Who had the most positive influence on you as a child?

 I am not certain who had the MOST positive influence on me as a child but there were many influential people in my life when I was growing up.

My parents were influential in that they EXPECTED me to be ‘good’ and to obey them and GOD’s laws. They always went to church and took Bill and me with them. I was taught that people were expected to obey what was taught in church and the Bible. If I did something I was aware was not ‘good’, it was not repeated. I always wanted to be ‘good enough’ to be loved. Where that idea came from I do NOT know.

I’m 84 and still want to be good enough. Knowing now that through Jesus' sacrifice I AM good enough certainly helps but I want to be reaching unsaved so they will know it is not HOW GOOD we are but how justified we are through Jesus Blood on Calvary. Oh, how I want to tell others that they can share in the JOY we have through that gift!! GOD is SOoooo Good every minute of every day. The Holy Spirit is with us all the time. If I feel sad or burdened in any way, a few minutes of singing to my Savior brightens that feeling to JOY!!!!

Back to the question of WHO had the MOST influence to me, I add that Pa Davis was a leader and a warrior for our Father and our Savior. Any and all he met knew about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ when they left Pa’s presence. Dave Anderson Davis was a 5 Star General for Jesus. Vannah Davis was beside him always. With NO formal education, she had read her Bible numerous times. That was her Blue Back Speller and first reader. She & Pa sang ‘old book’ songs (the notes & usually the words afterwards). We sat on the front porch when Pa came to the house for ‘dinner’. He usually took time when grandchildren were there to ‘rest’ a while after eating before returning to the field. He & Ma could harmonize so beautifully. What a joy to have been their first granddaughter (second grandchild). It was four years before Barbara Jean was born and five when Sue & Sharon were born. Added later were the rest of their family. But I was allowed to be the first!! What a privilege!!

SO, you answer the question. WHO WAS the most influential person in my youth? I think I’ll have to say my Parents, Grandparents and GOD were all influencing my growing up. Did I always adhere to my upbringing? Unfortunately, NO. There were times I almost lost my way and walked in a dual direction. I continued to attend church and encourage my children but, at times. I also followed after the worldly ‘THINGS’. How much stuff we can get to be sure of the future is one thing that is so worldly. STUFF does not work for our happiness and certainly does not bring any joy. Thank the Holy Spirit for His guidance in getting me back on a single narrow path to follow after God wholeheartedly. Life is GOOD. God is BETTER. HE is GREATER!!! To my grandchildren who read this, do not think less of me for my indiscretions of youth. I AM Human!! I WAS for a while worldly. I am most grateful that I no longer desire the worldly things. Stay TRUE to GOD. HE will see you through the rough patches like no other can. Do not take dual paths. Stay on HIS path where you now walk. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! HE loves you even MORE!!!