Children Becoming Believers

Do you see what's going on in this picture?   Can you see a seed that was planted?  Do you realize there was an opening to the very throne of God?

The Natural Geographic often shows photos that have captured in graphic detail various natural disasters, moments of kindness, and compassion in the mist of wars.  Then awards are bestowed on the photographers. 

But there's no greater honor than to capture a moment where a living soul has the opportunity to have the Holy Gospel planted in their heart. 

I have directed Children's Church ministries for 24 years.  I've led over 400 young boys and girls to the Lord. Workers that helped over the years had an active part in leading hundreds of children to the Savior. I'm so grateful the Lord allowed me the opportunity to lead all 5 of our children to the Lord.

Leading children to the Lord should be handled with care.  Children naturally want to please.  They want to please their teachers and then they want to please Jesus.  If Jesus says to "Come unto me." They want to come.  This is why the scripture says, "Come as little children."  Children believe and trust easily.

As they get older or for those who have experienced tragedy and abuse their hearts get hard.  The commands of the Lord and the appeal of the scriptures becomes easier to reject. 

If your young child is eager to "be saved".  It is wise for you, the parent or teacher, to exercise caution so not to give him/her a false sense of "salvation" because they are so eager to love and obey Jesus.

Many teens and adults acknowledge there may have been a time when they were preschool or elementary school age, that they remember asking Jesus into their hearts.  But now they are not sure that they were really saved.

Should children not be encouraged to become "Christians"? "Christ followers"? "Believers"?

God forbid.

 

The scripture would NEVER give an example, of His will, by using an illustration that is wrong or unattainable.  "Come as little Children..." "Anyone hurt one of these little ones...it's better that a millstone be hung around their neck and thrown in the river."  The Bible is clear...Jesus truly loves children.  He died just as much for a child as he did for teens and adults.

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven Mt. 18:3

Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10:14

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:15

What an opportunity for an individual to be able to testify that they have served the Lord "all" their lives. 

Older believers have the same "one regret".  "I wished I had followed and obey God when I was younger."  "I've waisted so much of my life."

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and life.

When a child comes to you wanting to be "saved" ask them some simple questions.

1.  What did you want to ask me? Or, why did you come up front?

Most children may have an answer that has absolutely nothing to do with being saved or confession of their sins.  I've had many children need...

To go to the bathroom.

Thought it was time to go home.

Wanted to get out of bed.

My puppy is missing.

My mommy is sick.

My grand father died.

Pray with them about what it was that they have said they wanted.  Don't put word in their mouth. 

They don't need your help expressing true conviction of their sin.

By putting words in their mouth, you miss the blessing of hearing a true repented heart of a child.  And you may give them a false assurance of a salvation that they weren't really ready to accept.

2.  If, in their own words and without an adult implying what they wanted to ask, ...And the child really does ask or say, " I want to ask Jesus in my heart." Or " I want to be saved."

This is when you ask them two questions...

1. Have you sinned?  If they say "No" than you thank them for wanting to talk to you and ask Jesus...but they need to wait.  I know you may be tempted to point out facts that you know they have SINNED. LOL  But conviction must come from their own understanding of their choices. 

You may take a moment to pray with them...thanking God for their willingness to accept Jesus in their heart.  And asking God to help them clearly understanding they are sinners and they need Him in their heart.

2. Do you what to ask Jesus in your heart now or do you want to wait til another day? 

A LOT of children's workers are so eager to announce how many children "got saved"...they quickly get these children to confess something they are not ready to confess.  They are coached into going through the motion of asking Jesus in their hearts. 

Once again, thank the child for coming up.  Pray with them for understanding. I would ask my children if they wanted ice cream?  Or see their grandmother?

 It wasn't until there was nothing they would rather do...that they are then ready.  A couple of my children have even said, "If I don't ask Jesus in my heart I will go to hell."  And "I will be the only one in the family that will not go to heaven."  They were under spiritual conviction.  This was good.

When a child shows strong readiness to accept Jesus in their heart, than you explain, with scripture, what they need to do.  You don't need a lot of scripture.  A young child, 5-6 years old, could be shown only one scripture.  I use John 3:16 for any age.  Some like to use/read the "Romans Road".  I have a simple explanation of salvation in a previous post, Don't Put Christ Just in Your Heart....put Him in your LIFE

Then tell the child that you are going to pray first.  Afterwards you want to hear them pray.  Not that hearing is any of your business.  But it does help you know if the child has a personal understanding of what they were asking God for.

Be sure you pray short and simple.  Pray in a way that gives the child an example of how they can pray.  Then let them know it's their turn.  And get ready for your heart to be richly blessed as you witness your child or a child become a "child of God". 

 Hallelujah! Praise His Name!

Don't Just Put Christ in 2012....put Him in your LIFE!

I love a new beginning.

 A fresh start.

A dear pastor, I had for many years, would often say that Mondays were his favorite days.  Mondays gave him a chance to improve or correct his mistakes from the previous week.

The New Year gives us all a huge opportunity to experience a new beginning. 

Many of us will set goals to improve our relationships, health, jobs, education, houses, and yes our faith.

We serve a God of second chances.  A God that forgives and forgives again and again.

I don't think Christ is only interested in the goals and ideas that are set to improve our life on this side of heaven.  Religious goals and intentions are wonderful.  But these good rituals within themselves are not what Christ wants in 2012.

What Christ desires most is for Him to be in your heart.  In your life.  With that, then Christ can be in 2012.

A friend and I were talking how we could pray for one another this new year.  That was not as easy as it may seem.  With it just being January 1st, neither one of us have no clue what is in store for us in this next year. 

As we talked and shared, we both understood that regardless of what's ahead, we have the Lord.  Having a relationship with Him, we know that we can and will handle whatever is ahead of us. 

He will be there. 

He will strengthen. 

He will help. 

He will comfort. 

He will heal. 

He will guide. 

He will forgive. 

He will LOVE. 

And He WILL NEVER LEAVE US.

Don't put Christ in 2012 without first putting Him in your life.  "How do I do that?" 

I'm so glad you asked.

Asking God in your heart is not referring to the vital organ in your chest  Your heart is a general understanding of the center of your interest, loves, dreams, fears, thoughts, and life. 

Asking God is literally as simple as ABC.  No list of do's and don'ts.  No boxes to check off a list of expectations from others. No membership dues. 

Admit you are a sinner.  A sinner is simply one who sins.  Sin is any thought or deed that is not pleasing to God.  We can know what these are by the scripture.  Don't be embarrassed about being a sinner.  We are ALL sinners. 

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Believe in the Lord.  Understand as best you can that He, the Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who can forgive you of your sins.  Believe that He proved His love and forgiveness for you by dying on the cross.  His death paid for your sins.  He would have died for your sins even if you were the only person who needed forgiveness.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31

Confess your sins.  No one else needs to know or hear what, how, or when you've sinned.  Jesus already knows.  You only need to confess them to Him.  Confess specifically or in general.  But when you confess you are agreeing with God that you hate your sinful deeds as much as He does.  You agree with Him that what you have done and are doing is not pleasing to Him.  And you want to repent or turn away from your current life style and follow Him.

"If thou shalt confess with they mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Romans 10:9

That's it.  "Is there more?"

No

"Are you sure?"

Yes

Admit, Believe, and Confess as best you can. BAM!!! You now have the God of the Universe in your heart.

I recommend you become a reader and student of the scripture. I encourage you to become involved in a local church.  These two things will help you on your journey. 

God bless and Happy NEW YEAR.

F U M B L E !!!!!

One of the most exciting parts of a football game is when there's a fumble and your team recovers the ball.  Fumbles occur unexpectedly. That's what makes them so exciting.  If your team is behind, the recovery gives new life, new hope to win the game.  If your team should be ahead, a recovered fumbled helps to seal their victory.

When I first married, Robert, I learned very quickly that either I am going to have many years of torture or I will learn the sport and enjoy it.  I chose to learn and enjoy football.  I like sports anyway.  How hard could it be?

Turns out, football is really fun to watch.  The players are not so bad on the eyes either.

Growing up I loved to run.  I loved basketball and softball.  I ran and played every chance I had.  When I was in High School, I wanted to join the basketball team.  Then, girl's basketball was half court.  There were 3 guards and 3 forwards.  You were forbidden to cross the center line.  Hahahaha...not sure what would happen if you did.  But I loved it.  My Dad would not let me play.  He said, "Sports are a waste of money."  :(

Robert and I have enjoyed watching our children play sports.  We've sat for many hours in chairs and bleachers.  We are currently sitting in college stadiums watching one of our sons play football. 

Jamin, child #3, is a sophomore in a Division 1 2A college, kicking football.  He has accomplished several mile markers this season.  At one point in the season he ranked as high as 3rd in the NCAA. He tied a school record for the 2nd longest field goal. Jamin also broke and set a new school record on the number of field goals made in a season.

Our son is not an ordinary kicker.  Of course I am his mother, number one fan, and I am the one writing this blog.  :)

But .....

really....

Jamin is not an ordinary kicker.  He's 6'3" weighs 185 lbs.  He can dead weight lift over 400 lbs. This season he has been credited with 5 tackles.  Four of which were solo tackles.  In the last game of the season Jamin kicked the ball off.  As the runner was coming, he realized that he may be the last player to stop a run back.  But an amazing thing happened....

F U M B L E !!!!!!!

Jamin found himself recovering a loose ball.  His first fumble recovery.  Football fans, players, coaches all know what happens on the bottom of a recovery pile.  There's a lot of pinching, scratching, and clawing to get the ball loose....again.  Players learn quickly that to recover the ball is one thing.  Keeping possession of the ball is another. 



After the game Jamin was so excited.  He said his teammates were yelling, "Hold on to the ball Jamin!" "Hold on to the ball!"  As the referees unpiled the stack of players, Jamin proudly came up with the ball in his hands.  He had maintained possession.  He endured the pain from the other players. What a moment for a player to experience.

I look at my life.  I've experienced many victories.  I've, unfortunately, had some fumbles too. 

I've dropped the ball. 

I haven't always supported my husband like I should have.  I have dropped the ball. 

I've not always been a good mother.  I'm sure I haven't prayed enough for my children.  I haven't taught them enough about God, school, friends, and sex.

I'm sure I've not been as friendly to others as I should have been.

Thank GOD I serve a God of second and third chances.

I have the Heavenly Host, Holy Scriptures, friends and family cheering me on. "Hold on Donna!" Hang in there!" "Jesus is with you!" "You're NOT alone!" "God loves you!"

Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)


It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.




In spite of my life fumbles.....


In spite of the scratches, pinches, and clawing this life puts on me and you....we can recover. 

You will recover.      I will recover.

This is not my final play. 

Where Did I Go?

When my children were little the game "Hide and Seek" gave them lots of pleasure.  Now my 3 year old grand daughter,  sits on my lap and covers her eyes, (sort of) expecting me to not see her.   I then look around the room yelling, "MIKAYLA! WHERE ARE YOU?"  With a big smile on her face, she giggles with the sweetest joy when I act surprised and say, "OH! THERE YOU ARE!".  Then we hug and do it all over again and again.




Since my car accident nearly two and a half years ago, I  experienced many physical changes.   

The first several months were filled with so much pain and frustration.  I couldn't get doctors to understand or listen to me about my pain.  On impact I was not able to raise my arms.  Three days after the accident, I was able to raise my left arm. 

Nine days after the wreck I seen an orthopedic specialist in Knoxville.  He assured me that my arm was hurting because I was not moving it.  I argued back and said, "UH NO! I don't move my arm because I am hurting."

This "specialist" said to me, "I don't understand what you are not so happy about?"  I replied, "Because two weeks before my accident I was operating a chain saw.  Now I can't wash the bathroom mirror." I REALLY wanted to forget my manners and  kick him in the "......." And while he's curled up on the floor, I could have said, "Why, Dr. M? I just don't understand what it is that you are not so happy about?"



After a MRI, CT scan, more x-rays,  six weeks physical therapy, and a second orthopedic, it was discovered I had a broken rib and a bruised lung. URRGGH. 

I decided any future orthopedic doctor was going to be using a walker.  Someone who will not treat my age, but my injury.

My next and third orthopedic had just recovered from a hip replacement. 

"Perfect." 

He operated on my right shoulder and found two legiments were torn and multiple bone spurs.  All injuries from the force of the impact my body experienced in the accident.

After ten months, I began to feel better.  I was seeing postive progress. I was able to get out and enjoy my life.  I was coming back.

......to be continued.......

PTSD Really Stinks!

Our brain is a powerful part of our anatomy.  Our brain was created to be the control center of our body.  The brain is not just physical.  It's emotional as well.  That emotional part has taken over my life.  I think about the cartoon, "Pinky and the Brain".  Two mice who want to "TAKE OVER THE WORLD". 

My car accident was June 1, 2009.  But it wasn't til April 20, 2011 that I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Now my confusion, hyper sensitivity to sounds, avoidance, insomnia, and depression made sense.  I was immediately placed on an anti-depressant.  The neurologist at Emory Hospital, prescribed Paxil 20 mg and highly recommended I start receiving counseling. 

I was nervous starting an anti-depression.  Was this the beginning of some place where I didn't want to go?  Would I be taking it longer than I ever intended to take it? Would it help?  Do I really need it? Lots of questions.  The endless questions added anxiety on top of the anxiety I was already living with in PTSD.

Like a good patient, I started the new medication as directed. I began to pray and seek out a counselor.  I googled all I could about PTSD, anti-depressant medications, and treatment.  All the info was helpful.   Other than prayer and family/friend support, the best decision I made was finding a counselor.  Counseling helps with the many questions.

Counseling is not the easiest treatment.  At least for me is isn't. A lot of times it's hard.  Pride had to be put aside.  After all I was handling myself quit well on my own.  Shame had to be rendered powerless. What would people think of me when they find out I see a "shrink".  What about the counsel I have given to hundreds of other women?  Would anyone care to listen to me now?

Trauma, hard times, and struggles happens in every one's life.  It could happen for several reasons.

One, because it's just life.  It happens. God Almighty could miraculously change or prevent events in life.  But for the most part if it's raining and you run out to your car, if you don't have an umbrella or a rain jacket you will get wet.

Second, because of our own life decisions.  You've heard the phrase "Reap what you sow"?  Some events happen because we made choices that will have a consequence that's difficult to manage.
After posting and re-reading, I felt I should add something here.  Sometimes "others" make decisions that directly or indirectly have an impact on our lives.  As bad as I hate to say it, but sometimes we may reap from someone else's sowing.  For example, a rape or child abuse of any and all forms.  I'm sure there are many other examples where someone else made choices that you were not in any way responsible or the blame.  Yet you may suffer or struggle.  Such as with PTSD.

Third, because God wants someone else to be comforted.  (II Corinthians 1:4) Years ago, when one of my children was struggling with addiction...I, very matter of fact, told God, I didn't want to comfort another parent while their son/daughter struggled with an addiction.  But, as you've guest it.  It's been my pleasure to hug and cry with several Mom's whose sweet children have gone through this difficult journey.

And last, but not least, fourth, because God wants a little glory.  The Bible, John 9:2-7, tells about a community that judged a cripple man as a direct result of some sin that his parents must have committed.  But Jesus rebuked the "town know it all-ers".  "This man is crippled, not because of any wrong doing of his parents nor of his own.  But that he may be healed and God receive ALL the glory for the hardship this family endured."

PTSD is not a picnic.  In fact I hate it. 

Would I choose this journey again? 

No WAY!

But would I change it? 

No WAY!


And miss what my Lord has for me?

Not a chance. 

Lots of prayer.   Lots of tears.   Lots of support.  What a good God I serve.

Happy Anniversary to the Love of my Life

Early Birthday Surprise

Birthdays are an exciting event.  Uh when you're 7 years old.  I had one birthday party as a kid.  I turned 13.  I had several of my friends over.  I remember  playing games, laughing, and talking for hours in the front yard.

Many birthdays have come and gone since that birthday party.  This year I will be.....drum roll please.......50.  It's amazing to think I am 50 years old.  LOL 

I've lived long enough to have experienced love, joy, sadness, and pain.  I have a wonderful husband, 5 beautiful children, and 1 precious grand daughter.  Something else I have and cherish are friends.

God has blessed me with many friends.  I consider myself to have many friends.  My Facebook says I have 1,027 friends. When in reality I only have 10.  LOL  I truly believe I can call dozens of ladies and guys my friend. 

Vickie and I surprise Beth for her 50th with a pedicure.

I have been blessed to have a handful of ladies that know me well.  They've seen my good side and my bad.  And, amazingly enough, we are still friends.  These friends even know via a text message if my "OK" answer is for real or is there more to it.  Those friends text or call back for details.  Out of my handful of lady friends there are 2, who the three of us know one another in great detail.  

Their names are Beth and Vickie. Vickie and her husband live in another state.  We've been mutual friends for 25 years. We've cried. laughed, prayed, rejoiced when our children succeeded, wept when they've struggled, sang, worshiped, ate, traveled. attended graduation, weddings, and funerals together. 

Several weeks ago I was struggling with some depression.  I was discouraged with my physical limitations.  My heart was broken with some treatment and test results of my youngest child.  My heart was burdened for a wayward child.  Doctor bills are long and money is short.  My husband is stressed.  And I just wanted to stay in my bed.

My church planned a ladies conference the first week end of April.  It wasn't going to be very long, just Friday evening and Saturday morning.  Priscilla Shirer was to speak on "Life's Interruptions".  I really wanted to go.  I asked my husband if we had the money to go.  He told me there were a couple of doctor offices that over charged us.  If I call and get them to refund us I would then have the money. 

Praise the Lord not only did we get refunded but it was enough that I invited another friend and could pay for her ticket.  God is so good. 

I wasn't well and able to attend a Sunday service to get the tickets in advance.  The Sunday before the conference I brought my money and was going to buy two tickets.  That morning Beth stopped me.  She said, "Donna, here's you a ticket." I replied, "Why, I'm buying my ticket this morning?" "Well, here I bought yours.  Now, don't loose it."  "Ok? Thanks." 

I told my husband about the unexpected blessing.  Now I know the Lord wanted me at that conference.  My ticket was paid for and the money I was going to use to buy my ticket will buy gas.  God is just good like that.

I was like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.  I was so excited to see and hear what God had for me.  I told the friend, who I was buying her ticket, that I wonder if I set my clock up would Friday night come any faster.  LOL She clearly reminded me that it would not.  Bummer. 

Praise God Friday came.  By Friday night I was ready to be fed from His Word.  I was ready to be refueled with His Spirit.  I wanted to get out of my bed.

My friend came to my house and rode with me to the meeting.  It was going to be exciting.  I could already feel the Lord's presence.  We arrived at the church.  Beth called, "Donna when you come in BE SURE you come to the LAST door.  That's where I have seats saved." Alright....that is what I will do. 

Beth and Vickie surprise me for my 50th.

We sign in, got our books, Beth was there directing us to the last door. AND AROUND THE CORNER...OH MY GOODNESS.... Vickie jumps out and says, "SURPRISE!"  Beth and Vickie both say, "Happy early Birthday!"  I almost cried.  I wanted to cry.  I got shakey.  I covered my face.  I turned towards the wall.  I turned back around. I was speechless.  (I know that was a first) Vickie, Beth and I hugged as if no one else was in the building.  What an amazing blessing.  God is so amazingly good.  Isn't He? 

God knew exactly what I needed.  Between His Word, Spirit, the Study of "Life's Interruptions", church, a friend going with me, and 2 crazy friends who knew that this week end was the medicine I needed.  I just LOVE how good God is.

Maybe I should of named this post "God is Good".  LOL  God always gives you what you need and when you need it. 

Thank God for good friends.  Thanks for all the dozens of friends I have.  Thank you Beth and Vickie for my "month early birthday surprise".  I loved EVERY minute.  I love you. 

Vickie is the baby.  She has 3 more years for her surprise 50th event.  What will Beth and I do for Vickie's big day?