Teenage Daughter

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."  3 John 1:4

When I heard this song for the first time I just had to laugh!  Oh the joy of teenage daughters! Some of the "moments" in this video made me smile in a big way.  They are so close to my reality at the moment (except the part about needing a drink!).  I especially love the clips of driving with a teenager, and how the mom covers her eyes with her hands.  It gave me quite a chuckle!



It just reminds me to pray for my teenage daughter!

Lord, I thank you for our precious daughter Alyssa.  I know these teenage years can be hard ones.  Life can be full of peer pressure, scholastic stress, friend troubles, and decisions to make for the future.  I pray that you are Alyssa's strength, so that in you she can do all things.  When she's faced with anxieties and fears, may she turn to you, and lay all of those burdens at your feet, because she knows you care for her.  Holy Spirit, help her to make good choices, stand firm in her faith, and reflect you in all that she says and does.  Lead Alyssa by ways she has not known, along unfamiliar paths guide her; and turn any darkness into light and make the rough places smooth.  Lord, watch over our "little girl" as she grows into the woman you want her to be, and may her heart always be like yours.

Happy Dance

“This is the day the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice and be glad in it.” 

  Psalm 118:24

As of today, BOTH kids are in school!  What's a mother to do?!?




Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle today as they are at school.  May this school year be one marked with great joy, abundant learning, and great memories that will last them a lifetime.  Go ahead of them, and behind them, surrounding them with your guiding and abiding presence.  Help them to be strong and courageous with  every choice, standing firm for you.  May their teachers be a light in their lives, stretching them to be better than they can imagine, encouraging them to work harder than they ever thought they could, and learn more than they ever could on their own.  Lord, be the firm foundation in Alyssa and Kyle's life!  Bless this new school year, dear Jesus!
 

Being Different

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."   John 17:15-17

Lyssa (2007)

Sometimes this world is a scary place.  And sometimes that "scary" stuff looks pretty attractive, fun, and harmless.  Sometimes it appears to be so "cool".

"Everyone does it!"
"All my friends have it."
"Well, their mom let's them go."

Do we as Christians, look different than the world around us?  Unfortunately, sometimes not a whole lot.  We allow ourselves to participate, or partake of things, that don't necessarily reflect Christ. 

"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, 
because I am the LORD your God."  Leviticus 20:7

Holiness...The state of quality of being holy; perfect moral integrity or purity; freedom from sin; sanctity; innocence.  The adjective "holy," as applied to persons, is thus defined:  spiritually whole or sound; of unimpaired innocence and virtue:  free from sinful affections:  pure in heart; godly; pious; irreproachable; guiltless, acceptable to God.

It's a daily choice, to not follow the selfish desires of our heart, or the temptations that the enemy places in our paths, but God asks us to be different...to be holy.  To be in this world, but not of it.

Lord, you call your children to "be holy", but without you in our lives holiness is an impossibility.  Because we are human, we will always be unholy, but we can make choices in our lives that help us to more reflect holiness in our lives.  My prayer is not that you take our children out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one, and you help them to choose purity, integrity, innocence, and godliness.  Holy Spirit, move in Alyssa and Kyle when they are tempted to participate in something that doesn't fall in line with your desires for their lives.  Give them an uncomfortableness and "squirmy" feeling when they are in the presence of evil, or something that will void your holiness in their lives.  Help Alyssa and Kyle's choices to reflect the holiness that you desire for their lives.  Encourage them as they are in this world, to be not a part of worldly things.  Holiness, for me and my children, Lord, is what I long for.

Praying Scripture: Psalm 84

2004

How lovely is your dwelling place,
   O LORD Almighty!
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's soul yearns, even faints,
   for the courts of the LORD;
and their hearts and flesh cry out
   for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
   O LORD Almighty, Alyssa and Kyle's King
and Alyssa and Kyle God.
Blessed are Alyssa and Kyle as they dwell in your house;
   and are ever praising you.
               

Blessed are Alyssa and Kyle whose strength is in you,
   who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
   they make it a place of springs;
   the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will go from strength to strength,
   till each appears before You in Zion.
Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
   listen to me, O God of Jacob.
                
Look upon our shield, O God;
   look with favor on your anointed ones.
Better is one day in your courts
   than a thousand elsewhere;
 I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's would rather be a doorkeeper
in the house of their God
   than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For You LORD God are a sun and shield;
   and You bestow favor and honor;
no good thing do You withhold
   from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty,
   blessed are Alyssa and Kyle as they trust in you.

Ripstick Remodel

"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  Romans 5:3-4

Kyle is our persistent child.  I love that quality in him because so often I feel that my inability to be persevering, persistence, and tenacious is my greatest flaw.

This week, since he is still on summer break and needed something to do to keep him from boredom,  he took on the challenge of painting his Ripstick (below is what his Ripstick originally looked like).

All I could think about was how hard it would be to paint around all the little black flame looking things.

Oh mom, you are such a "girl".

Next think I knew Kyle had his board taken apart, and left for easy painting, was the red parts.  Easy-peasy.

He then set to work.  After the first try of painting, he had a little smudge, so he started over from scratch.  And after the second try he had a few different weird spots and needed to figure out another way around finishing his paint job to perfection.

And he did!

 
 My picture isn't that great, but I gave up.

Just teasing...I tried again.

I have to admit was I was impressed by his persistence.  And to show for it, he has a great looking, personalized Ripstick!

Way to go, son!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to rejoice in their sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  I pray that they always choose to persist in the tasks required of them, always pressing on towards the goal.  When they struggle may they look to you for wisdom and guidance, always trusting that with you all things are possible.  I know that Alyssa and Kyle can do all things with your strength. 

Thankful Thursday!

What joy for those you choose to bring near,
      those who live in your holy courts.
   What festivities await us
      inside your holy Temple.

--Psalm 65:4 (NLT)

There are many things that God has given me 

that bring me great joy...

My handsome hubby.

My delightful daughter.

My sweet son.

A beautiful home.

A treasure of a family.

A blessed church home.

Friendships.

Salvation.

God's Word.

Laughter.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the many things in my life that bring so much joy.  You have blessed in abundant ways.  My heart revels in being your daughter and living in your holy courts.  Oh there will be greater festivities one day, but here on earth, we are blessed because you walk with us and talk with us.  I pray today that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to live in your holy courts too. There is great joy in your presence, dear Father!

Mistakes and Messes

"He has sent me to ...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."  Isaiah 61:1, 3

My Facebook status from yesterday:  I hate it when little mistakes make big messes.

When will I learn to not push the "on" button so fast on my KitchenAid?  Especially when I've just added a cup or two of dry ingredients.  Let me tell you, from experience, that a little flour can go a LONG ways.  With a quick flip of the switch I had a big mess.

Life is full of messes. 
Mistakes are made on a daily basis. 
Some of those mistakes just have bigger consequences than others.

A messy diaper stain on the carpet will always be hidden under the couch,

but spilled juice is an easy pick-up (though it's sticky, sticky, sticky).

A hot glue gun drip made a life-scar on my counter-top,

but forgotten homework isn't remembered for long.

Big mistakes will usually have big consequences,

but little mistakes can sometimes result in big messes too.

I want our kids to learn from their mistakes,
and even live with some of the consequences of their decisions. 

But I also want them to know that God can make beauty out of ashes.

Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the work you are doing in their lives.  You are forever present, continually faithful, and patiently pursuing them day by day.  I know that they will make mistakes in life, and I pray that they will seek your intervention and help when the consequences and messes seem too big.  Soften their hearts to be receptive to instruction and learning in the midst of their mistakes, and repentance when they know that they've done wrong.  Lord, bestow on Alyssa and Kyle a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting for the display of your splendor. 

Complain or Praise?

Why am I discouraged?
      Why is my heart so sad?
   I will put my hope in God!
      I will praise him again—
      my Savior and my God!

--Psalm 43:5

Even when my heart is torn I will praise (trust) You Lord

Even when I feel deserted I will praise (trust) You Lord

Even in my darkest valley I will praise (trust) You Lord

And when my world is shattered and it seems all hope is gone

Yet I will praise You Lord.           (Yet I Will Praise You) by Andy Parks

Complaining.
Complaining.
Complaining.

"School is boring."

"There's nothing good for lunch."

"He won't stop teasing me."

"She's mean."

"There's nothing to do."

"I don't like that teacher."

"I hate homework."

Sometimes the complaining seems petty and unnecessary.

I'm fairly sure that there will be bigger things in life to complain about.  Alyssa and Kyle may face a crisis that brings them to their knees, a dry spell that leaves them desperate and alone, or grief that threatens to overwhelm every corner of their hearts,  My prayer is that instead of complaining, or allowing those hard times to turn their heart to bitterness, they will fix their eyes on Jesus and still choose to praise Him in the storms.

Praising Him will sometimes be the harder thing to do...
but will always be the better thing to do.

Lord, you always deserve praise.  Help us to forever trust your character and plan for our lives.  I pray that when Alyssa and Kyle are sad or discouraged they still put their hope in you.  When life throws them for a loop, I pray that they will choose to give you praise.  May they trust in you with all their hearts, and lean not on their own understanding, choosing to always acknowledge your place in their lives. I pray that praise is forever on the lips of Alyssa and Kyle.  You alone are God, and you deserve all of our praise.

Catching Something Big!

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

My boys love to fish. I can’t say that I totally understand, but I do love to see the joy on their faces when they come home with a good catch. Now sitting in my chair along the river, reading my book, “hooking” a grand story line and a happy ending, is MY kind of fishing.

Kyle (and probably his dad too) gets so thrilled when a fishing trip is planned that he often finds it hard to get to sleep the night before. It doesn’t matter how early they have to get up, or how far they have to drive, Kyle is ready to go! He’s on fire to go get those fish and has great aspirations to beat his dad in the number of fish he gets, and in the size of the fish. You go, Kyle!

Back in 2005, when Kyle was eight years old, he was so excited about the opportunity to go fishing with his friend Luke. It didn’t matter that they were driving 3 hours away, he just wanted to catch a fish. Before heading to bed the night before the big trip, he and his dad, prayed that their trip would be fruitful.

After they arrived to the “best fishing hole ever”, they pulled out their poles, hooked on the worms, and began the big hunt. They caught a few little fish here and there, but Kyle was hoping for something a bit bigger. He waited and waited for the big catch of the day. After some time, Kyle’s pole gave a big jerk, and on the other end of the line was the biggest fish he had ever caught.

As soon as the “big one” was landed, Kyle shared with his dad, that as he sat there waiting, he began to pray to God for a bigger fish. At the exact moment he was praying, some poor fish thought he would eat a worm for lunch.

God had answered his prayers.

Kyle and his big catch (2005)

Sure, it may be a little thing (you know, it was just a fish), but I believe it’s a BIG reminder of how great our God is! My hope is that it taught my son a lesson he will remember for the rest of his life. God hears, and God answers, when we pray. If Kyle can grasp that truth about God now, he will be ready to take the bigger things in life and entrust them to His care, asking Him to cover his needs, hopes, and fears.

The other thing I hope Kyle never forgets, is that God doesn’t just answer the “important prayers”, but He wants to shower us with the desires of our hearts. He doesn’t just take care of our needs, but desires to fulfill our wants too. What an amazing God!

Lord, what an amazing God you are! Not only do you provide for our needs, but you also shower us with blessing and give us the desires of our hearts when we delight ourselves in you. I pray that our children delight themselves in you. I pray that they learn that prayer is vital in their relationship with you. It is their opportunity to speak to you about the concerns of their heart, and you hear them when they come to you. Prayer is also the way they get to know you better, and hear your heart. Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle always remember that you are God, and that you love them deeply, May they know that they can come to you with their needs, and share with you their desires, and you will hear their prayers. Lord, thank you for loving us that much!

Hide and Seek

"After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive."  Acts 1:3

 Alyssa & Kyle (1997)

I love that Scripture..."He showed himself to these men."  God doesn't want to play "Hide and Seek".  He just wants His children to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that He is alive and present in their lives.

I always laughed when the kids and I played "Hide and Seek" when they were little.  Because though they were "hiding", I could hear little giggles or their continual movement as they got comfortable.  Their excitement grew as I got closer and closer to their hiding spot.  Unfortunately, finding them wasn't too hard.

I think God's like that.  He's the Living God, and he is active in our lives, and He wants us to know it. He wants us to find Him!

I pray that my kids can sense His presence with them every day, and recognize the "convincing proofs" that He is God.

Lord, show yourself to Alyssa and Kyle and help them to see many convincing proofs that You are truly alive!  Open their eyes so that they may recognize you, and know that you are God. 
 

Big Ears

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; 

guard it well, for it is your life."  

Proverbs 4:13

  

"Everyone should be quick to listen, 

slow to speak and slow to become angry..."  

James 1:19

"Apply your heart to instruction and 

your ears to words of knowledge."   

Proverbs 23:12

 Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the sweetness they add to our lives.  Every day I see amazing ways you are active in their lives.  They are growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually in beautiful ways.  In that growth, precious Savior, I ask that you make their hearts and minds pliable to instruction, guidance and knowledge from others.  It's so easy to be defensive when someone offers advise, or to close our ears to what others suggest, and we put up walls when we don't like what someone has to say.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle guard others instructions well, and apply their hearts to the wisdom and knowledge that surround them.  Help them to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Lord, mold and make Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be what you want them to be. 

Thankful Thursday: 22 Years!

Hang my locket around your neck,
   wear my ring on your finger.
Love is invincible facing danger and death. 

   Passion laughs at the terrors of hell.
The fire of love stops at nothing—
   it sweeps everything before it.
Flood waters can't drown love,
   torrents of rain can't put it out.
Love can't be bought, love can't be sold—
   it's not to be found in the marketplace.

Song of Solomon 8:6-8 (The Message)

Ken -n- Tresa...August 19, 1989

Lord, thank you for 22 years of marriage.  Without you as the center of our marriage we would  have been lost,  You, Lord, have been our strength, our hope, and our wisdom, as we've ridden the waves of highs and lows. Thank you, Lord, for being the glue that has held us together through the years.  We pray that the next 22 years will be just as blessed.


As I give thanks for our marriage, I pray for the marriages of our children, Alyssa and Kyle.  Prepare them now for a life of commitment and honor, from the day they say "I do", until the end of life.  Give them the character to "stick to it" even when things get hard.  I pray for the spouse you have planned for each one of them, and I ask they you prepare their hearts in the same way.  May each of their marriages be marked by your presence and the dedication to live their entire lives in honor of you.  And Lord, please protect Alyssa and Kyle, between now and then, from making wrong choices, following impulses that lead them away from your plan  for purity, and move slowly and diligently in their relationships so that you are always glorified in all that they say and do.  

Lord, generations can be blessed through marriages that are dedicated to you.  I pray Alyssa and Kyle see a good example in the marriages of their grandparents and parents, and in turn become a blessed example themselves for their children to come.


Thank you, Lord, for these 22 years!  Thank you for my dear husband!  And thank you for bringing us this far!
 

Instruments of Peace

“A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18

 

Our kids have fought over the silliest things…

Seats in the car, suitcases, crackers,
balls, television channels, beds,
toilet paper, candy bars,
video games, getting the mail,
annoying noises, music preferences,
or volume levels of the music,
and of course, our dog Zoe.

This list is definitely not exhaustive, but truly exhausting.
Especially from this mother’s perspective.

I’ve tried to teach my children, that these things aren’t worth fighting over, especially if it damages their relationship in the process. No“thing” is more important than the person they are arguing with.

I’ve also tried instilling in them that they can be the end of the argument. They each have the opportunity to change the direction of the argument, just by dropping the discussion, or changing the tone of their voice. Speaking calmly in the midst of “hot” topics, is something that takes self-control and discipline, but can change a tense discussion into a peace-filled conversation. They can be the instrument of change and peace. Speaking with patience, reflects Christ living in them, and often brings about the calm that is needed to end the quarrel.

A mother’s greatest dream some days!

Lord, I’m sure it breaks your heart to see your people fighting and quarreling. It breaks your heart when we are not kind and compassionate with one another, and living with dissension and arguments. Please forgive us, Lord. Replace our angry words with ones marked by your peace, love, and mercy. When our feelings get out of control, and fighting seems the only answer, I pray that your Spirit interrupts us and reminds us to be calm, kind, and peaceful. Lord, remind our kids of the high importance of their relationship with one another. Instill in them that there is nothing worth fighting over that would cause broken relationships. Help us each to remember that we can be the end of the argument, and the one to mark our conversations with calm and peace. Lord, may we reflect you in all that we say and do

Camp Effects

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds..." Deuteronomy 11:18

Lyss went to summer camp last week.  I love those opportunities both of our kids have to hear God's Word and learn more about what it's like to have a personal, vibrant and life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.  I also trust that God's Word is living and active, and whatever was "preached' at camp last week, will make a difference in Lyssa's life.

It's just one more layer of the foundation God's building in her life!

Lyss at Camp last week (2nd from left on top row)

Lord, I am so thankful for your Word and truly believe it is living and active, and will not return void when Alyssa and Kyle hear it.  What an amazing thing to know that it will always speak to their condition, and teach them the truth of who you are .  They can know of your deep love, learn of your grace, gain wisdom for their life's challenges, and find your direction for their future.  I pray that your Word transforms Alyssa and Kyle's hearts and minds each time they come face-to-face with your truth.  Oh Lord, I pray Alyssa and Kyle both fall deeply in love with you and your Word!

The First Day

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

 First day of school...2004

Today Alyssa begins her senior year of high school.  It seems like it is a day that deserves grand celebration.  Sure, that will happen 9 months from now when she walks across the stage to receive her diploma, but today somehow marks the beginning of the end.  I know I mentioned it the other day, but it seems like it was just yesterday that she had her first day of kindergarten.

Some things are much the same as they were way back then.  We bought new clothes, stocked up on a school supplies, and fight the butterflies of what the new year will hold.  Sure, the classes are harder, the homework more intense, and the expectations a hundred-fold compared to way back then, but the feelings are still the same.

Oh the first day of school. 

Lord, today is a new beginning, and I thank you that you go ahead and behind Alyssa in her final year in high school.  Be with her, dear Jesus, as this new school year begins.  Open her mind to the things she will learn, directing her towards what she needs to know, and finding the passions you've instilled in her, and created her for.  Bring teachers into Alyssa's life that challenge her to do her best and try new things, enlightening her to new wonders, and spawning in her a passion to learn.  Prod Alyssa to work hard and dismiss her tendency to procrastinate.  Give her moments of joy and laughter in each day that cause her to find pleasure in being in a learning atmosphere.  Lord, you have great things in store for Alyssa this year and we entrust her to you!

PS...For those who are wondering, the elective discussion didn't go as well as I had hoped (the whole story here). After talking with her school administrator, Alyssa confirmed what she thought to be true, and what I didn't know.  She didn't need the elective.  Of course, had she needed to take the class, I chose the wrong one.  What's a mom to do?  I tried.  

Take a Leap!

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:15-16

Sometimes you just have to take a leap!

Alyssa...2006

Ready...Set...Go!

 Daria

 Caden

Living in Jesus is one of the most fun places to be!

Cousins!

Luke, Lyssa, Daria and Caden

All they have to say is "Yes! I believe!" 

and the Living Water is theirs.

Lord, your Word promises that if anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, you live in him and he in God.  Oh how I pray that our children (and their cousins!) take that leap of faith and choose to believe in you. My hearts desire is that they learn to rely on the love you, God, have for them.  What joy they will experience, when they live in you, and you in them.  There is no greater choice they can make in their life.  You are God...and you are our God.  Forever and ever.  Amen.  

PS...This is a repost, but I just love this sequence of pictures.  Great kids having some great summer fun!

Senior Year Elective

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."  Philippians 4:11

Lyssa's senior year of high school begins Monday.  Is this for real?  It seems like just yesterday she was beginning kindergarten.

 Lyssa's first day of kindergarten!

Lyssa was gone this week during school registration, so I had to go do it for her.  She'll love to know that her mom had to pick out an elective for her to take this semester.

Can you just sense my fear when the school secretary was issuing me this task?

I often hate making decisions for Lyss because usually I don't get it right.  Picking an elective is not a permanent decision, but one my daughter will have to live with for the next semester. 

So, the choices?
Mythology
Military History
Life Sports
Food Preparation
Broadcasting

I give you these options in hope that someone will back me up with a "Great job, Mom!" and concur that I made the right choice on her behalf.

Digital Photography

 See...she does pretty good!

I'm praying that when I announce to Lyss, when she gets home from summer camp, that her senior year schedule isn't exactly what she thought it was going to be when she left, that she'll tell me I did just what she would have done.

Of course, the fact is, life doesn't always hold everything perfectly as we wished it to be.  Sometimes we have to deal with interruptions, appointments/meetings we don't like, attitudes we despise, and classes we don't want to take.  Unfortunately, everything isn't just how we like it.  Maybe this will be one of those times.  And maybe this will be a good lesson in persevering, or being content no matter the circumstances.

Pray for me.

Pray for Lyss.

And pray that "Digital Photography" is a winner!

Oh Lord, it's hard to believe our baby is beginning her senior year in high school.  Thank you for growing her up in amazing ways, and continuing to make her who you want her to be. As she heads into a new school year, I pray that you help her to be content in every circumstance.  Stretch her through the classes that she doesn't like, the teachers that she struggles with, and the other students that sit by her side.  May this year be valuable in getting her ready for whatever you have in store for her in the future.  May this school year be one marked by high learning, fun memories, and life changing revelations.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for our dear daughter!

 

Thankful Thursday: Fun Summer Days!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

I'm thankful for some fun family times over the last week.  Oh the joys of summer!  (Sorry for a couple of the low-grade pictures off of my phone.)  God has truly blessed us!

 Family BBQ at Grammy and Papa's!

We all did the Silverwood Theme Park the day after, 

but I didn't get any pictures that day.  Oops.

 Family Bike Trip on the Hiawatha trail.

 A day at the city pool. 

(Kyle and his friends sitting on the side.)

A night at the Boise Hawks baseball game. 

I loved the sunset, the $1 hot dogs, and time with my men.

I wonder what today will hold!

God is so good!

Lord, these are the days you have made, and I will rejoice and be glad for them.  Thank you, Lord, for my precious family and the special times you have given us over this last week.  You have marked our days with laughter, precious memories, and great bonding.  In these times we have found rest and refreshment, and know that you are preparing us for the busy school season ahead.  You always give us just what we need, when we need it.  Thank you for the joy we have when we spend time together!

Living Deeply in Christ

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

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

"Live deeply in Christ."  This is my greatest prayer for Alyssa and Kyle.

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

Cause for Laughter

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter 

and your lips with shouts of joy."  Job 8:21

 This weekend we brought home a new-to-us car. We've had fun driving it around and feel greatly blessed for how nice it is compared to our old junker that dear hubby drives around.  

I have to admit that the car has one feature that has brought some great laughter in the few short days we've had the car.

The seat warmers.

Not many people would have use for such a thing in 95 degree weather, but I personally love to see what happens when I secretly flip the switch to heat my hubby's seat.

Oh the laughter.  

Sometimes it's easy to take life to seriously, and I forget to try to create moments that make my family laugh. I don't know why it doesn't just come naturally.  However, some of my favorite things is seeing my daughter laugh until she cries, and hearing my son giggle in great delight.  It truly melts my heart. 

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.   

~E.E. Cummings

Lord, please fill Alyssa and Kyle's mouths with laughter and their lips with shouts of joy.  Brighten their faces with a cheerful heart and everlasting joy.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find many things that bring them laughter each day. Bring friends in their lives who make them smile, provide moments of joy and laughter around our dinner table, and lighten their hearts when life gets too serious. May they always find it easy to giggle at the little things. Above all, with you living in their hearts, may they have an abundant, everlasting joy in their inner beings…deep inside of who they are. May Alyssa and Kyle's hearts shine You, and may their smiles reflect the joy that only comes from You, their God and Savior.

"Happy Mail"

"I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds."  2 Corinthians 7:4

Our mailbox has been full.  We call that "happy mail" around here.  "Happy mail" is what we call those envelopes from the mailman that behold an honest-to-goodness postage stamp.
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Sure the reason for the mail hasn't been a "happy" one, but we feel blessed nonetheless.  Our family and church family have been beautiful encouragers to us as we've been mourning the loss of a friend (written about here).  All of the cards expressing their sympathies and sending prayers our way.  I'm thankful for everyone's encouragement in a big way.

Through these many expressions and examples of encouragement, I pray that my kids take note on how to be that kind of encouragement to others, especially in times like these.  It might not always look like "happy mail".  It could be through providing a meal, giving a flower, wrapping someone in a hug, lending a listening ear, or calling someone on the phone.  Being an encourager is allowing God to touch someones heart in the deepest, and sometimes most broken, places.

Why not send someone a piece of "happy mail" today?  It may bless that person more than you know!


Lord, thank you for the encouragement we receive from those in our lives.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to be good encouragers to those who are hurting or are struggling in life.  Praise be to you, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from you.  Use Alyssa and Kyle, dear Jesus, to shine you to those around them.  Open their eyes that they may see who is hurting.  Prod their minds to remember, or think about someone who may need a kind word, a helping hand, or a good friend.  May Alyssa and Kyle thrive in the business of encouraging, and give you, Father, all the glory through everything they say and do for those you love.

One Dark Tunnel & Ten Little Lights

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."  Psalm 119:105

At the end of our ride...the Taft Tunnel in the back.

Yesterday ten of our family members rode the Hiawatha trail.  It's a bike trail that is approximately 15 miles long, going through 10 tunnels and over 7 high trestles.  The Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark "Taft" Tunnel which burrows for 1.7 miles under the state line of Idaho and Montana.

Oh what a time we had!
10 people,
10 bikes,
10 helmets,
and 10 little lamps to light our way
through the darkest of tunnels.

Though small, our lights helped in a big way.  We couldn't have done it without them.  They illuminated where we were going all 1.7 miles of our trek in deep darkness.  If we were to turn of our little lights, we'd be left in complete blackness.  We depended greatly on those little things to do their job.

I think of God and His Word like that in our lives.  We need Him to dispel our darkness and light the way.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle never walk in darkness, but will always live following the light of the world!

By the way, besides the 10 bikes, 10 helmets, and 10 lights, we came home with 10 tired buns, and with a ton of memories of a glorious day!

Thank you, dear Jesus for your beautiful creation!  Your wonders never cease to amaze me, and I see your glory everywhere.  Thank you for family and our times together.  You have truly blessed us.  I pray Lord, for Alyssa and Kyle, to know you as the lamp to their feet and the light to their paths.  You are the light of the world, and if Alyssa and Kyle follow you they will never walk in darkness, and will have the light of life.  May they never turn you off, so to speak, or walk away from you as their Savior and God who dispels the darkness.  Thank you, Lord, for being the light of the world.

Waiting, Waiting, and More Waiting

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."  Psalm 37:7

Yesterday we spent all day waiting. 

When you head to an amusement park in the middle of summer prepare yourself to wait.

Wait in line for rides.

Wait for those in line for rides.

Wait in line for food.

Wait for those in line for food.

There was evening waiting in the bathroom.

Waiting.

Waiting,

And more waiting.

Sometimes waiting is hard.

Waiting patiently is even harder.


Lord, learning to wait patiently is sometimes so hard.  Trusting that you have each minute of each day in your control, allows us to rest and be still.  Waiting often takes discipline and decision.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to wait well, always expectantly as to what you have in store for them, and topping it off with patience.  Each day is yours, dear Jesus.  May Alyssa and Kyle be still before you and always wait patiently.