Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Thursday, June 24, 2010

My Spiritual Birth

Continuing in my journey with Mommy's Piggy Tales, I am sharing my life at age five this week and then combining my school years.  For many, this year is the year of Kindergarten, but when I was five, Kindergarten wasn't mandatory in my school district. Therefore, my mother kept me at home with her. I would enter my school years at the age of 6, while enjoying age five at home with my mom and sister.

My parents are Christians; therefore, I was raised in the church.  I hold certificates of my promotions out of each year in the nursery, as well as certificates for my participation in Vacation Bible School each year.  My father held the seat of Chairman of the Deacons throughout my life and my mother held other positions open to the women in the church.  VBS was usually the largest event of the year.  My mother was always a worker and believer in this ministry of the church.

With that background, it would be assumed that my sister and I would be in attendance for every church service.  VBS was no exception and an instrument in my spiritual training.  This event holds cherished memories of us loading up the station wagon with neighborhood children and heading to the church.

August of 1966 saw Vacation Bible School finishing off our summer.  I would make a lifetime-altering decision during this VBS.  By the end, I had committed my life to Christ.  Because of my young age, my parents made an appointment with the pastor to make sure he felt confident that I knew what I was doing.
After our visit with the pastor he told my parents he felt sure I knew what I was doing.  I had a clear understanding that I was a sinner, that nothing I could do would get me into heaven and that salvation was a gift that couldn't be earned.  With his reassurance, I was allowed to make the next step by myself.

One Sunday evening, I knew it was time to come before the congregation at the altar call to publicly accept Christ as my Savior and Lord.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  Beside me in the pew was a very tall man, or at least tall to a five-year-old.  I would have to ask him if I could get by him.  Laying my fear aside and with great determination, I asked to pass.  I stepped out into the aisle. The invitational song was being sung... maybe "Just As I Am".  My memory says it was the longest walk you could walk, whereas reality was I was in a very small church.  The long walk ended at the hands of my pastor, who then knelt with me in prayer.

Believing in complete emursion into water for water baptism, I completed my act of obedience weeks later.  I will not forget that either.  I know God sees our hearts and must have smiled when a scared girl went into the water for baptism.  I was so short that when the pastor leaned me back my feet went out from under me and I came back up with a splash!  I am sure the angels giggle at the site, as well as the members of our congregation.


From the moment of my salvation, I would desire to tell the world about Christ.  My parents said that I would share Christ with anyone who would listen.  I remember talking to all the neighborhood children.  My walk with the Lord  and more understanding would grow through the years.  I would always share my beliefs to every friend.  I have never doubted my decision, nor do I remember life without my relationship with Christ.  Jesus would remain my strength through different hills and valleys of life.

So, as I continue with this journey, I will truly be sharing His-story, because He is the author of my life.


16 Joining in with more words:

Theresa said...

Wow Janette, how blessed you are to be walking with the LORD all these years. I giggled when I read about the splash :)
Thanks for sharing more of your story. I love reading these posts.

Gretchen said...

What a blessing to come from a family that passed on to you that rich spiritual inheritance. Thank you for sharing this.

Cindy said...

It was fun to read this post about when you received Jesus into your heart. I think I was about 6 years old when I made the decision.

Heather Anne said...

Beautiful post - I love salvation stories! What a blessing to have such a godly heritage to pass down to your children! Thank you for visiting my blog, and for your kind comments!

Aspiring Mom2three said...

What a blessing to have parents who instilled not just their faith, but made it real to you, - where it is more of a relationship. Thanks for sharing your story! I'm visiting from Group 3 and had to stop by to read more of your story this week! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment this morning. I struggle with keeping it short and sweet!

Debi said...

Your pictures are amazing. Wow, you still have the certificates! What a precious story and rich heritage you have - plus, you tell it so well. Enjoyed reading it.
Bless you!

Kathleen said...

What a beautiful testimony! It's such a powerful demonstration of just how much a parent or grandparent influences the children in their midst; and how the Lord speaks so clearly even to the youngest in our midst.

What a rich heritage you've been give - both in the physical and in the spiritual realms.

Kathleen

Ginny Marie said...

As a pastor's daughter, we were always expected to be in church and Sunday school every Sunday, too! Our church does infant baptism, so I don't remember my baptism. But my confirmation is a special memory of mine! Thank you for sharing such a special memory!

Sue said...

Beautiful Janette,
When God saves us we never get tired of telling it, and it always stays as clear as if it was today.You are so blessed to have such a beautiful Christian heritage, as I was. to God be the glory. I was so blessed by this.
Hugs,
Sue

Debbie said...

Oh Janette I loved your testimony. How blessed you were to have grown up in such a home. I soo envy (in a good way) you that. I can just picture your little body getting baptized. I was 20 years old before I did that! And your right, I'm sure all the angels were smiling and rejoicing that day. How happy I am to know you now. Have a good day. HUGS, Debbie

gianna said...

I love this story! I was 4 when I decided to follow Jesus. So I completely understand that you were very determined and understood why you needed to make this decision (Oh, I need to add that story to my post from last week! I can't believe I forgot! Thanks for the reminder!). I didn't get baptized until I was 15 or so because I didn't know how to swim and I was too scared. (lame, I know!) And if what happened to you had happened to me, I would have probably never gone in water again! Cute!

Marcy said...

We never realize the richness of our heritage until we have children and they grow up and follow God, as well. Great photos!
I grew up believing I could "lose" my salvation, so I repented almost every service. Therefore, I don't know exactly when it "stuck." Thank goodness I finally heard that the truth of my security in HIM. What a relief...

Susannah said...

You tell your story so beautifully! Makes me teary. And your conversion was as real as any adult decision for Christ, that I'm sure of. It sounds like you've had a zeal for Jesus all your life. What a marvellous testimony!

You are living the life that others only dream of... believing parents, conversion at an early age... now your own children benefitting from that spiritual legacy.

George Barna (Barna Research Group) says that the very best time to reach people for Christ is when they are pre-schoolers! You were pretty young. (Have you seen his data?) Many Moms have no idea how significant their ministry to their children really is.

Bless you, Janette!

Debbie Petras said...

Thank you for sharing your testimony with us. I love how you couldn't wait to share Jesus with your friends. I love how you were consistent in your walk.

Love you,
Debbie

Denise said...

Such a blessing. I have realized in the last few years that when I was a child I just assumed EVERYONE was a Christian and considered myself to be one long before I was "old enough" by my mother's standards to be baptized.

Great pictures!

Cameron said...

This is a great post! I loved VBS as a child, too! I also got to go back & help my mom's friend lead one of the craft activities when I was in high school. I've always loved working with children - probably why I want to be an elementary school teacher!

But I also have great memories of when I accepted Christ & was baptized. It sounds very similar to yours! We went to a pretty large church in the downtown area of our city & that walk down the aisle to the front felt so long!

What wonderful memories! We are definitely excited about our daughter getting to experience great things in church! I really love the children's program at our church!

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