Monday, February 06, 2012

Celebrating New Life

One year ago yesterday, Rachel informed us that she had asked Jesus into her heart. While I was excited and thankful - I hadn't witnessed the event and must admit that I was a little bit skeptical about the understanding behind what she had said. But, I made a note of the date and planned to watch and see. If it was real I knew I would be forever disappointed that I had not noted the date. And, I'm glad I did.

She has stuck by her exact same story for a full year now and I fully believe her that Jesus does live in her heart. And, I see the Fruit of the Spirit in her sweet life and heart. So, yesterday we celebrated with thankful hearts one year of this little blessing having the wonderful love of Jesus willingly in her heart.

Originally I had planned to just do a repeat of the ideas we did for Emily's celebration last year - but when I looked through some of my pins on Pinterest, I realized I wanted to do something different.

Inspirations came from these cupcakes {I tried the spun sugar and it was a complete flop!} and this amazing {and free!} wreath! We had Rachel's requested meal: soft carrots {code: cooked carrots}, potatoes, chicken and applesauce. And, I had fun bringing the nest theme into our table and celebration!

Psalm 84:3, "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God."

Rachel is so sweet and unassuming - I love the visual of a pure and natural and sweet nest and can picture her sweet spirit being so at home near the altar of the Lord.

15 comments:

Shelby said...

Praise the Lord and what a sweet way to celebrate! What a blessing to have your two sweet girls know our Heavenly Father:)

Leanne said...

I SO wish I had marked that date in Christopher's calendar...though, I'm happy to see fruit!
I just LOVE those cupcakes and wreath! would be such a cute shower idea, too!

Wendi said...

How sweet! The cupcakes are adorable. I think I will snag that idea for our spring celebration.

Mom said...

Dear Monica, we are so thankful that sweet Rachel made this most important decision and love the way you celebrated. Love to all, Mom

LynnMarie said...

What a nice way to celebrate and I bet she was thrilled that you remembered.

Smith said...

Your post made me think of this from Russel Moore's blog:

http://www.russellmoore.com/2011/10/27/do-you-know-when-you-were-saved/

Glad you thought to mark the day and believe it :)

Grace said...

Sweet sweet Rachel!! I am so thankful for this decision.

angie said...

The nest theme that you used for Rachel's celebration was a fitting visual for the peace that we can find in God's care.
Such a wonderful reason to celebrate in your home!
Off topic: my word verification for this comment is "twine." How fitting since twine makes it into so many of your projects.

Elise said...

I love how intentional you are as a mom, Monica. That is a wonderful celebration!!
Elise

~katie~ said...

Rejoicing! This is so special.

Heather said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate!! I asked Jesus to live in my heart at the age of 4 and remember every detail. My mom was on the phone with a friend talking about Jesus and while I sat on her bed, I thought about how I, too, wanted Jesus to live in my heart and to love Him. My mom lead me to Christ that day.

Melissa said...

Beautiful cupcakes and beautiful life! I know sweet Rachel is a blessing to you every day!

Jenny Lynn said...

What a beautiful way to celebrate?! You are a wonderful mother and good example to me.

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

This is the best news :) :) So sweet and precious. I'm glad that you wrote down the date. Somewhere in my dad's files, he has a little paper with the date that I accepted Jesus Christ on there. I'll have to see if he can find it :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)

Anonymous said...

So thankful that our precious Rachel has Jesus living in her heart. She is such an example of His love and caring.
Your nest theme is adorable and so meaningful.

Love you all, Grandma/Nana