Happy Birthday again!

3 years after my 3rd child's 3rd birthday...just noticed when I sat down to write this.  I make a big deal of everything 3, especially when it concerns my 3rd child, to remind myself 3 is good.  My favorite number!  3 is good, even in tough times, and I have good news to share!
     Isaac prayed to receive Jesus in his life!!!  He prayed with his older brother Dom!!  While I drove us home from the High Power soccer camp, my 3 kids discussed Jesus, how we can go to heaven and helped the youngest claim his salvation.  Not ashamed to say I'm proud and thrilled to tears!
Our relationship with God, like other relationships, is a progression of ups and downs and continual growth.  I don't know that it takes just one prayer and we're saved, and I rejoice at every step my children take in their relationship with Jesus, knowing there are big steps still ahead.
God help me raise believers to know you and serve you and stand strong!
4-5-11.  2 years ago Isaac asked me "Who is God? Did He die in my heart? Jesus is God and Jesus is in my heart and in heaven. Auntie Beth is in my heart too."  The sweet innocent thoughts of a 3 1/2 year old.
2-10-12.  Isaac says, "I want to go to heaven and play wii games with Jesus! I think there will be cloud stairs to heaven."
7-5-13.  Isaac had a great first year at Eagle Fern Camp (Grandpa's summer camp) He had lots of fun, of course, and told me everything he learned about Jesus.  He understood he needs to pray but he "didn't now how to pray" at camp.  I wait on God for guidance.
7-18-13.  I took Dom and Isaac to the mummy exhibit at OMSI.  Not recommended, very disturbing.  But it got Isaac asking me, how do our bodies get to heaven? what happens to our bodies? I told him our spirit/who we are on the inside goes to heaven and we get a new body that will never get hurt or sick.  He says, "A new body that is bulletproof, but only if you believe in Jesus.."(small pause [unusual for Isaac I might add] probably thinking about what he heard at camp and the many times I've asked if he wanted to pray)"..Is it ok if I tell him in my brain? I say it in my brain every day!"
8-1-13.  I "coached" a group of 12, 5-6 year olds at the High Power soccer camp, including Isaac.  On this day all the campers were asked if they wanted to pray.  Most of my group raised their hands but followed me out, wanting to stay with me, so I led them in a simple prayer they repeated.  I didn't hear Isaac.  After camp in the car Isaac says "I still don't know how to pray." Dom says, "it's easy, repeat after me..."

It is easy to pray and believe but it can be a struggle to trust God with everything (all our heart, mind, body and spirit  Mark 12:30-31)  Did Isaac just need reassurance from the person he looks up to the most, wants to be like, his older brother?  Dom shared his prayer with me earlier this year, the one he prays often, and I'm so glad he was the one Isaac prayed with.  It's a beautiful, simple prayer..."Dear Heavenly Father, I know that you died on the cross to save us from our sins and rose from the dead to redeem us.  Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live better.  In Jesus name, Amen"