Potomac Conference

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“How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!” (Ps. 139:17–18, TLB).

I love this verse because it paints a beautiful picture of God’s unfailing love for me. He truly values me by reminding me that He is always thinking of me, even on the days when I think I am forgotten.

This verse reminds me that I am important, worthwhile and special enough for the God who created all things and made the universe to think of me continually.

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV).

Early in my childhood, my mom made decisions that were best for me. She chose warm clothes, healthy food and safe toys. When I was older, my mom chose Desmond T. Doss Academy for me because she wanted me to have a “solid foundation.” I didn’t grow up going to church. My mom taught me prayers and read me stories from a children’s Bible, but she wanted me to know more. I knew who God and Jesus were, but it wasn’t until later that I learned how I could be saved.

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“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer” (Ps. 4:1, NKJV).

When I was 3 years old, my mother left me with family in Guatemala to immigrate to the United States. She wanted to give me a better future. My aunt guided me in the ways of God, but I asked Him why my mother left me. I suffered every Mother’s Day because all my friends hugged their mothers and gave them gifts, and I did not have my mother. I could not tell her about my sufferings. When I felt alone or needed a hug, she was not there.

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“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20, KJV).

This verse gives me comfort because it reassures me that God will always be there for me, ready to come to my aid at any moment. I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with God. When I got older, I felt like something was missing.

I grew up thinking about love and how I wanted someone to make me feel complete. I began dating, and every relationship started out great, but some of the guys wanted more than just love. This made me feel like I wasn’t good enough for anyone. I was tired of chasing guys and looking for someone to love me.

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With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26, KJV).

At six months pregnant, I found myself facing the repercussions of severe marital distress. As a result, I was placed on hospital bed rest until I gave birth—a blessed event that seemed incredibly far away.

Upon admission to the hospital, I was so devastated by what was happening in my relationship that I was too crushed to pray. All I could do was cry out, “Jesus.” Almost immediately, the Lord’s peace began to flood my mind, heart and room. Rescuing me from the depths of despair, He reminded me that He was with me, that I could face everything with Him and that His grace was sufficient.