Farewell, Higher Ground Church

I have come to love the City of Colton. Here, you will find adorable houses, towering palm trees, friendly people, and Higher Ground Church. Higher Ground is a church that is on the move and definitely impacting this city. Their motto is, "Come up a little higher." That is what this revival has been all about. We have been encouraged to let got of unnecessary stuff which include past hindrances and failures. It has been a season of change and growth. It has been a time to remove the masks of who we once were in order that we may become more Christ like and fulfill God's greater plan. It has been a chapter of my life. I will forever cherish every precious memory. Memories of lives that have been changed, baptismal services, people filled with the Holy Ghost, children praying at the altar, young people rededicating their lives to the Lord, single moms experiencing great victories, and families being strengthened and renewed.

I have a pocket full of personal life-changing moments that I will forever treasure. These moments are my personal altars, and only God knows just how much my life has changed since we have been here in revival. At times I was on the Potter's wheel, while at other times I was experiencing great victories. Sheldon has changed too. He has met new friends, become more involved in church, and learned many valuable lessons. The discipleship classes have been a highlight of Sheldon's life.

Mother's Day was unlike no other. Imagine with me as you see young, innocent girls jumping rope, bouncing a ball, and enjoying the sweet fragrance of flowers. Every girl is happy. Suddenly, they are compelled to walk through a door that is marked, "Bad Choices." These same young girls merge from another door as women who have been defeated by life's bitter blows. They are now broken, bitter women who have experienced degradation and no longer feel worthy of anyone's love. These women had bags draped over their shoulders. These bags contained every bad choice they ever made. The story does not end here, these women find a greater life as they experience the joy of being forgiven. This mini drama impacted my life.

The congregation of Higher Ground truly is more than a church, it is an extended family. These people are committed to the Lord and have a great love and respect for Pastor David and his family. The young people are united and fervently serving the Lord. The single moms of this church have a passion to impact other single mom's and lead them to the Lord. These moms are ensuring that their children have a greater future. Families are excited about living for the Lord. The puppet ministry is a vital outreach program at Higher Ground. Youth Alive consists of teenagers who are sold out to the Lord. This church is marching on spreading this wonderful gospel to their community. Soon, they will be in a new church building. Praise God!

I can never fully express my gratitude and thanks to Pastor David, his family, and church family. They have sacrificed their time, energy and finances to support this revival. THANK YOU! You are awesome people. I will miss being apart of this church, but I am thankful to have spent a chapter of my life here.

I cannot close this thought without expressing how surprised we were to receive the many thoughtful gifts. While we will enjoy the Starbucks gift card, I am so grateful for the LOVELY scrapbook. This scrapbook is more than just pictures of everyone in the church. It's a chapter of my life. People wrote sweet thank-you notes to us. It even has a picture of Sheldon's first dentist appointment! (Ask me about this story someday.) And since I am a sentimental person, this scrapbook is priceless and a personal treasure of mine. I will always display this wonderful book. I will have many fond memories because people cared enough to lovingly put this book together. So, if you are ever visiting me, just ask to see this precious scrapbook. It truly is a must see.

THANK YOU Higher Ground. You are great people. Bro. and Sis. David, we are thankful to have met wonderful friends. Sis. David, you are amazing. You possess great motherly wisdom. I have gleaned little nuggets from your acts of motherly love which you displayed not only to your family but to your church family.

Sis. Katie David, thank you for sharing tidbits of your life with me. I marvel at your great faith and trust in God. I have learned, through your life stories, to trust God because everything will work out in His perfect timing. You are a tremendous blessing to this church. You are a pillar of strength and great faith. Next time we are here, you have to save a seat for me. I want to hear more about your life.

God bless all of you, and please keep us in your prayers!