Madalynn received an extremely important "Valentine's Day" gift Monday and, in turn, gave Travis and I the most special valentine she could ever give us. She prayed to ask Jesus into her heart!
Travis's dad called Sunday evening to wish him happy spiritual birthday. Travis's spiritual birthday is the day he accepted Christ as a child, February 10th. His parents took note of the date and put it on their calendar so they could continue celebrating the special day.
The kids wanted a story before bed. Travis or I read or tell them a story each night before bed. They like hearing about stories involving our childhoods. Travis started the conversation by asking, "Do you realize today is my birthday?" The kids curiosity was piqued. Travis told them all about it.
We have always been very up-front in answering the kids' many questions about God and explaining how to have a relationship with Him if they choose to. We have NOT shoved the Bible down their throats or beat them over the heads with it. We use teachable moments to share about God if and when it is appropriate and (more importantly) we try to live the kind of lives that will show God's love for them through us. We have never pressured the kids to accept Christ. We believe it's a very personal decision that has to come from their hearts when they're ready, not a decision based on our prodding.
I looked in to say a final goodnight to Jillian and Madalynn and Madalynn had her head buried in the foot of her bed and her feet on her pillow. "Madalynn," I started, a little annoyed that she was not seeming serious about bedtime, "You need to turn around..."
She looked up with a huge, genuine smile on her face. She was excited. "I just asked Jesus into my heart!"
Thrilled, I told Travis and both of us called her in to our room where we celebrated with her, answered questions she had and, of course, prayed with her and thanked God for her decision.
Madalynn has her whole life ahead of her, and she gets to walk with God the whole rest of the journey!
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