At the command of the Lord the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the Lord they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not journey.  So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the Lord they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the Lord they would journey.  So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey.  Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey.  At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
Numbers 9:18-23 (emphasis mine)

Here is the fourth installment of posts flashing back to the first few months of our ministry.  You can read the previous posts HERE (part 1), HERE (part 2), and HERE (part 3)

Today the amazing young man who made me a mama is 10 years old! 

From the moment I found out I was having a boy I new it was perfectly right!  I was surprised, because I was sure God would give me a girl and I thought that's what I wanted, but when the ultrasound technician made the announcement, "It looks like it's a boy!" I felt my soul smile!

Though I had no idea what I would do with a boy, I knew God had given me a gift that was beyond my imagination!  I felt completely unprepared and absolutely thrilled for the adventure ahead.

This oldest son of mine has taught me so much about myself, about God, and about life.  He keeps me guessing, brainstorming, reading, and praying for wisdom about how to be a better mom.  He is one of a kind and I am so proud of him!

My ten year old is affectionate.  He is lavish with his words of love to his family and he has never met another child who was not his "friend".

MY ten year old is brilliant!  His brain is always working, thinking, churning, and questioning.  He wants to know why? when? and how? about everything.  He has a wealth of knowledge, well beyond his years.  He remembers nearly everything he reads and he reads all of the time!

My ten year old has a sensitive and compassionate heart.  He hurts for those who hurt!  He cries out to God daily for mercy and healing for those in his life that are sick or don't know Jesus!  He never forgets!

My ten year old is cautious!  He rarely acts impetuously or foolishly!  He has spared me many of the typical mommy fears.  I rarely worry for his safety! :)

My ten year old is a leader!  He has ideas and plans and knows what should be done.  I know that this characteristic will serve him well when he is older, enabling him to be a strong and wise leader!

Most importantly,
My ten year old loves Jesus!  Oh this is my absolute favorite to write.  My son LOVES Jesus!  He trusts Him, calls out to Him, and praises Him!  He knows whose he is!

When I was a little girl, my parents told me that Jesus loves me
and that he hears me when I pray.  Then one night, after many nights of horrible nightmares, I lay in bed terrified to go to sleep, so I prayed.  I asked God to help me not be afraid and to give me good dreams.  The next morning I woke up and realized
that God had heard the cry of my heart and had blessed me with peaceful sleep
and I knew, "Jesus, loves me!"

When I was about seven years old, I gave my life to Jesus.  I may not have had a wealth of Bible knowledge or doctrinal views, but I knew what I needed to know.

I knew that I was a sinner.
I made mistakes.  I was not perfect.  Sometimes I yelled at my mom.  Sometimes I bullied my little sisters.  Sometimes I was rude.

 I knew I needed forgiveness.
The sin in my heart, that caused me to yell and bully felt yucky inside.  No one had to convince me that I needed forgiveness. 
My own conscience spoke loud and clear.
         
   I knew that Jesus was God,
and that He loved me. 
He came to earth as a baby, lived a perfect life,
died on the cross for the sins of the world, and then rose from the grave - conquering death! 

I knew Jesus offered me forgiveness and was my way to a friendship with God,
and eternity in heaven.

Now I am sure there are some who will read this and think...

For those of you who would respond that way, hear me out. . .

I tell my kids that Brussels Sprouts are delicious!
I've been telling them that since they were very little.
(bear with me, I really am going somewhere with this)
I truly believe it with all of my heart and I have done my very best to convince them how tasty Brussels Sprouts are.  -

But they both still gag every time they eat them!

I have also always told my kids that potty talk is NOT FUNNY!  "People don't like it!" I say. "They won't laugh!"  I insist. -

And yet, fart noises and poop jokes continue to be
irresistible to them.

Now please don't be offended!  I know I sound sarcastic, but honestly I'm not trying to be.  My hubby is the one who is great with deep metaphors and analogies. I'm not!  This is the best I've got.

The simple point I'm trying to make is that
even at a very young age, even while we still believe deep in our hearts that our parents know best

personal experience
still greatly affects our beliefs. 

My boys tasted Brussels Sprouts and their experience told them
Brussels Sprouts are nasty

My boys tried out a little potty joke and someone laughed
(thanks for that, by the way!)
and so their experience convinced them that
despite what Mommy thinks, they are indeed quite funny!

The reality is that our parents DO have a strong influence on our beliefs, but when it comes down to it,

we decide for ourselves.

I am not great at deep theological discussions and I do not enjoy doctrinal debates.  There are many men and women out there who are far better at intellectually defending their faith, so if that's what you are looking for and if that's what you need to believe, then I plead with you, "Please, seek them out!"

But if you are willing to listen to someone who is not the wisest, most educated or knowledgeable, but who knows Jesus personally, who has experienced the reality of His sovereignty, goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and provision in her life . . .
If you are curious about what it looks like to live life leaning on a Savior who Never, EVER let's you down . . .
then I'm your girl!

Life is not easy, things do not always go as I wish and
my relationship with Jesus is my life line. 

It's how I survive the ups and downs of life. 
Jesus is the only way to find peace in a world full of turmoil!
He is my Savior and my Best Friend!  If you want to talk more about Jesus, please get in touch with me!  I'd love to tell you all about who Jesus is and just how much He loves you!