Divine Appointments

Our pastor always speaks about divine encounters/appointments/opportunities. His challenge has put me on guard to be on the lookout for them. I would say I probably miss 99% of them. Sad, but true.

David & I have had the unique opportunity (ie-divine appointment) to love on “the kids.” (aka -Our neighbor kids… that at times seem like they are our own….we definitely love them like our own).

It gets pretty crazy, as you can image carting 6 kids (only 2 of which are truly ours) around town. So, we’ve taken the opportunity to memorize Bible verses + books of the bible while we are in the car. (Sidenote: It has really helped calm the “chaos” ….if you can imagine).  

Two weeks ago, they learned the Lord’s Prayer. I was astounded how quickly they picked it up. Then yesterday morning, after the song service David & I went back to our seats (we play in the praise team). Toni looked over at me, smiled & whispered…. “That last song was about the Lord’s Prayer, wasn’t it?!” I smiled back & said… “it absolutely was!” I teared up thinking about how those words will stay in her heart for eternity.

These kids have become a divine appointment for us. 

Sadly, it appears this season is coming to a close. We have been told that all the kids will be splitting up & moving away as soon as school is over. Toni & Demario will be going to Una. Jerlando & his brother BJ will be going to Jackson. Bruce will be going to Georgia. Of course, we will call/write (if we can garner the information). However, what has made the greatest impact is the one-on-one that we’ve had with them. We pray a hedge over these precious ones & whatever situation they are going into. We pray that other believers will come alongside them & disciple them. We pray that their hearts are “guarded for it is the wellspring of life.” We pray that God will always be their first Love. We pray blessings, blessings, and more blessing upon them.

Another divine appointment:

As we were driving home after picking up Drew on Friday

Drew: Jesus is in my heart

Me: Well, Jesus is in Mommy & Daddy’s heart.

Drew: He’s in my heart too!

Me: well buddy…it takes asking Jesus to come in there. You know when you disobey & are bad you have to be punished?  

Drew: Yes

Me: well, that’s called sin. And when we sin, we are punished. God sent Jesus to die for our sin so that we never have to be punished again. So, we have to ask Jesus to forgive our sins, like saying we are sorry for disobeying & then ask Jesus to come live in our hearts.

Drew: Ok……(pause)…. Jesus, I’m sorry for disobeying; come in my heart.

Drew: Momma, Jesus in is my heart now.

Me: (with eyes full of tears, just gave him a big smile...no words for that moment)

We will continue to speak with Drew about what salvation means....(...he is still very young). Drew even explained it back to David when we got home. How sweet & simple it is through the eyes of a child?! I'm tearing up just typing it. However, isn't it really just that simple?!

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14b NIV

Thank you Lord for these divine appointments!