Live It!

 Easter...2010

Dear Daughter and Son,

(Colossians 2:6-10, The Message)
My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything. 

I love you and pray that you live all your days with Him!

Mom

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  John 10:10

AnxiousThoughts

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."  Psalm 139:23

 Alyssa...and her scowl (ha!)...2010

This week has been filled with many moments where I have found one or both of my children in a state of worry or panic.  The end of the school year is on the downhill slide, projects are coming due, tests to be taken, and then there is prom, senior schedules, and needed internship plans.  It's easy to let those things become "anxious thoughts, and then they are debilitating to doing the best things. Overwhelming is the word that describes everything.  

"Taking our thoughts captive" becomes an important lesson, and handing our concerns to God, a lifeline.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

I'm praying this for Alyssa and Kyle today!

Lord, I know you are fully aware of the anxious thoughts of Alyssa and Kyle.  Be their peace through each stress, their hope when doubts are high, and their strength in each situation.  What a great thing it would be if they can learn at this young age to not be anxious about anything, and instead lay their burdens at your feet, and entrust you, and you alone, to take care of every details of their lives.  You alone are God, and you are present with them through each trial and storm.  Lord, remind them of your mighty strength today!

Thankful Thursday; The Village

"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts." Psalm 145:4

Parenting is not a lone sport. When it is said that it takes a village to raise a child, I think I'd have to agree in a big way. I'm especially thankful for the other adults in my children's lives that are advocates for faith, and are helping lead them closer to Christ. They are many...Youth workers, Sunday school teachers, friends, and even their grandparents.

I thought of honoring each of them by showing you their picture or listing their name, but the list became long, and I'd hate to miss someone. Even those who may not play big parts in their lives, can still have a tremendous impact on their spiritual walk, self-image, future career, who they date/marry, or their outlook on life. No pressure or anything!

The "village" is an important part of my kids lives.
My heart is full of thanks!

Lord, you have blessed our children's lives with so many special people, and you are using them in mighty ways. Each moment they spend with Alyssa and Kyle, is a moment where they have the opportunity to commend Your works, and tell of your mighty acts, helping draw them in to a personal relationship with you. Thank you for so many who radiate You living in their lives, and can't help but pass that passion onto our kids. I'm thankful for the time these people invest in so many lives, showing friendship, giving encouragement, lending a listening ear, and sharing wisdom...all helping develop our kids into adults who live for You. I'm thankful that I don't parent alone.  You have richly blessed our lives!

Circumcised Hearts

"Circumcise your hearts, therefore and do not be stiff-necked any longer."  Deuteronomy 10:16

Alyssa and Kyle...2004

Sometimes I fear our children having hard, unteachable hearts.  You know, teenagers seem to think they know everything!  Even I have times where I am immovable in my convictions, desires, and decisions.  It takes much more discipline, and an openness, to be moldable and teachable.  Being "stiff-necked" stops the process of being transformed into Christ's likeness.

When opportunities arise, I pray that our kids hearts are opened and changed, because Christ is active and present within them.

So out of here "stiff-necks", and move on in "circumcised hearts"!

Lord, be at work in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts.  Make them flexible, moldable, and teachable, allowing your Spirit to move in and change them into someone who reflects you living in their lives.  Please protect them from being "stiff-necked" and having stubborn hearts.  Being open to all the things they can learn allows them to grow and change into who you want them to be.  Give Alyssa and Kyle hearts of flesh, that allow your constant presence and activity in their lives.  Oh, how I pray that they always are being transformed into your likeness. 

The Body of Christ

"The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance."  1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (The Message)

 Girls Group at Church...2008

Oh how I loved Easter Sunday!  Watching my church family worship and celebrate Jesus' resurrection was such a great delight.  It wasn't just the beautiful dresses or the men in ties.  It was the joy, the smiles, and the purposeful and passionate worship. 

There's something wonderful about being a part of the body of Christ. 

My prayer for Alyssa and Kyle is that they find great joy in being a part of a church.  That they use the gifts God has given them for the benefit of the body, and for changing lives for His Kingdom.  That when they are hurting, they find encouragement, hope and great support from other members.  When days and times are hard they would find that they have a place they can turn.  I pray that, together with others, they draw closer to Christ and get to know Him in deeper and more precious ways. 

There are so many benefits.

I believe that together we can be so much greater, and do so much more, when we're in fellowship with others.  There is great blessing to be found when we are in community with other believers!

Lord, you have made us to be a part of the body of Christ, and we can find such support, encouragement, and joy when we are in community with other believers.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle never give up meeting together, and being a part of a church family, as some are in the habit of doing.  They each are needed in the body of Christ, and have been given gifts to use to bless others.  I pray that they devote themselves to the teachings and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle always choose to be an active part of the body of Christ.

Prayer for School

Lord, today we remember our schools and teachers.

At a time when school seems to include so much more than it used to, we find we need you most. With so many issues before us, we turn to you Lord, and seek your wisdom.

Lord, in some of our schools today, we are frustrated that we cannot honor you openly, in prayer, as we would like. And as you deserve. But we are thankful that there are those who continue to bring the message of your Son Jesus Christ. And they do it through their example. And they do it every day. They are our teachers.

Christ came to live with us as a teacher. He encouraged use with his wisdom, his truth, and his endurance. He taught so that others may teach the world. And so, as it has been shown to us, may those who will influence and shape the minds of our youth, may they be ever mindful of the greatest Teacher of all.

Lord, we pray that you will grant our educators wisdom as they deal with an ever-changing society. Help them to remember that every effort is an opportunity to change a life, to inspire, to energize, to bring out that special gift you have blessed to each and every one of us.

Lord, we pray for the strength and endurance of our teachers. The road is a long one, never ending, and at times frustrating.

We pray for their patience. We pray that when results are not apparent, may they be reminded that it is your time table that counts, Lord. And may they not be discouraged.

And Lord, we pray a special prayer that our teachers may know the reward of gratitude and that they may enjoy a sense of achievement in the process.

Lord, we pray for our schools and for our teachers.


Bill Swint - 2005 
PeopleofFaith.com

Happy Easter

Lyssa and Kyle, Easter 2000


"Live in the awareness that Christ lives 

and that He lives in His people." 

--Julien B. Weil

Lyssa and Kyle, Easter 1997

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. 

It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. 

So I live in this earthly body 

by trusting in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave himself for me"  

Galatians 2:20

The Glorious Hide and Seek

 Kyle--Easter 1998

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."  Deuteronomy 4:29

Tis the season for Easter eggs, bunnies, jelly beans, chocolate, Easter dresses, and pretty bonnets.  Once upon a time my kids loved the excitement and joy of playing hide and seek with the plastic stuffed eggs.  Now they are teenagers, and though they still want all the goodies inside, they are no longer interested in looking high and low for their yummy treasure.

When the kids were little, however, hiding the eggs was a game we played for many days after Easter was over.  They never tired of the big hunt.  Unlike their mother who did.  The eggs didn't even have to hold anything inside anymore, it was just the thrill of finding that which was "lost".  Ready, set, go!

 Alyssa--Easter 1998

I pray that their life is a continual hunt for their Savior.  He's not hard to find, but sometimes there takes some effort on our part to get to know Him better.  His Word promises that when they seek Him, they will find Him.  And when they find Him, just like the plastic eggs, they will taste and see something truly sweet.  Oh how glorious!  The greatest game of "hide and seek" ever!

  Kyle--Easter 1998

Lord, you are the greatest gift of our life, and you promise that when we seek you with all our hearts we will find you.  I pray that our children choose you, over and over again, and seek you with all that they are.  As they open the pages of your Word, may they find the beautiful you, and realize the depths of your great love.  I pray that they choose to dig deep, and get to know you daily, from here to eternity.  Speak to them sweet words of wisdom and love, as they listen for your voice in prayer.  You are the most beautiful treasure, Jesus, and what an amazing thing that you want your children to have an intimate relationship with you.  May our children seek you with all their heart, and find you in precious ways.  Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful promise!

Growing Up

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”  Luke 6:38 (ESV)

Lyss helping build a desk...2009

There are days where I just pray that we've taught pur kids well enough.  I mean, before we know it, they will be leaving home and won't have their parents to remind them of what they should be doing..  It kind of reminds me of the following poem...

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten  

by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Those are some simple yet profoud lessons.  Have we taught Alyssa and Kyle well enough to lend a helping hand, to give abundantly, or look on other people with compassion and empathy?  Will they ever learn to "clean up their own mess", send a thank-note without being reminded, or do something that is someone else's job?

I know that as they grow up, and as they sink themselves into being followers of Christ, they'll learn those lessons all on their own.  I can trust God's work in their lives, and know without a shadow of a doubt, that some of this growth will come with age.  Yahoo.

Lord, thank you for being continually at work in our children's lives.  You have important lessons for them to learn, and you are continually guiding them into greater understanding, deeper maturity, and a pleasing reflection of you.  Make Alyssa and Kyle people who give to others out of the abundant love in their heart, use their hands to bless those in need, and remember to think of others above themselves.  Grow them up, Father, to be adults who reflect you in all that they say and do.  You are living and active in them, and I give you all the thanks and praise.

Thankful Thursday: Things to Smile About

"He puts a smile on my face. 
He's my God." 
Psalm 42:5 (The Message)

Here's a few things that made me smile this week.

Below is a text from my next door neighbor.

Her kids are enthralled with Kyle, 

and they were watching him mow the lawn.

Her text:

this is what happens at our house 
when kyle is outside. 
thank god for kyle cuz i get stuff done!

Then I got a vase full of my favorite flowers from my dear hubby.

 Photo taken by Lyss

 And nothing is sweeter than finding my kids enjoying each others company,

and better yet...

hearing them laugh while they are doing it.

Kyle being a hot shot subject for Lyssa's photo shoot.

Lord, thank you for the reminders of your love this week, and all the ways you made me smile.  You are my God and my heart rejoices.  I've seen you in beautiful ways in my children's lives this week.  In their smiles, in their gifts and talents, and in the little ways they bring joy and happiness to others.  I pray for Alyssa and Kyle today and ask that you bring a smile to their faces in many ways.  Oh Lord, you are their God!

Cry Out to Jesus

 

Kyle...2 Years Old

"He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them."  Psalm 145:19

Oh, how I hated those times I would take my little ones to the grocery store and they would find something that they just HAD to have, and because I would say "no" a temper tantrum would ensue.  It still happens once in a while, but the temper tantrums just look a little different. 

Don't we all throw temper tantrums once in a while when things don't go the way we want?  I know that I do.  Part of growing up is learning to be content, no matter our circumstances, with whatever we receive in life.  Growing up sometimes means practicing patience and learning how to wait.

I know there are days when I want to throw myself on the floor and have a good tantrum.  Who doesn't?  I find it harder, but much more rewarding, to go to God with my complaints and tears. Prayer brings the peace my heart needs.

Just cry out to Jesus!

Lord, you know the deep desires of our hearts.  You know the big and little things that we long and hope for.  I believe that you're a God who wants to bless my children, and give them the desires of their hearts, when they choose to seek you.  Lord, when there are disappointments in Alyssa and Kyle's life, I pray that they cry out to you, and when there are hopes and dreams they long to be fulfilled, I pray that they seek you with all their hearts.  Lord, you love your children with an unfailing, unending love, and just like a parent, you want to shower them with blessing.  Show Alyssa and Kyle the wide open door, where they can enter into your presence, seek your face, and cry out their hearts to you.  You are a precious, loving God, and I stand in awe of you today. 

Praying Scripture: The True Vine

John 15:1-16
Lord, you are the true vine, and our Father is the gardener. I pray that you cut off every branch in Alyssa and Kyle that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, prune so that it will be even more fruitful. Alyssa and Kyle are already clean because of the word you have spoken to them. I know that if Alyssa and Kyle remain in you, you will remain in them. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can Alyssa and Kyle bear fruit unless they remain in you.
 
You are am vine; and Alyssa and Kyle are the branches. If they remain in you and you in them, they will bear much fruit; apart from you they can do nothing. If Alyssa and Kyle do not remain in you, they are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If Alyssa and Kyle remain in you and your words remain in them, they can ask whatever they wish, and it will be given to them. This is to my your glory, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle bear much fruit, showing themselves to be your disciples.

As you, Father, have loved Jesus, you have also loved Alyssa and Kyle.  I pray that they  always remain in that love. If they obey your commands, they will remain in your love. You have told your children this so that their joy may be in you and that their joy may be complete. Your command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Alyssa and Kyle are your friends if they do what you command. You no longer call them servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, you have call them friends, for you make yourself  known to them. You choose Alyssa and Kyle and appoint them to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then you, Father, will give them whatever they ask in your name.

Part of the Body

"If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."  1 Corinthians 12:17-18

Lyss and her Quizzing team...2007

This weekend I participated in some meetings in Oregon.  About a year and a half ago I was asked to join this committee but I'm not sure I really knew what I was getting into.  Many times over the last 18 months I've wondered what God was thinking when He came up with this particular plan of His. He's so funny!

I know in my head that He made me with particular gifts, and without my gifts this committee would be lacking, but it's seriously easier to doubt why I'm not gifted in the same way as the others.  Or wonder why my gifts are needed in that room.  I know that God arranged every part of the body "just as he wanted them to be", but sometimes it's hard to rest in that.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize the gifts God has given them, and know without a doubt the wonderful purposes for which He has created them.  I hope that they live in the confidence that God has made them "fearfully and wonderfully" and that wherever He sends them, it is to accomplish mighty purposes for His Kingdom.  Maybe its pastoral ministry, maybe its being a stay-at-home parent, or maybe its on a committee like mine.  Whatever it is, may they shine bright for Him.


Lord, thank you for making all of your children different and gifted, yet using them all in unique and special ways in your kingdom.  You have arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as you wanted them to be, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can revel and live in that truth.  Help them both to recognize their strengths, and see the ways you want to use the gifts you've given them in growing your Kingdom.  Give Alyssa and Kyle a confidence to go out and shine in their differences, strengths and giftings, believing that you love them just the way they are and have made them "for such a time as this."  Thank you, Lord, for making us all different, yet special and with great purpose.  Thank you, for making Alyssa and Kyle just as you wanted them to be!

See Him

"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."  Job 42:5

 I love my boy's bright blue eyes!

Dear Precious Father, what a blessed thing it is that you are not a silent God, you are not far from us, and you don't desire to stay hidden from our sight.  You are a God who longs for your children to come into relationship with you, and so you are pursuing us all the time.  My children's ears have heard of you all of their lives.  They know the stories found in your Word, and have been taught about you over and over again.  I pray, however, that they come to experience you in new ways...in ways that draw them into a powerful relationship of love, conversation, and trust.  Lord, I look forward to the day when they can say that they have seen you with their eyes.  Build their faith, move them to hope, and teach them to trust in you with all their heart, mind, and soul.  Make yourself evident in my children's lives in profound and visible ways.  What sweet words it will be when I hear them say, "I've just seen Jesus." 

A Wondrous Wake-Up Call

In a dream, in a vision of the night,
   when deep sleep falls on men
   as they slumber in their beds,
he may speak in their ears
   and terrify them with warnings,
to turn man from wrongdoing
   and keep him from pride,
to preserve his soul from the pit,
   his life from perishing by the sword.

Job 33:15-18 

 
Oh I had great fun the other day.  Well, it ended fun anyway.  Sundays seem to be my kids worst days at getting up out of bed when they should.  Therefore the "mama-alarm clock" started throwing a fit as it continued to go off every nine minutes.  What would get those kids out of bed?!?!

Then a light-bulb came on. Ah-ha.

I have to tell you, lighting a match and waiting for the fire alarm to go off, was almost as thrilling as the wait for Santa to arrive on Christmas Eve.  

And it worked like magic.  Within seconds I heard the bathroom door close and the shower running.  I laughed that they knew that there was really no fire...they new that the alarm was their final warning.

Life will be full of warnings, advise, and constructive criticisms that Alyssa and Kyle will need to "wake up" to.  I pray that when they hear the "alarms", no matter how quiet they are, that they pay attention.  And if they are walking into something dangerous, may the fire alarm resound loud and clear, keeping them from harm.

Will I light the match again if needed?  Oh yeah!

Lord, I know you are watching over Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you for protecting them, teaching them, and leading them down right paths.  Thank you for the warning signals you place in their life.  Open their ears, so that in a clear and concise way, they are aware of the warnings all around them.  May you, Holy Spirit, prick their hearts and minds when they need to pay attention.  Slumber will keep them from experiencing freedom, and keep them in bondage to sin.  Lord, speak warnings that will turn them away from wrongdoing and pride.  Sound the alarm and draw Alyssa and Kyle into the safety of your arms.  Amen.

Praises Offered

"But You are holy, O You Who dwell in the holy place where the praises of Israel are offered."  Psalm 22:3 (AMP)

Picture taken by Lyssa.

So much to give God thanks for this week...

• Time up on the mountain with "my girls" and Jesus.  What a great Women's Retreat!  Thanking God for a precious speaker with a powerful message, a dear worship leader with the perfect songs, and lots of laughter, tears, and fun!

• Ken took care of the fam while I was away.  I think they had a good time together, and survived by going out for every meal (oh my).  Ken was even sweet and surprised me with rice-krispy treats and an extra suitcase of warmer clothing (the snow was piled HIGH!).

• A sweet hug from my daughter when I got home was the cherry on top of my weekend.

• Both kids were "hired" this weekend, and the sense of accomplishment, and a little dough on the side, was a blessing to them both.

• The blossoms are blooming on my flowering trees.  Beautiful.  I love spring!

• Kyle was the "winning pitcher" in two of his baseball games this week, and he got a great hit at last nights game.  Spring ball is mighty cold with the rain and wind, but for a brief moment we had sunshine and a rainbow.

Oh Lord, you are so good.  Thank you for my life.  My family is so precious, my friends a sweet gift, and your presence in it all doubles and triples the blessing.  Thank you for the many ways I see evidence of you in our lives.  Each gift reminds me of your faithfulness and love for your children.  As I remember and think on these blessings, I will be careful to give you praise.  May I declare it fearlessly as I should.  I love you, Lord.  Amen.

Good Friends

"There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."  Proverbs 18:24

Alyssa and her friend Hannah...2008

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are protected from friends that try to destroy them, but instead have real friends that stick closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24)  Keep them safe from troublemakers that plant seeds of strife, and those who gossip because it separates and destroys the best of friends (Prov. 16:28)  Instead give Alyssa and Kyle friends who sharpen them like iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17)  Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.(Eccl. 4:9-12) I pray, Lord, that you give Alyssa and Kyle good friends, and in turn that they will be good friends to others.

Walking Partner

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."  Isaiah 43:2

Yesterday my boys went on a walk with me.  What a delight.  Of course, my teenage son only went willingly as long as we stopped at the nearby elementary school in order to shoot some hoops.  As we arrived to his old childhood haunt, we were all flooded with memories. 

Monkey bars and blisters.  Back then Kyle needed to use a step to reach the "high" bar, but now can reach it standing flat footed.  My boy has grown.

And then there was "pacers".  Every Friday the kids would walk a quarter mile path around the school and earn a "pacer" every time they crossed the finish line.  Even better, if a parent came and walked "pacers", the child's pacer number was doubled.  If they got so many pacers in a month they'd get a reward.  So, being the competitive, stay-at-home mom I was, I'd go to the school and walk with Kyle.  As a team we were the bomb!

As I reflected on that time long ago, I reveled in the fact that Kyle took great delight in my help.  He always reminded me to show up, and I'd do everything I could to make sure I'd be there.  I always loved the moment where the bell would ring and I'd hand off my pacers into his little hand and he'd flash me a big grin.

I pray that just like then, Kyle (and Alyssa) will always know that I'll be there if at all possible when help is needed.  At the same time, I pray that they know the One who truly walks with them each and every day.


Lord, thank you for the precious memories I hold onto, and the growth and change I see in my children.  It's so hard to believe how fast the time has gone sometimes.  I pray that even as Alyssa and Kyle grow they know they can look to their parents for help. Life cannot be lived without someone to love and encourage them.  I thank you, Lord, that you are the true Helper, and that you walk with us through all of life.  I pray that they know that you lavish love on your children, and that you will never leave them or forsake them.  May they sense You, sweet Father, walking with them today.

A Prayer to Start the Day

 Today the kids are going back to school!!!  Two weeks of spring break has come to an end.   Sometimes the adjustment back to school is a breeze, and sometimes it's not.  So, let the day begin!  With the presence of God, may it be a good, good day! 

 

O, God,
Grant us in all our duties your help;
in all our perplexities, your guidance;
in all our dangers, your protection;
and in all our sorrows, your peace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
our body, and our blood,
our life and our nourishment. Amen.
St. Augustine (354-430)

Seed of Salvation

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

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


Another repost:  Women's Retreat day #2.  Thanks for your prayers!

Following My Example

Repost from August 11, 2010...I'm at Women's Retreat this weekend!  Pray for my family while I'm away.

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Papa, Daddy and Kyle...1998

I love this picture!  There's just something about seeing little Kyle try to be just like the big boys.  Tent making is hard work, boy howdy!

Daily Alyssa and Kyle are watching how their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends handle what life throws at them.  They are making note of how we work, deal with conflict, forgive, show love, serve, and walk with Jesus.  (Unfortunately, they'll  catch some of the the bad things, as well as the good.)

So I wonder, what will my kids take away from watching me today?  What will they observe, with their eyes or ears, of my faith in God?  It gives me pause to ponder.  

What of me are they becoming?

Lord, I try to follow you to the best of my ability every day.  I try to be who you call me to be, and walk where you lead.  As I follow you, I hope that I am becoming more like you.  Some days it feels like I have such a long way to go.  Dear Jesus, help my kids to see you in me, and desire to follow my example.  May they see the joy that comes from living their life for you, and go out and want to do the same.  May they see the peace that appears when we choose to forgive, and do likewise when it is necessary. May they see the hope that comes from just knowing and resting in you. I pray that their eyes see a difference in me because I spend time in your Word.  I pray that they catch onto the joy that comes when we listen or encourage others, or give of ourselves when someone is in need.  Lord, help me, as Alyssa and Kyle's mom, to be a beautiful example to them of a child who obediently and passionately follows her Father.

Thankful Thursday: God's Deep Love

Today I am thankful for God's deep love. Oh how He loves me, and oh how He loves my children. I pray that they come to know and live in the amazing truth of that fact. Sometimes the love of others is fickle, and it comes and goes based on whether we are "good enough" or not, but God's love is unconditional, everlasting, and beyond abundant.

How sweet the love of God is!

“I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” --Isaiah 49:16

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” --Jeremiah 31:3

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” --Ephesians 3:17-19

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” --John 3:16

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” --1 John 3:1

“The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” -- Galatians 2:20

Precious Father, what an amazing thought that you love us this much. You gave up your Son on our behalf, so that we might find eternal life with you. I pray, that my children will be rooted in your love, and that they may have the power to grasp how wide, how long, how high and how deep you love for them is. When they feel unloved, I pray that they can find the truths written in God's Word that speak volumes of love. When friends walk away, or don't act in love, I pray that they can lean on a Savior that will never turn His back on them, nor remove His love for them. May your promises live in their hearts and minds, forever and ever. Thank you, Lord, for your deep, deep love.

Being a Team Player

“Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it.”  I Corinthians 12:27

Kyle pitching...2010

Please note:  Thanks for my dear hubby writing today's blog.  I'm in the midst of putting together our church's Women's Retreat for this weekend, and life feels crazy.  His sweetness to me is a blessing.  I love you, honey!

Rain pending, today is Kyle’s first game of Spring baseball.  In typical Idaho Spring fashion, we are expecting a high temperature of 50 degrees!  I guess it’s time to break out the bleacher seats, jackets, gloves, blankets and windbreakers!

Baseball, like life, is a team effort.  This year Kyle plays for the Kansas Jayhawks.  As a team member, Kyle’s preparation, performance, and his attitude affect the entire team.  When he succeeds, his team succeeds and when he fails his team does as well.  In baseball, it’s clear to see who’s team you are on.  Each player wears a uniform bearing the logo, colors and name of his team.

In living for Christ we, too, are a part of a larger team.  When we “step out onto the field” we represent not only ourselves, but our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We share a common goal and we ultimately wear the colors of Jesus, our Savior.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help Lyssa and Kyle to see their lives as connected to the lives of their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  I pray that you would help them always value and steward well their relationships with fellow team mates in Christ.  I pray you would teach them concern for others ahead of themselves and that they would develop a deep and life long love for Your church.  In Christ, Amen.

Practice Makes Perfect

"A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression."  Proverbs 29:11

 Alyssa and Kyle...2007

They say not to pray for patience, because if you do, God will give you opportunities to practice what you lack.  You know, cause "practice makes perfect".  My fear is that if I pray for my kids to have more patience, I'll have to live through more and more opportunities where they are tested, stretched, and under pressure to stretch their quiet and kind responses.

So, really...whats a mom to do?


Heavenly Father, with your spirit indwelling within us, we can respond in ways that don't always come naturally to us.  Impatience and discord sometimes comes too easily.  I pray that you help Alyssa and Kyle grow patience, compassion, and peace-giving.  I pray that they find it easier to respond to others (including one another) with kindness and gentleness. May a kind word always be on their lips.  Help them to learn to set aside their selfish desires and look to the other person's needs and wants, but when things don't go as expected, teach them to respond with words that bring peace and unity.  May all of our lips reflect you, dear Jesus.