This year on vacation was no different. It was the third time we have made this particular trip and we are still discovering new and amazing things that we have not seen before. I think sometimes that we could never discover all that this amazing place has to hold.
I knew going in to the trip that we would make new memories, discover new things, laugh, and love our time together as a family. I didn't know that this would be one of the most significant times in the life of our son, Keith III. On Sunday, June 28 we woke up to a gorgeous Colorado morning. The sun was shining, the air was crisp - couldn't be more perfect. We always have a family worship time which I totally love on that Sunday of vacation. So there we were - enjoying a delicious breakfast outside around the fire, soaking in the beauty of the day. We were all there - my kids, my parents, my sis and her family, Keith's parents, and his sisters Dana and Stacy. Worship was good - we all sang - Keith III was so attentive and into it. Stacy sang beautifully. There is nothing like praising the One True King in the majesty of His creation. Papa began to share with us that we all have a story - it is the same because we have all trusted in Jesus as Lord, but it is different because of how we came to know Him is different. So Papa invites anyone who would like to share, to share their story. Keith III was listening intently at this point. My dad shared, my mom, my sis, my brother-in-law, and all the while Keith III was taking it all in, not moving a muscle. Stacy shared and Dana as well. It was incredible to hear everyone's story. We were all blessed tremendously. Many tears of joy were shed. About this time, Keith III gets up and runs off. Just before that my sister had left to go tend to her daughter. I of course followed Keith and came up on him talking with my sis. This is what I heard. Keith said, "Aunt Manda, can you ask Jesus into your heart by yourself?" Manda said, "yes, but if you think you have done that you need to talk to your Mommy and Daddy." So I ask Keith to tell me what is going on. He looks me square in the eye and says, "Mommy, I want Jesus in my heart!" It was precious! sincere! So we sat down on this rock near the stream by our cabin and began to talk about what that means to ask Jesus into your heart. Keith III has been asking questions for a long time. We knew that the Spirit had already begun to draw him. We were just waiting for Keith to tell us it was time. We talked about what Jesus did for us - why we need Jesus. Keith told me that he knew he couldn't do it without Jesus and that He needed him. He told me that sin was the bad things that we do and that he knew Jesus had died to take away his sins. He told me it was time - he was sure! We talked some more and I asked him what he would say if he prayed to ask Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. Keith told me that he would tell God that he was a sinner and that he needed Jesus. We prayed together right there. I couldn't get through it without tears streaming down my face. Keith prayed with confidence as he asked my Lord and Savior to be his Lord and Savior. As we finished praying, my sweet boy was weeping. He hugged my neck and said, "Mommy, I feel so good - I am so happy." It was the most amazing experience. We ran back to the fire and I told everyone that Keith had something to share. In the biggest little five going on six year old voice he said, "I just asked Jesus into my heart!" Everyone flipped! It was so fun to see his grandparents and his aunts rejoice. His Daddy was so proud! It was an incredible moment!
To know that my precious boy belongs to the Lord, to know that my precious boy already loves my Lord, to know that my precious boy ready listens to the voice of God and responds, to know that my precious boy has the hope of heaven is almost more than this mother's heart can take in. I remember every moment of the day that beautiful boy was born into this world and I will never forget that day, June 28, when he was born again. It is written on my heart in living color.
This last Sunday, Keith III, had the courage to share with our church, to let the world know that he belongs to Jesus. We are so excited about what God is doing in his life. I know God has big plans. I can't wait to see!!!!
Father, thank you for your Grace, thank you for your Love! You are a Great God and there is none like You!!! Jesus thank you that You saved me! Thank you that You saved my son! We love You! Help us live everyday to show the world!!!
