Until . . .
I started to develop a relationship with my Christian aunt. One day, she asked me to attend a church service with her, and I confessed I was an atheist. I was afraid she would no longer like me, but instead, she invited me to dinner.
I sat through dinner with my arms crossed, barraging my aunt with questions. She politely and patiently answered them and then asked if I would pray with her. Every fiber of my being did not want to, and yet I did. She simply asked the Holy Spirit to soften my heart and open my eyes to the truth.
The next day, I purchased a Bible to get to know my “enemies” better. As I began reading that Bible every day, my heart began to soften. The Word was changing me.
Three months later, on the Fourth of July—Independence Day from my old self—I invited Jesus into my life. I was born again that second. I got off my knees and knew that my life as I had known it was over.
I cannot begin to express to you how Jesus has changed my life in these last several months. I have read the entire Bible, and the New Testament I have read countless times. I spend two to six hours a day in the Word after my children go to bed. (My husband travels for his work and is frequently out of town.) I am so filled with love and joy that I am unrecognizable to even my husband. There literally is not one aspect of my life that has not been completely changed. Every day God reveals more of Himself to me, and all I can utter is “Praise the Lord!”
I didn’t know joy until I knew Jesus.
—Heidi
A couple days after being "born again," Heidi found Revive Our Hearts on the Internet and has listened every day since. We filmed her at a True Woman Conference—you can watch her story and see pictures of her and her family on this short video.
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Comments
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 9:56 am
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 10:03 am
She is a faithful prayer warrior and it was wonderful today to see your testimony!
Praise GOD!
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 10:25 am
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 10:26 am
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 11:27 am
My mom is Julie too and Heather is my sister - they both commented above. Thank you for your testimony. It is encouraging to see the joy of the Lord in your words and on your face. Thank you! I wished the video of you was longer!
Colleen
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 2:32 pm
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 2:39 pm
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 2:40 pm
What a powerful testimony to the Truth that no one changes hearts like JESUS!!!
your sister in Christ,
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 4:02 pm
on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 6:46 pm
on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 12:37 am
Last night I shared your story with my husband. I was so struck by God using His Word in such a mighty way in your life. My husband and I do college ministry and I used your story to let him know that he can really trust that God's word is powerful as he shares it. He may not know who it is affecting, but it's sure not to return void.
I will pray for you and your family.
on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 10:40 am
We can pray for each other. When I got saved my husband said that I was not the same woman he married.
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Just lately as my husband tested me on his TV movie. He told me that I was a good woman; as I graciously didn't want this movie. Things are getting better as I yield to God's will in my marriage. And ROH is a huge help.
We have 11 children & five sons are at home & one daughter in a coma at home too.
on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 1:14 pm
I wasn't an atheist but I was living a very godless life before I was saved. That was 12 years ago and I still say that the proof I have that God is real, is the change He made in me, through His Son. am so happy for you and your family as bringing God into your lives is something you will never have cause to regret.
on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Your testimony is powerful and touching. Thank you for sharing it; you are an encouragement to me with many of my loved ones. Your dear aunt, who won you with her love and kindness, is a good example to me too. Often that is the best way to win people to Christ, and paves the way for the gospel -- especially if people are not receptive to preaching/testimony at first.
"Love is patient and kind;..." (! Cor. 13:4a)
Hi Leslie N!
I didn't remember you mentioning that your husband was not yet saved. As the Lord reminds me, I will try to keep him in prayer too. Leslie, is there a one-year Bible you read or recommend? I thought I remembered you mentioning that (if you see this). Our friend Jenny was asking about such a Bible. I hope you, Laurie and your family are well.
Blessings to all you dear ones in Christ,
on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 8:57 pm
on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 11:16 pm
on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Thank you for your testimony! I never tire of hearing how God works in the lives of nonbelievers! I have been a believer for 14 years and I am at a very difficult place in my life and your testimony was an amazing reminder to rest in Jesus and his awesome power and strength!
To God be the glory!
on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 12:33 pm
I became a Christian in my 20’s. My husband and I both didn’t know who Jesus was; yet we claimed to be Christians. I did totally change my views when I became Born-Again.
Now thirty some years later I must be without a word (1 Peter 3:1-6 “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”)
My husband is changing bit by bit. He has always prayed at meals & for us & others. I get so thrilled when he says things that show his heart is beginning to change. He drops our three sons & I off at church & takes us home. He taught in Awana many years ago. He loved that church. I can’t see his heart. But He is a wonderful husband & father. And I love him & he loves me. We have much to be grateful for. Pray for me to be a better doer of The Word!
I know this Bible is familiar to you. This is pretty much the Bible I have: The One Year Bible KJV - Paperback (Aug. 25, 1987) by Tyndale $4.52 + $3.99shipping. If you highlight all that info on Google you can see it & look through this Bible on Amazon
on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 3:49 pm
on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 8:06 am
I hope Jenny will be encouraged by her new 'Daily Bread'..
You are dear to my heart too. God encourage your heart also...
Psalm 27:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Do any of you know the woman who gave me a braclet at True Woman Indy? I have been praying for her husband Paul and so has my 6 year old!
We serve an awesome, faithful God!
Your sister in Christ,
Heidi
on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 1:46 pm
be blessed
Agnes
on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 8:07 am