My name is Mackenzie Noelle Meyer. I have two loving parents Jim and Jen Meyer, an older brother Adam, younger sister Emily, and younger brother Aaron. I joined God’s family when I was baptized on October 7, 2001 by my Grandfather Tom Meyer in Concordia Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Missouri. My family has been devoted to the Christian faith ever since I could remember. I go to church and Sunday school as often as possible, and play soccer in the meantime. My parents and grandparents have all brought me to live a Lutheran lifestyle and I try to set an example of what that means.

I have been taught to believe that Jesus died to save me and wash me clean of sin, and I always have wondered, and still do, how and why he could do that. I turn to Philippians 4:8-9 which states: “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” God doesn’t care about what kind of sin we have done in the past. He saved not just me, but everyone, even those who have sinned exceedingly. This verse, written by Apostle Paul, shares great joy with each word when being optimistic. We must forget our sins and only remember joyful memories once we seek forgiveness. To me, Philippians 4:8-9 speaks about integrity and honesty, elements in being solicitous. Having honor in actions and respect is being a leader in a Christian manner. Showing leadership and thinking about things that are praiseworthy and excellent is leaving a positive mark on fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

When I went to Grace Lutheran from kindergarten to sixth grade, saying I was a Lutheran and believing in Christ was easy. The past two years has been difficult realizing that not everyone believes in the same thing. Many times I lost the way of Jesus and regret decisions I have made. However, I have great people in my life that keep me on track and help me remember grace of our Savior. I love the fact that I am able to be myself and treat others respectfully everywhere I go. Growing up knowing how lucky I was to have a loving family and trusting friends, I knew I could rely on God to take care of me and love me indefinitely. I am honored to be a part of such a beneficial church with people who have influenced me to be a leader.

Every week since last year I look forward to receiving Jesus’ body and blood. Just the thought of being completely washed clean by the Father or getting the opportunity to ask for forgiveness from the sins I commit is incredible. I make mistakes and sometimes I don’t understand why I did it or how the perfect Son of God could forgive me, but he made the ultimate sacrifice so we all can have eternal life with him. I’m proud of how far I came, and I’d like to believe others think the same, but I’m really proud of how much I learned from the bible and how much I’m understanding. I am not perfect. I will make mistakes but I’m okay as long as I have Jesus in my life. I can handle anything life throws at me because I know I’m not doing it alone.

I don’t know where I will be in ten years from now, or twenty, or even one year from now. Maybe in ten years starting a family of my own, hopefully doing as well as my parents did for me. I also want to travel, maybe be a journalist, or a FBI agent, maybe even a player on the United States women’s national soccer team. I will take action in a church where ever I end up, and I will be an example to people I care about. So I don’t know where I will be in ten years, but going into high school, my friends from both church and school, my family, and many members of the church will play an important role in who I will become.