This is the second of a series of blog posts with my sister Betty
Haynie about what we believe. Our thoughts may be helpful to those who don’t
believe in God. Betty wrote down her beliefs in detail several years ago. I’ll
post her thoughts monthly and add my thoughts and beliefs to each one. Our
thoughts are intentionally brief on subjects that could fill volumes. We have
some differing views but agree on the basics. She writes with wit and joy.
HOW
& WHY I BECAME A TRUE BELIEVER
By Betty Haynie
As a child, I read through the Bible twice. I didn’t think I
remembered much, but the scriptures came back every once in a while to assist
my daily living. I recall one time in the early days of owning a kennel, I was out
in the back on a Sunday, using the pooper scooper and hose, crying at what I
perceived then as a ruined life, missing my family, feeling like a jerk and a
fool for a number of reasons, and I cried out to God. The response I heard in
my head was “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God 6:33
KJV) I couldn’t have told you then where it is in the Bible, but I knew the
message was from God.
Every time from 1980 to 1990 that I got discouraged, this
scripture would pop into my head. Finally I decided I should do more than think
about it. After not setting foot in any church for two years, I walked into Calvary Hill Church May 20, 1990 and
the Holy Spirit filled me to overflowing. I have not been the same since. I
TRULY became a NEW person
in Christ. “Therefore, if any one is in
Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
NKJV
I had gone to church for most of my 58 years because it was
“the thing to do”, I now couldn’t wait for Sundays. I found myself eager for
more knowledge of God, the Bible, Jesus, prayer, etc. My appetite for God was
insatiable. I couldn’t stand listening to any music but Christian or any
secular radio. I turned off TV that used profanity or that was too violent -
even finding The Golden Girls too
sexy at times, though I loved the show. This was not a sudden, conscious change
but a gradual happening in my life. It was not done as an act of “holiness” but
rather I was made acutely aware of how awful some of the stuff out there is,
and was given an automatic desire to fill my time and my mind with happiness
and joy. It was a “God-thing”.
My prayer for music to be a part of my life again was
answered with over 50 original songs. ”Seek Ye First” was the title of the
first song I wrote. I had tried to compose songs before but just could not do
it. Now they were coming so quickly I could hardly write them down fast enough.
I wondered if these changes would last or were they just an emotional reaction
to a different kind of church. Well, it’s been over two decades and I still
feel the same. I LOVE to learn about God. I LOVE to LOVE God and worship God.
The more I get to know Him the more I LOVE Him. He is awesome!
Blessings, Betty
HOW & WHY I BECAME A TRUE BELIEVER
By Dottie Parish
My life-changing
journey was similar to Betty’s. At the end of February 1990 Mike, my husband said,
“Let’s make March church month and visit a different church each week.” Mike,
always relaxed and easy-going, rarely took the lead in planning. I gulped at
giving up my Sunday mornings for four weeks, but thought, Mike will never say this again—so I agreed. The third Sunday in
March we found our church home.
We walked into Main Street United Methodist Church
We attended church and the
adult Bible class weekly—in a joyful daze. We learned about the faith, met new
people as we’d hoped, and so much more. A letter to Pastor Wesley describes my
transformation.
Dear Wesley,
One year ago I thought I was
happy. But what a difference now! I’ve rediscovered the Bible, prayer and
worship. You helped me rediscover my soul. You put me in touch with God, Jesus
and the Holy Spirit. I woke up one morning singing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy,
joy down in my heart.” I hadn’t thought of this song in years!
I’m feeling, thinking and
acting differently. I’m reading the Bible and devotional literature and praying
on a daily basis. I’m more giving to others and more content with myself. I
know I’m part of something big and I have a new family. Life has meaning and
purpose. Every holiday has meaning now—especially Christmas and Easter. We’d
been celebrating Xmas (with an X) for years and ignoring Easter. We’re
celebrating Christmas this year.
Our lives were radically
changed. Mike had never been a church member or even a regular church attender.
But God touched his mind and heart as well as mine. Both Mike and I learned and
grew spiritually throughout the 1990s. We continued in the adult Bible class
and began saying grace at meals. Our worldview gradually changed. And through
27 years since then our faith has grown deeper than ever. Isn’t God amazing!
The Holy Spirit changed us both once we took a step toward Him by deciding to
go to church. And Betty’s experience was similar. We too, LOVE to learn about
God, and we LOVE to worship and LOVE him. The more we know about him the more
we LOVE him.
“Seek ye first the Kingdom
of God 6:33 KJV
“Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a
new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” 2
Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Blessings, Dottie
Watch for the next Reasons
to Believe post on WHY I BELIEVE IN THE
BIBLE in early August by Betty and Dottie
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