I called you by name- Introduction to My Life

I am your average mom. I have three children and I don't have a perfectly clean house, and my laundry isn't always done. I have struggles. But, what isn't average about me, is that I serve a mighty God and He has orchestrated my life in a beautiful, challenging way.

If I told you all the bad, you might think my life has been one struggle and failure after another. But if you could see the "behind the scenes" version of my life, I think you'd be amazed at how beautiful my story is.

I have hesitated telling my story, because it's one of ups and downs, and frankly, at times, unbelievable. But that's what makes it so incredible. God has rescued me from the unbelievable and put me into an extraordinary life of triumphs. So often, I have thought over my own life story and have been amazed at how many things I have been through and overcome.

My story begins where all our stories begin; birth. I was born to a woman who couldn't take care of me. Her life was tumultuous and confused. She was married, but I wasn't her husband's child. My birth father didn't want to have anything to do with me. My birth mom had two other small daughters, my half sisters. They were 3 and 4 at the time. While she was pregnant with me, she attended church with her mother, my Grandmom, Grace. She knew that she wouldn't be able to care for me, and there was this couple at church that she noticed didn't have children. She felt prompted to watch them and during the pregnancy, she knew in her heart that this couple was supposed to be my parents. In the long run, she ultimately asked them to be my adoptive parents, stating that she felt God spoke to her that I belonged to them. The cool thing? I had curly red hair and freckles. I was the very essence of the prayers and requests my adoptive Mum had prayed!

At 6 months old, I went to live with my parents, Terence and Tracie Irvine. They began to raise me as their own and near my first birthday, they adopted me.

Life went on as normal as I grew up. I attended church with my parents, began school and lived the normal, happy childhood. I was a rather rambunctious child, I think. Life was good, but I know I was quite the challenging child for my parents. I have no doubt that I gave them a many a tear and sleepless night. In fact, I know I gave them grief.

I am going to pause here for a minute, to give some more foundation to my life's story. As I contemplated writing this book, I found myself becoming more and more hesitant, because my story is unique, different and at times, just down right weird. I have not been perfect. I am far from it. But as I came closer and closer to the decision to write, I felt God impress on me to be open, honest and show what it's like to actually go through struggle, to have disbelief, to leave God, to return to God and to become an over-comer. I am not here to paint a pretty picture about myself. I am a sinner, saved by God's grace and love. I have failed many times in my life. I have hurt people with my words and actions. I have done things I am not proud of. But my story is one of failure and triumph, of death and life, of disappointment and excitement, of sadness and happiness, of loss and of gain.

So hang in there with me, and enjoy the journey as I share my heart and life with you. I hope you enjoy reading it and are encouraged that you too, can have a life of resurrection and triumph. I hope you see that it's ok to fail while being a Christian, but can overcome by His grace.