Seek Jesus

"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! 

You Invite Me In

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” Titus 3:4-6

As I listened to this song this week, I was touched by the words, and thought it perfect to add to my blog on "Salvation Saturday".  Enjoy!

YOU INVITE ME IN

by Meredith Andrews

I've been searching,

Wandering and hurting

Ashamed of the shape I'm in

Afraid you'll see who I really am

CHORUS

You invite me in

Doesn't matter where I've been

Your arms are open wide

There's nothing left to hid

You invite me in

Doesn't matter where I've been

Your arms are open wide

Pulling me to Your side

How can this be

Love so unfailing

Reached down and lifted me

From ashes to beauty

CHORUS

I am walking away

From the life I once knew

And running to Your

Grace that covers my shame

Again and again

I find my life in you

Lord, you so loved my precious children, Alyssa and Kyle, that you gave your one and only Son for them, so that if they believe in You, they will not perish but have everlasting life. (Jn. 3:16) What a beautiful gift Lord...a gift that I pray they always believe in, and live out in their lives. If doubts arise in their minds and hearts, I pray Lord that you continue seeking them out, and do so in a way that they can sense you pursuing them and never leaving them. May their hearts remain steadfast in you, and they stand firm in their faith all the days of their lives.  Oh how I pray that they love you forever and ever!

Praying Scripture: Psalm 23

You, Lord, are my children's shepherd;
      They will  have all that they need.
 You let them rest in green meadows;
      you lead them beside peaceful streams.
 You Lord will renew their strength.
 You Lord will guide them along right paths,
      bringing honor to your name.
 Even when my children walk
      through the darkest valley,
   They will not be afraid,
      for you are close beside them.
  Your rod and your staff
      protect and comfort them.
You prepare a feast for your sons and daughters,
      in the presence of their enemies.
   You honor them by anointing their head with oil.
      Oh Lord, their cups will overflow with blessings.
 Surely your goodness, Lord, and unfailing love will pursue my children
      all the days of their lives,
   and they will live in your house, Lord,
      forever.

Thankful Thursday: Cherries on Top

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:8-9

God doesn't just give us what we need. Sometimes He spoils us extravagantly with things we don't even realize we want. He delights in giving us things that bring us great joy. Little added blessings that are like the cherry on top of a sundae. Today, I am thanking Him for the "good things" He has blessed my life with.

• Roses from my hubby.
• Date night with my two boys.
• Lyssa's safety on her Bible Quiz trip,
• An hour reading my book.
• Emails of prayer and encouragement.
• Watching my boy play basketball...(They won Tuesday 55-10).
• New windows being installed in my home today...for free!
• New curtains for my room...unfortunately not free (ha!).
• Thai lunch with a friend.
• A day at home.
• Making cookies with my new kitchen-aid mixer.  Fast.

So many cherries.  So many good things.  Today, my heart is full of thanks.
  
Oh Precious Lord, you are the giver of so many good things.  You not only provide for my needs on a daily basis, but you shower me with wonderful blessings that I don't even deserve.  You are an extravagant giver to your children.  Lord, thank you for the many ways I have felt loved by you in this week.  I am reveling in the love you have for me as your daughter.  I know that in no way is my list  exhaustive, and I want to be careful to give you all the praise and thanks for the many things you have blessed me with.  You are a living and active presence in my life!  Help me to teach my children to recognize the blessings in their lives that come from you, and have hearts that sing your praises.  May thanksgiving always be on their lips.  Thank you, Lord, for the many good things in our lives!  You are a good God...all the time!

Being a PK

"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the Lord has spoken.     --Isaiah 58:13-14

 Family Photo for Church...2004

I heard someone recently exclaim their jealousy over what it must be like to be the pastor's family of our church, and that my kids have a special place in the church that no other kids have.  Yes, there are some definite blessings, and I give God thanks often for the calling God has placed on our lives.  But I had to bite my tongue a little too, because sometimes there are things in ministry that no one would find worthy of jealousy. 

Some of these mark my children's "ugh" list...

At every church event or it "looks bad".
Nosey, well-meaning, "encouragers".
Interrupted family gatherings.
Shake hands, hug, and converse with everyone.
High expectations.
Conflicts or criticisms.
Long Sundays.
Overly busy parents.

The blessings far outweigh the negative in ministry, as far as my husband and I are concerned.  However, sometimes I worry if my kids would say the same.   I hope that when they look back on their childhood, they'll remember the ministry fondly, and the perks of the "job".  And I pray that they will love church when they become adults and can choose all on their own if they go or not.

That's one of my greatest prayers!

Lord, our lives should be lived to glorify and honor you, worshiping you every step of the way.  Our family has counted it a privilege to serve you, and have accepted your calling in our lives.  We have chosen to serve you as ministers in your church.  Even now, our children will begin to decide for themselves, if church is an important part of their lives, and if they will continue to participate in worship services, or in church ministries, and serving you.  Lord, protect their hearts and minds from any bitterness, hurt, or confusion in regards to the church.  Keep them strong in their faith, and overlook the heartaches, fears, or burdens that come from being committed to a church family.  Help our children to fix their eyes on you, the author and perfecter of their faith, and focus on the perks and benefits of following you with their lives.  Lord, please help them to fall in love with the church, and find great joy in serving, worshiping, and living their lives for you.  Lord, we love you, and entrust our children's future, and love for you and the church, into your hands.

Driving Towards Manhood!

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."  Deuteronomy 28:1-2 ESV

Kyle's first driving experience...1997

Our boy is becoming a man before our very eyes.  Every day I find myself amazed at the "little" things such as his height.  I'm still a tad taller than he is, but it won't be long, I'm sure.  But when I let him get behind the wheel of my car on Sunday, and he drove for the first time, all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with how close my little boy was to many big milestones in his life.

Driving.
Shaving.
Dating.

Oh my. Oh my.

He'll be facing a lot of new things in the years (or months) to come, and gaining more and more adult responsibilities. Trust will be vital, obedience a lifeline to more freedoms, and wise choices will give him a "long life" (Deuteronomy 6:2).  I'm praying for "man-like" choices, and that responsibility will mark all that he does.

Lord, help Kyle to faithfully obey your voice, being careful to follow all your commandments, and your blessings shall come upon him and overtake him.  Grow him up to be a man who follows you, dear Jesus, and lives a life of integrity, strength, and honor, always reflecting you in all that he says and does.  May obedience come quick, wise choices be his first response, and doing right always outweigh being cool, having fun, or doing what every one else does.  Lord, I pray that you are always Kyle's rock and shelter, and the One for whom he lives.  I love you, dear Jesus, and have a heart full of gratitude and praise, knowing that you hear my prayers.

Dressed with Compassion

“God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me.” Psalm 116:5-6 (The Message)

Alyssa & Kyle...2005

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12

 Kyle (#12) and his friend Jake...2005

God is compassion, and breathes compassion, and He calls us, His children, to wardrobe ourselves with compassion as well. He lives to shower love on the unlovely, give hope to the hopeless, and mend the broken hearted.  And sometimes, he uses us.  Every day we have the opportunity to be His hands and feet. Our world is crying for compassion.

Give a listening ear.
Hug a friend.
Speak a word of encouragement.
Pray for a concern.
Donate to someone in need.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle "wear Jesus on their sleeve", and shine compassion to those in their world.  Dressed in compassion for all to see.


Lord, you are a compassionate God. You are in the business of making things right, and taking the side of the helpless. Even when I was “at the end of my rope” you saved me. Our world is full of people who are at the end of their ropes, and need an abundance of compassion and mercy. Lord, as you live in me, and as you live in our children, may your compassion be evident in our words and actions. May we sense your heartbeat for the lost, the hurting, and the unlovely, and spread your mercy and compassion to those we meet. I pray that others see you living in us, as we become your hands and feet. Lord, compassion marks your life, may it mark ours as well.  Clothe us, dear Jesus, with you!

Psalm 62

 I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle find rest in You alone;
   their hope comes only from You..
You alone, Lord, are their rock and their salvation;
   You are their fortress, and I pray that they will not be shaken.
Alyssa and Kyle's salvation and honor depend on You;

   God, You are their mighty rock, and their refuge.

I pray that they trust in You at all times,

   and pour out their hearts to You,
   for You alone are their refuge. (verses 5-8)

God is Bigger

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you." Psalm 56:3

Bedtime has always been a challenge in our house. Since the day Alyssa was born, it has been the hardest part of this mother's day. Now that my kids are 16 and 14, it's much easier, just much later. I think I'll be tired until they leave home.

One of our bedtime challenges had to do with the light...a nightlight would not do the trick. I'm not sure I ever came to realize what fear was driving Alyssa's need to always have a light on when she slept...the BIG light. Our neighbors were always concerned that she just stayed up all hours of the night. We would try to turn off her light as we headed to bed ourselves, but sometimes we would get "caught" and reprimanded, or Alyssa would wake up later and turn it on again. I'm assuming that light dispelled some fears.

Oddly enough, today she wants to sleep in complete darkness. I'm so glad she grew out of whatever fear was plaguing her back then.

Our lives are full of different fears. Some rational, and some not. My fear of mice is probably a bit irrational, but it's still a fear. I pray, that whatever the fear, my children will put their trust in God, and look to Him for peace and strength. He is bigger than any of their fears. He will be their light, in the darkness.

Veggietales says it best with this song...

God is bigger than the boogie man

He's bigger than Godzilla, or the monsters on TV

Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man

And He's watching out for you and me.

Lord, you are a big God. You are always present, You are faithful, and You love your children. Who better can we trust? Lord, help us to put our trust in you, and not be afraid. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you, when other things cloud our vision. Lord, when my children find themselves fearful, help them to look to you for peace and strength. Help keep them from letting fears dictate their decisions, relationships with others, or their ability to do whatever you call them to do. I know you take some of our fears away, and others you help us face. Lord, I know that my children can do anything with you by their side. Be their strength, their hope, and their peace. Trust is built through relationship and time, so I pray that they press on to know you better and believe in you as God of their lives. Thank you, Lord, for being bigger than any boogie man!

Thankful Thursday: A Week of Blessings

For the grave cannot praise you,
   death cannot sing your praise;
those who go down to the pit
   cannot hope for your faithfulness.
The living, the living—they praise you,
   as I am doing today;
fathers tell their children
   about your faithfulness. 

--Isaiah 38:18-20

Alyssa made some coasters this week...what fun!

Just a few things I want to give God praise for today...

• Spiritual growth and character developments in Lyssa and Kyle.
• Special times as a family.
• Kids who do their best in school.
• Sunday night prayer times.
• Encouraging friends.
• Praying grandparents.
• Women's Bible Study resumed.  
• Answered prayer.
• God's movement in people's lives.

God is good!  All the time.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness to our family this week.  I love knowing that you are continually active in our lives.  When I don't know what to do as a parent, or allow fear or impatience to rule my thoughts, I have learned that I can turn it all over to you, and you hear my prayers.  Help me be diligent at passing onto my children, the many ways I see you at work in our lives, and that it's good for us all to give you praise. And when Alyssa and Kyle are anxious and worried, help me remind them to place everything in your hands, for you will be faithful to hear their prayers.  My heart is moved to give you praise, dear Jesus, for all the many blessings you have given our family!

Walk Wholeheartedly

“Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.”  Isaiah 38:3

Lord, guard Alyssa and Kyle's steps.  May their feet have closely follow your steps and keep to your way without turning aside.  I pray that they always walk faithfully with you, and with wholehearted devotion.  Keep away anything that will entice their hearts and minds away from you, dear Jesus. When there are choices to make, and different paths to follow, may Alyssa and Kyle always choose you.  When the road is narrow, or the path hard, I pray that they look to you for guidance, assistance, and protection.  And when you call them to obedience, may they faithfully go where you lead.  May the desire of their hearts always be you and only you, their Savior and God.

Love Deeply

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  Colossians 3:14

I love watching my kids have fun together.

Spring Break...2007

Oh, how I pray that they will always be friends!

Not just have fun together, but love one another deeply.

Lord, I love the children you have blessed our lives with.  They are both so fearfully and wonderfully made by your hand.  You knew that Alyssa and Kyle would be sister and brother, and you gave them each other as a gift to be cherished.  Help them to love one another deeply.  Bind them together in unity.  Always help them to give forgiveness easily, keep no record of wrong, and believe the best about the other person.  I pray that "putting on love" will be easy and the goal of their every interaction.  Oh what a mother's delight it is to watch her children laugh together and love one another.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for the gifts Alyssa and Kyle can find in their relationship together. 

Watch Those Eyes and Ears

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes..."  Psalm 101:3

Kyle...1998

O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see.

O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear.

Our children have an amazing amount of opportunities to gain knowledge, and see things that I can hardly begin to fathom.  Sometimes it's scary to think of all the trash that they can see, hear, or find.  Innocence is easily lost.  At the tips of their fingers they have computers, iPods, iTunes, cell phones, movies, cable TV...the list goes on and on.
 
I pray for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds, and hope that as I loose more and more control of their choices of music, apps, and movies, that they choose wisely and keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure.  Innocence and purity so that they remain sensitive, receptive and ready to hear Christ above all else.

O be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little ears what you hear.

Lord, you have so many good things for your children to see, hear and experience, yet so often there are other things that get in the way.  Temptations are rampant, and we are easily swayed to partake of things that don't please you or reflect you in our lives.  These things often drown you out, and our eyes can't see you clearly, and our ears can't hear you speak to us.  Lord, protect our children's hearts, minds, and their eyes and ears.  Keep them for making poor choices that keep them from experiencing your presence in their lives.  Make their hearts, dear Jesus, sensitive to you and the things you desire for their lives.  Remove any temptation or desire to digest things that mock you, or don't line up with your heart and mind, and pull them further from your presence in their lives.  Make our children sensitive to your spirit, and choose purity, each and every day.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I entrust their eyes, ears and hearts to you.

Looking Like Your Father

"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God."  --John 1:12

Kyle & Lyssa...1999

I love my babies...and though they are now 16 and 14, they will forever be my pride and joy.  I'm not sure how much they appreciate it, but they each resemble their parents in little ways. 

• When talking about his athletic ability, I always tell Kyle that he takes after me (not true, but it always gets a laugh!).
• Others often say Alyssa and I have look a lot alike...in the eyes, and maybe the smile.
• Kyle has his dad's sense of humor...of course, now that I think about it, so does Alyssa.
• Alyssa has her dad's brains and a memory that I cannot compete with.
• The each have inherited their parent's poor eye-sight.
• And took after their parents childhood shyness.

They are their parent's children.  Sorry kids, you will always have your parent's genes.

However, more importantly my children are truly God's children.  As they choose to accept and believe in Him, they will inherit all that comes with being a child of their Heavenly Father. They will begin to take on His character and beauty, and enjoy the rich reward of His salvation.  Oh, what a rich heritage!

I'm so glad that they have a chance to look more like their Father, than me!

Lord, you are my Father and I am your daughter.  The most indescribable gift, for sure.  I thank you for the beautiful children you have blessed me with.  Every day I am amazed at how you've wonderfully created them, each with a uniqueness all their own.  Thank you for their gifts and talents, and for the ways I see them reflecting you, as their Father.  Lord, to all who believe in you, and accept you, you have given the right to become your child.  You offer an inheritance that can't be beat!  I pray that my children accept your presence in their lives, and live every day reflecting their true parentage.  You are our wonderful Father.  May we each look more like you!

Ears that Hear

"Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  Mark 4:9

 Check out those ears...the giraffes, not Alyssa's!...2005

My kids are probably like any other kids.  Sometimes they don't hear well.  Or maybe better said, they hear well, but sometimes choose not to listen.  I mean, if its not something they WANT to hear, its just easier to pretend like they missed what I said. 

But beyond asking them to pick up their rooms, bring me their laundry, or feed the dog, there are times where I have important things to say that I hope they choose to hear.  Things that will save them from calamity, failure, or harm.  Things that will help their relationships, get to know God more, or help them succeed as they become adults. 

Sometimes mothers (or fathers...or Father) know best...so open those ears, dear ones!!!

Kyle...2005

Lord, thank you for the sense of hearing.  What joy it is to hear a baby's laugh, a parent's blessing, or the sound of the ocean.  There are sometimes, however, things that we don't want to hear.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle's ears be open to hearing the wisdom of others, especially you.  When you are tenderly calling their name, speaking your wisdom, or giving them your love, may they recognize your voice.  May Alyssa and Kyle be receptive to encouragement, patient with discipline, and understanding of people's (true and wise) advise.  I praise you, dear Jesus, for your presence and activity in our children's lives.

Thankful Thursday: Uniquely Gifted

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

Alyssa and Kyle... 2008

Our children have such different and unique personalities, each playing a special part in our home. These pictures show this fact pretty well, don't you think? What a gift they each are! So fun, full of spunk and spit, and each a treasure in their own right. I pray that they both take hold of those wonderful personalities, and live in the giftedness that God has given them. As a parent, I want to encourage them each to strive in their strengths, and fall in love who God has created them to be. I pray that they don't ever look down on themselves, but relish in their precious uniqueness.
Because who God made them to be is so beautiful to me! They truly are a gift from God!

Lord, I pray that my children know and believe how wonderfully they are made. You have gifted them each in different ways, yet both reflecting different parts of you in their lives. I pray that they each enjoy their differences, and strive in their giftedness. May they never doubt how beautifully they are created, and always believe that they were made for a profound purpose. At the same time, I pray that they remain humble and live their lives solely to represent you, Lord, Thank you for the precious gift of my children, and how beautifully you've made them. Oh, what a reward!

Encouragers in Faith

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."  1 Thessalonians 5:11

This past Sunday, Ken asked our church to answer the question, "Who encourages you in your faith?"  I knew my answer(s) immediately.

I have a girlfriend who shares God with me most every day.

I love the words she passes on about how He speaks to her.
Or what she is learning about Him.
In that, I'm challenged to do my own studying, listening, and praying.

She listens to me, but always helps me move my thoughts back to God.
I'm always encouraged to be a better person when we talk.

She prays for me and my family.
And always remembers to ask how things are going in the concerns.

I love her passion for the Lord.  And it's attractive to those around her.
She loves God deeply.
serves Him daily,
and strives with all that she is to reflect Him in everything.

My faith is deeper.
My walk with God richer.
My life is completely blessed.

Because of my friend.

I pray that my kids lives are blessed with friends like that...
friends that encourage their faith.

Lord, thank you for my friend.  For the way she encourages my faith, and helps me draw nearer to you.  Oh how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have a friend like that.  I pray that they find others who encourage them to dig deep in their faith, to live according to your will for their lives, and to find passion in walking with you.  Give Alyssa and Kyle friends that will pick them up when they fall, encourage them to fix their eyes on you, and pray for them through the daily struggles of life.  If my kids can find a friend like mine, they will be richly blessed.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for such a precious gift.


P.S.  I have other faith encouragers in my life as well.  Oh how to be blessed with more than just one.  Others include my parents, and of course, my dear husband!  My hubby encourages my faith in tremendous ways as well, but that's a whole other blog post.  :)  Ken allows me to be who God has made me, encourages my gifts, helps me sort through God's leanings in my life, and always challenges me when He speaks from God's Word in his sermons.  I am a richly blessed woman for sure!

New Semester Begins

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:34

Yesterday was the first day back to school after Christmas.
Yesterday was the beginning of a new semester.
Yesterday brought a windfall of worry.

So much to do.  Homework, projects, papers, and all on top of the extra-curricular activities in life.  It would be so easy to worry, fret, and get into panic mode. I think I would if I were them. But I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can face this part of their life with confidence, energy, and expectancy even as they look towards the enormous list of things they have to do. 

Don't worry, dear ones, God will get you through!

Lord, be Alyssa and Kyle's strength today.  I know that they can do all things with you by their side.  Take their worry, dear Jesus, and change it to courage and hope.  You have purpose for all the things they go through, and as they hit struggles in their lives, they can learn to trust you with all their cares and worries.  And as they grow, and the trials and worries get bigger, they will have learned to whom they can turn to.  Lord, be Alyssa and Kyle's strength today!

Transformation

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."  2 Corinthians 3:18

We've been doing a transforming work in our home this week.  Two rooms swapped and two rooms painted.  I'll tell you what, it's been a job and a half.  I wish I had some "before" pictures because it's fun to see the change that comes about with a little paint and hard labor.  These pictures don't do it justice, and I have a few wishes on my wish list to add to the decor, but I think I like the change.

As I was thinking about my "new" room, I realized how much a new color changes the entire feel of that space.  And then an added pillow or blanket makes it even more beautiful.  Now, I'm not done, but change is a process. And I like it!

Just like our lives.  God's in the business of transforming us into something more like Him, and it happens one step at a time.  Each trial, new stage of life, or change is helping aide the beautification process.

I trust that in my life...and in my kids lives.  Transform us, dear Jesus!

Lord, oh how I want to look like you.  I pray that my children reflect you as they are transformed with each day, with each trial, and with each new experience. Help Alyssa and Kyle to not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their minds. As they grow and change, I pray that they will be able to test and approve what your will is—your good, pleasing and perfect will.  I know that they will continue to look more and more beautiful as they spend time with you, and live in the way you'd have them live.  I thank you, dear Jesus, for the work you are always doing in our lives!