Soul Rest

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."  Jeremiah 6:16

 

 Alyssa Resting...2000

Lord, it's so easy to go out on our own, and make life plans without consulting you.  We follow our desires, and seek to fulfill our wants and dreams, while failing to ask you for direction, guidance or affirmation for our plans.  Sometimes the journey we choose without waiting for your instruction is filled with roadblocks, difficult consequences, and stress.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle will learn to consult you when making plans for their lives.  As they consider future careers,colleges, life mates, may they seek you for wisdom, direction, and affirmation.  Lord, thank you for the rest they will experience in their souls when they live according to your plan for their lives.  Fill them with your joy, Lord, when they choose to walk your paths...even when the road looks hard.  I look forward to watching your will be done, and seeing your beautiful plan play out in our children's lives.  You will do great things through them as they choose to follow you. 

Believe the Message

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." John 5:24

My kids have had many opportunities to hear the message of Christ in their lives. Sunday school, VBS, Sunday morning messages, youth group, summer camp, NWYM activities, stories told by their Grammy and Papa...the list goes on and on. The message has been told time and time again, in many different ways, always planting seeds. Growing up in the church has some benefits, if I do say so myself.

My prayer, however, is that the message my children have heard becomes more than just a "story". This message of God's love changes everything. Somewhere it needs to move from being just mere knowledge, and become their LIFE. It changes how they live, how they love, and how they long for eternal things. I want it to be the air that they breathe.

I pray that it becomes more than just their parents story, but it becomes their very own.

Lord, thank you for being a God who is living and active in our lives, always pursuing us. loving us, and speaking to us. I pray for our children's eternal salvation, and that they may come to know and believe in you as their personal Savior, and receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. May our children hear your message in a new way, and understand it as the truth for their life, changing how they live, love, and respond. Lord, you are the air that we breathe, and the reason that we live. May our children believe in you, from now, until the end of their life, accepting the greatest gift of all!

He Knows

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  Proverbs 18:24

 Friends on the last day of school...2009

Friends come, and friends go, and sometimes it really hurts.  The school year is coming to an end soon, and many of Alyssa's good friends have decided to switch schools in the coming year.  I know that this makes her sad.

So, I'm praying that these final days of school bring some happy times, and plans to keep in contact in the future.  I'm praying that Alyssa doesn't focus on the downside of these changes, but she looks forward to the next school year with hope for whatever God has planned.

Who knows, some of these friends that are leaving may be friends that last a lifetime.  Or better yet, somebody new might just show up, and be even a better friend than the ones before.  God is in control, and He knows each and every one of Alyssa's needs.

Lord, as a mother it is so easy to worry and hurt over the things that cause hurt in our children's lives.  I also know that you are a God who has everything under control, and are watching over our children in ways that we cannot.  I trust that you will help our kids when friendships change, or when they get hurt by someone's words or actions, or they fear the future.  Lord, fill our children's lives with friendships that encourage, challenge, and strengthen.  I pray that they have blessed with friendships that stick it out through the hard times, extend extravagant grace and forgiveness, and love no matter the outcome.  I pray, dear Jesus, that when friendships hurt, that our kids look to you for comfort, wisdom, and hope for new friendships.  Lord, you are the giver of the friends we have in our lives, and they are such treasures in our lives.  Thank you that friendships with others is a part of your beautiful plan. 

Thankful Thursday: While a Workin' Mom

"For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."  Deuteronomy 30:16

Over the last two weeks, this stay-at-home mom, took a temporary full-time job.  It was a new experience for our family, since I've had the privilege of not having to work outside the home since before Lyssa was born sixteen years ago.  I have to admit that it was harder than I thought it would be, but I found God faithful in many ways.  So, today, I want to give Him thanks.

 I even made the evening news!  Lyssa took a picture of the t.v. screen.

• Thank you, Lord, for a husband who picked up much of the slack.

• Thank you, Lord, for a friend that helped transport kids from school.

• Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to meet a new Christian friend at this job who was a blessing.

• Thank you, Lord, for the extra income.

• Thank you, Lord, for my daughter sharing with me that she likes it better when I'm at home when she gets out of school.   That made my day!

God you are so good, and I give you thanks for showing yourself to me in so many ways.  I know that wherever you call me, if I'm willing to obey, you will provide for me in abundant ways.  Thank you, Lord, for the many ways I've seen your sweet presence and provision.  

Business Adventures

"A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare."  Proverbs 21:6

 Lyssa & Kyle's business adventure...2001

Lemonade stands.
Mowing lawns.
Dog walking.
Babysitting.

Our kids have done them all in the attempt to make a few extra dollars.  They've gone door to door around the neighborhood, made fliers, and tried to be creative in order to make it rich. 

I talked recently to a mom who found out her teenage son was making his money by delivery drugs to buyers.  He assured his mom that he wasn't a drug user, but that it made really good money.  She tried to talk to him about the moral issue behind this "job".

Another friend just lost a few thousand dollars because some car salesman didn't tell them the truth about their purchase, and huge repairs were needed on their vehicle.

There are a lot of dishonest ways to make a dollar in our world, "get rich quick" scams are everywhere, and gambling is attractive, because people don't want to have to work hard for their money.  They just want it to all fall in their laps, and they can live happily ever after.

After talking with this mom about her son's business adventure, I decided that I should pray that our kids will always choose to work hard, and earn their money honestly.  Greed can take us in directions that we never thought we would go. 

Lord, thank you for always being our provider, and the supplier, of all good things.  Thank you for filling our needs emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.  In our humanness, we always want more, or bigger and better.  I pray that our children find contentment in just having their needs met, and not go chasing after riches that don't satisfy.  Keep them from doing anything that isn't honest or safe, when they are wanting to make a buck.  Instill in them a joy that comes from working hard and doing things with integrity.  Replace the temptation and longing to be rich in the worldly sense, with the desire to be rich in their relationships with others, and with you.  Lord, satisfy their deepest longings with you.  May they always know that true happiness is found in you, and not in wealth or the treasures of this world.  God, you are the greatest treasure, and I pray that they seek after you all the days of their lives. 

Craving Spiritual Milk

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."   1 Peter 2:2-3

 My daughter often craves Qdoba nachos, Double Chocolate mochas, and McDonald's cheeseburgers.  She even gets to a point where she begs, pleads, and is often willing to sacrifice her own money in order to fill her "need". 

What I pray for most, is that what she craves more than those things is pure spiritual milk.  God and His Word is the greatest food for her soul.  Oh, how I want her to long for the deeper things.

And the beautiful thing about this?  I think that is the desire of my daughter's heart as well. 
Yeah God!

Lord, help our children to crave pure spiritual milk, so that they may grow up in their salvation, and fall deeper in love with you.  I pray, Father, that their souls hunger and thirst for more of you.  Put within their hearts a longing to dig deep in your Word, to pursue you with every ounce of their body, mind and soul, and encourage others to do the same.  I pray that when they seek you, they find you, dear Jesus, just as you have promised. 

Hands That Work

"The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work."  Proverbs 21:25

Apple Picking 2004

Loving to work does not come naturally to most, especially for kids.  I honestly can't remember a chore that I enjoyed. If I had to choose, I'd probably pick mowing the lawn as my favorite childhood job.  Of course maybe it's because I enjoy doing it now as an adult.  Who knows?  My least favorite chores, however, included picking potato bugs off the potato plants in our garden, weeding, and hauling wood.  Notice there were more jobs that made me cringe, than ones I enjoyed. I'm guessing my parents heard a whine or two from me once in a while.  Sorry, mom and dad!

Do you know why I love mowing the lawn now though?  I love the finished product.  I love seeing the clean cut lines in the grass.  Crazy, I know.  But there is something that brings great satisfaction when you see a job come to completion.  The sparkle in the fridge after cleaning it from top to bottom, the smell of clean laundry, and the feel of fresh sheets on the bed.  Yes, those are the joys of working at home, but there are other rewards that come when you choose to put your hands to good use.

"If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks."  Ecclesiastes 10:18

I'm praying that my children find pleasure in working hard...whether it be in a job, in a ministry, or in their own homes.  Working hard brings great reward, externally and internally.

You're growing up into adults, dear children.  It will be here in the blink of an eye.  God has great plans for you, and will use you to do mighty things if you're available!  Ready or not, here it comes.

 

Lord, you have created each of us for a purpose, and hope to use us to do mighty things.  You have great plans for the use of our hands and feet, as long as we make them available to you.  Sometimes the work is not fun, nor do we see the benefit of our efforts, but you call us to work at things, and work at them with all our hearts.  Please Lord, help our children to learn the value of working.  Show them the satisfaction that comes when they follow your calling in their lives, whether it is "hard" or not, and go where you say go.  Lead them Lord into the career you have planned just for them, and no matter how much work it takes, give them the tenacity and desire to keep at it.  Keep our children from being lazy, when they should be busy, and sluggards when there are things to be done.  At the same time, help them to find rest when life seems too hectic.  Lord, bless the work of their hands, and may their lives always glorify you.

Nothing Too Big

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."  --1 Timothy 1:15-17

My Beautiful Children,
Please know this: there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God.  No sin is too big to cause His forgiveness to be unavailable to you. Whatever you do, or say, can be wiped away in an instant from His memory, if you just say "I'm sorry.  Please forgive me."  We are all human, and we will make mistakes.  What is important is that we recognize those moments, sense the need to change, repent, and then accept God's tender forgiveness and love.  He is going to "display his unlimited patience" with you, this I know.  Don't live in guilt and self-condemnation, but choose life, peace, and new beginnings when you believe in Him and receive His eternal life.  Oh God is so forgiving, so accepting, and so in love with you!

With the help of Christ, I promise to do my best to not let anything you say or do, separate us from one another.  I pray that you always sense love, forgiveness and acceptance from your parents, no matter what mistakes you make along the way in life.  It may not come as easily to us, as it would Christ, but never forget that we will love you no matter what.  I commit to trying to be the best listener, not being judgmental, and keeping any anger or disappointment in check.  I hope that we can be a safe place for you to come for help and understanding even when you make mistakes, have fears, or don't know where to turn. 

I pray that you know that you are deeply loved...by God, and by your parents. Also know that the eternal life He offers you if you believe, will be the greatest gift you will ever receive in life.  Believe in Him.  Put your hope in Him. Accept His gift, and look forward to a life spent in His sweet presence.  There is no greater thing in life.

I love you, Alyssa and Kyle.
Forever and Always,
Mom

Hold Up My Arms, Jesus!

Lord, in the busyness of this day, please remind my children that they are loved immensely.  In the moments when I am not available, whether physically or mentally, may they know that they are two of the most important people in my life.  Oh how I love how you've made them, dear Jesus, and how you've given them to me to enjoy, care for, and love.  I don't always do my job adequately, so please fill in the gaps where I miss the mark.  Lord, help me to be available and aware in the moments that they need a listening ear.  Give me a boldness to speak truth into the areas where they wandering off your path.  Open my eyes so that I can see clearly their needs, hurts, and fears.  I cannot do this parenting thing alone, Father, so please hold my hand, and be the one to lift up my arms (like Aaron and Hur did for Moses) so this "battle" can be won for my children's lives and souls.  Today, Jesus, I am on my knees seeking your strength, asking for your wisdom, and surrendering to you my job as a mom.  And above all, I'm on my knees in worshiping you as my God, my Redeemer, and my all in all!

"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."  Exodus 17:10-13

Thankful Thursday: His Abundant Provision

"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance."  Psalm 65:11

Picture Alyssa put on her Facebook recently...
those are her feet.

God has shown His abundant provision in so many ways that I just have to give Him thanks today!

• Alyssa reached her financial goal for her missions trip to Mexico next month!  Thanks to all of our family and friends who helped by sharing their nickel and dimes.  God is good!

• Alyssa went on a retreat with her fellow missions trip travelers, and flew to Portland.  God kept her safe, and also allowed for a wonderful get-to-know you time with her new friends and leaders.  God is good!

• My computer went down recently with what I thought was a virus, but a friend took a look at it and found it was a hoax and fixed it in a few short minutes.  No big repair/replacement bill.  God is good! 

• I was given the opportunity for a 2-week full time job.  I enjoy being a stay-at-home mom on a regular basis, but the opportunity is a fun break...and the extra money will be nice too.  God is good!

• My friend provided a meal to use on a night I would coming home from a long day at work, and is also helping by picking up my kids after school.  God is good!

• Many people showered my man with wonderful birthday wishes, and thoughtful gifts.  Included was another special meal to put on our table.  AND a little bit of cash to take the family to ice cream. God is good!

Can I say it again?  God IS Good!

Lord, thank you for the many ways you have opened the floodgates of heaven and poured out so much blessing on our family.  You have given us our daily bread in abundant ways, and our hearts are full of gratitude.  You go beyond providing for our basic necessities, and often give us added blessings that feel like the cherry on top.  Give us eyes, dear Jesus, so that we can see the many ways you provide for us, and help us to never take your gifts for granted. Give our children hearts of thanksgiving, taking their eyes off their own wants and desires, and becoming content with the things that they already have.  Change their attitudes only so that they desire what you desire.  Oh God you are so good, and I'm so thankful to be your child.

Helping Hands

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”--Hebrews 16:10

Alyssa & friend Luke...2004

How wonderful it is that nobody 

need wait a single moment before 

starting to improve the world.    

~Anne Frank

 Helping Hands...2004

Lord, your very nature is that of a servant, and our attitudes should be the same.  It doesn't always come naturally to us to make ourselves nothing, or to give to others sacrificially.  It's easy to worry about what's in it for me, and to take care of myself.  I see it so evidently in my children at times, and I pray, dear Jesus, that they become people who love to help others, give generously, and sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others or you.  Give them eyes to see the needs of others, and how they can help.  Prod their hearts to encourage the lonely, give to the needy, and feed the hungry. May you be reflected in their actions and attitudes, and draw others closer to you.  You are a servant, Lord, may we be one too.  

  After raking leaves, we visited with Helen...90+ years old.

Habit of Prayer

"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit."  Jude 1:20

"Kyle, did you pray about what God wants you to do about baseball?  And have you decided if you should play on Saturday or not?"  I asked recently.

 "No", he replied.

"What exactly does that mean, Kyle?"

"No, I didn't pray about it, and no I don't want to play."

Prayer is a hard discipline to learn.  I don't admit to having it all figured out.  Blogging my prayers has helped, meeting with others to pray together is encouraging, yet it still is a struggle on some days.  With practice though I sense that it's getting easier and easier.

I'm trying to teach my kids about prayer.  Assuming that if they can learn it when they are younger, it will come easier to them.  However, I fear that I'm not doing the greatest job at that either.  When opportunities arise, besides times at the dinner table, I'm working on remembering to encourage Alyssa and Kyle to pray about the decisions and challenges they are facing in their life.

I want prayer to become a natural conversation with God in my children's lives.  I want prayer to be their first line of defense when they face struggles.  Prayer can be a beautiful expression of trust, faith, and hope in a God who wants to hear everything they have to say.

So, beginning even now at this age, I pray that they fall in love with prayer.

Lord, what a wonderful thing it is that we can speak to you as one speaks with a friend.  We can unload our burdens, share our fears, and hand over our hurts to you, through moments of prayer.  Help prayer to become a real and powerful thing in the lives of our children.  Spirit, prod them to come to you in deep and intimate conversation, and build a precious relationship together as they come to you in prayer.  I pray that they find themselves speaking to you about all their doubts, fears, hopes and dreams, and in return learn to hear your voice gently whispering to them of love, guidance, and assurance.  Prayer can be a beautiful outpouring that represents a valuable relationship, and I want this for kids. Lord, thank you for hearing their prayers, and being available morning, noon, and night to answer their call to you.  God you are so good, and oh how I give you praise and thanks for the gift of prayer.

Friends

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."  Proverbs 27:17

 Kyle (3rd from the right) and his first grade buddies...2004

Kyle had some great friends in the first grade!  He doesn't have contact with most of them today (just 2), but I was thankful for such wonderful friends during that time of his life.  However, there was one of those boys that caused us a bit of worry.  There were many times where we went to prayer, had discussions with Kyle, and even met with the teacher, knowing that this boy could potentially have great impact on our son, and it wasn't the kind of impact we were hoping for.

Friends carry a lot of weight in our lives. Some for good, and some for not so good.  I am praying that my kids make wise choices in regards to who they hang out with.  But even more than that I am praying that be good friends to those around them.  I hope that they are the friend that encourages, builds up, guides in the right directions, and makes the other person better for having spent time with them.  Above all, I pray that they are the friend that shines Jesus in all that they say and do, and leads others Him just by the way they live.

"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world." --Brandi Snyder

Lord, what a beautiful gift you have give your children through the friendships of others.  Sometimes friends offer love in a way that no other can.  I pray, Lord, that you place wonderful friends right smack in the middle of my kids lives, and that they can see clearly who would make a good friend.  Make their eyes receptive to seeing those who could cause harm, or lead them further from you, and a spirit that would be sensitive to the friend/s of your choosing.  Lord, place people in their lives who would encourage them in their gifts and talents, who would draw them closer to you, and who would build them up when they've been knocked down by the word.  I pray that they have friends that challenge them to be more like you, and follow your calling in their lives.  

I also pray, dear Jesus, that our children become good friends to those around them.  Help them to shine you when they speak, when they work or play, and in all that they do.  Lord, help them to encourage others to draw closer to you, to learn more about your character and what it means to be in sweet fellowship with you,l and to live as you want them to live.  Help them to be the friend who will always tell the truth, be kind, and represent you in every moment of every day. 

Lord, above all, I pray that our children come to know you as their very best friend!  Oh how sweet it is to walk this life with you!

The Joy of Salvation

Surely God is my salvation; 

I will trust and not be afraid. 

The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; 

he has become my salvation.

With joy you will draw water 

from the wells of salvation.--Isaiah 12:2-3

Alyssa & Kyle...Easter morning 1999

Lord, I pray that my kids find the joy of your salvation, and that they live in the abundant life you have in store for them.  Your salvation is a precious gift for every one of your children, and you long for each one of them to call on your name in true belief.  I pray that our children come to a place where they truly understand their need for you, dear Jesus, and fall in their knees in awe, reverence and worship, and speak from their mouth that you are Lord.  Keep their hearts from ever turning from you, block their minds from doubt and mistrust, and protect their mouths from speaking against your name.  Lord, create in Alyssa and Kyle a clean heart, and renew in them the joy of your salvation.  For you, O God, are their salvation!

Persistence, Perseverance and Passion

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."  Hebrews 10:36

Persistent Kyle...1997

As a little tyke Kyle was always persistent in getting what he wanted.  Periodically, I still get to see that side of him.  Persistence, or perseverance, are good qualities when used for the right things, and in the right ways. 

Kyle loved bath times, and he hated it when Alyssa would be taking a bath and he wasn't allowed to go in and join her.  I would close the bathroom door, and he would cry, and cry, and cry.  However, if I left the door open so he could check out what was going on, he couldn't just "sit on the sidelines" and watch Alyssa in the bath.  He had to get in with her...no matter what.  There were many times when all of a sudden my little boy was submerged in bubbles and warm water, in his pajamas and all (don't you love soggy, wet diapers?!).

Persistence, perseverance and passion got him what he wanted!

Kyle (and Alyssa), I hope that you use those same qualities to follow God's will for your life.  Be persistent, never letting any stumbling blocks to get in your way.  Perseverance will be the key when things get tough, or days feel long.  And passion will cause you to go great lengths for the One you love!

Lord, I know the plans you have for Alyssa and Kyle's lives are for good, and will bring them into places of abundance, joy, and life.  However, there will be days I'm pretty sure, that will be filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome.  Instill in our children the desire to be persistent, persevering, and passionate about the calling you place on their lives.  Remove any tendencies to be lazy or fearful, but choose to push through no matter the cost.  Lord, your strength is what they will need to hold onto some days, and your vision is what they will need to fix their eyes on, and when they do, I know that they will find great help and blessing.  I pray that they jump into your plan for their lives, feet first and with great gusto, no matter the things that seem to be in their way, because one day they will receive what you have promised! 

Thankful Thursday: Time with Family

 Three Generations...Mother's Day...2010

We will celebrate

and praise you, LORD!

You are good to us,

and your love never fails.

No one can praise you enough

for all of the mighty things

you have done.

  --Psalm 106:1 (CEV)

Mother's Day was beautiful in our neck of the woods, and spending it with family was a treat!  The weather was perfect, so we headed to a nearby park and tried to play a game of frisbee golf.  Unfortunately, the wind was out, and our frisbees were flimsy.  We had a great time anyway!  

Papa had the best frisbee of all.

Go Kyle-man!

Grammy, Kyle isn't the target!

What's wrong, Ken?

Lyss is making a wish...

"Please help my frisbee hit the target!"

Show-off!

 Ugh!  This isn't going so well!

Soon frisbee golf became too hard,
and we decided to take a walk.

 

After taking some pictures in front of some beautiful lilac bushes (see picture above), 

the owner came out and cut some for us to take home.
So sweet!

Family time is precious!

Lord, thank you for the wonderful memories made this weekend, and for the opportunity we had to spend time together as a family.  Thank you for grandparents who invest their time and resources in order to spend time with their grandchildren.  Thank you for the relationships that mean so much, and the fun we have when we are together.  What a wonderful influence grandparents have on their grandchildren.  Conversations were sweet, and Christ was shared in each word, action, and thought.  My heart is full of thanksgiving, dear Jesus, for the laughter, the joy, and the love  that is felt when we are together.  Lord, I pray that my kids continue to value the importance of spending time together, and sense how deeply they are loved by their family.  What a precious gift you have given us, Lord, and we give you thanks!

O Be Careful Little Eyes

Kyle 1998

O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see.

O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear.

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes..."  
Psalm 101:3

Our children have an amazing amount of opportunities to gain knowledge, and see things that I can hardly begin to fathom.  Sometimes it's scary to think of all the trash that they can see, hear, or find.  Innocence is easily lost.  At the tips of their fingers they have computers, iPods, iTunes, Cell Phones, Movies, Cable TV...the list goes on and on.

This weekend I was having a chat with my kids about being careful about the things they download, and the songs that they choose to listen too, and they were insistent that I should trust them.  I want to trust them,and do, but I don't trust the enemy, especially when he seems to make the evil things of this world seem so attractive and alluring.

It reminds me of the story of "poop brownies".  One father brought out a plate of brownies to share with his children, but before they took a bite he explained that he put a just a little poop into them.   The kids were aghast that he would do such a thing, but he encouraged them that there was just a little poop in them, so why not eat them anyway.  It became a good lesson to his children on watching movies or listening to music with just a little bit of foul language, sex, or violence. 

I pray for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds, and hope that as I loose more and more control of their choices of music, apps, and movies, that they choose wisely and keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure.  Innocence and purity so that they remain sensitive, receptive and ready to hear Christ above all else.

O be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little ears what you hear.

Lord, you have so many good things for your children to see, hear and experience, yet so often there are other things that get in the way.  Temptations are rampant, and we are easily swayed to partake of things that don't please you or reflect you in our lives.  These things often drown you out, and our eyes can't see you clearly, and our ears can't hear you speak to us.  Lord, protect our children's hearts, minds, and their eyes and ears.  Keep them for making poor choices that keep them from experiencing your presence in their lives.  Make their hearts, dear Jesus, sensitive to you and the things you desire for their lives.  Remove any temptation or desire to digest things that mock you, or don't line up with your heart and mind, and pull them further from your presence in their lives.  Make our children sensitive to your spirit, and choose purity, each and every day.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I entrust their eyes, ears and hearts to you.

Little Nudges from God

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands." 2 John 1:6

Last week, in our Women's Bible study, we had a little chat about the nudges we sometimes feel from God in our lives to do something.  Some shared that God had nudged them to pray.  One shared that God nudged her to make a meal for a friend.  Nudges here and there, where God prodded them to do something.  A couple of gals even admitted that they felt God's nudges, but chose to ignore His promptings.

My kids aren't always obedient when I nudge them to do something either.  Most often, it's not that the job is too hard.  They whine and complain out of laziness, selfishness, or greed, and truly don't understand the importance of doing what they've been asked to do.  Sometimes I think that it would take a lot less time and energy to just do the job when first asked, than to sit and gripe about the task, and then have to do it anyway.

What blessings we miss out on because we don't choose to be obedient to the things God asks us to do, and when we whine, kick and scream along the way, we forfeit His peace, strength, and abundant joy.   

I'm praying that my kids learn to recognize God's nudges in their lives, and they choose immediate obedience, making themselves available to some of His greatest blessings.

"Obedience is the fruit of faith." --Christina Rossetti

Lord, you have wonderful plans for our lives, and you always have our best interests at heart, so why do we sometimes fail to be obedient to the things you ask us to do?  Why do we fail to seek you, and follow your gentle prodding? I pray that our children always choose being obedient to you, dear Jesus. Lord, replace any selfishness, with the desire to serve, give, and obey.  Take any fear residing in our children's hearts, and teach them to fully lean on you when they go where you say go.  Help them, Lord, to hear your voice speaking, leading and guiding, and showing them what they should do, where they should go, and how they should live.  I pray that their lives are marked by obedience to you, Father.  Nudge them until they heed your call on their lives, and give them all they need to follow your  plans.  Lord, your way is the only way, and obeying you is the best thing our children can do with their lives.  Nudge away, Lord, and may they be found faithful.

"I Believe"

I ran across this poem yesterday that Kyle wrote for school last year, and just had to share it today.

Lord, you are my children's firm foundation, and I pray that they always believe in you.  I pray that they believe that you are the one true God, the creator of the universe, and their only Savior.  Protect their hearts and minds from all false teachings, always holding to the truth found in your Word.  I pray that their lives are touched by passionate teachers who lead them to your truth in life changing ways, helping them to connect and understand in ways that move them to draw closer to you.  Open their eyes that they can see the real you, and the real truth of your Word.  Open their hearts, so that they are moved to follow you wherever you lead them, and so that they become more like you.  Infect their lives with you, dear Jesus, so that they reflect you all the days of their lives.  I entrust our children to your care, Lord, and pray that they believe you all the days of their lives!

Thirst for the Living Water

Repost from October 10, 2010...My computer came down with some kind of virus yesterday, and may be down for the count.  My parents are also in town to celebrate Lyssa's birthday, so I'm breaking out an old post I did on praying for my kids salvation.  It's a prayer that is never far from my heart.  Have a blessed Saturday!

Taken by Alyssa, September 2009

Today’s verse: Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."John 4:13-14

thirst (thûrst)
1. A sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat related to a need or desire to drink.
2. An insistent desire; a craving

We all thirst for something to make us happy, but only some of us find the one thing to fill that craving. We think that popularity, success, money, or love will give us fulfillment and satisfy our deepest desires. We strive to make more money, buy bigger houses, or bigger toys, yet we are left empty.

I see this in my kids sometimes. They want the next newest gadget, or the cool clothes, but once they have somehow found their “greatest heart desire”, they find something else they “need.” E-bay and Craigslist in their best friend in being able to accomplish the upgrades. The cravings live on.

Before my kids get too much older, and the cravings get bigger/deeper, I pray that they find the one thing that truly fulfills the emptiness in the depths of their soul. I pray that they are not tempted to fill this thirst with drugs, sex, pornography, gambling, or alcohol, or things that lead them away from God. Instead, I hope they seek out Christ, the Living Water.

If they thirst for something, may they thirst for Christ, all the days of their lives! Lord, You are the Living Water, and you quench the thirsts we each have in the depths of our souls. I pray that when my kids sense longings or emptiness that they turn their eyes towards you to be all that they need. You are their wellspring of life, and their eternal life. You are their salvation. You are the greatest answer for all their needs. I pray that they will seek you, and they will find you, all the days of their lives. Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son, and the gift of your salvation. May we always live thirsting for more of you!

Facebook Praise

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."  Psalm 40:5

I loved seeing this on my daughter's Facebook status yesterday...

And this...

Not only did I love seeing that my daughter truly recognizes God's love for her, and that He blesses her with wonderful things, but she was also willing to share that with 360 of her "closest" friends.  Some of those friends may not even know Christ in a personal way, but they got to see an inside picture of His love and blessing in someone else's life.  She was not ashamed to give credit, honor, and praise, where praise was due! 

I pray that my children's eyes are always open to the many ways God is trying to get their attention, and remind them of His love for them.  For some it may be a rain shower, for others it may finding the perfect parking spot, but He wants to speak to each one of us individually and intentionally.  What an amazing thing to ponder and hold onto. 

Oh how He loves you and me!
Let's shout it for the whole world to hear!

Lord, I pray that we become people who continually offer to you a sacrifice of praise, so that the whole world will know you in a personal and precious way.  May our praise always be on the forefront of our minds, and on the tip of our tongues.  Open our children's eyes, dear Jesus, that they may see all the wondrous ways you show them your love.  Help them to recognize the blessings you shower them with, and the treasures you place in their lives as a reminder that they are your children.  In turn, may they always be faithful to declare your praise, and give you thanks.  God you are so good, and I can hardly comprehend your abundant blessing in our lives.  Thank you for the blessing of rain, in my daughter's life.  Lord, you give good gifts, and I give you praise.

Thankful Thursday: Hints of Love

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, 

God lives in us and his love 
is made complete in us."  1 John 4:12

This is a picture I received as a text last weekend when Kyle was out of town at a baseball tournament.  He admits that he was made to hold this sign and get his picture taken, but it made my day anyway.  I'll take whatever love I can get.  

Oh, I'm praying it never stops!

Lord, thank you for the little reminders of love and thanksgiving I see in my children.  I know that there are days when I wonder and wait expectantly.  Others tell me that as they become adults love will flow from their lips more readily.  In the meantime I'll accept the little hints of love I get now.  As they continue to grow through their teenage years, I pray that you protect our relationships.  There will be days when I'm sure we won't like each other very much, and even use words we will later regret, but I pray that we will always love one another.  Keep our hearts open, accepting little signs of love, and give forgiveness and understanding abundantly. 

I pray that our children always know how much they are loved by their mother and father.  Even in the moments where we have to lay down the rules, hold to our boundaries, and make choices that they don't necessarily like, may they know we have their best interest in mind.  Lord, teach me to love our children the way that they need to be loved, and in ways that build them up and not tear them down.  Prompt me to not squish them with my claims of love, but to love as they need, gently reminding them that I am always here and will love them no matter what.  

Lord, may we always love one another.

Happy Sweet Sixteen!

 Happy Birthday, Dear Daughter!

May 5, 1994

There are many things that I'd like to say to my sweet daughter today, on her sixteenth birthday, but as I pondered and contemplated what exactly to write, I was reminded of a prayer of commissioning that Beth Moore spoke at her So Long, Insecurity simulcast on April 24, 2010.  This speaks my heart for my daughter on her birthday.  I pray that she grows into a woman who is strong in her faith, easily trusts and depends on God, and believes in the woman God has created her to be. 

My Dear Sister/Daughter

If Christ is Your Savior

You are the dwelling place

Of His own Spirit

You have it IN YOU

to be secure.

Every day of your life

You have a choice to make

You can live in your old defeat

Or you can turn from your unbelief

And choose life

Make up your mind

To put off the old you

And put on the new you.

Never, ever, ever forget

That the Lord is your security.

He will keep your foot

From being caught in a trap.

He will take care of you

To your very last breath.

Now, leave this place

And go out into the world

And act like a person

Who knows she’s dearly loved.

You were born to be exceptional.

So, Girlfriend/Daughter, go forth

And walk worthy of your calling.

You are clothed in strength and dignity!

Now unto Him

Who can keep you from falling

Be glory and majesty

Power and authority

Through Jesus Christ our Lord

Now and forever more

Amen.

So Long, Insecurity!

(Beth Moore, 2010) 

 Alyssa...2010 

I love you, my daughter!  Happy Sweet Sixteen!  Daily I am praying for you.  My greatest hope is that you fall in love with Jesus and follow Him all of your life.  I pray that you believe with all your heart that He loves you, and He created you in beautiful ways.  You are precious to your Dad and I, and we love you beyond what words can say.  We look forward to watching God\'s plan unfold in your life, and how He will make Himself known to you in amazing ways.  Stand firm in Him, girl.  Happy Birthday!  We love you! 

Watch Out for the Mailbox!

"Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."  Proverbs 4:27

My kids are catching on.  Sometimes I have to ask clarifying questions to some of their childhood memories, and they'll ask "is that for your blog?" or "are you going to write about that in your blog?"  If I'm not careful, they're going to quit passing me information because I'm talking about them.  Or they'll start charging me like they do their dad. When Ken talks about them in his sermon they get a good cut.  They even have spies everywhere who are willing to tattle if they weren't there to hear their name used.  It's extortion.

Anyway, I was reminded of a Kyle-story this morning, but had to ask him a detail..."Yep, it's going in the blog."  Poor kid.

Riding their bikes to school used to be a novelty.  To Alyssa and Kyle it was a great sign of freedom to be able to go the mile there, and the mile back, without any adult supervision.  Oh, it killed me the first few times to see them off and not know if they made it there safely or not.  In my head, I would fret over how long it would take the school to call me if they didn't arrive to school that morning.  Fret, fret, pray, pray.

Their trip home didn't worry me as much.  I knew I was their end destination, so I would wait patiently to see one of them turn the corner into our subdivision.

One day, Alyssa came through the door huffing and puffing, without her brother exclaiming that he got hurt.  So, I piled in the van to go find him.  A nice lady, who had worked at the school had stopped to help him, and was waiting alongside him until I got there.

I don't know exactly how it all went down...whether he was talking to a friend, or fighting with his sister, or if he was just day dreaming.  But I do know WHAT went down (ha!)...Kyle must have taken his eyes off where he was going and he ran straight into a mailbox.  Ouch.

I can smile about this little mishap now, years later.  In the moment, not so much, even though it was a bit humorous.  It reminds me today, however, to pray for my kids to keep their eyes fixed on the right path, not swaying here or there, because they might run into something that has dire consequences in their lives.  Some of it seems trivial to them...music and movie choices, friend decisions, even their fighting with one another.  Before they know it however, there will be a "mailbox" right in their path.  Some things, unfortunately, will take them off into bumpier paths that contain bigger obstacles and deeper potholes. 

Choose, my children, to stay on the straight and narrow path...the path God has designed and leads you down, because there you will find yourself on the greatest (and safest) ride of your life.

Lord, sometimes the path seems narrow, hard, and "boring", to use my kids term, but your path for our life is the best one, and will lead us to a place of great joy, peace, and safety.  Help our children to stay the course, and fix their eyes on you, not swaying to the right or to the left.  Protect them, dear Jesus, from the big potholes of life.  Help them to hear your voice, whispering in the ear, "this is the way, walk in it."  Lord, sometimes the other paths in life seem more inviting, or contain more excitement and pleasure, but really they can lead to such great destruction.  Help them to see the falseness of those lies, and believe the truth that your way is the best way, the only way, and the rewards are truly beyond anything else.  I pray that our children fix their eyes on your path, and are alert and watchful to the "mailboxes" that will pop up here and there in their path, staying clear of any harm.  Lord, you are their refuge, their life, and their all in all.  May they know in their hearts that truth!

Growing Up Secure

"But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you." Ephesians 4:20-24 (The Message)


It was kind of a tough weekend in the baseball world. Suffice it to say, the mama bear is coming out in me.

Kyle plays on two baseball teams right now. I'll tell you what, we are busy, busy, busy with ball!
One coach encourages Kyle's potential,
And suffice it to say, one coach doesn't.

We all have both of those kind of people in our lives.
Encouragers and discouragers.

Often, however, we hold onto the negativity others pass on to us,
Our minds fix on someone's complaint, laughter, or attitude.
Our hearts believe the worse about ourselves.
Our ears hear the words of ugliness,
and we tend to live in the discouraging "truth".
Insecurity takes root, and spreads rampantly.

Today, my prayer is that God helps dig out the roots of doubt, fear, and insecurity in our children's lives. And in their place, He plants the seeds of confidence, strength and dignity.

Alyssa & Friends Gardening...2006

God, grow up children who stand firm in who you've made them to be!

Lord, you have fearfully and wonderfully made your children, and you love each one of us in individual and special ways. I pray, dear Jesus, that my kids rest in that truth, and believe with all of their hearts and minds that you love them, and have great things planned for their lives. Lord, diminish the volume of insecurity and discouragement that they hear from other people's words and actions. Help them to focus their eyes on your truth, to fix their minds on your promise, and to rest their hearts in your love. Remove any insecurity and negativity, Lord, and replace it with your strength and dignity. Send encouragers into our children's lives that build them up, and not tear them down. In turn, make Alyssa and Kyle encouragers to the people in their lives, reflecting you with their words, actions and thoughts. Lord, thank you for loving your children with an everlasting love, and being the greatest encourager of all.

No Surpise Gifts!

Happy Birthday, Alyssa...2007

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Birthday's are great fun around here! Of course, I get frustrated as a mom because I never can come up with the "greatest gift of all", all by myself. Often the kids state an idea for the one thing that would bring them the most happiness. However, if I think of something all on my own that could be awesome, somehow the birthday person ends up suggesting it as a gift idea before the big day arrives. I can never win.

Every year the birthday person knows what they are getting from me. Somehow I need to break this cycle. What fun is it knowing your gift before you get it?

The one gift I really want my kids to know about, is God's gift of eternal life. I pray that they experience the wonderful joy of accepting that gift, and living in the blessed "ownership" of His salvation. It will be the gift that keeps on giving, and day by day they will reap the benefits of peace, hope, joy, love, guidance, and wisdom. Now that is the "greatest gift of all".

This week someone in our household turns 16! Wowza. Is that really possible?

The gift is already bought. Will it be a grand surprise? Probably not.

Lord, you offer us the greatest gift of all...eternal life. It's a free gift, and once we accept it, our lives are changed forever. I pray, dear Jesus, that our children realize what a great gift it is that you are offering them, and they open their hands and hearts wide, and live in the joy of such a precious treasure. May they understand the value that life in you holds. Lord, thank you for giving eternal life to this lost world. May our children, always live as your children, living in the peace that life with you brings. I love you, Heavenly Father. Thank you for the life I have in you!