Shelley Lubben

...Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6.

But the powerful words of the Pastor repeated in my head, __here__ a Champion inside of you!

Shelley, you__e just like that oyster._ God confronted me on the deeper areas of my life that I wouldn__ let Him open up and heal. When Garrett saw me walk off alone over the sandy hills, he knew God was leading me to a healing moment. Standing on the edge of the salty waters of Puget Sound, I allowed God to reach into the darkest places in my heart and expose the ugly lies I believed about myself. Huge salty tears pouring out like waves, God assured me He threw my sins out as far as the east is from the west. The tremendous shame and guilt I carried for so many years was being literally washed away into the Pacific Ocean. I was no longer a broken child of sexual abuse but a cherished Champion daughter of the Most High God.

Thus began a long intimate relationship with God, a true Father, and not some mean guy up in the sky with a hammer. But a caring Father who loved me and had a powerful plan for my life. As I lovingly held my newborn daughter Teresa I realized God loved me like I loved my new baby. Amazing.

...I was a Champion living the Champion life where nothing was impossible and everything was an opportunity. With my ugly past behind me, I boldly stepped onto my new street and breathed in the fresh cool air.

Romans 8: 28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. -John 8: 32

People blame their lack of success on problems that they face. If they could only realize those problems are their opportunities to prove themselves.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrow. -Isaiah 53: 4 (NASB)

Resist the devil and he will flee from you._ I knew right then what I had to do. I went straight home, got down on my knees and prayed...

I realized that unforgiveness was a spiritual and emotional poison and that it hurt me more than it hurt anybody else! Instead of living a toxic life and continue to destroy myself and my family, I began to practice Philippians 4: 8 on purpose: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable__f anything is excellent or praiseworthy__hink about such things.

Apathetic to my pity party, God interrupted in a thunderous Voice with the words, __or we walk by faith, not by sight!_ 2 Corinthians 5: 7 resounded in my head as I scribbled it down and smacked it up on my wall. There, I thought. Now it__ up on my wall where I have to look at it every day.

In my right and sober mind, it was time to go into heavy battle and conquer the mind monsters that still held me captive. I had passed many tests but now it was time to step up and fight the final battle: getting past my past. __ou can__ have a positive life with a negative mind,

For God has not given us the spirit of fear;but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1: 7 (NKJV)

Because I first trusted God, I no longer worried if Garrett would leave me. Because the foundation of my trust was in the God of creation and not in a human, I was free to love, enjoy and even make mistakes in my relationships. Whether I made the mistake or Garrett did, together we knew it was all covered under the Cross of Jesus Christ. God had already forgiven us for past, current and even future sins. Because we accepted by faith the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, we were allowed the freedom to grow in every area of our life, especially our marriage!