Caitlin's Story

I received Jesus when I was young so I don't remember clearly a difference between before and after. Even though I was Christian, towards the end of high school through my early twenties I started making a lot of bad choices. I was acting in a way that would have ashamed my parents and I'm sure was disappointing to God. I was far from church, not reading my Bible and definitely felt far from God.

I justified the choices I was making by the fact that Jesus died for my sins. Why waste that gift? I thought I should live it up.

When Steve and I started dating we started going to church again and I realized what I was doing was wrong. I was being immature and I'm sure disappointing God. I decided it was time to take my faith more seriously. I knew that I would be forgiven but that didn't mean it was okay to keep sinning purposefully.

I am grateful to have eternal life because I know that no matter how much good or how many mistakes I make, I will still always be loved unconditionally by my Father and He will always have a place for me in Heaven.

Growing closer to God has allowed me to grow closer to my husband. When we met we were both at a point in our lives that we were yearning for deeper relationships with God. As I've watched many Christian friends have relationships and marriages fall apart, we have stayed strong and in love. I think most of that is due to God and what we have learned from the Bible. We show grace to each other in our shortcomings and have a bond that many of my friends miss.

I know that sin is not in Heaven and Jesus came to forgive all of our sins. It is because of that, that I know God has a place for me in Heaven.