Thankful Thursday: So Many Things

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise."  Psalm 51:15

I have so many things to give God thanks for!  This week has been jam-packed with moments where I could see God's hand.  All of these don't have to do with my kids, or the things I've prayed for this week, but I really want to declare His praise!

• God clearly directed me to a message I was to share at our Women's Retreat this weekend. I thought it fit closely with the main speaker's theme, and we hadn't even chatted much about it.
• Precious moments with godly women at retreat.  Laughter, tears, and wonderful encouragement.
• My mom came to retreat too. I love time with her!
• God provided a generous donor to send some gals from our church to the retreat (with added spending money for fun).
• My van broke down on the way home from retreat.  Two hours from home, BUT in a little town in the middle of nowhere.
• I just happened to pull over next to an auto body shop (closed on Sundays), but with three men working on a project who were willing to help out a few stranded women, who knew little about cars.
• Our speaker from the retreat passed us by as were were stopped along the road with the hood up, and happened to look in her rear view mirror as she was passing by, and saw us looking quite helpless.  She was our ride home.
• Another gal from retreat was 10-15 miles ahead of us, and after getting a phone call on her cell phone (which I think is rare up in the mountains) she turned back around and came back to get all of our luggage. 
• We enjoyed great conversation all the way, and made it home safely (though without our van).
• The part to fix our van will be $8, plus shipping the part to this small town in the middle of nowhere is $8.  Not sure about the labor, but it shouldn't be too big expense.  
• I came home from retreat to a Dutch Bros. Iced Kahlua Kicker  from my daughter.  So sweet!
• Special conversations around DQ Blizzards with Grammy and Papa.  Lyss shared, in new ways my parents hadn't seen yet, that showed them how much she is growing up.
• Lyss is doing awesome in volleyball.  I love watching her spike that ball!
• Remember me praying for Lyssa's procrastination habits at the beginning of the school year?  Well, she's done a bang-up job working ahead this week.  Her first college test is today.  Pray for her!
• And last week I prayed for our family's health and need for rest.  Everyone is feeling much better AND we had our first night at home, in three weeks, last night! 

How about you?  How have you seen God in your week?  I'd love to hear all about it.

Lord, my lips declare your praise!  How great is the love that you've lavished on your children.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can see the many ways you are at work in their lives, and be faithful at saying thank you to you, the giver of all those good things.  Thank you, Lord, for answering our prayers, and for making your presence evident in our lives.  God, you are so good, and I love you!

It's Better to Give

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you..."  1 Chronicles 29:14

 Lyssa & Grammy...Mother's Day, 2010

Some days I see signs that our children are generous givers.  Other days not so much.  My favorite moments are when I see them bless one another with their generosity.  Because you know it's easier to "sacrifice" for friends.

We always hear that "it's better to give than to receive."  But don't you think it's true?  Watching the face of the receiver can be so priceless.

However, giving really blesses two parties.  That's a pretty good return on your investment.

Oh how I long to see Alyssa and Kyle become happy givers, bighearted encouragers, and charitable servants of Jesus Christ!  

Ready.
Set.
Go!

Lord, everything we have is yours, and you yourself are a generous giver with your children.  Help us become more like you.  Your Word says that a generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to give generously to others and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this you will bless them in all their work and in everything they put their hand to. (Deuteronomy 15:10)  Generosity allows others to come face to face with you.  Oh, how we may reflect your sweet spirit!

Forgiveness Work

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

It's said that practice makes perfect, but I'm not so sure when it comes to learning about forgiveness.  I find that forgiveness is hard work most every time.  Some people are easy to forgive, and some circumstances more immediately forgivable, but often it still takes choosing to do the harder thing.

Forgiveness doesn't immediately fix the hurt, or heal relationships, but it does set us on the road God calls us to follow and healing can begin.  I've seen people hold onto unforgiveness for a very long time, and it ruins relationships for a lifetime, and fills hearts with bitterness and anger.  Our unwillingness to forgive someone who has hurt us, actually damages us worse in the end.

I wish that my children didn't have to experience things in their lives where they needed to practice the art of forgiveness, but I know that is unrealistic.  So, I'll just pray that they won't allow bitterness and hurt to take root in their hearts, and forever mess up the important relationships in their lives.

I pray that they will always choose to do the hard work of forgiveness.

"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love.  

In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." 

--Robert Muller

Lord, you bear with your children, and forgive us over and over again.  Thank you, sweet Jesus.  May you helps us to do the same.  Help us to give forgiveness freely, and not hold onto bitterness, anger and hurt, especially in regards to our closest relationships.  Continued to teach us how to do the hard work of forgiveness.  Lord, protect my children from huge hurts in their lives, but where there is hurt (and I know that there will be), I pray they choose to forgive.  And where they hurt others, I pray forgiveness is offered to them.   May my children never let unforgiveness take root in their hearts.  In these moments Lord, I pray that they lean on you for help and guidance.  You are the greatest forgiver of all...may we be more like you!  



First posted January 23, 2010

Becoming a Missionary

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."  Matthew 4:19

Kyle...2010

I came upon this interesting quote the other day as I was reading Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest.  Just something to ponder...

"The goal of a missionary is to do God's will, not to be useful or to win the lost.  A missionary is useful and he does win the lost, but that is not his goal,  His goal is to do the will of his Lord."  (09/23 devotional)

I'd never thought of the term "missionary" in that light.  I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to do the will of the Lord!  It won't always be easy, but it's a high calling that will reap God's abundant grace and blessing!

Lord, today I pray for my dear children, Alyssa and Kyle, and lift them before your throne.  Make their hearts and minds aware of your presence and call on their lives.  Urge them, Father, to always follow you wherever you lead and continually do your will.  In this, may others see your reflection in their lives, and be drawn to find you for themselves.  Being a fisher of men is a wondrous benefit that comes if Alyssa and Kyle would live in close relationship with you.  You, Lord, are the light of the world, and you are the precious Savior for all.  There is no greater calling in our lives, than to follow your will.

I Do It...Not!

"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."  Acts 20:21

"I do it!"...Lyssa, 1997

Oh there have been days when I want to pull my hair out because Alyssa and Kyle won't accept my help.  They could even be grunting in disgust, stomping their feet in frustration, or giving up because something is too hard, YET they still don't want my advise or help.

"I do it!" was a common statement when they were little.  Self-reliant little things they were/are. 

I think I'm like that sometimes too.  "I do it!"

At some point in our lives, we all need to come to the realization that we need God.  We need His guidance, His salvation, and His forgiveness, because we can't do it all by ourselves.

I'm praying that my kids set aside their stubbornness in those moments of frustration, hopelessness and anxiety, and turn to God!  Faith in Him will be the greatest decision of their lives!

Lord, you are our help, our strength, and our salvation!  You make the difficult things in life manageable.  You bring us hope when we are hopeless, answers when we don't understand, and peace when our fears or frustrations begin to overtake us.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle turn to you, God, in repentance and have faith in you, our Lord Jesus.  Help them to recognize the areas in their lives that they are self-reliant and need to hand over the reigns of their lives.  They need you, dear Jesus.  They can't do it on their own!  Thank you, Lord, for your everlasting love and presence in Alyssa and Kyle's life.  You are their greatest gift!

Ready to See

"I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do."  Acts 13:22

My men texted this picture to me yesterday.  I'm not sure that I was ready to see my 13 year old (though almost 14) son shaving.  It was a reminder that daily he's getting closer and closer to manhood.

AAahhhh....I don't think I'm ready!

At the same time, I can't wait to see what kind of man he will become.  I wonder what he will do, what his family will look like, and if he'll stand by the things we have taught him.  Oh how I pray that he will be a man after God's own heart, and that he will do everything God wants him to do.

That's the one thing I'm ready to see!

Lord, you are moving, living in and guiding my son Kyle.  Keep on, dear Jesus, please keep on!  Grow him up, and encourage him to be a man after your own heart.  I pray that Kyle will do everything You want him to do, being obedient without ever a second thought.  May his words always be pleasing to you.  May he always keep his eyes from feasting on things that lead to a hardened heart or unclean thoughts.  Move his feet to follow wherever you lead, and his hands to help those in need, and love those in his path.  Lord, I pray that Kyle reflects you in mighty ways, from today until you call him home, loving you with every breath he takes.  I'm ready to see him be Your man!

Thankful Thursday: God's Pursuit

"He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food."  Job 36:16

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all..."  2 Corinthians 5:14

"The Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised."  Joshua 23:10


I know that God is pursuing my children.  He longs for them to love Him, believe in Him, and spend their lives forever by His side.  And He longs for that deeper than this mother does. 

Oh, to know that He is wooing Alyssa and Kyle to Himself. 

There's nothing sweeter!

Lord, thank you for your continual pursuit of Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you that you long for them to be your daughter and son, and to speak to them as one would speak to a friend (Exodus 33:11). You fight for them to belong to you.  You woo them into a love relationship with their Savior.   I kur now, Lord, that you will never give up on them, and will always show up in the different parts of their lives.  Open their eyes that they might see your uncompromising presence and unconditional love.  Move their hearts to beat after yours.  Thank you, Lord, for loving your children!

Restored Health

"But I will restore you to health..." Jeremiah 30:17

 Easter 2010

Our family is attempting to come down with it's second illness of this school year.  NO! NO! NO!  Please, no.  Of course, I can't help but expect it.  We've been running here, there, and everywhere for the last few weeks as one kid is in volleyball five nights a week, Saturday is filled with baseball, and Sunday is church from sun-up to sun-down.  We've had little time to breathe or rest.  So, I've started hearing rumblings of sore throats, headaches, and exhaustion.

I'm praying that today, my dear hubby and sweet children, sense God's healing on their bodies, and His strength nourishing their weakness.

Restore us, Father!

Lord, your hand heals.  Please intervene in my family's bodies, and bring health and strength to them, as they go about the busy activities of their lives.  You move in and through our inner beings, and you are our Creator and Maker, and can bring us to perfect health.  As they fight off these viruses and bugs, Lord, may they also find rest.  Lord, this is the day you have made, and we will trust you with all that it holds. 

Head Held High

"My head is high, God, held high; I'm looking to you, God;
   No hangdog skulking for me"  Psalm 25:1-2 (The Message)

Lyssa & Friends 1999

The mama bear comes out in me when I see either of my kids discouraged, defeated, or hurt by other people in their lives.  On the other hand, I do know that it is bound to happen.  So it's important that I teach Alyssa and Kyle whom they can run to when the world around them seems to kick them in the shins.

"No hangdog skulking" (ha!  I loved that phrase)  Look to God!

He alone will be their friend when they are alone, their comfort when they are sad, and their place of refuge and encouragement when they are discouraged or beaten down.

Hold your heads high, Lyss and Kyle!  Jesus loves you!

Lord, you alone know the hearts of all men (1 King 8:39).  You alone, O LORD, make us dwell in safety.  (Psalm 4:8) You are wooing Alyssa and Kyle from the jaws of distress, into a spacious place where they can find your comfort. (Job 36:16)  Lord, help our children to hang their heads high even when they've been wounded, scorned, lied to, or laughed at.  In those moments, remind them the truths of your Word, the hope of your presence,  and the depths of your love.  Strengthen Alyssa and Kyle, dear Jesus, when the world seems to knock them around.  For you will deliver them from all their troubles, and their eyes can look in triumph on their foes. (Psalm 54:7)

No Sluggards

"The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
       but the path of the upright is a highway."  Proverbs 15:19

Lyssa and her school locker...2009

School is in full swing.  We're five weeks in and the kids seem to be doing well.  I think that they are learning that if you don't work ahead on your homework, and wait until the day before it's due, life can get a bit crazy.  You have to do that when you're taking Pre-Calculus, Physiology and Anatomy, or Introduction to Psychology.  

I love it when I get wind that the kids are working on something that is due "next week".  (It doesn't happen often, but I can pray for that to become more the norm!)

No sluggards here please!

Lord, thank you for the continued work you're doing in Alyssa and Kyle's life.  They are growing into strong and wise young adults.  Please continue to help them learn responsibility, discipline and perseverance in their work and commitments.  Replace any tendency to be a sluggard, and live lazy, with an urgency to do all that they need to do, when they need to do it.  For even when Alyssa and Kyle are working for men, they are working for you!

348 Prayers and Counting

One year ago today my prayer journey began and I wrote this: 

Beginning of a Journey

"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties."

--Oswald Chambers

God is calling me to step up my prayer life. Especially in regards to my children. In just a few weeks my house will hold two, yes count them, two teenagers. And the more they experience of life, the more I can sense my worry shifting into a higher gear. How, as a parent, can I combat everything they are being barraged with on a daily basis? How can I entrust that they will make right, safe, and godly choices?

God recently gave me the greatest parenting tip of all time...pray!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." --Philippians 4:6

I want to use this blog (something I've never done before) to encourage myself, and maybe others, to be specific in their prayers for the kids, and be diligent about praying for them on a daily basis. I want to see changes my kids lives, one prayer at a time, and hope that they follow Jesus with all that they are, and for all the days of their life!

I'm on my knees! Will you join me?

It's No Fairy Tale

Our prince...2008

Once upon a time there was a family who went on a trip, to the regionals baseball tournament, with their son's baseball team.  They competed well, and even had a free day to go to the ocean with the team. 

One of the attractions they decided to visit was the "Sea Lion Caves".  We went down, down, down, into the caves.  It was cold, dark, and stank to high heaven.

After a short peek at all the sea lions, it was time to head back up to the top.

Only the elevator broke down.

And this family was stuck down in the dark, stinky dungeon for over two hours.

They're still smiling!

This family had to wait for the repairman to come from way far away.

However, the "savior" finally arrived, and the way out was a easy as a push of the button.

Moments before being saved.

It just reminds me of our precious God who has promised to save us from the depths of the grave!  And we don't even have to wait!  All we have to do is say "Yes, Lord, I need a Savior!"  He loves us that much!

"For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave."  Psalm 86:13

Oh, Lord, thank you for being our Savior, and saving us from being separated from you.  Show Alyssa and Kyle your deep, deep love.  I pray that they believe in you, and call on your name to be their Lord and Savior.  And not only will they look to you as their Savior, and depend on you as their God, but have a relationship with you and speak to you as one would a friend. Lord, be Alyssa and Kyle's sweet Savior, today and forevermore!

Change of Face

"As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning."  Luke 9:29

 Kyle...while I'm bugging him with the camera. 

He's trying to ignore me.

But I love his funny faces.

What a ham!

Faces can tell a lot about a person.

It can show whether we are happy, sad, mad, afraid, or at peace.

God's Word says that the appearance of a man's face changes as he prays.

As my children face difficult things in life, I want them to find that prayer is the place to go!

It changes their circumstances, their feelings, their future,

And the look on their face.

Prayer makes a difference.

Lord, prayer is such a wonderful part of our relationship with you.  You allow your children to speak to you as a man speaks to his friend.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find you as their greatest friend, and go to you on a daily basis in prayer.  May prayer be for them like chatting with their very best friend.  When they are afraid, may they look to you as their strength and shelter.  As they face struggles, may they come to you for wisdom, understanding, and instruction.  Knowing they have hopes and dreams, may they look to you, and know that you will hear their heart.  Lord, may our children trust in you with all their heart, and lean not on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge you, for You, will make their paths straight!

Thankful Thursday: He's Not Done

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, 

will continue his work until it is finally finished 

on the day when Christ Jesus returns."  Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Alyssa and I...2007

I am thankful that God is not finished with me yet. 

I'm just sayin'...

Lord, thank you for not giving up on me.  I thank you that you are doing a good work in me, and you will continue to do so until the day of Christ's return.  Continue to mold me into the woman you want me to be.  I so want to reflect you as I parent, as a wife, and when I serve others.  There are days when I feel like there is more of me in me, than you, and I so want that to be different.  Lord, forgive me for the times when I fall short, and fill me with your Spirit and strength so I can handle anything that comes my way. Clothe me with strength and dignity.  Dear Jesus, I'm so thankful that you're not finished with me yet.  May I shine with Your presence living in my life.

Increased Faith

"The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"  He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."  Luke 17:5-6

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God

whose ways you may not understand at the time." 

--Oswald Chambers

Oh, how I pray Lord, that our children have a "deliberate confidence" in you!  Increase Alyssa and Kyle's faith, dear Jesus.  I pray that faith will find root and grow in their hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them.  With faith in you, all things are possible.  May they not struggle to believe, hope, and act on your calling because fear has overtaken them, but make their faith the stronger contender.  Lord, thank you for the wonderful ways you'll increase their faith!

One Failure

Blessed is the man
       who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
       or stand in the way of sinners
       or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
       and on his law he meditates day and night. 

Psalm 1:1-2

There are some areas in which I feel like I have failed as a mother.  I'll just share one of those things with you today.  Maybe we can get into those other things at another time.  Maybe.

Here's the one failure I'm thinking about today:  I often thought about how great it would be to have family devotions with the kids, or write Bible verses and put them over their bedrooms or bathroom, or teach our children how to be disciplined at reading His Word each night before bed.  The years have just sped by and I have realized that I failed to impart this important habit into Alyssa and Kyle's life.  I didn't teach them enough. 

I want them to LOVE God's Word, and to find themselves delighting in what they find within it's pages.  I long for them to learn how to meditate on it day and night.  Oh what rich treasures they will find as they dig deep, and invest their time and effort in daily meeting with God.  

My hope is that at least they will learn something from my example.  I haven't been perfect, but I try, and I want to lead the way into a wonderful relationship with God and His Word.  I pray that they see in me a joy that comes after spending time with Him day by day.

Maybe, just maybe, God can take my failure, and still make something beautiful.  With Him all things are possible!  Amen.

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to find delight in your law.  May they meditate on this law day and night. Remind them that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from your mouth (Deuteronomy 8:3).  Your word is a lamp to their feet and a light for their path.  (Psalm119:105)  Whoever hears your word and believes you Lord, has eternal life and will not be condemned; crossing over from death to life (John 5:24)  Give them a hunger and thirst for your word, and knowing you deeper.  Help them to find all the treasures you have for them within it's pages, and meet you in a new and fresh way each time they open your book of life.  Thank you for speaking to us through your word, and for reminding your children of your deep, deep love.  What a precious gift.  May it become abundantly precious to Alyssa and Kyle.

Heart of Service

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  Hebrews 6:10

Alyssa and friends...2006

Every year our kids have to do some community service to earn some "stamps for camp".  I think that it's usually the last requirement they fill, in order to earn their full scholarship to go to summer camp.  One year (pictured above), Alyssa and her friends made dog biscuits from scratch, and then took them to the area Humane Society, for the homeless dogs.  Very sweet idea, but oh what a lovely mess they made.

I'm praying that as Alyssa and Kyle get older they don't continue to need "incentives" in order to serve others in our community, whether it be in our church or otherwise. I want their hearts to be moved to help others when they sense a need, or give of their time because it's a passion, and be a blessing to the hungry, hurting, or hopeless.  

I want our kids to make a difference in the life of someone else because God has made a difference in theirs.

Lord, give our children a servant's heart.  Move them to help those who need a helping hand.  May they spirit be marked by compassion for the hurting and hungry world around them. Whatever they do for one of the least of these, they truly do for you (Matthew 25:40).  Give them your eyes, dear Jesus, that they may see the world as you do, and make their hearts tender like yours.  Serving others is serving you, and you will not forget the ways they show love to those around them (Hebrews 6:10).   You will make Alyssa and Kyle's joy complete when they are like-minded, having the same love as you have, being one in spirit and purpose.  I pray that they do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than themselves. (Philippians 2:2-3)  May Alyssa and Kyle's lives be lived in honor of you, and may your glory be revealed in and through them.

I Hold You?

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."  James 4:8 (NLT)

 "I hold you, Grammy!"...Lyss 1995

One of my favorite phrases, that Alyssa used to pipe up and say when she was just a little tyke, was "I hold you."  She'd walk up to me, or her dad, and raise her arms and plead for us to gather her up in our arms.

"I hold you?"

Oh melt a mother's heart.  Some days I ache to hear her say it just one more time.

"I hold you."

Though her words were not spoken in quite the right way, we always got the gist. 

I know that if Alyssa were to come to Jesus, and say "I hold you?"  He would know exactly what she meant.  He would respond with open arms saying "Yes, I will hold you, dear daughter of mine!"

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."  James 4:8 (ESV)

Lord, thank you for always holding your children.  I know that you want Alyssa and Kyle to draw near to you.  You're waiting for every opportunity to hear them say "I hold you."  And with each moment that they ask for you to hold them, you will lovingly hold out your arms, pick them up, and draw them close to yourself.  Fill Alyssa and Kyle with a longing for your presence, dear Jesus.  Oh, how I pray that they hunger and thirst for you, and long for the love, and comfort that they need. May they call on your name, seek you as their refuge, an ask you to hold their lives in your hands. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5)  Amen!

 

Made to Do

"Do not neglect your gift...Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress."  1 Timothy 4:14-15

I'm rereading one of my favorite books, "When Crickets Cry" by Charles Martin.  If you want to read a good book, I'd encourage you to pick it up.  As I read it, I came across a paragraph that made me think of my kids.

"People marvel at the genius of Mozart because he supposedly wrote "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" at the age of three and composed his first first symphony at the age of twelve.  And yes, of course he was a genius, but another way to look at it is that he just discovered early what it was God made him to do.  That's all.  For some reason, God gave him a little extra, or a little something different, and Mozart found out what that was and then got a head start on using it.  Of course, he was brilliant, but that's not the point.  The point is he knew, and then he got to work.

I was no Mozart, and I had to work at it, but I never doubted what God made me to do..."  (When Crickets Cry, by Charles Martin, page 76)

What is it that God has made my children to do?  Oh, how I can't wait to see.  I'm sure they are getting nudges here and there from God.  Whatever it is, great or small, it's going to be perfect for them.  As long as they are following God's lead they will live in abundant joy and peace.

Watching God's plan unfold will be one of life's greatest pleasures. 

Lord, your plans for Alyssa and Kyle stand firm forever, the purposes of your heart through all generations (Psalm 33:11).  They are plans to prosper, and not to harm, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  In his heart a man plans his course, but you, Lord, determine his steps (Proverbs 16:9).  I'm in awe that you have gifted each of my children for something special and design their lives to serve you, reflect you, and love others.  Help them to recognize your purpose and leading in their lives, dear Jesus.  Follow Alyssa and Kyle all the days of their life, always speaking in their ear, "this is the way, walk in it."  (Isaiah 30:21).  Thank you, Lord, that there is something that they are made to do, and it will not be hidden from them.  God, you are so good!

Thankful Thursday: Daughter Delights

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."  Psalm 100:5

VBS 2010

As I sit here, thinking about what to write for my "Thankful Thursday" post, I can hear my daughter singing along with some praise songs on her computer.  "Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest!"  (by Brooke Fraser) is being sung over and over.  I love seeing, and hearing, her faith being lived out in her life.  The songs she is singing and listening to, the posts she writes on Facebook, and even in our conversations together.  Love that!

We've been watching the Girl play volleyball the last couple of nights.  Though her team hasn't done much winning, I love watching her play.  Especially when she blocks the ball, and gracefully tips it onto the other court (I'm sure there's an "official" term for that...maybe a "kill".  She was credited for four of those in last weeks game.)  Love that!

 Lyssa making a "kill"...2010

Lyss is also spending half of her day in classes at the high school, and then finishing off her day at the local college.  At 16, she is the youngest on campus, but seems to be flourishing.  I think she is thriving under the freedom, of going back and forth with a friend, and hanging out in coffee shops doing her homework.  Love that!

Every day, Lyss comes home for lunch at 10:30, always bringing a friend or two.  Oh what I learn when listening in on their conversations.  They are all good kids and I'm thankful that she has friends who love school, and are making wise choices in their lives.  Though I was a bit selfish at first, at the thought of loosing some of my "free time", it's been nice to see a different side of my girl. Love that!

God is moving in her life, and I love that! And I love her!

Oh, Lord, you are so good!  Thank you for the daughter you have given us, and how you are working in such mighty ways in her life.  Thank you for blessing Alyssa with such wonderful gifts, and making her such a strong, yet beautiful, young lady.  I see you actively pursuing her and drawing her to yourself, slowly making her into the woman you've planned her to be.  You, Lord, have wonderful designs for her days, and for her gifts, and I look forward to watching your hand at work in her life.  Continue to guide her down the path you have planned for her.  Continue molding her, refining her, and loving her through each day, and each life experience.  Help her, Lord, to truly understand the love you have for her, and for that truth to infiltrate every part of her life.  Love her, dear Jesus!  And help her to know that her mother loves her too.

A Greater Loss

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  Colossians 3:12-14

Friends having lunch...2004

A couple of weeks ago my hard drive crashed.  Every time I think about it, my heart drops and I grieve over the things I lost.  Here's a good plug to remind everyone to back-up their computers more than once a year.  Everything new on my computer since last summer, is gone, gone, gone.

One of my greatest losses included hours and hours worth of pictures I've scanned over the last few months.  Luckily I still have the actual pictures, and some of them I have posted on this blog.  But I think of all the time lost. 

But in the end it was just pictures and time.  There are a lot more important things in life.

Like people and relationships
(and, God of course).

Sure they take work and time, and unfortunately sometimes involve pain and heartache, but what a greater loss, however, if there's a "crash".

I want our children to know the value of working hard in their relationships... 
To forgive easily.
Communicate through conflict.
Invest time.
Have fun..
Shower encouragement.
Avoid gossip. 
Believe the best.
Tell the truth.
Laugh often.
Listen intently.

Relationships are a treasure that can be lost in a moment, just like all my pictures.  Work hard, children of mine, on doing your part in building, developing and saving the important relationships of your life.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to value the people and relationships in their lives.  Help them to see the importance of their family and friends, and choose to work hard in making sure those relationships grow in love.  Bearing with each other and forgiving whatever grievances they may have against one another, is a high calling, but is worth all the work and effort they give it.  Teach them to not be afraid of conflict, and speaking truth, but that good things can come out of hard circumstances.  Lord, give Alyssa and Kyle friends that value who they are, and are willing to work hard at their relationship as well.  Friends are a sweet part of life, and can give us much happiness.  Thank you, Lord, for giving us such a precious gift! May we hold onto all that is dear in our lives.

Workin' Hands

"Bless all his skills, O Lord, and be pleased with the work of his hands."  Deuteronomy 33:11

Lord, bless the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands.  May they not eat the bread of idleness (Prov. 31:27).  Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth (Prov. 10:4).  We do not want them to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised (Hebrews 6:12).  The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work (Prov. 21:25).  A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work (Ecc. 2:24).  Whatever their hand finds to do, I pray that they do it with all their might (Ecc. 9:10) May Alyssa and Kyle make it their ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind their own business and to work with their hands, so that their daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that they will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thess. 4:11-12)  Above all, may they lift up their hands in the sanctuary and praise you, Lord.  (Psalm 134:2)