I've been lurking here for awhile and since I responded to Sara's post, thought I better come out and identify myself. Here goes....

I asked God to come into my life when I was seventeen (I'm 44 now) as a result of knowing some kids who invited me to a student prayer meeting before school each morning. I saw the difference that God made in their hearts and lives and prayed that God would do the same in mine. He did, and soon, through divine providence I was invited to attend an adult gathering of believers who met in a home on Thurs. nights. These Christians were from every denomination, (I grew up attending a Methodist "church.") but the manifestations of the Holy Spirit weren't limited to the pentecostals in this group. A friend and I had to step outside because we (teens) had the silly giggles at hearing "tongues" for the first time. Later, I would spend my study hall praying for the kids on drugs, but after a few minutes, I would want to say things that weren't words in the English language and I thought I was going crazy. It didn't occur to me that it was tongues, which was still foreign to me, until a "Baptist" man with a word of knowledge spoke to me and it set me free. If it hadn't happened to me just that way I doubt I would think twice about them.

At 27, I married a wonderful Christian man who had been my best friend for 2 1/2 years. Our IC had painfully dissolved 4 months prior. He never forgave the pastor for his sins, which was the beginning of my ex's downfall. I loved him through his backslidden state, which got progressively worse over the years with exceptions when he'd repent of adultery and other things and seem to be better for awhile. I thought if he had one person in his life who would love and obey God (and love him without condemnation or nagging) no matter what, then he would eventually be restored. I never believed it would end in divorce, but he finally left and divorced me after ten years. I'm so glad God didn't answer my cries and petitions about having children!

I went through a season of rebellion after that, during which, I met my husband of almost five years now (at a Christian singles organization). We have a four year old daughter. My husband is a "dyed in the wool" Southern Baptist who quit attending "church" several years ago. Since then I attended a non-denominationl IC until Febuary of this year when I got a pc and internet connection and found a hc here in Durham, NC listed in the hcc directory.

I've been like a child in a candy store finding articles, web sites and people like you who have blessed me because of our oneness in spirit and likemindedness or revelations that have opened my eyes to new truths.