My blog has been totally neglected. Someday I may have time to keep up or maybe not. Who knows!
The weekend of April 12-14 I spent every evening at the hospital with my family. My Great Grandma Lavaughn was not doing very well and we all wanted to be there for her. I had been telling the kids that Grandma was really sick. My children are no strangers to death. We live on a farm. Animals unfortunately die sometimes. We have never kept them in the dark about death. Last fall my husbands grandpa passed away, whom we were close to and last winter my Great Grandmother passed away. They were there through all of this and we were very open and honest with them. Children have such a sweet spirit about death and a strong faith. They know they will one day see these loved ones again.
Sunday afternoon while we were all waiting in the lobby Grandma went on to be with Jesus. What a family legacy she has left behind. She was so so loved.
During the drive home Dan and I were talking about what awesome things Grandma must be seeing right at that time. The kids asked about what we thought she was seeing and doing. They talked about other family members that are in heaven as they often do when discussing heaven and then fell asleep.
As we were putting the kids to bed that night Sunday April 14th Dan yelled at Tatum and I to come into Titus' room. Dan said "Titus wants to ask Jesus in his heart" My own heart did a flip flop and tears immediately started to flow. It had already been such an emotional day for me. Of course I was elated!! Dan explained to Titus that he was a sinner and had to be forgiven of those sins. He understood all that and that Jesus died on the cross for us to forgive us and come in our hearts. He prayed the sweetest prayer. Afterwards, I asked Tatum if she would like to do the same. She had been close for weeks and asking lots of questions but said she wasn't quite ready. This night she said yes. My heart swelled! She also understood and prayed an equally sweet prayer.
Once back in Tatum's room I asked her how she felt. She said with a happy sigh "Good, I have been thinking about doing that for a long time momma". She said "Sometimes I would play and forget and then think I want Jesus in my heart but was scared" The holy spirit had been working on my sweet girl.
Afterwards I asked Dan how it came about with Titus. He asked if Grandma was in Heaven and he said yes she is. Ty said "how can I go there". Dan explained he had to ask Jesus in his heart. That's the only way and left it at that. They talked about other stuff a few more minutes and then Titus said I want to go to Heaven and I want to ask Jesus in my heart.
The next day after school Tatum told me she had told several of her friends about asking Jesus in her heart. She also told me about praying that Jesus would help her not get mad at Titus so easy.
I have struggled about putting this on facebook or a public place because so many would question their motives or if we forced this. We have never forced this with our children. Dan and I have had many discussions about this and that it is only a choice they can make for themselves. Tatum is 5 and Titus is 4. I fully believe the Holy Spirit had been working on both of my children and I praise the Lord for answering this prayer. Dan and I have both prayed since we found out I was pregnant with each that our children would receive Christ at young ages. We both asked the Lord into our own hearts at young ages as well. I know our work is just beginning and they have so much more to learn but I am so incredible proud of my babies and the decision they have made. As a dear friend told me and I love it! Welcome to the kingdom my babies!!!
The next night we made them a special sign saying Welcome to the KINGDOM and a cake. I want this day to be remembered forever not as a sad one but a good one. I believe Grandma was in Heaven rejoicing with the angels that day!
Thank you Lord!!! THANK YOU!!!
Beautiful post! So proud for them and of you and Dan!
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