So Precious

I've been trying to complete a post that had some pictures of the kids. But for some reason, Blogger is not letting me upload the pics, so I've given up for now.

However, I had to jump on here and post this before I forget.

We've been doing family devotions in the evenings for a while now. This is something we used to do all the time, but have been very inconsistent in recent years. We are trying to get back "on track" and making this a priority. Although we may miss some nights, we are becoming much more consistent. Well, when Chip is home anyway. On the nights he's at the station, I am ashamed to admit, I don't often remember to do it.

Tonight, when Chip called to tell us goodnight, he reminded me. For the past few nights, we've been using the daily family devotion from josh.org.

Tonight's was about character. Here is the scripture:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:1-5, NIV)

We talked about how making good choices regularly will help build our character and will help us to continue to make good choices.

OK, so the precious part.

When we finish our devotion, we take turns praying. Ruthi goes first, then CJ, me, and finally Chip.

Anyway, it was Ruthi's turn to pray. We have guided her in prayer, and she will repeat. But it is varied to include things from our devotion, or something that is going on at the time. She has picked up on some parts and wants to do them herself. So she always starts it out and then will look to me to know what to say next.

Tonight she started like this:

"Dear Jesus, thank you for this day. Thank you for you bessings (your blessings.)"
She looked at me, and I guided her to say, "Help me to make the right choices."
Then she wanted to continue on her own.
"Help me to be a good geel (girl), and to obey, and to be seet (sweet) and to not be gumpy (grumpy). Thank you Jesus. Amen"

My eyes welled up with tears and I hugged her tight. How precious is that? That was the longest prayer she's done on her own. And I imagine it won't be long until she's praying much longer prayers without any assistance.

I realize she may not really grasp exactly why she's doing this, but she knows it's what we do, and she's learning already how to speak to her heavenly Father. What could be better than that?



Now, if I can get the pictures uploaded, I'll be back with the post I was trying to get up. If not, I will try again tomorrow!