaging from the chest-15 times in a series. I prayed to God and felt His presence. I became a Christian. It was a roller coaster experience. So many times, during holy communion especially, I recall the feeling of sharing in the body of Christ. I reverted to Catholicism-which I dearly loved. But there were so many uncertainties. By the time I was 23, I had spent 2 ½ years in a hospital bed; priests, pastors and church people visited. I went from being a halfhearted Catholic to a 100% Protestant.

I think I can truly say I am ecumenical. I have never known anything different. I can continue to grow through tragedies. It is faith that makes me believe that things happen for a reason, no matter how tragic. I have grown spiritually through my mentors such as pastors and Sunday School teachers, but I have never had an awakening.

A year into the illness of my husband-non-operable, far-too-gone-to-operate, prostrate cancer, I realized that I had to have help in dealing with it, as well as helping him to deal with the less than a year left of the two years the doctors gave him. I came to trust in God as I had never before, not to heal, but to trust and help my husband through to his death.

My husband and I came to Dallas, with kids in tow. One afternoon my husband said he was going to get a pack of gum. He came back and said he found a church for us. I was raised Catholic and the church was Presbyterian. I took a course that was being offered: "What is Presbyterianism?" I met a woman who introduced me to another woman. Turns out this woman and I had gone to college together. Then my husband met a guy. They had gone to college together! Friends to friends, it was a roundabout awakening that changed our lives forever.

I was 16, and I just got my driver's license. My brother was 14. My parents separated. My father and his new wife moved to another country. My mother went back to her hometown. We were abandoned. I took on odd jobs, played in a band. We got an apartment, ate one meal a day. I'm in this church because I now have a sense of truly belonging.

In 1994, I broke up with my fiancé. I met a man, was impressed by his openness and his interest in things of God. We married and found this church. We were not received in other churches the same way. Here we found warmth. We are not interested in material things. We are only interested in being happy.

While I have had numerous spiritual events in my life, the most significant was an event involving my youngest son. He was only six years old and was at home with a student who lived with us. He climbed a tree in our yard, planning to get into the house through an open second story window. Our live-in student decided it was not a good idea for our son to be climbing in through windows so she closed the window so he could not get in the house, forcing our son to climb back down the tree. He fell while trying to get back down and fractured his skull. At the hospital, his head was convulsing and the doctors told my husband and me that they did not believe he could recover. We called our minister who came to the hospital. When he laid his hands on my son's convulsing head, the convulsing stopped. All of us felt that we had witnessed a miracle. My son fully recovered. Strangely, my other children have had life-threatening events in their life as well and prayers were answered as they were also saved. There is no doubt in my mind that God is there.

I grew up in the Presbyterian Church and was taught about the power of prayer at an early age. I have had numerous experiences with prayer in my life. My first experience with prayer was as a child when I prayed that my parents (who drank too much) would stop drinking. I prayed very hard, but this prayer was not answered. This lead me to realize that prayer cannot help those who do not want to be helped.

I felt my prayers in college were answered when I needed help to get through a particularly difficult course.

Later in life I prayed about my marriage which was not going well. I knew that I wanted something better. I did not know how to leave my wife of many years. My minister told me I would know when the time was right. I actually waited over a year from the point I had initially decided I would seek a divorce. During that time I did try to make my marriage work. Ultimately, we did divorce, and it was at the right time for both of us.

The most significant point of spiritual growth in my life was when I had my children. That's when I realized I couldn't continue on this non-church attending path. I knew it was important to raise my children with a church family. This time also made me realize the importance of the values and lessons that my parents taught me.

My Sunday school class is the most significant part of being a member of LHPC. Our class is very open and gives way for a lot of different opinions, which is very important. I also remember the first time I came to LHPC and was very warmly greeted. That had an impact on my returning and ultimately becoming a member. They also played "Ode to Joy," which is my favorite song, during the first few services I attended. I believe that was a sign from God that this is the church family of which He wanted me to become a part.

I have grown up in the church since I was about two years old, so I have always been a faithful Christian. When I was in my mid twenties, I was involved in an adult Sunday School class at the church of my membership. It was during this time that I met my wife. I knew she was a God send because she came to Texas from the other side of the country for a job and was planning on staying only a couple years. Together we started another Sunday School class at this same church. We grew from about 6 to 80 people in our Sunday School class.

I feel that my whole life has been about spiritual growth, but the most significant time I can remember was when I attended a conference where I heard many dynamic speakers. It was a time in my life when I really needed it, and it changed my life. I was on fire from that point on, and it definitely enhanced my Christian life.

A significant time for me in our church was when I was first ordained as an elder. I have served more than once, but that first time had a big impact on me. I feel as though I have experienced many dynamic events in our church. The sermons always have a big impact on me.

When I was about six years old, a missionary came to our door. It was at that moment that I knew that's what I wanted to do with my life. I was also in the hospital once and had some complications. I was lying in the hospital bed and could feel Jesus at my ear. It was so real to me at the time and is still very real when I think about it. Another time of significant spiritual growth was when my children were baptized. I feel all these events contribute to my significant spiritual growth.

People tried teaching some of us about The Way. Some of us just keep doing our thing (whatever our "thing" is). We simply are not open to the spirit in any way. We survive by suffering the consequences of our actions and handling all the problems we cause or are involved in. We prove our toughness and need nothing from God or anybody that mentions God. Do these kinds of people exist in this world, you might ask? Yes, lying, cheating, stealing, envy, jealousy, self-centeredness, and hurtfulness, to mention a few traits, are still among us.

When I look in the mirror, I can still see a person with many of those traits. However, the good news is, I know I am graced and forgiven. If you will allow me, I'll tell you how I arrived at this conclusion. I had reached the age of 31. I had suffered a few losses of important people in my life. These were people who cared about me. My attitude was that life goes on. My grandfather had often advised me, just when you think you are, is when you're not. Little did I know that the wheels were about to come off in my life. Without going into a lot of details, my first big set back came when my wife of 10 years announced that she wanted her freedom and did not want to be married to me any longer. How could this happen? We had never had an argument and we did many things together. This was the start of many questions that I truthfully never found the answers to. I felt failure, loss, rejection, fear, unloved, empty, sad, hurt, and other feelings along with depression. I would say that I was about as low as a person could be. Where can a person turn when it appears that their life is all but over?

I had heard about God, but never gave God much thought. I had some theories about God and they, of course, were ridiculous because I did not know what I was talking about.

One evening when I was alone and exceedingly lonely, I needed help. Where was this help to come from? I prayed to God and questioned why I did. I needed clarification. I simply asked if God really was. I was seriously asking, and, to my great surprise, I heard an answer to my prayer. The answer was YES! Suddenly I experienced such a peaceful feeling. At the same time I was so happy because I knew for sure that God really exists. God really is! I knew that everything would be okay. My part of the talk went something like this. "God, I want to believe but I don't want you to make a crazy out of me." (At that time, the Jonestown incident had just happened.) "When I study about you, let me understand and make sense out of your greatness, and I shall listen to what you say." I began to read the scriptures, not realizing who Jesus really was. I started going to a church where the good brethren began to tell me what God's plan for me was. Some just knew that I had been called to preach. After thinking about this for a while, I simply had to tell them as a group that I knew with God in my life, I was a changed person. God had answered my question and cleared up my doubts of His existence. Some weeks later I asked God what He would have me do. Again, I got a one-word answer. LOVE. There were a lot of questions flying around in my mind. Who, what, and how? I did not feel like I knew anything about love. In fact, other than knowing who God really is, I felt unlovable. Did I ever get tasked with something that has kept me busy the rest of my life!

Finally, I was able to tell the good brethren this. Gentlemen, I've heard what you all say about what God wants me to do. Consider this, because I am only going to say it once. Don't you think if God wanted me to preach that I would be telling you and trying to convince you that I had a calling? I've been fortunate that my belief in God has neither been tested nor has it wavered since hearing those two words.

There have been several people instrumental in my faith walk. Several were involved before I became a believer and several afterwards. These people all exhibited a loving spirit and still do. I have a lifetime to be about what God reveals to me. It is only God's love and our love of each other that make this life worth living.

A time in my life that I experienced significant spiritual growth was when I took a long intense Bible Study called "Disciple" I in which I spent about 34 weeks studying how to become a disciple through Bible study. It was so inspiring to meet with this group for this long period of time, forming such a close relationship with each one of them. At the end of our class, we all went on a retreat where we grew even more in our spirituality and our closeness through sharing our experiences together. Just being in a small group like that, who shared and really cared, does help you grow spiritually.

My spiritual growth has been a long journey. I was born into a family who was always a part of the church. My parents made sure I was in church by taking me as a child and as I got older, I have been very thankful to them for that because I have been able to grow spiritually every day by having God as a part of my life for such a long time. I have been very blessed in having God in my life for as long as I can remember, though there are always times when it seems stronger than others. My spiritual growth continued as an adult while going to CPYC. It was like a different world, spending a week with a number of people from all over. Being able to bond and grow spiritually with them is an experience you can never forget. Seeing young people come from different states who worked together, grew spiritually together and did not want to leave because of the experience of being there and growing closer to God and His people was inspiring. Again I feel very blessed to have God in my life so that I can spiritually grow more each and every day of my life.

God and the church have been a constant presence in my life. Church has always been a part of my life with my family. I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember, and I try to live what I believe.

Music has always been a big part of worship for me. When I was younger, I was a part of the choir and worked with the children. I believe LHPC's music is a part of worship that reaches people and carries them away to a spiritual place. It is important to recognize that our choir, soloists, and special music are a part of a worship service rather than a performance.

Both my father and grandfather were preachers in another country. My family has a multi-generational, Christian heritage. This has been very important and meaningful to me. I became a member of the church here in 1974 and have served as a deacon and an elder.

Our church has always had a lot of activities that I really enjoyed. We have had a 4th of July celebration, a Thanksgiving celebration, variety shows, church dinners with fried fish and chicken, square dances, and other activities. We have even had a game night where people could get together and play cards and other games. The church also had activities for the children and the youth, and the children periodically participate in the worship service. All of the activities have really brought the congregation together and helped us get to know one another better. I believe it has also helped the church grow.

I became friends with and then started working with some of the Mescalero Apache Indians when I lived in New Mexico. One of their Shaman, or Medicine Men, Iron Horse, guided me on my first Vision Quest. During my Vision Quest I found my totem animal which helped me learn much about myself. It was a deeply spiritual and very meaningful experience for me.

When I was 15, my church youth group hosted a Halloween party for a terminally ill children's wing in a hospital. I played The Joker from Batman. All of the kids were so happy to see us. I really gained a different perspective from that experience. No matter how bad things seem for you or me, these kids had it worse. These kids, who were so young, were all going to die, but they were still so happy and living in the moment. It taught me that it's the here and now that's important; every moment is precious.

As a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, one of the missions that we supported was the North Dallas Shared Ministries. Since it was located so far from us (near Harry Hines), it was very time consuming and very difficult to commute to this location. I volunteered to look into the White Rock Center of Hope program and the work that this group did to see if it was anything that our church would be interested in supporting. When I met with the Director and became acquainted with her and the work this group did, I felt very comfortable taking my recommendation to the Board of Deacons to make this Center's program a part of our Mission Outreach. I volunteered to help with the Center's Bazaar and the next year, the Director asked if I would be in charge of pricing the items, which I readily agreed to. Almost immediately upon my retirement, the Director asked if I would chair the Bazaar.

It was about this time that the Colonial Presbyterian Church was sold, and we were suddenly without any place to hold our fund raising Bazaar. The Gift and Resale Shop was started in one of the classrooms and soon expanded to three rooms and the hallways. This was how the Store on Garland Road started. Through discussion, it was decided that we would actually look into buying, if we could find the right place. My husband led this effort. We approached the owner of a near perfect building on Garland Road and asked to buy it, but he informed us it was not at all for sale. He, however, was very eager to rent to us. We again stated our solid interest in purchasing the building, leaving us somewhat at a stalemate. When he related these events to his wife, including the desire of our group to buy the building, she asked, "Why not?" So, we suddenly found ourselves landlords with three other tenants. I look back and see such a direct and clear path filled with a series of unquestionable events that led me from volunteering at the Bazaar to setting up the current Center and it becoming such a vital part of my life. There is no question that God led me in this direction. My husband and I both love our work there and the work with our clients and customers. We have seen this program, in a very short time, go from about a $30,000 a year fund raiser to a thriving community business generating over $100,000 in revenues to support this vital program in our community.

I grew up in a very small Northern town of about 600 people. Starting in the early years of my involvement with the Presbyterian Church there, I always attended the summer camp with all of my friends in church and continued to attend these camps all the way through high school. Years ago I realized that it was those 6-8 years of summer camps with my friends who helped mold my Christian life and practice the ideals that set me on the road I follow today. The kids were from very good and solid families and we all shared common beliefs and interests. This annual ritual helped ground me and gave me a deep appreciation for the church, its people and its teachings.

I have been a Presbyterian all of my life. In fact, I have been a member of the same church my entire life. The church is so important to me. One of the most meaningful times of my church life was when we had Shepherd Care groups. These were small groups of about 10 people with one individual who was essentially responsible for the group. This meant contacting them if they began missing church to let them know they were missed, sending cards for special occasions, and being there for them during times of sickness or need. This created such a sense of closeness in our church family.

I was reared in a Christian family and always a part of the church, knowing that God would care for me. When my grandchildren were born, church attendance was not a high priority during their early lives. I was very concerned and spoke with my son about this. I did some serious praying that they would find their way to a deep understanding of Christianity. When my grandchildren reached their teenage years, they started attending Presbyterian Wednesday night youth activities and Saturday evening contemporary worship services, took several very meaningful mission trips, and then decided to be confirmed. I believe that God has been guiding my grandchildren in the development of Christian values all along. Through this, I actually have been the one who finally had the awakening about God's power and comforting ways.

When I was much younger living out of state, I was a part of a young women's prayer group. We met once a week at 5:00 a.m. We would arise each meeting morning and quietly slip out the door wrapped in our robes and slippers. Promptly at 6:00 a.m. we would bring our meeting to a close and return to our homes as quietly as we left. This prayer group fostered such closeness among the women. We truly felt like family.

There is no particular time when I experienced significant spiritual growth. I was brought up in the church since I was young-from going to Sunday School and church, youth fellowship, and youth choir to teaching Sunday School and helping with the nursery. Sometimes I've been more active or less active, but my faith hasn't wavered that much-it hasn't become overly intense though either. Like most of us, there have been some tough times to go through and you tend to step back (re-evaluate, ponder, etc.), but basically I think I stay pretty mainstream.

All of the people of our church are special to me for I think that is what makes our church-the people. It especially warms my heart to see some of our old members because I have known most of them for 40 years or so. There's a comfort in that.

The show of care and concern for my father during his illness and to our family upon his death was the biggest help in making it through those tough times. Seeing the church so full of his family, friends, and church friends at his funeral warmed my heart, and I know it did his too!

The church is an extension of your family-the more you love it and contribute to it and get to know its members, the more you also get in return.

When my sister died she had left a son a little over a year old. We were all so devastated at the death of our youngest sister in an accident; the church friends and neighbors all were very comforting, bringing flowers, cards, food, etc. We had about decided that if someone would just bring us some toilet paper and diapers we might just get through this, and there, bless her heart, was a woman from the church with a sack or two of stuff, including toilet paper and diapers. Her son, who was a friend of mine (we grew up together), had also died a few years before in an accident and left behind small children. Having been there she was able to use her experience to help others, something we can all keep in mind, especially in our interactions with other people.

As far as events in the church, the Christmas Eve service is always special to me, we've probably only missed a very few in the last 40 years or so. It's tradition-a joyous occasion to be with your family and church and celebrate the season-the birth of Christ, the love of God, the spirit of loving, giving, and doing for others. It's different now, for it has gone from being the happiest of times to one of the saddest since my father is gone.

Sunrise Easter services at an old historic farm in Austin are also special. Being outside in the dark, crisp air, and watching the sun come up over a field of bluebonnets, an old rusted plow or two, and a big wooden cross adorned with flowers is very magical. You feel born again. Also the farm has some animals, often with babies at this time of year. Last time we saw a huge jack rabbit hopping around afterwards, we knew that he was the Easter bunny!

The Maundy Thursday service at our church had a deep impact. They are very somber, and a time of reflection when one realizes what an important event the Easter holidays are. You feel some of those feelings that the followers of Jesus surely felt in those days.

"Sandwich Ministry" days, that one Saturday morning a month that we get together to make a ton of bologna and cheese sandwiches for the Austin Street Centre to use as their Saturday evening meal, is a very rewarding experience. The fellowship and the feeling that in some small way you are doing something to help those in need is very gratifying.

I also enjoyed the church services at Oldersgate Methodist Church in Ryan. We had a young preacher and very contemporary services. I especially enjoyed the music-very upbeat and uplifting. Sermons tended to deal with real life issues that most could relate to. All in all, it was always a very uplifting service and gave you a nice "oomph" to start your day with! Often, musicians would play guitars and drums; there was no choir.

Lastly, the sanctuary of Northminster will always be special to me. I can remember having services in the fellowship hall with folding chairs. When we finally got our new building with the beautiful stained glass windows and nice foyer, we were all so proud and appreciative. The sun would shine in through those windows; it was so nice and airy. Lots of memories are left behind there, my sister's and my weddings, my nephew's baptism, my father's funeral, my sister's funeral, plus 40 years worth of church happenings. It was really hard to say good-bye, although we are all trying to make new memories in our new church.

We are very lucky to have such a wonderful church and church family. It is the people who are the church. Thanks to all of you.

I feel I have been a Christian all my life with Christ being an integral part of my home environment as I was growing up. There was a time that I particularly remember when I was in the 9th grade when we had a speaker in chapel who talked about being inoculated with Christ when I really made my commitment to Christ.

Sunday Services have an impact on me with the "stories" typically included in the sermon followed by the charge and benediction.

The times that I experience the most significant spiritual growth is at youth camp. When at youth camp, I'm away from everything and have time to think and study. Witnessing the kids' camp experience has a profound effect on me. I always return home spiritually renewed.

Church-related functions that have the most significant impact on me are service projects, such as working at Grace Presbyterian Village or preparing for the Corner Market. While the projects are generally a lot of work, it is great to see a group of us work together and end up with a successful event.

I found non-threatening college ministry retreats rich in opportunities for spiritual growth. On one trip, one of my travelers and I did not see eye-to-eye before the trip, but after getting to spend time with her, I realized that she was pretty cool. Another such traveler packed simplistically because of his faith that God would provide. The people on mission trips for whom we worked consistently inspired me with their focus on faith and what we can do for each other. Entire communities worked toward that in which they believed-love of God and love of community. So much of what we see as important really isn't because it does not impact family and community. These opportunities of setting foundations for community improvements transformed my perceptions and my priorities.

A pastor of one of the churches in my childhood made a significant impact on me by his dedication to the children and youth, even though we were a small group. He took us to special events, organized our Sunday school and recognized our importance. He stressed that a relationship with God was our decision and made sure we knew that God was for everybody. Another church helped to focus its members on what was important to them individually and encouraged and affirmed the different types of ministry levels they needed. Then Lake Highlands continues to astonish me with the way everybody seems completely open to all ideas and participation of longtime members as well as visitors. In my time here I have felt nothing but welcomed and included.

Although I started in the Methodist tradition due to my staunchly Methodist grandfather, I began attending the Presbyterian Church as a teenager due to the youth programs they had. It has kept me going ever since.

My mom experienced several tragedies in her life, one after another. She never blamed God or angrily said she didn't believe in Him anymore. She instead took comfort in reading the Bible, and I have remembered it ever since.

My daughter had open-heart surgery back in the days when it was still a relatively new procedure. Our pastor came to be with us in the hospital and assured us that through God everything was going to be okay, and it was.

On the night that I was to join the Baptist church, the person behind me accidentally spilled their communion juice all over the back of my white blouse. My dear friend unselfishly offered to switch her blouse for my soiled one so I could continue as planned. She provided at such a time of need, and I have never forgotten it.

My niece has had extreme health problems with her stomach and cancer for over a year now. Dozens of surgeries later, I know that it is the countless prayers, 400 or so "Get Well" cards, and her faith that have sustained and strengthened her to survive and press on.

All I need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It. The author, Robert Fulghum, did not know either of his grandfathers. His father's father was shot to death in a saloon in Texas in 1919 and his mother's father walked out of the house one morning on his way to work and never came back. In one of his essays a grandfather is imagined. In the story, they spend a night looking at the stars. They talk about how human beings have been looking at the same stars and thinking the same things for so long. And how there must be life up there, same as here, and whatever it's like it's looking at us. Do we shine? Are we part of some pattern in somebody else's night sky-a projection of their imaginations and wonderings?

I attended a play based on these books. At the end of the play each of the four or five actors had one small round metal mirror in their hands. I was one of the four or five people in the entire audience at Theater Three that was given a mirror. One of the most moving parts of receiving the mirror was that the actress that gave it to me did not look around the audience to choose a person. She looked straight at me, walked over and handed me the mirror. It really made me think about what I reflect. What did I want my life to reflect? I attended the play for entertainment purposes and left that night forever changed with the recognition and challenge of my relationship with the refection of the Lord.

Because my wife chaired the Christmas dinner for church, I got recruited to do much more than I ever bargained for. Finding myself restless at the event, I walked around outside on the playground only to find a young man who was a member of the church hanging around outside, too. It turned out we were both having a pretty rotten day, and it was at this time that we experienced a melting of our age barriers. I was no longer older, and he younger, but rather two friends finding solace and affirmation in the other. My lesson here is that age is meaningless; we just need to treat people as people and see nothing else.

I started out in the Presbyterian Church, growing up in the Sunday School and Sunday morning worship services. As a youngster, a college student, an adult with a young family and all through my life it has been the Word of God as heard from the pulpit that has touched me the most. But I also know that no matter the minister, you learn about God and you work for His purposes.

I grew up in a Presbyterian church that was originally a mission church. Worship and the people who participated in it were often quite a "production" and not consistently genuine. On another front of my childhood, I suffered from severe asthma that kept me out of school and privately tutored through most of my school career. Because of being faced daily with physical death and a worship experience that created doubts in my mind, it is no wonder that my spiritual nature has always been more of a personal relationship with God rather than a corporate one. All I could do is put it in God's hands. The most powerful lesson through all of this was giving my life, health and worries to God.

Several years ago, my brother was diagnosed with cancer, and I made a "deal" with God to make him better. Through the struggles of the diagnosis and his eventual recovery, I grew to realize and change my prayer to ask instead for guidance, help and comfort.

The Christmas Eve service holds a special place in my heart. My children traditionally take bets on how far into "O Holy Night" we will get before the tears stream down my face. This service is the peace in the midst of all, a refocus on the real meaning of Christmas.

My life began as a faithfully practicing Catholic; church always meant a lot to me. I fully expected it to always be that way. What I didn't expect was to be taking my three children under the age of 12 out of a dangerous situation and leaving my first husband. After the big move, I tried a new church but it wasn't welcoming or easy to get involved. I got through this challenging time due to the support group Al-Anon and close friends. Al-Anon taught me about self worth, behavior, relationships and confidence. And right before I faced all of this change and struggle, my father died unexpectedly. Symbols and music meant the most to me at this time, as did an increased prayer life. One symbol that stands out still to me today is the analogy of a sword having to be tempered with fire. I completely believe that the traumas in our life are our greatest opportunity to grow closer to God and change for the better. So much good has come from all of this in my life-one of them being my second husband and our turn back to the Presbyterian Church. Other support groups have helped us through our journey with our family and have shaped me into who I am today.

When I go to camp, I experience spiritual growth because everyone believes in the same thing and people accept you as who you are.

A concert I attended had a significant impact on me because everyone seemed so into the songs and everyone shared the same beliefs.

When I went to the Billy Graham crusade, I felt so close to the Lord. I felt like I grew so much because it was there that I accepted Christ into my heart. Many others did the same thing that night as well. It helped me to become closer to the Lord and to grow to be a better Christian.

Whenever my youth group gets together with another church for monthly events, it impacts me a lot. There is always a band there, and we sing about Christ and His Word. It impacts me to see people willing to spread God's Word through music.

My first significant experience was when I listened to Christian music. For two weeks I didn't listen to my favorite music that I always listen to; I listened to Christian music instead. As a result, I experienced many enlightening ways to see myself getting closer to God spiritually.

My most significant impact came from my mentor as I took the class to join the church. He gave me advice on God and forgiveness. He is someone who is special to me. I thank him for his spiritual guidance in my time of learning about God.

My most spiritual spiritual growth happened this last summer at camp. Everyday through Bible study, contemporary worship and fellowship I grew closer to God.

When the youth band plays in the worship services now, I realize that the band has come a long way in a year's time. The band can now play comfortably on stage.

A time when I experienced spiritual growth was at camp last summer. I participated in a lot of activities and made a lot of new friends. The sermons I heard there by my peers impacted me the most.

My spiritual growth came about under my personal mentor during my steps toward confirmation.

The experience that impacted me the most is when we presented the check for the money the youth group raised for the new building fund and the thanks we received from the committee chair.

My best experience of spiritual growth was at church camp.

The experience that had a significant impact on me was when the youth presented the church the check for the building fund.

The 30-hour famine helped me experience significant spiritual growth because I realized how lucky I have it.

When the youth band played during church, it impacted me because I realized that God had given me musical gifts for a reason.

When my daughter was sixteen years old, she was in a severe automobile accident. The doctors at Parkland did not expect her to live; in fact, she was resuscitated several times. My son took it upon himself to call another family in the church, and, shortly after we arrived at the hospital, they also arrived. My daughter stabilized and eventually recovered from injuries. That family stayed with us sharing conversation, handling difficult telephone calls, and really just being there. Our entire church family provided support and comfort over the next several days while my daughter was in ICU. Crisis brought out the love and caring of my church family and provided me with a closer walk with Him as He gave me the strength to endure this tragedy.