Please Remember and Rejoice!

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."  Psalm 77:11

Tis the season to remember  

and rejoice!

It's time to put up the decorations,

buy a few gifts,

make some delightful goodies,

and above all 

prepare our hearts 

to worship our Savior!

 

Let the fun begin!

 Lyssa and Kyle helping with the tree...2005

 

Oh wait...

The kids are now teenagers.

For some reason, 

they don't think that all this is "fun" this year. 

Sure it's a bit of work,

but I pray that in all the hustle and bustle

they don't forget...

It's the season to remember  

and rejoice!

A Savior has been born!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will remember your deeds; yes, remember your miracles of long ago.  For unto us a Savior is born.  Oh, how we rejoice!  I pray that our children remember the reason we celebrate, and go to all this energy and work, during the holidays.  It's all about you.  May they find joy in you, dear Jesus, and celebrating your birth.  Move their hearts to give of their time, energy and resources this season to bless others, and to reflect you to those around them.  Remind each of them, Lord, the joy of your living presence in their lives, and that you alone are who and why we celebrate this Christmas season.  Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son.

His Unfailing Love

"Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings..." Psalm 17:7-8

Another birthday has come and gone...oh my, oh my!  I have to admit that my family did a pretty bang-up job letting me know that they loved me.  Coffee, pedicure gift card, money for some new clothes, and a brand new spiffy purse.  What more could a girl want?  They blessed me abundantly with all the things that I loved...and therefore, I felt deeply loved.

God's like that.  He lavishes His children with love.

Unfailing love.

Unending love.

Undeserving love.

Oh how I want Alyssa and Kyle to know that kind of love!

Jesus loves me this I know.  For the Bible tells me so!  

Lord, show Alyssa and Kyle the wonders of your great love, and remind them in tangible ways today that they are the apple of your eye.  Your Word says that you loved them so much that you gave your one and only son, so that they may spend eternity with you.  Help them to believe in your love, dear Jesus.  Lord, don't let Alyssa and Kyle live in the fear that they are not good enough to be accepted and loved by you, but rest in the security of being your child...one dearly loved.  You are God, and your love abounds to a thousand generations.

Seed of Salvation

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."  John 5:24

Lord, hear my heart! I pray that Alyssa and Kyle believe in you all the days of their lives. May the seeds that have been planted in their hearts and minds, by their parents, Sunday school teachers over the years, or their youth workers and friends, germinate into a lifelong love for you! I pray that the message of your Word becomes real to them, and they believe with all their heart that You the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May they believe you are the Creator, the Forgiver of sins, and the Light of the world! Lord, may they look to you as their Savior! This is my greatest desire, and I'm sure your greatest desire as well. I entrust them to your care today!

Greedy Friday

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15

Today is Black Friday, and my family (without me...cause I love sleep way more) is attempting to find some deals and steals.  As the kids all perused the ads in the newspaper, their wants and "needs" were voiced over and over again.

Thanksgiving is the day to be thankful for what we already have, but the focus quickly moved to all that they don't have. 

So, I'm not sure what the troops will come home with, but I pray that that greed, gluttony, and discontentment aren't part of what they will be carrying.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be on their guard against any greed; for life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.  Make their hearts content with all that they have, and to be grateful what they already have.  Holy Spirit, prompt their hearts when greed, gluttony and discontentment are the center of their thoughts.  May you fill them with all they need, and be the One thing that brings them the greatest joy. I'm thankful for you, dear Jesus, and that you give us not only what we need, but even some of those things our heart desires.  You are Lord of all, and the giver of all good things!  Amen.

Thankful Thursday: The Road Less Traveled

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

The Road

Today, on this Thanksgiving Day, the Redford family is thankful to be alive.  On Tuesday, and at the advice of our trusted GPS device, we took the road less traveled – proving that our GPS is a brainless machine.  After all, anyone with a brain understands that sending a family on a route that includes a one lane log road over a mountain pass in late November is NOT the quickest route!  By the end of our fiasco, we had spent two and a half hours on a useless detour between Tillamook and Sherwood Oregon which involved deep snow, sliding, beautiful scenery including a pristine river and a herd of elk, deep ruts, getting stuck (for just a few nervous moments), turning around, amazing snow driving from Tresa, and a lot of prayer.  Though we were late in arriving to our destination (sorry Lyssa!) we did arrive safe and sound.  It is true that safety, health and life itself are precious and they are so easily taken for granted. 

 A few miles after we turned around.

 Let me also say, as a guest writer here, how thankful I am for Tresa in my life.  Thank you, Jesus, for a woman who truly loves You, who is endlessly committed to her family, her church and to serving others.  Thank You for her sweet, giving spirit and tender heart.  She is a gift like no other to me!  Happy Birthday to you, my true love.

Heavenly Father, On this Thanksgiving we stop to appreciate Your goodness to us for safe passage through this past year.   Thank you, Lord, for your protection over our family.  Thank you also for a safe journey through the mountains yesterday, and for the chance to witness Your hand of creativity, care and providence.  We are constantly surrounded by Your beautiful creation us as well as countless reminders of how precious our lives are to You.  We love you and we pray that You will constantly instill in our children (and in us) a deep appreciation for basic things.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ken

Smile!

"I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile..."  Job 9:27

"A smile confuses an approaching frown." --author known

I love watching my kids smile.  It makes my day.  This week I've had the joy of seeing them smile when they...

played at the ocean,

beat me at Skipbo,

took a bite of some yummy clam chowder,

cracked a funny joke,

anticipated seeing freinds,

watched a funny movie,

took a lick of their favorite ice cream,

and played with cousins.

Some days it feels like there are more frowns, gripes, and whines, than those beautiful smiles.

Today, I'm praying that around every corner the smiles are abundant!

Lord, sometimes its easy to complain and whine.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to forget those complaints, and choose to "change their expression" and smile.  In all their comings and goings may they be reminded of the wonderful things in their lives, and to be thankful, cheerful, and full of joy.  Because you, Lord, are a part of their lives, they have great reason to rejoice and smile.  Because of your sweet salvation, they can live today with much an overflowing joy for life.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle smile their way through this day!

Our Firm Foundation

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NASB

 
Lord, you are my firm foundation, and my rock. When my life is being blown about by storms and rain, and I am feeling slammed to and fro, what assurance there is knowing that you are my shelter. When I have built my life on the rock, my foundation is firm through each test and trial. Heavenly Father, help my children build their lives on you. Daily may they look to you and your Word for wisdom, assurance, and hope, laying the foundation for the hard times that come in their lives. Plant your Word in their hearts, and grow their roots deep, that they may stand strong through all of life circumstances. Lord, may they trust you with all their hearts, never doubting your plan for their lives. You are the firm foundation of their lives, and I give you praise.

Addicted to Jesus

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Jonah 2:8

Alyssa...1996

When Alyssa was little she had a desperate addiction to her binky…or should I say “binkies”. It began the day after she was born, and continued on until her 3rd birthday, as I mentioned in my blog on Saturday.

Often Alyssa would have more than one binky in her possession at any one time, and they were even named. There was “cow binky”, “train binky”, and “pink binky” and one of them was always close by. The comfort they gave when she was tired or hurt is immeasurable, and breaking the addiction was long and torturous. For her, and for me!

So, after several different attempts, I came up with an idea to make the separation a little easier.  Or at least I hoped it would.  I put together a "Binky Going Away Party" and Alyssa's friends came over to help us "celebrate".  We had Hostess cupcakes, juice, and if I remember right, balloons.  (I wish I could find the pictures I took.)  Anyway, we decorated a box, put all the binkies inside it, and wrapped it up.  Hand-in-hand we all walked to the mailbox to "send it to some other baby who really needed those binkies". 

It was so much fun, and worked like a charm, until bedtime hit!  Luckily I had asked my friend to drive by the mailbox, after she and her kids left the party, and pick up the package and take it home with her.  Otherwise, I might have been tempted to open it and give them back.  It only took three nights of crying for Alyssa to finally understand that there were no more binkies. 


I pray that the binky addictions, are the worst kind of addiction our children ever face(cause Kyle, too, had a binky fetish)  I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't appreciate their mom throwing another going away party, with friends, now that they are older. 

May their only addiction be Jesus Christ!!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to never cling to worthless idols in their lives, and forfeit the grace that can be theirs.  You alone can fill all of their needs and the empty spaces of their hearts, yet sometimes it's easy to look to other things to replace what only you can fill.  Where they need to feel love, peace, comfort, and pleasure, may they look to you alone. I pray that thy never grab onto anything that is harmful in their lives, and expect it to bring happiness. Protect Alyssa and Kyle from the pressure of smoking, drinking, drugs, pornography, gambling…all those things that can easily become dangerous addictions, and cause harm in their lives. When/if they are tempted, may you give them the power to say “no”, and stand against the devil's schemes.  Thank you, Lord, for being the One that gives us life abundant.

Taste Him!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."  Psalm 34:8

 Lyssa...1996

From the moment she was born, until her 3rd birthday, binkies were Alyssa's favorite friend.  Everywhere she went, there was a binky not far behind.  She hung onto those little plastic things with dear life.  Often Alyssa had a binky in each hand.  That way, if one got too "warm" and used, she could do a quick swap.

Yes, binkies were one of her FAVORITE things.

The binkies soothed Alyssa when she was grumpy,

gave comfort when she was unhappy,

and was her security when she sleeping.

Sounds a bit like Jesus, don't you think?! 

Jesus can be the one to soothe us when we are anxious or unhappy, give us comfort when are sad, and help us to feel secure when our fears feel big and overwhelming. 

Taste HIM.  He's so much better than those darn binkies!

Oh Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle taste and see that YOU are good.  How blessed is the one who takes refuge in you.  You offer such a sweet gift of salvation, and all that Alyssa and Kyle have to do is confess with their mouth that you are Lord.  I pray that they make the move to live their lives for you, always partake of you, and enjoy the sweetness of your Spirit alive and active in their lives.  May the only addiction they have in life be You! 

P.S.  One of these days I'll have to tell you how we got rid of the binky addiction!  Maybe Monday.

Arms of Protection

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

Oh how I love that phrase... 

Spread your protection over them!

Lyssa loved rolling down the hill.

But in the protection of Dad's arms,

the rolling was even more fun.

 Aaah...sweet ride!

Oh to be in the protecting arms of Jesus!  

As Alyssa and Kyle "roll" through life, may they find joy, courage, shelter, and hope living in the shelter of His arms.   It's the safest place to be.

Lord, spread your protection over Alyssa and Kyle.  I know that you will be their hiding place; you will protect them from trouble and surround them with songs of deliverance.  Protect them, Father, from enemies who want to harm them.  Protect them in their comings and goings, giving them courage to live out your destiny for their lives.  When fear takes hold of their hearts and minds, may they find comfort in the shelter of your arms.  When sadness or discouragement mark their days, Lord, move them to rest in you.  Please, Lord, spread your protection over my dear children.

(Pictures taken in 1996)

Thankful Thursday: Just a Small List

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."  Hebrews 12:28

Here's a few things I am thankful for this week...

• God's protection...another car ran a red light in front of me one day this week.  If I had not been aware, it could have been disastrous.
• A date with my man.
• My son took a moment to sit on my lap.  Loved it!

 I even have proof!...though not the greatest picture! 

• My Bible, and the things I'm learning in my studies.
• Encouragers in my life..
• My daughter bought me my favorite drink from Sonic as a surprise.
• God stretching my time and energy to get everything accomplished I needed to accomplish.
• Precious time of worship with friends.  Check it out here.)
• The project Kyle was worried about (I wrote about it here) came to completion yesterday, and he passed with flying colors.  
• We're heading on a family vacation to the Oregon Coast this weekend.  So excited to get away!

Lord, thank you for the many ways I have seen your presence and blessing in my life this week.  My heart is grateful beyond words.  Thank you for showing yourself to me in amazing ways this week.  May Alyssa and Kyle be aware of your activity in their lives as well, and be mindful to give you praise and thanks!  I love you, Lord!

Practicing Contentment

"The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble."  Proverbs 19:23

 Me...It's easy to be content when you're on a dream vacation! 

The other day, I read a blog that convicted me.  God disciplines those He loves, yes? All I have to say is, "OUCH!"

The following list, is taken from the book Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow, and is a prescription for contentment.  The author of the blog I read expounds a bit on each point, so if you're interested in more information, click on the link above and take a moment to read further. 

1. Never allow yourself to complain about anything – not even the weather.

2. Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.

3. Never compare your lot with another’s.

4. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.

5. Never dwell on tomorrow- remember that tomorrow is God’s, not ours.

After reading the first point, I decided to try to go the entire day without uttering a complaint. Oh it wasn't pretty.  I caught myself complaining about the mess left on the counter, the kids not getting out of bed when they should, the busyness of my schedule...and on and on it went.  My heart was convicted that I needed to practice being content in every situation. 

I honestly think that my kids catch the worst of my habits, rather than the best.  (Oh, why God is that so?) So, I'm praying that I can practice contentment and gratitude, instead of grumbling and complaining, and hope that they catch something good from following my example. 

And let it begin today!

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle (and myself) the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  But if we have food and clothing, helps us to be content with that.  May Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, minds, and mouths live in the gratitude and thanksgiving that they are exactly where you want them to be, and have all that they need.  Teach them to rejoice always!  From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, may your name be praised.  Amen.

Weighed Down with Worry

"Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up."  Proverbs 12:25

 Kyle playing in the rain...2008

The other night Kyle had troubles falling asleep.  Worry was filling his mind as he tried to close his eyes.  He has a big project and presentation due at school this week.  Funny, he seemed unphased by its quick approach before he headed to bed. 

Sometimes its in the quiet where thoughts begin to spin and we find it hard to turn our minds off. Instead of resting, we wrestle with things that cannot be changed in that moment.

I tried to encourage Kyle to pray, instead of ponder his worries. But honestly, sometimes its easier said than done.  My prayer is that worry doesn't become Alyssa and Kyle's default response, but shows itself to be the thing that moves them to be on their knees talking to their Heavenly Father.

How about you?  Are you worrying or praying?

"Worry is the darkroom in which negatives are developed."  

Lord, you are our refuge and strength, and an ever-present help in trouble. Help Alyssa and Kyle to not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself.  As they learn to put their trust in you, lean on your understanding, and seek your will in all that they do, you will show them which path to take.  Lord, you are the one place they can go, and the one person who will hear the cry of their hearts.  They can cast their anxieties on you, and you will care for them in personal and precious ways.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's hearts aren't weighed down by worry, fear, and anxiety, but that you Lord, fill them with your peace that passes all understanding.  For this I pray...Amen.

Hunger for Knowledge

"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge."  Proverbs 23:12

 Alyssa's "Bess Truman" project...2008

Another school week is upon us.  I pray that it's a good week for my kids.  Five more days of school  until the Thanksgiving break is upon us. 

I've probably mentioned this before on my blog, but I hate helping my kids with their homework.  Sometimes it makes me realize how much I didn't catch when I went to school, or how much I have yet to learn.  I think I took my education for granted at times, and instead enjoyed the friendships and fun.  I still had good grades, but I think I could have invested my life in learning a lot better than I did. 

So, I pray that for my kids.  My hope is that Alyssa and Kyle invest themselves in their learning, open their minds to new knowledge, and become inquisitive and hungry for deeper understanding.   I hope they have a thirst and hunger for learning.  It will help them go a long ways in life. 

Open your minds, kids!  There's a "boat-load" of stuff out there to take in.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to apply their hearts to instruction and their ears to words of knowledge.  Fill them with the your Spirit, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.  Open their ears and eyes today, that they may gain new insights, deeper understanding, and instruction that will grow them up into wise and knowledgeable adults.  And in their learning, may they find you, dear Jesus!

Sharing the Inheritance

My babies...1997

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

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

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

(From Colossians 1:9-14)

Pure and Blameless

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

 Brother and Sister...2005

In my Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 is marked with my children’s names and the year 1999. As their mother, this verse was one of the prayers of my heart for my little ones. I don’t remember the specific circumstances of finding this verse, but I know that God gave it to me and I have prayed it over and over, claiming its truth for my kids. Today, I pray it again.

Lord, I lift before you my daughter Alyssa, and my son Kyle. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in their knowledge of you. To understand all the facets of your character; your faithfulness, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and holiness, and how it impacts their lives. I pray that they continue studying, and digging deep in your Word, and planting Scriptures in their heart. As Alyssa and Kyle get to know you better, I pray that they are able to discern right from wrong, when you are speaking to them, and what you’re calling them to do and be. Keep them both pure and blameless with their words, thoughts, and actions. Lord, fill them with the desire for right-living in you. May their lives reflect your holiness and bring glory and praise to you, precious Father, each and every day.

Thankful Thursday: Life and Breath

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6

Yesterday there was a sad story on the news in our area...

3-year old boy dies in swing set accident

As I heard about this heartbreaking story, I was reminded to be thankful for my children, and that they are alive, healthy, and safe.  I can hardly fathom what the parents of this little boy must be going through. 

I am praying for them, and at the same time thankful for Alyssa and Kyle's life and breath.

Lord, be near the parents of Asher Meyers.  Comfort their hearts and give them strength in this day, to handle their grief, and all the comes with this great loss.  It reminds me today, dear Jesus, to give you thanks for the life and breath of my dear children.  Forgive me for the times when I take that for granted, and am focused on all the difficult things that come with being a parent.  Help me to take great delight today in who you have made Alyssa and Kyle to be, and the little moments we have together in laughter and conversation.  I long that my children live their lives fully, to an old age, and always in good health, following your plans for their lives.  But I trust you, Lord, for each breath they take and for however long their life is.  Lord, may their lives always be filled with you, and their days marked by your Spirit leading, growing, and blessing them.  I thank you, Lord, for Alyssa and Kyle.

Mom's "Wise" Moment

"Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things."  James 3:16 (CEV)

Today I said something real wise and mature. 

"Why is it always about you?  Today I want it to be about me."

One for the books wouldn't you say?

So, what did I really teach my child with that statement?  That we can all have days to be the selfish ones?  That there are some days when we don't have to think about another person's feelings?  It IS all about ME.

We all have a tendency to be self-centered, selfish in our opinions, and thoughtless towards others.  It's a constant effort to "deny ourselves" and put someone else first.  

I'll be the first one to admit, I'm still learning...OBVIOUSLY!

Lord, you ask us to put aside our selfish ambition and vain conceit, and consider others above ourselves.  I pray, Lord, for this kind of humility and kindness in Alyssa and Kyle's life (and mine too obviously).  It's so easy to think of our rights, or desires, and our hopes and dreams at the expense of others, but you ask us to set aside those things and think of others first.  Please, Lord, change our hearts.  Remove the me, me, me attitude and fill us with compassion and love.  Clean out the jealousy, envy, selfishness, and thoughtlessness that often resides in us.  Mold us and make us to be more like you  Today, may we put others first.

A Place to Go for Help

If your law had not been my delight,
   I would have perished in my affliction. 

I will never forget your precepts,
   for by them you have preserved my life. 

--Psalm 119:92-93

I love God's Word.  Anytime I am struggling I can go there and find hope and comfort.  When I am lacking wisdom I open it's pages and find help and answers.  What a treasure it is in my life.  I'm so thankful that I don't have to live my life without it.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with God's Word too.  I hope that when they are going through hard times that they seek answers and comfort in the scriptures.  It will ultimately be the key to their survival through some of life's circumstances.

Lyss right now is struggling with some of her friendships.

Soon she will be needing to consider college plans.

Kyle has always had a natural wonder about the character of God.

One day, he too will be thinking about his future.

Then there is boyfriends and girlfriend stuff,

Conflict resolution help,

And answers for their fears.

Dear children, God's Word is THE place to go!

"There is one, even Jesus Christ, that can speak to thy condition"--George Fox

Lord, your Word is a precious gift to your children.  Thank you for this wonderful gift.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with the Bible, for it is your Holy Word.  I pray that it is the place they run to when they need answers for the things they are going through in their lives.  When times are hard, may they seek You through your Word.  When they need answers to the questions they face in life, may they hunt through your Scriptures.  Your Word will offer comfort, peace, hope, answers, and joy as they take time to soak in it.  I pray that it becomes a living and active part of their lives.  

Work Hard, Kids!

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."  Proverbs 14:23

Monday, Monday.  Today is Monday.  Let the school week begin.  Ready or not...

I was reminded this week, as I was talking to another mom, of a moment when Alyssa was in the 4th grade.  She tried to convince me that her teacher told her that if she wanted an "A" in spelling she had to do three homework exercises.  If she wanted a "B" she could do two exercises.  But, if she was satisfied with a "C" she only had to do one spelling exercise.  So, what do I hear from my daughter?  "Mom, I'm okay with a 'C'."

WHAT?!  (Can you hear the exasperation and surprise in my voice?)

I'm sure that Alyssa couldn't see then why in the world she would need an "A" back then.  There were no visible rewards, so why bother?! 

Today, there are things at stake when my kids don't work hard at their responsibilities.  They could flunk a class and have to retake them.  Sometimes that  means paying more money for a repeat class. They could loose out on future scholarship opportunities.  Somewhere along the way that could impact job opportunities and life experiences.  The older they get the greater the consequences of their choices when they don't feel like working hard. 

As we head into this Monday, and a new week, I pray that my my kids choose to work hard at everything they do.  Even if its just a little something that I have asked them to do. 

Bathrooms, here they come!
YAHOO!

Lord, this is the day that you have made!  Thank you for the beginning of a new week.  As my kids begin a new week at school, prepare their hearts, minds, and bodies to work hard.  May everything they do bring you glory and honor.  Instill in Alyssa and Kyle the desire to do their best at everything they put their minds to, and work through things even when it gets hard.  Give them new wisdom, and the strength of mind, when they face new challenges.  Lord, bless the work of their hands.  You, Lord, are the giver of all Alyssa and Kyle need to succeed.  I thank you and praise you for being right in the middle of their days.

My Greatest Prayer

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

 Alyssa & Kyle...2003

I never tire of praying for my children’s salvation. I don’t even want to imagine what their lives would be like without God. On a daily basis, I see visual reminders of a lost world, and people who don’t know Him. They are lonely, tired, and hurting. I pray that the salvation my children prayed for when they were young, will become real and precious to them as they grow into adults. May their faith be real, and may it become their own.

Aaahhhhh…It’s my greatest prayer.

What a promise to hold onto, Lord! No one can snatch my children from your hand. Eternal life is your gift to them when they call on your name. I pray Lord, that they continue to turn their hearts toward you, moment by moment, day after day, and from this year until they are old and gray. Lord, you love my children with an everlasting love. You sent your one and only Son for them, and when they choose to believe in you, you will give them eternal life. You will be their strength and their song, and become their salvation. God be their rock, in whom they can take refuge. Salvation if theirs for the taking today. Lord, may my children accept your gift with a lifelong steadfastness, and fix their eyes on you all the days of their lives.

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

"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

Kyle bowling with his friends last night.

Happy 14th Birthday, dear son!!!

Oh Father, thank you for my son, Kyle.  Thank you for the gift he is in our lives.  Fourteen years ago you changed our life completely, and I'll always be eternally grateful.  Thank you for the sweet son he is, and the tender spirit you've placed inside him.  He loves you, dear Lord, and I pray that he always chooses to seek you first, and be a man who is after your heart.  From this day forward may he always do everything you want him to do.  Be alive and active in his heart, dear Jesus, and transform him into who you want him to be.  He is your son, and you love him, and for this I rejoice!

Thankful Thursday: Grateful Reflections

"If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection."  Psalm 63:5 (The Message)

Things I'm thankful for today...

• My three week stint as a working mom is over, and I'm back at home with my kids.
• My three week stint as a working mom gave me Christmas money!
• Each of my kids made a statement of gratitude that I was home after school on Monday.
• Our family felt loved and appreciate by our church on Sunday for Pastor Appreciation.
• My dad was assaulted on Sunday, as he was taking a walk, and he could have been hurt much worse than he was.  And the man was caught.  So thankful.
• I love having praying friends that I can go to when I have a need.
• I am a part of three Bible studies right now.  I LOVE God's Word, how it speaks to me, and those I am learning alongside.
• My man surprised me with a new windshield on my van (and a new clicker).
• My boy has a birthday this week.  He is worth celebrating, and giving God thanks for, in a big way!
• I've enjoyed some precious moments with my daughter.
• I got a free manicure on Tuesday.
• I survived my dentist appointment.  (Oh, you can't imagine how I hate the dentist!)

The list goes on and on!  I'm just thankful for the many ways I can see God living and active in my life, and in the life of my family. 

Better is one day in your courts 

than a thousand elsewhere; 

I would rather be a doorkeeper

in the house of my God 

than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

                      --Psalm 84:10

Lord, I have been in grateful reflection, and my heart wants to cry out to you in thanksgiving.  You are living and active in our lives, and I am overflowing with gratitude.  Thank you, Lord, for your blessing and provision.  Thank you for answering the prayers of this praying mom.  What joy it brings to see your presence and work effecting the lives of my children.  I love living in your courts, dear Jesus, and wouldn't wish to be any where else!  I love you!