Choose Christ

“If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Going to church doesn't 

make you a Christian
any more than

 going to the garage

 makes you a car.
--Laurence J. Peter

Salvation, and living their lives for Christ, is my greatest prayer for Alyssa and Kyle. Just because they have grown up in the church, or have parents who are pastors, it isn't a guarantee that they will choose to believe in Him. One day they will have to choose for themselves whom they will serve.

And I pray
that they choose Christ!


 




Lord, please hear my heart today! 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 hearts that You the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May they believe you are the Creator of all, the Forgiver of sins, and the Light of the world! Lord, may they look to you as their Lord and Savior! This is my greatest desire, and I know your greatest desire as well. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, minds and souls to your care today!

 

Praying Scripture: Wise Choices

Lyss (2008)

As I contemplated what I wanted to pray for today I just couldn't help but think about my hope that Alyssa and Kyle make wise choices in their life...

Who they hang out with,
what they do when together with their friends,
what movies they watch or music they listen to.
How they spend their money,
drive their car,
or take care of their bodies.
How much effort to put into their schoolwork,
when to study,
and when to study harder.
Who to date,
when to say "no",
and choosing their partner for life.

Choices.
Choices.
Wise choices.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle choose to do what is right and best with their lives!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle remember
   your teachings and instructions
   and obey them completely.
Those lessons will help them live
   a long and prosperous life.
Let love and loyalty
   always show like a necklace,
   and be written on Alyssa and Kyle's mind.
You, God, and people will like them
   and consider them a success.
With all their heart
   Alyssa and Kyle must trust you, Lord
   and not their own judgment.
Always lead Alyssa and Kyle,
   and clear the road
   for them to follow.
Keep Alyssa and Kyle from ever thinking
   that they are wise enough,
   but respect you, Lord,
   and stay away from evil.
This will make Alyssa and Kyle healthy,
   and they will feel strong. 

Proverbs 3:1-8
  

 

Thankful Thursday: God's Deep Love

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

How sweet the love of God is!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Break is here!!!!

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  Isaiah 40:29

Lyss (2010)

Spring Break is here.  Aaahhh.  Let the rest begin!

It's a break from early morning routines of
breakfast quandaries,
bathroom battles,
and everyone rushing too and fro.

It's a break from school, of course, and the
papers to draft,
books to read,
words to study,
and math to figure.

It's a break from the evening craziness of
homework,
homework,
homework.

I pray that it's a break that
refreshes everyone's spirits,
gives rest to our bodies,
holds memories of laughter and joy,
and prepares us for the last stretch of school.  (The last 9 weeks for Lyss!)

Oh, I'm digging Spring Break!

Lord, I give you thanks for giving strength to the weary and increasing the power of the weak. You are with us, and give us strength, when days are busy and hard.  But you also give us times of rest and refreshment when we are willing to come to you.  I pray, dear Jesus, that in these coming days of spring break, that you fill Alyssa and Kyle with new energy and passion for their "work", refresh their bodies and minds, and prepare them for the new days of learning ahead.  Help them to use their time wisely, treat each other kindly, and find moments of quiet in your presence.  Lord, refresh our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.  These are the days you have made, and we will rejoice, dear Jesus, in this rest.
 

Serving Wholeheartedly

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men."  Ephesians 6:7

Lyssa spent her Sunday afternoon watching the 4 little ones of a couple at our church so they could go on a little date.  She served wholeheartedly.

I pray that having a servant's heart will always come naturally to my kids; Lend a helping hand to the neighbor in need, doing a job that isn't theirs to do when there's something that needs to be done, and giving sacrificially of their time, talents, and finance.

Serving wholeheartedly is an outward sign of an inner heart that reflects Jesus.  May Alyssa and Kyle have hearts that desire to serve!

Lord, I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle to serve wholeheartedly, and when they serve they do it out of love and honor of you their God and Savior.  Others can pressure us to serve them, and overextend ourselves, and we often have to keep boundaries and make choices that are hard.  Give Alyssa and Kyle discernment and guidance to serve in the ways that you call them to, and in the ways you have gifted them.  When they are stretched and tired, give them the strength they need, and when the task is hard and out of their comfort zones, give them wisdom and the ability to finish well.  Mark their hearts with compassion, kindness, and giving as they serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving you, not men.

 

Taste and See!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."  Psalm 34:8

 Lyssa (1996)

From the moment she was born, until her 3rd birthday, binkies were Alyssa's favorite friend.  Everywhere she went, there was a binky not far behind.  She hung onto those little plastic things with dear life.  Often Alyssa had a binky in each hand.  That way, if one got too "warm" and used, she could do a quick swap.

Yes, binkies were one of her FAVORITE things.

The binkies soothed Alyssa when she was grumpy,

gave comfort when she was unhappy,

and was her security when she sleeping.

Sounds a bit like Jesus, don't you think?!

Jesus can be the one to soothe us when we are anxious or unhappy, give us comfort when are sad, and help us to feel secure when our fears feel big and overwhelming. 

Taste HIM.  He's so much better than those darn binkies!

Oh Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle taste and see that YOU are good.  How blessed is the one who takes refuge in you.  You offer such a sweet gift of salvation, and all that Alyssa and Kyle have to do is confess with their mouth that you are Lord.  I pray that they choose  to live their lives for you, always learn and experience more of you, and enjoy the sweetness of your Spirit alive and active in their lives.  May the only addiction they have in life be You! 
 

Baby Blues

"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand."  Psalm 73:23

Once upon a time (1997)

I was being sentimental yesterday as I thought about how my babies are no longer babies.

<<sniff-sniff>>

All of a sudden a memory flashed through my mind.of a conversation I had with Kyle over a book we were reading.  I wish I remembered what it was because it was a catalyst for a fun back-and-forth conversation over the next couple of years.  The book posed the thought that there would be one day when I would no longer be able to pick up my "little" boy.

<<sniff-sniff>>

Well, I haven't tried to pick Kyle up lately, but I'm pretty sure he's grown "too big" for a cuddle, and I know that I can hardly pick him up. 

<<sniff-sniff>>

My babies are no longer babies!

Lyssa is about to graduate from high school.
And prom is around the corner.
Last night she even went to the midnight showing of "Hunger Games",
And drove herself to and from.  Oh my.

<<sniff-sniff>>

Then there is my little "freshman"!
He potentially could have his drivers license in 2 months.
WOWZA!

Time is flying!

But I know God is watching over them, and when I can't pick them up, I can trust that He holds them in His hands!

Lord, I put my confidence and trust in your continual presence in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  I know that when I can't pick them up when they fall, or comfort them when they hurt, or carry them through the storms of life, that you are with them and your right hand holds them.  There is nowhere that Alyssa and Kyle can go to avoid your Spirit, and no way they can flee from your presence,  You are always with them, and your hand will always guide them.  Today, if they need you to pick them up, I pray they will call on your name and wait expectantly for your strength and might to cradle them in their time of need.  Thank you, for my "babies", dear Jesus, and thank you for being there for them when I cannot.

  

Thankful Thursday: God's Masterpieces

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  Ephesians 2:10


I am always thanking the Lord for my kids!  Sure, parenting is hard sometimes, but the blessings far outweigh the stress, fears, struggles.

Today, I'm rejoicing over the "masterpieces" He has created!

•  Lyss loves taking hold of her camera and finding ways to take beautiful pictures.  This week, she printed and framed a couple of her favorites (shown here) and entered them into an auction at church to raise money for our friend who is going to Haiti this summer.   I think this was Lyssa's first sale of her art and it was one proud moment.  For her and for her parents! And it made a big donation to a good cause! God is good!

• Kyle came home one day this week pleased that he was one of a few who got an "A" on their English paper.  Yeah!!!  And then last night he announces he got "most improved", with the prize being a sucker (what every kid wants!), for going from a failing grade on a pre-test to a 98% on the actual exam!

• I love the humor God has given my kids.  They can be so funny and sometimes just make me laugh until I have tears coming out my eyes.  They definitely have a few of Ken's genes. 

• I've been reminded to be thankful for their health, their stick-to-it-ness in their schoolwork, and their kindness to others.

I've got me some GOOD kids, by golly!

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the precious kids you have blessed our lives with.  Thank you for the masterpieces they are...each beautiful and unique in their own ways.  Alyssa and Kyle have both been created to do good things, things you've been planning for them to do.  Thank you for their gifts and talents.  Thank you for their strengths, and even their weaknesses.  You have created them both in amazing ways.  Thank you, Lord, for Alyssa and Kyle.  Oh how I love them!

 

Wordless Wednesday

Ears to Hear

"Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  Mark 4:9

 Check out those ears...the giraffes, not Alyssa's! (2005)

Our kids are probably like any other kids.  Sometimes they don't hear well.  Or maybe better said, they hear well, but sometimes choose not to listen.  I mean, if its not something they WANT to hear, its just easier to pretend like they missed what I said.

But beyond asking them to pick up their rooms, bring me their laundry, or feed the dog, there are times where I have important things to say that I hope they choose to hear.  Things that will save them from calamity, failure, or harm.  Things that will help their relationships, get to know God more, or help them succeed as they become adults.

Sometimes mothers (or fathers...or our Father) know best...so open those ears, dear ones!!!

Kyle (2005)

Lord, thank you for the sense of hearing.  What joy it is to hear a baby's laugh, a parent's blessing, or the sound of the ocean.  There are sometimes, however, things that we don't want to hear.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle's ears be open to hearing the wisdom of others, especially you.  When you are tenderly calling their name, speaking your wisdom, or giving them your love, may they recognize your voice.  May Alyssa and Kyle be receptive to encouragement, patient with discipline, and understanding of people's (true and wise) advise.  I praise you, dear Jesus, for your presence and activity in our children's lives.

 

The Best You Can Be

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)

Alyssa & Kyle (2003)

Another school week begins. Ready or not, here it comes.

There can be a lot of pressure for kids at school. They face a wide range of pressures: to have the best grades, wear the coolest clothes, have the best gadget, be the most popular friend, or even earn the “student of the month” before anyone else does. Striving, pushing, worrying, comparing. All on a daily basis.

Even though God created us each with particular strengths, it’s all too easy to instead focus on our weaknesses, and to wish we wish we were more like someone else.  The giftedness of someone else somehow seems more appealing. I love the reminder of the scripture above.  Paraphrased in my own words… “Don’t play the comparison game, just do your best.”

I pray that as my kids head out the door for another week of school, that they find joy in who God has created them to be, and that they take pleasure in their God-given strengths. I pray that they find contentment in who they are rather than focusing on comparisons. I hope they find the confidence to believe in themselves, recognize and celebrate their strengths, and at the same time have the courage to rejoice in the gifts of someone else.

Go out and be the best that YOU can be, my babies!

Lord Jesus, thank you for our precious kids, and the way you have beautifully made them. Thank you for Alyssa and Kyle's areas of strength and giftedness, and the way that you’ve made each one unique and special. I even rejoice in their areas of weakness because that is where they will be caused to look to you for power, strength and the help to change or improve themselves. I pray that they rejoice in who you have created them to be, celebrate their differences, and go out in the world and be the best that they can be. Lord, I give you praise because Alyssa and Kyle are fearfully and wonderfully made!

 

He Played on Varsity!!

"The God of heaven will give us success."  Nehemiah 2:20

If a mom and dad get this excited about their freshman son playing on the Varsity baseball team, how much more crazy-excited will they be when they know without a shadow of a doubt that their kids are living their lives for God?!?!? 

Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always know that you are their God and Savior.  May they confess with their mouth that you are Lord, and believe in their heart that you raised Jesus from the dead to save them. You are the One who loves them, forgives them, and grants them success in their lives.  You are their Light, their Bread of Life, and their Beloved Shepherd.  I pray that you will always be their Lord and Savior.  May they choose this day whom they will serve and live always as your son and daughter!

 

A New Look Goin' On!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  2 Corinthians 5:17

 It's Spring!  (Photo by Lyss)

My blog has a new look to it.  (I bet you couldn't tell!)

My hair finally got a touch up.

And daily I find myself becoming a new creation in Christ.

I love transformations!  Maybe that is why it thrills me that spring is on its way!

Lord, I pray that as Alyssa and Kyle live in you, they become new creations; the old having gone and the new making an appearance.  I pray that the Holy Spirit moves their hearts to become more and more like you.  When they come to your Word, because it is living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword, may it penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.  Lord, use your Word to judge the thoughts and attitudes of Alyssa and Kyle's heart, transforming them into who you want them to be.  Make them beautiful in your sight, dear Jesus!  May they always be yours!

 

Standing in Praise

"... stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening" 1 Chronicles 23:30

I'm standing (though a bit on the tired side) this morning to give God praise and thanks for His part in our lives over the last week!

• I survived working full time for two weeks in he election office, and a 15 hour day yesterday running a poling place.  My family did a good job at picking up the slack here and there, taking care of some of their own needs, and supporting me on this adventure. I'm thinking they really didn't miss me at all.  :) 
• Kyle had his first two JV baseball games.  They lost, but it was still a delight to watch him play.  he's a "stud" at short-stop!  Not to brag or anything, but he's getting the opportunity to play on the Varsity team tonight! As a freshman, that is quite the honor.  We're just praying it doesn't get rained out. 
• It reminds me to be thankful for the under-armour my dear hubby surprised me with.  Can I hear a big "Amen!"?  His thoughtfulness warms my heart!  
• Lyss got her financial aid package from George Fox.  Though I don't understand all the lingo, I get the impression it's pretty good.  God has been faithful to provide a big chunk with scholarships and grants.  
• We popped in on the Bible Quiz meet that was in our area last Saturday.  I loved watching Lyss and her team spout off scripture and answers from the Word, and have fun doing it.  We even got to peek in on my niece and watch her do her quizzing thing.  We were only there for a short moment, but I was blessed by stopping in.  
• A couple of spring like days made me ready for the real thing.  Thanking the Lord for the sunshine and warmth! 
• I have to say that I was blessed by a few friends this week.  A sweet email of encouragement and prayer from one, the humor and laughter of another, and the coffee getaway in there too.  God uses these little moments to provide things that speak love to my heart.

Oh Lord, I stand this morning to thank and praise you!  Thank you for the many ways you show your love to our family.  My heart is full and I am in awe of of you!  Amen.
 

Wordless Wednesday

Pride Isn't Pretty

"It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory."  Proverbs 25:27 (ESV)

 Champions, Kyle (left) and his friend Jake (2005)

I have a pretty humble kid. Or at least he is around me.  Even when I see Kyle excel in baseball, make an awesome play, or get picked for a special team, I don't hear him brag about his accomplishments.  I like that about my boy.


I remember the "jocks" when I was in high school, and they were filled with pride and haughtiness, often overlooking those kids that didn't have the same abilities or hung in the same crowds.  As one boasts about themselves, and puts on heirs that they are better than everyone else, it turns people off and actually diminishes one's likeability.  Pride isn't pretty.

As Kyle begins his high school baseball career, I pray that he continues to shine bright, and remain my sweet and humble boy.  


Lord, your Word reminds us that it is not glorious to seek one's one glory.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle live with a confidence that you have fearfully and wonderfully made them.  Yet in their successes, and when they find joy in using the gifts that you have given them, I pray that they keep their pride in check.  Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  It can become so easy to boast in our gifts, and shift people's focus away from You and onto ourselves, failing to give you all the credit for our hand in our lives.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lives will be marked by humility and grace, always living their lives for your glory!

 

A Manic Monday

"Oh Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress." Isaiah 33:2

 First Day of School (2004)

I don't know about you, but around our house, Mondays can be crazy. Mostly it stems from a tiredness that enfolds us because our Sundays are so busy with church stuff. The kids have troubles getting out of bed in the morning (and their parents as well), all sorts of papers often need signed, and who knows where the backpacks were left on Friday afternoon. Chaos reigns for the brief hour before school. As a mom, I should be better prepared for it.

Who ever started calling it Manic Mondays? Whoever did, really nailed it on the head.

Lord, today I am praying for my kids to have the strength to make it through this day. May it be one where they sense you holding them up when they are tired, encouraging them when they are discouraged, and giving them little blessings along the way that make them giggle or smile. May today not be one filled with lost papers, forgotten assignments, and cranky teachers, but a day filled with your peace, your strength, and your joy! And may, I, as their parent, lean on you through this day and find the blessings you have in store for me! You are the Lord of this Monday!


 

Salvation Saturday: Walking with Him

Yesterday was a much better day at work.  Someone must have been praying for me.  People were nicer over all, and the day went smoother.  Prayer works!  How blessed to know someone was going to the Lord on my behalf!

Today, I'm praying for our children's salvation!

I love watching my kids figuring out their walk with the Lord. There's nothing more thrilling than those moments when I see them making their faith their own.  Today, As I reflect on their salvation, I'm praying that they choose to walk this road all the days of their life.  May they never take a detour, but always stay the course.

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: 

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life, 

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord  

and to seek him in his temple."  

 --Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of you, Lord, this is what I seek: that Alyssa and Kyle may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of their life, to gaze upon your beauty and to seek you in your temple.  Each day may they stay the course you have laid out for them.  May Alyssa and Kyle take great delight in you, dear Jesus, and find great freedom ad hope in you.  You alone are their salvation, and their hope, and I pray they ever turn away from you.

 

The Few Too Many F's

 An old picture of me working the elections...

I'm fried.
I'm frazzled.
I'm flabbergasted.

It's election time, and I've been a workin' mom these last two weeks.  I've probably written a similar blog sometime over the last couple of years, but today was just enough to push me over the edge, and somehow deserves a post.  Good thing today is Friday and the end of a two week stint in the world of politics.

I've helped people who are
furious,
fickle,
and
flippant.

Some of their concerns and frustrations are reasonable, but I find that the way they "lash out" isn't in anyway kind, productive, and needed. How we treat each other, even in our anger, is so important, by golly! 

So, today, I'm praying for our kids responses in situations where they are tempted to let out their
frustrations,
fault-findings,
and,
fears.

"Complain if you must, but don't lash out."  Psalm 4:4 

(And maybe someone should pray for me!)

 Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle not to sin in their anger.  If complaining is a must, I pray that they keep from lashing out to others in a way that crushes spirits, fuels bitterness, and compromises resolution and being heard.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to not think more highly of themselves than they ought, but consider the feelings and thoughts of others in each and every encounter.  May they show the kindness of Christ to all they meet.

 

Thankful Thursday: He Sets Things Right

Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders!

   He rolled up his sleeves,
   He set things right. 

God made history with salvation,
   He showed the world what he could do.

 He remembered to love us, a bonus
   To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love.

   The whole earth comes to attention.
   Look—God's work of salvation! 

 Shout your praises to God, everybody!
   Let loose and sing! Strike up the band! 

 Round up an orchestra to play for God,
   Add on a hundred-voice choir.

 Feature trumpets and big trombones,
   Fill the air with praises to King God. 

 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause,
   With everything living on earth joining in. 

 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!"
   And mountains harmonize the finale— 

 A tribute to God when he comes,
   When he comes to set the earth right.

   He'll straighten out the whole world,
   He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.

--Psalm 98 (The Message)

Photos taken by Lyss