Source of Life

"I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life." John 6:47

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

Lord, O Lord Almighty, you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and my heart belongs to you. I pray for Alyssa and Kyle and ask that you make known to them the path of life and that they can experience eternal pleasures at your right hand. I believe that with you Alyssa and Kyle will have a more and better life than they ever dreamed of. You are the everlasting life. You are all that they need. Lord, be in and over Alyssa and Kyle's life. Thank you for hearing my prayer.


Photos taken by Alyssa, 2011

Source of Life

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Jeremiah 2:13

Papa taking down the Christmas tree (2010)

We're at Grammy and Papa's house for Christmas! Our annual holiday tradition. Christmas wouldn't be the same if we couldn'tbe with family. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for always opening your home to the craziness each year. What joy it is to all be together.

The two days after Christmas the tree had to come down.  Cut off from its root system, and unable to drink water, the tree was slowly becoming dry and brittle.  Soon no life would be found. Dead debris was showing up all over the floor.

Our lives get like that when we are cut off from our life source, and the true Living Water. As we celebrate this Christmas season, and look to the new year ahead, I pray that our children keep them themselves connected to Jesus. The Sustainer and Giver of life, and life abundant!

Lord, you are the Living Water, and the source of our life. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle never forsake you, and always remain connected to you. Today, may they be reminded that you alone are their God, the giver of their breath, and the sole source of joy, hope, and strength. May they soak in you as they come to your Word, or as they seek you for wisdom and guidance through prayer, or as they worship you in song. You are the author and perfecter of life, and we give you praise.

A "Flogging"...Or Not

"When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men,with floggings inflicted by men.  But my love will never be taken away from him."  2 Samuel 7:14

No, this isn't a serious blog about "flogging".  HA!  However I wondered as I read the above scripture, if "flogging" is ever an appropriate form of dicipline for parents to use these days? What would a "flogging" look like? 

Tar and feathers?

A pillow womping?

The dictionary defines flogging as a bit more harsh...To beat severely with a whip or rod.

I don't want to beat my kids, be rest assured, but I do want them to recognize when they are in the wrong.  Sometimes that will mean living with the consequences of their actions and decisions.  Sometimes it will mean the Holy Spirit's still small voice speaking into their hearts, moving and bending them in the right directions.

Oh may it be so.

And we can rejoice and be thankful that your love will never change for us.

Oh precious Father, thank you for loving Alyssa and Kyle (and myself) no matter the wrongdoing done in their lives.  I am blessed that you don't flog your children for all that they do that is not according to your will and plan.  However, you discipline those you love.  Holy Spirit, please convict, bend, teach, and move Alyssa and Kyle's hearts and minds so that they reflect you living in them.  Thank you, Lord, that your love will never be taken away!

Wordless Wednesday

Lessons from a Jedi

This is a repost from 2009...but as we are hanging out with family this Christmas I was reminded of how thankful I am of all our times together, and the memories we have.  This is one of them that I chuckle over periodically...

"Christmas Pancakes"

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12

My Grandpa Wayne had a Christmas morning tradition when his kids were little, and on Christmas morning he would make the infamous "Christmas Pancakes." He would take whatever he could find in the refrigerator and add the treasures to some pancake batter. My mom remembers hot dogs, green beans, and all sorts of odd things that really shouldn't be found in this breakfast cuisine.

We had Christmas pancakes this morning, but Grammy is a bit nicer when keeping on with this family tradition. We had our choice of chocolate chip, banana, craisin, or plain pancakes. Oh, so yummy!

Our pancakes provided for a great spiritual lesson this morning, and as we were talking about it our 6 year old "Jedi in a Snuggie" summarized it well when he said...

"Take what you get and don't throw a fit!"

Contentment.

Gratitude.

Thanksgiving.

Life is full of "surprises", and sometimes we don't like the things handed to us. Like Christmas pancakes, life will sometime hold things unthinkable, and sometimes things that bring much delight. Our outlook and attitude is what makes or breaks us.

After the scripture, where Paul writes that he has learned what it means to be content in every situation, he writes "I can do all everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) WITH Christ, we too can find the secret of contentment, gratitude, and thanksgiving.

A good reminder, Jedi Luke!

Lord, our lives are rich and abundant, and we do not want for much. You have blessed us in numerous ways, and we have much to give you thanks for. However, in our humanness we still look to the things we are lacking, and we sometimes whine, complain, and continue seeking bigger and better things. Teach my children, dear Jesus, to "take what they get" and be content, whether it is with their worldly goods, or in their circumstances. Remind them to have thankful hearts, to speak with gratitude and kindness, and to be content in the moment. Lord, we are thankful for every good gift in our lives!

Merry Christmas, Friends!

May knowing Christ 

and having Him in your life

change everything!

God of Wonders

God of Wonders
Written by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong

"God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy, holy, holy..."


God of wonders, in this amazing season where we celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, may Alyssa and Kyle seek you and find you.  Oh how I pray that you reveal your heart to our children.  May they know the height and depth and width of your love them.  Open their eyes that they may see you in new ways this Christmas season.  You are holy, you are good, you are God!

Giving Pleasure

"You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"  Acts 20:35 (The Message)

 Cousins (2007)

I only have 2 more presents to wrap and then I'm done, done, done!!!!  It's amazing how much energy it takes to wrap those gifts.  Every year I regret waiting to start my wrapping until after I have purchased the very last gift. Someone remind me next year to DO A LITTLE AT A TIME!

Or I'll follow Kyle's game plan and use gift bags!  He's not so impressed with wrapping.

In lieu of me writing a blog yesterday, my man was sweet to post some of his thoughts.  It was a sweet gift as I was dragging my feet after a long day.  But because I was absent I failed to be able to share what I was thankful for (besides my hubby)!   So here is a quick list...

• Lyssa received her first college acceptance from her top choice of schools (our alma mater)!  Way to go, girl!
• We've been blessed abundantly by so many in our church family this Christmas.
• Christmas break arrived...I think we were all more than ready!
• Lyssa has been working hard getting her internship hours in (50/120).

But beyond that, I was truly grateful for the joy I found in giving a few extra gifts this week.  I'm not able to give Christmas presents to all who are important me, but sometimes God places a few "extras" on my heart. I was just reminded how true God's Word is when it says "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)  

And I'm starting to see my kids "get the drift" too.  It's been fun watching them delight in giving this year.  Sure, they are excited about what they might get this Christmas, but I pray that they find some out-of-this-world responses to the thoughtful gifts they have put together, and in giving find the true delight of the season.


Lord, thank you for the true joy that comes over us when we give out of our hearts and it is received with great delight and joy.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle get an extra special dose of the lesson that they will be far happier giving than getting.  May this season be the foundation of experiencing the joy of thinking about others.  May you shine in Alyssa and Kyle through the gifts that they give to others and may the receivers sense their love, joy and thoughtfulness.  Thank you, Lord, for continually growing up our kids into maturity.

Thankful Thursday: A Partner in "Crime"

I'm thankful for my dear hubby, who in the busyness of this day, wrote a blog post for me. Here's a thought from one of my favorite people in the world.  I love you, partner!

In this season of giving, spending and receiving, I'm reminded to pray that our kids learn the joy of contentment.  Recently I read (from One Thousand Blessings) that the first sin committed in the Bible is the sin of being discontent with everything God has already given.  Satan already had abundant blessing from God and yet he wanted more and hence fell from heaven.  He then tempted Adam and Eve to also become dis-satisfied with all that God had richly provided.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:12-13

Heavenly Father, our abundant provider, we pray You will help our children learn how to be content.  In all things we pray You will help them to find their strength and joy in and through you - rather than turning to outward circumstances or material things to fill their soul.  Even as they enjoy the gift giving of this season, we pray they will never loose sight of their most precious gift born so many years ago for their salvation.  Lord, You are enough.   Teach our kids to always trust You and to be content with what You have already given.  We pray that our hearts, and the hearts of our kids, will always want for only You.

Wordless Wednesday

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 Alyssa and Kyle to 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 Alyssa and Kyle 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.

Contentment for Christmas

"So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes."  1 Timothy 6:8

My kids think they know what they are getting for Christmas.

Christmas pajamas (2006)

They also seem to come up with lots of things they want for Christmas as we are out shopping for someone else. 

Though this season is about giving to others, and finding just the perfect gift for those we love, it's sure easy for our greedy hearts to begin focusing inward on our own wants and desires.

It's hard to practice contentment and satisfaction.

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come 

as a result of getting something we don't have, 

but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have."  

--Frederick Keonig

Christmas Pajamas with cousins (2007)

Lord, we thank you for the blessings of this precious season.  What a delight it is to celebrate your birth!  Help our hearts and minds be focused on you, dear Jesus, and free from the greed that can so easily entangle us.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find themselves satisfied with all that they have and content with whatever it is that they receive.  It's so hard sometimes to be satisfied just to have food and clothes, but with that all of our needs are met.  Lord, I pray that we truly reflect peace and thanksgiving this season, and are reminded that with you, we have all that we need.  Thank you, Lord, for our abundant riches and all that you have blessed our lives with.

"Tebowing"

My two boys are faithful, long-time Denver Bronco fans. Recently, their love for their team has grown to include a deep admiration for their quarterback, Tim Tebow. 

If you are anywhere near a television these days, you can hear commentary, discussions and debates about the outspoken, and strongly demonstrative believer on the Broncos.  This man is a wonderful example, in my mind, of how someone can be in the public eye, play sports, make lots of money, and still give a loud testimony of loving and living for Jesus Christ.

There has even been a new word added to the "Urban Dictionary" and an entire website to "Tebowing".  It's a phenomenon that is catching, and being copied by many.

"Tebowing"= (verb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.

Now that is an athlete that I don't my kids following.

I am praying that Alyssa and Kyle have a faith so deep, wide, and strong, that they will never fear giving God all the glory for their accomplishments and blessings.  Maybe it will look like "tebowing", and maybe not.  Either way, may they always give God all the praise, honor and glory with their lives!

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."  1 Timothy 1:17


Lord you are our strength and song; you are my salvation. Please become Alyssa and Kyle's God, and may they praise you exalt your name forever.  You alone are their rock and their salvation; you, Father are their fortress, they will never be shaken.  Alyssa and Kyle's salvation comes from you alone.  With every breath, I pray that they give you all the praise, honor and glory.  May their actions and their words always be a reflection and representation of you living in their hearts.  Lord, be their firm foundation.  God, your solid foundation stands firm, and is sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his."  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lives are always marked by you, dear Jesus, and that they shout it from the mountaintop so that the whole world around them knows whom they believe in.  Lord, you are so good, so faithful, and so true.  May we abide with you forever!

In the Hustle and Bustle

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:29-31



So much busyness. Not only am I praying that we can survive it all, I am praying that we can thrive as well. I’m praying that while we are dashing from here to there, running to this activity or that, on top of trying to get everything done, that we are still taking the time to enjoy this season and the presence of Christ. This is the season of His birth, and I don’t want to miss the celebration and worship because of all the hustle and bustle.

(At least school finals are coming to a close, and Christmas break is about to begin! I have to admit I'm ready for school to be out...and I'm not even in it!)

Lord, give rest to the weary, and may we find joy in the precious times of worshipping and celebrating you this season.

Lord, you are my strength and my song. You are my hope, my joy, and my reason for living. This season should be one marked by celebration, worship, and even rest. In the busyness of Christmas, may we not forget to fix our eyes on you, our Savior. Be with us as we dash here and there, and remind us of our purpose and calling to shine you in all that we do. Help us to be a light to everywhere we go. May we not forget to treasure you as the greatest gift of all. As we hope in you, renew our strength! Thank you, Lord, for this day and all that it holds.

Thankful Thursday: God With Us

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." 

 --Hebrews 4:15-16

It's been a good week!  I'm beyond thankful.  Even when life has been crazy busy, and the pressure of the holidays seems great, God has been with our family.  I've been deeply aware of Christ's compassion and understanding, and His love for me when I'm tired, cranky, and at the end of my own strength.

God has been with us.  Emmanuel.

• Thank you, Emmanuel, for a wonderful open house with our dear church family, and a sweet hubby who helped in so many ways.  
• Thank you, Emmanuel, for recovery from the exhaustion with a day of rest.
• Thank you, Emmanuel, for moments of laughter and conversation with our kids.
• Thank you, Emmanuel, for helping bring peace, strength and wisdom to our daughter as she wades through finals week (4 finals down, 3 to go).

Thank you, my Emmanuel.

Lord, you are compassionate and abounding in love.  I thank you, Father, for the many ways I see evidence of your character in our lives.  Because you came to earth as a baby, and grew in wisdom and strength as a man, you can sympathize with our weaknesses.  When I struggle, I know I can approach your throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help me in any time of need.  Oh Lord, you are so good.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to know this to be true of your character as well, and when they need help, they know they can turn to you for compassion, empathy, and understanding.  Thank you, Emmanuel, for your presence with us every moment of each day.  I am forever grateful.

Wordless Wednesday

Praying Scripture: Loving Deeply

"Love one another deeply, from the heart."  1 Peter 1:22

Cousins & Grammy (2007)

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to love one another, for love comes from you. Everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you.  But Lord, whoever does not love does not know you, because you are love. This is how you, dear Jesus, showed your love among us: You sent your one and only Son into the world that we might live through you. This is love: not that we loved you, but that you loved us and sent your Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I pray that, since you so loved Alyssa and Kyle, they also will love one another. No one has ever seen you; but if they love one another, you live in them and your love is made complete in them.  (1 John 4:7-12)

Oh Boy! Finals Week

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 1:13

We are entering finals week around here.  Alyssa says she has "tons" of  finals.  I'm not sure exactly how many that is, but oh my, it could be a hairy week around here.  I don't know if I should pray more for me, or for my kids.  ha!

My prayer for this day, and really for life, is that Alyssa and Kyle remember and can easily bring to mind, the things that they are learning.  For some it comes easier than others. Applying their mind is what they will need this week for sure!

I also pray that in every stressful moment they seek Jesus and Oh the peace that He offers.  And I will do the same

Lord, you have given Alyssa and Kyle strong minds and the ability to become wise with knowledge and experiences.   Please help them to apply their minds whenever they are called to, and fall in love with learning.  You have made them intelligent, but may they use those smarts to serve you in amazing ways.  May they always give you the glory, for the things they have learned, and for how they have used the things you have taught them.  Lord, thank you for being with our children when the tasks seem hard and overwhelming.  Be Alyssa and Kyle's strength this week.

Open House Blessings

Yesterday was our Pastor's Christmas Open House.  We had a full and happy house last night.  What joy it was to watch our church family interact with on another.  There was laughter, encouragement and chit-chat in every corner of my little home (well, it felt little anyway).  It was a fun night.

Of course, I crashed hard when everyone had left and the leftovers were all put away. (Thanks to my dear hubby for all his hard work!) As I laid my head on my pillow last night, and reflected on the evening I was reminded of what a joy it is to be a part of the family of God. 


Lord, I thank you for the joy it is to be a part of your family.  Through the community of believers we can find encouragement, help in our times of need, comfort, and deep relationship.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to stay close to you, Father, and find their hearts at home in your presence.  In their journey to draw closer to you, may they find themselves invested and integrated into a church family of their own.  Oh how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lives are marked by you, and that they are always and forever blessed by being a part of your family.

Beautiful Disasters

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Thankful Thursday: One Who Understands

"Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."  Hebrews 4:14-16

 I laugh at Lyssa's look (on right)!

I'm just the mom.  According to my kids, I don't always understand.

          (But I know the One who does.)

I can't comprehend the intensity of tests, speeches, and essays.

          (But I know the One who does.)

I have no idea the stress of friendships,

the craziness of full calendars

and the desperation for money. (Right.)

          (But I know the One who does.)

Though my kids don't think I always understand, I want them to know the One who does.

God understands our fears.

God sympathizes with our hurts.

God is not "out of touch with our reality".

          Today I'm thankful for the One who knows and understands all.

Lord, thank you for being an understanding and sympathetic God.  You know the things we go through, the feelings we have, and the fears we experience.  Oh what joy to know that we can walk right up to you and get whatever you are so ready to give.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and experience for themselves that you can understand all that they are going through in life, and have a sympathetic heart towards them.  May they learn to draw near to you in their times of need and find the peace and joy that can come when they seek you.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for being our great High Priest.

Wordless Wednesday

Incredible Obedience

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

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

Kyle's birthday party (2004) 

"The Incredibles"

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

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

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

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

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

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.

God's Beautiful Benefits

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:1-5

Sister & Brother, Fall 2008

“Salvation Saturday” always reminds me of the main purpose that God has placed on my heart for daily writing on this blog, and putting my prayers down on “paper”. My heart’s desire is that my children fall in love with Jesus, live their lives for Him, and rest in the promises of His Word. His benefits are so great, and they can be partakers of these things on a daily, or moment-by-moment basis. Forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion, blessing, and renewal are available to them in abundant ways. I pray that they don’t just recognize these benefits from a distance, but stand hand-in-hand with the God who lavishes them with such precious things.


Dear Heavenly Father, I believe that the salvation of my children is the biggest prayer of your heart as well. I believe that you are pursuing them on a daily basis, longing for them to love you, look to you, and worship you with their lives. You have the gift of forgiveness, and the promise of relationship, ready for their consumption. Lord, each of my kids have prayed the prayer of salvation, and have asked you to enter their hearts. I know you are present, living in them and speaking to them. I pray that their hearts continue to live in the reality of those decisions made long ago. Lord, thank you for the gift of your salvation. I praise you in the depths of my soul, for the many benefits I receive as your daughter. May my children take hold and live as partakers of your beautiful gifts! For this, I will continually fall on my knees in prayer to you!