The Cherry On Top

“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.” Proverbs 17:17 (The Message)


Friends make life sweeter! Friends are the cherry on top of life! I give God thanks every day for the friends I have in my life. Friends bring a smile to my day, when other things seem be dragging me down. Friends make me laugh, care when I cry, and push me to be the best that I can be. Friends are a blessing beyond compare.

I pray for the friendships that my kids are building now. Some of the friends that they are making will last a lifetime. And some of their friends will hurt them somewhere along the way. Good friends will help them through the bad days, or encourage them to follow Christ in all that they do. Then there are other friends who may lead them down paths that pull them further from God. May God help them choose their friends wisely. And when the hurts come, because they inevitably will, I pray that God will heal their hearts, and help them live in a state of free-flowing forgiveness.

May my kids find friends that
…bring laughter into their lives
…help them make wise choices.
…encourage them when they are down.
…walk with them through thick and thin.
…forgive them when they’ve been hurt.
…push them to be better in school, in relationships, and in all of life.
…And last, but not least, draw them closer to God.

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” –Bernard Meltzer

Precious Father, you are the greatest Friend of all, and I pray that my kids live their life in a continual state of building a friendship with you. May you use their friends to bless their lives, and to encourage them in their walk with you. I pray that the friends they choose will follow after you, and journey along with my kids as they live their lives for you. May my kids find friends who will build them up, make them laugh, and encourage them daily, and through thick and thin. Help my kids make wise choices about their friends, and wise choices WITH their friends. In turn, I pray that my kids become good friends, and treat their friends the way that reflects you living in their lives. May their friendships be a blessing!


(Repost from October 6, 2009)

Thankful Thursday: Family Snow Day

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24


Yesterday we woke up to a winter wonderland.  Grammy and Papa's house is great fun when it snows!...And beautiful beyond words.  God is amazingly creative and brings such pleasure to His children through the world He has made.

 It didn't take long before the kids pulled on their warm gear and made it outside.

A little bit later in the day, the snow brought our family and their "toys".  Many smiles, lots of fun, and memories to last a lifetime were had.  Some of these relatives we haven't seen in years and years, and others we met for the first time.  God has blessed us with a wonderful family!

 Kyle with his Great Uncle Charlie

Kyle driving the snowmobile all by himself.

I am thankful for many things this week...

• Family.  What joy it has been to be together this Christmas!
• Laughter.  Brought to us by Apples to Apples, "Despicable Me", and Zac.
• Adventure. Haircuts, ear piercings, bald eagle hike, and snowmobiles.  
• Forgiveness.  We're not perfect people, and we all have our moments, yet we still love one another.
• Salvation.  God is in the business of changing lives.  Oh how sweet!
• Blessing.  The gifts were fun, but the love behind the gifts was even richer.

God is good...all the time!

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for having us this week.  For opening your home, providing such delightful food, and for giving us the opportunity to "hang" together!  I love you!

Lord, thank you for the many blessings this week.  You are the giver of so many good things.  I give you all the praise and thanks.  Thank you for my family and the ways you are faithful in our lives.  Continue to always mark our times together with You, and may our family always represent you in real and precious ways.  You are our Father, our God, and our Provider in so many ways, and we love you!

Hair Cut Bravery...and Success!

"And even the very hairs on your head are numbered."  Matthew 10:30

 Kyle...before

Kyle saved us some money yesterday.  He's been insisting lately that he wants a buzz cut and that we can do it at home.  So yesterday we took the plunge. 

 Kyle...during

Kyle was only worried for a second.  

I love Kyle's 'can-do' mindset about things, but in all seriousness I couldn't believe he was so brave and trusting to let me cut his hair.  Especially when I've never done such a thing before.  Sometimes to a 14 year old, hair is everything!  No pressure.  In spite of my objections, Kyle was insistent this would work.  He was so committed to the idea that he paid for the clippers himself (and he obviously took all the risk if this venture didn't work out so well).

Kyle's brave and adventurous spirit will get him far in life.  He'll need courage to make friends, go to school, marry a girl, spread the gospel, or live out God's calling in His life. Bravery will be a day by day decision and need, but will bring great success and joy.

The important thing for Kyle to remember is, that if God knows every hair on his head, I'm sure that God knows every detail of where He will send him in his life. 

Studly...after

Lord, how amazing it is to know that you know the number of hairs on our head.  You know our future and the things you have planned for our lives.  What hope, peace, and strength that brings our lives.  Give Alyssa and Kyle a bravery and boldness to live life to the fullest, to think of life as an adventure, and know that you are their faithful guide, leader, and protector.  Thank you, Lord, that nothing is impossible with you!

 

Hold that Tongue

"A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel."  Proverbs 15:18

Holding my tongue is something I'm working on.  It's easier to speak in my anger or frustration.  I pray that its an easier lesson for my kids to learn, than it has been for me.

Well, that's all I have to say...for now anyway!

Lord, help us to guard our tongues and speak only that which builds others up. Stir my children to learn this lesson even at their young age.  May Alyssa and Kyle use words that build up others, and encourage those around them.  Holy Spirit, nudge our hearts when we are tempted to let our feelings get the better of us, and help us to respond in ways that glorify you.  A patient person calms a quarrel.  May we be the one to bring peace.

Source of Life

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."  Jeremiah 2:13

We're at Grammy and Papa's house for Christmas!  Our annual holiday tradition.  Christmas wouldn't be the same if we couldn't come to be with family.  Thanks, mom and dad, for opening your home to all the craziness each year.  What joy it is to all be together.

The day after Christmas hit and and in a blink of an eye the tree had to come down.  Three or four weeks, cut off from its root system, and unable to drink water, the tree had become dry and brittle.  No life to be found.  Dead debris everywhere.

Our lives get like that when we are cut off from our life source, and the true Living Water.  As we celebrate this Christmas season, and look to the new year ahead, I pray that our children keep them themselves connected to Jesus.  The Sustainer and Giver of life, and life abundant!

Lord, you are the Living Water, and the source of our life.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle never forsake you, and always remain connected to you.  Today, may they be reminded that you alone are their God, the giver of their breath, and the sole source of joy, hope, and strength.  May they soak in you as they come to your Word, or as they seek you for wisdom and guidance through prayer, or as they worship you in song.  You are the author and perfecter of life, and we give you praise.

 Merry Christmas, dear friends!

 For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
   will accomplish this. --Isaiah 9:6-7

My Christmas Wish

"Do everything without complaining or arguing..."  Philippians 2:14

The kiddos are home from school
and spending a little too much time together.
Brothers and sisters love each other so much.

We've done lots of shopping this week.
Target, Walmart, and Bed, Bath and Beyond...
all filled with things they so "need", or just have to have.

The moments at home aren't marked with tons of fun...
in their minds.
Cooking.
Cleaning.
Wrapping.
"Oh Mom!"

A grumble here,
a complaint there.

I pray that as we head to our family celebrations,
we spend time together,
and as each gift is opened,
 that those grumbles and complaints
seem amazingly absent.

That's this mom's Christmas wish.

Lord, oh how I rejoice in you this season!  Mark these days with an awe and wonder as we celebrate your birth and remember your gift of love and salvation.  Above all else, may we fall down and worship you.  May all else fade away, dear Jesus...our wants, our preferences, our fears, and those things we feel we need or deserve.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle revel in this season too, and find their hearts full of thanksgiving, contentment and gratitude.  Prick their tongues, Holy Spirit, when they are tempted to complain and grumble.  May these days be full of joy, Lord, for you are whom we are celebrating!

Thankful Thursday: Christ and Christmas

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: 

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host 

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, 

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.””  Luke 2:11-14

The Christmas presents are all bought and wrapped, and most of the holiday hoopla has been accomplished.  Today, I long to sit and rest in the true holiday spirit of celebrating Christ's birth.  I'm thankful for the Messiah that was born so long ago, yet today changes my life moment by moment as I live with (and for) Him. 

I pray that my children grasp, in a new way this Christmas, the power and reality of Jesus their Savior.

A few things I'm thankful for today, besides the reason for this season:

• Both kids ended their school semester last week with straight A's! 
• Times of laughter with each of my kids.
• The giving spirit I have seen in both Alyssa and Kyle, as they've done their Christmas shopping.
• God's quick answer to prayer yesterday, when I was having a frustrating parenting moment.
• And the words "I'm sorry."
• Warranted windows being replaced soon.
• Special times with special friends.
• God's healing hand on colds.
• Generous gifts given.
• Hugs from my kids.
• Foot rubs.

Thank you, oh Lord, for the gifts you have given us this week.  I see you living and active in our lives and I give you praise.  Thank you for my children and the precious times we have together.  Thank you for the blessing they are in my life.  Lord, I know that you sent your Son for them too, and I pray that they come to see you in a new way this Christmas season.  May they find the true meaning of Christmas, and fall in love with you in a deeper and deeper way. Show yourself, dear Jesus, in each gift, through each retelling of your birth, and even as they listen to the music of this season.  Lord, you are the true One we are celebrating.  Thank you, for the gift of your Son!

Bell Ringer Blessing

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10



(Repost from December 2009...I smile still thinking of this!)

Yesterday I made a quick stop at Fred Meyer and was blessed by an unusual occurrence. Across the parking lot I could hear someone singing at the top of their lungs. As I made my way to the front door I could see that the music was coming from the the Salvation Army bell ringer. Not ashamed of his message, his voice was declaring...

Create in me a clean heart oh God,

And renew a right spirit within me.

Create in me a clean heart oh God,

And renew a right spirit within me.

And cast me not away from Thy presence oh Lord,

And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation,

And renew a right spirit within me.

Written by Keith Green ©Sparrow Records

It was not the usual bell ringer. Nor was it one of the normal Christmas carols. However, I thought it was the perfect song for this season.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation this Christmas, dear Jesus!

Lord, what a beautiful message the bell ringer was unashamedly sharing with the world. You are God, and you can create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. I pray it be so, especially in this season. May your presence be always near, reminding me of the joy of your salvation. I pray that somewhere in the celebrations of the season, and in the retelling of the Christmas story, my children will become fully alive in the knowledge and understanding of God's gift in His Son Jesus Christ. May the old story be made new in their hearts. And maybe one day, they will be sharing with the world the good news at the top of their lungs, just like the passionate bell ringer. Oh, may it all be so!

Keep Your Word

"It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it."  Ecclesiastes 5:5

Our house...2008...before the demise of our snow globe

It snowed Sunday night.  Maybe, just maybe, we will have a white Christmas.  Unfortunately the weather man says probably not.

Kyle had a great idea for making money a few weeks ago.  He prepared some fliers and went around the neighborhood announcing that he was for hire to shovel driveways if it snowed.  And it worked.  After the first snow, Kyle got an official job offer.  He only has to show up after each snow, shovel the sidewalk and driveway of our neighbor, and he'd make five bucks.  Yahoo.

But then it snowed again.
And yet again.
Each time bringing more and more grumbles.

So, yesterday morning, I woke up Kyle so he could head to the neighbors because it snowed through the night.  After he got all bundled up and ready to get to work, he says "Mom, why do you always make me do things that I don't like?"

Wait a minute.  Did I make the fliers?  Did I agree to take the job?

My words in response were short and sweet, I'm sure.  I want my children to, not only be people who work hard, but people who keep their word. God says "Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’ "  (Matthew 5:37)

So, let it snow!  Let it snow!  Let it snow!  

When you tell God you'll do something, do it—now.
   God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it.
   Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up.

 Don't let your mouth make a total sinner of you.
   When called to account, you won't get by with
      "Sorry, I didn't mean it."
   Why risk provoking God to angry retaliation? 

--Ecclesiastes 4-6 (The Message)

Lord, I know with all my heart and soul that not one of all the good promises you gave has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.  May we become more like you and be children who keep our promises.  We become trustworthy people when we keep our word.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle continue to grow up into individuals that follow through with their commitments, keep their promises, and only say "yes" if they mean "yes".  Prod their hearts, dear Jesus, to speak with honesty, integrity, and faithfulness.  May they reflect you, when they put action to their words.

Forgiving Others

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet 

sheds on the heel that has crushed it.  

--Mark Twain

Lord, thank you that you show us the true meaning of forgiveness.  Thank you for forgiving us of all our sins, and loving us despite our faults and failures.  Because we have been forgiven, we can in turn forgive others.  Oh how I long for my children to be good forgivers.  Bitterness and anger can so easily take root in our hearts and minds, and effect every aspect of our lives.  Friends hurt us, enemies discourage us, and our families make mistakes.  On a daily basis we have to choose to forgive.  May Alyssa and Kyle choose to develop the character that reflect you living and active presence in their lives, including forgiveness, acceptance, patience and love.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to bear with each other, and others in their lives,  and forgive whatever grievances they may have against those who hurt them. May they learn to forgive as you, Lord, forgave them.  Thank you, Sweet Father, for hearing my prayers.

The One Forever Friend

 "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend."  James 2:23

"Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house..."  Job 29:4

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13


God is the greatest friend I, or my kids, could ever have. 

He is completely trustworthy.
He is forever faithful.
He is abundantly generous.

He loves deeply.
He loves totally.
He loves forever.

He forgives.
He heals.
He teaches.

Oh how I long that Alyssa and Kyle have an intimate friendship with Him.  He'll always prove to be their forever best friend.

This is my greatest prayer.

Lord, you are this world's dearest friend, and you have made it so that we can have a personal and intimate relationship with you.  I pray, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle will chose to believe in you, revere you as the King of kings, and love you as one would love a friend.  They need to know that they are loved unconditionally, accepted totally, and forgiven always.  Lord, I pray that they know you as their best friend. 

Christmas With Our Church Family

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 

Worship the Lord with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:1-2

Church Christmas Program...2004

Dashing, dashing, dashing. Tis the season for dashing. We've had many church activities over the last couple of weeks to help celebrate the season and the birth of our Savior.

An Advent Service.
The Pastor's Christmas Open House.
The Children's Christmas Program (and it's rehearsals).
The ladies gathered for a Christmas white elephant exchange.
A youth group Christmas party.

And we still have 8 days until Christmas!

Take a deep breath.

As I reflected on what I wanted to pray about today, I thought of the joy I find in celebrating this season with my church family...even in the busyness. Part of the joy of this season, is being with those you love, and with those who also take great delight in rejoicing over the birth of Jesus. I've never celebrated Christmas without being a part of a church family, and I pray that my children never choose to either. I hope that they have many more Christmas programs, parties, and church services in their future, celebrating the reason for this beautiful season.

Two Little Angels, Natalie & Kyle...2004

Lord, this season is all about you. The lights, trees, gifts, and activities all should be done in honor of you, and in gratitude for the gift of your Son Jesus. Than, you for the joy that comes in celebrating this season with a precious church family. Thank you for the blessing it is to worship you together. In the busyness, may we not loose our focus on the reason for this season. Lord, I pray that my children will find great delight in this season as well, and great joy in celebrating you through all the activites and events in our schedule. May they always remember that you are the center of this season, and never walk away from being a part of a church family of their own. I pray that you, Lord, are always a part of their lives, and of their Christmas celebrations for years to come. Lord, be ever near us in the coming days as we fix our eyes on you, the Savior of the world!

Thankful Thursday: He Holds Everything Together

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17

Today, I am thankful that in Him all things hold together.

• Ken and I celebrated 21 years of marriage this summer.

In Him all things hold together.

• We are a family with two teenagers, and we still enjoy spending time together (at least most of the time...ha!).

In Him all things hold together.

• We've been pastoring our church for 16 years, and are still loving it!

In Him all things hold together.

• We have a beautiful home, and I've been able to be a stay-at-home mom for the last 16 years.

In Him all things hold together.

In Him all things hold together.

Lord, I thank you that you are God, you are before all things, and that in you all things hold together. You are our awesome Creator, and you make everything beautiful in its time. As a mom, I am always trying to hold everything together, and do things in my own strength. However, you are God and I am not, and I can look to you for strength, wisdom, and hope as I parent, be a wife, minister, and just live day by day. You, Lord, are the glue that holds my marriage together, and keeps my family united. You are my strength, when I am weak. You are my hope, when things feel hopeless. You are my light, when the days seem dark. You are God, and in you all things hold together...even me.

Light of the World

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Alyssa's first Christmas...1994

Sixteen years ago we were in the midst of celebrating Alyssa's very first Christmas. Oh how time flies! What joy it was to celebrate this time of the year with a new little one in our home. I'm not sure she understood all the excitement, but her parents sure had fun.

One of the gifts we gave her on her first Christmas was a Glo-Worm. Remember those precious little creatures that had a light-up face when you squeezed it? I thought it was the perfect friend for my little girl.

I thought it would be a great bedtime pal. Glo-worm would offer just enough light in the midst of a dark night, that Alyssa wouldn't have to be afraid of the dark.

A little light dispels great darkness.

Just like our Jesus.

He enters into our world, and replaces the darkness with His light. He gives hope where there was once despair, peace in the place of fear, and makes beauty from our ashes. I pray that when my kids have days that may seem dark, they know to whom they can turn and find light.

For HE is the most wonderful light for a dark world...even better than that cute little Glo-Worm!

Lord, thank you for being the light of the world. What a beautiful promise you give your children, that whoever follows you will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life! A beautiful gift to take hold of and behold. Lord, forever be the light in my children's life. When they fight the darkness of loneliness, fear, or hurt, I pray they remember to turn to you for help in dispelling what they cannot remove on their own. Lord, always be their light, their hope, and their promise for beautiful things in their life.

When They Cry

"Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day."  1 King 8:28

"A teardrop on earth summons the King of heaven."  --Charles Swindoll

Nothing breaks a mom's heart more than seeing one of her children in tears, and knowing there is nothing that she can do to keep them from whatever it is that is causing them pain.  Being hurt is a natural part of life, and something that I can't keep them from.  Oh how I wish I could.  But one thing I can do is teach them to whom they can run to for constant comfort, abiding peace, and an understanding like no other. 

His name is Jesus.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, 
for he cares about you. "  1 Peter 5:7

Dear Jesus, you are the he Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.  Please wipe away the tears of Alyssa and Kyle.  Help them to not let their hearts be troubled, and to trust in You.  When they are worried, and filled with anxiety or grief, may they know that you love and care about them like no other.  You are their refuge and strength.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing the cry of your children.

Finals Week

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 1:13

This week is finals around here.  I think I heard Alyssa say she has 4 finals and a paper to write.  Oh my, it could be hairy around here.  I don't know if I should pray more for me, or for my kids.  ha!

My prayer for this day, and really for life, is that Alyssa and Kyle remember and can easily bring to mind, the things that they are learning.  For some it comes easier than others. Applying their mind is what they will need this week for sure!

Lord, you have given Alyssa and Kyle strong minds and the ability to become wise with knowledge and experiences.   Please help them to apply their minds whenever they are called to, and fall in love with learning.  You have made them intelligent, but may they use those smarts to serve you in amazing ways.  May they always give you the glory, for the things they have learned, and for how they have used the things you have taught them.  Lord, thank you for being with our children when the tasks seem hard and overwhelming.  Be Alyssa and Kyle's strength this week.

God's Precious Benefits

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:1-5

My sweet Lyssa

“Salvation Saturday” always reminds me of the main purpose that God has placed on my heart for daily writing on this blog, and putting my prayers down on “paper”. My heart’s desire is that my children fall in love with Jesus, live their lives for Him, and rest in the promises of His Word. His benefits are so great, and they can be partakers of these things on a daily, or moment-by-moment basis. Forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion, blessing, and renewal are available to them in abundant ways. I pray that they don’t just recognize these benefits from a distance, but stand hand-in-hand with the God who lavishes them with such precious things.

Dear Heavenly Father, I believe that the salvation of my children is the biggest prayer of your heart as well. I believe that you are pursuing them on a daily basis, longing for them to love you, look to you, and worship you with their lives. You have the gift of forgiveness, and the promise of relationship, ready for their consumption. Lord, each of my kids have prayed the prayer of salvation, and have asked you to enter their hearts. I know you are present, living in them and speaking to them. I pray that their hearts continue to live in the reality of those decisions made long ago. Lord, thank you for the gift of your salvation. I praise you in the depths of my soul, for the many benefits I receive as your daughter. May my children take hold and live as partakers of your beautiful gifts! For this, I will continually fall on my knees in prayer to you!

God is Bigger

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."  Ephesians 1:17

I read this yesterday and loved it...

 In the book Prince Caspian, Lucy sees Aslan, the lion, for the first time in many years.  He has changed since their last encounter.  His size surprises her, ad she tells him as much.

"Aslan" said Lucy, "you're bigger."

"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.

"Not because you are?"

"I am not.  But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."

And so it is with Christ.  The longer we live in him, the greater he becomes in us.  It's not that he changes but that we do; we see more of him.  We see dimensions, aspects, and characteristics we never saw before, increasing and astonishing increments of his purity, power, and uniqueness.  (Fearless by Max Lucado, page 170)

That's how I want it to be for Alyssa and Kyle. I want the Lord to become bigger and bigger in their life, and their learning about Him just get deeper and deeper.  There is so much we can't fully comprehend about God, but the joy is, that He's always allowing us the opportunity to know Him more. 

Alyssa and Kyle, live in Christ, and you will see Him in ways you can hardly imagine!

Lord, what a big, big God you are.  So often we can hardly fathom your greatness, your holiness, and your majesty.  However, the more time we spend with you,the greater you become in our understanding.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle choose to get to know you deeper and deeper.  Today can be the beginning of a wonderful adventure with you!  Oh, I pray it is so!

Thankful Thursday: Servant Assignments

Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God's field in which we are working."  1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Often I ponder what God has made me for, or for what He has assigned for my life.  I know His plans are good, but sometimes I just wonder if I understand that plan and am following it the way He designed.  I try to pay attention to His clues and His leading, but sometimes I'm sure I miss the mark.

I'm thankful today for a few reasons:

1.  I know God made me with a purpose in mind...a servant assignment, if you will.  And I'm learning to trust that He is working out that plan in my life.

2.  I think I saw a little glimpse of it this week.  He's working in me and through me, and I love that!

3.  I know that God has a special plan and purpose for my children as well.  What their servant assignment is, I'm not sure.  But I know who knows, and I'm trusting Him with their lives!

Thank you, Lord, for knowing the plans you have for me, and for Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you that you will carry onto completion the work you are doing in our lives.  And thank you for the gifts and talents that you give each of us, and that we have opportunities to serve, teach, and bless others with those gifts.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle will be attentive to your voice, and aware of your leading, as you continue to mold and make them into what you want them to be.  May they always follow you, and walk obediently in your path.  Use them to draw other people to yourself.  Allow them the opportunity minister to others, and reflect you living in their lives.  Grow in them a trust and faith in you, so that no matter where you lead, they will follow!  Thank you, Lord, for whatever the servant assignment is for Alyssa and Kyle, and for the reminder that what makes them worth doing is the God we are serving.  I love you, dear Jesus, deeper than words can express.

Praying Scripture: Loving One Another

"Love one another deeply, from the heart."  1 Peter 1:22

Cousins...2010

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to love one another, for love comes from you. Everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you.  But Lord, whoever does not love does not know you, because you are love. This is how you, dear Jesus, showed your love among us: You sent your one and only Son into the world that we might live through you. This is love: not that we loved you, but that you loved us and sent your Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I pray that, since you so loved Alyssa and Kyle, they also will love one another. No one has ever seen you; but if they love one another, you live in them and your love is made complete in them.  (1 John 4:7-12)

A Kind Word

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up."  Proverbs 12:25

 Kyle and I were hustling and bustling around yesterday, just having survived a wild trip to Walmart.  (The closer we get to Christmas the crazier the stores get, I'll tell you.)  As we were heading to the next store, and surfing through the busy traffic, a song came over the radio that I recently sang at church with a group of gals.  So we both started singing along. 

As it hit the last refrain of the song, he made some remark of having a "weird" experience when we sang that part of the song at church.  He said that he felt like he had been "hit in the back" and then shivers went all up and down his arms. 

Oh, how his words blessed my heart.  Kind words have a power like no other!

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to use kind words to cheer the hearts of others in their lives.  Your Word even says that sweet words are healing to the bones.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lips always glorify you, and bless your children. 

Not Just the Minimum

“Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message)

 Aaahhhh...they're so cute!

It's Monday...let the school week begin!

I'm praying that my kids work hard, do their best, and learn responsibility.

Yeah, that's all.  Not much, don't you think?

Lord, I thank you for my dear children, and the work you are doing in their lives.  You are good, and I trust you to continue to carry onto completion the adults you are wanting them to be.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle to do what they are told by their earthly masters...parents and teachers alike. I pray that they don't just do the minimum that will get them by, but that they will do their best. May they work from the heart for their real Master, you God, confident that they'll get paid in full when they come into your inheritance. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always keep in mind that the ultimate Master they are serving is You, and that the sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Oh Lord, being a follower of you doesn't cover up bad work.  Today is Monday, and I pray that it's the beginning of a wonderful week.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer!