Plus One

Derek and I rejoiced with all of heaven tonight at our son Kaleb's decision to accept Jesus as his Savior. :) Plus one for God's family! A few years ago, as a 4 year old boy I believe, Kaleb prayed with me to be on "God's team." That was the only way I could relate salvation to his little mind. Now that he's older, he is able to grasp the plan of salvation fully. Tonight's circumstances were not planned or rehearsed, but they were God-ordained. After one of Kaleb's favorite spaghetti suppers, Derek asked Kaleb, "How does someone get to heaven?" A seemingly random question that Derek later told me just popped into his head. I'm thankful for a husband who listens to the voice of the Holy Spirit! We talked around the table with all of our boys. It was a Spirit-filled moment. Braylen remembered his own decision to ask Jesus to save him from his sins. Aaron piped in every now and then, especially when we talked about the colors of the heart. (black with sin, red with Jesus' blood, white as snow) Thanks to Bible Club and Mrs. Shell, Aaron has that down.

After talking with us about what it means to ask Jesus into his heart, Kaleb said he wanted to do it right now. He was sure. He sat on Derek's lap and prayed his own prayer. It went something like this: "Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I know I can't get to heaven by myself. I want you to come into my heart and save me from my sins. Amen." Praise be to God! We talked with him about what it means in his life now that he's saved. He said, "It's like Psalm 23, walking in paths of righteousness." Talk about a parents' greatest thrill! He GETS it! He learned that at Sparks--way to go Awana!!!

Derek had Kaleb write in his own handwriting about the decision he made tonight. That way he can always have it to look back on. All on his own he added exclamation points and a huge smiley face. :) His joy was evident to all. He called both sets of grandparents to share his news, and they were able to hear that one of their prayers was answered. What a blessing for Kaleb to have 4 godly grandparents praying for him. What a blessing for all of our boys. Some time ago I was convicted in how I'm prioritizing my kids' lives. I spend more effort and energy making sure they're enrolled in all the right sports and activities than I do for their spiritual future. That has been tugging at my heart for some time now. Tonight, with Derek's lead, we were intentional with our kids. I'm so thankful. I saw in my own family how God used Kaleb's upbringing in the church to affirm what we've been teaching him at home since birth. I am humbled and grateful.

At bedtime, I read a passage from Romans to Kaleb. It's Romans 4:7-8. "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." God promises that His Word will never return void. He's made it simple enough for a child to understand. I just can't think of anything greater than that!