Thursday, August 07, 2008

God speaks to a child

Last night I was reading a Children's Bible my mom bought Claudia before she got sick.

We just finished reading My Little Ponny and Claudia picked out her Bible and opened up to the Parable of the Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46.) I was amazed this story was the one she picked and felt it was God speaking to us through his Word. In bold letters the story topic read: Heaven is more wonderful than anything on earth. We should let nothing on earth keep us from heaven. I will thank God for making heaven for me!

The next story she picked was the parable of the net (Matthew 13:47-50.) In bold the topic read: All Christians will go to heaven. Heaven is a wonderful place. I love God. I will go to heaven!

Two stories on the topic of heaven, direct from the Word, written so children can understand and see pictures and from the very Bible my mother picked out for Claudia!

Heaven has been a hot topic for Claudia lately. She's fascinated with it and trying with her little mind to understand.

We talk often how nana is in heaven. Nana had her birthday party in heaven with Jesus (August 2nd) and we pray every night for nana. We pray: "Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day. God bless nana in heaven." We've always prayed for our family each night and after nana died, there was a giant hole in our prayers. How could not pray for nana? God put it into my heart that we can pray for her, for her blessings in heaven with Him!

Claudia's hit me with some hard questions. After the funeral we went to the grave. Julie and the four kids and I walked up to a fresh mound of dirt, with beautiful white roses on top. Tons of flowers surrounded.

Claudia said: "mommy is nana in that dirt?" I swallowed hard and had to say, "yes, honey she is." I'll never forget the look on her face. She couldn't believe her sweet nana was down there. With pouting lips and tears in her eyes she shouted "NO FAIR!"

She's later asked me how can nana be in heaven if she's in that ground? I've explained that nana's heart is in heaven. The part that makes nana who she is, is with God. She asks all the time if we can go there. Last night in her prayers she said: "Dear God, bless nana's heart and please bring her back to us."

These are hard times but God is good through it all! I can already see a major blessing from all this pain. Heaven is now a much talked about subject in our house! That is not a small thing, living with an atheist! Now there is a Holiness, a reverence that even Javier can feel!

6 comments:

Charlene said...

I love talking and thinking about heaven....I lost a precious neice 3 years ago in a car wreck..I know your pain and knowing she is in heaven is the only way I get by..

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
I've also had to talk to Ryan about Heaven a lot this past year. He has a hard time understanding how your body stops working but the soul goes on. Its so hard to explain to a 4 year old but I know he also understands in a lot of ways.
Again, I am sorry about your mom. I know Heaven is a better place with her in it though - it just stinks for those left here still.
Susan

Anonymous said...

God Bless Your Family as you begin this "new normal".

Kate.

Anonymous said...

God Bless Your Family as you begin this "new normal".

Kate.

Anonymous said...

Jennifer,
I am still praying for you and your family.

This is off the subject and I am sorry if it offends you but;.. I just read a book that blew me away. I am going to re-read it. It is called 'THE SHACK' Please if you are able, get this book. After you read it, maybe Javier will read it. I think it will change his way of thinking about God. I really do. By the way, I don't know this author and am no way afiliated with his ministry. I just am wow'd by this book.

God bless you !
Lori

Anonymous said...

Jennifer...
I have known your grandfather and grandmother since I was a teenager in Alabama. Your family is so special to me. I will join w/ you in praying for your husband, Javier and your family. I believe in miracles of salvation... and your answer is on it's way. My Motto for 9 years has been and will remain.. "..do not grow weary in doing good.." because the rewards of the faithful come w/ a price..Jesus..our example.
Praying for your special comfort of the Holy Spirit daily in the death of your Mother, Kristy. She was..and will always be..a spiritual mentor who lives forever! What a victory she walks in today w/ Jesus, our Lord.
Lifting you up in prayer.
Look forward to keeping up w/ your "Posts"..and your Dad's, too.
Praying his sabital brings his needed rest and restoration in body, soul, mind, and spirit! Ya'll are a wonderful family of faith!
Love and Prayers...
D