A Mother's Prayer

My mother and I, January 4, 1985

Years ago my mother met with a group of ladies at our church to pray. They weren't there to pray for themselves, the country, or something else of major world importance. They were there to pray for something just as big and equally as meaningful as those things-their families. My mother, telling me the story in my early years talked about how they stood in a circle holding hands, praying aloud. Her desire for her family to know Jesus was so strong that tears fell from her eyes. I, being a young preteen wondered why she cared so much. It didn't make any sense to me why our salvation was of such importance to her. But now being a mother myself, I wholeheartedly understand why she cried. Nothing is more joyful and more celebratory than knowing your husband, children, father, mother, grandparents and close friends understand what Jesus did for them and have humbly asked Him to be Lord over their life. 

When I finally made the decision to become a Christian at the young age of twelve, I remember walking into my parents' bedroom searching for my mother.

"Mom, can we talk?" I said. 

"Sure, what is it baby?"

"I just can't make it without Him."

"Who?! Who can't you make it without?"

"Jesus. I'm ready to ask Him into my heart, mom."

And what a beautiful moment my mother and I shared as she sat with me on the hope chest praying.

I can't remember exactly how the prayer went but I imagine it went something like this...

"Father, I understand that Jesus died on the cross for all the things I've done wrong. And I know that He rose again on the third day. I know that He is in heaven preparing a place for me and I ask that you now, come into my heart. Amen." 

It was that simple. And although the prayer was small in nature a larger purpose developed from it. An immediate peace filled my heart. I knew I had a Father and protector that would go with me through every battle I would face. I knew I had someone who loved me unconditionally. And it would take years to fully grasp the power of forgiveness and how He makes me whole. I am forever grateful for my salvation.

Now, as a mother I find myself desiring, yet patiently waiting for the day my own children will say, "I just can't make it without Him. I'm ready to make Him Lord of my life." Oh what a joyful day that will be! Not only will I know they will spend eternity in Heaven but that they will have that same peace and comfort I know from following the Lord.

One day as we were driving , I put on one of my favorite songs, "This I Believe," by Hillsong. As the piano softly played, I lifted my hand in the air and felt compelled to sing out loud the words,

"I believe in God our Father. I believe in Christ the Son. I believe in the Holy Spirit. Our God is three in one. I believe in the resurrection, that He will come again. Yes I believe in the name of Jesus..." 

 

I looked in the rearview mirror and saw the sweetest sight. My little Izzy had her hands lifted high singing the same words! It filled my heart with incredible gladness. I know she is beginning to understand what being saved by Jesus really means. We finished the song with the words,"Oh I believe in the name of Jesus," and I said to all my kids,"You know guys, there are no words more important than what you heard in that song. Do you know what Jesus did for you?"

Izzy said,"He died on the cross, mommy." 

"Yes, that's right! He died on the cross as a sacrifice for all the things we've ever done wrong, so that one day we can go to Heaven with Him."

Izzy sat quietly in the back. That seemed to satisfy her five year old mind. 

And the same goes for you, my friend. There is nothing more important than being able to say, "I believe." It's not a guarantee that life will be blissful and without heartache. But it's a guarentee that when you experience those dissapointments, you will have a hope and a peace that goes beyond all your understanding (Phillipians 4:7). That is the power of God as He lives within you.

So that is my prayer for you. My heart desires to see each one closest to me saved. I can't explain the passion that has ignited within me but I can compare it to a small fire that burns within my soul. My spirit cries out for you in prayer and I wholeheartedly long to see you experience the love of God, the mercy of a Father and the peace of the Holy Spirit.

With All My Heart,

Kim

"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Romans 10:9-10

Nothing More Sweeter

There is nothing more sweeter than spending time with family...especially when your sister calls you up and asks if she can come visit with her two kids. 

"Yay!" I say, "Come on, I'm excited to see you."

It was a wonderful four days with them. We visited a few places, had lunch out a few times and in the evening when we were so tired to get off the couch we would just sit and talk. 

"There's a certain vibe you get when you're around your sister," my husband said.

"It's the sister vibe Dale. As kids, we would spend hours in each other's rooms late at night talking. It's a comfortableness that only sisters have."

And for that I'm so thankful for the sister and brother God gave me. Even as we age, I still find great comfort in hearing their voices or getting a phone call from one of them. Although we don't live close anymore (something I sometimes regret), I know my love for both my sister and brother will be there til the end.

Because pictures taken are a memory I enjoy looking back on, I have compiled some photos of our trip for you to look at and for me to keep in my heart forever...

Taking a leisurely walk to get the wiggles out:)

Vannah and her youngest daughter.

Come on let's take a selfie. You do the "crazy fake half smile and I'll do the so happy you can't even see my teeth" smile.

Come on girls, let's get out of here. Momma's gone nuts.

The youngest munchkin so proud to be walking by herself.

Baby Girl being the "mother hen" to her sister and cousin. She loved helping them.

The three year olds decided to join in on the group picture.

The two baby cousins enjoying bath time.

My niece looks to be having the time of her life!

Popcorn on a blanket is the best.

Playing at Cartwheels and Coffee.

Baby Girl reading to her cousin.

Tiny is not happy that her food is not here NOW!

Tiny being a big kid and climbing the tree trunks at Short Pump Mall.

What better place to be than inside a tree trunk;)

Train time! Baby Boy would not stop asking me to buy a Tee Kit for the train.

He is so so happy! His wish came true.

The first time she has ever understood and been excited about riding something.

A momma and her son...there's just something about hugging him tight. 

Look at the littlest's cute smile and Izzy helping out again.

Sweet Smiles From All Three Beautiful Girls:)

Baby Boy being a gentleman and holding his cousin's hand.

Any days a great day to climb a house.

After visiting Hobby Lobby they came home and made necklaces with their names on them.

Or maybe it's a halo.

Such a precious picture of my niece. She really had a good time.

Baby Boy sticking his butt infront of the swings to make them hit him. Non stop laughter.

Like I said,"There's nothing sweeter than family coming to visit and there's nothing more hard to do than hug them goodbye when it's to time go home. I love you Vannah! I had the very best time.