Stepping Up to the Plate

"Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident."  Psalm 27:3

 Kyle at the plate...June 2010

Kyle is on a 13 year-old All-Star team this summer, and with it comes weekends full of baseball games.  The tournaments give us anywhere from 3-5 games in a weekend depending on how the team does.  This weekend we played 5 games in all, ending up in second place.  Not a bad finish, though there was a bit of disappointment that we didn't win the championship. 

In the final game for the championship, the team came into the final inning down 1-5.  First batter got out.  Second batter got out.  Third and fourth batter walked.  Then Kyle got up.  I always start to stress when he gets up to the plate with such pressure.  Three balls and one strike later he hits the ball for a single!  Yeah, son! Unfortunately, the next batter got out and we lost the game.

After the game, I asked Kyle if he gets nervous when he steps up to the plate, when the pressure is on...two outs on the board, and the game on the line.  Because I'll tell you what, his mom gets nervous.  His answer was, "No. Why?"

I like the fact that Kyle doesn't get panicked in intense situations like that.  What a gift he has to be confident and at peace, no matter the outcome.  Soon he will face job interviews, asking a girl on a date, learning to drive, and situations that may cause a little more anxiety than a ball game.  I am praying that "stepping up to the plate" in those situations will be faced with courage, confidence, and control, and result in a huge "hit"!

"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure."  --Sven Goran Eriksson

Lord, you have wonderfully created our children, with gifts, talents and purpose.  I watch with wonder and excitement, each time I see them blossom in an area I have never seen before.  I pray that they never settle for less than you have purposed for their lives.  Instill in their hearts and minds a confidence that they can do anything they set their mind too, or anything you ask them to do.  When fear, anxiety, or nervousness begins to overtake them, may Alyssa and Kyle look to you for strength and courage.  Lord, I believe that they can do anything, with you by their side, strengthening them.  May their confidence always come from you, their one and only God.

Mexico, Here She Comes!

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  Acts 1:8

Alyssa & friend at VBS...June 2010

We've dropped Alyssa off for her missions trip to Mexico.  In some ways it is bittersweet.  This will be the longest time we have been apart (4 weeks), she will be in a foreign country, and we will miss her greatly.  At the same time, I know that this is a wonderful opportunity that I wouldn't want her to miss.  She will be making new friends, sharing Jesus with others that don't know Him, experience the happiness others in this world have despite their poverty, and hopefully have a personal experience with Christ herself. 

This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I know God has great things planned for her.  You better believe it, I will be on my knees in prayer!

Oh Lord, I'm entrusting Alyssa to your care today, and every day while she is away.  You've planned these moments, and this trip, just for her, and have great things in store for her.  Lord, open her eyes.  Open her eyes to see the world from a different view, and through the eyes of others less fortunate than herself.  Open her eyes to the needs of others, and give her insight and direction in order to bless and encourage those you place in her path.  Lord, and open her eyes so that she can see you in a new way, and find herself believing you in a deeper and more intimate way.  Give her the strength to experience things that she thinks will be too hard, too gross, or not what she "wants".  Help her to think beyond herself, and look to the interest of others.  I pray that these next four weeks are life changing for Lyssa, and she comes home more beautiful in you, and deeper in love with her Savior.  Oh, Lord, watch over her and keep her safe.  I leave her in your hands.

Promise Keepers

"When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it."  Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

Oh. the days have been long over the last week, but I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I just finished Vacation Bible School, watching Kyle play at a baseball tournament, and getting Alyssa packed for her missions trip to Mexico.  We're heading to Oregon this morning to drop her off.  It's been a crazy whirlwind over the last 2 weeks, but I can testify that God has given me just the strength I have needed for each day.  (Now if I could just get Him to give me all the extra minutes I need for each day.  Ha!)

In the process of my busy life, I've been tempted to let a few commitments slide...one of them being this blog.  I committed to the Lord I would write a prayer each day for my kids.  I'm not sure how long He's asking me to keep it going, but some days it's a real struggle to figure out how to fit it in.  But a commitment is a commitment...and I'm not sure I want to break a promise with God. 

In my kids lives, especially with each other, promises are easily made, and promises are easily broken.  Unfortunately, our world is not big on keeping commitments either...in marriages, jobs, and even church.  It's so easy to not follow through when the going gets tough. 

Today, I pray that my kids go against the grain, and become promise keepers.  

Lord, your Word says that it is better to not make a vow, than to make a vow and not keep it.  I pray that our children become promise keepers, and choose wisely before uttering words of commitments.  Give them the endurance to work hard, when the promise no longer seems attractive, easy, or worth the effort.  When things seem hard, may they look to you Lord for guidance, courage, and encouragement.  I pray that our kids don't cringe at the thought of commtiment and promises, but go forward only when lead by you, dear Jesus.  Above all, may Alyssa and Kyle commit to you, and live their lives out of that commitment, all their days. 

Vacation BIble School Recap

"Give me life through your word."  Psalm 119:37

That was our Bible Point verse at VBS on Thursday. Our focus that night was that God's Word is life-changing!  Let me tell you a bit about our week...

We decorated our church...

...and prepared for lots of kids!

Would you believe that we had a few show up?

82 different children to be exact.  Over half who don't come to our church.

We sang...

We did crafts...

We played games...

We watched some experiments...

We ate...

And above all we had lots of fun hearing about God...

12 kids accepted Christ...that we know of, and we gave away 12 Bibles to kids who didn't already have one! 

What an awesome week it was!I'm late, but had much more to say.  I'll have to come back and finish this post later. 

We had a story to tell this week, and we sure had fun doing it!

God our Defender

Please note:  This is a repost from September 2009.  Today is the last day of VBS, and though I thought I was ahead of the game and would have time to write a blog, I don't.  It's 3:00 a.m, and I have yet to get to bed. HA!  I would covet your prayers for the new day that will begin just around the corner!  Along with VBS, Kyle has two games I can't attend, so I thought this post would be perfect for today.

Winners of last week's tournament...Kyle 2nd from the right on bottom

"When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them." Isaiah 19:20

This summer God reminded me that He is our Defender in a real way, and I was able to teach my son an amazing lesson about God. Kyle was on a baseball team this summer, with a new coach, and as the summer went on, and more and more games were played, I watched my son become discouraged by his lack of playing time. He would walk away from a game with his shoulders slumped, and his mood saddened, not understanding why his coach wasn't using him to the best of his potential. Each game he would arrive with hope, and leave with disappointment.

One day, God gave me a word, as I pleaded with Him to intervene. He said to me, "I am Kyle's defender." Even a song started flowing through my mind...

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord.
We will wait upon the Lord.

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliver
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary.

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need.
You lift us up on wings like eagles.

("Everlasting God" by Chris Tomlin)

I began praying through Isaiah 19:20, and entrusting that God would surely be Kyle's defender in this situation. I even shared with Kyle the word God gave me. And, guess what! He was!!! The next game, Kyle played the entire game, and at his usual position. God was faithful! The "problem" still shows its head periodically, but each time I am reminded that God will be Kyle's defender.

God will be my kids protector and healer, and He will always champion for their souls. He can do the job so much better than I!

Lord, I come to you and pray that you will show yourself to be our kids "defender". Fight for them, against the evil one who wants to draw them away from You, and keep them living their lives for You. Protect them when they are put in situations where they have to choose right from wrong. Keep their mind steadfast in You and help them to always stand firm in their faith. May you, Lord, always be their Savior.

Thankful Thursday: A Little Act of Kindness

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12

On Tuesday, my daughter blessed my socks off. 

We're busy, busy, busy with Vacation Bible School, baseball, and getting Alyssa ready to head out on her missions trip to Mexico.  Needless to say, this mama has been running around like a chicken with her head cut off.  One of the difficulties has been getting all that my daughter needs for her trip.  We've had several shopping trips, but we just haven't found everything.  So, a friend took Lyss shopping on Tuesday, to see if they could finish it up.  They came back with all but one thing...now that's something to be thankful  for, let me tell you!

And besides the things they purchased, my daughter's hand beheld a large raspberry ice tea from Sonic...one of my favorites!  I don't know why it surprised me so, but I felt totally loved. 

One of those little moments that make a mom thankful for her life!

Lord, thank you for the joy that comes from being a mother, and for the little glimpses that they are "turning out" alright!  I love seeing you at work in our children's lives, and how they are becoming more and more like you!  Oh the hope it gives me!  Lord, continue to make Alyssa and Kyle compassionate, thoughtful and encouraging to those around them.  Thinking of others doesn't always come naturally, but changes as they grow up.  Lord, you have given us beautiful children, and I give you all the thanks and praise! 

God's Word is True

"Yet you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true."  Psalm 119:151

On Monday night we began our Vacation Bible School week!  Whew. Our main point that night was "God's Word is True!"  It reminded me of Alyssa and Kyle's Sunday school teacher, when they were 2  and 3 years old.  She began every Sunday school lesson by holding up her Bible and saying "Everything in the Bible is true."  What a profound lesson to drill into those little kids heads.  And oh how I pray that it sticks.

Believing that God's Word is true, will dramatically change how they live their lives from here on out.

Lord, your Word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, and leads us into all truth because it is truth.  Today, I am reminded to pray that my children come to a strong belief that what is within the pages of your Word is true  Lord, make your Word come alive to them as they study and read it.  Please speak to each and every need that they have, and give them direction and wisdom when they seek it in your Word.  I pray, Lord, that my children begin to crave time reading your Scripture, and find it drawing them closer to you.  Your Word is a beautiful gift to your children, and it's a treasure for us to  hold onto, because it shows us more of you, and allows us to hear you speak to us.  Thank you for such a wonderful gift!

Hands That Work...#2

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands..."  1 Thessalonians 4:11

It's summer...according to the school calendar, not the weather.  This is just a side note, but I was so chilled last night, I turned on my electric blanket when I got into bed last night, and still shivered for an hour before I fell asleep.  It's the end of June, man!

Anyway, back to the real reason I'm writing...

It's summer, and my kids have little to keep themselves busy and productive.  As teenagers they are wanting to sleep the day away, lie on the couch all day, and not lift a hand.  Part of it's my fault because for the life of me, I can't find them a ton work to do around the house, and the things I could have them do, I do them myself....probably because it's just easier.  However, what am I teaching them, or what are they becoming?  I don't want them to be lazy slugggards, I have decided.  (Oh, won't that make their day.)

I think my kids are pretty good at doing jobs when I ask them to do them.  So, in some ways I find this problem mine.  However, helping out around the house does not come naturally to them.  They don't clean their rooms, for the sake of having a peace place to sleep.  They don't pick up the bathroom, because they know if a guest were to stop by, that is the bathroom they would naturally use and we would love it to be looking presentable.  They don't fold the laundry as it's piled high on my bed, ready to be folded, or do the laundry when they are out of clothes.  And do they empty the dishwasher, when they know it's full of clean dishes?  Nope, they just pile their dirty dishes in the sink, for the next guy to find the dishwasher ready to unload.

My kids don't come by working hard naturally.  Of course, I don't think that I did either.  (Funny, I just realized I wrote about this subject a month ago...Hands that Work)

As I've been running myself ragged with Vacation Bible School, and watching my kids soak in their summer or leisure, I just decided I needed to once again pray that they learn to have hands that work... and work hard!

Of course, I probably need to pray that I get better and teaching them this "art".

 Lyssa "helping" Dad put together her new dresser...2009

Lord, you've given us wonderful hands that can do most anything.  They can love, in one single motion.  They can worship and glorify you.  Or they can work hard.  Our hands are an amazing part of our physical makeup.  I pray, Lord, that our children learn to use their hands to do all these wonderful things.  I also pray that their minds learn to find the value of helping others, working hard, and doing their part in the world. They will have to choose to use their hands to make a good wage and provide for their families.  They will need to decide if their hands will keep a good home, take care of their children, and fulfill their responsibilities in life.  Give them minds and hands that choose work hard and do the things that you've called them to do.  Help our children to be disciplined, hard working, and compassionate to those in need of added assistance.  It comes naturally to be lazy, and allow others to do all the work, but I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will learn the value that comes when they use their hands even in the menial tasks of life.

He Alone

"The Almighty will be your gold,  the choicest silver for you."  Job 22:25

My kids like to dream about what it would be like to be rich.  They have a million and one ways to spend their wealth. They are never far from a list of "wants".  Today the list includes a trampoline, a new phone, a better iHome, shoes, etc., etc.  So many things that will bring happiness. Or so they think.

What I want them to learn is that they are already rich beyond measure.  Our God is the greatest treasure!  He alone will satisfy our deepest longings.  He alone will bring true joy.  He alone will meet our needs.

He alone.

Lord, you are the most awesome of treasures, and can fill every want and need.  You are the treasure that is not hidden far from us, and when we seek you, we will find you!  I pray, dear Jesus that my children's eyes are open to the truth that you alone will satisfy every longing, meet every need, and are the richest of treasures.  Oh what rejoicing to be done when we receive your inheritance as your Sons and Daughters.  We are rich in you, Father!  You are the greatest treasure, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will grab hold and live in the wealth that comes as your children.  You alone, Lord.  You alone.



P.S.  Vacation Bible School starts today...we are going on a "High Seas Adventure".  Therefore the idea for today's blog about God being our Treasure!  Oh to pass on this  powerful message this week!  I'd covet your prayers!

God Our Father

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."  Romans 8:15

Stand in Awe

"I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord."  Habakkuk 3:2

Daria, Kyle, and Alyssa...Oregon Coast...2005

Sometimes, when you see evidence of God in your life, you just have to raise your hands in worship.  I'm not sure if that is what Daria was really doing in this picture, but I know that every time I see the power of the ocean, my heart just wants to cry out in worship.  What are the things in your life, that move you to stand in awe and adoration of our God?  

A beautiful sunset.

My children's laughter.

The sound of the river rushing by.

The smell of lilacs.

A child talking about God, or singing their heart out to Him.

Crickets outside my window.

A rainbow.

There are a lot of things that aren't "cool", "sound interesting", or are "bo-rrring" in a teenager's life.  It's a common occurence to hear those things around here.  Oh how I want my kids to recognize God in their every day lives, and find things that move them to worship Him.  There is nothing, and no one, more worthy of our awe.

Lord, you are so worthy of our praise. You deserve all of our honor, adoration, and awe.  You are so evident in the daily things our lives, yet often we miss it.  Lord, open my children's eyes so that they may see you clearly.  May they stand in awe of your power and majesty when they look at your creation.  Or sense your love when they read your Word, or see you in someone else's life, or recognize your blessings.  I pray that my children recognize your presence, and your work in their lives, moment by moment.  Lord, I want them to always stand in awe of your deeds, your presence, and your blessing.  God, you are so good!

Live Deeply

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."  1 John 2:28 (The Message)

I love how the Message paraphrases that verse..."Live deeply in Christ."  I just want to ponder that today. Oh, my greatest prayer for Alyssa and Kyle.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to love you, and live deeply in you. May they not be tempted to just know of you, and live in the knowledge of what they've learned about you since they were little, but choose to strive to KNOW you deeper and better.  Sideline observers get a small taste of you, but those who choose to participate face to face in a relationship with you, experience first-hand the Living Water.  You, Lord, quench every thirst, and satisfy the deepest of hungers.  But living deeply in You is a choice one has to make every day.  Lord, spur our children on to laying down their selfish desires, or worldly yearnings, and to seek first your Kingdom, with their entire heart.  And now, Jesus, help our children to stay with you. Move them to live deeply in you. Then they'll be ready when you appear, ready to receive you with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when you arrive.  I pray, Lord, that they love you deeper than I can ever imagine, because you are the One that I love.

Drudgery Do

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness..."  1 Peter 1:5

Picture taken by Lyssa...2010

I read a thought provoking devotional out of Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest yesterday morning (I've posted the link below after the quote, in case you want to read the devotional thought in it's entirety).  There are so many parts of it that I would like to quote.  It spoke to me in many ways.

I hate to say it, but I cringe whenever my kids say "But that doesn't sound like fun" or "That's boring."  There are things in life that seem like drudgery, yet we still need to do them.  Life isn't all about fun and games.   

Drudgery is the test of genuine character. The greatest hindrance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. Yet, “Jesus . . . took a towel and . . . began to wash the disciples’ feet . . .” (John 13:3-5).

Choosing to do things that are good and right, even if they are boring, hard, or uncool, builds character and opens the door to God's blessing and activity in our lives. 

"I must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life has all of the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I will do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience all of the magnificent grace of God is mine through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ."  Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" (June 15, 2010)

I'm praying that my children's lives are marked by obedience, even when it seems like drudgery, because who knows what God will do in them, or through them.  Oh He is so good!

Lord, your grace is so amazing!  What a thought that you can use every detail of our lives...the little, mundane, and seemingly insignificant...to change us in the inside, draw us closer to you, or make a difference in someone else's life.  Father, help our children to choose to be obedient even in the things in life that seem to be drudgery and insignificant.  Out of their obedience, Lord, show them yourself.  Living in faith, means that sometime we don't know the "why" behind the things you ask of us, but we still choose to follow you wherever you lead.  I pray that their faith is so huge, that they will always choose to be obedient to the calling you issue on their lives.  Build their character in such a way that immediately respond, move their feet to go where you send them, and use their hands to work for you.  May your magnificent grace be our children's through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ.

Giving their Time and Talents

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."  1 Peter 4:10

Find Alyssa & Kyle...Our first VBS...1997

We are 6 days away from our church's Vacation Bible School.  VBS is one of our highlights each year, and our church does it up big.  In the final days before the big event, there are many things that need to be done, and many hours spent at the church.  The last two weeks, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my daughter use her gifts and lend her hand to help.

 By Alyssa giving of her time, and using her gifts, she is a small part of changing children's lives at Vacation Bible School.  She is also a part of making the load lighter for others.  By her giving of her time and talents, she is blessing many other people's lives.

I pray that will always be true of her life.

Thank you, Alyssa, for all your hard work!  What a blessing you've been to so many!

Oh Lord, you have gifted our children in so many ways, and you have specific purposes for their lives using those gifts.  Thank you for being their Master designer, and making them in such wonderful ways!  They are your children for sure!  I pray, dear Jesus, that they always choose to use their time and talent to serve you, help others, and show the world how to find you.  I pray that compassion fills their spirit, and flows out in their words and actions towards others.  I pray that they hold loosely to their own expectations, needs, and desires, and give freely of their time and talents to make a difference in other people's lives.  You can use their gifts in so many ways, if their hearts, minds, and bodies are willing.  In doing so they will be faithfully administering your grace in its various forms to others. Lord, thank you that you use us to show your love to others. Amen!

His Hand

"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13

 Father and Son...1998

Lord, thank you for holding our hand through life, and walking faithfully beside us.  When we are afraid, or don't know our way, you lovingly lead us and reassure us with your presence. I pray, Lord, that like a human father, you'll gently take our children by the hand and lead them in the way they should go.  Your hand brings strength and courage, when circumstances are hard.  It brings support and reassurance, when the days seem overwhelming and dark.  The gentle touch of your hand fills your children with confidence, love, and hope.  Your arms of comfort are tender and loving to all you have made.  Your gentle hand is life giving, and offers a safety that the world cannot give.  Lord, hold our children's hand through thick and thin.  Guide them into your most perfect will for their lives.  Lead them into your presence day by day.  Lord, your hand beautifully draws us to you, and in the shelter of your arms.  Thank you, for holding on tight to your children!

Know Him!

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."  John 17:3

 Alyssa & Kyle, and our dog Zoe... 2005

Here's your little Greek lesson for today! 

To know = "Ginosko"

1. to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel
   
   1. to become known
2. to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of
   
   1. to understand
   2. to know
3. Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman
4. to become acquainted with, to know

I have written in the margins of my Bible another definition:  an intimate knowledge and fellowship.

I want my kids to know God in an intimate way.  The intimacy that comes when we spend time together, and get to know each other inside and out, up and down, and through thick and thin.

My kids (and husband) know things about me that most others do not, and it's because we live in the same house.  It's hard to hide what I look like in the morning, or how I act when I'm angry, or what foods I like or dislike, when we spend so much time together.  They know the real Tresa.  

I want my kids to know God like that...living so closely to Him that they know what He likes and dislikes, what His voice sounds like, and how He feels about them personally.  The closer they abide with Him, the more they will know and love Him, and experience this wonderful eternal life that He has for them.

Knowing Him intimately, is the best part of life!

Lord, as I pray for our children's salvation today, I am reminded that an intimacy with you is one of the greatest blessings we receive when we accept you as our personal Savior.  Salvation allows us to live with you, and get to know you in an intimate and personal way.  Lord, I long for our children to know you, love you, and live with you every day of their lives.  I pray that Your Spirit infuses their heart, mind and soul, causing them to live in your peace, joy, and hope.  Lord, move them to hunger and thirst after you.  As they investigate who you are, may they find you in beautiful ways.  Thank you, Lord, that you made a way for your children to live with you forever, and forever can begin here on earth.

Life and Death Choices

"When good people turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. And when a wicked person turns away from his wicked life and starts living a just and righteous life, he'll come alive."  Ezekiel 33:18-19 (The Message)

Camping find...Grammy, Alyssa & Kyle...1998

Choices.  Every day our children are faced with making choices.
Will they make wise choices?
Safe choices?
Moral choices?
Choices that bring life?

Today, I gave one child some freedom to leave home, with a bike, and have lunch with friends.  Another child is spending the night with a friend.  While our children are out and about without us, they are in the position to make choices. I'm praying, good choices.

Each day that passes brings us closer to them leaving home, and the choices that they make won't necessarily have consequences with mom and dad...they may even get to the point where they could care less what we even think about their life choices.  However, those choices could have life and death kinda consequences. Each decision or action, will either bring our children closer to God, or take them farther away from His presence and will.

I pray that they will always choose to honor God in all that they say and do.
Choose wisely, dear ones!

Lord, please watch over our children, and protect them.  Move your Spirit in them, prodding them to always make choices that keep them safe, and reflect your presence in their lives.  Live and move in their hearts, Jesus.  May they always hear your voice behind them saying, "This is the way, walk in it."  Remove any fantasy from them, Lord, that things not of you bring happiness and pleasure.  Help them to find their deep joy and eternal satisfaction only in you.  Protect them from others who may lead them astray.  Lord, when Alyssa and Kyle turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. But if they come to a place in their lives and need to turn away from their wicked life and they start living a just and righteous life, they'll come alive.  What a beautiful promise of unconditional love, and the gift you give us, Lord, when we are repentant.  Thank you, for your forgiveness, and making us new when we choose turn back to you!  Lord, I pray that our children always choose You!

Thankful Thursday: Loving His Word

"Then he opened their minds so they could 
understand the Scriptures."  Luke 24:45

Here's an interesting statistic about Bible reading today...

"Young adults are significantly less likely than older adults to strongly agree that the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches. Just 30% of Mosaics (ages 18-25) and 39% of Busters (ages 26-44) firmly embraced this view, compared with 46% of Boomers (ages 45-63) and 58% of Elders (ages 64+).

While many young adults are active users of the Bible, the pattern shows a clear generational drop-off – the younger the person, the less likely then are to read the Bible. In particular, Busters  and Mosaics are less likely than average to have spent time alone in the last week praying and reading the Bible for at least 15 minutes. Interestingly, none of the four generations were particularly likely to say they aspired to read the Bible more as a means of improving their spiritual lives."  The Barna Group, October, 2009

I love my Bible, and I want my kids to love their Bibles too.

Being in ministry, I regularly find people who struggle to spend time in the Word.  They don't understand it, they are frightened by what it says, or maybe they don't find it applicable to their lives.  Sometimes I mourn people's choice to set the Scriptures aside and allow others to teach it to them second hand.  Though that is better than nothing, I long for others to fall in love with His Word, and choose to soak in it daily. Especially my kids.  

Lord, your Word is so sweet, and it tells of your love for your children.  Your Word speaks to us about who you are, and allows us to know you intimately.  Holy Spirit, open Alyssa and Kyle's minds so they can understand your Scriptures, and cone to know you in a personal way.  Give them a hunger and thirst to dig deeper, understand more fully, and hide Your Word in their heart.  Lord, when they open the pages of Scripture, may the words come alive to them, and they hear you, God of the Universe, speaking to them in personal ways.  Thank you for your Word.  Thank you that it's living and active, and speaks to our condition.  Lord, you are so good!

Look At Your Hair!

"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."  Psalm 34:12-13

 Alyssa with "trampoline hair"...1999

Pinocchio gave me an idea when it came to teaching my children about lies.  I remember feeling that I needed some way to convince my little ones that I knew when they were fibbing.  So, one day, it just slipped out of my mouth..."I know you are not telling me the truth.  Did you guys know that when you lie, you're hair starts sticking up?"  Their eyes grew big, and their hands went to the top of their heads, looking quickly to the mirror.

Yesterday the kids and I had a good laugh at my old fib about fibbing.  As they have gotten older they have learned the truth about my tale, and it no longer works like it used to, but I'm trusting that God will check their spirit whenever they are tempted to lie.  I pray that truth will always be on their lips.

If not, their mom might just say, "Is your hair sticking up?"

O, Lord, our mouths can get us in such trouble sometimes.  Often our words don't reflect your presence in our lives.  I pray that you help guard our children's tongues, and that no matter how hard it is, that they always choose to tell the truth.  May your Spirit always cause a check in their hearts and minds when they are tempted to lie.  May speaking false always cause a bitter taste in their mouths, and an unsettled feeling in their spirit.  A tongue cannot speak lies, and at the same time honor you.  I pray, Lord, that they will always glorify you with the words of their mouths. 

Grow, Baby, Grow!

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."  2 Peter 3:18

Growth is just a fact of life.  Just take note of the pictures below. 

 Kyle enjoying "Candyland"...1999

  Kyle enjoying "Monopoly"...2010

Eleven years changes a guy, that's for sure!

His physical changes are most noticeable!  And intellectually he can handle a much more challenging game.  He has grown in his vocabulary, abilities, and wisdom.  With time, he has even grown and matured in his faith. 

I can't wait to see what Kyle will look like in another eleven years.  He'll be a young man, with a job or career, and possibly a family of his own.  Where he will live, go to church, or have a ministry, will be such a joy to behold.

Above all, I pray that Kyle continues to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ!
I pray that he grows in his faith.
I pray that he grows in holiness.
I pray that he grows in obedience and joy.

I'm trusting that God is going to do amazing things in his life!  Grow, Kyle, grow!

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and love, as you have helped my children grow.  Thank you for giving them good health, able bodies, and sound minds.  Through the years, you have protected them in so many ways, and you've always guided them day by day.  Lord, I pray that you continue to grow them up to be wonderful adults who love you, serve you, and know you intimately. Grow their faith in you, and teach them to trust in you for their daily needs.  As they come to your Word, make it alive to them, so that they grow in their knowledge of you.  Lord, don't ever stop parenting our children, helping them to grow into adults who live for you.  Daily pursue them in ways that they recognize it's you, and come to know and believe in your deep love for them.  Thank you, Lord, that you never leave your children the same, but you're in the business of changing our lives through your love.  Oh, God, you are so good!