I grew up on a small farm in southern Manitoba, Canada. Life was simple back then in the 40’s and 50’s. It revolved around three things: our modest home and farmyard, a one-room country school, and a country church three miles away (with a few neighbors in-between). It was a good life. Our family regularly attended that country church, getting there by Model "A" Ford in the summer, and horse and sleigh in winter. I learned many of the Bible stories in church, Sunday school, and at home, where we had regular Bible readings and prayer. I saw in my parents that they lived what they believed.

Because of this instruction, I knew if I wanted to go to heaven-I certainly didn’t want to go to hell-I needed to confess my sins and receive Jesus Christ into my life. But my concern at the time was that I might be too young to make this decision — I might not fully understand.

When I was 10 years old, I had the rare opportunity to attend a 2-week Children’s Bible Camp. The very first day my counselor asked each of us in his group if we were Christians. I noticed all of them saying, "Yes". Not wanting to be different, I too said "Yes" knowing it was not true. I knew all about Jesus, but had not yet received Him personally.

A few days later one of the camp speakers mentioned a Bible verse where Jesus says, "He that comes to me I will never reject" (John 6:37). There was no reference made to age requirements. Later that night, with the help of my camp counselor, I was one of several who asked the Lord Jesus to forgive my sins and come into my life.

That was many years ago now, but just as He promised, He has never left me and is with me to this very day (Hebrews 13:5). But life might have been different had it not been for the extra measure of hope, love, joy and peace that God brings even in the difficult circumstances of life — like the time our second child was born with a cleft lip and palate.

It temporarily took all the joy out of an event that normally is a happy time. I had the opportunity of choosing to turn against God or continue to trust Him. I elected the latter. By choosing to trust Him, I was able to thank God for the child just as he was although I didn’t understand why. The peace that I subsequently experienced was something only God could give.

How would you describe your life? Contented? Rushed? Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward? Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times. There are things we dream of doing one day, there are things we wish we could forget. In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new. What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate?

Living with hope If you are looking for peace, there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.

Please contact me if you have any questions. I'd love to help you on your spiritual journey.