Mr. Handsome

"Your heart became proud on account of your beauty..."  Ezekiel 28:17

Kyle (2006)

 

Something has happened to our son.  The minutes in front of the mirror before school has at least tripled in the last month or two.  Every piece of hair is carefully combed into place before he makes an exit.

I just have to laugh.  Once there was a day when the boy thought that showers were a waste of time, deodorant was a once a week "event", and his clean clothes could often be found tucked tightly away in his drawers unused.

All has changed, my friends.  All has changed.

Kyle (2011)

I'm just praying it doesn't go to my boy's head.  My longing is that he recognizes that it's what's on the inside that will really make him attractive to those he meets.

Yes, the boy is cute, but I also want him to be humble, kind, generous, and compassionate (just to name a few things).

Oh what's a mom to do when she still wants to "squeeze" on her baby-boy-turned young man?!

Lord, you have wonderfully made Alyssa and Kyle.  Please watch over them and the unhealthy pride that can grow in their hearts and minds.  Charm can be deceptive, and beauty is vain, but fearing you, Lord, is to be praised.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle clothe themselves with a beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to you.  Those who look to you are radiant.  Break down any pride, dear Jesus, that would cause destruction and give them a humble, compassionate, and kind heart.  Thank you, Lord, for our precious children.

Thankful Thursday: Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

 Quaker Hill Camp

I needed rest, and at first, going to a Women's Retreat didn't seem like the answer.  It just seemed like more work, more time, and more of everything I felt like I didn't have. 

However, God knew just what I needed.

Wonderful girlfriends.
Blessed worship.
Life-changing lessons.
God moments.

And an entire "free-time" to myself.  I read a book, took a nap, and sat outside in God's beautiful creation. 

My heart came home rested.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the rest that you give to those who are weary and burdened.  Thank you for knowing just what your children need.  Lord, please continue to give me the strength I need to be a good mom for Alyssa and Kyle.  When the task of parenting gets too overwhelming, may I fix my eyes on you, and stand on the promises you have for me.  I am blessed knowing that you give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak.  Thank you, Lord, for giving me rest.

Wordless Wednesday

Keep On Praying!

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."  Ephesians 6:18

 Beautiful Lyssa (2011)

Most of my blog "hits" are from people "googling" images and looking for pictures, not necessarily for the prayer suggestions.

And a prayer meeting at church isn't known for it's big crowd. Based on "popularity" anywhere else it would be shut down.

Sometimes we pray before meetings and meals, for decisions and direction.

Sometimes we pray for people when we say we will.

Do we really believe in prayer?

I still believe.

I still believe in the almighty power of speaking to my Father, and that He hears me when I come to Him.  

So, I will "keep on praying".

And I'm praying that my kids believe in prayer too!

Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers.  Help me to keep on praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  As a mother I want to be alert and always keep on praying for our children, Alyssa and Kyle.  Today I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to believe in the power and pleasure of prayer.  Thank you for loving your children and wanting to hear about their hurts, fears, and desires.  Thank you, that in prayer, Alyssa and Kyle can receive your peace that passes all understanding.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing this mom when I pray.

First "Date"

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

My baby is growing up.  *sniff-sniff*.  

Kyle went to his first school dance this weekend...and invited a girl to go with him.  Yes, at almost 15, he' won't be doing an serious or consistent dating, but just this once we let him take a small step towards manhood.  

We had to buy some new duds. 

He purchased tickets and a corsage.

And dad had to be the chauffeur.

Whew.

I'm not ready for my boy to grow up and "get into" girls, but I can see the signs of it beginning.  

So, I'll get on my knees...big time!...and pray for him to "stick to his guns" and be the young man God wants him to be,

Oh, Lord, watch over our children as they are growing up,  I pray that we've trained Alyssa and Kyle in the ways that they should go, and that they will not choose to depart from it.  As they begin to hang out with those of the opposite sex, I pray that they remember what they've been taught, and will make wise choices.  I pray that they keep themselves pure, and live holy and pleasing lives.  Lord, I pray that my son treats girls with respect and honor, and is a gentleman in all that he says and does.  May he be the young man you call him to be.  I pray that my daughter stands firm in her convictions, and respects herself and you enough to always choose to say "no" to pressures physically, and makes wise choices with who she spends time with and gives her heart to.  You have wonderful futures planned for Alyssa and Kyle and I pray that they always choose to follow you with their lives.

Sharing in the Inheritance

My sweet babies! (1997)

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

For this reason, since the day we heard about our dear children, we have not stopped praying for them and asking you, God, to fill both of them with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And as their parents, we pray this in order that they may live a life worthy of you Lord, and may please you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of you, being strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to you Father, who has qualified our children to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Lord, you have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son you love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for hearing this mother's prayer.

(From Colossians 1:9-14)

Unfolding Your Word

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130

I love the word "unfolding" in Psalm119:130...in the original Hebrew it means to open

1. 1. (Qal) to open
   2. (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open
   3. (Piel)
      1. to free
      2. to loosen
      3. to open, open oneself
   4. (Hithpael) to loose oneself
2. to carve, engrave
   1. (Piel) to engrave
   2. (Pual) to be engraved

I want my kids to open up God's Word and feel their spirit let loose, be thrown open, and become free to understand it in new and life changing ways.  I'm praying that whatever hinders them from knowing and loving God's Word, will fall away and their heart will break loose and be open to Him in amazing ways.  

Oh to have His Word engraved in their heart!

That is my prayer today!  

Oh Lord, precious Lord, how I love your Word, and I so want Alyssa and Kyle to love your Word too.  Open up your Word to them, unfold it so that they can understand what you have for them when they read and study it.  Let loose anything that hinders them from knowing and loving you and your Word.  I pray that your Word is a lamp to Alyssa and Kyle's feet and a light for their path.  May they delight in your decrees and not neglect your word. Engrave it on their hearts, dear Jesus!

Thankful Thursday: Things I'm Going Over

These are the things I go over and over,
      emptying out the pockets of my life.
   I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd,
      right out in front,
   Leading them all,
      eager to arrive and worship,
   Shouting praises, singing thanksgiving—
      celebrating, all of us, God's feast! --Psalm 42:4 (The Message)

These things I remember as I pour out my soul (Psalm 42:4 NIV), and therefore give God thanks:

• Loving Grandparents for my children.
• Surprise financial blessing.
• A Pastor's Conference and hanging out with fellow ministers.
• Moments watching our kids shine in their sport and school activities, and their growing confidence in so many areas of their lives.
• Lyssa's driving skills are improving.  No more gasps at every turn.
• Kyle asked a girl to Homecoming...in person (Is this a praise?  I can't decide.)
• A date day with my hubby.
• 45+ women joining me at Women's Bible Study.  We begin today!

Lord, my heart is full of thanksgiving as I go over and over in my head all the ways in which you ae at work in our lives.  I am eager to shout my praise today, and sing with a grateful heart, for you are a giving and gracious God.  Thank you for the love you lavish on your children!  Oh Lord, my heart rejoices in you, my Savior!

Wordless Wednesday

No Porcupines Please

"People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"  James 3:7-10 (NLT)

 Kyle checking out the porcupine...2004

Porcupines aren't fun animals to be around.  A little poke and one is in some intense pain.  Watch out and don't get too close.

As well, our tongues have the power to stroke or poke, and yet we are so easily flippant in the things we say.  With one word we can bless or curse.  So often we forget.  Once in a while we may even think we have the "right".

I want my kids to be conscious and aware of the words that they speak.  To even stop and think before choosing to allow something to come out of their mouths.  What if God were to put a guard over their mouth, or allow the Holy Spirit to nudge them when they begin to speak like a porcupine?  I know He can!

I don't know what animal would prove to be the opposite of that, but I'm praying my kids are like that.

Tame that tongue, children! No porcupines please.

Lord, our tongues are so hard to tame.  Please set a guard over Alyssa and Kyle's mouth, and keep watch over the door of their lips.  This will keep them from calamity.  Allow the words that come from their mouth to be used to build up those around them.  Help words of blessing, and not curses, flow freely.  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.  Lord, how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's words always bring glory to you.

School Strength

Whatever I have,
wherever I am,
I can make it through 
anything
in the One 
who makes me
who I am.
Philippians 4:13
(The Message)








School is picking up and homework is getting deeper.  Some days it feels a little overwhelming...and I'm not even the student!  I know that my kids can make it through anything that comes their way, but some days I think they need some added strength.

Breaking the binky habit...seemed torture.
Learning to sleep through the night...oh what a killer.
Riding a bike...nearly impossible.

At least that's how it felt at the time. Some days  I'd go back and redo those struggles to avoid  the trials of today.

Research papers, speeches, and calculus problems that seem impossible.

I pray that when it all seems "too hard" to Alyssa and Kyle, that they depend on the strength God can give them.

Lord, whatever Alyssa and Kyle have, and wherever they are, may they know that they can make it through anything with you, who makes them who they are.  You are their strength and hope.  You give wisdom and guidance when they call on your name.  I pray, dear Jesus, that when things get hard, you will be there with Alyssa and Kyle, pulling them through.  Help them to fix their eyes on  you, and to call on you when they feel overwhelmed, frightened, and alone.  You are the giver of all we need.  Thank you for being the One Alyssa and Kyle need.


 

No Hindrances

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

Roadblocks are everywhere.

I'm praying that nothing stands in the way of Alyssa and Kyle knowing and loving Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  


Clear the way, dear Jesus!  Let our "little" children come to you!

"Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving..."  1 Samuel 14:6

 Lord, I know and believe that you love Alyssa and Kyle with all that you are.  You are wooing them to yourself and you want them as your own.  Remove any hindrances, stumbling blocks, or chains that keep them from coming to you.  May they take hold of your salvation, grow in their faith, and revel in the love of you, their Heavenly Father.  Clear the way, Jesus, for Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to come to you freely!  Don't let anything be a hindrance from them knowing you!  Thank you, thank you, thank you for calling our children to come to you.

Give and Give and Give

 

"Give away your life; 

you'll find life given back, 

but not merely given back—

given back with bonus 

and blessing. 

Giving, not getting, 

is the way. 

Generosity begets generosity." 

--Luke 6:38

  




Jesus, you loved the unlovely, you fed the hungry, and you gave to the undeserving.  And each day you continue to do so. You are a loving, compassionate and giving God.  I pray, dear Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle become imitators of you.  May they take the opportunities in front of them to feed those who are without, lend a helping hand to those in need, give abundantly out of their resources big or small, and through their actions show your love to others.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's eyes are opened to see people as you see them, and their hearts burn within them to go above and beyond to be a blessing.  Please mark their lives with giving and generosity.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to give away their lives.

Thankful Thursday: God's Not Done

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."  Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Today I am thankful that God is not finished with me yet.  Some days I feel He has a lot of work to do in my life to make me the woman He wants me to be.  This week I have sensed Him speaking to me, stretching me, blessing me, and even forgiving me.  Oh, the sweetness of God's forgiveness.

I'm so thankful...

Lord, thank you for not giving up on me.  I thank you that you are doing a good work in me, and you will continue to do so until the day of Christ's return.  Continue to mold me into the woman you want me to be.  I so want to reflect you as I parent, as a wife, and when I serve others.  There are days when I feel like there is more of me in me, than you, and I so want that to be different.  Lord, forgive me for the times when I fall short, and fill me with your Spirit and strength so I can handle anything that comes my way. Clothe me with strength and dignity.  Dear Jesus, I'm so thankful that you're not finished with me yet.  May I shine with Your presence living in my life.

Wordless Wednesday

Glad and Free Heart

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."  Mark 16:15

Alyssa and friends in Mexico (2010)

Evangelism is the spontaneous overflow 

of a glad and free heart in Jesus Christ.
--Robert Munger

   
People are often cringe and become afraid when they hear the word "evangelism" or the phrase "sharing your faith".  Yet, we live in a world who is in need of hearing the good news.  If we don't go into the world and preach the good news, who will?

My pray isn't that Alyssa and Kyle will beat people over the head with their faith, in order that they come to know Jesus, but that out of the "spontaneous overflow of a glad and free heart in Jesus"  they can draw those who are lost, hurting and afraid, to the Savior of the world.

Show the world, babies, your glad and free heart in Jesus!

Lord, I pray that your light will shine in Alyssa and Kyle so that their friends, neighbors and those they work with, see you in the things that they say and do.  Make Alyssa and Kyle's hearts hungry to go into the world and preach your good news.  I pray that they are not looked down upon because they are young, but listened to because of their passion, wisdom, and faith.  Alyssa and Kyle have the opportunity to change lives, tell the good, good story, and draw others into a personal, live giving relationship with you.  Lord, may spreading the good news be a passion in Alyssa and Kyle's life.
 

Do Your Best!

“Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message)

Oh how I love them!

It's Monday.  Let the school week begin!

As they head out the door I'm praying that my kids work hard and do their best! 

Yeah, that's all.  Enough don't you think?

Lord, I thank you for my dear children, and the work you are doing in their lives.  You are good, and I trust you to continue to carry onto completion the adults you are wanting them to be.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle to do what they are told by their earthly masters...parents and teachers alike. I pray that they don't just do the minimum that will get them by, but that they will do their best. May they work from the heart for their real Master, you God, confident that they'll get paid in full when they come into your inheritance. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always keep in mind that the ultimate Master they are serving is You, and that the sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Oh Lord, being a follower of you doesn't cover up bad work.  Today is Monday, and I pray that it's the beginning of a wonderful week.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer!

Salvation Saturday: "You Gave"

"Because I live, you also will live."  John 14:19b

I love this song!  As soon as I am reminded of it, or hear it, it sticks in my head for days.  It came to mind the other day and I realized it would be a good post for "Salvation Saturday".  I pray that the words of this song become the prayer of Alyssa and Kyle's heart.

Lord, I want to be
Pleasing to you
In everything I do.
And I want to love you more,
More than yesterday,
More than words can say,

'Cause you gave your life;
You lived and died for me, for me.
You paid the price;
You sacrificed for me, for me.
And now the least that I can do
Is live my life for you.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and believe with all their heart that you gave your life for them.  You loved them so much you paid the price for their sins and give them eternal life. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle say "yes" to your gift of salvation, and always live their life for you.  Lord, because you live, Alyssa and Kyle will also live!

As Natural as Breathing

"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
       he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me,
       I will call on him as long as I live." 

--Psalm 116:1-2

I wish praying came to me as naturally as breathing air.  In and out, without concentrated effort.  Instead prayer has been a discipline to be practiced in my life. 

I believe that there is one good thing about this?  God loves when my heart chooses deliberately, and with purposeful decision, to talk to Him.  Oh how I want to come to Him more than just daily.  I want to come to Him moment by moment, and with each breath I take.

My hope is that my kids find prayer a beautiful discipline in their life, and choose to call on Him as long as they live!

Lord, I love you, for you hear my voice; and you heard my cry for mercy.  Because you turn your ear to me, I will call on you as long as I live.  Oh, how I long that the same will be true in Alyssa and Kyle's life as well.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they fall in love with speaking to you about their days, their cares and concerns, and their hopes and dreams.  I hope that they learn to recognize your still small voice, and hear your whisper in their ears.  Lord, you are their refuge and shelter, and an ever-present help in trouble.  May they find this to be an absolute truth and something to live by, as they come to you in prayer.  Thank you, Father, for talking to your children.

Thankful Thursday: Grandparents

"Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren."  Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT)

 Grandparents and their "flock" (2011)

I broke the news to the kids that Grammy and Papa are coming to town.  The response?  Huge smiles, hollers of grand celebration, and excitement written all over their faces.  It made my day! 

I'm thankful that our kids have a precious relationship with their grandparents and delight in spending time with them. What sweet laughter is usually accompanied by these moments.

I'm thankful that our kids have grandparents that pass down stories of how God has been faithful in their lives.

I'm thankful to know that our kids have grandparents who pray for them.

Our kid's grandparents are truly a gift from the Lord!

Thank you, Lord, for the precious grandparents you have blessed Alyssa and Kyle with.  Though we don't live near to any of them, our kids still have wonderful relationships with them all.  I'm thankful for the times Alyssa and Kyle get to spend with them laughing, talking, playing, and just being in each others presence.  These adults are a huge part of Alyssa and Kyle's spiritual formation, their emotional sense of well-being, and knowing they are deeply loved.  I'm thankful for grandparents who are their biggest cheerleaders, most patient listeners, and even their wisest counselors.  I pray, Lord, that you will continue to build up and protect those relationships, and always allow them to be a special part of Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  What a blessed gift!
 

Wordless Wednesday

Spread Your Protection

"Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."  Psalm 5:11

Lyss in the driver's seat...from my view in the back seat

 Yesterday we spent our Labor Day making a 9 hour drive home from a weekend away visiting Ken's family.  The newest driver of our family was behind the wheel over 6 of those hours.  Lyss came a long way in making the curves, going up hills, and keeping up a steady speed.  Before we know it she will have enough experience to take her drivers test and be out driving out on her own.

I'm praying all the time that God spreads His protection over both our kids...especially as they begin getting behind the wheel.

Oh Jesus, be Alyssa and Kyle's protection.  Go ahead of them, and behind them, making their way safe. Command your angels concerning Alyssa and Kyle to guard them in all their ways.  Please answer them when they are in distress.  You are their refuge and strength.  Protect them always, dear Father! 
 

Real Swinging

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

Grammy & Kyle (2009)

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  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."

Successful Lives

"O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." Nehemiah 1:11

 

Lyssa's 5th Grade Graduation (2005)

I pray that my kids find great success in their lives. Not necessarily success as defined by the world, but success from living close to the Lord and His designs for their lives.

Success won't be measured by their grade point average.
     Or by the awards they earn.
     Or if they are in the top of their class.
Success won't depend on the amount of money they make.
     Or by the type of job they have.
     By how big their house is.
     Or by the number of things they own.

I will count my children successful if...

they love the Lord.
they use the talents and gifts God has given them.
they follow God's laws and commands.
they fall in love with His Word.
they love others well.
they find a spouse and together they found their marriage on God.
they grow their children up to know and love the Lord.
they share Jesus with others who don't know Him.
they work hard in all that they do.
they go wherever God calls them to go.

Success by the worlds standards are all fine and good, but may just leave my children empty and unfulfilled if they don't allow God to be a part of their lives.  I pray that they always love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and soul, and find the contentment that comes with that kind of success.  Oh, what joy it is to watch their lives unfold!

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today.  Please Lord, give my children success today.  Take the work of their hands, the thoughts of their minds, and the desires of their hearts and use them for your glory.  Remind them of the gifts and talents you have given them and show them how to use them to shine your light to the world around them.  I pray that you are always Lord of their lives and that they find great joy and success from living according to your plan.  May they love you with all their heart, mind and soul. I eagerly watch and wait for my children's lives to unfold, day by day, and year by year, hoping that they always live their lives for you. Thank you for the great plans you have for their lives...plans for a hope and a future.   Oh, how I love you, dear Jesus! 

Smiles, Pats on the Back, & High Fives

“I could strengthen you with my mouth,
And the solace of my lips could lessen your pain."  

Job 16:5 (NASB)

 Lyss (#15) and her team...August, 2011

Lyssa's new volleyball season has begun.  In fact, Tuesday the team came away with a great win, and Lyssa's stats included 19 service points. That's our girl! 

Volleyball is a great team sport, and I love watching all the girls work together to get the ball over the net.  They need each other.  Even more than that though, I love how they encourage each other, in success or failure, at the end of a play.  There are smiles, pats on the back, and high fives all around.  Even more so when a mistake is made 

That's how it should be in life...

Smiles, pats on the back, and high fives all around, especially in the hard moments.

Lord, life is full of ups and downs.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have people in their lives that offer them encouragement and strength through smiles, pats on the backs and high fives, even when they make mistakes.  In turn, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can be that kind of encourager to others as well.  Words of solace can lessen the pain. Our world is good at tearing people down and I pray that our kids are different than that.  May Alyssa and Kyle be able to encourage others with the encouragement they have received from you.  Lord, be the shelter, protection and hope in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.