Washed Clean

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior."  Titus 3:4-6

I know I talked about baseball yesterday, but since we are in the midst of a tournament, it just seems like we are eating, sleeping, and breathing the game.  We only have 2 games a day in this tournament, but when they are spread across the day, there's not much else you can do. 

With all the slides into bases, and dives for balls, Kyle has major stains on his white pants.  White pants just seem to hold onto that red dirt.  No matter what stain remover I try, how much laundry detergent I use, or how long I let them soak, there's permanently a faint sign of the dirt.

Sometimes we think our sins stain our hearts the same way.  Sure, we may have to live with the consequences long term, but the moment we ask God for His forgiveness, our sins are washed away and our hearts made clean.  We don't need any "extra" treatment or further washings. 

If there is some dirt in your heart today, just ask God for a good cleaning!  I pray my children believe that with a child-like faith.

Lord, you have revealed your kindness and love, and saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of your mercy.  May Alyssa and Kyle know that full well.  You wash away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. You generously pour out your Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior!  Oh what a gift to behold and take hold of.   I pray that Alyssa and Kyle believes in you, Savior, with all their hearts and minds.  Amen.


 

Baseball is a Team Sport

"A body isn't just a single part blown up into something huge. It's all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together."  I Corinthians 12:17

State Champions 2008 

(Kyle is on the bottom row, far left)

This summer we have been watching a lot of baseball. I think Kyle has something like 40+ games in two months.  That's a lot of hours, let me tell you.  But, I have to admit that it is such a great delight to watch my son play. 

The thing about Kyle though, is that he just doesn't like to talk about the games with me, when things are all said and done.  If I say that he has a good game, he just shrugs his shoulders and says "I guess".  And if it's game where he's had an error or a loss, he REALLY doesn't want to talk about it.  I find that sometimes he carries the weight of the loss on his shoulders.  One little mess-up has the potential to cause quite the silent treatment as he broods and mulls over the game.

But baseball is about teamwork.  Together the team wins.  Or together they loose.  The pitcher, catcher, and outfielders are all needed in order to make an out.  And one batter isn't likely going to produce enough runs for a win.  Kyle may be hard on himself for an error here or there, but the game is not all about him.  He's just a part of the team.

A good reminder for life.  We need each other!  And if we make a mistake, there hopefully will be someone to back us up and assist us to make the win!

Lord, I thank you that life isn't a game we play all by ourselves.  We need one another.  You give different gifts, to different people, so that we can help one another and function together as the body of Christ.  Help Alyssa and Kyle realize the gifts they have and the parts you have called them to play in the body of believers.  Allow them eyes to see their need for others, and how the gifts and talents you have given to other people can be a blessing in their lives.  Keep Alyssa and Kyle from beating themselves up, or thinking that they aren't important, especially when they face failure.  You have wonderfully made your team, each player with abilities where they shine and are needed, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize their role on your team, dear Jesus.

P.S.  If you want to hear some bragging on Kyle's day on the field yesterday, it wouldn't take much prodding for me to tell you all about it!  ha!  It was a good day of ball!

 

Thankful Thursday: A Day of Rejoicing

"Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice." 1 Chronicles 16:10

• Our church approved hiring an Associate Pastor to begin July 15.
• Kyle pitched in last Saturdays game and got 3 outs in 3 pitches!  What a smile he (and his dad) had coming off the field!
• We attended a beautiful wedding where God's presence was truly felt.
• Lyss is cleaning her room, preparing for college and working on thank you cards.  Whew.
• The weather has been delightful.  As I sit outside on my patio, I'm reminded to be thankful for God's creation and my home.
• Lyss had pink-eye, and with a nice little expensive bottle of antibiotics, her eyes turned to a normal color and she's back in good health.
• VBS is in full swing at our church and I love watching our church family work together to pull of such an amazing ministry.  It feels weird, I have to admit, to not be a part of it this year, but I can see how much the kids are loving their week!

Lord, I love that you are such a constant presence in our lives.  You're continually moving, leading, guiding and changing your children.  I rejoice in you, my Savior!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can begin to see the ways you are active in their lives, and find that their hearts are full of praise and thanksgiving.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for each gift from you!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Supply What I Lack

This is a prayer I found online and appreciated it's content. Just the perfect prayer for today.  I especially appreciated the part about being a parent.   It's a hard job, man, and needs much prayer!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this treasured child of mine. Although you have entrusted him/her to me, I know he belongs to you. Like Hannah offered Samuel, I dedicate my child to you, Lord. I recognize that he is always in your care. 

Help me as a parent, Lord, with my weaknesses and imperfections. Give me strength and godly wisdom to raise this child after your Holy Word. Please supply what I lack. Keep my child walking on the path that leads to eternal life. Help him to overcome the temptations in this world and the sin that would so easily entangle him. 

Dear God, send your Holy Spirit daily to lead and guide him. Ever assist him to grow in wisdom and stature, in grace and knowledge, in kindness, compassion and love. May he serve you faithfully with his whole heart devoted to you. May he discover the joy of your presence through daily relationship with your Son, Jesus. 

Help me never to hold on too tightly to this child, nor neglect my responsibilities before you as a parent. Lord, let my commitment to raise this child for the glory of your name cause his life to forever testify of your faithfulness. 

In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

 

Immediate Obedience

"Noah did everything just as God commanded him."  Genesis 6:22 

When you're hanging out with kids it doesn't take long before you see or hear them disobey or ignore their parents. Even my own at 18 and 15.  It can be so exasperating.  I wonder if God ever finds His children disobedient?  Somehow, failing to listen to directions, or going where told, comes pretty naturally to kids.  It's not even something we have to teach.  


In fact, as parents we need to be better at teaching our kids to be obedient.  Sometimes those are hard lessons.  I'll tell you what, it's better to do it sooner than later.  


I've always been struck with this quote:
"Delayed obedience is still disobedience".  


There should be no waiting for the count to three.  Let's be children who obey the first time!  
And every time!


Lord, thank you for the example of Noah.  May we be like him and do everything you command us to.  I also pray that Alyssa and Kyle are obedient to the things you ask of them, and even obedient to those over them here on earth.  Please help them to be respectful of laws, followers of your commands, and obedient to those in authority.  Obedience, Lord, sometimes feels like the surrender of our rights and an inhibitor to our wants and desires, but I pray that Alyssa and Kyle choose not to look to their own interest, but to the interest of others.  I pray that our kids find obedience worth the effort, and I pray that I can be a parent who calls them to a higher standard of doing what is asked for.  Lord, take our human hearts, that are often selfish, lazy, and ignorant, and make them more like your servant heart. 

 

Praying Scripture for Salvation Saturday

Dear Jesus, when Alyssa and Kyle belong to you they won’t be punished. The Holy Spirit will give them life that comes from you and will set them free from sin and death. The Law of Moses cannot do this, because our selfish desires make the Law weak. But you set Alyssa and Kyle free when you sent your own Son to be like us sinners and to be a sacrifice for our sin. You used Christ’s body to condemn sin. You did this, so that Alyssa and Kyle would do what the Law commands by obeying the Spirit instead of our own desires.
 
People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. If Alyssa and Kyle's minds are ruled by their desires, they will die. But if Alyssa and Kyle's minds are ruled by the Spirit, they will have life and peace. Our desires fight against you, God, because they do not and cannot obey your laws.  If we follow our desires, we cannot please you.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are no longer ruled by their desires, but by your Spirit, who lives in them. People who don’t have the Spirit of Christ in them don’t belong to you. But you lives in Alyssa and Kyle. So they are alive because God has accepted them, even though their bodies must die because of their sins. Yet you raised Jesus to life! Your Spirit now lives in Alyssa and Kyle, and you will raise them to life by your Spirit.

O Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle choose not live to satisfy their desires. If they do, they will die. But Alyssa and Kyle will live, if by your help they say “No” to their desires. Only those people who are led by you, Lord, are his children. Your Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of you. Instead, Alyssa and Kyle become your children and call you our Father. You make Alyssa and Kyle sure that they are your children. You let them know that together with you they will be given what you have promised. They will share in the glory of Christ, because they have suffered with him.

Amen

 Romans 8:1-17

 

What I Long For

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."   John 17:15-17

Brother and Sister (1998)

Sometimes this world is a scary place.  And sometimes that "scary" stuff looks pretty attractive, fun, and harmless.  Sometimes it appears to be so "cool".

"Everyone does it!"
"All my friends have it."
"Well, their mom let's them go."

Do we as Christians, look different than the world around us?  Unfortunately, sometimes not a whole lot.  We allow ourselves to participate, or partake of things, that don't necessarily reflect Christ. 

"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God."  Leviticus 20:7

Holiness...The state of quality of being holy; perfect moral integrity or purity; freedom from sin; sanctity; innocence.  The adjective "holy," as applied to persons, is thus defined:  spiritually whole or sound; of unimpaired innocence and virtue:  free from sinful affections:  pure in heart; godly; pious; irreproachable; guiltless, acceptable to God.

It's a daily choice, to not follow the selfish desires of our heart, or the temptations that the enemy places in our paths, but God asks us to be different...to be holy.  To be in this world, but not of it.

Lord, you call your children to "be holy", but without you in our lives holiness is an impossibility.  Because we are human, we will always be unholy, but we can make choices in our lives that help us to more reflect holiness in our lives.  My prayer is not that you take our children out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one, and you help them to choose purity, integrity, innocence, and godliness.  Holy Spirit, move in my children when they are tempted to participate in something that doesn't fall in line with your desires for their lives.  Give them an uncomfortableness and "squirmy" feeling when they are in the presence of evil, or something that will void your holiness in their lives.  Help their choices to reflect the holiness that you desire for their lives.  Encourage them as they are in this world, to be not a part of worldly things.  Holiness, for me and my children, Lord, is what I long for.
 

Thankful Thursday

"I will climb up to my watchtower
    and stand at my guardpost.
There I will wait to see what the Lord says    and how he will answer my complaint."  Habakkuk 2:1



Sometimes I have to be intentional in my watch for God-sightings in my life, and other times they hit me over the head as if to say "pay attention"!  Standing guard and being watchful takes discipline, intention, and sometimes work.  However, I know God never fails to show up in our lives!  Here's a sampling of the ways I saw God in our lives this week!


A movie date with my hubby.
A graduation party with 5 graduates from our church.
A generous church family.  So many cards and gifts.
A shopping date with my boy.
A funny church service on Sunday.  Laughter is good.
A Father's Day outing...zoo and pizza.  Two favorites!
Father's day s'mores around the new fire pit. (God sighting because in Ken's sermon he commented on how he longed for more family moments on the back porch, and we hadn't even given him the gift we had bought yet.)
First purchases for college.
Lunch with dear friends.
Kyle pitched an inning, which he hasn't done in a year, and did awesome!
This is my 900th blog post.  Wowza!


God is good.
All the time!


Lord, as I stand and take a look around, I see you in our lives in so many ways.  You are present everywhere, and when I take the time to open my eyes, I can see that I am blessed.  Thank you for hearing my prayers for my family and thank you for being continually at work molding us, guiding us, and leading us closer towards you!  Sometimes I come to you with complaints, and sometimes lay my worries at your feet, and you are always faithful to answer.  I am blessed,  So very blessed, to be your daughter!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Listen Up!

"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears..."  James 1:19 (The Message)

"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." --Stephen Covey, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to lead with their ears.  Help them to be good listeners of instruction, of people's hearts, and of You.  Investing themselves in understanding other people's words will be a benefit in their lives.  Being quick to listen and slow to speak will help them go far in relationships and in ministry.  Dear Father, thank you for hearing and listening this way.  May Alyssa and Kyle reflect you to the world around them with their ears that hear.
 
 

An Unlikely Pairing

"Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?"  2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT)

Some things just don't belong together.  Sure, hot fudge sundaes are a delight, and bacon can make ones tongue water, but in the same mouthful?  Really?  


My family was not so sure, so we dared to give it a try.

Some things just don't belong together.


The bacon hot fudge sundae reminded me that some marriages aren't made in heaven and a prayer for our kids came to mind.  God's Word encourages believers to "team up" with other believers.  To do otherwise would make an unlikely match. 

Oh how I long for Alyssa and Kyle to have marriages centered on the Lord, and with a person who makes the perfect combination!  Something more like a hot fudge sundae with peanuts on top, because some things DO belong together!


Lord, watch over Alyssa and Kyle as they begin looking for "just the right one" to spend their life with. I pray that they stand firm in their choices to marry one who believes in you like they do.  Give them wisdom and guidance as they date and enjoy friendships.  Open doors and put up road blocks, so that without a shadow of a doubt, Alyssa and Kyle know who it is that is a perfect match made by you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have marriages centered on you, dear Jesus, and spouses who love them deeply and completely, for all of life. 

 

Choose Today, Babies!

“For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” Deuteronomy 30:16

When I began this blog back in 2009, I committed Saturdays to pray for my kids’ salvation… “Salvation Saturdays”. My greatest desire in this life is to know that my kids have fallen in love with Jesus and are living their lives for Him. So, I’m going to keep on praying that their childhood decisions for Christ remain steadfast all the days of their lives!

One of the most glorious parts of being in ministry, in my opinion, is watching people on their journey to finding God. I love it when we get to be a part of people’s lives when they start to ask questions about God, and are seeking the answers to whatever it is that their souls are crying out for. These precious people come in all ages, and from many different life experiences that have shaped their thinking about God, but all needing the one thing that will fill the nagging emptiness in their lives. Some have waited a long time to meet Jesus, and have lived a lot of their lives missing out on the hope Christ can offer. How tragic to miss out on so much living with Him, but how beautiful to watch their new life begin.

I pray that my children fall more in love with Jesus today, so that they can enjoy each and every day of their lives in the precious presence of the Lord. May they not waste one day running after things that won’t give them eternal happiness. Today is the day of salvation!

Lord, thank you for the precious prayers that my kids have prayed when they were younger, asking you into their hearts. I long that they stand firm in those decisions all the days of their lives. I pray for the continued salvation of my children. May they decide today to live their entire lives for you. May they love you Lord, and walk in your ways, and keep your commands, decrees and laws. I pray that you will bless my children, O Lord, as they live for you, and love you with their hearts, minds and souls. Thank you for hearing the prayer of this mother’s heart.

 

Ears that 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)

My kids are probably like any other kid.  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.

 

Thankful Thursday

“Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord.  Zechariah 2:10

This girl is shouting in gladness for the things God has been doing in our lives this week!  Won't you join me in praise and thanksgiving?!

• Lyss and I took a road trip to Oregon.  Two girls riding the highways all by themselves.  We had a great time with family over the weekend, celebrated some graduations, and enjoyed getting away.  

• The boys had some "man time" while we were away.  Baseball games, bowling, fishing, video games and I'm guessing some eating out on the town. Kyle probably loved the time watching the Miami Heat win too!

• Our church made the decision to hire a new "youth guy".  I'm praying expectantly and with great anticipation for what God has in store for the youth of our church!

• My daughter drove us safely through downtown Portland on Tuesday morning.  Watching my girl safely maneuver through the craziness, and us getting us through to the "other side", brought a sense of growing up and pride.  Thank you, Lord!

• We've had lots of baseball.  Last night alone Kyle hit a double and a single, and made some great defensive plays.  I've also been blessed by our cheering section.  It's fun to have friends come and watch the game, and cheer our boy on.

• I've been going through 18 years worth of photos (for our graduation party on Saturday), and though the disorganization is discouraging, the delight in watching the faithfulness of God in our lives through the years in those pictures, makes me stand in awe of His presence and blessing, over and over again.  God has given us beautiful kids, a precious life, and a treasure of memories to hold onto.

 What are you giving God thanks for today?  Isn't He so wonderful!

Lord, with gladness I shout to you!  You live among us in so many ways! Thank you, dear Jesus, for the many blessings of this week.  Thank you for leaving your fingerprints all over our lives.  Alyssa and Kyle are yours, in every way, and I pray that they see your handiwork even in the ordinariness of their days.  I pray that they call you, Lord and Savior, and find their existence blessed by your presence.  I love you, Father, and give you all the praise and thanks.

Your Daughter,

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Big Givers

"Be generous to the poor—you'll never go hungry;
   shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses."  

--Proverbs 28:27 (The Message)

"When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. 

Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. 

That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, 

working behind the scenes, helps you out."

 --Matthew 6:3-4 (The Message)

"God loves it when the giver delights in the giving."

--2 Corinthians 9:7 (The Message)

                           

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be cheerful givers.  May their hearts respond with a big "yes" when they see others who are in need.  Teach them to be especially generous to the poor and needy.  Help them to be wise in their spending and saving, so that they can have the freedom to be generous whenever they are aware of a need.  As they find wonderful opportunities to be a blessing to others, keep their pride in check and keep their mouths from boasting about their giving.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they will always give out of a heart of love and generosity, and not out of guilt, pride, or because of someone else's expectation besides your own.  May generosity always mark Alyssa and Kyle's lives.
 

Cousin Love

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."  1 John 4:11

Lyss and I are hanging out with family this weekend.  I love the fact that the cousins enjoy each others company.  There's lots of laughter and love when they are together.

I see them following one of Jesus' greatest commands in beautiful fashion.

Love one another.

Lord, thank you for the people in our lives who love us unconditionally and accept us right where we are at.  Thank you for family.  I love that Alyssa and Kyle have cousins that adore them, and that they adore in return.  What a blessing it is to have time together and the laughter that comes as a result. Continue to teach Alyssa and Kyle how to love deeply from their hearts, to forgive easily, and to build up those  you place in their lives.  You can be reflected in their words and actions towards others.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to love others, and love them well!

 

Heart Condition

And so the Lord says,
“These people say they are mine.
They honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
And their worship of me
is nothing but man-made rules 
learned by rote. 
              --Isaiah 29:13



I always enjoyed watching my kids play "doctor.  I think mostly Lyssa was the doctor and Kyle the patient. Not that it was a common occurrence, but what I found interesting was that they'd often go to check the heart of their "patient" first.  They didn't know any better, but I think they had something there.  Maybe they were doctors in training!  We all know that the heart beat is a sign of  life, and depending on it's strength, signals health or not. 

We each have a "heart condition" in regards to our relationship with God.  I was struck by the passage in Isaiah above because it confronts us with the fact that we can say we believe in God, yet still have hearts that are far from the Him.  We can believe in His Sovereignty and power, and in His faithfulness and love, but still not have a living and growing, life-changing relationship with our Savior.

On this "Salvation Saturday" I'm praying for the heart condition of my kids. I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with Jesus, and that they never find their hearts far from Him.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle say that you are their Lord and Savior.  I pray that they honor you with their lips.  And above all, I pray that their hearts are never far from you.  May their worship of you be life giving, strength sustaining, and honor-filled toward you, their God.  As Alyssa and Kyle accept you as their Savior, may they not just live by a list of dos and don'ts, but live in a personal relationship with you.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing this mom's prayer!
 
 

Perseverance in Trials

Let's pray some Scripture today!  Happy Friday, everyone!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can consider it pure joy whenever they face trials of many kinds, because You allow the testing of our faith to develop perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that Alyssa and Kyle may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. When Alyssa and Kyle lack wisdom, they should ask You, Father, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to them. But when Alyssa and Kyle ask, help them to believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Blessed is Alyssa and Kyle when they persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that You have promised to those who love You.  (James 1:2-8, 12)

Amen!

 

Thankful Thursday: He Hears

They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.'  Zechariah 13:9

 Alyssa & Kyle (2003)

I know that God hears my prayers.  How do I know?  He answers.

Sometimes with a "yes".
Sometimes with a "no".
Once in a while with a "let's wait and see."
Periodically He changes my mind.

However, I always have an assurance that He is listening.

This week was no different.  I sensed His care as I cast my burdens on Him, and He answered me when I called.


Lord, thank you for hearing your children when they call on your name.  Thank you for answering me when I prayed to you for help this week.  I know and trust that you are watching over Alyssa and Kyle and you are fighting for and working on their behalf every day.  When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.  I pray that when Alyssa and Kyle need you, they will know they can cast their cares on you and you will care for them.  We are your people, O Lord, and you are our God.  Thank you for answering us when we call.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Like a Bird

My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God. 

Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    O Lord Almighty, 

 my King and my God.  

Blessed are those who 

dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you. 

--Psalm 84:2-4 

We have a trio of trees in our backyard (pictured above) that is about as close to heaven as you can get for some birds.  Each morning and every night we get concert of major proportions.  Sometimes it's so loud, the kids are hollering for the birds to shut-up.  Of course, most of the time, I find the singing to be a sweet, sweet sound.

Yesterday in church someone shared in open worship (a good description here if you want to know more) about the peace that a bird has as it's singing in the trees.  They worry for nothing and they spend their days rejoicing.  Such lives of peace (at least as far as we know!).

So, as I hear the birds sing, I will remember to "Be still and know that He is God" and rest in His presence with me...oh, and rejoice!!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's souls yearn to be in your presence.  You are the living God and they can dwell with you day by day.  Whatever their life circumstance they can trust that you are in and over all.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to live at peace knowing that you are God and you are in control of all.  You are their provider, their strength, and their hope, and because of that, they can let go of any worry, fear or toiling!  May they find that dwelling with you is cause for crying out in praise and thanksgiving.

(I've written about the birds in my trees in a previous post: HERE_

 

Quite a Stink

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” Colossians 3:8

I have some great family memories from camping; from when I was a kid, and then when I had kids of my own. As a parent, I often wish that we had been better at fitting in times to take the family to the mountains to make memories that my kids will remember for a lifetime as well. I guess at least we have a few good memories to hold onto!

One of the camping trips we went on, when the kids were little, wasn’t to the deep woods of a forest, but it was just outside the city of Lewiston, Idaho along the Snake River. With little ones it was nice to have a place with bathrooms and electricity, and be close to a town if we needed anything. I have many fun childhood memories camping at this park as well.

Even though this campground is close to town, it still felt like we were away from civilization and were getting a “real” camping experience. We even had the opportunity to see some wildlife. Alyssa was probably about four years old, and she absolutely loved the family of skunks that happened to wander through our campground. How cute is a mama skunk and her two little babies? Oh my. In the daytime, we could watch them at a distance, but in the pitch black of night you had no idea where they were and how to stay clear.  I think that was scarier than the thought of a bear out in the woods.

Of course, little Alyssa wanted to follow them, maybe get a little closer, and hold one of those sweet little babies. Baby animals are so cuddly looking, you know? It was hard to explain to her that those precious little creatures wouldn’t be so “precious” if they decided to defend themselves. Even baby skunks can make quite a stink.

The same is true with the words that come from our mouths. It only takes a few foul words, swearing or just plain unkind, to stink things up. Our words have the power to encourage or discourage, to build up or tear down, and the moment we speak someone can decide if we are friend or foe. Our words are a reflection of what is in our heart, and it only takes a little “stink” to overpower, infiltrate, and impact someone's heart, and prove that ours is in need of some serious cleaning up.

I pray that the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to Him!  And I'll pray that for my little "stinkers" as well!

Lord, thank you for the reminder of the power of our words and the need to be careful how we speak. This is a lesson that I pray Alyssa and Kyle can learn now, early in life.  With our words we can worship you and give you glory, or we can bring shame and dishonor, to you or to others. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  Oh the lessons we need to learn, and the practice we need to have when it comes to the words of our mouth. Please help rid Alyssa and Kyle of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from their lips. Lord, open their mouths so that they will declare your praise every moment of every day.