My father was a farmer as was his father. I remember from an early age my mother reading the Bible to us at nap times. I was full of questions, especially about the crucifixion. I was so interested in the sufferings of Christ. My five-year-old mind couldn’t grasp how someone could be treated so badly and why. Despite my early memories, I was not raised in a Christian home. My father worked all the time and was as his father a very strict disciplinarian. My mom and dad didn’t always attend church, but they did take us.

I had a young Sunday School teacher who had a zeal for the gospel. She explained the life, death and resurrection of Christ in a way I could understand. I accepted Christ at the age of 10, though my circumstances did not change my attitude about them did. Our lives were not easy, but my paternal grandmother always seemed to make life easier for me. She was a Godly example in my life. Through all of her many trials, the loss of 3 children at birth, two miscarriages, the loss of her parents and all of her siblings, she was always a steadfast Christian. Although GOD has called her home, she was always and remains the touchstone in my life.

In 1969 I married my best friend and we were blessed with two daughters and financial success. In 1990 after twenty years of marriage it all began to dissolve. I lay on my face by my bed and asked GOD to come in and take over. He did as I asked. Though my marriage didn’t last, this journey taught me so much about depending on GOD. This was a very valuable time in my life as a Christian. I learned how truly powerful prayer is. When I was a young mother, my parents were divorced. I pleaded with the LORD to bring my children through this trial with as few scars as possible. In the seventeen years since, through all of the sadness, the bitterness, mistakes and upheaval I have joy. My JESUS never wavered; He didn’t move. GOD has brought me through every trial stronger for the experience. He renews my spirit every morning.