So... You probably want to know how it happened???? First a little background info.... Maggie has refused to pray since she was about three years old. Before that she would say little two or three word prayers but not much more...she WAS only 3!!! Since then she has never really showed any interest in the things of the Lord. Don't get me wrong...she loves AWANA and Sunday School and of course Bible Stories but if you were to ask her any direct questions about Jesus, she would act all bashful and embarrassed. THEN...Gabriel asked if he could get baptised! (Another exciting story...for another time!) So...In true Hawley fashion the other two boys also wanted to discuss baptism. Over the last few weeks, we have had quite a few discussions about salvation and baptism, sin and hell, fruits of the spirit and Heaven. We have directly and indirectly asked Maggie if she would like to confess her sins and ask Jesus to live in her heart. Unfortunately, she flat out refused to discuss it and would become upset (angry, even) when we would talk to her about her sin. (Apparently, princesses do not sin!!!LOL) So...we just kept praying and reminding her that if and when she was ready she could just pray by herself (and then tell us, of course) or she could come to Nathan or I and we would help her. We also suggested that she could talk to any of her teachers, siblings or friend's parents, if she felt more comfortable with them. (BTW... I feel so blessed to have her surrounded by people who I would trust to share in her faith journey and whom I can trust serve the same Creator King as I and would not lead her astray!) ANYWAY.... Out of the blue on Sunday, at the lunch table, she placed her hand gently on mine and said "Mommy, will you you pray for Jesus with me?" My heart literally leaped within me but... I clarified and indeed she wanted to ask forgiveness.... FINALLY!!! So I asked if she would pray and she said she did not know how. So I asked if she wanted to repeat after me and she adamantly said yes AND SHE DID!!!! Oh, the Joy I feel and the relief in knowing that even if her little heart and mind do not fully understand God's Love and Forgiveness she has believed like a little child and will join us in the Kingdom!!!!
The whole family was present and we were all very excited, as was Magdalena!!! Genesis immediately disappeared into her bedroom and when she returned she had a notebook she had drawn a sign on. (As seen in picture!) She said "This is for Maggie and I to write our thoughts and prayers in together. We talk about Jesus a lot and I think we should keep track of the things we learn and songs we like and things like that!!!" She presented it to Maggie and insisted I take a picture so that Magdalena would remember what day she got saved!!! Oh and what a beautiful, marvelous day it was!!!!!! "Oh! Happy Day! That Fixed My Choice!!!"
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen! Ephesians 3:20-21
