Taught By God

"It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me."  John 6:45

 1998

Sometimes it's hard to be my teenager's "teacher".  There's something about teenagers that makes them think they know everything, and their parent knows nothing.  It's normal, I know, but there are things that Alyssa and Kyle need to learn.  (Of course, don't we all)?!  


I came across the above verse the other day in my quiet time and I just loved it, especially as I thought about my sometimes "strong-willed" children..."they will all be taught by God".  What a relief to know, that there are some things I can entrust Him to teach my children, especially when I feel unsuccessful.  Thank you, dear Jesus!


Oh that they will "listen to the Father"!  


Lord, you are our most precious Father, and I am in awe of your amazing wisdom, and that you impart it to your children.  I will continue praying that you fill Alyssa and Kyle with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. With everything that I am, I pray that they will be sponges who soak up all the wisdom and knowledge you have for them, and be hearers and doers of your Word.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always have flexible spirits, tender minds, and open ears to the voice of their Savior.  Teach them, Jesus!

Open Their Eyes

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."  Psalm 119:18

Kyle 2010

Lord, your Word is such a delight and holds so many rich treasures.  It teaches us about you, and helps us grasp the depths of your love for your children.  From the beginning to the end, we watch your plan unfold, and see your hand of love, power, and grace at work over and over again.  Each time I open it's pages I can sense your voice speaking personally to me.  I know, however, that it's a continual process to learn and understand the details we find within the pages of your Word.  I pray that you give my children understanding when they sit down and spend time with you and read your Word.  Open their eyes that they may see the wonderful things in your law.  Bring them hope, courage, and wisdom as they dig deep, falling in love with you deeper and deeper as they go.  Oh Lord, may they come to believe and hold onto this treasure that helps them know you more.  Speak to them, dear Jesus, calling them to yourself as your precious children each and every time they come to your living and active Word.  What a beautiful gift to your children!

Me, Me, Me

It's selfish and stupid

   to think only of yourself

   and to sneer at people

   who have sense. 

Fools have no desire to learn;

   they would much rather

   give their own opinion.

Wrongdoing leads to shame

   and disgrace. 

--Proverbs 18:1-3

Lyss...I love her smile!...2006

Lord, if Alyssa and Kyle have gotten anything at all out of following you, if your love has made any difference in their life, if being in a community of your Spirit means anything to them, if they have a heart, or if they care— then I pray that they do this: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. I pray that they not be tempted to push their way to the front; and not sweet-talk their way to the top. May Alyssa and Kyle always put their self aside, and help others get ahead. Some days it will take intention and choice, but I pray that they not be obsessed with getting their own advantage. I pray that they forget themselves long enough to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle always have the same attitude of Christ Jesus who gave up his life for others. (Philippians 2:1-5)

Let Spring Break Begin!

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  Isaiah 40:29

Lyss...2010

Spring Break has arrived.  Aaahhh.  Let the party begin!

It's a break from early morning routines of
breakfast quandries,
bathroom battles,
and everyone rushing too and fro.

It's a break from school, of course, and the
papers to draft,
books to read,
words to study,
and math to figure.

It's a break from the evening craziness of
homework,
homework,
homework.

I pray that it's a break that
refreshes everyone's spirits,
gives rest to our bodies,
holds memories of laughter and joy,
and prepares us for the last stretch of school.

Oh, I'm ready for Spring Break!  Bring it on!

Lord, I give you thanks for giving strength to the weary and increasing the power of the weak. You are with us, and give us strength, when days are busy and hard.  But you also give us times of rest and refreshment when we are willing to come to you.  I pray, dear Jesus, that in these coming days of spring break, that you fill Alyssa and Kyle with new energy and passion for their "work", refresh their bodies and minds, and prepare them for the new days of learning ahead.  Help them to use their time wisely, treat each other kindly, and find moments of quiet in your presence.  Lord, refresh our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.  These are the days you have made, and we will rejoice, dear Jesus, in this rest.

Something to Ponder

"The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us,

but that we will hear Him. "

~William McGill

Who Will Tell Them?

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"  Romans 10:14-15 (NLT)

Alyssa and Kyle...Spring Break 2007

As I think about Alyssa and Kyle, and their walk with the Lord, I am conscious of the fact that they watch me in my relationship with God, and they hear what I have to say about it.  Daily I am an example.  In all reality, however, there is a chance that they will hear about it all better from someone else.  Oh how I hope that there are other people in their lives that are involved in sharing the good news of Christ to them, that exhibit passion and commitment to Him, and help them grow in their faith. 

How will they hear about Him unless someone tells them?


Lord, I pray that there are people that come in contact with Alyssa and Kyle that are not ashamed of the gospel, and will speak boldly on your behalf.  I pray that You may open a door for their message, and that they may proclaim the mystery of Christ. I pray that someone may share the good news clearly to Alyssa and Kyle, and make the most of every opportunity they have to lead them closer to you.  Thank you for the people you put in their lives that know you, love you, and speak of you.  Thank you for the difference you make in their lives, and for the difference you can make in my kids lives.  You are a God of hope, love, and relationship, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know the reality of your salvation!

Teacher Troubles

Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. --Proverbs 15:22 (The Message)

Alyssa and Mrs. Whitman, her 5th grade teacher...2005

I have had several hard conversations with my kids this week about their teachers at school.  These are individuals that spend a lot of time with them throughout the day/week and really have the potential to have a great impact on their lives, and attitudes about learning.  I know some of my kids complaints aren't necessarily something I should hold against these adults, I just know that Alyssa and Kyle are both pretty discouraged. 

Teachers have the power to encourage, persuade, and impart important things for a successful future.  My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle overlook the things that they don't like, and recognize the ways in which they can learn despite hard, or unlikeable circumstances.  It can be a good lesson in pressing forward, working hard, forgiveness, communication...and the list goes on and on. 

My kids can find success personally, despite whatever it is that they don't like about their teachers...but liking them would be nice.

Lord, the teachers in my kids lives are so important, and they have such a great impact on who they are and what they will become.  It's so vital that they have adults in their lives who offer them wise counsel, teach them to think wisely, and give them the tools they need to be successful in life.  At the same time, these teachers can be different than us, teach in a different style, or fail to give encouragement in practical and personal ways, and learning to accept that and move beyond them sometimes is hard.  Please give Alyssa and Kyle grace to look beyond the dislikes they have for their teachers, and even show them kindness, love and forgiveness.  Help them to accept their differences and appreciate the things that their teachers do have to offer them in this learning process.  Give Alyssa and Kyle the wisdom to discard the teaching that doesn't apply to them, or doesn't reflect your truth, Lord, and hold onto and enjoy the good things they are learning.  You are the master of all wisdom, and I pray that they hold to you forever!

Pencils or Not

"For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."  Romans 5:5 (NLT)

There is something that comes over me when I pick up Kyle from school.  I've missed him through the day and I just want to SQUEEZE the dude.  Of course at 14 he is way beyond needing his mother's love and affection.

But yesterday something came over Kyle when I picked him up.  He just HAD to go to the store to buy a mechanical pencil.  A special mechanical pencil. We've taken the time to stop at the Walgreens just around the corner from our house, but unfortunately they didn't have the right one.  The next store is a bit further away, and with busy schedules and the cost of gas, we haven't yet found these magical, joy-giving, perfect pencils...much to his dismay.

So as I'm squeezing Kyle's knee in saying "hello", and he's begging to go to the store, he calls out "My love language isn't touch!"  So, I came back and asked him what was.  His response made me laugh:  "My love language is quality time.  Like us going and finding my mechanical pencils".

This little conversation made me think.  I want my kids to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are loved...not only by me, but by their Heavenly Father.  This love, however, won't always look like they want it too.  It's sometimes hard to believe in their hearts their true value and importance when it looks different than they had hoped or expected. 

I pray that their eyes are open to seeing the many ways they are loved, and believe in their hearts that God (and their parents) really does do what's best for them...pencils or not.

Oh Lord, you so love both Alyssa and Kyle that you sent your one and only Son so that they can have everlasting life with you.  Daily you are wooing them, and showing them how much you love and adore them.  May they believe this with their whole heart, mind and soul, and rest in your many promises of love.  I ask that your Holy Spirit fill them, dear Jesus, with the knowledge and truth of your love.  Keep the enemy from leading them away from you, and down the path of doubt, fear, and feelings of inadequacy.  May they know how wide, how long, how deep and how wide your love is for them.  Thank you, precious Father!

Praying Scripture: Delight in Your Word

Dear Precious Savior,

How can a Alyssa and Kyle stay on the path of purity?
   By living according to your word.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle seek you with all their hearts;
   do not let them stray from your commands.
May they hide your word in their hearts
   that they might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, LORD;
   teach Alyssa and Kyle your decrees.
I pray that with their lips they can recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth.
Oh how I hope that Alyssa and Kyle rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches.
May they always meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
From today on, may Alyssa and Kyle delight in your decrees;
   and not neglect your word.


Be good to Alyssa and Kyle while they live,
   that they may obey your word.
Open their eyes that they may see
   wonderful things in your law.
Alyssa and Kyle are strangers on earth;
   do not hide your commands from them.
I pray that their souls are consumed with longing
   for your laws at all times.
Lord, you rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
   those who stray from your commands.
Remove from Alyssa and Kyle scorn and contempt,
   for they keep your statutes.
Though rulers sit together and slander you,
   I pray that your servants, Alyssa and Kyle,
   will meditate on your decrees.
May your statutes be Alyssa and Kyle's delight;
   they are their counselors.
                          --Psalm 119:9-24

Oh may it be so, my Lord!  
Amen.

Living Water

"They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water." --Isaiah 49:10

Did you know you can spend a lot of money at the grocery store on fluids to drink?  My family seems to have this need for liquids galore. In my refrigerator I can find milk, water, iced tea, juice, a variety of  pop. and creamer for my coffee.  One could think that my family has some deep thirst that is in need to be filled.   

Thirst:

1.  a. A sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat related to a need or desire to drink.

     b. The desire to drink.

2. An insistent desire; a craving

I'm praying that my kids have an "insistent desire" and crave God like nothing else, because He truly is the only "Real Thing".  He ultimately quenches every thirst that we have. 

Lord, I am so thankful that you have compassion on your children and you guide us and lead us  beside springs of water.  You quench every thirst as our true Living Water.  I pray, dear Jesus, that my children have an insatiable thirst for you, and you alone.  May they not look to anyone or anything else to fill any emptiness or dryness that they may feel in their lives.  As a deer pants for water, so may their soul pant for you.

Everyone is Different

"May the Lord make your love for each other and for everyone else grow by leaps and bounds."  1 Thessalonians 3:12

My two Napoleon Dynamites...2006

It's not always easy to love, nor like, everyone in our lives.  Sometimes its work just putting up with the person sitting next to us, much less love them.

Everyone is "different', but learning to accept others differences is an important part of life. 

God says "love one another", not "love one another if they are just like you."  Love comes from God, and so I pray that because He lives in my kids lives, that He will be reflected in how they love others in their lives. I pray that patience abounds, forgiveness flows, and kindness hopes the best for the world around them.

Everyone is different...even me!

Lord, thank you that you made each of my children in unique and special ways.  They are each precious and beautiful in your sight.  I pray that they can look at others in their lives through your eyes, because those others are also beautiful and precious in your sight.  May you make Alyssa and Kyle's love for each other and for everyone else grow by leaps and bounds.

Something to Ponder

"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays. "

~Søren Kierkegaard

Salvation Saturday: Deep Roots

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
   whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
   that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
   its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
   and never fails to bear fruit.” 

--Jeremiah 17:7-8

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's confidence is in you.  The seed of knowledge about who you are has been planted in their hearts, and I pray that that seed takes root and grows down deep into the You, the one true foundation of their life.   Because you are their strength and hope, I know that when heat or drought comes, they will live, and even live abundantly.  May they know that to be true as well.  Blessed will Alyssa and Kyle be because they put their trust in you,  precious Savior.

Jesus and Hot Dogs

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

--Psalm 34:8 (NLT)

When Kyle was three or four years old, his favorite and only meal was hot dogs.

Hot dogs for breakfast.
Hot dogs for lunch.
And hot dogs for dinner.

Hot dogs,
hot dogs,
and more hot dogs.

Hot dogs warmed up.
Hot dogs cold.
Hot dogs covered in ketchup.
Hot dogs on a stick.
Mostly just hot dogs with no bun.

Oh how Kyle loved his hot dogs! And though he doesn't eat them with as much passion today, he still loves a dog once in a while!

My hope is that my son loves God with as much hunger as he did his hot dogs. I want both of our children to "taste and see" that He is good, and crave Him morning, noon and night. I want them to thirst after His Word, and desire to get to know Him deeper and deeper. I think the more we "taste" Him and get an idea of His true sweetness, the more we crave His presence in our lives. I pray that for my children, in a big, big way!

Jesus and hot dogs! Who would have thought the two could have anything in common?


Oh Lord, my Lord, you are so good. I have tasted your sweet words, and they bring me life, and life abundantly. I pray that my children hunger and thirst after you, dear Jesus, and crave you like no other. With each little taste, I pray that their desire for you grows in increasing ways to the point that they hunger for more and more of you in their life. Each minute they spend with you, is life giving and vital to their relationship with you. Cause those moments in your presence to ignite a fire in their souls, and a thirst in their heart that cannot be quenched by anything, or anyone, but you. You are God, and you are good! Oh that they may crave you, Father!



Repost from April 9, 2010...just because I loved thinking about the memory of Kyle and his hot dogs today. It seemed so long ago. :) 

Thankful Thursday: My Praying Friend

"Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."  Matthew 18:19-20 (NASB)

Every Sunday night I have the precious privilege of hearing my friend Laura pray for my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for her.  There is no better way to move into a new week, or release our burdens or fears, and learn to rest in hope for God's intervention in so many things on this parenting journey.  Together, Laura and I are experiencing sweet communion with the Lord, and getting to see His power and grace at work in the lives of our kids in the process. 

Thank you, my dear friend, for faithfully gathering together with me in prayer. It's one of my greatest blessings each week!


Lord, it is such a tender experience hearing someone else pray for my children so faithfully, and I can't help but give you thanks today for Laura.  You say that when two or more are gathered in your name that you are in their midst.  Your presence with us moms as we pray is the greatest encouragement and gives us the strength we need to face the coming week.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers, for loving our children even more than we do, and being present and active in their lives day by day, and moment by moment.  What peace that comes knowing that we don't parent alone.  We have you, dear Jesus, and we have friends that walk along side us on this journey.  Thank you for such a precious gift!

Be Diligent!

"The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor."  Proverbs 12:24

Kyle workin' hard!

Some days it feels like the kids have schoolwork coming out their ears.  With the end-of-the-year just around the corner it seems the projects, presentations, and reports are piling up.  I love that both kids are learning important things, and are receiving the tools to do such amazing projects, but sometimes it seems a bit much...and I'm not even the one doing the work.

Last week, Kyle had to make a memorial for someone who died in World War II, and then yesterday he came home to share that he forgot that he had to make another memorial to represent the 6 million that died at the hand of the Nazis.  He remembered this project when one by one the other students in his class began to give presentations and show their memorials.  The teacher began at the beginning of the alphabet, and slowly the list got closer and closer to Kyle.  I'm thinking he was pretty lucky that his last name is toward the end of the alphabet.  The end of class came, and he was able to breathe a little easier...there were still 2 classmates ahead of him who needed to give their presentation.

With all the projects, comes hard work and the need for good time management.  It's easy to procrastinate, put-off, and even forget all that needs to be done.  School takes diligence, labor, and great effort.

I'm praying my kids stick-to-it with all their heart, and work hard at their learning!

Lord, thank you for this day and all that it will hold.  Thank you for the gift of education and the wonderful teachers that work with my kids on a daily basis to impart to them the wisdom they need for life.  I pray Alyssa and Kyle find pleasure in what they are learning.  Putting off until tomorrow, what they can do today, is often a struggle that wages war in their minds.  Please Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to make wise choices about what needs to be done in this day.  Help them to thrive on working through the things that seem hard, never giving up because it feels overwhelming.  Place within themselves a desire to press on, work hard, and put in their best effort on each assignment and project.  Lord, I want them to enjoy learning, but at the same time, find a sense of great accomplishment for the times where they have to work hard.  Lord, you are the one to help them through each day, each assignment, and each time they are tempted to put off what they need to do.  May your Spirit lead them in making wise choices today.  You are a great God, and I give you all the thanks and praise.

Give Ear to Him

"Pay attention to Me, O My people,
         And give ear to Me, O My nation..."  Isaiah 51:4

Alyssa and Kyle...stuck in the sand..2004

God has been taking me on a journey over the last couple of years...and it hasn't always been an easy one.  More and more I'm falling in love with prayer.  However, I'm not perfect at it.  Pray takes a lot of discipline for me because I'm far better at talking than listening.  (I'm just like my kids...ha!)

I long for my kids to fall in love with prayer too, and know and believe in its power.  Through prayer they will go on a journey that draws them closer to God in ways that they can't imagine.  It will take practice to "pay attention" to Him, and listen to His voice.  May they choose to struggle through the discipline of going to Him over and over again, and when it feels like work, they will continue to press on and stick it out until they meet Him face to face.

Prayer will definitely change Alyssa and Kyle's walk with the Lord, if they let it!

Lord, be in, around, and above Alyssa and Kyle today.  As they learn to pay attention to you, and give their ear to you, may they find the power, hope and love you have to offer them.  Prayer is a discipline that takes much work, choice, and time.  I hope they go to such effort to know you, Lord, and that it becomes like speaking to you as one does a friend.  Remove the fear that comes from praying aloud to you, in front of others, and make them strong intercessors for others.  I pray that they learn to listen to you intently, Lord, and that they hear the sweetness of your voice in their ear.  I love you, Lord, and I pray that these words are sweet, sweet sound in your ear.

Wanna Know a Secret?

"The Lord your God is with you,
   he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
   he will quiet you with his love,
   he will rejoice over you with singing.”

--Zephaniah 3:17

 A Father's Love...Dad and Lyss...1994

A father's love is precious...especially the love of our Heavenly Father.  I pray that my kids grasp how wide and long and high and deep His love really is for them.

Kyle and I used to have a little game we'd play.  I would grab his little attention by asking the question, "Wanna know a secret?"  With big eyes he'd say "What?"  I would always respond with a big "I love you!"

When he was little, it always made him smile, but as he grew older and caught on to the question, he wasn't so impressed.  With a roll of the eyes, he began to respond with a "I already know." 

One day, I said "Okay, if you already know my secret, what is it?"  I smile ever time I recall what he said next.

Looking proud at knowing the secret, he said, "I love you!" 

"You love me?!?  Oh, Kyle, I love you too!"

We both laughed at the turn around that happened in our conversation.  Now, that he's 14 he doesn't think the game is so impressive (ha!), but I'll tell you what, he knows the secret!

May Alyssa and Kyle always "know the secret" of their Father's love for them.

Lord, show Alyssa and Kyle the wonders of your great love, and may they begin to grasp how wide and long and high and deep your love is.  It is not a secret that you love your children.  On what a wonderful truth!  Your Word says that you love them so much that you gave your one and only son, so that they may spend eternity with you.  Help them to believe this real truth, dear Jesus. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle never live in the fear that they are not good enough to be accepted and loved by you, but always rest in the security of being your child.  I also pray that they never look at themselves with self-hatred, loathing, and feel unlovely, but will always relish that you are enthralled with who they are, inside and out.  You are God, and your love abounds to a thousand generations.

Praying Scripture: 1 John 1

Today I'm celebrating! This is my 500th posted prayer!  I began this journey in September of 2009, and every Saturday since then have prayed for Alyssa and Kyle's salvation!  Oh how sweet it is to know that my God hears this mother's prayers.  Celebrate with me today.

This is the message I pray Alyssa and Kyle hear from Jesus and declare to others:  You God are light, and there is no darkness in You at all.  So Alyssa and Kyle will be lying if they say they have fellowship with You but go on living in spiritual darkness; and they are not practicing the truth.  But if Alyssa and Kyle are living in the light, as You are in the light, then they have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, Your Son, cleanses them from all sin.

If Alyssa and Kyle claim they have no sin, they are only fooling themselves and are not living in the truth.  But if Alyssa and Kyle confess their sins to You, You are faithful and just to forgive them their sins and to cleanse them from all wickedness.  If Alyssa and Kyle clam they have not sinned they are calling You a liar and are showing that Your word has  no place in their hearts.

--1 John 1:5-10 (NIV)

Tame that Tongue

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."  James 3:9-10

Kyle (and his tongue)...2006

Oh the tongue!  It is such a little thing in our body, yet sometimes it can cause huge damage. 

Enough said.

Lord, use Alyssa and Kyle's mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief.  (Job 16:5)  Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you.  Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Thankful Thursday: Great Things

"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:5

God is always doing great things in our lives, so that we can be fully aware that He is present and active, and know that He loves us. 

• Alyssa and her quiz team had safe travels this weekend to North Idaho. The snow started falling after they arrived home.  God is good!
• Our women's retreat planning team put on a fundraiser on Sunday afternoon, and through the generosity of so many in our church family, we raised over $1,000.  God is good!
• My dad has been transferring old slides from my childhood, into a digital format, and periodically will send a few my way via email.  I got a few this week, and it reminded me that I'm thankful for my childhood, and my parents faithfulness to teach my sister and I about living with God as the center of lives. God is good!
• Alyssa surprised me one day with my favorite drink from Sonic.  The other sweet surprise was that she bought one for her brother too.  God is good!

Lord, I'm so thankful for the many great things you do in our lives.  I love the marvelous ways your voice thunders in tenderness to your children.  It's those things, big or small, that bring me joy on the hard days.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle become aware of the mighty things you are doing in their lives, and they are reminded to declare your praise.  Thank you for their growth, for protecting them, and for continuing to teach them your ways.  May they always live with you as the center of their lives.  Thank you, Lord, for your mighty blessings.

His Life Purpose

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."  1 Corinthians 16:13

Recently Kyle came home from school with a poster he had made.  It was supposed to reflect his mission statement for life. He attends a public school, and it made me proud to see that he was bold, and not afraid, to tell his peers all about what is most important to him.  

Here's a couple of pictures of this poster.

Follower, Athletic, Independent, Truthful, Humble

I especially love the statement found in the lower right corner.

"My life's purpose is to become a strong believer through Christ."

My heart did a "happy dance" when he brought this poster home!  That's what I'm praying for...and that's why I daily write a blog. Yeah God!

Lord, thank you for being present and active in Kyle's life.  I love knowing that you are continually pursuing him, and that he is choosing to follow wherever you lead.  I pray that Kyle will always be on guard, standing firm in his faith.  May he always be a man of courage, and be strong in you, dear Jesus.  From this day forward, I pray that Kyle chooses to walk down the paths you have chosen for him, that he listens to your voice telling him where to go, and that he actively seeks to know you in deeper and deeper ways.  You alone are Kyle's God, and I pray that he will always be your child.  Oh how I praise you for the signs I see of your presence in Kyle's life today.  Keep on growing him, Father, in your ways.  May he always reflect you.

Shining Kindness

“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty."  Job 6:14

What this world needs is a new kind of army--the army of the kind. ~Cleveland Amory

Lord, grow Alyssa and Kyle up to be full of kindness.  May their actions and their words reflect that you are truly living and active in their hearts and minds.  I pray that kindness is always their first response to their friends, family, and even the strangers that they come in contact with.  As God’s chosen children, holy and dearly loved, may Alyssa and Kyle clothe themselves with compassion and kindness every day.

God's Dwelling Place

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!” Psalm 84:1

“Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

Taken by Lyssa 2009

What a glorious thought to ponder today, dear Lord, and I am your dwelling place. Better yet, my children are your dwelling place, and a “lovely” dwelling place at that! Teach my children and I to believe and rest in that truth today. Lord, as you live in my children, teach them to sense your presence, and feel leading and guiding. Speak to them as your son and daughter, and fill them with your wisdom. May your spirit move them to act according to your desires, and cause them to live their lives reflecting you. I pray that that they sense the high calling that you have placed on their lives and live accordingly. Lord, walk with them, and talk with them, drawing them in to a tender relationship with you. Your Spirit is a precious gift and offers all that my children need, and I pray that you dwell with them all the days of their lives. Be near them, Lord I pray.

Something to Ponder

"For the eternal substance of a thing never lies in the thing itself, but in the quality of our reaction toward it.  If in hard times we are kept from resentment held in silence, and filled with an inward sweetness, that is what matters.  The event that distressed us will pass from memory as a wind that passes and is gone, but what we were while the wind was blowing has eternal consequences."  A Wetherell Johnson, Founder of Bible Study Fellowship

Believe!

“I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.” Galatians 3:5-7

Alyssa is off in North Idaho today participating in a Bible Quiz meet. She's memorized some scriptures (I hope), and practiced the questions over and over, all the while planting the seeds of Scripture in her heart. I’m praying not only for her safety and fun this weekend, but that the things she is learning, and the message she hears about Christ today, will be impressed on her heart forever.

The message I hope all of the kids at the quiz meet hear and believe is this…God loves you. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, if you just believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, you will be saved. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be “good enough”. You just have to rest in His goodness and love. Oh, thank goodness.

So many people live in the fear that they have not lived their lives for God, and that their pasts are so dirty and ugly, that God could not possibly ever love and forgive them. They fear that God would never want them as His child, which is so far from the truth. If my own children were to do something that doesn’t please me, I may be sad, disappointed, or angry, but I will always love them. No matter what they do, they will always be my children. This truth is even more evident in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. He just asks us to believe.

So believe, my dear children. Just believe.

Lord, be near my children today. Walk with them, talk with them, and tell them that they are your own. Impress on their hearts the Words that they have studied and memorized. Help them consider the truth of what they have learned, and how it applies to their lives. May your message be clear to them today, like no other time, that you love them and you are God of this world, and Savior of their heart. Father, may their hearts believe, and may they confess with their mouths that you are their Lord. If there is fear in the hearts, worry of your possible unforgiveness, or feelings of inadequacy to be your child, I pray that you dispel those misconceptions, and fill them with your truth, love, and forgiveness. May they never walk away from you, and your best plan for their lives, and may they always believe in you, dear Jesus. For this I pray today, and forever. Amen.

That's Just How God Is

“He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.” Proverbs 2:8 (NLT)

 Alyssa...1994

I remember Alyssa’s first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday. Dropping off my firstborn, and entrusting her to the care of someone I didn’t know for the afternoon, caused a small bit of apprehension. Would she be well cared for, and protected from all harms? What would she learn and experience? Would she choose good friends? Unlike all of the days of her life so far, I was loosing control of what happened in my daughter’s life. For three hours each day she would be on her own, and without me by her side.

As the years have gone on, and Alyssa has grown into a teenager, the times that we are apart have grown from three to seven hours each day, and sometimes even a week or more on different occasions. In fact, this morning Lyss will be traveling 400 miles away for a Bible Quiz meet, and will be gone all weekend.  Before I know it, she will move from our home, and no longer be under our roof on a daily basis. With each step of growth in my daughter, my own grasp on her life lessens more and more. As I become less in her life, I pray that God becomes more.

I am learning to entrust my children to God’s care each and every day, believing that He guards their path and protects them from harm when I can no longer be near them. His eyes can see farther than mine will ever be able to, and His arms will protect them better than mine ever can. He is God, and I am not. He will watch over them today, just as He did yesterday, and will do tomorrow. That’s just how God is.

That’s just how God is.

Lord, guard the paths of our children, and protect them because they are faithful to you. Be near them each day, leading, guiding, and guarding them. Lead them down paths that lead directly to you, and towards the plans you have for their lives. Lord, watch over our dear children all the days of their lives. Teach me to continually entrust them to your care, and believe in my heart that you have your hands protecting them. Guard their hearts from anger, hurt, loneliness, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Guard their eyes from seeing things that aren’t from you. Guard their ears from hearing the enemy’s voice leading them away from you, Lord. Guard their hands from doing evil and hurting others. Lord, I entrust my children to your care, knowing that you will protect them in ways that I cannot. What a reassurance for this mother’s heart. I love you, Lord Jesus!

Thankful Thursday:My Son's Integrity

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."  Luke 16:10

 Kyle...2011

This week Kyle brought home an award that he got in school LAST week.  Funny boy.  He forgot all about it in his excitement of leaving for Men's Retreat I guess.  It was once called the "citizen of the week" award, but now is the "growth mindset recognition".  With each award the teacher writes a note describing the honoree.  Here's what Kyle's award says: 

Your presence  in our classroom is like a steady rock.  I can count on you to always do the right thing.  Thank you for being a young man of great integrity.  Congratulations!! 

Yes, I was proud.  To read that our son as seen as a "young man of great integrity" blessed this momma's heart.  I could ask for nothing better.

Way to go, Kyle!  I pray that you will always be a man of great integrity.

Lord, thank you for my dear son, Kyle.  I know that you have fearfully and wonderfully created him, and you have great plans for his life.  I see you living and active in his life, and pray that it continues from now until the end of his days.  May Kyle choose to follow you with all that is within him.  Integrity is living undivided and in complete and firm adherence to you.  Your Word says that "whoever walks in integrity walks securely".  (Proverbs 10:9)  May Kyle always keep his conduct in the world honorable. (1Peter 2:12)  May the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart be pleasing in your sight, precious Savior.  (Psalm 19:14)