Do Everything For You, Jesus

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  Colossians 3:17

 Kyle at a baseball game...2005

Kyle and Ken had a wonderful weekend at Men's Retreat.  It was Kyle's first time attending.  I think at first, he was a little surprised that there were going to be FOUR "church services".  Ha!  But know that sledding, pool and ping pong, and swimming at an area hot springs were some of the added perks. I'm just praying that wonderful seeds were planted in his heart, as he listened to God's Word spoken, and as he witnessed grown men who love Jesus. 

Within an hour of their arrival back home, Kyle had baseball practice.  Yes, we were "mean" parents and made him go.  He's had to miss the last 3-4 practices for other reasons, and we felt like it was important for him to make an appearance.  If you can picture it, he was quite unhappy.  I tried to console him that everyone can do anything for an hour.

There will always be things on our to-do list, that cause us to drag our feet, throw a little fit, or cause us to want to hide in a hole.  However, we have to stick it out, follow through, and do our best in everything.  Unfortunately, we live in a world that sometimes lives the opposite example.

I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle "do everything in the name of the Lord"...
Even baseball practice at the end of a long weekend!

Lord, thank you for so many opportunities Alyssa and Kyle have to get to know you better, and to stretch their faith and dependence on you.  When they are weak, you Lord, are strong.  They can do all things because you offer them strength.  You give them each gifts and abilities, and they can use all those things, to the best of their ability, to reflect you to the world around them.  Lord, whatever they do, in word or deed, may they do it in honor of you, and to the glory of your name.  For this I pray, Amen.

Praying Scripture: Psalm 63

 Alyssa and Kyle...1998

O God, you are Alyssa and Kyle's God;
      I pray that they earnestly search for you.
   And their souls thirst for you;
      their whole body longing for you
   in this parched and weary land
      where there is no water.
I desire that Alyssa and Kyle see you in your sanctuary
      and gaze upon your power and glory.
May they know that Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
      how they will  praise you!
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will praise you as long as they live,
      lifting up their hands to you in prayer.
You can satisfy them more than the richest feast.
      May they praise you with songs of joy.
And lie awake thinking of you,
      meditating on you through the night.
Because you are Alyssa and Kyle's helper,
      they can sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
They can cling to you;
      your strong right hand holds them securely.
But those plotting to destroy Alyssa and Kyle will come to ruin.
      They will go down into the depths of the earth.
They will die by the sword
      and become the food of jackals.
 But the king will rejoice in God.
      As Alyssa and Kyle trust in him  they will praise him,
      while liars will be silenced.

Yoke of Freedom

"The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them."  Ezekiel 34:27

 Kyle on an amusement park ride...

strapped up and ready to go!

"Part of God's consistent character is wooing the captive to freedom."  --Beth Moore, Breaking Free

So many things can keep us from experiencing a life of freedom and joy in Christ.  I look at my children's lives, and pray that God will keep them from being held captive by fears, depression, low self worth, dependence on drugs, alcohol or food...and the list goes on and on. Each and any one of those things will hold them back from living the abundant life God has planned for them, and replace the security He alone gives.  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:29-30

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always live in the real existence of Christ's yoke!


Lord, I come boldly to your throne and pray on Alyssa and Kyle's behalf.  I pray that they will be secure in their land, and will know that you are the Lord.   Please break the bars of whatever yokes them to something or someone other than you, and rescue them from the hands of whatever enslaves them.  Remove, Lord, the fears that hold Alyssa and Kyle, and keep them from experiencing true freedom in their lives.  Bind them only to You.  You are consistent and faithful, loving each of your children, providing peace, a firm foundation, and courage to live life abundantly.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle sense your wooing, and your call to a life of freedom in you! 

Thankful Thursday: Helping Hands

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work."  Ecclesiastes 4:9'

This last week, I bit off a bigger task than I could chew on my own.  It was a job that I couldn't have done alone.  I greatly appreciated the extra hands of my mom and daughter.  We painted, painted and painted until we couldn't paint any more.  Besides painting, we laughed, shared rich conversation, and just enjoyed being together.  I'm thankful for those two women, and that together we accomplished something huge!

Our finished project... 

Lord, thank you for the people you have put in my life.  I am richly blessed. I thank you that two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work.  Together we worked hard this weekend and produced something beautiful.  In the process, it made a huge task more manageable because we each did a part.  Thank you for the gift of family, of help, and for the time we spent together.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know the joy of working together with others, the satisfaction of helping others, and the encouragement of being on the receiving end of added hands.  We are blessed, dear Jesus, when we don't have to stand alone in this life.  Thank you for being present with us, and giving us the added presence of others in our lives.  Today, my heart is full of gratitude and thanksgiving.

The Courage to Say "I Can"

"I can do all things through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Sister Christine, Great Grandma Re, baby cousin,

and Me (5 or 6 years old approx.)

Once upon a time there was...

• …a little girl who never thought she’d feel comfortable talking to people one-on-one, much less become a pastor’s wife who talks to everyone
• …a little girl who never expected to leave the safety of teaching children, and begin teaching adults instead
• …a little girl who never dreamed she would lead worship at church
• …a little girl who never imagined being asked to preach a sermon or speak at a retreat
• …a little girl who never believed in herself.

BUT…
God had different plans.
God makes all things possible.
God has made something beautiful out of my life.

I pray that when my kids face things in their life where they respond with “I can’t” or “I never will”, that God touches their life in such a way that it gives them the courage to say “I can” and “I will.” What an exciting adventure they will be on when they choose to go wherever God leads, no matter their fears, inadequacies, and roadblocks. I believe that God has great plans for my kids, and will not give them anything they cannot handle…as long as they depend on Christ for all that they need.

Courage is being willing to follow God no matter where He leads, and depending on Him each step of the way!

Lord, I pray that you instill big dreams in my children, no matter their fears and doubts. Guide them in overcoming the obstacles that they place in their own path, and fill them with courage, hope, and imagination to reach beyond their assumed capabilities. Precious Father, empower them to believe in themselves, and not only that, but to believe in You for your presence and strength. May they not live with a spirit of timidity, but live out in a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. You have great plans for them, Lord, and I pray they live their lives trusting in that promise. You are a good God, and I give you praise and thanks in advance for the work you’ll do in my children’s lives. And I also thank you for what you’ve done in mine.

(repost from October, 2009)

Love One Another

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34-35 (The Message)

Sister and Brother...Summer 2009

Lord, you have blessed us with two beautiful children, and we give you thanks. They each bring such joy to our lives. At times, however, they bring out the worst in each other. One moment they are each others best friend, and then the next they are arguing like enemies. Lord, help them learn to show love, kindness and compassion with one another in all circumstances, reflecting you in their actions, and may forgiveness flow easily when hurts happen. Bring moments of great laughter and times of lasting joy together. May they defend one another to their friends, build one another up when they are down, and speak words that bring life into their relationship. Keep the enemy from allowing anger to reside in their hearts, and tearing their relationship apart. Lord, I pray that your Spirit prompts them to love one another, and love one another deeply.

No Spilled Paint

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy."  Psalm 126:2

Our weekend has been full...
The boys sitting on a boat fishing.
The girls painting. 
(Yes, I'm sure that it seems a bit unfair.  Of course, fishing in 30 degree weather doesn't sound so fun to me!  HA.)

Anyway, we're all tired.  Together the girls put in about 55 hours of painting, and another afternoon of putting things back to some sense of order.  The job became a bit bigger than any of us anticipated.  Painting the living room, led to painting the hallway, which lead to the next hallway, the dining room, and the kitchen.  The workers in the paint department at Lowes are beginning to recognize me when I walk in the door. 

The good news is that the house is slowly becoming more beautiful.  The bad news is that we have to pull out all the paint stuff today for a little more work.  One more little hall, and lots of little touch ups here and there. 

So, today, I'm praying for laughter and joy, despite being tired, cranky, and ready to be done painting.  With no school, and Grammy and Papa in town, there's great opportunity for special times together...

as long as we don't spill any paint!

Lord, I am so thankful for my family.  When grandparents and grand kids are in the same room, there is much laughter and tenderness to be found.  Thank you for grandparents who invest time and love in so many ways.  I pray that as we spend time together today, working and playing (because I'm hoping for some free time), our mouths are filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs of joy.  Lord, refresh us and give us strength, for today belongs to you!

Today!

“For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” Deuteronomy 30:16

Lyss and Kyle...Easter 1999

When I began this blog, I committed Saturdays to pray for my kids’ salvation… “Salvation Saturdays”. My greatest desire in this life is to know that my kids have fallen in love with Jesus and are living their lives for Him. So, I’m going to keep on praying that their childhood decisions for Christ remain steadfast all the days of their lives!

One of the most glorious parts of being in ministry, is watching people on their journey to finding God. I love it when we get to be a part of people’s lives when they start to ask questions about God, and are seeking the answers to whatever it is that their souls are crying out for. These precious people come in all ages, and from many different life experiences that have shaped their thinking about God, but all needing the one thing that will fill the nagging emptiness in their lives. Some have waited a long time to meet Jesus, and have lived a lot of their lives missing out on the hope Christ can offer. How tragic to miss out on so much living with Him, but how beautiful to watch their new life begin.

I pray that my children fall more in love with Jesus today, so that they can enjoy each and every day of their lives in the precious presence of the Lord. May they not waste one day running after things that won’t give them eternal happiness. Today is the day of salvation!


Lord, thank you for the precious prayers that my kids have prayed when they were younger, asking you into their hearts. I long that they stand firm in those decisions all the days of their lives. I pray for the continued salvation of my children. May they decide today to live their entire lives for you. May they love you Lord, and walk in your ways, and keep your commands, decrees and laws. I pray that you will bless my children, O Lord, as they live for you, and love you with their hearts, minds and souls. Thank you for hearing the prayer of this mother’s heart.

Holy and Honorable

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

 As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Kyle worked on a persuasive speech at school this week on the topic of sexual purity. What a proud moment for this mom.  In a class vote, after his speech, 100 % of the class agreed that sexual purity was the way to go!

God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for Alyssa and Kyle.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day.

Way to go, Kyle, for being bold, persuasive, and honorable in God's sight!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict their hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help them make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!

Worthy of Praise

"I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.  Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.  Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." Psalm 145:1-3

I'm praising the Lord on this Thankful Thursday.  As I reflect on the past week, I know He was walking with our family. 

• We all fought the crud last week, but are now feeling like new people.
• God made His presence known to me in a beautiful way in my Bible study time.  I love my quiet times, but am also so grateful to be a part of a wonderful group of ladies studying His Word together.
• Three times, I needed help from a friend last week, and three times I was touched by the generosity, helpfulness, and love from others in my life.
• We had a fairly free day on Saturday to refresh our spirits.
• Kyle worked on a persuasive speech on purity for school. Yahoo.
• We were the happy recipients of a plate of Valentine goodies.   So blessed.
• Our Sunday night prayer meeting was meaningful. So thankful for committed prayer warriors.
• Both kids went to school on Monday.
• Ken and I enjoyed a Valentine date while the kids were in school.  It was a day full of my favorite things!  I am loved, and I love.

Anybody else have some praises to shout about?  I'd love to hear them!


Lord, thank you for blessing our lives in so many ways.  In no way is my list exhaustive.  You shower us in abundant ways.  Oh how I give you thanks for being living and active in our lives.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have eyes that can see the wonderful you bless their lives with.  Help them be aware of all the things that they can be thankful for.  I want them to praise you every day and extol your name for ever and ever.  You are worthy of praise, and my heart cries out, Lord, with gratitude and thanksgiving to you.

A New Thing

 Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past. 

See, I am doing a new thing!

 --Isaiah 43:18

What has been true in the past, won't necessarily be true in the future.  Except God.  He is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be tomorrow. 

I laugh because sometimes I can't talk my kids into trying things a second time, because they didn't like it before. For instance, I try to convince them that just because they didn't like green beans before, doesn't mean that they might not like them now.  They don't believe me. 

Or my kids decide that tylenol never works, because it failed to help the first time.

Sometimes I try to convince them that people can change too.  One day their friends might not be kind and thoughtful, but given a second chance, maybe they will be different. 

Change is inevitable, and is often a part of God's M.O.  Sometimes we need to be willing to set aside what we know to be "true", or our preferences and expectations, and "forget the past".  Sometimes embracing life's changes will take little moments of decision and bravery (yeah, I'll try a green bean!), and other times it'll take God doing some major work on our hearts.  

I just want Alyssa and Kyle to be open to whatever God has in store for their lives.  His truths, and His plans, hold such promise and joy!

I want to see God do a "new thing", don't you?! 

O Lord, my Lord, what a joy it is to know that you're at work in Alyssa and Kyle's life.  Change their hearts, and make them bold, to go and do whatever you call them to do.  Help them to forget the former things, and not dwell on the past, but live in the excitement and thrill of the new thing you want to do in their lives if they are willing and available.  You have wonderful plans for both Alyssa and Kyle, and you've created them to display your glory.  May their hearts choose to live in the center of your plan, and in great confidence of your guidance in their lives.  Oh Lord, I watch in awe and wonder at you doing a new thing in Alyssa and Kyle!

Future Valentines

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  Genesis 2:24

"Marriage is not a noun, it's a verb.  

It isn't something you get.  It's something you do.  

It's the way you love your partner every day." 

-- Barbara De Angelis

As we celebrated Valentines Day yesterday (and we did celebrate...PF Changs for lunch...yahoo!  Thank you, dear hubby), I was faced with the reality that my kids aren't too far from the days when they will be thinking about marriage, and finding their life mates.  Soon Valentine's Day will be a day worth celebrating, because they will have someone to celebrate with.  I'm praying for them to find the mate God has planned just for them, and that they choose to work hard throughout their lifetime to love their spouse deeply.  I long for them to live in deep happiness, and in marriages that are strong, healthy, and committed for the long haul.  One day, I hope they will be celebrating a marriage that has lasted 20 years or more!

 

Lord, you have blessed my life richly with a wonderful husband and a marriage that brings me much happiness.  You knew the man who would be perfect for me, and you brought us together in beautiful fashion.  Sure, we have struggles and ups and downs, but you are always there pushing us to be better, to look to you for guidance, and lean on you for understanding.  Lord, I pray that my children find the mates that you have designed perfectly for them.  Mates that will love them deeply, be willing to work through the hard things, always be faithful, and live their lives devoted to you.  I pray that my kids have marriages that are full of love, happiness, peace, contentment, and respect.  Begin preparing them, and their future spouses, for a beautiful adventure, with you by their side. 

Live Deeply in Christ

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."  1 John 2:28 (The Message)

I love how the Message paraphrases that verse..."Live deeply in Christ."  I just want to ponder that today.

"Live deeply in Christ."

Oh, my deepest hope and prayer for Lyssa and Kyle.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to love you, and live deeply in you. May they not be tempted to just know of you, and live in the knowledge of what they've learned about you since they were little, but choose to strive to KNOW you deeper and better.  Sideline observers get a small taste of you, but those who choose to participate face to face in a relationship with you, experience first-hand the Living Water.  You, Lord, quench every thirst, and satisfy the deepest of hungers.  But living deeply in You is a choice one has to make every day.  Lord, spur our children on to laying down their selfish desires, or worldly yearnings, and to seek first your Kingdom, with their entire heart.  And now, Jesus, help our children to stay with you. Move them to live deeply in you. Then they'll be ready when you appear, ready to receive you with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when you arrive.  I pray, Lord, that they love you deeper than I can ever imagine, because you are the One that I love.

All Their Days

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."  Psalm 27:4

I love watching my kids figuring out their walk with the Lord. There's nothing more thrilling than those moments when I see them making their faith their own.  Today, As I reflect on their salvation, I'm praying that they choose to walk this road all the days of their life.  May they never take a detour, but always stay the course.


One thing I ask of you, Lord, this is what I seek: that Alyssa and Kyle may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of their life, to gaze upon your beauty and to seek you in your temple.  Each day may they stay the course you have laid out for them.  May Alyssa and Kyle take great delight in you, dear Jesus, and find great freedom ad hope in you.  You alone are their salvation, and their hope, and I pray they ever turn away from you.

Restore Us

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

Kyle missed school on Wednesday.

Lyssa on Thursday.

Today?  Who's to say.  It's a bit to early to tell.

I will soon have to wake the troops up for school, and I'm praying that the stuffy heads and rumbly tummies have disappeared in the night.  (Oops...Lyss is home today.)

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

Restore us, Father!

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

Thankful Thursday: His Marvelous Deeds

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
   proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
   his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
   he is to be feared above all gods. 

--Psalm 96:1-4

Thanking God today for...

• Reminders that our kids are mighty fine, and God is answering our prayers.
• Daughter not needing a "cussing jar", but still choosing to challenge herself with a"whining jar". (Payments have to be made each time she whines.)
• Son having good christian friends to hang out with during the Superbowl. (Though I missed him hanging with us!)
• Dinner and cards with friends...and a ton of treats to take home to the kids.
• Daughter's friend who drives her all over the place, including her college classes.  
• Daughter's statement that she likes her parents.
• Son's diligence and hard work on his huge amount of homework.  As well as keeping up with basketball 5 days a week, and baseball practices on top of that.
• A hubby who cleans bathrooms, folds laundry, and doesn't leave me with all the dinner dishes....even after a long day at work.

My list of God's marvelous deeds in my life can go on and on.  I'm so thankful that He lives in me, and is a huge part of my life.  He is most worthy of my praise!


Lord, I sing praises to your name.  Thank you for the marvelous deeds you have done in my life this week.  They are too numerous to count.  You are alive and active in my family's life, and I'm in awe of what you're doing and how you are blessing.  Keep my eyes open to wondrous things you are doing.  This is the day you have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Seeing Clearly

"Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly."  Mark 8:25

New Glasses...2003

It always seems that one of us in our family is struggling with our contacts.  All four of us have the pleasure of needing help to see clearly.  This week its Kyle's turn.  Much to his dismay, he had to wear his glasses to school yesterday.  So not cool.  I kept wanting to remind him how thankful he should be to have something that helps him see, but you know, sometimes those things aren't received well if Mom says it.  So, I didn't.  

I'd love it if God would heal all of our eyes, so that physically we could see without the aid of contacts or glasses.  I would love for Jesus to put His hands on our eyes and make them new.  As I reflect, however, I long for the same touch on the eyes of our hearts.  Oh to be able to see clearly all that God does in our lives, or to recognize when He's leading or carrying us.  And to behold His glory, wonder, and awesomeness.  To gaze upon His presence with us when we feel afraid, alone, or unlovely.  Or be able to take in the profound truth as we study His Word.

I want my blinders removed, and I want the same for my children, so that they can see Him clearly.


Lord, open Alyssa and Kyle's eyes that they may see you, know you, and hold to your truths.  Give them restored sight for the things of your kingdom, and the ways in which you call them to live in your truth.  Remove the veil from their eyes so they can recognize and understand your holiness, the life you call them of servanthood, or the power of your Word in their lives.  If there is anything that keeps them from seeing you, dear Jesus, remove it so they can know and believe in you all the days of their lives.  Oh the sweetness of restored sight, where we can see the world as you see it, and rest in knowing you are with us.  May it be so for Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you, Precious Father!

Praying Scripture: Holy Mouths

 My Precious Babies...2010

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to watch the way they talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of their mouths. It's so hard, but I pray that they say only what helps, because each word a gift.  Knowing that what they say has the potential to grieve you, God.   I pray that they don't break your heart. Your Holy Spirit, is moving and breathing in them, and is the most intimate part of their life, making them fit for you. Oh how I pray that they don't take such a gift for granted.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.  And prove themselves to be gentle with one another, and sensitive, forgiving one another as quickly and thoroughly as You forgive them. 

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle watch what you do, Lord, and then do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what you do is love them. May they always keep company with  you and learn a life of love, always observing how you love us. Your love is not cautious but extravagant. You didn't love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of yourself to us. May Alyssa and Kyle love like that.

(Ephesians 4:29-5:2 The Message)

Scaling Those Walls

"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” 2 Samuel 22:30

“With my God I can scale a wall!”
           
                  “With my God I can scale a wall!”

“With my God I can scale a wall!”

Sometimes I need to drill that "mantra" into my head.  There are days when the walls seem so monstrous.

God gave me this verse on a particular day a couple of years ago, when He knew that I would need the assurance that I could do whatever He called me to do. I love it when His Word speaks in such powerful and personal ways. Ken was away in Morocco for 11 days, and I was left to hold down the fort here at home. The single parenting ended up being the easy part of what God had in store for me while he was gone. While he was away, our church family faced 2 family members dying, and I was asked to go pray with them in their final moments of life. I’d never even gone with Ken on these calls before, to see what to do and say, and here I was being sent out to be a minister to these people in their greatest time of need. Fear coursed through me, as I worried about my inadequacy and inexperience. Then I was reminded that “with my God I can scale a wall.” Repeating that verse, over and over again all the way to the hospital gave me the courage to face my fears and allow God to help me accomplish what I couldn’t do on my own. At the close of each visit, I felt like I had scaled a wall.

I don’t know what “walls” my kids will have to face today as they head to school, but I know that God is with them, helping them climb to the top. Where tasks are too hard, I pray that God gives them the tenacity to work it through and find success. If their friendships seem to hit a detour, I pray that God is with them, filling them with wisdom, peace, and strength. Or when fear creeps into their hearts, I pray that they are reminded that with God, they can do all things.

Scaling walls is hard work, but with God, all things are possible! Grab a hold of Him, dear ones, and depend on His safety and strength to get you to the top of the wall.


Lord, with you we can scale walls. What a promise to hold onto when the walls seem too high or too hard! Your Word is full of reminders of your faithfulness, your help, and your strength. I pray that my children know the reality of those truths in their lives, and have learned that with you all things are possible. Remind them that they can do all things through you who gives them strength. Lord, when they are aware of the walls before them, may they know whom to look to for help, and may they sense your presence near them in real and precious ways. Lord, speak reassurances into their hearts, ears and minds, that remind them of your love, your help, and your peace. Teach them that they can scale any wall with you by their side. No wall is impossible to scale with you as the guide!

They Are His

"They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Malachi 3:17-18

I love my kids.
They are a huge treasure in my life.
If I could spare them from harm, I would in a heartbeat.

God loves my kids...even more than I.They are His treasured possession,
and He will spare them, by offering them eternal life.
He says to them, "Be Mine" 

They are His.
I pray that they take Him up on His amazing offer.


Lord, on the day that you make up your treasured possessions, I pray that our children are wholly yours. I thank you, because you are a deeply compassionate God and you spare your children. May they believe that you are the Son of God, and accept the gift of your salvation. I pray that in our children we will see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. I know that they are yours, dear Jesus, and I pray that it will always be so. Thank you, Lord, that they will always be your children.

Cheeseburger Soup

"I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich"  2 Corinthians 8:8-9

As a mom, I am often trying to find ways to show my kids that I love them.  However, sometimes what I think shows love really isn't the "ticket" in my kids mind.  So, a couple of nights ago I made a special (and new) soup for dinner.  It was a new recipe, but I thought with a name like "Cheeseburger Soup" how could my daughter not feel loved?   She LOVES cheeseburgers.

So, I browned, chopped, sliced, diced, and grated my way into this gift of love.

Through this I am reminded to pray that my children learn to show love to others too. I want them to find joy in going to the effort and work of finding ways to show love to the people in their lives.  In turn, those individuals, whether it be their sibling, spouse, parent or friend, will feel utterly blessed and give God thanks for such joy those acts or words of love bring.

Showing love, shows God, to those in our lives.

Well, in case you wanted to know, the soup just went over so-so.  My family all said I could make it again, but it wasn't their favorite.  I pray they still know how much I love them.

Lord, you call your children to love one another.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle love one others, just as you love them.  You are love, and we can love others because you live in us.  Urge my children to love others deeply, in turn be your hands, arms and feet.  Remind them to love others better than they love themselves.  May they not hold on to their love and act stingy in how they give it to the people you place in their lives.  If a lack of trust, or an abundance of fear keeps them from healthy, loving relationships, intervene on their behalf, and show them how to live like you want them to live.  May love mark their words, their actions, their relationships, and their life in you, dear Jesus!

Praying Scripture: Proverbs 2

Alyssa and Kyle...1998

Dear Precious Father,

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle accept your words
and store up your commands within their hearts,
turning their ears to wisdom
and applying their hearts to understanding,
and if they call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if they look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then they will understand how to fear you, Lord
and find the knowledge of You.
For you, Lord, give wisdom,
and from your mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
You hold victory in store for the upright,
and are a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for You guard the course of the just
and protect the way of your faithful ones.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter their hearts,
and knowledge will be pleasant to their soul.
Discretion will protect them,
and understanding will guard them.

Lord, wisdom will save Alyssa and Kyle from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.

It will save Alyssa and Kyle also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before You.
For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.

Thus, I pray, that Alyssa and Kyle will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it. 


Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer.

Impressive Friends

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."  Proverbs 27:17

 Kyle and his friend Jake...2006

Yesterday, I was the "taxi mom" for Kyle and four of his teammates. I like transporting my kids friends because I learn a lot about who they are, as they laugh, tell stories, and carry on conversations together.  It's amazing how much I learn about my own kids too.

On this particular trip to the boys basketball game, one of Kyle's friends was passing around his Ipod and headphones, and allowing others to take a listen.  I was pleasantly surprised when one young man, turned to his friend and said, "You need to take some of those songs off you're Ipod.  Those aren't good to listen to."

I loved that!  Way to go, dude! 

I pray that my kids have friends who are willing to be bold like that, and hold them accountable for the things they say or do, and put into their minds through movies or music.  Sure, I want them to be that kind of friend as well, but what a gift to have someone in their life who will speak the truth in love, and help sharpen them in their walk with the Lord. 


Lord, I pray that you place friends in Alyssa and Kyle's life that sharpens them, like iron sharpens iron.  I pray that these others will speak boldly, and speak the truth to them, especially when it's in regards to something that keeps them from living the way you long for them to live.  Supply friends with a tenacious willingness to love Alyssa and Kyle enough to offer them tidbits of truth that will draw them closer to you.  Thank you, Lord, for giving my kids good friends, and for making us people who can grow, change, and be transformed into your likeness.