Driving Fears

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Yesterday, Alyssa survived her first night of Drivers Ed.  YAHOO!  

 

At 17, she is one of the oldest students in the class.  Part of the delay began because I wasn't ready to have a child driving, but the longer we put it off the more it became about Alyssa and her fear to drive.

So yesterday felt like one big step towards conquering a fear that has been nagging my girl for a couple of years. What freedom will come when she finally realizes that this is something she can do.  I know God goes with her through each twist and turn, parking challenge, and new lesson.

Now lets just pray she goes back to class tonight. 

Drive away that fear, dear Jesus!

Oh Lord, our God, take hold of Alyssa's right hand and speak tenderly in her ear, 'Do not fear; I will help you."  What blessed assurance she can have knowing that you are with her, you are mighty to save, and that with you she can do all things.  I pray Lord, that fear never take hold of Alyssa and Kyle in such a way that it keeps them from living abundant lives and following wherever you send them.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to be bold and trusting of your promises.  May they fix their eyes on you, and set their minds on the hope that you are their refuge and their strength, and their help in trouble.  Drive away those fears, sweet Jesus.

Tear Tracker

You've kept track of my every toss and turn
      through the sleepless nights,
   Each tear entered in your ledger,
      each ache written in your book.

--Psalm 56:8 (The Message)

 The Lord will comfort Israel again
      and have pity on her ruins.
   Her desert will blossom like Eden,
      her barren wilderness like the garden of the Lord.
   Joy and gladness will be found there.
      Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.

--Isaiah 51:3 (NLT)

When my children were younger tears came for lots of different reasons.  They were either hungry, tired, had an injury, lost a toy, someone called them a bad name, or their sibling was doing something they didn't like.  (That probably happened more than anything!)  Most often the comfort was easy, and the tears came to a stop in short order.  Mom's arms were the perfect comfort.

Today the tears come because of bigger problems and deeper hurts, and the they can't always whisked away with a hug from mom or a chat with a friend.  I can guarantee Alyssa and Kyle that the best place for them to turn is to the great and awesome Comforter, Jesus Christ.  He alone understands every hurt, can fill every loneliness, and mend any relationship.  

He alone keeps track of every one of their tears.

He alone can turn mourning into gladness.

He alone can be their refuge and shelter.

He alone.

Oh Lord, you are the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace  You are our refuge and strength, our comfort, and in control over everything in our lives.  You, Lord, kept track of Alyssa and Kyle's every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, and each of their tears are entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to know you as their very best friend, and the one in whom they turn when they are hurting, lonely, or struggling with the circumstances of life.  May they know the comfort of feeling your tender and loving arms around them when times are hard.  You alone will turn their mourning into gladness, and make beauty from ashes.  Joy will be found in you, our Precious Savior.

Sins Wiped Away

"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah."  Acts 3:19-20

Lord, I give you thanks and praise, knowing that when Alyssa and Kyle repent of their sins and turn to you, their sins will be wiped away, and times of refreshment will come from being in your presence. Oh what joy and peace they will find. Your salvation is the greatest gift of their life, and they will find such peace, contentment and hope. Thank you, Lord, for being our Living Water, and our Savior.  My heart gives you all the honor and praise.

Quit Complaining!

"And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled..."  Numbers 11:1

As I sat listening to Alyssa and her friends talking about school and their teachers, one of her friends stopped and said, "I need to stop complaining.  It's so easy to do and I don't like it."  I thought "wow" cause that was coming out of a teenagers mouth.

I think I am gifted in complaining too.  It comes much more naturally to me than speaking the positive side of things.  I complain about the weather, other drivers, the messes everyone leaves around the house, the clothes in my closet...the list seems to get longer and longer the more I think about it.

I'm thinking God probably wants to say to me, "Really?  That's all you have to say?  What about all that I've given you?"

As I listened to Alyssa and her friends, I was convicted of my complaining, and reminded to pray that our kids get past their grumbling, whining, and complaining too.  Instead may we focus instead on all the beauty God bestows on us.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle focus the attention on the good things of this life, and rid themselves of complaining, whining, and grumbling.  Its so easy to be focused on the down side of life, and commiserate with others through talking about all that is unlovely and wrong.  The pattern of this world is to complain and you long for us to be different.  Instead, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are transformed by the renewing of their minds, and reflect you in all that they say and do.  Move them to have hearts of thanksgiving, mouths that speak gratitude and pleasure, and eyes that focus on all that is good.  Thank you, precious Father, for all that is good in our lives!  You truly bless your children.

Thankful Thursday

"For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."  Psalm 108:4

God is faithful to His children in so many ways and I just want to give God thanks today.

• Spring is starting to appear.  The lilacs are blooming (my favorite smell ever!), and the petunias are planted.  We even had warm enough weather to sit outside and take a Sunday afternoon nap.

• Speaking of spring...we found a bird nest in the hanging basket of flowers outside, and inside was 5 little eggs.  

• Within 24 hours we celebrated the wedding of a young couple going into ministry, and the 60th wedding anniversary of another beautiful couple.  You can see God written all over those lives.  

• Our Sunday night prayer group took a prayer walk around the church building, praying for our youth all along the way.  I'm blessed by those who joined me in prayer.

• Last night we attended the graduation of a close family friend.  We've watched this young lady grow into someone strong and beautiful and ready to go conquer the world!  Congratulations Dani!

• Kyle had baseball tryouts, and was one of 3-4 eighth graders who made the area Legion baseball team.  

Lord, thank you for all the ways we see your presence in our lives.  Your fingerprints are everywhere.  Open our eyes so that we can be more aware of all the ways you are active day in and day out.  I give you thanks, dear Jesus, for Alyssa and Kyle.  Open their eyes that they may see you

Honest Lips

"Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth."   Proverbs 16:13

Lying seems to be a way of life for many people. We lie at the drop of a hat. The book The Day American Told the Truth says that 91 percent of those surveyed lie routinely about matters they consider trivial, and 36 percent lie about important matters; 86 percent lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends, 73 percent to siblings, and 69 percent to spouses.

Daily Bread, August 28, 1992.

Those statistics may be old, but do you think the numbers have changed much?  I can't imagine that they've improved.  Unfortunately, I have to wonder if those percentages are actually higher today.  Lying and dishonesty seem to come from our lips so easily.

For that reason I'm prodded  today to pray that my children's lips are always marked by truth and honesty.

Lord, I'm so thankful that your spirit lives in us, and that we can be transformed into your likeness.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lips always give you praise, and reflect your abiding presence in their lives.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle keep vigilant watch over their hearts; for that's where life starts.  Keep them from allowing talk come out of both sides of their mouth and help them to avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. (Proverbs 4:23-24)  Lord, you detest lying lips, but find great delight in those who are truthful.  (Proverbs 12:22)  Please, Holy Spirit, prompt Alyssa and Kyle's when they are tempted to be dishonest, reminding them of the One whom they live for.  May their lips always bring you glory.
 

Grow In Generosity

"Be generous to the poor—you'll never go hungry;
   shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses."  

--Proverbs 28:27 (The Message)

"When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. 

Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. 

That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, 

working behind the scenes, helps you out."

 --Matthew 6:3-4 (The Message)

"God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."

--2 Corinthians 9:7 (The Message)

                           

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be cheerful givers.  May their hearts respond with a big "yes" when they see others who are in need.  Teach them to be especially generous to the poor and needy.  Help them to be wise in their spending and saving, so that they can have the freedom to be generous whenever they are aware of a need.  As they find wonderful opportunities to be a blessing to others, keep their pride in check and keep their mouths from boasting about their giving.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they will always give out of a heart of love and generosity, and not out of guilt, pride, or because of someone else's expectation besides your own.  May generosity always mark Alyssa and Kyle's lives.

They're Watching

 Grammy & Papa walking hand-in-hand.

Grandson Luke taking note.

"This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."  Ephesians 5:32-33

Yesterday we went to a reception for a couple who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.  Wow!  It reminded me to pray for my kids marriages.  I hope that one day they too will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.  Below is re-post, but it seemed just what I wanted to say!

I was honored recently because someone asked to meet with me to talk about marriage.  She's struggling in her marriage, and wanted to "gather information" on how to have a good marriage, and she saw Ken and I as a couple who appeared to have it all together.  I was honored.  I do love my husband.  Though I had to admit to this woman, that as with every other married couple, we do have our struggles and bad days.  We've just committed to working hard, and staying together forever. 

What a reminder though that people are watching.  They are looking for people who are happy and successful in their marriages, to be examples of how it "should" be in their life.  We live in a world where it's easy to give up, change our minds, and break commitments.  Marriage, too often, is not a sacred covenant to be kept and worked at. 

Even greater, our children are watching.  They are keeping an eye out for how we work through conflict, show love and respect, have fun together, communicate, and help one another.  Every day becomes a lesson on what marriage can be in their lives.  What pressure sometimes.

I love that my children have two sets of grandparents who have worked hard, and stayed married through thick and thin.  I'm even grateful that their parents have chosen to work hard at our marriage, and have 20+ years under our belt.  Though these marriages aren't marked by perfection, Alyssa and Kyle have beautiful examples of how God designed marriage to be.  Forever.

Oh Lord, this is the day you have made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!  I'm thankful for another day to draw closer to you, and closer to my family.  I'm so grateful that you are the giver of love and marriage.  You designed it to be a life-giving, joy-filling, supportive, and a forever relationship in our lives.  Your Word shows us how love and respect are the characteristics you designed God-filled marriages to be marked by.  In our own selfishness, love and respect, are sometimes hard things to live by.  Lord, as parents, who our children are watching every day, help us to reflect how to show love and respect every day.  May they see in our marriage what it looks like to have a healthy, fully-committed relationship.  I pray for our children's future spouses, and the marriages that they will have.  I pray that they find a spouse who follows you, and wants to live a marriage with you at the center.  I pray that our children want to hold on to the example of working hard through each high and low in their marriage, never giving up too easily.  Lord, I truly pray for spouses who bring abundant happiness, lifelong joy, and abiding love.  Though it is sometimes hard work, what joy marriage can bring to one's life.

Better Than Hand Gel

"Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water."  Hebrews 10:22

My daughter has this crazy addiction.  She can't have enough of the little sanitizing hand gels from Bath & Body Works.  I'm sure it will take her the next ten years to use the stash she already owns.  I'm not sure if its a fascination of having clean hands or the temptation of wonderful smells.  Either way she gets both I guess.  

I guess hand gel can give a good cleaning, but so can a good wash with soap and water.  They can clean our hands well.  However, only one thing can cleanse our hearts.  I'm afraid all the Bath & Body gel in the world won't get that job done. Only Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ alone washes away our sins, makes us clean, and makes our hearts new.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle accepts the gift of His salvation, and have confidence in knowing that their hearts are cleansed by Him. What joy He alone will bring.

And I can guarantee this:  He is such a better addiction than Bath & Body hand gel. 

Lord, create in Alyssa and Kyle a pure heart, 

  and renew a steadfast spirit within them.
Do not cast Alyssa and Kyle from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from them.
Restore to Alyssa and Kyle the joy of your salvation
   and grant them a willing spirit, to sustain them.(Psalm 51:10-12)

Reflecting Him

"Wisdom brightens a man’s face and changes its hard appearance."  Ecclesiastes 8:1

 Kyle...2004

Crazy Hair Day at VBS

I spent the last two weeks working a job that deals with people.  Did you know that there are lots of different people?  Joyful people.  Encouraging people.  Content people. 

Then there are people hardened by life.  Some people are heavy with anger, bitterness, or fear.  You can see it written on their faces, hear it in their words, and recognize it their attitudes. In some ways it was immediately obvious, and unfortunately wasn't attractive or always fun to come in contact with.  Many times my heart just wanted to reach out to those people and ask them if they knew Jesus loved them.  Oh what a difference He could make in their lives.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have attitudes that reflect God living in the center of their hearts.  I pray that their demeanor is one that is marked by the fragrance of His Spirit emanating from within.  May even the appearance of their face shine Jesus.

  Alyssa...2004

Lord, you brighten a man's face and can change a hard appearance.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's face shine bright to the world around them.  It would be true evidence that you are alive and active in their lives.  Protect them, Father, from bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, selfishness, pride and greed that would cause them to look hard and ugly to those they interact with.  Fill them instead with peace, joy, hope, kindness, compassion, love, and humility, proving to be your disciples.  May Alyssa and Kyle reflect you!

Thankful Thursday: Remarkable Things

Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”  Luke 5:26

 My favorite flowers photographed by my favorite daughter.

I'm often amazed that my God, who is so big and powerful, cares enough about us little people to get actively and intimately involved in our lives.  That's an amazing miracle in my book and I'm giving Him thanks today for the remarkable blessings in my life.

Yeah for Thankful Thursday...

• Lord, thank you for my daughter's creativity and the planning she put into her school's prom.  The decorations were over the top and every detail was planned to a tee, all the way to the punch and refreshments.  

• Lord, thank you for helping me through 2 weeks of work.  Providing strength, an available and helpful husband, and easy going kids.

• Lord, thank you for direction and guidance as I prepared a lesson to share with some junior highers about the passion I have for prayer.  Oh how I felt your presence, dear Jesus!

• Lord, thank you for taking my fears about doing something new and giving me courage.  Working the elections with four godly and beautiful women, for 15 hours (ugh), was a delight.  Who knew.

•  Lord, thank you for my dear hubby and the day to celebrate you giving him life.  Thank you for the blessings of abundance from others to help mark his special day.

 
Oh Lord, thank you for the remarkable things you do in my life!

I Do It!

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."  Proverbs 14:23

Alyssa working hard filling the pool...1997

A phrase that I often heard my independent little daughter use was, "I do it."  Most of the time I loved those sweet words coming from her mouth.  Only when I was in a hurry, did I struggle to let her figure things out on her own. But now, I'm thinking that can-do attitude will help her go far in life. 

When her homework is hard to understand, I pray that she will respond with "I do it."

When relationships take work to figure out, I pray that she will choose to say "I do it."

When God issues a call on her life, and it seems to difficult, I pray that she shouts "I do it."

When a task seems too difficult, may her first words be "I do it."

And though I pray for this independent strength in my daughter, where she doesn't give up too easily on hard tasks, I also pray that she never pushes God aside and forgets to look to Him for the the wisdom, strength, and guidance she truly needs for a successful life.

Being independent and dependent at the same time, can be a tough act to balance, but I know she can do it.

A job well done!

You Lord are my strength and my song; you have become my salvation.  Be my children's strength and salvation.  Fill them with your spirit and give them a confidence to say "I can do it!", no matter how difficult the task.  When they are unsure, fearful, or lacking the strength, I pray that they look to you, Lord, for wisdom, hope, assurance, and peace.  Be their guide, day after day, and moment by moment, filling them with everything they need for any situation.  Sovereign Lord, be my children's strength; make their feet like the feet of a deer, you enable them to go on the heights. 

Pulling Off Prom

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."  Proverbs 16:3

For a few months now Alyssa and her friend Hannah have been planning their school prom, and Saturday all their hard work came to fruition in an extravagance that is hard to really experience unless you had seen it first hand.  I'm proud of them for all their planning and hard work and it was a tremendous success.

Here's a few pictures so you can get an idea:

 I think Lyss was saying here that she was tired.  Ha!

 My beautiful girl!

All their plans succeeded.  It was a great night all in all. I don't know if they prayed over things as they went along in their planning over these last months, but watching it all unfold was a blessing.

Bigger projects and plans will come about in our kids lives, and decisions will need to be made that could impact their future in big ways, and I pray that they learn to seek God for wisdom, guidance and direction as they go.  As they follow His will for their lives, and commit to going His way and not their own, I'm sure they will find a God-success that matches no other.

Good job girls for pulling off a wonderful prom!

Lord, what great delight it was to watch my daughter find success this weekend.  Thank you for being with her as she planned, organized, and put together such a fun event.  What great delight you must have watching your children succeed in their lives when they commit their ways to you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to check in with you in regards to their plans for life, and that they commit to following wherever you lead.  As they make decisions that will impact their future, may they look to you for guidance and approval.  For I know you have plans for Alyssa and Kyle that will bring great joy and peace, and with you by their side leading, they can find great success and pleasure.  Thank you, Lord, for being living and active in our lives.

Happy Birthday 

to my man!

God blessed my life when He gave me you! 

Speaking to a Friend

"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend."  Exodus 33:11

I had the great joy of speaking with the junior high Sunday school class at our church about prayer.  It's a topic I'm passionate about and it was such a delight to see their faces appear to be a little interested in what I had to say.  My main point was that Jesus can be their friend, and they need (or can) to communicate with Him in order to develop the best possible relationship with Him. 

There are no rules...they don't have to use big words, speak for a long time, close their eyes, or be in a special place.  I told them its as easy as thanking God for the wonderful PB & J sandwich with yummy raspberry jam on it. 

Oh it was fun to meet with this class. 

Incidentally Kyle was in this Sunday School class.  As we were driving to youth group later on that evening, to get him on the church bus to go bowling with the other kids in his class, he joked that our Sunday night prayer group (YIPPS) might have fun coming bowling with them and we could pray for them there. Praying in a bowling alley could be fun!  Ha!

How sweet it was to know that my kid recognizes that I pray for him, and I love knowing that he's learning that prayer could be a powerful thing in his life.  I hope he falls in love with prayer (Didn't I just write about that last week?...I'm keeping on!) and finds that he can speak to Jesus as he would speak to his friend! That's just how easy it is!


Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to speak to you as one speaks to their friend.  You are the most wonderful friend that they could ever have.  As they speak to you, sharing their pain, fears, and hopes, I pray that it will draw them closer to you as their God.  May prayer become something to them as easy as breathing.  Lord, make prayer a sweet thing in Alyssa and Kyle's life. 

Swinging High

Sorry for no post yesterday.  Blogger seemed to be doing maintenance.  Thanks to those who missed me.  :)

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.  They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." John 4:39-42

I have the above verses marked in my Bible with a couple names of people in my life.  I have put their names there believing in prayer that one day these friends will say "We no longer believe just because of what you said" but they believe because they have experienced Him for themselves.  I don't want them just to take my word for it, but through their own examination and experience, they find Jesus to be a real and powerful presence in their lives.

I pray the same thing for my children.  I want them to find the truth of who God is, and His love for them, by experiencing Him in a personal way.

It's hard to describe the joy that comes from flying high through the air on a swing in an adequate way to someone who has never been on a swing before.  It's hard to explain why a smile comes over ones face as you reach great heights, the laughter that comes when someone gives you a push, or the peace of gliding back and forth, over and over brings.  A person can only begin to enjoy a swing, by actually experiencing the act of swinging for themselves.

I can lead my children to Jesus, and teach them all about the God I know, but until they experience Him for themselves, and see His work in their lives, will they really KNOW the joy, truth and power of His presence in their lives. If I can go this far...I'm praying they go swinging with Jesus, and feel the thrill of the ride each and every day.

Lord, you are such a precious joy in my life, and someone I want my children to fall in love with too.  I want them to know the power of your presence, the gift of your salvation, and the depths of your love for your children, which includes each of them. Lord, I pray that they see you in their daily lives; pursuing them, guiding them, loving them, and providing for them.  Open their eyes and soften their hearts, in ways that draw them closer to you and help them see their need for you in their lives.   Oh how I pray that one day I hear my kids say  "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

Thankful Thursday: Let Me Count the Ways

"Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?"  1 Corinthians 10:16

There are so many things to give God praise for this week.

• My baby girl turned 17.
• We enjoyed spending the weekend with Grammy & Papa.
• Precious Mother's Day cards, pretty flowers, and a wonderful wind-chime from my family.
• Kyle hit a triple on Monday night.
• Many research papers finished.
• Yummy lasagna dinner made by a dear, sweet friend.

Lord, thank you for your blessing and presence with our family this week.  You are so good to us.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize your faithfulness in their lives, and they cry out with hearts of thanksgiving.  I see evidence of you everywhere!  May Alyssa and Kyle also be aware of your fingerprints all over every aspect of their lives.

Putting Off Until Tomorrow

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a  day may bring."  Proverbs 27:1

PROCRASTINATION.  
All I have to say is ggggrrrr.  If you haven't heard Alyssa's greatest story of procrastination, check out this past post. 

Well, we are nearing the end of the school year, and yet the learning isn't done in our household.  Procrastination still reigns.  We've had many late nights this last week, and a few more to come, I'm sure.  Putting off papers and projects brings a stress unmatched by any.  Tears, short fuses, and frustration reigns. 

So, today I'm praying that this will be a lesson to take note of this week, so that next time we'll think about the consequences and realize that working ahead of the game is really a good idea!

I will not be putting off this prayer until tomorrow...that's for sure!

Lord, we do not always know what tomorrow brings, yet sometimes we do.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to make wise choices when it comes to doing their schoolwork and projects.  Even when they are fun to-dos it's easy to put-off our work to tomorrow.  Bring to their mind all that needs to be done, and help them to set reasonable expectations for their time.  Learning that working ahead allows us to do a better job is an important lesson.  What greater reward there will be for a job well done.  Lord, Alyssa and Kyle don't always know what today brings, so may they make the most of every moment.

Thump those Tongues

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29

Some movies can have great lessons.  Take Bambi....maybe my kids could learn a lesson or two from sweet little Thumper.

Thumper:  He doesn't walk very good, does he?
Mrs. Rabbit:  Thumper!
Thumper:  Yes, mama?
Mrs. Rabbit:  What did your father tell you this morning?
Thumper:  [clears throat] If you can't say something nice...don't say nothing at all.

Need I say more?

Lord, our words often reflect what is truly in our hearts.  Sometimes it's so hard to hold our tongues, and we spout off things that can be hurtful, damaging, and can't be taken back.  Even, I, Lord fail at this sometimes.  Please forgive me.  Make my heart new and clean, and may my words reflect your presence in my life.  I pray, dear Jesus, for the same thing in our children's lives.  Remind them that their words hold great power to build up or to tear down....even in their relationship with one another.  Help the slams, the names, and the negative comments cause a sourness in their mouths.  Move their hearts to choose words that lift up, encourage, speak thanksgiving and kindness, and reflect you.  Let no unwholesome talk come out of Alyssa and Kyle's mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  May this be especially true in our home.

Little Boy On His Knees

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."  James 5:16

I was reminded of the following song this last weekend.  I've sang it many times for baby dedications of little boys in our church, my son's included.  Every time I sang it, I was reminded of one of my greatest prayers for our son...that he would become a "young man on his knees".    I'm just praying that prayer is a tender and life-changing part of both Alyssa and Kyle's life. 

Lord, you hold Alyssa and Kyle in your hands, and you are with them in every moment of every day.  May they both come to find the joy of having a personal relationship with you.  What delight it is that your children can walk with you and talk with you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find you a delight and love you as a friend and as their precious Father.  Thank you for being living and active in their lives forevermore.

Persistence, Perseverance and Passion

Sorry....been a crazy week.  Another re-post.  Love the pic of Kyle.  Work week 1 of 2 coming to an end today.  Yeah. 


You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."  Hebrews 10:36

Persistent Kyle...1997

As a little tyke Kyle was always persistent in getting what he wanted.  Periodically, I still get to see that side of him.  Persistence, or perseverance, are good qualities when used for the right things, and in the right ways.

Kyle loved bath times, and he hated it when Alyssa would be taking a bath and he wasn't allowed to go in and join her.  I would close the bathroom door, and he would cry, and cry, and cry.  However, if I left the door open so he could check out what was going on, he couldn't just "sit on the sidelines" and watch Alyssa in the bath.  He had to get in with her...no matter what.  There were many times when all of a sudden my little boy was submerged in bubbles and warm water, in his pajamas and all (don't you love soggy, wet diapers?!).

Persistence, perseverance and passion got him what he wanted!

Kyle (and Alyssa), I hope that you use those same qualities to follow God's will for your life.  Be persistent, never letting any stumbling blocks to get in your way.  Perseverance will be the key when things get tough, or days feel long.  And passion will cause you to go great lengths for the One you love!

Lord, I know the plans you have for Alyssa and Kyle's lives are for good, and will bring them into places of abundance, joy, and life.  However, there will be days I'm pretty sure, that will be filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome.  Instill in our children the desire to be persistent, persevering, and passionate about the calling you place on their lives.  Remove any tendencies to be lazy or fearful, but choose to push through no matter the cost.  Lord, your strength is what they will need to hold onto some days, and your vision is what they will need to fix their eyes on, and when they do, I know that they will find great help and blessing.  I pray that they jump into your plan for their lives, feet first and with great gusto, no matter the things that seem to be in their way, because one day they will receive what you have promised! 

Thankful Thursday: Our Daughter

"Don't you see that children are God's best gift?"  Psalm 127:3 (The Message)
 
17 years ago today I became a mom...
          and a little girl changed my world forever.

Happy Birthday, Lyssa!!

I thank God every day for my precious daughter.

OUR LYSSA IS...

BEAUTIFUL

BRILLIANT

HILARIOUS

CREATIVE

GIFTED

DETERMINED

COMMITTED

and the 

LIGHT OF OUR LIFE!

Thank you, dear Jesus, for our daughter Alyssa.  (Psalm 139:13-17) You made all of the delicate, inner parts of Alyssa's body and knit her together in my womb.Thank you for making Alyssa so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.  You watched Alyssa as she was being formed in utter seclusion, as she was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw her before she was born.  Every day of her life is recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.  How precious are your thoughts about Alyssa, O God.  They cannot be numbered!

Continue growing up Alyssa into a woman who lives for you, and reflects you in all she says and does.  We give you praise, dear Father, for her precious presence in our lives.  

Amen!

Fagrance of Christ

I'm working full time the next two weeks, and last night I had to go straight to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), therefore the below post is a re-do from October 2009. 

Photo taken by Alyssa--Pike's Market, Seattle, 2009

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (The Message)

A beautiful scripture yes?

In our Women’s Bible Study today we briefly reflected on the question posed to us in our video lesson, “When I walk into a room, can others smell the fragrance of Jesus on me?” Do I “give off a sweet scent rising to God”? Oh, I pray so.

As a child, I had a grandparent who smoked. We didn’t mind so much hanging out at his house, but the moment we would arrive home we would throw all of our clothes in the dirty laundry and jump in the shower. When I spent time with my grandpa, I smelled like my grandpa.

How I want my life to give the fragrance of Christ. Unfortunately, when I participate in things that are not of God, my attitude starts stinking like rotten potatoes. When I spend time with God, on the other hand, I start smelling like Him. Do my children “breathe in the exquisite fragrance” of God living in me? Oh, I pray so.

An even bigger question is will Alyssa and Kyle “give off a sweet scent”, proving their close proximity to the Father?

Oh, I pray so.

The Company I Keep
By Beth Moore

Let me be known by the company I keep
By the One who determines each day that I greet
From the moment I wake ‘til He rocks me to sleep
Let me be known by the company I keep!

Let me be known by the company I keep
When the valleys are low and the mountains are steep
By the One who holds fast when swift waters are deep
Let me be known by the company I keep!

Let me be known by the company I keep
By the One who implores me to sit at His feet
And quickens my soul to discern what is deep
Let me be known by the company I keep!

Let me be known by the company I keep
Eclipsed by Your presence that I may decrease
‘Til all You have chosen this traveler to meet
No longer see me but the Company I keep.
(“Things Pondered” by Beth Moore, pg. 101)

Oh Lord, what sweet company you are. You are kind, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love. What a beautiful Spirit to abide in. I pray Lord, that as I rest in your precious presence, others will be able to smell your fragrant aroma living in me. As they follow my example, may my children fall in love with you, and find the joy it is to spend time in your presence. As they dig into your Word, may they learn the truth of who you are God, and begin to reflect you in their lives. I live with the hope that they smell of love, forgiveness, peace, hope, joy, compassion and mercy to the world around them, drawing others into your saving presence. Everywhere they go, may people breathe in the exquisite fragrance of you! Oh, I pray so!