Chapter 13: A Light On My Path

Page 23

So, what led me up to this point of surrender in my life? How did I

actually get there? What all actually took place during that epiphany? What happened afterwards? When did real change occur in my life? All these are good questions. I cannot offer a complete detailed biography here, but I can provide some background information and at least try to cover some spiritual

highlights as they come to mind. Let’s start at the beginning of my life and I will highlight some of the spiritual influences and issues as I recall them.

I was born on January 4, 1946 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Hilda

Clara (Winter) Palmer [age 22] and Glen Gilbert Palmer [age 42]. My father was about 20 years older than my mother. My mother was 100% German, my father to the best of my understanding was of French-Canadian descent. She was a Lutheran; he was a Methodist. My mother and father were also born in Minnesota. She was born in the rural town of Beardsley and he in

Minneapolis. In the 1950’s, the two religions of Lutheran and Methodist were a little like vinegar and water. They didn’t blend very well and all I remember are some Lutheran teachings. I do not recall being exposed to any Methodist teachings during my youth.

I am not a stranger to death. It has been around me all my life. My father died at the age of 56 [same age as Jackie]; I was only 13 1/2 years of age. My first son Glen died when he was only 28 days old; Jackie and I

were only 18 and 19 at the time. My mother died at the age of 46; I was only 24 years of age. My only sister died at the age of 53; I was 51. There were many other family deaths along the way. If you just looked at the life span of those in my immediate family, it doesn’t bode well for my longevity.

Yet I look only to God who has said that He would satisfy me with a long life. I like Genesis 6:3 and also the fact that Moses made it to age 120 with good eyesight and undiminished natural vigor. It is a worthy goal for me.

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:16

And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man

forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” Genesis 6:3