Thankful Thursday: Graduation Weekend

"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."  Psalm 57:10

Oh so much to give God praise for this week.  My heart is full, my mouth could go on and on, and my eyes have truly seen His presence this week.

Lyssa graduated!!!

And she was Salutatorian of her class!

What a wonderful speech Lyss gave to her graduating class! 

I'm so thankful that our family rallied their support!  We couldn't have made it this far without them!

What a tremendous outpouring of support and love from our church family!!! (And we didn't even get pictures of them all.) 

Friends even came from afar.

I'm totally grateful for a friend who blessed us with a chocolate fountain, and setting it all up nice and pretty for our little party.

Seeing as it was Memorial Day weekend, we took flowers out to my grandparent's graves.  When we arrive, we found the historical museum open and enjoyed finding some pictures of generations past!

I'm so thankful for the heritage of faithfulness our family has and enjoys!  God is so good!

And of course, we had to celebrate with U-Swirl!!!  Yum!

I have to say, it was just one of those weekends I won't soon forget.  I am reminded that I have a good God and he blesses my life in abundant ways!

Lord, oh great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies!!  Thank you for the way you have blessed our family, and the many ways you have provided for us so that we could celebrate such an accomplishment this weekend!  You're fingerprints are visible all over our lives and I can't help but give you much praise and thanks!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

He Quiets Me

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  Zephaniah 3:17

It's been a crazy time in our lives.  We've concluded the final semester of the school year, prepared for graduation, and have walked with our church family through some big things.  As I sat in the quiet of the morning recently, God reminded me of His sweet presence.  I'm thankful that when life gets overwhelming, circumstances feel out of control, and days long and busy, God will be with me and He will quiet me with His love. He is mighty to save.

He knows just what I need!

Lord, thank you for speaking to me through your Word.   What blessed assurance to know that you are mighty to save!  Thank you for quieting me with your love, especially in the moments where all around me feels crazy.  You, Lord, are my peace that passes all understanding.  You are my strength when I am weak.  You alone are my refuge and fortress.  Thank you, Lord, for being my God.

 

A Great Reward

"The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness."  1 Samuel 26:23

You may be still waiting for some of my "profoundness" about graduation day, but you'll have to come back another day.  However, what a great weekend it has been...celebration galore, great family time, and many reminders of God's work in our lives.

One fun thing, that I can't help but brag about, was that Lyss found out she was the class salutatorian on Friday and had to give a speech in Saturday's graduation ceremony.  Four years of hard work paid off and the reward was the opportunity to say one last word to her graduating class.  Such a proud moment for this mom, that's for sure.

God rewards us when we are faithful to Him and His calling in our lives.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle experience many other great rewards as they live righteous and faithful lives for Him.  It will always be worth the hard work, sacrifice, and time we give to and for Him!

Way to go, baby girl!  "You done good!"

Oh precious Father, my heart is full of praise and thanks.  Your reward and blessing on Lyssa's life this weekend was big.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to live righteous and faithful lives in response to you and your call on their lives.  In turn, they will find blessing from you.  May they sense your deep pleasure in who they are, and the delight you find in what they do for you, still recognizing that they can't earn your love, but you give it freely to them.  Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings you shower down on your children,  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always live faithful and righteous lives.

 

Graduation Day

Today is a big day in our house...the day we've been working towards for the last 18 years.  It's Graduation Day.  And though I had hoped to write something meaningful and profound about this very important day, it's not going to happen.  Company all over the house, festivities scheduled through the day, and a heart that is a bit too emotional to put words on "paper".  So, you'll have to wait for my "profoundness", and say a prayer for me on this grand day!

Happy Graduation to us!!


 

A Few of Their Favorite Things

"The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold."  Psalm 119:72

Cheeseburgers ketchup only,
McDonalds rootbeer and Dutch Bros coffee.
Texting, Skyping and talking to her young man.
Volleyball, laughing with friends, and driving her car.
These are a few of HER favorite things.

Boston Red Sox baseball team,
and a huge Big Mac.
Ebay, Craigslist, garage sales,
and I-tunes and apps.
Playing ball, video games, time with friends,
and of course, BSU Broncos.
These are a few of HIS favorite things.

This is my prayer today:
That God's Word becomes their number one favorite thing, above all else.

Lord, your Word is full of treasures for your children to find.  It speaks of you and your love for us.  As we dig deep, take time to ponder, and study your Word, we get to know you better, and we understand in a deeper way what you have created us for.  Your Word speaks to every condition.  Lord, I pray that your Word becomes one of Alyssa and Kyle's "favorite things".  I pray that it becomes something that they would never want to live without, and that they depend on for spiritual food, guidance, and hope for their future.  Thank you for your precious Word, dear Jesus!  It is our heritage forever, and the joy of my heart!

 

Thankful Thursday

 

"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long."  Psalm 71:8









There's been so much going on in our lives this week.  Spring is always a busy season.  I guess it just give us more reasons to praise God!

• Beth Moore came to Boise...and I was there with 73 friends/Friends!  And Beth gave our group a shout-out!  What a delight to hear her preach God's Word to a room full of 5,000+ women!
• Friends of ours celebrated 40 years of marriage!  What a great example to the rest of us.  God is good!
• A dear friend died this week and Tuesday we took some time to give God praise for his life.  Rod was a beautiful picture of a true Christ-follower,  The service really gave tribute to his faith, his discipline, and his passion for Jesus,  Though Rod will be greatly missed, I'm sure he is reveling in Who he is hanging with now! 
• Kyle took one of the first steps into adulthood and got his drivers license.  I think he is excited to fly and experience a little bit of freedom.  My taxi-driving days are over.  Weird.
• Graduation is coming and the celebration and recognitions are arriving.  Our mailbox has been holding some thoughtful and generous congratulations.  I'm in awe of the kindness and love of our friends and family.  Lyss is excited about her big day and wrapped up the last of her tests yesterday.  High school is coming to a close.  

All day long I find reason to declare His splendor.  My mouth is continually filled with praise!  What a mighty God we serve!

Lord, oh my Lord, you are such a good God.  Thank you for being with our family this week.  You've brought us through and we have much to give you praise for.  You are the giver of life, the provider of strength and the supplier of all comfort and blessing.  We declare your splendor, dear Savior!



 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Coming and Goings

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."  Psalm 121:8

Yesterday was Kyle's first day driving without parents in the car. Yes, he is now a licensed driver!  I've got two of them!  Wowza.

I remember that feeling of fear the first time I let Lyss drive off by herself.  It's kind of hard to let them go off on their own the first time. I may worry, fret and let my thoughts go places they shouldn't, and will try instead to go to prayer until I get the required text that lets me know he  has arrived safely...much to his dismay.  What peace that comes over me when my phone lets off a sound and I read the words "I'm here."

I think Kyle will enjoy the freedom that comes with driving, just like his sister did, but for a while (or maybe forever) I'll pray that God watches over his coming and going. 

And congratulations to my son on this big milestone in his life!

Lord, I am in awe that your eyes range throughout the earth and you watch over your children's comings and goings.  There's no better truth for a parent to hold onto.  Each day our children are gaining more and more independence and freedom, and our out of our reach to protect, guide and hold onto.  As Alyssa and Kyle are out and about, please keep watch over them.  Spread your hand of protection around them and cover them with your angels.  Go with them down every path, dear Jesus, and always be by their side.  You are their God, and you love them dearly, and for that I put my complete trust in you!

 

Many Hats

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails".  Proverbs 19:21

It's common in life to wear many hats.  Maybe not exactly like shown in the picture (and,  yes, all of those are Kyle's hats!), but in the roles we play and the ways we serve our God.

For instance, I am a mom, wife, friend, daughter, pastor's wife, Bible study teacher., worship leader, etc...and sometimes I'm those things all on the same day.

Some hats are more becoming than others because God has gifted me in particular ways.

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well."  Romans 12:6 (The Message) 

As my kids grow, they too will have many hats to wear, but I pray that they find the ones that fit them best, and wear them well!


Lord, thank you for the different gifts you have given Alyssa and Kyle.  In life, they will have many opportunities to use their gifts and I pray that they use then well.  They will also be given tasks, assignments, and opportunities for leadership that stretch them and take them outside of their giftings.  In each role, dear Jesus, I pray that you strengthen Alyssa and Kyle, give them your wisdom, and help them find success and joy in what they are doing.  May they revel in the gifts you have given them, and use them well for the glory of your kingdom!

 

Salvation Saturday

 I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle find rest in You alone;
   their hope comes only from You.
You alone, Lord, are their rock and their salvation;
   You are their fortress, and I pray that they will not be shaken.
Alyssa and Kyle's salvation and honor depend on You;

   God, You are their mighty rock, and their refuge.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle trust in You at all times,

   and pour out their hearts to You,
   for You alone are their refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8)

True Success

"As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  2 Chronicles 26:5

Kyle & Lyss (2000)

Every mom wants to see her children be successful.  Sometimes I ponder what Alyssa and Kyle will be like 10 or 20 years from now.  I wonder what they will be doing with their lives, what careers they will choose, or what their families will look like. 

Kyle talks more about success, than Alyssa does.  Maybe it's a man thing. He's dreamed of making it big in baseball, and what he'll do with the money he makes.  When he thinks of a career, he's running down the line of who he deems "rich".  I'm glad he has ambition, but I hope that as he dreams big, he'll seek the Lord in his decisions.  Following Him, no matter the cost, will bring their greatest reward I'm sure!

I don't think of success being marked by how much money our children make, or if they live in big homes, and have lots of "toys".  In my eyes, I will see Alyssa and Kyle as successful if they are happy and following Jesus with all their heart. 

Lord, I know that you have wonderful plans for our children's lives.  Their futures hold great success, pleasure, and treasures, as they decide to seek after you.  Your Word promises that when they seek you, they will find you, and when they ask, you will answer.  I pray, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to look to you for guidance, wisdom, help in their decisions, and follow you to the ends of their earth.  Seeking after you sometimes takes work, and time, but you will never fail to show them the way you have planned for them.  Open their eyes that they see you clearly, and their hearts so that they are willing and ready to go wherever you lead.  You want to give Alyssa and Kyle the desires of their hearts, I know that full well, but I pray their hearts will always desire to seek after you.

 

Thankful Thursday: Staring in Awe

 Far and wide 

they'll come to a stop,
      they'll stare in awe,

 in wonder.
   Dawn and dusk

 take turns calling, 

"Come and worship." 

--Psalm 65:8 (The Message) 

Staring in awe...

• Spring flowers.
• Sunshine and warm afternoons.
• Election work complete.
• Prom fun.
• Beautiful daughter.
• Pinochle night (and winning).
• Mother's Day moments.
• Spectacular coffee maker.
• New life in Christ.
• Passed driving test.
• Good grades.
• Notes of encouragement.
• Coffee with a friend.
• Graduation preparations.
• College beginnings.

Oh Lord, I come to a stop today, and stare in awe and wonder, at the many ways I've seen your hand of blessing on our lives this week.  I see you in the beauty of your creation, and it calls to my heart, "come and worship".  I also see you in my children's lives, and every day I stand in awe at your activity and blessing, and I can't help but give you thanks and praise for your place in our lives.  Lord, thank you for not being a God that is silent, unavailable, and unreachable.  You are so good and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know that full well!

 

Wordless Wednesday