I wasn’t raised in a Christian home and the only church input that I received as a child was from the odd Christian service or through school assemblies. I still have fond memories of some hymns and worship songs from all those years ago and I like to think that they will remain with me forever.

I think back to my teenage self, I was mad about Man Utd, golf, Jason Donovan, Ryan Giggs, Take That – some might say what’s changed? Well, quite a lot really.

When I was 12, I lost my dad suddenly, he was my golf partner, my friend and my hero. I ended up with this huge void in my life but I always thought that I would see him again in Heaven because God let’s everyone in.

Life went on because it had to. I studied A levels, even took Theology but only managed a year. I remember declaring my stance as agnostic and in a room full of Catholics and atheists as that felt like the safest answer. I like to think that I would be braver in that scenario nowadays.

As I got older, I became addicted to the party life. Drink, clubs, friends, boyfriends – it was all about the buzz. At this point Jesus was a swear word, not on my radar at all. That lifestyle never truly made me happy, I’d have a crazy weekend and then what was next? I was constantly seeking the next source of entertainment, alcohol and oddly enough love. I craved a relationship but never seemed to find a good one – that was all set to change.

When I was 24, Nathan came into where I worked. He was interesting, chatty and of course handsome. I warmed to him instantly, I knew there was something different about him and I liked it. Then he told me that he was a Christian. I thought to myself, he’s going to be sooooooo boring!! BUT….

He took me to church; it didn’t scare me or bore me and I ended up doing Christianity explored in our minister’s home in Stourport.

I learned that Jesus had died to take all our sins away so that we can have a way back to God. I felt a big change in me but it wasn’t a shout out loud moment, more a feeling in my heart.

It wasn’t all about self-gratification anymore, life could be good, I could be happy and I had the love of a different father available to me. I thought at the time that Nathan was responsible for the change in me, but he was merely placed by God to sweep me off my feet and give me a shove in the right direction.

After months of my expert nagging and pestering, Nathan proposed. We have been VERY happily married for 13 years now and we have two wonderful and noisy boys Reuben and Joel.

I feel very blessed to be where I am in life today. We have our challenges as a family but I take comfort from the sure and certain hope that comes from Jesus’ death on the cross. There are many times that I would have felt lost without fellowship, prayer and verses from the bible.

If I could go back to talk to my younger self, I would certainly have a lot to say and a lot to advise. I’d definitely have to point out that Christians aren’t boring and that there is a happiness and a love out there for everyone.

Today is about me making a commitment to the faith, hope and love that I now know.

I have a warmth in my heart and a desire for others to feel the same.

Thank you to those who have helped mould me, encourage me and been there along my journey so far.

If you don’t know about Jesus and what he can do for you, please find out. It might just change your life like it did mine.