Looking Forward

"I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,"  Philippians 3:13 (NLT)

I've often joke with Lyss that her two favorite answers to any of my questions is: "I don't know" and "I don't remember."  Oh how it frustrates her mother!  Sometimes I just think it's her way to be funny.

However, there will be things in Lyssa's life that I pray that at some point she can say, "I don't remember"...mom's cranky moments, our parental "mistakes", her brother's pest moments, or hurtful words or actions by friends.  Life is full of hard moments.  Some we need to learn from, and some we just need to forget and move on, never allowing them to become roadblocks. He calls us to forgive those who trespass against us, love our enemies, and bear with one another...forgetting the past.

Looking forward is the better thing!  I know God has great things in store both of my kids in the days and years to come!  I hope they know it too.

Lord, this is the day that you have made, and I choose to rejoice and be glad in it!  Help us to forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead.  I pray this especially for Alyssa and Kyle.  May forgiveness come easy in their relationships with family, friends, and even acquaintances who trespass against them, and love cover over a multitude of sins.  It's so easy to hold onto grudges, remember offenses for too long, and live in the hurt and anger of someone's words or actions.  In those moments, Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to forget the past,and  trust in you for better things in the future.  Lord, heal our hearts.

Pressing On

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14

Lord, there are a lot of hard things one has to face in life, and it's so easy to give up and give in.  I'm sure that there are many stresses, challenges, and fears that my children face, but I also know that with you they can do anything, face all obstacles, and stand strong.  Help them today, dear Jesus, to press on.  Help them to fix their eyes on the goal, and the Maker who makes all things possible.  In your strength, may Alyssa and Kyle rise to each occasion with hope, joy, and great expectation.  Today, may they hear your voice behind them saying, "this is the way".  Mark their responses, and their character, with perseverance, determination and tenacity, as they press on towards the goal for which you have called them. 

Turn to God the Living Water

"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.  Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he again will send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah."  Acts 3:19-20

Yesterday, my dear hubby and I went and spent some time sitting along this river.  We brought our chairs and books, and enjoyed a nice beautiful afternoon soaking in the sun.  It was 70 degrees, sunny, and perfect.

There's something I love about sitting along the water.  I could sit there for hours!  It's refreshing, peaceful, and calming in it's own way.    As I sat there, my thoughts went to Christ, the Living Water, who refreshes my soul, quenches my thirsty heart, and fills life with an abundant peace.  He's the best part of my life.

I want my kids to experience the Living Water for themselves, and revel in the times of refreshment that comes with the presence of God in their life.  

Turn to God, my children!

Lord, I give you thanks and praise, knowing that when Alyssa and Kyle repent of their sins and turn to you, their sins will be wiped away, and times of refreshment will come from being in your presence.  Oh what joy and peace they will find. Your salvation is the greatest gift of their life, and they will find such peace, contentment and hope. Thank you, Lord, for being our Living Water, and our Savior.  My heart gives you all the honor and praise.

The Money Pit

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?"  Luke 14:28

Tis the season for the county fair.  As a parent, I've kind of avoided taking my children there over the years.  However, now they are teenagers, and all their friends are inviting them to go.  Kyle says he needs $30 to get in and have unlimited ride potential...and that doesn't even include any food.  Then a few minutes later Alyssa says she's wants to go too.  What a money pit the fair is.

Some days it feels like I need a better paying job.

$100 here, $100 there...clothes, sports fees, school supplies, and the list goes on and on.

It's not fun to have to tell our kids that we can't afford all their whims and desires, but it's one of the facts of life.  It provides opportunities to talk about budgets, debt, and wants versus needs.  I want them to be wise stewards of their money.

I asked the kids how they were paying to get into the fair and they just shrugged their shoulders.  They need to consider if this is really how they want to spend their precious money.  Maybe riding the ferris wheel is worth the sacrifice.

We'll see.

Lord, you have always provided for our needs, and sometimes have even blessed us with things beyond those needs.  You love your children like that.  So many times our financial troubles come when we move beyond our needs, and spend above our means in order to fulfill our wants and desires.  Lord, I pray that our children learn to make responsible decisions with their money, and plan ahead for future needs.  Move their hearts to be content with a little, and be satisfied with what they already have.  Help them to always be faithful to their financial commitments.  Lord, we always tend to want more money, but help us to be content, honest, and faithful with the money we do have.  You are the giver of all good things.

Thankful Thursday:

I wash my hands in innocence, 

       and go about your altar, O Lord,

 proclaiming aloud your praise 

       and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

 I love the house where you live, O Lord, 

       the place where your glory dwells.

--Psalm 26:6-8

Happy Anniversary to me!

Today I'm proclaiming "aloud" praise for the wonderful deeds God has done this week.

• Ken and I celebrated our anniversary.  He gave me 21 tulips for 21 years, with a thought behind what each color stood for.  I felt truly loved and blessed.

• Alyssa made the varsity volleyball team.  Go Lyss!

• Kyle came home with all "A"'s on his work from school in the first week.

• Alyssa started her college classes this week...she is taking Psychology and History. Taking her to get her college textbook was quite the moment for her mom. Wowza.

• Kyle is sitting down and going straight to work on his homework when he gets home. 

• Alyssa hasn't had a headache all week.

• Kyle can't stand to sit around and do nothing, and so broke down and signed up for fall baseball.  Though I was looking forward to a break, it's good to see him wanting to keep busy.

• After church on Sunday our family went to lunch together and had some good conversation about church.  Daily I see my kids becoming more and more like adults. 

• I felt blessed and encouraged by my Sunday night prayer time for the youth of our church.  Though the group was small, it was "mighty in battle"!

God is good, friends!  What are you giving Him praise for today?  I'd love to rejoice with you!

Lord, I want to proclaim "aloud" and tell of all your wonderful deeds.  Thank you, Lord, for the way you've blessed our family this week.  I love seeing evidence that you are a part of our lives, and you're moving in our home and our children.  Thank you for the way you're growing up our children into adults, and how I see your presence abiding with them.   I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells.  You are so good, and I marvel you!

Our Teachers

Repost from October 5, 2009...Pray for my computer.  It's at the doctor hoping to get resurrected.

Today’s verse: “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned…”Titus 2:6-8

Mrs. Brekke...Kyle's favorite teacher....2nd grade 2005

My kids have had some great teachers over the years. I have to give God thanks for the teachers He has placed in my kid’s lives. I am reminded of teachers who have worked hard to help my kids work through their shyness, or struggles in math or reading. Or teachers who have sat and listened to me when I’ve had those “mother moments” of concern or worries. I am thankful for the teachers who were organized and prepared for teaching every day, and came to work looking forward to the day ahead. Or teachers who echoed Christ in their lives, and in their teaching, even though they are unable to be “out loud” about their faith. God has blessed our lives with special teachers.

Teachers have such a great impact on the students under their care, and they need our prayers. There are days that are hard, students that bring extra challenge, parents that bring complaint, schedules that are full and crazy…and in this season, lots of sickness coming through their doors. I’m praying for my kid’s teachers today in a mighty way!

A Prayer for Teachers (Author Unknown)

God of Love… Thank you for every teacher who notices a child’s special gift. Thank you for teachers who are listeners and gentle guides. Thank you for teachers who expect much and love enough to demand more. Thank you for the special teacher each one of us remembers.

God of Mercy… Sustain teachers who give everything they have and feel abandoned when society expects too much. Strengthen teachers who assume the blame for so many problems beyond their control. Help exhausted teacher’s rest. 

God of Strength… Encourage teachers to care and inspire them to nourish. Motivate teachers to keep on learning for the fun of it and to make learning fun for children. 

We wonder at teachers who know how to quiet a class of five-year-olds or help fourth grade girls be empathetic. We admire teachers who enjoy middle school writers, or teach physics or math or civics. We cannot even imagine how to help every single student achieve Adequate Yearly Progress. Bless the people who are expected to accomplish these miracles and who know how to comfort children when miracles don’t happen. 

God of Justice… help our nation find a way to steward our vast wealth to support teachers in their special calling, wherever they teach and whatever the race or religion or gender or wealth of the children. 

We pray these things in the name of our great teacher, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have Fun!

"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth."  Proverbs 5:18

Birthday Buddies...2000

I just have to share something that gave me a little chuckle last week.  Kids say the funniest things sometimes (even as teenagers!), and both our kids have a wonderful sense of humor.  Sometimes it just catches me off guard.

I had a friend who asked me to share with her the books we have used to share about puberty and sex with Kyle, because she is thinking it's time to start having those conversations with her own son.  Well, I thought I would ask Kyle where his book was at dinner, but I put a twist on the question. trying to get a smile.  Who knew that the smile would come from me.

"Kyle,  I have a mom friend who is going to tell her son about puberty and sex, and she wanted me to ask you your opinion on what she should tell him."

Without hardly a blink of an eye, he says "Have fun!"

Oh we all busted a gut laughing.

I'm guessing he meant his response to be "Have fun having the sex talk", but to us it came out a whole different way.  What a funny guy!

I do pray for the marriages of our children.  I long for them to find spouses who love the Lord, who cherish them deeply, and will work hard to have happy, thriving, blessed marriages.  And "having fun" will be a plus too!

Lord, thank you for the humor you've gifted our children with, and how they just make me laugh sometimes.  But more than that, thank you for having a wonderful plan for our children's future.  You have spouses planned who will be a perfect match for Alyssa and Kyle, and will be their best friend, confidant, and encourager.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to hold high standards and values for the partner that they are looking for, and remain firm to qualities that reflect you.  Lord, prepare them to be wonderful marriage partners themselves.  May they be spouses who work hard, listen intently, sacrifice abundantly, love deeply, and forgive easily.  Thank you, Lord, for the plan you have for Alyssa and Kyle, and for the joy you have in store for their lives!

The Impossible

"But with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

We've finished our first week of the new school year, and are beginning our second.  Though Alyssa is a junior in high school (oh my), she begins her first dose of college classes this week (OH MY).  As we were driving around I teased Lyss about the three things I hoped she would learn this year...

1.  How to wake up to her own alarm clock.

2. How not procrastinate on her homework or responsibilities.

3.  How to drive. 

She seems to think that all of these are impossible, but I have great hope that with God she can not only learn these things, she can master them beautifully. There are a lot of things that we "think" we can't do, but we have to choose to try, and then seek God's help along the way.

This is the beginning of new things!  Oh how I can't wait to see how Alyssa, with God, will make huge strides in these areas this year.  Adulthood here we come!

Lord, with you all things are possible.  You give the strength your children need to do big things. Help both Alyssa and Kyle to rise to the challenges in their lives that seem beyond their ability.  Give them confidence, power, and hope that comes for your abiding presence with them.  Lord, there are a lot of seemingly impossible things we have to do in our lives, but your promise to help us scale walls.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for being our strength!

Praying Scripture: Colossians 1

Praying scripture can be very powerful, because God's Word is TRUE! (Thank you, Teacher Nancy, for teaching that to my children in their 2 and 3 year old Sunday School class!)  I'm sure that God would always agree the prayers that come straight from Him. So today, let's pray through Colossians 1: 3-13.  I'll pray for our children, and if you are joining me in praying for your own kids, you can just replace my kids names with yours.

Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers!

Alyssa, Kyle & Grammy...2008

I always thank you God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when I pray for Alyssa and Kyle, because I know of their faith in Christ Jesus — the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for them in heaven and that they have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to them. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among Alyssa and Kyle since the day they heard it and understood Your grace in all its truth.  

For this reason, since the day Alyssa and Kyle were born, we have not stopped praying for them and asking God to fill them both with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that Alyssa and Kyle 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 giving thanks to you, their Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For you, Lord have rescued them from the dominion of darkness and brought them into the kingdom of the Son You love, in whom they have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Incredible Obedience

"Jesus...said to him, ’You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have...and come, follow Me.’ But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich."  Luke 18:22-23

God has asked me to do some hard things in my life.  Things that I've dragged my feet on.  In those moments I have loved the fact that I've heard Him speak to me, yet at the same time my feelings or fears get in the way, and I almost want to hear Him say it again so I know that I heard Him right.  Oh, my silly humanness.  What I've learned through all of that, however, is that God blesses me in abundant ways when I'm willing to be obedient.

Kyle's birthday party...2004..."The Incredibles"

(Kyle wasn't so happy about me wanting to take this picture!)

"Our Lord knows perfectly well that once His word is truly heard, it will bear fruit sooner or later. What is so terrible is that some of us prevent His words from bearing fruit in our present life. I wonder what we will say when we finally make up our minds to be devoted to Him on that particular point? One thing is certain— He will never throw our past failures back in our faces."  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, August 17

I wonder what kind of things God is going to ask my kids to do, and what sort of response they will give Him.  Will they choose obedience?  Or maybe waffle in indecision and fear?  As babies, one of their first words was "NO."  (Not "no", but "NOOO!!")  I'm praying that as they become adults, and mature in their faith, that their automatic response will be obedience.  Oh "YES, Lord!" 

What INCREDIBLE blessing is theirs when they choose to obey Him!

Lord, I pray that our children will always follow wherever you lead, and go everywhere you call them to go.  I long to see Alyssa and Kyle obedient in all that you ask of them, whether it be big or small.  Open their ears so that they can hear your calling clearly.  Give their feet a boldness to step out in faith and follow your leading despite any fear, doubts, or reservations.  Lord, may obedience always be our children's natural response to you.  When saying "yes" takes sacrifice, give them added strength and blessing.  When saying "yes" brings fear, allow peace to reign in the midst of following your leading.  Obedience will ultimately bring great reward as they live in the direct center of your will.  Thank you, Lord, for loving our children so much, that you'll continue to prod them to obedience, lovingly speak your hopes and plans into their lives, and will forgive them if they choose to go the wrong way.  Help make obedience become a natural outpouring of their relationship with you, dear Jesus.

Thankful Thursday: Celebrating 21 Years

"Jesus answered, "Don't you know that in the beginning the Creator made a man and a woman? That's why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife.  Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together."  Matthew 19:4-6 (CEV)

21 years ago today I married my best friend!

God gave me the gift of a wonderful man...

who loves me,

forgives me,

romances me,

works hard,

lives well,

and presses on.

God has been with us each step of the way...

Being our provision

our protection,

and strength.

  

We are celebrating 21 years, 

because of Him!

I love you, dear hubby of mine!  

Happy Anniversary!

Lord, thank you for giving me such a wonderful man, and helping us through 21 years of marriage.  Thank you for being the center of our lives, and for providing strength, unity, healing and joy throughout the many months and days we have been together.  Continue to draw us closer together and deeper in love, building our marriage into something that cannot be broken.  Lord, use our marriage to be an example to our children.  Help them to see that relationships are worth the hard work it takes to sustain and grow through difficult times.  Continue, Lord, to guide Alyssa and Kyle to mates who will be their best friends and stick through the thick and thin with them, following your plan for their lives.  Marriage can be a wonderful gift, and blossoms in beautiful ways when you are part of the equation.  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.  Father, thank you for being with us and blessing us with 21 years of marriage.  We look forward to watching your hand at work through the next 21 years.  

Godly Addiction

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"  Psalm 119:103

Alyssa loves a nice cold root beer from McDonalds.  I think she could drink one of those morning, noon and night.  Lucky for us they have been on sale over the last month, any size for $1.00, and she is even willing to pay for quenching her thirst. However, this small addiction is going to have to come an end for a while. 

As of today, Lyssa is on the varsity volleyball team at her school.  (Yeah!)  One of the rules, now that she is on the team, is that she can't have any soda during the volleyball season.  She's been agonizing over this upcoming "soda fast" for a couple of weeks.  She's even talked her dad, Mr. Diet Coke Addict, into joining her on this journey.  Oh the two will be a pair.

It just reminded me of a really good prayer for today.  Next to my children's salvation, praying for their hunger and thirst for God's Word is on top of the list.  I want them to find that scripture will satisfy in deeper, and more powerful ways, than the soda they thirst for.  I want them to "taste and see that it is good", and crave that which is even "sweeter than honey."

God's Word really satisfies!

O Lord, how I want our children to hunger and thirst for Your Word.  You give us your Word so that we can know you in deeper ways, and so that you can speak to your children.  Your Word is living and active, and always speaks to our condition.  Lord, put within Alyssa and Kyle a desire to dig deep into Scripture and get to know you more.  Holy Spirit, open their eyes so that when they sit down and spend time reading your laws, your wisdom, or your plans, they meet your truth head on and understand the power of you in their lives.  Your Word is a gift, dear Jesus, and I pray that my children find joy when they unwrap this beautiful treasure, one page at a time.

Love Your Neighbor

The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  Romans 13:9

Last night our family had some drama.  We rode or bikes to the neighborhood McDonalds for an ice cream cone, came out 10 minutes later, and Kyle's bike was missing.  What a feeling of violation.

Ken went riding around on his bike to see if he could catch the culprit, and Kyle and I stayed behind to call the police.  I'm so thankful for their quick response despite such a little thing like a bike.  We filed a report, and the police was able to check out surveillance footage, and get a great description of the guilty party (or "punk" as Ken would say).  Too make a long story short, Dad happened to find the bike as he took one more look along the ditch next to the McDonalds before heading home.  God is good.

 Not the greatest pic but...Kyle after the return of his bike!

In the hour that this whole episode took place, I found my thoughts reeling and disturbed that someone had enough gall to take another person's belongings.  Sure, he didn't know that Kyle had just bought the bike four days ago with his very own money.  Nor did he know Kyle himself, and how young he is, and what a nice kid he is.  But he didn't even give a thought about how it would make someone feel to come out and find their bike gone.  No care in the world about anyone else.

Stealing wouldn't even be a temptation or thought if one really took God's command to "love your neighbor as yourself" seriously.  Better yet, this world would be different in so many ways if we all lived by God's greatest hope for His children...

'Love others as well as you love yourself.' (The Message)

It's not always easy, but what peace and joy God will bring our lives, if we follow His motto for life.  

Lord, loving our neighbors isn't always easy, and on the top of our list of things to do.  I pray, that the lesson we learned last night, will remind our kids how their actions have impact on others besides themselves. I want them to think of others more highly than themselves.  Stealing, lying, gossip, pride, and anger can all damage another person's heart.  Holy Spirit, move our children to love their neighbors, and when they are tempted to do otherwise, prompt them to think twice and check their actions or thoughts.  Lord, love comes from you, and reflects your presence in our lives.  Help us to love deeply, because you love deeply.  

A New School Year Begins

"He went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go."  Deuteronomy 1:33

 First Day of School...2004

Today is the beginning of a new school year.  I think the kids have a similar thought to school starting as they did back in 2004. Alyssa was mostly unhappy about having her picture taken, marking the first day of school.  It's a tradition that has slowly gone by the wayside.  However, today would have been the day for a new picture.

I think today is the beginning of a new journey that has great potential...new teachers, harder classes with new subjects, and different life experiences. I'm sure that there will be a challenge here and there, but my guess is that God has some fun surprises in store for my dear children too. 

I'm thankful that God goes ahead of Alyssa and Kyle on this journey, and He shows them the way they should go.  This new school year has the potential to be highly pivotal in finding out who God wants them to be, or what He wants them to do, in the future.  I'm just praying that they take hold and enjoy the picture that God has laid out for their lives.

Ready, Set...

Here we go!

Lord, today is a new beginning, and I thank you that you go ahead and behind Alyssa and Kyle.  I look forward to the ways they will go, and how you will show them where they should go.  Be with them, dear Jesus, as this new school year begins.  Open their minds to the things they will learn, directing them towards things they need to know, and passions you've instilled in them.  Bring teachers into their lives that challenge them to do their best and try new things, enlightening them to new wonders, and spawning in them a passion to learn.  Prod them to work hard and dismiss their tendency to procrastinate.  Give them moments of joy and laughter in their days that cause them to find joy in being in a learning atmosphere.  You have great things in store for this year, Lord, and we entrust our children to you!

Living in God

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God."  1 John 4:15

Kyle & Lyssa's Playhouse...1999

Oh, to have God living in us!  What a wonderful, wonderful gift!  But better yet?  We can live in God!  All we have to do is acknowledge Him as Lord.  

Living in Him brings us peace.

Gives us hope.

Provides us salvation.

Showers us with love.

There's no better place to live!

Lord, your Word promises that if Alyssa and Kyle acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, you live in them and they in you.  I pray that they confess with their mouth that you are their Lord.  May living in you, and you in them, be their greatest joy in life.  Thank you, Father, for your salvation, grace, and mercy, and that your children are the precious recipients of these treasures.  Jesus, you are the Son of God!

Growing Confidence

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."  Hebrews 10:35

 Alyssa & Hannah...2010

School begins on Monday.  I'm not sure that our family is ready.  School supplies are bought, some new clothes lined up, and schedules in hand.

A lot of Alyssa's friends from last year are not coming back to her school this year, and I know that she's finding herself a little anxious about what the next year holds.  She has one friend, however, that is sticking with her through their junior year.  I'm thankful that God saw fit to bring this young lady into Alyssa's life.

Alyssa and Hannah play volleyball on the same team, encourage each other in their school work, and laugh a lot when they are together.  They stretch one another, and I sense that they are a little competitive with one another when it comes to their grades. I think it's a good kind of competition that makes them do their best.

However, sometimes Alyssa finds herself discouraged.  This friend is a little bit more outgoing, more vocal when it comes to relationships with her teachers, and it appears to Lyss that she's favored in the grade and award department at school.

My prayer, as the new school year begins, is that Alyssa grows in her confidence.  Not just to speak louder, be more outgoing, or share of herself more, but to have confidence in who God made her to be.  I don't want her to always compare herself with this friend, and come up with short with who she thinks she "should be" in order to get more attention.  I want her to be confident in who God made her to be. 

Alyssa is beautiful just the way she is!

Lord, fill both of our children with a confidence in the wonderful people you have made them to be.  Keep them from comparing themselves with others, and wishing with envy that they were more like someone else.  Help them to revel in the gifts you've given them, and the areas in which they shine like stars.  Comparisons are odious to you. because you are their Creator, and you've made them perfect in your eyes. Give them confidence, dear Jesus, and a peace about their strengths...and their weaknesses.  You have fearfully and wonderfully made Alyssa and Kyle, and I know that full well.  May they come to know and believe it as well! 

Thankful Thursday: Blessing Despite Disappointment

"God will speak to this people, to whom he said,  'This is the resting place, let the weary rest.' "  Isaiah 28:11-12

Lyssa "resting"...2000

It's been a crazy, busy summer.  I can't even begin to remember when we had more than four days at home.  We've traveled here, there, and everywhere.  Until this week.  

Our family hit a wall, and we couldn't go any more.  Unfortunately, we were supposed to be spending the week with my family, for our annual summer get-away.  Swimming, playing, and just loving being all together.

It was a heart-breaking decision.  Everybody is together without us.  However, I have to admit the rest has been good for our family.

Life is full of good things...fun things...and important things,

but sometimes our body and soul cries out for rest.

Learning the boundaries, and making hard decisions about schedules, is an important part of life.

I know that we've missed out on some awesome adventures, and some beautiful extended family moments this week, but God has been faithful to bless our little family here with rest.

I love you, my dear family who is without us.  I'm sorry to miss out on all the fun, but so appreciate your love and understanding.  Just don't have too much fun without us...and love each other deeply!

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the strength to handle everything that comes our way.  At the same time, I thank you for the times you encourage us to pull away and find rest.  I pray that you continue to teach Alyssa and Kyle the importance of a "day of rest", and coming to you daily for their strength.  They won't be able to do everything they want, whenever they want, and however they want, and will come across limitations that cause them to make choices between "good" and "better".  May they depend on you, Lord, for direction, guidance, and strength to handle all that you call them to.  The need for rest may be a hard lesson to learn, but if they have to learn it, I know you, Lord, will be the best teacher.  Thank you for the ways that you refresh our spirits and bodies when are willing to take time to rest. 

Following My Example

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Papa, Daddy and Kyle...1998

I love this picture!  There's just something about seeing little Kyle try to be just like the big boys.  Tent making is hard work, boy howdy!

Daily Alyssa and Kyle are watching how their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends handle what life throws at them.  They are making note of how we work, deal with conflict, forgive, show love, serve, and walk with Jesus.  (Unfortunately, they'll  catch some of the the bad things, as well as the good.)

So I wonder, what will my kids take away from watching me today?  What will they observe, with their eyes or ears, of my faith in God?  It gives me pause to ponder.  

What of me are they becoming?

Lord, I try to follow you to the best of my ability every day.  I try to be who you call me to be, and walk where you lead.  As I follow you, I hope that I am becoming more like you.  Some days it feels like I have such a long way to go.  Dear Jesus, help my kids to see you in me, and desire to follow my example.  May they see the joy that comes from living their life for you, and go out and want to do the same.  May they see the peace that appears when we choose to forgive, and do likewise when it is necessary. May they see the hope that comes from just knowing and resting in you. I pray that their eyes see a difference in me because I spend time in your Word.  I pray that they catch onto the joy that comes when we listen or encourage others, or give of ourselves when someone is in need.  Lord, help me, as Alyssa and Kyle's mom, to be a beautiful example to them of a child who obediently and passionately follows her Father.

Life-long Tradition in the Making

"Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord."  Leviticus 19:30

Friday Night Sleepover...2000

When Alyssa and Kyle were little, we had a couple of weekly "traditions".  Our Tuesday night tradition started when dad was working and it was just the three of us.  McDonalds had half-off Happy Meal night, and we'd each get our meal of choice, and enjoy playing in the play-land.  A nice little relief for mom. 

Our Friday night tradition, wasn't so mom-friendly, and I don't remember how this one got started.  We owned a hide-a-bed (you know, for visitors and such!), and the kids would bring out all their blankets, stuffed animals, and such, and camp out together while watching their favorite videos.  The nights sometimes felt late, for this mom, and not always did Alyssa and Kyle agree on which videos to watch, but it was something they always looked forward to.  Yeah for Friday nights!

We've also had a Sunday morning tradition:  going to church.  Sure, we're the pastor's and don't have the choice, but I'm pretty sure we'd be a family that attended every Sunday even if we weren't.  As Alyssa and Kyle become adults, I pray that they hold onto our Sunday morning "tradition" of going to worship. It may take work sometimes, but the benefits far outweigh all else.

Here's to life-long traditions...

Lord, what an amazing thing it is that we can be with you at any time of any day.  Church isn't the only place we will meet you.  However, there are such sweet benefits of coming into your presence at church, and into the fellowship with other believers.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to be a part of a church family. I hope that they find relationships within the church that help them grow in their faith, and encourage them on their spiritual journey.  I long for them to find areas of ministry in which to use their gifts, and in turn encourage others to grow spiritually, and find you a their personal Savior.  Good habits take time to develop, but I pray that these childhood years, when we've attended church week after week, have helped them begin a tradition that will carry on when they become adults and have families of their own.  Lord, thank you for the gift of church, and church families.  What a precious part of life!

Dare to be Different

"We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers."  1 Chronicles 29:15

This year our daughter talked us into planting red petunias.  I usually have a tendency to pick purple or pink.  So, red it was.  As I went through and was weeding through them the other day, I noticed something peculiar.  In and among the throngs of red, I found one lone purple flower.  Alone it stood,

I reminded me of something I want to pray for our kids:  Be different.  Stand out in the crowd.  Follow Christ, even when the world looks at you as odd, peculiar, and unpopular.  Choose to be who God made you, and the person He wants you to be. 

I dare you, children of mine, to be different.  Be the purple flowers in the sea of red.

Lord, you call us to be aliens and strangers in this world.  You dare us to be different.  I pray that for our children, dear Jesus.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to stand firm in what they know and believe of you, and in who you've called them to be.  Give them confidence to make decisions that please you, even when it goes against the crowd, or the thing everyone else is doing.  Holy Spirit, prompt their minds and nudge their feet to follow you in everything they say and do.  There will be times where they will need courage to be different from the world around them.  I know, dear Jesus, you will be right there beside them, leading them down the right paths.  It's a high calling to follow you, and a calling that will bring them much blessing.  Thank you, Father, for allowing us to be your children, and giving us the strength we need to stand out in this world.

Beautiful Sabbath

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders."  Psalm 9:1

Alyssa (and Shreela) did a beautiful job today sharing about her missions trip to Aguascalientes, Mexico.  I loved hearing about God's activity and presence, in and through her, while she was away.  I was one proud mama! 

God, you are so good!

Jump In!

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."  1 John 4:15-16

Sometimes you just have to take a leap!

Alyssa...2006

Ready...Set...Go!

 Daria

 Caden

Living in Jesus is one of the most fun places to be!

Cousins!

Luke, Lyssa, Daria and Caden

All they have to say is "Yes! I believe!" 

and the Living Water is theirs.

Lord, your Word promises that if anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, you live in him and he in God.  Oh how I pray that our children (and their cousins!) take that leap of faith and choose to believe in you. My hearts desire is that they learn to rely on the love you, God, have for them.  What joy they will experience, when they live in you, and you in them.  There is no greater choice they can make in their life.  You are God...and you are our God.  Forever and ever.  Amen.  

Lesson from Uzziah

"Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  2 Chronicles 26:3-5

 Ken & Kyle playing Jenga...waiting for the fall...2005

"But after Uzziah became powerful, 

his pride led to his downfall."  

2 Chronicles 26:16

Lord, I know that as our children do what is right in your eyes, and seek you each day, you will give them success.  Their success may not be measured in the same way as the world measures success, but will bring them a happiness and deep-down joy that comes from you.  I pray that in this process of finding success, big or small, you keep our children from a pride that would lead to downfall.  Don't let pride blind them. Help them live with a godly humility, and give all the credit of their success to you.  May their eyes always be fixed on you, dear Jesus, and their heart stayed on you, for you are the giver of all success.