A Beautiful Plan

"Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right."  Romans 5:18-19 (The Message)

 Cousins...Spring 2009

One summer, I was tired of my kids tendencies to fight, squabble, and yell.  And, oh how I hated the moments when I needed to be the judge and figured out who was to blame.  So, I came up with a plan. A beautiful plan in my opinion. 

If you fight, BOTH parties head to their room for a period of time.  It doesn't matter who started it.  It doesn't matter the subject.  If there was yelling, you were off to your room.  If there was hitting, you were off to your room.  A beautiful plan.

God had a beautiful plan too.  One man's sin caused punishment and death for all. And yet one man's death on a cross in turn gave us all men life.  Jesus' gift gives us life, love, forgiveness, and eternal salvation. 

This is one thing we don't have to fight over.  All we have to do is say "yes" to the beautiful plan!

Lord, you give the abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.  I pray that our children understand and accept this wonderful gift of grace and salvation.  Your Word promises that all they have to do is confess with their mouth that you are Lord, and believe in their hearts that you raised Jesus from the dead, they will be saved.  For the wages of our sin is death, but the gift you offer your children is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Thank you for this wonderful, beautiful, life-saving plan.  Thank you, Father, for loving your children that much!  I love you.

Prayer for Mom

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."  Psalm 59:16

 Mother's Day 2010...3 Generations

Lord, today as a mom I am singing of your strength. You are the One who gives me all that I need to be the mother you want me to be. I look to you, dear Jesus, for your guidance, wisdom, and arm of strength day by day. Today, I am also singing of your love. You love me with an everlasting love. You made a way for all people to draw near to you, and to have a personal relationship with you. My relationship with you is what drives me and gives me strength. Daily I sense your love, and it gives me hope, peace, and purpose, especially as I parent my children. Parenting is not an easy job, but with you Lord, I know that I will not only survive, I will thrive. Continue to be my strength each morning, my fortress and my refuge in times of trouble.   You are all that I need.

Lost and Found

This post is written by my dear hubby (a big thank you to him)....enjoy!

Monday Kyle lost his retainer for the second time in two weeks (did I mention that he’s only had the retainer for four weeks?).  Ugh.  After diligent searching he ended up finding the $150 prize under the seat of our van.  I can’t say that I know for certain  how it got there, but I can say for certain that we were all thankful that the 45 minute search ended happily.  Have you ever noticed that lost items are always the last place you look?

In Luke chapter 8, Jesus told us something about His passion for the lost. He said, “Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?”  What a fuss over a single lost coin!  Why was the woman in this parable willing to sweep the entire house?  There’s only one reason I can think of.  It’s because that coin mattered to her.  As I thought about this last night I realized that we were willing to spent extended time and effort searching for Kyle’s retainer for that same singular reason reason.  It is valuable to us.

Why does God search so desperately for those who are lost?  Because they matter to Him. Monday we heard Lyssa and her team offering a summary of how God worked in and through them during her Mexico mission this summer.  Our hearts were pierced when we heard (anew) the story of our daughter and her friends praying with a couple to receive Christ as savior.  As their dad how my heart longs for my daughter and son to always have a heart that is broken for lost people.  May God consistently use them to bring His light into the darkness.  Being lost doesn’t make someone less valuable.  In fact, because they’re so valuable, God is on a rescue mission.  I pray my kids are always tender to the spiritual condition of others around them.

Heavenly Father, I praise you for seeking me when I was lost.  Thank you for seeing value in my life and for the joy of being found.  How I pray that You will direct Lyssa and Kyle to always have a heart that is open to other people.  May they be Your mouthpiece, Your hands, Your heart and Your feet to turn the place upside down in search for beloved and lost souls.  I pray you would fill their hearts with true zeal, love and care for others and I pray you will always give them opportunities and the empowerment they need to direct others to Yourself.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I See A Generation

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  1 Timothy 4:12

 Our family is attending the annual conference of our church.  There's a few things I love about this gathering, but I'll just share two.  It feels like a wonderful reunion of family and friends, and I love the worship times together.  A song from one of our worship times struck me as a beautiful prayer.  I've put in bold the particular part that made me think of my prayers for our kids.

HOSANNA

by Brook Fraser, Hillsong United

I see the king of glory

Coming on the clouds with fire

The whole earth shakes

The whole earth shakes

I see his love and mercy

Washing over all our sin

The people sing

The people sing

[Chorus]

Hosanna

Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest [x2]

I see a generation

Rising up to take their place

With selfless faith

With selfless faith

I see a near revival

Stirring as we pray and seek

We're on our knees

We're on our knees

[Chorus]

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours

Everything I am for your kingdoms cause

As I go from nothing to

Eternity

Hosanna

Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest [x2]

Lord, you are the King of glory, and I am on my knees in prayer to you this day.  Oh, how I want to see a generation, rising up to take their place in this community of believers...a generation with a faith so deep and wide, that nothing would stop them from taking on the calling of following Christ no matter where He leads.  I pray this for Alyssa and Kyle especially.  That people would not look down on them because they are young, but that they would be an example to others in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  I pray for a revival in our children's hearts, that their faith becomes their own, and they live out of the firm conviction that you, Lord, are their God!  Let their generation take up your banner, and follow you all the days of their lives!

God's Plan

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

Today is my 300th blog post.  I hardly can believe it.  I began this journey last September, and it dawned on me today, that in all this time, I haven't specifically written a blog praying for my children's sexual purity.  I think about it all the time, and so it seriously surprised me as I searched through my posts.

So, I don't necessarily have an story to share, or a lesson to give, except that God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for Alyssa and Kyle.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day. 

Old fashion, but truly a part of God's perfect plan.

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict their hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help them make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!
 

The Cell Phone Blues

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have..."  Hebrews 13:5

Sometimes I feel like contentment is an illusive thing in the lives of my children.  There's always a better phone, the need for more clothes, and wishes for more "toys".  Ebay is one of Kyle's favorite hang-out spots on the web.  When he's tired with one thing, we can sell it and get something even better.

For example, cell phones seem to come and go in our household.  When one gets old and used, or no longer is the "cool" gadget, it goes up for sale and is sent to another owner.  Then the search begins for the dream phone.  Once the purchase is made there is a week of anxious waiting for it to arrive in our mailbox.  At first the phone brings all the happiness dreamed of, but somewhere in there dissatisfaction once again shows itself. 

I know that I don't always have contentment, and have a list of wants too.  Sometimes I really have to check myself, and lay down my selfish desires because I know it's not really a need.  Contentment can happen when I allow God to fill in my "empty spaces", and be the center of my heart. 

So, maybe this can be taught to our children by my example, or maybe it will just be God doing a work in them all on His own. 

Either way, I'm hoping we won't have to buy something on ebay for a while! 

Lord, you are the giver of so many good things in our lives.  We are rich beyond measure.  However, in our humanness we long for bigger and better things.  Teach me, and our children, to be content with what we have.  Keep our lives free from the love of money, and from the belief that more "things" will make us happy.  Fill our hearts with you, dear Jesus, so that it is you we long for with all that we are.  Help my children to be content with a little, and be satisfied with only the things that they need.  Keep them from gluttony, greed, envy, and lust of things that don't bring true satisfaction.  You alone, Lord, can fill our children's every need, and bring the ultimate joy, happiness and peace that they long for.  Thank you, Jesus, for giving us all that is good!

No One Left Behind

"That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left."  Matthew 24:39-41

Lyss with her buddies in Mexico...2010

The music was sweet to my ears as I laid down to sleep last night.  My family, soon to be nodding off, all together in one room for the first time in four weeks.  How sweet it is to have Lyssa back in our midst.  Everyone had questions about her missions trip to Mexico, and her with memories and stories (and dad's snoring), fill the air as we drifted off to sleep.

But it never fails...
Soon the conversation took a little twist, and brother and sister began comparing what "fun" things they did that the other did not.  I only sensed a little one-upping. Natural among siblings, yes? 

With each "activity", someone was left behind.  And it reminded me, that the greatest adventure of my kids life could be the one they choose to live with Jesus Christ.  Oh how I hope and pray, that each of them choose to stay close to the God we've taught them about, and live their lives journeying with Him. 

Then they will both have great joy in sharing the wonderful things God has done in their lives....and it will be sweet music to my ears.

Lord, the most exciting adventures in life come when we live our lives in sweet communion with you.  Oh, how I pray that my children don't miss out on that experience and blessing.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle choose to accept your salvation and live each day learning about you, serving you, and worshiping you.  There brings no greater joy.  When the day comes, and you are ready to take your children home with you, I pray that our children will not be left behind. 

Like Play-Doh

"Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand..."  Jeremiah 18:6

I love play-doh.

I love the smell (yes, I know, it's silly).

I love the feel as I squeeze it through my fingers.

I love how it brings out the child in me.

I love using my creativity, and seeing what fun things I can make

with a roll, push, pinch, or twist. 

I try to be like play-doh.

(And not just the smelling good part!)

He is the Potter, and I am the clay.

Unfortunately, sometimes I have a mind of my own.

I need to be

moldable,

pliable,

transformable

and willing

to be made into anything

He wants me to be.

I want my children to be play-doh too,

in the hands of God!

Dear Children, remember:

He is the Potter and you are the clay!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being our wonderful Creator, who loves us immensely, and has great plans for our lives.  Thank you for being our Potter.  You gently mold us, bend us, and stretch us to be who you want us to be.  I pray, dear Jesus, that you help our children to be like flexible clay, willing to be transformed by your hand.  Where they are hardened, or unwilling to be molded, soften their hearts and break their wills.  Help their ears to be willing to hear from others about things in their lives that need changed or improved.  Help our children to be like clay in the hand of the potter. Lord, make their lives into something beautiful, and help them to reflect the wonder of their Creator.

Thankful Thursday: Sister Love

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."  1 John 4:11

 Together in Seattle...2009

I've spent many a blog praying for my dear children to love (or even like) each other.  And yesterday I had a clue that God is at work.

Lyssa, who is still out of town (and has been for 3 1/2 weeks), sent a text to her brother that went like this...

"I miss my brudder."

I'm not sure how Kyle felt about the text, but this mother was rejoicing!


Lord, you have blessed us with two beautiful children, and we give you thanks.  Thank you for little glimpses of the ways you are answering my prayers about their relationship with one another.  They each bring such joy to our lives.  At times, however, they bring out the worst in each other.  One moment they are each others best friend, and then the next they are arguing like enemies.  Lord, help them learn to show love, kindness and compassion with one another in all circumstances, reflecting you in their actions, and may forgiveness flow easily when hurts happen.  Bring moments of great laughter and times of lasting joy together.  May they defend one another to their friends, build one another up when they are down, and speak words that bring life into their relationship.  Keep the enemy from allowing anger to reside in their hearts, and tearing their relationship apart.  Lord, I pray that your Spirit prompts them to love one another, and love one another deeply.

Holiness Is What I Long For

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."   John 17:15-17

 Sister and Brother...1997

Sometimes this world is a scary place.  And sometimes that "scary" stuff looks pretty attractive, fun, and harmless.  Sometimes it appears to be so "cool".

"Everyone does it!"
"All my friends have it."
"Well, their mom let's them go."

Do we as Christians, look different than the world around us?  Unfortunately, sometimes not a whole lot.  We allow ourselves to participate, or partake of things, that don't necessarily reflect Christ. 

"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God."  Leviticus 20:7

Holiness...The state of quality of being holy; perfect moral integrity or purity; freedom from sin; sanctity; innocence.  The adjective "holy," as applied to persons, is thus defined:  spiritually whole or sound; of unimpaired innocence and virtue:  free from sinful affections:  pure in heart; godly; pious; irreproachable; guiltless, acceptable to God.

It's a daily choice, to not follow the selfish desires of our heart, or the temptations that the enemy places in our paths, but God asks us to be different...to be holy.  To be in this world, but not of it.

Lord, you call your children to "be holy", but without you in our lives holiness is an impossibility.  Because we are human, we will always be unholy, but we can make choices in our lives that help us to more reflect holiness in our lives.  My prayer is not that you take our children out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one, and you help them to choose purity, integrity, innocence, and godliness.  Holy Spirit, move in my children when they are tempted to participate in something that doesn't fall in line with your desires for their lives.  Give them an uncomfortableness and "squirmy" feeling when they are in the presence of evil, or something that will void your holiness in their lives.  Help their choices to reflect the holiness that you desire for their lives.  Encourage them as they are in this world, to be not a part of worldly things.  Holiness, for me and my children, Lord, is what I long for.

His Protection

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."  Psalm 5:11

Alyssa made it back to the states from her missions trip to Mexico.  We haven't got to see her yet, but she's "home".  I thought of her often, when I knew she was in the air, asking God to protect her and keep her safe.

And she made it!
God is good.

 Text picture sent to me of Alyssa off the plane!

I'm praying that God always spreads His protection over my children.
Physically.
Spiritually.
Emotionally.
Forever and ever.

Lord, spread your protection over my children.  Be their refuge and fortress, and their stronghold in times of trouble or distress.  Be their shield and defender each and every day.  Though I cannot go with them, you can, and will always be by their side.  Thank you, Lord, for watching over and protecting Alyssa and Kyle. 

Strong and Courageous

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

 First Day 2nd Grade...2004

School starts in 4 weeks.  How amazingly fast the summer has flown.  Last night Kyle began to share some of his fears and worries about the new year ahead.  You know, eighth grade can be hard stuff.  I think the idea of giving speeches and taking drama brings nightmares to his thoughts.

He can step up to the plate in baseball, looking into the face of 2 outs and 2 strikes, and not have an ounce of nervousness.  Yet the thought of stepping in front of a crowd to speak, causes him to tremble.  But as we traveled home from winning the Idaho State Championship (yahoo!), Kyle and Ken began to reminisce about the night before Kyle's very first baseball game.  His nerves had caught up to him, and he was worried about whether or not he would know where to the throw the ball if it came to him.  He could hardly go to sleep that night.  But we all have to begin somewhere....

There is a lesson Kyle can take away from his baseball experiences.  Go out and "be strong and courageous", and with each new experience you will gain more and more knowledge and ability.  Soon those things that seemed "too hard" can be handled without batting an eye.

So, 8th grade will bring some new challenges for Kyle, more lessons to learn, and hopefully some enlightenment to passions and giftedness that God has created in him that he never knew he had.

He just needs to be get beyond his fear, and be strong and courageous!

Lord, we can do all things with your presence in our lives.  Nothing is impossible with you.  As school is just around the corner, and the fears and worries begin, help our children to be strong and courageous.  With each new beginning, help them to recognize your presence with them, and that they don't have to be afraid.  Fill them with confidence in knowing you will never leave them.  Give them the courage to handle things in their lives that seem too big or too hard, by looking to you for courage, peace, and help in each circumstance.  In the coming weeks, continue to prepare our kids to work hard, do well, and stay strong in the new school year!  They can be strong and courageous because you are with them!

They are His!

"They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."  Malachi 3:17-18

I love my kids.
They are a huge treasure in my life.
If I could spare them from harm, I would in a heartbeat.

The good news is this:
God loves my kids...even more than I.
They are His treasured possession,
and He will spare them, by offering them eternal life.

They are His.
I pray that they take Him up on His amazing offer.

Lord, on the day that you make up your treasured possessions, I pray that our children are wholly yours.  I thank you, because you are a deeply compassionate God and you spare your children.  May they believe that you are the Son of God, and accept the gift of your salvation.  I pray that in our children we will see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.  I know that they are yours, dear Jesus, and I pray that it will always be so.  Thank you, Lord, that they will always be your children.

Beautiful Disasters

"He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light." Job 33:28

People do some amazing things to mess up their lives.  In ministry, my eyes and ears have been privy to many, many things that I sometimes can't even begin to comprehend.  Some choices leave a path of destruction that seems irreparable. 

Even I have broken God's heart at times.  We all have.

But we have a God who makes beauty out of the ashes of our lives.  He loves us despite our failures.  He can redeem, make knew, and use the hard things in our lives.   

Today I am praying that my kids not only stay clear of big mistakes, but that they also sense God's Spirit check theirs when they are tempted to do something that doesn't fall in line with His expectation and hope for their lives. 

But if there are disasters, or when there are disasters, may God make something beautiful.

Lord, you are our Redeemer, and you can make beautiful things out of our lives.  You can pull us up from the pit, take our old self, and make us a new creation.  Oh what a wonderful God you are!  Lord, protect my children from making huge disasters of their life.  Prod them with your Spirit to make wise choices in their lives, and not go down roads that don't include you, or stand in your perfect will,  Of course, because they are human they will not live perfect lives, but I pray that when they do make mistakes or poor choices, they will sense your unconditional love and forgiveness.  Lord, please make then teachable, moldable, and sensitive to your Holy Spirit.  I know and trust that you make beautiful things out of our lives, and you will do so for our children as well. 

Thankful Thursday: Answered Prayer

On July 2, I wrote the following blog... I'll share how God answered this prayer below.  

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."  Ephesians 6:19-20

 Alyssa and her YCEW team going to Mexico...2010

Sometimes it's scary to think about telling someone else about Jesus Christ.  Even when it's the greatest news we could share with anyone!  Recently, as I trained the workers for our Vacation Bible School, I brought up how they might have the opportunity to personally lead one of those kids into accepting Jesus as their Savior.  All of a sudden I could sense fear in some of their eyes.  Mostly I think we fear what we would say,or if we would get it all right.

Yesterday I mentioned that Alyssa would be taking some prayer walks on her trip to Mexico, but something else she will get to do is sit in Bible studies with new believers, and with individuals who have yet to accept Christ as their Savior.  The members of her team have been asked to have their testimonies ready, so that when they have the chance they can share clearly who Jesus is in their life.

I'm praying that Alyssa will find great confidence and joy in sharing with others what Jesus means to her, and how He is God and can be God of their life too. Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be, when she can help lead someone into the most important relationship of their life!

"Evangelism" doesn't have to be a scary word, but for sure it can be a thrill!

Lord, you are the greatest One in our lives, and we should be shouting your name from the mountaintops, or wherever we go.  Our lips should always glorify your name, and our lives reflect your presence living in our lives, being a vibrant testimony of your awesomeness.  Lord, I pray that whenever Alyssa opens her mouth, words may be given to her so that she will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which she is an ambassador.  I pray that she may declare it fearlessly, as she should.  Lord, be her strength, confidence, and joy as she speaks of You to anyone you place in her path.  Lead her to people who need to know you.  Open their hearts that they may hear the message her team proclaims.  Lord, you long for every person to know you in a personal way.  Thank you for pursing them yourself, and also using us as your children to help them see you.  


God answered this prayer.  The following is an excerpt from the blog that is being written by the YCEW team as they are in Mexico.  This is what Lyssa wrote on July 12th...

Last night at the outreach event I had a really great experience. There were several performances like a mime by Favi, Mark, and Melynda, and some rap, and a few skits, there was a time that was opened up for everyone to go evangelize those who did not have a ribbon (that we were given at the beginning to say we were already saved). And Shreela just led Stevie and me over to a couple that was standing in the back. And Favi translated for us, and it turned out that they wanted to accept Christ. They had made that decision last night. And so the three of us prayed with them and it was a really awesome moment.   

God is sooooo good!

Cheerleaders

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Proverbs 16:24

Today I received a couple of unexpected, and very thoughtful e-mails.  Both of them encouraging me in the ways they see God using me.  I'm not sure what prompted these women and their sweet words, but it touched me. Sometimes it's easy to be discouraged, or feel inadequate in the roles God calls me to, but those little notes cheer me on, and encourage me to press on toward the goal.

I hope my kids have huge cheerleaders in their lives.  People who are shouting praise, raising their hands in jubilation, and thanking God for the ways they reflect Him.  What joy they will bring as they live out God's purpose and call on their lives, especially when they walk through hard or discouraging times. 

I also pray that I can be that kind of person for someone else...even my kids.  I hope they know that I will always be one of their biggest cheerleaders!

Go, Lyssa and Kyle!!!!

What a blessing it is, Lord, that you use other people in our lives to encourage and bless us.  You use their words to "heal our bones", or bring light into dark places.  Sometimes even a quick hug, melts away the anxiety, worry, or loneliness.  Words though seem to speak to our deepest needs, and can change our hearts or minds in a minute, giving us pause to refocus, pay attention, and remember our purpose.  Lord, bring other people into our children's lives that encourage them, and build them up, in the ways that draw them closer to you.  Give them cheerleaders that encourage their gifts, talents, ministries, and callings from you in their lives.  Help them set aside words from others that discourage or hurt, but look to you for truth and healing.  Lord, I know you have great plans for Alyssa and Kyle's life, but even then our human tendency is to doubt and be discouraged.  Mark their lives with cheerleaders and encouragers, dear Jesus!

Stumbling Blocks

"For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living."  Psalm 116:8-9

Kyle...in the yellow and navy blue uniform...June 2010

Sometimes there are big things in the middle of our path that trips us up.  And sometimes we can trip over our own two front feet.  I am proof  that you can get really hurt, just by a slip of a foot.  Two years ago, I lived on crutches and a brace for a couple of months because of one misstep.

There are a lot of things in life that will try to trip up our children.  The enemy wants to keep them from a life of peace, happiness, and fullness in Christ.  Everyone's stumbling blocks are different.  Some are out in the open for them to see.  And some sneak up on us while we are unaware. 

I am praying that my children's feet stand firm, and walk confidently down the narrow path God has chosen for them, skipping over the stumbling blocks placed in their path.  Holy Spirit, lead and guide them in the way they should go.

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, and that you lead us, alert us, and protect us from the stumbling blocks in our path.  I pray that you deliver our children's soul from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from stumbling.  Protect them, dear Jesus, from the stumbling blocks that the enemy uses, and places in their path, to keep them from you.  Help their eyes see clearly the things that aren't pleasing to you.  Remove the attraction to evil, that which is unholy, and all that keeps them from your presence.  Lord, put a hedge of protection around their eyes, ears, hands, and their heart, mind and soul.  Create in them a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in them.  Amen.  

Praying Scripture: Colossians 1

My babies...1997

Dear Precious Heavenly Father, 

For this reason, since the day we heard about our dear children, we have not stopped praying for them and asking you, God, to fill both of them with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And as their parents, we pray this in order that they may live a life worthy of you Lord, and may please you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of you, being strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to you Father, who has qualified our children to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Lord, you have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son you love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.


Thank you, dear Jesus, for hearing this mother's prayer.


(From Colossians 1:9-14)

God Shaped Hole

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."  Psalm 107:8-9

 The other day, I heard a song on the radio that I hadn't heard before.  The words of the chorus caught my attention..."There's a god-shaped hole inside of all of us."  

God Shaped Hole

by Plumb

Every point of view has another angle
And every angle has its merit
But all comes down to faith
Thats the way i see it

You can say that love is not divine and
You can say that life is not eternal
"all we have is know"
But i don't believe it

There's a god-shaped hole in all of us

 And the restless soul is searching
There's a god-shaped hole in all of us
And it's a void only he can fill

Does the world seem gray with empty longing
Wearing every shade of cynical
And do you ever feel that
There is something missing?

That's my point of view...

 

There are so many things in this world that people use to fill the emptiness that resides in their hearts...success, food, alcohol or drugs, friends, entertainment, etc.  But God is the only one who can truly satisfy all our deepest longings.  He's the only one who can fill every void.

He is the only one.

Lord, thank you for your unfailing love and your wonderful deeds for men, for you satisfies the thirsty and fill the hungry with good things.  There is a god-shaped hole in each of our hearts, and when we ask you into our lives, you fill every nook and cranny, and take away the void.  I pray, Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle look to you to fill every hunger and thirst in their souls.  Protect them from looking to other things to take away any emptiness, fear, loneliness, or pain.  Only you satisfy.  Only you.  May our children look to you, dear Jesus, to fill the god-shaped hole in their heart.

Entrusting It All

"Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."  2 Timothy 1:12

 Alyssa sitting at a ball game...June 2010

I wonder how Lyssa is doing in Mexico.  I get little glimpses into the going ons over there through their group blog, but it's not the same as seeing her here at home, face to face.  I wonder if there have been things that have caused her to be sad or lonely.  I've wondered if there have been times where she has been anxious or frightened.  Has God impressed things on her heart?  And is she reveling in the things she is experiencing?

I'm sure there are people all around her that she can go to when she is faced with some of these feelings, but I pray that she will also have opportunities where all she can do is lean on Jesus, and entrust to Him the things of her heart.  There is no better listener, and no one greater to understand what she is going through.

Entrust Him with your heart today, Lyss!  I miss you!

Lord, I know that you are whom I have believed, and am convinced that you are able to guard what I have entrusted to you for this day.  I entrust to you our children.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they come to personal, first-hand knowledge, of speaking to you and entrusting to you the cares of their hearts.  May they be convinced that you are able to handle all their cares and concerns.  Show them the power of prayer, and that they can speak to you about all their worries, dreams, fears, and hopes.  Give them a front row seat to your promise fulfilled that when they seek you, they will find you, and when they ask, you will answer.  Lord, help them not to always look to others to fill the need in their lives to unload on another person, but to come to you when they have burdens too heavy to carry alone.  Teach them that prayer can be a sweet conversation with their Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.  Father, open their ears that they may hear you speak clearly to their every need.  Thank you for prayer, dear Jesus, and that it allows us to have a personal and intimate relationship with you.  May our children learn of that reality in their own lives.

Thankful Thursday: Rest

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Our family has been running, running, running, but God (and our dear friends) gave us an opportunity to rest last weekend.

The boys went fishing...

Kyle, his friend Kealen, and Ken

and more fishing...

Then the boys went rafting...

Then more rafting...and more fishing....

Of course, with rest comes yummy food...

S'mores!!!!

And new friends...

We had a wonderful few days up in the mountains, and came away rested and ready to take on the world again.  Because ready or not, here it comes!

Heavenly Father, thank you for a perfect getaway and time to rest.  I pray that our children will always remember to come apart with you before the stress of this world causes their souls to come apart.  May they always take time to appreciate laughter, beauty and your presence in countless ways.  May they always remember to yoke together with you in facing life's burdens and heavy tasks.  And may you continue to help us as their parents to enjoy and to model sincere joy, rest and trust in you.  And Lord, bless the family who shared their lovely paradise with us!  Oh what sweetness comes when we rest in you, and with you!

Let it Shine!

"Let your light shine for all to see.For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you."  Isaiah 60:1 (NLT)

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

July 4, 2004

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

 

Lord, you are the light of the world. Thank you for dispelling darkness, bringing hope, and filling us with truth and love. Your light lives in us, and in turn we can shine your light to others. Lord, may my kids live as children of light, and have lives that consist of goodness, righteousness and truth. Use my kids to be light in a world that desperately needs you. Teach them to shine your light to the lonely, hurting, angry, unloved, and may not know the hope you have to offer. I pray that they find the tenacity to let their light shine before men, in all that they say and do, and through all the days of their lives. Thank you, Jesus, for being our light, and the light of the world!