I was born in 1942 in a small East Texas town where I still reside. Four years later my only sibling, a sister, came into the world. Even though our parents weren't Christians at this time, we were taught a lax set of values and were held accountable for our actions. Church attendance was usually on Easter Sunday and possibly a few scattered services throughout the year. Generally, when we did attend, our presence was known at a combination Baptist and Methodist church with each denomination alternating every other Sunday. My Baptist paternal grandparents faithfully attended every service. The other set "visited" different churches when they opted to go.

When I reached the pre-teen years, I joined the Methodist Church and was "baptized" via sprinkling, thinking that I had done the honorable thing. My choice hinged on more lenient activities and their summer camp which was much more fun than the Baptist's. The term "mixed bathing" was unknown to me, but I was aware that at our camp the boys and girls could swim together while the strict Baptists were forbidden to do so. Thus, my criterior for church selection. I never recall hearing the plan of salvation during those years. Had I died, Hell would have been my destination.

My husband was saved when we married, but was not right with the Lord, probably due to my influence. For three months after our wedding we attended the church where I occasionally went as a child. I discerned that he was not happy there and suggested that we start going to his church--a fundamental, independent, Bible-believing church. Little did I realize what a life-changing move this would be! During our dating years I had gone to a service with him and I must confess, was enraged at what I heard. I was adamant that I would never return and that in my opinion "those people" were crazy. The Gospel was new to me. Terms such as "saved", "soulwinning", "repentance", and so many others were truly foreign to me. What little I had been taught consisted of doing the best I could, being kind, and then hoping that I could go to Heaven one day. God so graciously saved my lost soul in 1964 and the "hope so" fled as the "know so" salvation flooded my heart with peace and assurance.

After high school graduation I began college, majoring in elementary education. In 1963 I graduated with a B.S. degree and certification to teach. For five years I taught 6th grade in my hometown's public school, then resigned to be a stay-at-home mom for my two year old and three year old sons. Eight years later God miraculously gave us a daughter.

For 42 years I have been a member of my beloved church, Central Baptist, in Center, Texas. I believe that my pastor, Bro.Danny Dodson, is the best one in the whole world. For about 40 years I have taught Sunday School and been actively involved in the work of my church. Even though I have officially joined the ranks of the senior citizens group, my desire is to serve God up until the day He takes me Home.

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