< the big stage >

Last night was the 2nd annual Night of Praise & Worship at our church. It was a wonderful evening to just celebrate God. All of the music ministries at CrossWay took a turn on the stage, including the KFC choir. Nope, that doesn't stand for Colonel Sanders' KFC... it's Kids For Christ. :)

We were a little skeptical that Jacob would participate. Based on his Stone Soup episode last year at St. Marks, I thought he'd get up there - stand like a lump - and then search me out and say, "I want my mommy". OR, that the crowd would applaud and he'd burst into tears b/c "it's too loud, mommy". Well... let me just tell you about our boy.

He got up on the risers on "the big stage" and sang with his friends. He did all the motions at the appropriate time, he clapped to the beat and he sang, "Celebrate Jesus' birthday" It wasn't a ballad and the words weren't sad, but I cried tears of JOY.

I vividly remember the children's Christmas program at church 3 years ago. It was the most precious thing I'd ever seen. I recall seeing the 3 & 4 year olds sing their little part and I smiled and laughed through tears the entire time. Because I wasn't really sure if I'd ever have the joy of watching Jacob up on that stage, singing his heart out to God. I was uncertain if our boy would ever talk or be able to participate in something as precious as that. He was about 18 months old and it was one month before he started Project HELP. We were really worried about him and his development.

But God is GOOD. He has blessed us beyond measure with a son who talks (nonstop). Who can sing and praise the Lord. Who told me on Sunday after church, "Don't worry Mommy, God is always with us". Amen, little man.