Jesus loves me, this I know...

This post might make some people uncomfortable. That's okay with me, I just feel like it needs to be written. Children are the most special to our Lord. He loves them and can reach them on a level of innocence that is not often reached with adults. Most people find salvation before they are adults. Yet, so many children don't know who Jesus is. As Christians, it is important to instill Christ in our children's every day lives. He should be the center of the family, and therefore it is our responsibility to teach our children about Him. It is easy in the age we live in to allow only our church to teach our children about Him on Sundays, but if we don't show them that we rely on Him every single day, then how will they? We could all strive harder to do this, no one is perfect. Josh and I have by the grace of GOD have done a wonderful job so far, even though at times it boggles my mind at how much Chandler understands. He has "known Jesus" since he was 5. He tells his friends at school about Him, prays before every meal, and of course talks about Him quite a bit. He often comes home from school telling me about friends that don't believe or know Him. I tell him the best way I can to educate them and tell them how He has changed his life. And it is amazing to see his lack of fear or rejection. He walks right in and tells them. And never in a way that seems force able, aggressive, or judgemental. He is such a great kid, I am excited to see what God has planned for him. We have discussed baptism, and although he is very clear on what it means, he is afraid of being put under the water. I told him when he is ready that God will be also.

Educating our children and talking openly about Christ to our kids has really helped in our adoption process. They have been taught since they could understand that there are children in our world that are much less fortunate than they are. We donate clothing and toys, and talk about what it would be like and feel like to be one of those children. Our kids have been very receptive to adoption, and are excited about gaining new friends and family members. I would love to encourage you to always keep Christ in conversations with your children, and in your every day lives. Being a Christian is sometimes mistaken as being boring. God loves who you are, He made you that way. But He wants you to be YOU, only the better. He designed us with different personalities so we can meet and change others' lives. We all sin, not one of us is perfect, not even close. We all fail, we all do things we know we shouldn't. But when we let those shortcomings come between having a close relationship with God and Christ, we sell ourselves short. We have ONE life. A very short life...and our kids will be grown in the blink of an eye. What are you going to leave behind?

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."