Thursday 6 November 2008

My Savior - Jesus

Hi - this is papa. I want to share with you about my Savior. I did not become a Christian until about 16. I knelt at an altar in a small independent Holiness church and asked Jesus to forgive my sins. As 1 John 1:9 says, He forgives if we confess. My walk with Christ began that day. He has lovingly walked with me helping me each day to draw closer to Him.

The picture is when I was about 3 - it is not a real happy time in my life. My mother had been removed from our home and placed in a TB sanitarium. I never saw her again until I was almost 5. I missed my mom and struggled as a little boy who had lost the person who loved him the most - who had given him life. I felt abandoned.

Christ never abandons us. Regardless of the trials and difficulties we go through, as His child He NEVER abandons us. He is always there trying to encourage and always understands our dilemma's. He loves us with a Holy passion.

My mother returned to our home and was a good mother for many more decades. I remember my mothers last question at the age of 94, almost 95; "Was I a good mother??" I smiled and reassured her she was. She is now with Jesus - no more questions - I pray if she can see me, hear me; "mom, am I being a good Christian ?"

37 comments:

Indian Lake Papa said...

This is Mama,
Mom was a wonderful Christian lady.
She never was a mother in law to me but another Mom. She was a great example to both Papa and me. I pray that my life will be an example to others as she was to me and those that knew her.
What kind of example are each of us making to those who know us?
Have a great day and may you know God's love too.
MAMA

P.S. The little boy in the picture turned out to be a great guy - yes these are mama's words!

"A Small Gift, but Well-Timed" said...

Mama and Papa,
Your post and comment really touched my soul. I was without my dad, so to speak, for many years and found the Lord myself (with tremendous support from my grandmother and mom). He carried me through so much. My dad and I are quite close now and he too came to know Christ, after many trials and tribulations. Your post reminded me of how far each of us has come. I am blessed.

I pray every day before I wake my own two children that I can be the mom He created me to be. I pray before walking into my classroom each day that I can be the example that you spoke of, mama. I pray that His light shines through me each and every day.

You are both an amazing example to all your "kids" out here in Blogland. Bless you!

I love you guys!
Elizabeth

b4d6uy said...

Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your story. You two are both walking testimonies of God's grace.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Elizabeth - I never question my salvation, but I do look at my walk with heart searching reflection. I have had a hard heart and critical spirit in the past - did a lot more damage than good - today, mama has helped papa become very tender - He even gave me tears - too many.

B4D - your email last night was very timely - after reading it, God's peace flooded my soul - thanks for taking the time to care.I want people to know I have a Savior who forgives sin.

b4d6uy said...

One of my greatest assurances of His truth in my life is that He continues to use me - despite my best efforts [at times] to run away form Him.

One of my life verses is from the writings of Paul to the Philippians, "...I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

It's a little known fact, but Jesus has Kung Fu Grip!

Indian Lake Papa said...

B4d - I am glad he has a good grip on mama and I - He does care so much when we are hurting.

Robin said...

Great post and adorable picture!

Heather said...

Thank you for sharing that part of your life. I am so glad Christ took you by the hand and you chose to follow.

Thank you for the prayers you have lifted up on my behalf. I am so grateful to you!

Love you!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robun - don't you wish your kids ewere as adorable as that picture?! LOL ! I am sure your kids are! :o)

Heather - I remember last night as mama and I were praying that I lifted your name in prayer. We both pray for "our" blog family.

rk said...

Papa,

This is so sweet. He is our everything! Thank you for opening your heart and sharing. And for you to bless your mama before she went with our Lord, must have been such a release for her.

xoxo,
R

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - papa was naughty sometimes, my mom had very short term memory loss. She would repeat her questions often !! Sometimes when she would ask if she was a good mother, i would say "no, you were always mean to me and spanked me, but were nice to the rest of the kids!" She would hesitate, then say; " I am sure you deserved it!" LOL she would then laugh and so would I. I get my stinker part mostly from her!! :)

CrossView said...

Weren't you quite the cutie??!! =D
I'm so glad that you did get your mom back....

Indian Lake Papa said...

crossview - whats this "weren't you ..." stuff??!! I still am !! Just ask mama!! I had a real tough time over my mom beibg gone - fortunately I had a very loving family - I had an older sister who really took care of me - my dad was phenomenal! But - I still wanted mom.

nanatrish said...

This is such a sweet post! You were blessed to have had your mom such a long time. I just can't wait to meet Papa and Mama. You seem like sweethearts that will be like a brother and sister. Praise the Lord for our sweet bloggy friends.

Robin said...

Yes, I think my kids are major adorable. I've got some fun and crazy pictures of them too.

Unknown said...

oh papa! i have been praying for you.

please...dont ever question yourself in that way. you are a shining example of Gods love and gentleness. and your ability to speak truth into the lives of others - i have the utmost respect for.

you are a gift to SO very many! know that!

i love you so much!

RazorFamilyFarms.com said...

What a beautifully honest post. I am so glad that your mother returned to your home healthy and able to resume raising you. I'm also truly delighted that you found comfort in the Lord.

Lovely.

Blessings,
Lacy

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - my kids will always be adorable, however, the grand kids are extra special adorable!

Tam - thank you for your prayers - papa is okay. I am not wavering in my faith - i just have a real burden for "our family" right now. I do miss my mom - mostly her awesome witness for Jesus. Plus I miss her humor!

Lacy - she had physical challenges after coming home for the rest of her life - major ones, (no ribs on one side, collapsed lung, and a stiff leg w/no knee joint) but they did not slow her down. She was a farmer's wife - busy! LOL

Indian Lake Papa said...

Nana - just a couple of weeks and we will meet. We are looking forward to that - neat that we can be family!

DEb said...

Awww.. that was one of the sweetest posts I think I've ever read. What a good testimony and you KNOW God is just in awe of you!! (AND MAMA)... I'm so glad I have wonderful blogging, Christian friends like you two... :)

CrossView said...

You'll have to post an updated photo of you in those cute lil knickers! =P

Indian Lake Papa said...

Deb - thanks for your encouraging words - actually mama and I are stinkers - wait until you meet us next spring! LOL How are you and Sweet Pea doing??

Indian Lake Papa said...

Croosview - actually there is a photo - taken a 'few' years ago - it is a hard copy - mama and I will see what we can do. lol

CrossView said...

ILP in Knickers??!! I can't wait to see that one! Course, it may just cross the line from "cute" to "scary"??!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - we are going to see if we can find that picture - have I ever told you that you are one special lady? God bless !!

Papa xoxo

rk said...

Papa,

I bet when you were being a stinker you were still really cute!!!

He, he.

Thanks for the giggles.

R

Indian Lake Papa said...

Roxx - both my mom & dad were stinkers - I come by it naturally !! Mom was really a very special lady - when ever 'wheeling dealing' came up, mom was the one for that!

Anonymous said...

Papa.. You have a heart of gold..

The tenderness you show Mama, is awesome to behold. One man to another that is our first duty beyond our relationship with Christ, and you handle it from what I read with flying colors.

Peace and love Brother

Indian Lake Papa said...

Carl - your heart is one of gold as well - I am glad to have you as a brother. much younger brother!! LOL

Anonymous said...

Papa, just that you are willing to ask that question, makes you a good Christian.

You know this is a journey and you know you are not finished. And even more importantly, you are interested and willing to finish well.

You are a blessed man to have had a Mother who cared fro you as she did, a wonderful Godly woman by your side and a Savior that Never leaves you.

Be blessed today!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Brent - not finished with my journey yet - but my mom is setting the table with an extra plate one of these days! No rush though! lol I thank God for my Christian heritage.

Anonymous said...

Papa, you are the cutest little baby boy (in the picture)!!! awwwww so adorable!! I do remember how to get to your blog! Please forgive me for being too busy!! I won't let it happen again...Love you both!!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Darla - you are busy for your Savior & your family - by the way, I am still a cute little boy! LOL

Anonymous said...

I agree with Darla, cute baby picture! I love your avi too!

Indian Lake Papa said...

skunny - thanks for stopping by! i agree w/Darla too! LOL

Anonymous said...

WOW! What a beautfil story and reminder. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Rachel - thank you - GOd blessed me with a wonderful Christian heritage.