Halloweens in Years Past

 Alyssa...a bunny 1994

 Ken and Alyssa...1995

Zacchaeus was a wee little man...

who climbed up in a sycamore tree, 

for the Lord he wanted to see.

 My little ladybug...1996

 The Redford zoo...1997

 One tired mom...1997

 1998

 2003

Twin Napoleon Dynamites...2006

Alyssa (far right)...2006

Oh, how time flies.  Though Halloween was always an exhausting holiday for this mom, looking back at how cute they were is fun!

Pleasing the Spirit

"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."  Galatians 6:8

 Alyssa & Kyle...1997

Oh the sinful nature is so easy to appease sometimes...
Anger.
     Bitterness.
          Selfishness.
               Greed.
                    Envy.
                         And I'm really good at gluttony.  (ugh)

As I worked with the early voting these last three weeks, I came across some not so nice people, and I found my "sinful nature" wanting to kick in to respond.  I mean, what gives a person the right to treat another person so unlovely?  I think I would have shocked one man had my urge to kick him in the shins actually came to fruition. 

It takes more effort, sometimes a conscious decision, and much discipline to choose the opposite responses to the list above.  But those are the responses God delights in.  When we are patient, joyful, forgiving, or self-sacrificing, we reflect Him living in us, and we reap eternal life.  

Oh to be "the one who sows to please the Spirit".  That is this mother's prayer today!

Lord, you are so good, and you are in everything that is good.  If you are living in our lives, we should reflect all that you are.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to recognize when they are sowing to please their sinful nature, because if they don't it will reap destruction.  Rather, I pray that they will the one who sows to please you in everything they say and do.  For from you they will reap eternal life.  Thank you for working internally in our children's lives, and carrying onto completion the work you are doing in their lives.  Transform them from the inside out, dear Jesus, and may they forever be your children!  Eternal life in you is the greatest treasure of all!

The Thirsty

"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."  Mark 9:41

Yesterday was a very long day.  In fact, long doesn't even begin to describe it.  It was the second to last day of early voting, and that is where I've been working for the last three weeks.  1,200 + people came through the doors.  My job has been to greet those people, ask their name and address, and confirm that they are registered to vote.  If they aren't then I help them get registered.

I'll tell you what, talking to that many people is crazy exhausting.  And it doesn't help when you forget your handy dandy water bottle.  Ugh!  Parched is a good way to describe how I felt for a couple of hours.  I just kept longing for a break so I could run to the nearest drinking fountain.

In the midst of my struggle a lady came in to drop off her absentee ballot, and seemed very compassionate by how busy it seemed to be in the room.  She said to me, "I bet you could really use a drink of water!"  To which I replied, "Oh, how did you know?  A drink of water would be my saving grace at this moment!"  And she walked out the door.

Part of me wondered if the lady would come back with a nice cold bottle of water.  I even imagined what I would tell her, and what a BLESSING from God she would have been to me.  That would be a God-sighting if I ever saw it!

I think sometimes in life we come across a lot of people who are desperately thirsty and hungry for the Lord.  They even say things that let us know of their longing and need, yet often in our busyness or fear we simply gloss by what they have said with their words or actions.  How their life would be different if we could offer them the one "thing" that would fill their need.   Because you know what?!?!  We KNOW and have the "One and Only" that would truly satisfy.  Oh how our hearts need to be willing to step out in courage and faith and share the truth about the true Living Water!

This sweet lady never came back with that bottle of water.  Which honestly wasn't a surprise.  I was just a some stranger in her day.  It just gave me pause to think, and pray, that our kids (and even myself) will recognize the needs of those around them, physical or spiritual, and be willing to step out of their comfort zones and be bold in Jesus name!

There are so many who are thirsty!

Lord, open my eyes, and Alyssa and Kyle's eyes, to the hungry and thirsty people who live in our midst.  Even to those we barely pass by, strangers in our busyness, may we recognize their cry for something that we have the power to lead them to.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to be bold in sharing about you, dear Jesus, and helping others know you in an intimate and personal way.  Open their eyes, and prod their hearts, to recognize those around them that need a helping hand in finding you. Lord, fill them with your compassion and love for the lost and hurting of this world.  You are the true Living Water and Bread of Life!  For this we truly love you!

Thankful Thursday: Gifts From Others

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."  Hebrews 13:16

Tuesday night our family was given tickets to the Boise State football game.  We don't own season tickets nor are we willing/able to pay for the now expensive splurge.  So what a gift it was for my little Bronco fans.  I don't have pictures of my boys, but below is Alyssa and her friend Hannah.

It got a little bit chilly...

Besides the Bronco tickets, other people have blessed our family over the last week with...

• A salmon dinner, with all the fixings, after a long day at work.
• A bowl full of garden grown tomatoes from one.  A butternut squash from another.
• Homemade freezer jam made by special hands.
• A tray of Harvest goodies...cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and yummy pumpkin bread.

So many good things shared with our family.  People's generosity and thoughtfulness is a rich blessing.  Thank you to all of our dear friends! 

So, for these things I give thanks on this Thursday.  And for this I pray:  I pray that my kids look on those things with gratitude as well, and in turn, reach out and touch someone else with generosity. 

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the generous and loving people in our lives.  We are so richly blessed.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's hearts are marked by gratitude and thanksgiving, and follow these examples to become thoughtful, giving, and generous people.  May your life changing presence in their life be reflected in their actions, in their contentment, and in their grateful hearts.  Lord, help my children to not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices you are pleased.  Amen.

Just Ask for It!

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."  James 1:5

Alyssa and Kyle are in the throws of school and homework.  It's amazing the things they are learning, and how much I have forgotten since my school days.  Kyle happens to have tests every week on the past Presidents of the United States, their political party and what year's they served in office.  Whew.  Each week another 5 Presidents get added, and the list gets longer and longer. 

God is growing up our children in wisdom.  Every day they are learning and stretching those little minds of theirs.  I pray that they not only learn the "facts" they need to know for school, but as they grow they also become wise in their faith and knowledge of Him.  That's a precious kind of wisdom. 

All they have to do is ask for it!

Lord, your word promises that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle ask for the wisdom that they need, for the daily issues of life, but also the spiritual and emotional issues that they face day to day.  Your wisdom is a precious gift.  Thank you, Father, for filling our minds with you.

Anger Danger

"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry..."  Ephesians 4:26

Alyssa...2010

Anger can so easily get us into trouble.  Anger can snap without a second of effort or thought.  Why isn't it easier to be patient, loving, and kind?  I wish those things came as naturally.

However, we can use our anger for good or for bad. Sometimes we let it ruin relationships, or break someone's spirit.  Other times we use it to urge us to make a change somewhere, or do things better.  

Alyssa and Kyle (and their mom) are still learning how to control their tempers, especially when it comes to dealing with one another.  I pray that they will learn how to bite their tongues when they are tempted to say something they shouldn't, keep their hands to themselves when they feel the urge to throw a punch, and that they move their thoughts towards healing and forgiveness when it's tempting to lash out.

There are a lot of things in life that get us all riled up.  Learning patience will be a lifelong journey.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be slow to anger and abounding in love.  I pray that in their anger they do not sin.  It will be a constant decision and choice to not let the sun go down while they are still angry.  May love and kindness always flow from their lips.  Lord, be at work in their hearts, and use their lips to always glorify you!

Faith Encourgers

"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."  Romans 1:12 (NLT)

Alyssa and friends...2009...Trunk-or-Treat

Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith.  Faith in you isn't necessarily something we do on our own.  We learn so much from the other people in our life.  Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life.  What joy it is to walk this journey with others.  

Father, I pray that you strategically place friends or adults in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their walk with  you.  Give them places of safety and refuge with people who they can trust, and who speak love and truth into their lives, especially when the daily grind of life is so hard.  Give them mentors and friends who walk with them as aliens and strangers in this world.  

In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in the life of someone else.  Help them to be bold and wise in their conversation with others, leading them closer to you.  Use my children to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love that reflects you.

I pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others as well.

Thank you, Jesus, for hearing my prayers!

Jesus and the Boise State Broncos

“That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

You’re probably wondering what the Boise State Broncos have to do with Jesus. My husband claims all the time that God is the biggest Bronco fan ever. He knows this because the most beautiful sunsets are blue and orange.

Yes, my man thinks he is funny! Ha!

We live in Boise State heaven. Everywhere you turn, there is blue and orange. Cars are decked with flags, stickers, and license plates. Businesses have their BSU cheer on their signs and windows. Young and old, men or women, all are decked out in their BSU gear. Everyone screaming to the world who they are rooting for! Who would have thought that blue and orange would be such popular colors?

Then when you go to an actual Boise State football game, you are bombarded with blue and orange overload. You can really tell a semi-fan from a real FAN, if you know what I mean. Painted faces or bodies, beads, horns, and crazy hats all showing which team they are siding with. As you can tell by the following picture, my boy falls in the category of a real FAN!

Kyle...2005

My deepest prayer is that my children will be just as big of fans for Jesus Christ. That they will shout as loud for Him, as they do the Boise State Broncos. I pray that the way they dress, the activities they participate in, and the words they say, all represent whose team they are really on. May they be the biggest cheerleaders on God’s team!

Lord, I pray that my children live their lives representing your team. May they confess with their mouth that you are their Lord, and believe in their hearts that you are God! I pray that the gift of your salvation becomes their own, and that they live their lives rooting for the right team. May they go all out in their love for you, showing the world their excitement and passion for you. There’s no greater thing in this world that I desire for my children, than that of hem being Your child!



Originally posted:  October 24, 2009

Clothed in Strength and Dignity

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."  Proverbs 31:25

 Alyssa...2005

When Lyss was little she seemed so confident in who she was.  She hated pink, purple, sparkles and butterflies, and she didn't care if others did.  Bows were a no-no, flowers an outrage, and she despised dresses (and still does).  If I tried to talk her into wearing something with any of these things, I was in for a loosing battle.  Or if someone gave her something that fit into any of these categories, there was just no way, polite or not, she was going give in. 

Rude?  Sometimes yes.
Opinionated?  Oh yeah.
Strong-willed?  Maybe so.
Confident in herself?  I'd like to think of it in those terms.

As girls grow older that confidence seems to slowly drain from their essence, and is replaced with an unexplained insecurity.  I pray that my daughter skips that stage, which I know is probably an impossibility.  Especially, since being 16, she's probably right in the most crucial time of feeling inadequate, unlovely, unlovable, and fearful of what others think.

I truly long for Alyssa to stay connected to who she was way back when.  I don't necessarily care if she continues to boo-hoo pink, purple, or sparkles.  I just pray that she stands firm in her beliefs, convictions and passions, and live her life in a way that reflects her love for the Lord.  No matter what the world around her says.

Be clothed, dear daughter, with strength and dignity!

Lord, you made Alyssa in beautiful ways, and I pray that she is confident in her strengths, faithful to her convictions, and firm in her beliefs.  Clothe her with strength and dignity, dear Father.  Remind her of the awesome and wonderful love you have for her as your daughter.  May she know and believe that your love is not based on what she does. Don't let anyone lead her to believe anything different.  Keep her from insecurity, fear, and unrest, and show her when others speak untruth.  Lord, you have fearfully and wonderfully made Alyssa...may she know that full well.

Remembering the Barney Days

"We love because he first loved us."  1 John 4:19

Alyssa...1995...Snoozing

Alyssa loved Barney.  From the age of 6 months on, she loved hanging out in her bouncy chair (shown in the picture above) while watching the big purple dinosaur.  She'd be so attentive and still for the full 30 minutes.  Sometimes that was the one moment in the day I could count on a quiet moment.  Though Barney was an annoying creature, I was willing to put up with him because of Alyssa's attraction. 

At the end of the show they always sang "The Barney Song". 

 I love you,
You love me,
We're a happy family,
with a great big hug,
and a kiss from me to you,
Won't you say you love me TOO!

As the kids grew older I'd often come up to them and start singing that song, and they'd yell "MMooooomm" in disgust.  But I have to say, I loved the words...and I meant them!

Today, I'm praying my kids KNOW how much I love them!

Oh Lord, how I love Alyssa and Kyle.  My prayer is that I can love them in ways that they know with all their heart that they are loved.  I pray that they easily pass-by my failures, and forgive my mistakes, but remember the many ways I tried to show them that I love them.  Lord, show us as parents, how to love Alyssa and Kyle each individually in the ways they need to be loved. Nudge us, dear Jesus, when we need to be more aware of how they are feeling, and when special acts of love are needed.  May we always reflect you, Lord, and have your love flowing through us. 

He Did It!

Kyle got his bike all painted and put back together.  No pieces left over.

And it looks great too!

Congratulations, son!

Our Fixer-Upper

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."  Isaiah 58:12

Kyle's got a big project going right now, as you can see from the picture above.  He has taken his bike a part and is repainting it.  Today he has hopes of putting it all back together.  I wonder if he'll have any extra parts left over.  Shhhhh....don't tell him I said that.  Ha!  I'll have to post a picture of the finished product.

I love the fact that we have a God who can take all of the "pieces" of our life, and put them back together in perfect fashion. When we have relationships that are shattered, He can rebuild them.  When our dreams seem tattered by life, He can make them new.  Anything broken, God is the one to go to.  He is our Almighty Fixer-Upper. 

He is our "Repairer of Broken Walls and the Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."

I pray that God is the one my kids always choose to go to when they feel that parts of their life are in pieces

And today?  Let's see how Kyle does at putting his bike back together.

Precious Father, how I rejoice that You alone are the Repairer of Broken Walls and the Restorer of Streets.  Thank you for being the one who rebuilds the ancient ruins.  Lord, I pray that my kids open the door for you to come into their lives when they are experiencing brokenness and pain.  May they look to you for healing, hope, peace, and even comfort when the pieces of their life feels in shambles.  You, Lord, make beautiful things out of the pieces of our lives when we put our trust and hope in you. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know this full well.
 

Papa Jesus, Protect Them

"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you."  Psalm 25:21

 Mother's Day...2009

I've been a stay-at-home mom since the day I became a mother over 16 years ago.  I've loved being there when my kids get home from school, and getting to hear about their day, help them on their homework (in the "old" days anyway), and watch over them to make sure they are doing what they should be doing.  Sometimes the job description even included keeping them from "killing" each other. 

Well, for three weeks this month, I am a workin' woman.  And for three weeks, my kids are coming home after school and needing to fend for themselves.  I know that they are capable, and don't really "need" me any more to get their afternoon snack, or help them with their homework, but still it's hard for me to not be there when they are home.

I am praying that they make wise choices while I am not within sight or ear-shot.  When they are on the computer, dealing with one another, or needing to do their homework or chores, I hope that they practice what I've taught them and think about what's really the right thing to do. 

They will only be home a few hours without me each day, but I still pray for their protection....physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  I know that God is watching over them when I can't.

Oh, and I also pray that they miss their mom!

Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect Alyssa and Kyle, because their hope is in you.  May you keep watch over them while we are away from one another.  I pray that you keep a close watch on all of their paths.  I trust you, Lord, with all my heart and will leave all my worries in your hands.  For you are God, and I give you all the praise and thanks.

Seek Him

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."  Proverbs 8:17

Oregon Coast...1998

Lord, this is the day that you have made and I pray that my kids rejoice and be glad in it!  There are so many things that Alyssa and Kyle can chase after in their pursuit of happiness.  I pray that they, first and foremost, pursue you, dear Jesus.  You promise that when they seek you, they will find you.  Oh what joy they will find when they experience the treasure of living side by side with you.  You alone can fill every need of their heart.  As Alyssa and Kyle fix their eyes on you, I pray they see you in clear and amazing ways! 

Heart Check-up

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."  Ezekiel 36:26

"The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. "  Deuteronomy 30:6

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..."  Hebrews 3:7-8





Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's hearts are open and available to you.  Keep them from ever being hardened and unreceptive to you.  May their hearts always be tender to you, dear Jesus.

No Porcupines Please

"People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"  James 3:7-10 (NLT)

 Kyle checking out the porcupine...2004

Porcupines aren't fun animals to be around.  A little poke and one is in some intense pain.  Watch out and don't get too close.

As well, our tongues have the power to stroke or poke, and yet we are so easily flippant in the things we say.  With one word we can bless or curse.  So often we forget.  Once in a while we may even think we have the "right". 

I want my kids to be conscious and aware of the words that they speak.  To even stop and think before choosing to allow something to come out of their mouths.  What if God were to put a guard over their mouth, or allow the Holy Spirit to nudge them when they begin to speak like a porcupine?  I know He can!

I don't know what animal would prove to be the opposite of that, but I'm praying my kids are like that.

Tame that tongue, children! No porcupines please.

Lord, our tongues are so hard to tame.  Please set a guard over Alyssa and Kyle's mouth, and keep watch over the door of their lips.  This will keep them from calamity.  Allow the words that come from their mouth to be used to build up those around them.  Help words of blessing, and not curses, flow freely.  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.  Lord, how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's words always bring glory to you.

Thankful Thursday: God Sets Things Right

Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders!

   He rolled up his sleeves,
   He set things right. 

God made history with salvation,
   He showed the world what he could do.

 He remembered to love us, a bonus
   To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love.

   The whole earth comes to attention.
   Look—God's work of salvation! 

 Shout your praises to God, everybody!
   Let loose and sing! Strike up the band! 

 Round up an orchestra to play for God,
   Add on a hundred-voice choir.

 Feature trumpets and big trombones,
   Fill the air with praises to King God. 

 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause,
   With everything living on earth joining in. 

 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!"
   And mountains harmonize the finale— 

 A tribute to God when he comes,
   When he comes to set the earth right.

   He'll straighten out the whole world,
   He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.

--Psalm 98 (The Message)