Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Time Travel Tuesday ~ "Eighteen" edition



Annie asked for input regarding which age we wanted to visit during our Time Travel Tuesdays. I enthusiastically voted for eighteen.
I turned eighteen on September 22, 1989, just a few weeks into my freshman year at Western Michigan University. The first thing I did as an "adult", (because now I could) is I went out and got my left ear triple peirced. I had to wait for the first peircing until I was eleven. I secretly double peirced my left ear at my friend's house when I was thirteen. Now, at eighteen, I went right to the mall and got it done without a note from my mom giving me permission. I'm such a rebel!
But things were soon to change.
If you read my 100 Things post, you already got a glimpse into what happened when I was eighteen. I was living in the dorms at WMU, thinking mostly about music and guys. Fortuantely for me, God was thinking about me and while I was pursuing good times, He was pursuing me. And He knew just how to do it. Through a good looking guy!
I met Brian in my dorm. (Actually he was on my hall council committee. Brian picked my committee because he thought I was cute! I love it when he tells that story. *grin*) When Brian was working at the reception desk, I often stopped to talk with him. After awhile I began to be interested in him.
As time went on, Brian asked me if I went to church. I had grown up going to church, so I answered, "Yes." Then he asked if I'd like to go with him sometime. What could I say? Of course I wanted to go anywhere with this guy!
I was in a vocal jazz group at Western and we had our first concert coming up, so I invited Brian to attend. We went to a hockey game together. I slyly figured out a way to get him to take me shopping for decorations we needed for a hall council activity. Spending time with Brian was tons of fun. I believed I was starting to fall in love. But then Brian led me to a greater love!
He was always talking about Jesus and reading the Bible. Although I had been raised going to church and assumed that meant I was a Christian, spending time talking with and listening to Brian made me understand I was not a Christian. I believed Jesus was God, that He was sinless, that He died on the cross to pay the price for the sin of the world, and that He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. That's what I had learned all those years in church! I knew it, so I figured I was covered.
Through Brian's witness, I understood just knowing the facts - even believing them - wasn't enough. I needed to make a personal response to what He did. I needed to move from believing Jesus paid the price for the world's sin to confessing and asking forgiveness for my sin.
So the biggest event of my eighteenth year - No. Of my whole life. - was accepting Jesus as my Savior and entering into an eternal relationship with Him. Best decision I have ever made!!!!!
And here, for your viewing pleasure is a picture of Brian and I, probably taken not too long after I made that decision.



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14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awww, what a sweet picture and story!! What a wonderful way to spend your 18th year! :o)

Anonymous said...

What a big year for you! The picture is so sweet!

Queen of My Domain said...

Isn't it amazing how God works in our life even when we think we don't need him to. What a wonderful way to remember being 18.

Joyful Days said...

18 was a good year for you. What a rebel with the earrings. LOL.

But such a life-changing choice for Jesus.

~Blessings

Anonymous said...

Very cute picture, Karen. I don't even remember you and Brian looking like that! Hard to believe that we have been family for almost 18 years! Love you. Your SIL

Annie said...

Such a great story. Thanks for sharing it, it makes it worth our trip to 18 (even though my 18 was less than exciting :o).
I loved the pic too!

Karen Hossink said...

Yes, 18 WAS a great year for me.

But when I was 35 my sister-in-law delurked and left a comment on my blog!!! You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this day. *grin*

Robin Green said...

What a wonderful story--and what a very eventful 18th year. I think it is very cool that your husband was the one to lead you to the Lord. Thanks so much for sharing that.

Jenny said...

I had to come read yours before I could post mine. What great history! Yesterday was so busy, I just couldn't get back to the computer. But I'm posting TTT on Wednesday, just like you suggested! And a couple of skinny coachj pics, too! ;)

momteacherfriend said...

Picture made me laugh. Awesome life story

Deb Withee said...

I work at WMU and your blog came up on my daily Google news search for WMU topics. Nice to meet you! I enjoyed reading your story!

Michelle said...

that sure was a big and meaningful year for you! I love the story of how you two met!

KarenW said...

Wow! 18 seems so long ago. (I think it was long ago!) I remember feeling so grown up then. Now, it's less than 2 years until my oldest will be 18. My birthday is in September too. : )

Praise the Lord for His saving grace and for your salvation. I loved reading your testimony!

Anonymous said...

Going back to my "lurking" now! Ironic isn't it? IRL noone can get a word in with me around -- online I barely say a peep. Love you. SIL