There's a Party in Heaven!

That's what my mom used to say when one of us or someone we knew got saved. Here's what the Bible says: "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." --Luke 15:10 Also this one comes to mind, "And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." --Matthew 18: 3-4

Friday afternoon my sister Candace called to tell me that my niece Faith, had a loose tooth. She will be 5 in just a few weeks. She is one of my oldest nieces, and the first to coin the name "Uncle 'Siah" for Josiah. We were excited for her but honestly that is something a mom can rejoice in more than an aunt and uncle. Today Candace called again as we were walking in the door from church and told me Faith had some very important news to tell me, and that she wanted to tell me herself. I mentally prepared to be excited over a lost tooth, and understand her shy words perhaps with a new lisp because of a missing tooth. But her words were perfectly clear when she said, "Aunt Rachie, I became a Christian today." A moment later I had to apologize for screaming in her ear, and explain that I was crying because I was so happy for her. Even now my heart is bursting with joy, because my niece whom I prayed for has now become my sister in Christ.

After a moment I asked Faith to put Candace back on, so I could share in her excitment. She explained that Faith had been sick today, and that she had stayed home with her. Together they had "church" and read the story from Acts 26 of Paul recounting his conversion story to King Agrippa. Then Candace told Faith they were going to pray--Candace just had a simple blessing for their day in mind. When Faith bowed her head to pray though, she asked Jesus to forgive her for her sins and come into her heart. When Candace quizzed her to see if she understood what she just did, Faith said that her sins had been forgiven.

I am so thankful that Candace chose to share this special moment with me, the most important desicion that Faith will make in her life. It makes me so thankful for God who so freely and lovingly forgives us for all our sins the small ones and the big ones.