august 4th is kind of a big deal

august 4th, 1997 >>> i stepped out of the church van onto the parched ground, wide eyed and excited. it was my very first major youth gathering - a youth camp sponsored by elder james pixler's church. i didn't really know quite what to expect, besides my pouring over the long lists of "what to pack" and the rules of being a junior camper.

but i had determined in my heart that this first camp would be my most life-changing one - i was not going home without the holy ghost! after seeking it for 6 months, i felt somewhat discouraged but hopeful that i would finally obtain the desire of my heart.

and it didn't take too long to occur! it was the first night's service and i was wearing a stiff white cotton shirt that i didn't like too much and a wrap skirt with blue and white flowers that i loved but it was a nuisance since i had to pin it, making it very narrow to walk in!

elder j.t. bass from ocala, florida was the speaker that night and i don't recall if it was he or another preacher who allowed for people to come to the front of the church before the preaching started. the Spirit was moving strongly within the crowded building and i was brought up to the front to pray.

....and i got it! i can't say that it was a very dramatic moment. it wasn't. i didn't begin to "shout". i didn't fall down. it just felt very natural.... so much so that i wasn't totally sure that i had gotten it. i've heard some preachers say that if you didn't know for sure that you had received the holy ghost, then you don't have it. i tend to disagree with that. because although i couldn't totally discern that the stammering lips that i was used to hearing were "cloven tongues as of fire", the joy in my heart and the peace in my soul were unmistakable.

afterward, we all went back to our seats and someone asked for all those who received the holy ghost to stand. i stood up happily and i'll never forget seeing my pastor smile at me from the platform. 

and here i am today: still in church, still loving Him, still with most of the same friends who were also at that youth camp.

"He's the only reason I live, but oh, what a reason. 
There is nothing in this world that's worth living for. 
It will only leave you empty and longing for more. 
He's the only reason I live, but oh, what a reason!"