My story, ask me to elaborate someday

My story is not as dramatic as some, but I do love looking back at where God has taken me over the last 29 years. I was blessed with two sacrificial, Christian parents who were firmly planted in the church and had me on track with Sunday school and incredible Christian influences throughout my childhood (including 3 rambunctious brothers, who I love). Unfortunately, in "mixed up" Jr. High times, I decided out of a desire for adolescent autonomy to reject my parents’ beliefs and the need for Jesus. The rebellious and self-devaluing time of life came for me. Before 8th grade my best friend (who I despised at first), who is still one of my best friends to this day, encouraged me to come to a Christian camp with him. It was then that I decided I wanted my life to have a purpose and I wanted to give God a chance to reveal Himself to me. And He did just that. In high school I had many experiences that will certainly always be hilights including mission trips, transformed lives in close ones, and the blessing of community in the church. I belonged to a youth group in Walnut Creek in which I was able to experience the joy of serving and putting superficiality aside for a common goal of growth toward Jesus Christ. Particularly because of the time of life in which this can very challenging, I was well aware of the bountiful protection and blessing that was coming to me because of those who I sought to surround myself with. Some of my great Christian friends have fallen away since then, but at the time they were a part of a special thing, intended by God; and I know they will never forget that. I was able to stay physically pure, grow in knowledge of the Word, and launch myself into college with an inner voice which I now understand was the Holy Spirit. After moving from Northern California to the OC (just like the TV show), I made many, many poor choices which included "hiding out" and staying anonymous with zero involvement with other believers. I was certainly challenged in college with the friends, coworkers, and family members whose faith were far different from mine. I learned to tread lightly with those who see Christianity as hypocrisy as I once did, and stand firm in my faith so that I can be confident in who I am in Jesus (still with a need for accountability and care/confrontation from other Christians). Since graduating, I have had tremendous lessons in trusting God with finances and choice of a mate. I have to admit that I have wrestled with doubts and faith struggles but God has turned those into a journey bringing me closer to Him. Since getting married, drawing some lines in my life, and embracing the church of mature believers whom I admire greatly God has pulled me in, big-time. I am so grateful for everything I have and am excited to finish my life for His glory.