RE-Welcome to New Members

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

I would like to share some personal background about

myself, since I have just recently joined this group. I was born and

raised in Oroville, CA. My given name is Mazie Lane, Lane being my

late husband's last name, Gilbert being my father's last name. I have

one brother and three sisters, all of whom have completely differing

views concerning religion and God. They are all mainstream

traditional Christian, with no belief in reincarnation or anything

Eastern, for that matter. I began my quest for Truth at nine years

old, when, while standing in the back pasture/garden I heard a voice

from everywhere yet nowhere say to me "I am with you always." I knew

it was God speaking to me and setting my footsteps in the direction I

was meant to follow. I was raised in a loving family but one that did

not believe in the existence of God. I was pretty much a loner and

sought solitude in nature instead of ordinary childhood pastimes. I

used to sing and cry to God to reveal Himself to me endlessly, never

giving up always knowing that there was more than what I was being

taught by my family. It was at the age of nine that I also was

presented with a great test to the body, having been diagnosed with

juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. There have been many hip replacements,

knee surgeries and a host of other physical challenges til this day.

I have two daughters, one who is also a devotee of Paramahansa

Yogananda. The very first time I lay eyes on a photo of Master, I

knew He was the one of whom I had been seeking since childhood. I

became a kriyaban in 1980. I hope this gives somewhat of a brief

description of who I am and helps to show where I am always turning

for spiritual help. I am just so very thankful to have found this

spiritual fellowship. Thank you all for any spiritual advice you can

give me.

In Divine Friendship,

Sraddha