Sadly, the first 30 years of my life didn't go well. Oh, I had some happy times, such as good times at my Christian high school and the birth of my children and watching them grow.
Yes, I grew up in a wonderful Christian family. I knew about sin and how to ask for forgiveness from God.
The problem was that I wasn't sold out to Him. I didn't trust Him completely. I didn't do particularly bad things, but I was too self-centered to give my life wholeheartedly to Jesus. I was too focused on rising out of poverty (with too much interest in money), overindulgence in eating/treats (which resulted in Diabetes) and a musical tape-copying club in Japan, which left my family alone too much of the time.
It wasn't until age 33, when I married a godly woman, Suzanne, that three things happened:
I married into a wonderful circle of godly friends;
I turned my life over completely to God; and
I found true joy in fellowship, family, writing and worship.
Also, something happened that contributed to my joyful outlook:
During the first half of my life, one of the overriding themes of the world was to work on my weaknesses. Now, Dad (Grandpa Bob) was a mechanical, carpentry, plumbing and electronic genius. He'd take me on service calls and ask me if I wanted to watch what he was doing.
"No, Dad, it's too dark, too cold and too wet. I'll just huddle in the truck."
I was a mechanical dunce, and focusing on trying to improve on these weaknesses was a disaster, especially since I didn't ask God for help. Consequently, I was fired from several jobs.
About the time I married Suzanne, my office sent Suzanne and I to a positive-thinking rally, featuring such famous people as Art Linkletter, General Colin Powell and Paul Harvey (whom I introduce elsewhere in this appeal). At the same time, my colleagues and leaders switched from trying to improve weaknesses to developing one's strengths.
By fully cooperating with God and allowing Him to reveal my true identity and the gifts He had given me, I've enjoyed soaring successes--the kind that please Him and contribute to the building of His Kingdom. So, I write books--stories that encourage people to trust our Lord Jesus fully. And, with our Lord and Suzanne, in spite of being temporarily crippled, I'm having the time of my life!
After all, Jesus promises this in John 10:10--
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they (you) may have life,
and have it to the full."
But Pappy, you're a cripple!
With Jesus walking with me, I'm learning to walk again all while having the time of my life!
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