Oh I forgot 2!
That's a funny story. I think I can identify with Teej as far as God's hand being on me my entire life. I was never like other kids, and always had a love for being around the true saints (once I graduated h.s. i'd get up and go to prayer with the women of the church, hang out with my godmother (another mentor) because there was something about those praying saints, that drew me). Somewhere along the line I had to differentiate between people and God. I found myself being drawn to the God in them, but then trying to please them instead of God, because I didn't know him for myself.
Anyway, I began praying and reading my word on my own, and asking God to save me and fill me. I began to put away things in my life that didn't glorify God. One night at 22 years old, I went to a revival, and they were asking people to come to the altar to be filled. I went to the altar and left disappointed. I received instruction on sanctification and I was so eager to experience the baptism of the Holy Ghost, that I took the next day off and just studied what the bible said about the Holy Ghost and prayed and fasted. When the altar call was made that night, I went, but my mind wasn't on people and what they were saying in my ear (UGH)... I cried out to GOD. That night I spoke with other tongues... but... fast forward to Reno in the year 2001...
I moved here and joined my church and before long I was deeply involved in ministry. For a PK, it doesn't take long, you know what to do and if you see it needs to be done, you hop to it. My pastor and church family helped to draw me out of my shell, because I was a very shy and nervous person, and I was easily embarrassed. My Pastor's Wife is a prayer warrior and had shutins all the time. I would go and be amongst the prayer warriors but was still quite shy. When I got a key to the church, I started going on my own and just seeking God. I had a roomate that was at times unbearable, and so I would retreat to the church sometimes all night long. One night leaving the church I got in my car and drove around the corner to where I was staying and as I pulled in the carport, the spirit of God was so strong and I just began worshipping and speaking in tongues like I had never done before. It was stronger than the first time and it seemed like it would just keep coming forever!
The Holy Ghost has made his presence in my life known since then by speaking to my heart things I would not know otherwise and then confirming what he said. I feel his guidance every day (correction, assurance, warning). I don't always get it right, and sometimes I do the wrong thing and know it was the wrong thing, but I thank God for his spirit!