How old are you - really?

[lynnmosher]

Hey, you guys! I just thought I'd drop in a fun bit of trivia: I just realized that this month, instead of being blankey-blank years old on the 5th, I was really 50 years old. My new creature status started in July 1957. I don't remember the actual date of my spiritual birth but I do remember it was July, on vacation, in New York City, at the Madison Square Garden, for what is now considered a renown crusade of Billy Graham! Cool, huh? !thumbsup!

So, when is your spiritual birthday? How old are you - really?

Lynn :D

[Ransom v. Unman]

Hey, you guys! I just thought I'd drop in a fun bit of trivia: I just realized that this month, instead of being blankey-blank years old on the 5th, I was really 50 years old. My new creature status started in July 1957. I don't remember the actual date of my spiritual birth but I do remember it was July, on vacation, in New York City, at the Madison Square Garden, for what is now considered a renown crusade of Billy Graham! Cool, huh? !thumbsup!

So, when is your spiritual birthday? How old are you - really?

Lynn :D

:eek:

You are old!

I'm what? Twelve now? :counts on fingers: Yeah, about twelve years old. :D

[lynnmosher]

Hey, I guess it's all according to your view of the hill! I may be on the downside of the hill but I'm not rolling down THAT fast yet! I was only 11 when I accepted Christ. Unfortunately, the body is rolling down faster than the mind!!! I'm glad you have a spiritual birthday you can count on! Happy 12th! :D

P.S. I bet you're a fast typer with 12 fingers!!! Te-he!

[tlm]

I believe it was in March 1964.

I was attending a Christian college a few years back to complete my degree in education. There were a few young men, who had not been Christians very long, who were very legalistic. I understood that, because they had not been Christians long enough to feel really confident, but would get a little irritated when they would try to convert me if my views weren't the same as theirs.:rolleyes:

They would share certain views and I had to bring up pieces of trivia that would irritate them. They would look at me with shock and I would simply reply, I was studying the Bible before they were born. In fact, I had read the Bible, cover to cover, long before they were born. You should be respectful of the views of others who have studied the Bible, even though we aren't theology majors.:eek:

[lynnmosher]

This is a great lesson for all of us. Thanks for sharing.

[Merry]

I'm..maybe 20. Ten if you get technical. Ten years ago, I was in New York fighting with this publisher about a story I had in his magazine and afterwards began the whole, 'What am doing?' thing. I knew I had to 1) make sure I was born again and 2) write like a Christian. Which, as we all continue to find out, can mean many different things.

[Phy]

My birth certificate says 44, my spiritual certificate says 32, and my maturity level says 16. I think I'm regressing. ;)

[lynnmosher]

Merry, I'll add my Amen to that!

Phy, I think that's probably true of all of us!

[dswm57]

Hi, I am also 50 - physically.;) Turned 50 in Feb this year. I have always been touched by God - He has been my companion through everything!thumbsup!. I was officially initiated in to the spiritual realm in September of 1981. I am a Vedantist - one who believes that all paths lead to the one God - no matter what His name. My Guru teaches that water, aqua, jal, pani, H2O are all one and the same and this has shown me the way to develop a christian lifestyle. To me that is what religion is about - a way of life - a way to become a better human being moment by moment - through, love, compassion, self awareness and service. :D
dswm

[paulchernoch]

I was born again on April 28, 1985 in Cambridge, MA. The people who helped me get saved were at least as legalistic as the guys tlm mentioned, but they also loved each other and it showed. What they gave me I will treasure always. They taught me to pray, believe in miracles, take the bible seriously, and love my neighbor. And I still do.

- Paul

[lynnmosher]

Wow, Paul. You had good witnesses and teachers. You're lucky. Whoops! 'Scuse me. I mean blessed!!! !thumbsup!

[TanyaSue]

I gave my life to Christ when I was fifteen. That makes my spiritual age ... fifteen! :)

My mom had grounded me for a year -- yes, a whole year. During that year I was permitted no extra-curricular activities outside of church. While doing some "homework" for youth group, I read Romans 8:38-39. I realized then that I had been running from God ever since my parents' divorce years earlier. But if none of the things listed there -- death, spiritual forces, angels and demons, etc. -- could separate me from the love of God, who was I to even try?! I surrendered to His love that day, January 16th. After that I went onto Bible college and studied missions. The rest is providential history.

[ProfessorAlan]

It was sometime that first semester of freshman year of college.

I answered an altar call at a concert on Jan 12 or 14 of 1984, but I was convinced and converted some time the few months before that, I would judge.

[lynnmosher]

Wow, TanyaSue. How cool is that! Relinguishing to the Lord, I mean, not the grounding for a year! That whopper of disobedience (that warranted the grounding) proved Romans 8:28, for God's Kingdom benefitted! !thumbsup!

ProfessorAlan, It's interesting that you mention college as tlm did, for I understand from statistics that it is hard to reach the college age.

[kriswrite]

I gave myself to Christ when I was in preschool. I honestly don't know exactly how old I am, but a good guestimate would be about 28! :D

Kristina

[dicachoc]

Hi Lynn,
I want to thank you for your warm welcome to this site. I've been so busy
working, being a mom, a sunday school teacher, a business woman, a praise team leader, a writer(How to do things.com) my article is entitled How to make professional looking chocolate at home.
I haven't had the time to do my profile...I will some day.

Thanks again.

Jill

[lynnmosher]

Wow, Kristina, you were really young. I love all these stories. I think they are encouraging and give glory to Jesus that it is only through His shed blood that we are saved! :D

Jill, You're welcome!

[Merry]

Hi, I am also 50 - physically.;) Turned 50 in Feb this year. I have always been touched by God - He has been my companion through everything!thumbsup!. I was officially initiated in to the spiritual realm in September of 1981. I am a Vedantist - one who believes that all paths lead to the one God - no matter what His name. My Guru teaches that water, aqua, jal, pani, H2O are all one and the same and this has shown me the way to develop a christian lifestyle. To me that is what religion is about - a way of life - a way to become a better human being moment by moment - through, love, compassion, self awareness and service. :D
dswm


This is not a debate thread or forum, so I will not debate. However, this is a Christian forum and I'm sorry, but the above is not an example of a new bith experience. Accepting the free gift of Christs new birth is the only way to God, not the works of religion. Religion involves the works of man becoming a 'better person.' Christianity is about the the relationship between a father and his family. I pray you find salvation through Christ and not your guru.

[VWeathers]

Saturday (July 28) is my 42nd physical birthday. August 1, 1981 is my Spiritual birthday. So that makes me spiritually almost 26.

[lynnmosher]

As I will probably forget by then, happy new creation!

[Tmagic]

Im twelve years old, can't remember the date on which I was 'born' but I remember I was six when I gave my life to Christ.

[VWeathers]

As I will probably forget by then, happy new creation!

Thank you very much! I think I'll just start using my spiritual birthday from here on out.

Hello! I'm 26.;)

[lynnmosher]

Well, Tmagic, you must be one of our youngest on board. I'm sure the Father is pleased that you gave your heart to Him at such an early age. Keep your eyes on Him...be encouraged in your walk. Serve Him gladly, proudly, and honorably! !thumbsup!

[Tmagic]

Well, Tmagic, you must be one of our youngest on board. I'm sure the Father is pleased that you gave your heart to Him at such an early age. Keep your eyes on Him...be encouraged in your walk. Serve Him gladly, proudly, and honorably! !thumbsup!

I figured I must have been one of the younger members, but this website was what I was looking for with regards to helpful but truthful feedback on my book! I am truly blessed to have found God at an early age! :)

[Lookin^Up]

Let's see ... being born to a pastor doesn't save you ... being raised in the church doesn't save you ... but being at the altar during an evangelistic revival does. I was going on 12 (April 22, five days before) when I first went to the altar and confessed. That would make me ... **counts on fingers and toes ** Hey, can I borrow someone else's fingers and toes?

Actually it comes to over 42 years if you count from that day, 27 years of immersing myself in the Word and learning about it, and 8 years of active ministry. Yeah, I'm a slow starter, but I get there. It took about 16 years after the second landmark to write without using judgmental words and passages, a hard lesson to learn.

[Scotsman]

In Beautiful British Columbia, a young mother, with two little boys, picked up a hitchhiker (an illegal alien) on a lonely country road and invited me home for supper. A few weeks (and meals) later, on Sunday, October 15, 1973 this new life in Christ was born in my spirit.

So “spiritually”, I am older than I was when I exchanged my old self for this new creature in Christ. Sorry to say it was a few months later before Ephesians 4:28 became my new standard of living.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

I'm turning 24 on Sunday and I was baptised at 30 days old (Lutheran). I'm not sure when my faith in Christ became my own.

[DrRita]

HMMMM. I think I was reborn in 1956 . . . so that would make me . . . old, any which way you add it up.

[Tamera]

Physically I'm 48 years old. Spiritually I'm 35 years old. !thumbsup! But I work with children, so sometimes I feel like about 10 years old. :p I wish I could have the body and energy I had when I was 20 and the wisdom I have now. :)

[lynnmosher]

As in the above testimonies, I am always amazed at the different ways God works in our lives to bring us to the knowledge of His saving grace! Thanks to all of you for sharing.

[Gravity]

55 chronologically, 32 years since I was radically saved and filled with the Holy Ghost (yeah, I'm an old hippie, saved during the early 70s "Jesus Movement" !thumbsup!). Yowza! :D

[lynnmosher]

Hey, I'm glad to hear something good came out of the '70s! !thumbsup!

[TanyaSue]

Hey, I'm glad to hear something good came out of the '70s! !thumbsup!

Well, that and fashion. My ultra-preppy husband keeps me from being the old hippie hidden within. ;)

[Ransom v. Unman]

:eek: Eeee.... 70s and fashion were not good friends, Tanya!

[lynnmosher]

I'm with you Ransom...I don't remember it fondly, fashionally speaking - or otherwise!

[VWeathers]

Watch out...the 80s is coming back. Big hair, lots of make-up. Little Madonnas running around.

[lynnmosher]

Yuck! It was hard enough to keep up the first time around. No thanks!

[kriswrite]

LOL I kind of like 80s fashion (not the stuff worn on Dallas, but the stuff real people wore), especially those pretty everyday dresses. But I have laughed a few times at the teens in my area. "I thought the 80s were over," is the new catch-phrase between my hubby and me.

Kristina

[VWeathers]

You know everything goes in cycles.

[psychoceramic]

Born in 1968...

reborn after a night of crying and praying in march of 1994.

rededicated many times after that...

[lynnmosher]

Tears of sorrow and regret produced tears of joy. Yea!

[Lookin^Up]

You know everything goes in cycles.
You think maybe bellbottoms might be coming back??? :eek: How about those squinty glasses? :eek: :eek:

[DrRita]

You think maybe bellbottoms might be coming back??? :eek: How about those squinty glasses? :eek: :eek:

Where have you been??? They've been back for a while now, low cut and all. The bell bottoms are not as flared but they are there just the same. And those squinty glasses . . . hmmm. They are still around.

[Nessa-Ciryatan]

I'm about 10. The big one-oh! :D I was born again on December 10th at about 4am and I remember it vividly. I was reading a book called "He Came To Set The Captives Free" and came across a part where the author wrote a salvation prayer. I remember feeling uncomfortable and thinking I should go to sleep, but this was about halfway through the book and another thought entered my mind: "You know all this is true. Why don't you pray the prayer?" So I did, and was inducted into the Family of God and became a whole new creation then and there. Afterwards, I got the best sleep I've ever had. :D My friend tells me the change was so drastic it was like I was one person for the first half of the week, and another for the rest. Praise God for He is awesome! !thumbsup!

[FireFeet]

Goodness, I had never realized that I was one of the youngest, spiritually, on the board! :eek:

My spiritual birthday is March 29, 1999, so I am eight years old.

The shortest possilbe version of my conversion story: I prayed and asked God to reveal Himself to me if He were real. A friend invited me to church. The pastor preached about "amazing grace" and how the Good Samaritan is a type of Jesus who is looking for the lost and the broken by the side of the road. I wrestled with God for several days. I finally surrendered to grace while kneeling at the edge of Lake Erie at 2 in the morning.

I LOVE to read conversion stories. How amazing is our God who can orchestrate all the details that will reach each individual in the way that will turn their heart?

[lynnmosher]

Nessa, I will have to check out that book. I know some people who might read it. Your response of salvation is one of the reasons so many Christian writers write and why we trudge on, no matter what! I'm glad you're one of the Kingdom's new creations.

FireFeet, What a cool place to accept Jesus, at the edge of a lake! One of the reasons I started this thread is in your comment about God's amazing orchestration of our lives, that He manuevers Himself before us, confronting us with His Word and placing us in the position of decision. I never tire of hearing the stories.

[jacks girl]

I'm 40 but got saved when I was 8... I think I like the sounds of 32 better.

[lynnmosher]

Aren't you glad you are a part of the Kingdom?

[mbeachbum]

Hi, all.

I was "raised in the church," but I don't remember hearing the plan of salvation until we changed churches, around my seventh grade year. I tried to be saved by following a script and doing what I thought I was supposed to do. I knew God was tugging at my heart but I just couldn't understand that accepting Him was not following the requirements of humans.

Finally, at church camp, the summer before my ninth grade year, on Thursday night after all the emotional hoopla was over and most were in bed, the camp preacher and I sat outside in front of a dorm on two folding chairs. He spoke simply to me, without a bunch of jargon or pressure. There, beneath a starlit sky, I truly gave my heart to the Lord. I knew it was real and I had really done it because for the first time, I HAD PEACE! :):):)

Going back to my church and trying to explain what had happened was nerve-racking and embarrassing but God and I knew what I had done was real so it really didn't matter what others thought.

My track record for God has been a roller coaster sometimes but deep down, my heart and soul are still His.

Oh. Yeah. My salvation experience was in July 1970, so I must be about 37 spiritually, though my body says it's going to be 52 in August! I remember feeling really old in my twenties but I feel younger now than I did then! (Didn't someone say something about regressing??? Me, too!)

BTW, I LOVED bell bottoms, back in the day! :D

[Scotsman]

BTW, I LOVED bell bottoms, back in the day! :D

So does the Lord :)

A year after I received His gift of salvation, in the 70's, I attended a Bible School full of students 10 to 15 years my junior. My roommate complained about having to share his dorm room with an old-timer.

I had built my new wardrobe, to attend school, from a thrift store in Seattle’s Skid Row. My dulled brown pants were the style my father might have worn when he was my age. Their cuffs so tight, you had to put your stockings on after your pants, and take your socks off first.

One teacher informed the school that when one “lives on faith they shouldn’t go around looking like it.” He looked at me during his entire teaching, I think.

That night, I asked my supplier (the "my God shall supply all your needs" one) for pants, shirts and shoes.

Low & behold, they came special delivery from my spiritual parents, with a note hoping they fit. A pair of two-tone (maroon & white) high soled, flat toed shoes, and a pair of polyester, bell-bottom pants to match. Maroon & white checkered square pants, with no back pockets, but two flap-covered pockets in front. Both pockets with two maroon buttons. Plus, to really make me look cool, a maroon polyester shirt with three buttons to close each cuff. The points of the collar hung way down to my pockets.

God had me sized up perfectly. Everything fit like they were made to order.

Yup – My God loved polyester bell bottomed trousers! How do I know? ‘Cause He supplied my needs according to HIS RICHES in glory. !thumbsup!

[HJMelinda]

I guess I'm only 12. :) Still a pre-teen! I got saved at an early age, but my real spiritual awakening occurred after 9 years of alcoholism when I turned 21. Actually, the alcohol lasted another 3 years until God healed my life. So, I'm thankful - really thankful - to be here. I cant' begin to tell the many ways my life has improved in just 12 short years. I'm like a different human being - maybe more like an alien, if you look at all the changes on a broader perspective!!

[lynnmosher]

Mbeachcbum, It's always the heart that God is after. Though our lives go up and down, He is ever constant in His pursuit of our heart.

Scotsman, God always brings His goodies to our door, whether it's maroon and white bell-bottoms, food from a neighbor, or some other help. Isn't He good?

Melinda, Hallelujah! What a great story. So glad you're healed and whole as that new creation!

[johnnyg67]

Well this is interesting and it looks like I'm the elder here :confused: or at least very close to it! I am 58 yrs old (that may be in dog years I'm not sure) :D

I accepted Christ as a young boy, age 6yrs, was baptized by my dad in a yet to be installed baptistery that sat outside of our church. (Don't tell anyone ,but my brother and I used to sneak over and swim in it when no one was looking!) "PK" Preacher's kids...you've heard about em I know. I walked away from God and Christians as a teenager after turmoil in a church and did not return until I was 24. I believe that is when I really accepted Christ. So that makes me about 34 spiritually?? It was then that I realized that Jesus was the only Way, Truth, and the Life just as he said. I'm not sure if I really was a Christian at age 6yrs or just following what was expected of me at that time.

[lynnmosher]

johnnyg67, I understand. At eleven, I did not know how to depend on my new Friend, but as the years went by, we became better acquainted and grew to be best buds!

So, I think when we are of a tender age and open the door of our hearts to Christ, He comes in. He's there to live forever. We just do not know our live-in Companion personally and do not fully recognize His Presence.

Then one day, by some revelation, we are jolted into an awareness of the fact that He is there, as if awakening to Someone new, although He has been through all along, just waiting for our intimate friendship.

Just my thoughts...maybe not yours.

I like the not-yet-installed baptism tub as the newfound swimming hole!

[johnnyg67]

Lyn,

I agree and definitely believe that children can become Christians. After all Jesus told his followers that they should come to him like a little child...trusting and believing in simple faith. There have been many times since then that I have not felt or acted like a Christian, but it's his grace not my feelings.

In my case, when I was young I may have felt that it was the family thing to do, but either way I did not catch God by surprise, he knew where my life was heading .

By the way, after spending the week working with people that could care less about Christian things, I really enjoy this forum at CW. However, I'm slow keeping up with everyone especially since I'm working on my books as well and I sort of get lost in between the two. (Old dog learning new tricks :o:)

Thanks for your answer and spiritual wisdom, I know where it comes from.

[Keith Wallis]

I reckon Doc had the best idea - quote the year and leave the Maths to those who want to delve. 1967 was year of this vintage.

[lynnmosher]

Keith, Glad you're back. I'm also glad you're a citizen of the Kingdom and my brother in Christ.

[Keith Wallis]

Glad to be back! A week in a caravan with two grandsons and a son doesn't count as a holiday! In a fortnights time we're off for a proper break (ten days - just me and my lady).

[lynnmosher]

I understand totally. That's why God gives children to young parents and allows them to visit the old grandparents. Te-he! Have a great and quiet rest.

[Scotsman]

Glad to be back! A week in a caravan with two grandsons and a son doesn't count as a holiday! In a fortnights time we're off for a proper break (ten days - just me and my lady).

Yes, welcome back, Keith. The message that you have two grandsons belongs on this thread. Seeing it's talking about age, and all. !thumbsup!

May the upcoming venture be an adventure in every way!

[chart]

Wow I'm 30 already!
Gave my life to the Lord in June 1977 and was baptized Sept 9th 1978.:)
I feel young...:o
C. Hart

[lynnmosher]

Chart, It sneaks up on you, doesn't it?

[Scotsman]

Chart, It sneaks up on you, doesn't it?

Often, I wish it was the other way around. I honestly wish I could have snuck up on those past years - a few times.

For the second half of my long life I've looked older than I really am. :(

Years ago, I visited my elderly father-in-law at a retirement home. I stepped outside for a moment, as an elderly woman, pushing a walker, asked, "Are you out for your morning stroll too?

I am a WWII orphan who is too often mistaken for a WWII veteran. At a funeral of an elderly uncle, a WWII army buddy of his waddled up to me and asked, "You his older brother?" :)

[mahatma]

Wow, finally I find myself in the company of people who are all older than me!! :D I'm basically six! I'm just learning to spell my name right, haha :D 2000 was my year of change, in 2001 I surrendered all I am, all I have and all I will ever be to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Yihaa!! :D

[lynnmosher]

Scotsman, Keep telling yourself what I tell myself every time I look into the mirror: it's all in the heart...it's all in the heart...it's all in the heart!!! :D

mahatma, well, young lady, we're glad you are in the Kingdom!!! :D

[technoczech]

What a fun question! I guess that makes me 12! I'm so thankful God didn't continue letting me believe it was my works that would get me into heaven. He's so good to me.

[lynnmosher]

Yea, for technoczech! The Kingdom rejoices! It's good to hear you found out about works not cutting a path to heaven. Yeah, boy, He sure is good! :D

[Scotsman]

Scotsman, Keep telling yourself what I tell myself every time I look into the mirror: it's all in the heart...it's all in the heart...it's all in the heart!!!

I don't like to look in the mirror because I'm too shy to talk face to face with people I don't recognize ... especially really old strangers. :)

[lynnmosher]

Ha! Ha! Ha! Good one! I noticed a while back some old lady must have moved into my house when I wasn't looking. She keeps following me around...:D :eek: :confused:

[BrendaJean]

I'm 51 and feel older than that (lately!).... I'll be 27 in the Lord on Sept. 7. My sister Mary was killed Aug. 3, '80 - 1 month previous to my being 'born again', and through her testimony and her going home to Jesus only a matter of hours after she was baptized, let's say that 'God got my attention!' It's been a roller-coaster ride, lots of highs and lows! The only regrets I have in any of it is my failure to consistantly live out my faith with conviction and ferver, and to not made Him Lord sooner.

:o And folks, its ok to get old... I refuse to color my hair, unless its to celebrate the local high school team with a bit of blue. They all know I'm off my rocker anyhow! It's the other things that get me... had I known I'd feel this bad I would've took better care of myself as a kid --- listen up, kids... take care of yourselves NOW!! :) Physically & Spiritually!
GBKY

[lynnmosher]

BrendaJean, Just remember you're 27! It's never too late to start a new course of healthy living, unless, of course, you have health issues you can do nothing about. Still, healthy eating, exercise, etc., are always a good bet for almost any ailment. I'm 61 with fibromyalgia and arthritis, and a few assorted other things. Healthy eating and supplements are #1 on my list. Then exercise, when I can remember to do it because the FM makes me forget! If I've gone off in the wrong direction here, forgive me. I don't know what I'm doing anyway!!! :eek: Anyway, I'm glad you're a Kingdom 27!

[BrendaJean]

Yup! I do my best to eat healthy, and don't anyone tell me I should forego my vits & supplements! :mad: My husband calls me a vitamin-nazi... gee, thanks! The arthritis has good and bad days, and the mental fog... well, thats more like good days, or moments and bad weeks... LOL... Somedays, a Hershey bar with almonds makes it all OK! :o aaaahhhhh chocolate... I hope the Marriage Feast of the Lamb has chocolate in at least one of its courses.

[lynnmosher]

Well, we're on the same page! I depend on my vits and supplements also. We'll have to compare days. Shhh! Don't tell anyone but I have inside info on what's available on the divine dessert table...it's A-L-L chocolate!!! Yea!!! !thumbsup!

[miranda119]

This has been a great thread to read through. It's amazing to think of all of our combined years of life in Christ, isn't it? God is so awe inspiring.

I had just turned six on November 28, 1982 when I realized my need for the forgiveness and grace of Jesus following a baptismal service at church. I myself was baptized by my father a few months later. I was thirteen when the Holy Spirit convinced me of my need to surrender my life to His control. I'm not the best with math, but I guess my spiritual age is 24!

Miranda :)

[lynnmosher]

Wow, Miranda119, it must have been quite an experience to have your earthly father baptize you into your heavenly Father's kingdom. What could be better? I'm glad your my sister! !thumbsup!