Sharing the Good News!!!

Short version:

Hannah is a Christian!!!

Long (very long) version:

We are members of a Baptist Church here in Louisville. When Hannah gets out of Sunday school she meets me for Worship service. Almost every other week she has Children's Church during Worship, the other Sundays she stays for the sermon and draws/writes notes. About 2mths ago, we were sitting in church & our pastor was talking about the Book of Life. Hannah leans over & whispers "Is my name in there? In that book?" I was taken aback by the question, b/c I never think she is paying attention. I explain to her very briefly what the book is & why my name is in there. My non-educated answer suited her just fine.

Fast forward a few Sundays & Hannah is in church with me again. She seems to be paying attention again & during the invitation I explain to her about the time I asked Jesus into my heart, in more exact detail. So we head home from church & on the way Hannah blurts from the back "Mom, I think I'm ready." I ask what for, she says "To give my life, my heart to Jesus." Way to make a momma cry!!! For real, it took me a few moments to answer her. I told her what a big decision/commitment this was to make, but that she would never regret it, etc etc. I told her when we got into the driveway (hungry, tired kids & all) we would pray. And so we did. We prayed (& I cried) all about Hannah's heart, Jesus, changing her attitudes, her life. After closing prayer, I told her that we needed to tell someone at church & they would be able to talk to her more. (This momma was not prepared for the convo!)

We go to church the following Wed. night for another yummy dinner & as soon as she sees the pastor she runs to him "I'm ready to accept Jesus!" (Maybe not the exact words, but it left an impression still!)So we schedule to have a sit-down talk during our next Sunday school class, since she has never had his "stick-man" interpretation of the Gospel. It was undescribable and great, and he said whenever she was ready she could come forward during the Invitation at church. She walks out & says to me "Momma, I am ready!" After we finish our classes we go to church together. She doesn't budge during the Invitation! I was confused. We get out to the van & she says "Momma, which song was I supposed to go up during?" I about fell out of the vehicle! I didn't tell her b/c I thought she knew when to go & if I nudged her she would feel pressured & go b/c of me, not of her own free will. I assured her I would tell her which song the following Sunday.

Another fast forward...We go to early service b/c I have Nursery Duty during our 11a.m. Worship. I let Hannah know which songs we are singing first & last. She is excited to hear that we will be singing "The Narnia Song" as it is called in our family, a.k.a "Old Rugged Cross." I tell her IF she is ready then that is her cue to go forward. Again, we start singing & she doesn't budge. Then it hits her! "Momma, I'm ready, but you gotta go with me." I grab her hand & try to walk, but she isn't moving. I stop, otherwise I would be dragging her & that was not my intent. When I look over she says "Wait...wait...okay now!" and we take off! I was & am so proud of her. She prayed, was received by the church, & made me cry again! It was wonderful! I told her I was crying b/c I was so happy & that angels in Heaven were singing right now.

So she is going to be baptized (or is it baptised?) this Sunday the 1st!! So if you are in-town you are most invited to join us! Isn't God great!