I wanted to share my baptism testimony. It was seven years ago this October that I was baptized for the second time in my life. Here is my story.
My name is Jennifer Archuleta. I am a 35-year-old retired model. I lived a crazy life, filled with a lot of highs and plenty of lows, and I am now a stay-at-home mother. I am from a small town and left at the young age of 19 to live in LA. I was close with my family and was not running from anyone or anything. I just wanted to make a better life for myself and have fun while doing it.
I did make a better life for myself. I made a lot of money and experienced a bit of fame. I traveled the world and had a lot of fun. But there was always a void and an emptiness that had nothing to do with LA or my job. It was in my heart. I went to church as a young girl and as a young adult, but I still had this void. I would blame it on the men I dated, the friends I had, anything I could think of.
I met my husband, and my life really started to blossom. I had new friends, an amazing husband, an extended family, and even a son. But I still felt the emptiness inside.
One day some friends asked me to a Christian church, and then another couple asked me to attend their Christian church. I had never been to a Christian church. All of a sudden, I was going to different ones to find the right fit for me. I loved one church, and I would leave with a great understanding of the Bible and how to live a Christian life. I had never experienced that before. I wanted so badly to have that for my son and family, and that church gave me that. I could actually tell stories from the Bible, I surrounded myself with Christians, and I started to make daily decisions based on God. I was on the right track.
Then a friend told me about another church. I was a little reluctant because it was such a big church. But when I heard the pastor speak, and we had the warm welcome that we did, it did not seem big at all.
I continue my journey and struggle each day. I now know that the sins I have made, and continue to make, have been and will be forgiven. I know that Jesus is in my heart and died on the cross for me. It gives me peace, and my life is no longer empty.
Just a few months ago, I gave birth to my second son at home. We were unable to make it to the hospital. My husband was out of town, and thankfully my mom was here in town. She and I delivered my son. I do remember a moment during the exciting but terrifying process, holding my baby and wondering if he and I were going to be okay. A peace came over me and I let it all go (and that is hard for a control freak to do), and I said, "Whatever happens, I'm okay with it." And I was. I had that feeling people talk about, knowing the love I had for Jesus and the love He had for me.
My journey still continues, but at least I know I am not alone.