WASHED BY THE WATER

The following was recorded as a memory in our 2004 scrapbook:

The whole family was sitting on the couch and Calli was reading her 3 books before bedtime like we always do. The first book we read was a book about the Easter story. For the month prior Calli had begun asking more questions than normal about Jesus and heaven and Him dying. And of course she is always singing praise songs. There were times when I felt she was ready to lead to Christ but I didn't want to push her. I was always worried that I was missing my opportunity and maybe I should just aks her. My thinking was that if I asked her I knew she would say yes and I felt like that was more of a persuasion. On Monday, we sat down to do our Cubbies lesson and I just prayed silently that it would be VERY obvious when and if I was to get her to ask Jesus in her heart. And nothing obvious came up that day. But this is how obvious God made it to me 5 days later....It came to the part in the book when it said that Whoever belives in Jesus gets to live with Him in heaven forever. Calli interrupted me and said "Do I believe in Jesus?" So I started talking to her about it. And I mentioned that when you believe that Jesus died on the cross for you, and you want to obey and try to do what He wants you to do, then you ask Jesus into your heart. I explained a little more but still was waiting for her to initiate that very personal decision. I began to turn the page and she slapped the page down and said "Wait Mommy, I want to ask Jesus into my heart." And so she did On April 24, 2004 (our 6th wedding anniversary), at 4 years and 27 days old, Jesus came to live in Calli's heart. I pray that she keeps Him in the center of her life and loves Him like she does today for many years to come.

What an awesome day that was! And what a joy it has been to watch that love and understanding of Jesus grow as she matures in Christ. This past Sunday, Calli proclaimed that decision to all as she was baptized. Our Pastor, Dave, baptized her which is a special moment as he was my youth pastor growing up....all the love, encouragement, leadership and teachings that he poured into me years ago, he is experiencing being passed down to my kids as they grow.

Congratulations Calli on a fun and memorable day! I know God has great plans for your life....we can't wait to be apart of them!