Addictions

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."  Proverbs 20:1

 My name is Tresa and I'm an addict.

Coffee.

Chocolate.

Food.

Though they are addictions I don't stress about and worry over too much, they can easily become unhealthy habits for me. I'm thankful that drug and alcohol addiction has never been an "issue" in my life.  Oh, how I pray that our kids stay clear of addictions that will mess up their lives.

Lord, protect my babies from harmful addictions that could ruin their relationships, careers, or physical bodies.  Keep these things from having an appeal to even try and experiment with.  Give Alyssa and Kyle courage to say "no" to temptation and peer pressure.  And when they are tempted, help them to stand up under it.  Lord, may you alone be the one thing that fills every empty space in Alyssa and Kyle's lives, and the thing that they hunger and thirst after like no other.  May they taste and see that you are good!

 

Reason for Delays

Sorry for the delay in posting each day lately. For some reason the scheduling function of blogger is not working at this time. I'm hoping this problem will be fixed soon.

The Surpassing Greatness

"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..."  Philippians 3:8

Lord, you are our amazing God.  Oh how I want Alyssa and Kyle to know you in a personal, life changing, beautiful way.  I pray that they consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing you.  May they say "yes" to you, dear Jesus, and choose you as their personal Savior.  Your salvation, forgiveness, and love are the greatest treasures in life, and living in communion with you makes life worth living.  Lord, continue drawing Alyssa and Kyle to yourself.  Open their eyes that they may see their need for you, and fill their hearts with a hunger and thirst to know you more.  Lord, you are God, and I hope our children live their lives in sweet communion with you.
 

Plans Galore

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."  Proverbs 15:22

High School graduation is just around the corner,
and not far behind is the beginnings of Lyssa's college adventure.

Though at times makes me cringe, planning is the theme of our days.

Schedules.
Scholarships.
School needs.
Summer wants.
And celebrations all around.

Plans galore.

What I am finding is that my kid doesn't really want parental counsel.
And who does a mom and dad turn to when they can't figure it all out?
Learning to ask for counsel is an important lesson in life.
I'm praying that our kids get over their know-it-all-ness,
and seek out the wisdom of others in their lives.

Then their plans just may succeed.

Lord, I so want Alyssa and Kyle's plans to succeed in life.  They will fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they have a better chance of success.  Give them wise and willing people to help them on this journey.  Open Alyssa and Kyle's ears that they may hear and take seriously the advise of others, and a wisdom to know what is right and true.  Plans are many and constant, and we ask for your leading and guiding, knowing and believing that you know all the days ordained for them, and have plans to prosper them.  Alyssa and Kyle are yours, dear Father, and I pray that they heed your call and leading on their lives.

 

Thankful Thursday: Beautiful Things

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."  Ecclesiastes 3:11

So many BEAUTIFUL things to be thankful for this week...

• I was with a friend of mine when she made a new decision to trust Christ with her life!  Oh the sweetness of watching this new beginning.
• Our 10th annual women's retreat was a delight.  Women worshiping, laughing, sharing, and learning together.  God makes beautiful things out of our lives. 

My favorite picture from our retreat!

• Lyss wrote an 11 page paper for her Senior project.  I laughed because she wrote the paper on the repercussions of social medias,all the while hanging out on "facebook" between paragraphs.  But it got done!  Yahoo!
• My lilacs are in bloom.  That is when I know spring is really here.
• Kyle hit a double in Tuesday nights baseball game.  His team won their game.  It hasn't been the best of seasons (3-10), but I still love to watch my boy play ball!

It's been a God-kind-of-beautiful week!

Lord, thank you for all the things that you have made beautiful in this week.  Each gift and blessing, had your name written all over it.  I am reminded of your love for me, my family, and those dear to me.  Thank you for changing lives, transforming hearts, and giving my children those little successes.  You are my beautiful, Lord, and my heart rejoices today in the many ways you show yourself in our lives!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

There's a Party Going On!

“I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”  Romans 9:17

Last week, I had to joy of sitting at the side of someone who was praying to ask Jesus into her heart and accept Him as her Savior.  I have to tell you, that was one of the most amazing moments to be a part of!  I still can't wipe the smile off my face.  Now, I'm praying that my kids one day have the opportunity to be a part of such a moment!

I have to say, I think there's a party going on in heaven!!!

Lord, my heart is full of gratitude and joy that you are in the business of changing lives, and that I had the opportunity to get a glimpse of someone beginning their life journey with you.  There is some fear of sharing you with those who don't know you, only because I'm fearful of not saying the right thing, but I became aware that you give the words that need to be said.  Your Spirit leads and guides the conversation and speaks to the heart of those who don't yet know you.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle realized that they have been raised in you for the very purpose of proclaiming your name too.  I pray that their hearts burn with desire to tell others of your love and forgiveness.  Display your power in their lives, dear Jesus, that others might come to know you through them!  Oh what a joy and delight!

 

Press On

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14

Lord, there are a lot of hard things one has to face in life, and it's so easy to give up and give in.  I'm sure that there are many stresses, challenges, and fears that my children face, but I also know that with you they can do anything, face all obstacles, and stand strong.  Help them today, dear Jesus, to press on.  Help them to fix their eyes on the goal, and the Maker who makes all things possible.  In your strength, may Alyssa and Kyle rise to each occasion with hope, joy, and great expectation.  Today, may they hear your voice behind them saying, "this is the way".  Mark their responses, and their character, with perseverance, determination and tenacity, as they press on towards the goal for which you have called them. 
 

Thankful Thursday

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
   and his courts with praise;
   give thanks to him

 and praise his name. 

--Psalm 100:4

Today, I'm heading up the mountain to attend our church's annual Women's Retreat.  It feels a little  like "entering his gates", and I will do so with thanksgiving.  So, before I go, I will give Him praise for His blessing over the past week, and say "good-bye" to you for a few days.

By the way, I was going to try to leave a daily prayer for while I was away, but getting all my stuff ready for retreat has taken more time than I expected.  I'd covet your prayers for the ladies of our church as we go to hang out with Jesus (and one another), and for my family as they survive without me.  Which, now that the kids are older, is really not too difficult of a task.  So, look for an update and my next prayer on Monday.

So, here is my list of "thanksgiving".

• I asked my Bible study group for prayer last week and several of these ladies have come back to me to ask how I was doing, and I was so grateful for their prayers, encouragement, and thoughtfulness.  What a joy it is to be a part of the "fellowship of believers."
• I went out of town last weekend, and I loved the moment that I realized all my family came to pick me up at the airport.
• We had a family dinner, upon my arrival, and we laughed, and laughed, and laughed.  Even the waitress comment on how happy we were.  
• My boys went on a fishing trip and they had some great boy-bonding time...and even caught a fish!

• I've been leading the planning team for the ladies retreat this weekend, and all have to say is that God has been with us every step of the way.  He speaks.  He moves.  He loves.  Can't wait to see what He's got up His sleeve for this weekend!

Lord, thank you for the many ways you have shown yourself to us this week!  My eyes have seen you, my heart feels you, and my ears have heard you.  What a delight it is to be your daughter!  Thank you for your living presence in Alyssa and Kyle's life too.  What a delight to see answered prayers, abundant blessings, and beautiful lives.  Thank you, my precious Savior.  I love you!
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Praying Scripture: Holy Mouths

Alyssa and Kyle (2010)

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to watch the way they talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of their mouths. It's so hard, but I pray that they say only what helps, because each word a gift.  Knowing that what they say has the potential to grieve you, God.   I pray that they don't break your heart. Your Holy Spirit, is moving and breathing in them, and is the most intimate part of their life, making them fit for you. Oh how I pray that they don't take such a gift for granted.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.  And prove themselves to be gentle with one another, and sensitive, forgiving one another as quickly and thoroughly as You forgive them. 

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle watch what you do, Lord, and then do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what you do is love them. May they always keep company with  you and learn a life of love, always observing how you love us. Your love is not cautious but extravagant. You didn't love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of yourself to us. May Alyssa and Kyle love like that.

(Ephesians 4:29-5:2 The Message)

 

A Sweet, Sweet Sound

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

I loved last night. Our family laughed together.

In the busyness of school and baseball, it feels like quality family time together is hard to find, so we squeezed a moment around the dinner table and laughed, and laughed and laughed.

Laughter from a child's mouth must be a special gift from God for a mother's ears.  It's a sweet, sweet sound!

Lord, thank you for filling Alyssa and Kyle's mouth's with laughter.  I pray that their lips always shout for joy! You are their strength and shield; I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's hearts trusts in you, and they find help when they need it. May their hearts leap for joy and give thanks to you in song.  Today, as Alyssa and Kyle go to school, hang with their friends, do their work, and communicate with others, may they find reason to laugh and rejoice in you!  Thank you, Lord, for the many things in our lives that bring us joy, for you can be found in those precious moments of laughter!


 

Trusting God

"I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”  Psalm 31:14

I pray, with my whole heart, that our kids trust God.

To trust: 

1. to have trust or confidence in; rely or depend on.

2. to believe.

3. to expect confidently; hope

We often put our trust in people or things that ultimately fail us.   But to know and trust in God, who proves Himself worthy of our trust, is the best thing we can do with our lives.  The more we practice trusting, and stepping out on faith, the easier it becomes.  The more we see God as good, loving and just, the more we see trust as the only way to go.  Trusting God truly is the best thing we can do. 

When my kids were little and frightened, they trusted me, and grabbed my hand and received this sense of refuge and security.  

 Kyle holding Daddy's hand (1998)

When my kids were little and hurt, they trusted me, as they shared their sorrows or lifted their boo-boos for a kiss, and they found comfort and encouragement.

 Lyss & Papa (1999)

When my kids were little and lost, they trusted me, and with a word of guidance or some direction they were confident to be on their way.

 Kyle trying his hand at driving (age 18 months)

Trusting God offers all these things to Alyssa and Kyle in even greater supply. I pray that trust comes easily.  Oh, He is so worthy of our trust.

Lord, may my children say,  "I trust in you, O Lord; You are my God."  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to trust you with all their heart and lean not on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge you, for you will make their paths straight.  May trust come easily, stay forever, be found often, and change their lives from this day forward.  You, Lord, are worthy of our trust, and I cry out with praise and thanksgiving.  Amen.

 

Words that Bless

"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."  Proverbs 12:25

Sometimes I am amazed  how just a few words can bless one's heart in such profound ways. 

How often do we let kind words go unsaid?  We get busy and don't take the time, we don't think it's important, or we assume it's too late.

But it's never too late to say..
Thank you.
I love you.
I forgive you.
You blessed me.

As a kid, my parents were good at teaching my sister and I the importance of sending a "thank you" card, and at the time I probably dragged my feet, but now as an adult I can appreciate those lessons.  Now, I'm trying to teach my kids how to do the same.  Sometimes they think it's "unneeded", but is anyone ever crabby that they've received a note of thanks, or an encouraging card?  I think not.  Kind words can sometimes bless a heart in ways we may not ever understand. So, I pray that my kids learn this lesson well and become thoughtful like that.

What joy there is when we head out to the mailbox and come back with something other than bills and junk. We call that "happy mail".  Is there someone in your life that needs a little bit of happiness today?

How about sending some "happy mail".

Lord, you are the great encourager, and you bless your children in beautiful ways through your Word.  What a precious love-letter to your children.  Your encouragement and love is tremendous example to us to do the same.  With the encouragement we receive from you, we should go out and encourage others.  Maybe its with a card.  Maybe it's just a kind spoken word.  Lord, prod our hearts to shower others with thoughtfulness.  Kind words bless hearts in ways that we cannot fathom.  Lord, teach my children to be kind in all that they say and do.  When a "thank you" is needed, may Alyssa and Kyle be prodded to respond.  When an "I love you" is on their hearts, may they be confident to share it.  Or when forgiveness is the important word of the day, may it flow easily from their lips.  Words can build up or tear down those around them.  Even their silence can do harm.  Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to speak love into other people's lives.  Be reflected, dear Jesus, in our encouragement to others.  Thank you for the encouragement we receive from others in our lives.  Help us to be that kind of blessing to those in our lives.

 

His Love Day and Night

"By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life."  Psalm 42:8

 My try at being a photographer like Lyss!

It's Thankful Thursday once again.  Day and night the Lord has been with us this week and my heart is full of praise for His goodness!

• God protected Kyle from serious injury in a baseball game last week.  A ball was hit right into his chest with a thump that could be heard from the stands.  It knocked the wind out of him for a moment, and the physical trainer on sight was concerned he might have a cracked sternum.  Thanking the Lord for His protection and goodness.

• Our family had an outing together at the mall.  As the kids get older, time together with just the four of us gets harder and harder.  It was a fun day!

• Easter was a beautiful day of celebrating and remembering God's gift of salvation, and our church services were a blessing.  The rest of the day was spent with just our immediate family as well, but we had all the fixings of ham, potatoes, deviled eggs and seafoam.  We ate, took naps, went on a walk outside since it was a perfect spring day, and watched a movie together.  God was good to give us such a delightful day!

• Alyssa got her graduation announcements this week.  Wowza!  It's getting real!

• Kyle hit a double at Monday nights baseball game, and I think his mom was the biggest cheerleader in the stands!  And I thought the throw to home plate to get out the tying run was pretty cool too.  We won our first regular season game! 

 Kyle on base.

Just a pretty good week for us!  God is good!

Lord, thank you for directing your love to us by day and night.  You are the God of our life, and you are always with us.  Thank you for my precious children and the part you play in their lives.  You are growing them up into wonderful people and my heart rejoices and who you are making them.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for the many blessings you shower our lives with.  I rejoice in you, our God and Savior.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

Wordless Wednesday (Sorta)

 

Praying Scripture

Lord, how sweet to know that Alyssa and Kyle 
   are are always with you,
 and you hold them by your right hand.
You guide Alyssa and Kyle with your counsel,
   and you will take them into glory.
Whom does Alyssa and Kyle have in heaven 
     but you, Lord?
   And earth has nothing they desire besides you.
Lord, Alyssa and Kyle's flesh and heart may fail,
   but You are the strength of their hearts
   and their portion forever. 
 Those who are far from you will perish;
   you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for Alyssa and Kyle, 
it is good for them to be near You.
   Please help Alyssa and Kyle to make you, 
Sovereign LORD, their refuge;
   and they will tell of all your deeds. 

 (Psalm 73:23-28)

 

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

There's nothing like hearing one of your children let off a blood curdling scream to give your heart a jump start.  This has happened to me on more than one occasion as a matter of fact.  Alyssa does not like spiders. And when I say she does not like spiders, I really mean she does NOT like spiders.

I hate to break it to her, but she's going to face a lot bigger things in life.  It could be conflicts, God's calling on her life, new jobs or experiences, or becoming a spouse or a parent.  They all could cause great alarm or fear.

My hope is that she remembers that God is with her.  Three times in the first chapter of Joshua, God says "be strong and courageous".   I'm guessing if God keeps saying it, that it's something that He really wants us to take hold of.

Joshua 1:6...Be strong and courageous...I will lead you.
Joshua 1:7...Be strong and courageous...Obey and I will give you success.
Joshua 1:8...Be strong and courageous...I am with you.

Oh, precious Jesus, help Alyssa and Kyle to be strong and courageous!

Guess what? I'm going to have to remember this lesson the next time I see a mouse.
That's when mom lets off her own blood curdling scream!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always be strong and courageous. I pray that they will not be terrified; nor be discouraged, for you will be with them wherever they go.  Mark their days with your strength, peace and hope.  Alyssa and Kyle can do all things through you who gives them strength!  Remove from them the spirit of timidity, and fill them with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.  As they fix their eyes on you, dear Jesus, may be know you are always with them, and they have nothing to fear.
 

The Glorious Hide and Seek

 Kyle, Easter (1998)

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."  Deuteronomy 4:29

Tis the season for Easter eggs, bunnies, jelly beans, chocolate, Easter dresses, and pretty bonnets.  Once upon a time my kids loved the excitement and joy of playing hide and seek with the plastic stuffed eggs.  Now they are teenagers, and though they still want all the goodies inside, they are no longer interested in looking high and low for their yummy treasure.

When the kids were little, however, hiding the eggs was a game we played for many days after Easter was over.  They never tired of the big hunt.  Unlike their mother who did.  The eggs didn't even have to hold anything inside anymore, it was just the thrill of finding that which was "lost".  Ready, set, go!

 Alyssa, Easter (1998)

I pray that their life is a continual hunt for their Savior.  He's not hard to find, but sometimes there takes some effort on our part to get to know Him better.  His Word promises that when they seek Him, they will find Him.  And when they find Him, just like the plastic eggs, they will taste and see something truly sweet.  Oh how glorious!  The greatest game of "hide and seek" ever!

  Kyle, Easter (1998)

Lord, you are the greatest gift of our life, and you promise that when we seek you with all our hearts we will find you.  I pray that our children choose you, over and over again, and seek you with all that they are.  As they open the pages of your Word, may they find the beautiful you, and realize the depths of your great love.  I pray that they choose to dig deep, and get to know you daily, from here to eternity.  Speak to them sweet words of wisdom and love, as they listen for your voice in prayer.  You are the most beautiful treasure, Jesus, and what an amazing thing that you want your children to have an intimate relationship with you.  May our children seek you with all their heart, and find you in precious ways.  Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful promise!
 

Encouragers of Faith

This is a re-post from January 2011, but it's my friend's birthday tomorrow and as I reflected on her and the thankfulness I have for her in my life, I was reminded of all the reasons I give God praise for her friendship.  Happy Birthday, dear friend of mine! 

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."  1 Thessalonians 5:11

This past Sunday, Ken asked our church to answer the question, "Who encourages you in your faith?"  I knew my answer(s) immediately.

I have a girlfriend who shares God with me most every day.

I love the words she passes on about how He speaks to her.
Or what she is learning about Him.
In that, I'm challenged to do my own studying, listening, and praying.

She listens to me, but always helps me move my thoughts back to God.
I'm always encouraged to be a better person when we talk.

She prays for me and my family.
And always remembers to ask how things are going in the concerns.

I love her passion for the Lord.  And it's attractive to those around her.
She loves God deeply.
serves Him daily,
and strives with all that she is to reflect Him in everything.

My faith is deeper.
My walk with God richer.
My life is completely blessed.

Because of my friend.

I pray that my kids lives are blessed with friends like that...
friends that encourage their faith.

Lord, thank you for my friend.  For the way she encourages my faith, and helps me draw nearer to you.  Oh how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have a friend like that.  I pray that they find others who encourage them to dig deep in their faith, to live according to your will for their lives, and to find passion in walking with you.  Give Alyssa and Kyle friends that will pick them up when they fall, encourage them to fix their eyes on you, and pray for them through the daily struggles of life.  If my kids can find a friend like mine, they will be richly blessed.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for such a precious gift.

 

Thankful Thursday

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!"  Revelation 19:7

• Lyssa made us dinner one night.  What a joy it was not to have to cook.  I can't even describe my elation. And it was delicious on top of that. 

• Kyle had a great baseball tournament this last weekend with his team winning their first two games of the season,and  he ended the weekend with a great batting average.  Weather wise we sat through two very cold games (I'm a good mom, oh yes I am), and then were blessed with two "perfectly" warm games.  "Perfect" because most ball games are either in freezing cold or extremely hot.  Saturday was just right.  Oh how I love spring!

• Lyssa finished her 120 hour internship so she can graduate in 8 weeks.  We so appreciate our friend Lynn for helping Lyss out and teaching her some interesting things along the way.

• We had a baseball dinner and silent auction this weekend to raise money for the program.  I'm thankful for Bill and Danna joining us in the fun, and being so competitive at winning a basket and dessert.  And Ken was the winning bidder for this beautiful dessert (shown below...the picture doesn't do it justice because I didn't think to take a picture until we ate half of it!).  I was reminded how thankful I am for our "baseball family" and the dear friends there.  

 Yummy cake, Sharon!

• And believe it or not, I'm thankful for all the dirty laundry my kids produce because it means they are active and experiencing life.  I'm thankful (sometimes...ha!) for dirty dishes because it means God has provided for our physical needs.  And I try to be thankful for my messy home because it means we are happy, alive, and have a safe place for our family to rest and hangout. 

God is good, and we are richly blessed!

Lord, thank you for the ways you are blessing and working in our lives.  I see you in so many ways, and know you are active in growing up Alyssa and Kyle in to the woman and man you want them to be.  You show us your love and care every day and my heart rejoices.  I give you all the glory and praise.