Happy Birthday Kristin!!

Well today would have been my baby girl's 11th b-day. It's weird because with each birthday she had I always wondered if it would be her last. Now I know. But I mainly want to think about how this birthday is her best one yet. She may be eating cake and opening presents for the first time. Of course, I doubt those things go on in heaven, but who knows. The only thing I know for sure is that she's at rest with Jesus, having no more pain or suffering. And I'm sure she knows what love is and how great it is. She knows all about Jesus and how perfect everything is because of Him. I think she knows how much her dad and I love Jesus and how much her life helped our faith to be stronger. And I feel sure she knows how much we love and miss her because I tell God to let her know that all the time and how much we look forward to being together again someday soon, for eternity.

Happy Birthday sweet Kristin. I'm sure everyday in heaven is a celebration, but today we are celebrating you and how much you mean to us. Our lives are richer and better because of you. We love more, we feel more and we know God more, because of you. We miss you and love you more than any words could ever describe. You are our precious gift from God. We miss being able to see you and hold you and kiss you, but we are at peace knowing our separation is temporary. You have already achieved what we are longing for.

Love,
Mommy & Daddy
(Big Brother too)

Our minister has been leading us on a study thru the book of Job. This morning he opened his lesson with the question, "If God told you He would grant any one prayer request, what would you ask for? Now this is not like rubbing a lamp where a Genie appears, this is God wanting to know, what are your priorities?" (paraphrased)

As he was asking the question, my first thought was Kristin and asking to have her back here, healthy and whole. But I quickly changed my mind because she is already healthy and whole and I will be with her someday for eternity. Then I thought of my father who has been paralyzed for 34 years and whose health is deteriorating. But again I thought about how his disability is temporary also and his body will work again someday, in eternity. As much as I'd like to have Kristin with me now and experience having her healthy and whole, and being able to see my dad walk and get around with ease, those things are temporary problems.

My husband said he immediately thought of asking for understanding about Kristin and why she had to live like she did. But then he thought about the song we played at her funeral by Mercy Me called Homesick. There is a verse that says, "Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same Cause I'm still here so far away from home" Mark said he realized that if God ever gave us a glimpse into heaven, we wouldn't ever be content to stay here.

As I pondered about what I would ask God if he told me he would grant me any one request it would have to be for the salvation of those who don't know Him. Even though I can think of many people who are struggling either physically, mentally or emotionally or financially, all of those things are temporary. The only thing that will matter forever, is where we go when we die.

In John 14:14 Jesus says, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." So what does it mean to ask "in his name"? It means to want what Jesus wants. To agree with His plan and will for our lives. God will not grant anything contrary to His nature or will. If we are truly seeking God, then our requests will be in line with what He wants.

Lord, you have told us in your Word that we can ask for anything in your name and you will do it. May I always want what You want. May eternity be my only focus. Help me to stay on your path of truth and help me to lead others to follow You too. Sometimes I question what I should say or do, but I am trusting you to show me those things. Please open the eyes of those who are not living for You. May they hear You calling and answer, Here I am Lord. Thru Jesus I pray, Amen.