"the Jesus Storybook Bible"

"Every story whispers His name..."

As part of our nightly routine, Daddy takes Emily and reads to her, rocks her and puts her down to sleep. Mommy and Lila usually have a little sleeping party before eyes are closed and dreaming starts. We sing songs, take turns telling silly stories, and give all the glow in the dark stars over her bed very silly names...I think tonight a few of the names were alla, nofie, zeedee, and wancum. Then she points to her star, and mine, which is always right next to her's, and then points one out for Emily and Daddy, usually in another cluster opposite of ours. Then it's storytime. Prayer. Kiss. Shut eye.

My favorite, absolute FAVORITE children's Bible is "the Jesus Storybook Bible" written by Sally Lloyd-Jones. "Every story whispers His name." ...And it does in the most beautiful way. I LOVE reading to Lila from this Bible. It's funny, and simple, and written beautifully. Tonight's story was one of my favorites in the book, "Operation 'No More Tears!'" It's the story of Isaiah, and God to the rescue. Quoted from the book... "This is the message God gave Isaiah (it was like a letter God wrote to his children)..."

"Dear Little Flock,

You're all wandering away from me, like sheep in an open field.
You have always been running away from me. And now you're
lost. You can't find your way back.
But I can't stop loving you. I will come to find you.
So I am sending you a shepherd to look after you
and love you. To carry you home to me.

You've been stumbling around, like people in a dark room.
But into the darkness, a bright Light will shine! It will chase
away all the shadows, like sunshine.
A little baby will be born. A Royal Son. His mommy will be a young
girl who doesn't have a husband. His name will be Emmanuel,
which means 'God has come to live with us.' He is one
of King David's children's children's children.
The Prince of Peace.
Yes, Someone is going to come and rescue you!
But he won't be who anyone expects.

He will be a King! But he won't live in a palace.
And he won't have lots of money. He will be poor.
And he will be a servant. But this King will
heal the whole world.
He will be a Hero! He will fight for his people,
and rescue them from their enemies. But he won't have
big armies, and he won't fight with swords.
He will make the blind see, he will make the lame leap like deer!
He will make everything the way it was always meant to be.
But people will hate him, and they won't listen to him.
He will be like a Lamb - he will suffer and die.

It's the Secret Rescue Plan we made - from before
the beginning of the world!
It's the only way to get you back.
But he won't stay dead - I will make him alive again!
And, one day, when he comes back to rule forever,
the mountains and trees will dance and sing for joy!
The earth will shout out loud! His fame will fill the whole
earth - as the waters cover the sea! Everything sad will
come untrue. Even death is going to die! And he will wipe
away every tear from every eye.
Yes, the Rescuer will come. Look for him. Watch for him.
Wait for him. He will come!
I promise.

Love,
God"

Tears started running down my face as I was reading this incredible 'letter from God.' It is so simply stated and yet so moving. Lila noticed my sniffles and asked me if I was sad. I told her that yes, I was sad, but I was also very happy, because God's secret rescue plan gave us Jesus, and Jesus always makes everything better. My sweet little beautiful Lila looked at me and reminded me Jesus would wipe my tears. Then she kissed my cheek, laid her head back on her pillow and said, "I love Jesus Mommy. And I love God too." One doesn't have to try hard to imagine my tears then. If only I could keep her young and innocent. Shield her from the destruction Satan has set about on this Earth. But I won't. I won't because God will use Lila for the great work of His kingdom. I have no doubt in my mind that my sweet Rooney will do great things for her King.

She remembered from the story that Jesus would wipe away every tear. And He does sweet Lila. He always does. And He will always do the same for you and Emily if you trust Him and believe Him. I already hate the day that I will have to let you loose to find your own way in this world. But if I do my job as your mother diligently.. if I teach you the truth, show you the faith, wrap you in His love and protection, pray for you, and then trust in Him, you will be ready. And you will succeed. Cling to Him Girls. Ask for His guidance. He will listen. He will help. My beautiful girls, always remember that loving and being loved by Jesus matters more than all that this world can obtain or contain. Don't lose your focus, but just in case you do... remember that Jesus will wipe away your every tear.

I love you both and am so proud to be your mommy!