My Faith Journey by Stacey Howell

The first memory of my Faith Journey began at seven years old with Vacation Bible School. My parents' faith was deep and strong, so they would load all six kips up and away to Vacation Bible School we would go. They made sure we would come to love the Lord. I can remember marching into the youth hall singing "Onward Christian Soldiers" - arms swinging and knees pumping. Not only did I feel the presence of our Lord in my soul, but music also became a part of my faith journey.

Being raised in the Lutheran faith, we were required to go through confirmation. This was my next faith journey. I believe it was a 6-week class. We learned the Lord's Prayer and what it meant. About Communion and the elements. Once the course was completed, we had to stand in front of the church and recite the Lord's Prayer and take communion. I was so nervous thinking I would mess up. I made it through the Lord's Prayer, but not communion. My stomach was so upset that when the preacher came to me, I blessed him with my breakfast. Our babysitter said I was blessed, and that the presence of the Lord was just making His presence known. I learned that day that life sometimes puts challenges in our lives. and we just have to turn to God in prayer for courage and guidance.

My journey continued. Jimmy and I were married and off to college. Being married, raising a child and going to school, I must admit that going to church was not at the top of my list. I did not lose my faith but did not take the time to go to church and be with my church family. Thankfully, the Lord was still with me and heard my prayers, letting me graduate from Texas A&M and blessing us with another child.

Jimmy and I both made it through college and our little family included two children. Tapp Methodist was Jimmy's family church. Fresh out of college we were hit and miss at church. Sometimes we lose our way and forget what is truly important. Jimmy's grandmother was Bernie McCord. "Nana" reminded us that we needed to get back in church and be there for Sunday lunch. If you weren't there, she would be calling you to see why you weren't. No pressure! It was the "little" push we needed to get us back in church and become a part of our Tapp church family. I believe that a family who goes to church together is stronger and stays together. Teaching our children about God and our Lord gives them a strong foundation to rely upon in the challenges that they will face. Sometimes as adults we need that little push to remember what is important.

A couple of years go by, and I feel the pull of Tapp Methodist Church and my new church family. It was a regular Sunday, and I felt God telling me that this is where I belonged. I transferred my membership to Tapp and pledged all that I had to God and my new church and church family. There were times that we as a family struggled and most of what we could give was our time. What we have belongs to God, be it financial or our time. Once again, music plays a big part in my life and soul. Every time I hear or sing the song "Here I Am Lord" it calls to my soul. It reminds me to give of my time, finances, and most of all be thankful that God has made this possible.

My faith journey continues as I grow to love and depend on my faith and church family. Our church family is an awesome and giving group of people. If there is a need, they always step up. As I tell everyone, "It takes a village to run a church." I am blessed to be able to just make a call, text, or they see my need for help and volunteer without even being asked. God is in control, and He knows what we need and provides. Praising God and giving thanks for my church family for always being there for me and our family. Life without either would crush my soul.

My faith journey is always changing and growing. I'm thankful for each day and blessed to be a child of God. I leave you with a song that keeps me faithful and grounded: Cody Carnes "Firm Foundation" (He Won't)

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