His Life-Saving, Giving, Transforming Word

If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
--Psalm 119:92-93

I love God's Word. Anytime I am struggling I can go there and find hope and comfort. When I am lacking wisdom I open it's pages and find help and answers. What a treasure it is in my life. I'm so thankful that I don't have to live my life without it.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with God's Word too. I hope that when they are going through hard times that they seek answers and comfort in the scriptures. It will ultimately be the key to their survival through some of life's circumstances.

Lyss is in the midst of her first year of college.
She's making important life decisions...who she is going to be "when she grows up", marriage and spouse kind of stuff, and if God and church will be a part of her adult life.

Kyle has always had a natural wonder about the character of God. I hope he stays that way.
He's not too serious yet, but there's talk of future hopes and dreams.
Then there girlfriend stuff. Oh my.

They both will need guidance in
Conflict resolution,
Financial decisions,
Career goals,
And answers for their fears.

Dear children, God's and His Word is THE place to go for the very best answers!

"There is one, even Jesus Christ, that can speak to thy condition"--George Fox

Lord, your Word is a precious gift to your children. Thank you for this wonderful gift. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with the Bible, for it is your Holy Word. I pray that it is the place they run to when they need answers for the things they are going through in their lives. When times are hard, may they seek You through your Word. When they need answers to the questions they face in life, may they hunt through your Scriptures. Your Word will offer comfort, peace, answers, and joy as they take time to soak in it. I pray that it becomes a living and active part of their lives.

Praying Scripture

"Love one another deeply, from the heart."  1 Peter 1:22
 

Cousins (Christmas 2012)

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to love one another, for love comes from you. Everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you.  But Lord, whoever does not love does not know you, because you are love. This is how you, dear Jesus, showed your love among us: You sent your one and only Son into the world that we might live through you. This is love: not that we loved you, but that you loved us and sent your Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I pray that, since you so loved Alyssa and Kyle, they also will love one another. No one has ever seen you; but if they love one another, you live in them and your love is made complete in them.  (1 John 4:7-12)

 

Thankful Thursday

"Joab fell with his face to the ground to pay him honor, and he blessed the king. Joab said, “Today your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king...”  2 Samuel 14:22

I find that the desire to fall with my face to the ground in honor and worship to be quite strong this season...

Recognizing the immense and transforming gift that was made available to me by the gift and birth of God's Son.

Remembering many Christmases past, and a heritage of faithfulness, that have marked my 44 years of life.  I love that God is allowing me to pass on those same things to my kids.  Gathering with our church family for a pageant, Christmas Sunday services, and 2 Candlelight services on Christmas Eve, traveling over the river and through the woods to Grammy and Papa's house, and all 12 of us celebrating Christmas night, was a delight that will mark this season for sure!

Rejoicing in Alyssa and Kyle's pleasure and gratitude for the Christmas gifts they gave, and received.  Even mine (check previous post).  Only two returns needed.  Whew.

Reveling in the thoughtful gifts given our family and our ministry.  I stand in awe, totally amazed and blessed.

Resting in the time-off that comes at the end of a busy season.  Hanging out eating, playing games, reading, teaching others about their new "toys", and seeing the grandeur of bald eagles (picture above). Laughing, snoozing, wresting, tickling, teasing....family.

cousins and their toys!

It's been a Christmas that deserves my honor and thanksgiving to God my Savior!

Lord, thank you for this beautiful Christmas season, for my precious family, and for the many blessings.  I fall with my face to the ground to pay honor to you, my King. My heart is full, my spirit is at peace, and my mind in a state of gracefulness.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for the many ways you touch my life! 



 

Wordless Wednesday

 

The Greatest Gift

 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

 

Like the Wise Men

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 
On coming to the house, 
they saw the child with his mother Mary,
and they bowed down and worshiped him. 
Then they opened their treasures and 
presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.  
(Matthew 2:10-11)

There's just something I love about this season and pondering the stories of Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds, Angels, Wise Men, and baby Jesus, singing the old Christmas hymns, and lighting the advent candles.  Celebrating Christmas with our church family just helps to fix my eyes on Christ and the true reason of this season.

Some pretty awesome pastor preached a great Christmas sermon yesterday, I must say.  I appreciated one of the points about the Wise Men and how following their example can lead me into the presence of Christ:

The wise men first gave Jesus themselves
And then they gave Him their treasures.

"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."  Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

Today, as I ponder and pray for my dear children, I'm pleading that they become like the Wise Men.  If God gives them a star to follow that they will go obediently, no matter how far, long, or hard and that they will give Him their entire heart, soul, and mind.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always give you themselves and their treasure.  I pray that they take their everyday, ordinary life, and place it before you as a gift.  It's so easy to be distracted, selfish, and prideful and life lives only to please our own needs, wants and desires.  Instead, dear Jesus, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle serve you wholeheartedly and obediently, giving you all that they are. 

 

Salvation Saturday

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

--Jeremiah 17:7-8

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

Dressed with Compassion

“God is gracious—it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God. God takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me.” Psalm 116:5-6 (The Message)

Alyssa & Kyle (2005)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12

 Kyle (#12) and his friend Jake (2005)

God is compassion, and breathes compassion, and He calls us, His children, to wardrobe ourselves with compassion as well. He lives to shower love on the unlovely, give hope to the hopeless, and mend the broken-hearted.  And sometimes, he uses us.  Every day we have the opportunity to be His hands and feet. Our world is crying for compassion.

Give a listening ear.
Hug a friend.
Speak a word of encouragement.
Pray for a concern.
Donate to someone in need.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle "wear Jesus on their sleeve", and shine compassion to those in their world.  Dressed in compassion for all to see.


Lord, you are a compassionate God. You are in the business of making things right, and taking the side of the helpless. Even when I was “at the end of my rope” you saved me. Our world is full of people who are at the end of their ropes, and need an abundance of compassion and mercy. Lord, as you live in me, and as you live in our children, may your compassion be evident in our words and actions. May we sense your heartbeat for the lost, the hurting, and the unlovely, and spread your mercy and compassion to those we meet. I pray that others see you living in us, as we become your hands and feet. Lord, compassion marks your life, may it mark ours as well.  Clothe us, dear Jesus, with you!

 

Tis the Season for Celebrating!

"Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them."  Nehemiah 8:12

Our week has been full of highs and lows, yet celebrating the season has been a constant undercurrent. 

• As we sat in shock and grief watching the scene unfold in Newtown, Conneticut last Friday, we were celebrating the arrival of our college student home for her first break since school started in August. What a delight it is to have all four of us under one roof for the holidays. 

• Our annual Christmas Open House is a lot of work and takes hours of baking and cleaning, but it's so worth the time and effort as I look around my house and enjoy the laughter and conversations of my church family.  I am reminded that God has truly blessed us with a precious church family and dear friends who support us in so many ways. 

• One of my favorite parts of each day, around this Christmas season, is walking to the mailbox and finding so much "happy mail" and reading about everyone's year.  Another reminder to be thankful for the people God has placed in our lives.

My heart has been heavy watching the news, knowing some of my friends are struggling, living without a car because it's in the shop, and the busyness of so much to do, BUT remembering the reason for this season, and understanding the amazing gift God has given us of His Son far outweigh all that and gives us me cause to celebrate and be thankful today!!

Lord, thank you for the many reasons I have to celebrate!  My heart is full of thanksgiving this season!  In spite of the darkness of this world I still can see your light shining.  I pray that our dear children can see you despite the hard things around them, and understand the hope, the truth, and the light you offer them and hold onto the precious gift of your Son!  Thank you, dear Father, for the many reasons to celebrate today!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Victory!

Last year was a Christmas disaster of mega proportion.  Gift giving is fun, and a mom should know exactly what her kid wants for Christmas.  But not this mom.  But not last year.

It puts fear in the shopping this year.  I guess that's why I laugh at this commercial each time it comes on the television.



The mother's reaction makes me laugh!  I dream of the confetti and banner after the opening of presents this year.

VICTORY!!!

A Christmas miracle!

Really, I am making light of last year's memory and putting all the responsibility back on me and my gift-giving abilities, but I know it's not all about me.  Truly my prayer is more about the appreciation and gratitude of my kid's hearts as they receive thoughtful and generous gifts from others (and me) this Christmas.

That would be the sweet victory!

Lord, you have given the greatest gift of all, and know the pain of watching your children scoff, laugh and, brush-off your sacrifice and blessing.  Thank you for the gift of salvation, forgiveness and grace.  Teach our children, Father, to be grateful for the things things they are given this season.  Help them to show appreciation with words and actions even when their gifts may not be exactly what they want.  Instead, may Alyssa and Kyle's hearts and minds be fixed on the gift-giver, the thought behind the gift, and the sacrifice that may have been made for such thoughtfulness.  May their hearts be full of appreciation this Christmas season.  Lord, thank you for hearing my prayer.

 

Be Strong and Courageous

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

Kyle taking the plunge...2006

The command to "be strong and courageous" appears about 11 times in scripture.  I think it may be said over and over again because it's something we need to hear. I know that I often need to be reminded to "take courage" (listed at least 4 times).

"Be strong and courageous", Tresa, as you parent.
"Be strong and courageous", Tresa, when you need to face a fear.
"Be strong and courageous", Tresa, when you think about the future.
"Be strong and courageous", Tresa!

I believe that our children need to hear and be encouraged by this reminder today.

"Be strong and courageous", my child, as you try something new.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, as you face your fear.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, when you have to endure a hurt.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, when you need to speak the truth.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, each time you choose to do the right thing.

With God Alyssa and Kyle can do all things!  Nothing is impossible.  Today, I pray that they will be "be strong and courageous!"

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be strong and courageous today.  Whatever fears they face, and with whoever they come in contact with, or in whatever they have to do, I pray that they know that you are walking by their side.  You provide them the strength they need to do all things.  You will never leave them or forsake them.  May your Spirit resound in the depths of their heart and remind them continually that they can be strong and courageous as they walk with you.  Thank you, Lord, that we can take courage, stand firm and live in your hope.  Oh Savior you are so precious.
 

Seed of Salvation

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

(Photo source)

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


 

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.

 

Thankful Thursday!

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."  Hebrews 12:28

Here's a few things I am thankful for this week...

• A found iPhone...twice.  Kyle's one lucky dude.
• A free Saturday with my boys.
• Christmas cards in the mail.
• White Chocolate Peppermint M & M's from a friend.
• Sunday night prayer time.
• A night of singing with my quartet.  Something special about Christmas music!
• Kyle's continual hard work on his homework.
• Christmas sock exchange with the ladies at church was full of laughter.
• A skype call with Lyss.  I'm so proud of her successful first semester in college.
• Kyle's pride at achieving a personal best in his weightlifting class...295 lb squat.
• An email prayer from a friend.
• A beautiful apron as a surprise from an unlikely source.
• A bottle of light corn syrup from my neighbor (funny thing to be thankful for, I know, but it was a blessing in my busy day!)
• A "accidental" God-appointment with a hurting friend in the middle of Walmart.
• Seeing my daughter's artwork on Facebook. (A few shown in this blog post.)

God has been beyond good to us this week!  It's not too hard to be thankful!

Lord, thank you for the many ways I have seen your presence and blessing in my life this week.  My heart is grateful beyond words.  Thank you for showing yourself to me in amazing ways this week.  May Alyssa and Kyle be aware of your activity in their lives as well, and be mindful to give you praise and thanks!  I love you, Lord!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Even Drudgery

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness..."  1 Peter 1:5

I have a pet peeve.  I hate to say it, but I cringe whenever my kids say "That doesn't sound like fun" or "That's boring."  There are things in life that seem like drudgery, yet we still need to do them.  Life isn't all about fun and games.   

There's bathrooms to clean,
Homework to do,
Dinner to make,
and meetings to attend...

I love this quote from Oswald Chambers,

Drudgery is the test of genuine character. The greatest hindrance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. Yet, “Jesus . . . took a towel and . . . began to wash the disciples’ feet . . .” (John 13:3-5).

Choosing to do things that are good and right, even if they are boring, hard, or uncool, builds character and opens the door to God's blessing and activity in our lives. 

"I must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life has all of the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I will do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience all of the magnificent grace of God is mine through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ."  Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest"

I'm praying that my children's lives are marked by obedience, even when it seems like drudgery, because who knows what God will do in them, or through them.

Lord, your grace is so amazing!  What an amazing thought that you can use every detail of our lives...even the little, mundane, and seemingly insignificant...to change us in the inside, draw us closer to you, or make a difference in someone else's life.  Father, help Alyssa and Kyle to choose to be obedient even in the things in life that seem to be drudgery and insignificant.  Out of their obedience, Lord, show them yourself.  Living in faith, means that sometime we don't know the "why" behind the things you ask of us, but we still choose to follow you wherever you lead.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's faith is so huge, that they will always choose to be obedient to the calling you issue on their lives.  Build their character in such a way that immediately respond, move their feet to go where you send them, and use their hands to work for you.  May your magnificent grace be our children's through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ.
 

Apply that Mind, Kid!

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 1:13

Let the college finals begin. 

My prayer for this week is that my dear daughter will remember, and can easily bring to mind, the things that she has been learning these last few months in her classes. Applying her mind will be the ticket for sure (and maybe a good nights sleep...ha!).

Lord, you have given our kids strong minds and the ability to become wise with knowledge and experiences.  You deserve all the praise and thanks for their lives.  Please help them to apply their minds whenever they are called to and fall in love with learning.  You have made them intelligent, but may they use those smarts to serve you in amazing ways.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always give you the glory, for the things they have learned, and for how they have used the things you have taught them.  Lord, thank you for being with our children when the tasks seem hard and overwhelming.  Especially be Alyssa's strength, help, and wisdom this week as she takes finals.

 

Salvation Saturday

Shane and Shane - The One You Need (Official Music Video) from shane-and-shane on GodTube.


Lord, you are the One my children need!  I pray that they come to know you as their Hero, Savior, and Friend.  Everyone who calls on your name  will be saved.  You give Alyssa and Kyle eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of your hand.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for loving your children that much!

 

GIving Hearts

"Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give!"  Proverbs 21:26 (NLT)

Cousins at Christmas (2006)

Christmas is 18 days away and Kyle decided yesterday that it was time to begin his shopping.  For the first time, he walked out the door and drove himself to the store to buy gifts.  Two hours later he walked through the door, rushing to his bedroom, with an arm load of packages and a big grin on his face.

Kyle has always loved to give.  One of the most memorable gifts, when he was little, was for a dog named Grizzly that lived next door to his Grammy and Papa, an 8 hour drive away.  Roaming the Dollar Store, Kyle was sure Grizzly needed a new dog bone.  The small gift brought big smiles for sure!  It was just the beginning of moments that gave me glimpses into a heart that loves to give to others.

My prayer is that the propensity to give grows bigger and bigger in both Alyssa and Kyle's hearts!

Tis the season to give as generously as the Lord has given to us!

Oh how I love this season of giving and celebration. Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son to this world, and giving us the gift of hope, love, and forgiveness. Like Mary, may we take time to ponder all these things in our hearts. Help Alyssa and Kyle really grasp the true meaning of this season, and take hold of your precious gift, and live their lives centered on you. Out of your abiding presence in their hearts, I pray that they find great joy in giving generously to others. May Alyssa and Kyle's hearts prod them to give to those that are in need, and to those they appreciate and love. May their focus this year, not be on what they may get from others, but what they can be giving. Lord, you are the ultimate gift giver and we delight in all that you give us!

 

Thankful Thursday: Redeemed Time

"God makes everything happen at the right time."  Ecclesiastes 3:11

At first, it just felt like a big glitch in my day.  I mean, no electricity for 5 hours kind of messes up one's plans.

So, in place of baking cookies for our upcoming open house...

• I had a visit with my neighbor and she shared with me how her friend needs prayer for her newborn baby who is struggling.

• I had a sweet silence as I finished off my Women's Bible study homework.  When is it ever that silent?  No hum of the refrigerator, no spin cycle on the washer, and no music playing on my computer.  Pure quiet.

• I had an impromptu visit with my friend as we chatted over freshly baked cookies and a glass of cool water.  (How does one heat water for coffee or tea without electricity?  Such a simple task on a normal day?)  The hour was a delight.

• And what's a boy to do after school without computers, video games, and cable tv?  Talk to his mother of course.  We laughed over cookies, gold fish crackers, and a glass of milk.  He's a growing boy.

A friend said it well, in response to my facebook status, sharing about my day, "Your time was more than redeemed!"

Yes, I'm thinking so. 

Thank you, dear Jesus, for redeeming my time today.  You make everything happen at the right time.  I just need to remember that sometimes.  Though my plans were different for this day, you used my time for your good and I was blessed.  Help me to be an example to Alyssa and Kyle of how to use time well, to be flexible when your plan takes them down different paths, and to rejoice in the outcomes of "bump in the road".  Lord, you are in control of my days, and I trust you.  Order my steps and plans, and I pray that you will be glorified in my response.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Praying Scripture

 Preparing the pose for our Christmas picture (2007)

Imitating you, Lord, in everything they do, is my prayer for Alyssa and Kyle, because they are your dear children. May they live a life filled with love, following the example of your son Jesus Christ. He loved Alyssa and Kyle and offered himself as a sacrifice for them, a pleasing aroma to you.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed in Alyssa and Kyle. Such sins have no place among your people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness from Alyssa and Kyle to you. You say that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit your Kingdom. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle carefully determine what pleases you, Lord. 

(Ephesians 5:1-5, 10)

 

Someone Else

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."  2 Timothy 2:2

Believe it or not, my kids don't listen to everything I have to say.  In fact, sometimes I get the rolling of eyes, the big exhale, or a chuckle under their breath.  "Oh, Mom!"  Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.

However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt".  Someone they can share their worries and fears with.  Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.

Some days it will be me.

But most days it won't be.

So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.

And for those of you who encourage my kids:
Thank you!

Lord, I love my precious children!  I see you in them in so many ways.  Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself.  I pray, Father, that you send someone into Alyssa and Kyle's lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me.  May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts.  Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others.  I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!


 

Light of the World

"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

Alyssa's first Christmas (1994)

Eighteen years ago we were in the midst of Alyssa's very first Christmas. Oh how time flies! What joy it was to celebrate this time of the year with a new little one in our home. I'm not sure she understood all the excitement, but her parents sure had fun.

One of the gifts we gave her on her first Christmas was a Glo-Worm. Remember those precious little creatures that had a light-up face when you squeezed it? I thought it was the perfect friend for my little girl.
I thought it would be a great bedtime pal. Glo-worm would offer just enough light in the midst of a dark night, that Alyssa wouldn't have to be afraid of the dark. A little light dispels great darkness.

Just like our Jesus.

Jesus enters into our world, and replaces the darkness with His light.

Jesus gives hope where there was once despair, peace in the place of fear, and makes beauty from our ashes.

Oh how I pray that when our kids have days that may seem dark, they know to whom they can turn and find light.

For HE is the most wonderful light for a dark world...even better than that cute little Glo-Worm!

Lord, thank you for being the light of the world. What a beautiful promise you give your children, that whoever follows you will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life! A beautiful gift to take hold of and behold. Lord, forever be the light in my children's life. When they fight the darkness of loneliness, fear, or hurt, I pray they remember to turn to you for help in dispelling what they cannot remove on their own. Lord, always be their light, their hope, and their promise for beautiful things in their life.