I am Blessed!

I can say without a shadow of doubt how blessed I am having been born in a Christian family and having parents who lived Godly lives before their children and being faithful to Christ in all they said and did. We recently celebrated our mother's 95th birthday! I can't fathom living 95 years on this earth myself, but I'm sure happy God has allowed my Mother, Barbara Boda, to have that many years with us. She is a first-generation Christian in her family and I recently gave tribute of that to encourage those of you who are the first ones in your family to accept Christ as your personal Savior. I presented it at our women's fall gathering just two weeks ago; the day after Mother's 95th birthday. Because of her obedience in accepting Jesus at 15 years old, many others have seen her faithfulness over the years and became believers as well. I think of the 'wonder ifs' and the first being her little sister (my aunt whom I never knew), Daisy Patterson, at age 11 who was hit and killed by a car, BUT she knew Jesus because her big sister was obedient. My grandmother became a Christian because of that first-generation Christian daughter. Her brother did as well and the list could on and on. They are all with Jesus because Mother accepted Christ and lived it. Let this be a challenge as well as encouragement to begin the walk as first-generation Christians if you aren't already and you will multiply! She has multiplied many times over because of her faithfulness in her spiritual walk with Jesus. "....go and do likewise." Luke 10:37 (of course, this refers to showing mercy to others, which is all part of our Christian testimony and walk) I'm blessed to not only have her as my Godly mother, but she married a Godly man (who went to be with the Lord 20 years ago) and together they raised eight children to love and serve Jesus, whether it be in full-time ministry or in the local church. Thank you, Mother, for your example and spiritual journey that you have showed to all of us. Mother's "tribe" now numbers 168 in her and my father's offspring! God is good....and I am blessed!