Growing in Patience

"Love is patient, love is kind."  1 Corinthians 13:4

Even at 18 and 15 my children have troubles getting along.  Yesterday, in the heat of the day and in the busyness of errands, I found myself remarking on how they were acting like they did when they were 8 and 5.

"He's touching me."
"She's making fun of me."
"Moooommm."
"She hit me."
"He won't stop."

My index fingers finally found their way to my ears and the child-like side of me responded with, "La-la-la, I can't hear you!"

I'm thinking that there is still room for prayer in the department of patience and kindness...especially in regards to my kids relationship with one another. 

Oh Lord, you're sure not finished yet!

I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle grow in patience and kindness.  May the words of their mouths, and the meditation of their hearts be pleasing to you.  When hot-tempered, Alyssa and Kyle can stir up dissension, but when patient they can calm a quarrel.  Lord, mark our dear children with your Spirit, so that they will look more and more like you to the world around them.  Amen.

 

Made to Praise

"Do everything without complaining..."  Philippians 2:14

I'm thinking it's pretty impossible to praise and complain simultaneously.  However, I have to admit that complaining comes more naturally to me.  Two different times yesterday God reminded me of this lesson and I realized the prompting as something I need to work on.
 
I complain about Alyssa's messes...
but choose today to praise Jesus that she's home for a few more weeks.


I complain about Kyle's busy ball schedule...
but choose today to praise Jesus for His talent and ability.


And I sometimes complain about the bickering or hyperness...
but choose today to praise Jesus for Alyssa and Kyle's health.


Today, I want to choose to praise Jesus,
and be a better example to my family or how to give God thanks 
instead of being a complainer.


Lord, help me teach Alyssa and Kyle to be people who give you praise in all things.  Your Word encourages us to do everything without complaining.  Take that old sinful nature of ours, the one that likes to complain and be ungrateful, and replace it with a heart of thanksgiving.  Fill our mouths with praise that we might declare your awesomeness to the world around us.  Make Alyssa and Kyle's eyes truly sensitive to you in their world and all that you've given them.  Lord, you bless our lives with good things and I give you all the praise and thanks!

 

A Better Kind of Addiction

"Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water."  Hebrews 10:22

My daughter has this crazy addiction.  She can't have enough of the little sanitizing hand gels from Bath & Body Works.  I'm sure it will take her the next ten years to use the stash she already owns.  I'm not sure if its a fascination of having clean hands or the temptation of wonderful smells.  Either way she gets both I guess.  

I guess hand gel can give a good cleaning, but so can a good wash with soap and water.  They can clean our hands well.  However, only one thing can cleanse our hearts.  I'm afraid all the Bath & Body gel in the world won't get that job done. Only Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ alone washes away our sins, makes us clean, and makes our hearts new.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle accepts the gift of His salvation, and have confidence in knowing that their hearts are cleansed by Him. What joy He alone will bring.

And I can guarantee this:  He is such a better addiction than Bath & Body hand gel. 

Lord, create in Alyssa and Kyle a pure heart, 

  and renew a steadfast spirit within them.
Do not cast Alyssa and Kyle from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from them.
Restore to Alyssa and Kyle the joy of your salvation
   and grant them a willing spirit, to sustain them.(Psalm 51:10-12)

 

 

Freedom in Christ

"The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them."  Ezekiel 34:27

 Kyle on an amusement park ride...

strapped up and ready to go!

"Part of God's consistent character is wooing the captive to freedom."  --Beth Moore, Breaking Free

So many things can keep us from experiencing a life of freedom and joy in Christ.  I look at my children's lives, and pray that God will keep them from being held captive by fears, depression, low self worth, dependence on drugs, alcohol or food...and the list goes on and on. Each and any one of those things will hold them back from living the abundant life God has planned for them, and replace the security He alone gives.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:29-30

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always live in the real existence of Christ's yoke!


Lord, I come boldly to your throne and pray on Alyssa and Kyle's behalf.  I pray that they will be secure in their land, and will know that you are the Lord.   Please break the bars of whatever yokes them to something or someone other than you, and rescue them from the hands of whatever enslaves them.  Remove, Lord, the fears that hold Alyssa and Kyle, and keep them from experiencing true freedom in their lives.  Bind them only to You.  You are consistent and faithful, loving each of your children, providing peace, a firm foundation, and courage to live life abundantly.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle sense your wooing, and your call to a life of freedom in you! 
 

Thankful Thursday

Yearly Meeting prayer time

This week, at our church's annual conference, I've had the opportunity to lead our faith community in some prayer exercises each morning before the business sessions begin.  Yesterday, I lead them in praying a prayer for one another.  It was suggested it would be a good prayer for our children. 

Since it is "Thankful Thursday" I do want to give thanks to the Lord for the community of believers my family is a part of.  A blessing beyond words.

Here's today's prayer for our children...

Lord, I ask you to fill                        with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  And I pray this in order that                              may live a life worthy of you and may please you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of you, being strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that                               may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For you have rescued                           from the dominion of darkness and brought them into the kingdom of the Son you love, in whom                             has redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  (Colossians 1:9-14)

Thank you to those who pray alongside me!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Trusting the Lord

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
   he answers him from his holy heaven
   with the saving power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
   but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
   but we rise up and stand firm.  

--Psalm 20:6-8 

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to trust you.  Keep them from putting their trust in success, in others, or in the things of this world.  Build their trust so that it's deep and wide, and strengthen their roots in you and grow them deep in you, dear Jesus.  May they always trust in you and not men. (Psalm 146:3)  Help Alyssa and Kyle to learn to always trust in you and not to lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge you, for you will make their paths straight.  (Proverbs 3:5, 6)  Make their hearts willing and able to put their trust in  you, all the days of their life.  For blessed is the man who puts his hope and trust in you. (Psalm 84:12)  When Alyssa and Kyle trust in you, Lord, I pray that they will prosper. (Proverbs 28:25)  I know that they can trust in you Lord forever, for you Lord, the Lord, are the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4)
 

I See A Generation

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  1 Timothy 4:12

Part of our family is attending the annual conference of our church denomination.  There's a few things I love about this gathering, but I'll just share two.  It feels like a wonderful reunion of family and friends, and I love the worship times together.  I love seeing young and old alike standing and singing together in worship.  I love watching the generation of the future "rise up" and become leaders who will serve Him.  I pray that our kids are a part of those who will begin a revival, change lives, and follow God wherever He leads!

HOSANNA

by Brook Fraser, Hillsong United

I see the king of glory

Coming on the clouds with fire

The whole earth shakes

The whole earth shakes

I see his love and mercy

Washing over all our sin

The people sing

The people sing

Hosanna

Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest

I see a generation

Rising up to take their place

With selfless faith

With selfless faith

I see a near revival

Stirring as we pray and seek

We're on our knees

We're on our knees

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours

Everything I am for your kingdoms cause

As I go from nothing to

Eternity

Hosanna

Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest

Lord, you are the King of glory, and I am on my knees in prayer to you this day.  Oh, how I want to see a generation, rising up to take their place in this community of believers...a generation with a faith so deep and wide, that nothing would stop them from taking on the calling of following Christ no matter where He leads.  I pray this for Alyssa and Kyle especially.  That people would not look down on them because they are young, but that they would be an example to others in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  I pray for a revival in our children's hearts, that their faith becomes their own, and they live out of the firm conviction that you, Lord, are their God!  Let their generation take up your banner, and follow you all the days of their lives!

 

In No One Else

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."  Acts 4:12

Photo taken by Alyssa (2010)

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  (Psalm 8:9)  Teach our children your way, O Lord, and they will walk in your truth; give them an undivided heart, that they may fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)  Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.  (Psalm 79:9)  Encourage our children to put on the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  (Ephesians 6:17)  Like newborn babies, I pray that they crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it they may grow up in their salvation, and taste that you Lord are good. (1 Peter 2:2-3)  Help them to continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)  You alone are our rock and our salvation; you are our fortress.  (Psalm 62:6)  O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  (Psalm 8:9)
 

Laughing Together

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:2-3

Yesterday our church cried together as we said good bye to a young man who passed away.  And yesterday our church family laughed together as we said hello to new friends.  Two extremes in one day, but a reminder of how blessed we are to be a part of a church family. 

But today, we can say, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!

Lord, our mouths were filled with laughter!  Thank you for the joy that marks our lives because we live in communion of you, and in community with other believers.  You've designed and created us to worship you and to long for being in connection with others. I pray that as adults Alyssa and Kyle find a church that leads them into deeper relationship with you, and provides people to encourage them, stretch them, and cheer them on through life's successes and trials.  I pray that they find a sense of community that matches that of being a part of a family.  Being a part of a community of believers will be a vital part of their walk with you!  Thank you, dear Jesus, for our church family and the joy they bring to our lives!  You shine in them and through them in so many ways.  Truly we are blessed!

 

Thankful Thursday

"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

I'm reading "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp with some of the gals in my church.  I'm very struck/convicted by how difficult it is for me to remember to be thankful in the moment.  At the end of the day, if purposeful, I can look back one the many things God has blessed my life with, but if I am not purposeful then my mind fails to take notice and I easily turn to grumbling and complaining.  Some Thursdays I come to this post on the things I want to give God thanks for, but I have easily forgotten them and struggle to figure out what to write. 

I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God is at work in my life, and in the lives of my kids.  Why do I so easily forget?  Lord, help me to remember your blessing.

New Associate Pastors joining our team.
Lyssa's successful, but painful wisdom teeth surgery.
Thankful for pain medications and antibiotics.
Kyle was picked from his baseball team to participate in the All-Star game.
A group of church members joining together to help move in new friends.
Then their circling around Ken and I for prayer.
Friends coming to watch Kyle's games.
Sunshade to relieve us in the heat.
Even our business meeting at church (weird, I know)...
Much laughter and care for one another.

Much blessing for sure!

Lord, you shower us with so many gifts.  Through those things I am reminded of your power, love, and wisdom and my heart cries out with thanks.  Daily I see your hand in our lives!  Thank you for growing up Alyssa and Kyle in beautiful fashion, giving them healthy bodies and strong minds.  You are the giver of their lives, and each day that they live and breathe, and I want to stop and give you praise.  Lord, teach us to be mindful of the gifts you shower us with.  Train our minds to be alert and aware of your moving and providing.  May joy fill our minds, hearts, and mouths as we practice recognizing your presence with us!  You are good, so good, and I thank you for all the blessing that comes from you.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Not Neglecting His Word

 How can a Alyssa and Kyle keep their ways pure?
    By living according to your word.
I pray that they seek you with all their hearts;
    do not let them stray from your commands.
Teach Alyssa and Kyle to hide your word in their heart
    that they might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O Lord;
    teach Alyssa and Kyle your decrees.
With their lips may they recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.
May Alyssa and Kyle rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
And I pray that they meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
Oh that they delight in your decrees;
    and not neglect your word.

Psalm 119:9-16

 

Praise Him in the Storm

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

CHORUS:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm. 

My kids will (and have) faced a few storms in their lives, and I can probably guarantee them that there will be more to come.

I remember when Lyss was just a few months old, and not old enough to roll over yet (or so I thought), and she fell of my huge waterbed.  I was curling my hair in the bathroom and would poke my head out between curls, make her laugh, and then stick my head back in the bathroom to make another curl.   Next thing I knew I heard a cry and found my baby on the floor.  Oh my heart stopped.  Being the first time mom that I was I immediately called the doctor and rushed her to the office to get checked out.  The pediatrician was sweet as she looked over baby Alyssa, and was good at comforting this anxious and guilt ridden mom.  Before we left she said, "Tresa, this will not be the last time your baby will fall and get hurt, nor will it be the worse, and she will survive."

Yes, Alyssa and Kyle will fall and go through storms in their lives, and sometimes it will hurt a little and sometimes it will hurt a lot.  However, if they can "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" they will survive these storm and gain a treasure worth its weight in gold...a deeper relationship with God.

I pray that our kids learn to pray to Him AND praise Him in the storm.

Lord, I pray that in the storms of life Alyssa and Kyle find themselves joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.  As a mother, I always want to ask you to protect them through those falls and storms, but I also ultimately hope that they are refined, stretched, and grown into who you want them to be.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to trust you with all their heart, and never lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways (and through all their storms) acknowledge you, for I know and trust that you will make their paths straight.  May Alyssa and Kyle always pray to you and praise you in the storms.  Amen.

 

Salvation Saturday

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."  Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)

 Kyle swinging at Hayden Lake (2012)

To know the God who can do anything is the one thing I long most for my children. 
The One who can move mountains,
Heal the lame,
Free the captives,
Break down walls,
and
Forgive the sinners.

And to sense His Spirit gently working within them, is my prayer. Not the pushy, judgmental and angry God some think they know.
To know the depth of His love,
Feel His gentleness,
and
Believe in the hope He alone offers.

To know the God who can do anything
And to sense His Spirit gently working within.


Lord, oh the joy to know "the God who can do anything".  You offer hope to the lost, healing to the sick, forgiveness to the sinner, and love to the unlovely.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and believe in you as their own personal Savior and God.  And may they sense your Spirit gently working within them.  Your presence in their life is a gift to behold and hang onto.  I pray that they know you in personal, life-giving, hope-filling way, and love you with all their heart, mind and soul.  You are God, King of King and Lord of Lords, and you are our Savior and Friend!  May Alyssa and Kyle know that full well.

 

Boo-Boos and Owies

"This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show God's glory by glorifying God's Son."  John 11:4

 Kyle with a broken wrist (2011)

I remember fevers panicking this new mom,
Boo-boos on the knees and tears that needed comfort,
A broken finger before the first day of kindergarten,
A black eye from a baseball collision,
Raspberries from sliding into second base,
Or a broken wrist from trying to be safe at home plate.
Yesterday, it was oral surgery to remove four wisdom teeth.

Boo-boos, owies, and not-feeling-so-good moments.

A mom just hates to see her babies not feeling good or experiencing pain.  God doesn't promise me that they will never be harmed or free from illness.  I've been fully aware recently how fragile life truly is.  I'm praying for health and protection, and that in those occasions of sickness or hurt that they (and I) allow them show God's glory through our lives.

Lord, thank you for the health you have blessed Alyssa and Kyle with.  You have given them strong minds and bodies that can be used to show your glory.  Through the years you have provided much protection and healing and I give you thanks.  I ask, Father, that you continue to walk beside Alyssa and Kyle, giving them healing from sickness and protection from harm.  I am thankful for the life you give day after day. 

 

Thankful Thursday

"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2


I'm thankful today that God listens to me as I cry out my heart to Him on behalf of my children. Even more than myself, He probably wants my children to come to know Him in a personal and passionate way and He wants them to fall in love with His Word. I'm even confident that He wants them to love one another, live honest lives, and share Christ with others.

Thank you, Lord, for "hearing" my prayers, even as I type away here on my keyboard.

Thank you for hearing the prayers of those who reads this blog and are moved to pray for their own children or grandchildren.

Thank you for understanding our worries, cares and concerns, and passing onto us Your peace.

Thank you, Lord, for being a present part of our lives.

Thank you!
 
Lord, I stand in awe of you! Oh how amazing you are! Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayers, and listening to my cry for mercy on my children. You are always attentive, patient, and eager to be a part of our lives. Lord, because you turned your ear to me, I will call on you as long as I live.

 

Wordless Wednesday

Kyle & Dad (August 2008)

 

Avoiding Reckless Words

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

Brother and Sister (2004)

It's summer break and I think Alyssa and Kyle have way too much time together. They are best friends one minute, and worst enemies the next. Complaints are made that the other person eats too loud, talks too much, or is just plain "annoying." Words of irritation fly everywhere.

I pray that they will soon learn the power of their words. Their words can build-up or tear-down, bring war or promote peace, and have the power to change moods, irritations, and relationships forever. Sisters and brothers can be friends and encouragers of the best sort.

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless."
--Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

Today could be the beginning of kind and loving words between the siblings in this house. Hey, I can pray for that anyway. Our God is a miracle worker.

Oh Lord, this is the day that you have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! Be present with us in every moment, loving us, changing us, and making us more like you. Teach us, dear Jesus, to use our words wisely, and to be careful with how we speak. May our words be marked by your grace, peace, and compassion. Lord, teach my children the power of their words, and give them the discipline to hold their tongues and say only what is kind. I so want Alyssa and Kyle to recognize that their words can be reckless and pierce like a sword, or they can bring healing and encouragement. Mark our lives with your presence, and help us to shine you in all that we say and do. 

 

Life and Death Choices

"When good people turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. And when a wicked person turns away from his wicked life and starts living a just and righteous life, he'll come alive."  Ezekiel 33:18-19 (The Message)

Camping find...Grammy, Alyssa & Kyle (1998)

Choices.  Every day our children are faced with making choices.
Will they make wise choices?
Safe choices?
Moral choices?
Choices that bring life?

This last week was one full of our kids experiencing freedom. One child went off to church camp and another child spent a few nights in a motel with his baseball buddies. While our children were out and about without us, they were in positions to make their own choices.

I'm praying, good choices.

Each day that passes brings us closer to them leaving home (Lyss only has a month and a half before college begins), and the choices that they make then won't necessarily have consequences with mom and dad. They are even probably getting to the point where they could care less what we think about their life choices.  However, those choices could have life and death kinda consequences. Each decision or action, will either bring our children closer to God, or take them farther away from His presence and will.

I pray that they will always choose to honor God in all that they say and do.

Choose wisely, my babies!

Lord, please watch over our children, and protect them.  Move your Spirit in them, prodding them to always make choices that keep them safe, and reflect your presence in their lives.  Live and move in their hearts, Jesus.  May they always hear your voice behind them saying, "This is the way, walk in it."  Remove any fantasy from them, Lord, that make them think that things not of you bring happiness and pleasure.  Help them to find their deep joy and eternal satisfaction only in you.  Protect them from others who may lead them astray.  Lord, when Alyssa and Kyle turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. But if they come to a place in their lives and need to turn away from their wicked life and they start living a just and righteous life, they'll come alive.  What a beautiful promise of unconditional love, and the gift you give us, Lord, when we are repentant.  Thank you, for your forgiveness, and making us new when we choose turn back to you!  Lord, I pray that our children always choose You!

 

Increased Faith

"The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"  He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."  Luke 17:5-6

 

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God

whose ways you may not understand at the time." 

--Oswald Chambers

Oh, how I pray Lord, that our children have a "deliberate confidence" in you!  Increase Alyssa and Kyle's faith, dear Jesus.  I pray that faith will find root and grow in their hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them.  With faith in you, all things are possible.  May they not struggle to believe, hope, and act on your calling because fear has overtaken them, but make their faith the stronger contender.  Lord, thank you for the wonderful ways you'll increase their faith!

 

Real Friends

"There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."  Proverbs 18:24

Lyssa and her friend (2008)

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are protected from friends that try to destroy them, but instead have real friends that stick closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24)  Keep them safe from troublemakers that plant seeds of strife, and those who gossip because it separates and destroys the best of friends (Prov. 16:28)  Instead give Alyssa and Kyle friends who sharpen them like iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17)  Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.(Eccl. 4:9-12) I pray, Lord, that you give Alyssa and Kyle good friends, and in turn that they will be good friends to others.

 

Thankful Thursday: Morning and Night

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

Thanking the Lord for His blessings morning, noon, and night!

• Thank you cards for graduation gifts in the mail.  How blessed we were by people's generosity and thoughtfulness.
• Kyle's 11 hits in last weekend's baseball tournament.
• The flowers blooming in my yard.
• Vacation.
• Two elk along the road as we drove through Oregon.
• Cousins laughing together (picture above).
• A Grammy and Papa's love for their kids and grandkids.
• Lyss off to a week at camp.
• A moose sighting on the way to the airport...a reward for a 4:00 a.m. departure, I guess.  I enjoyed sleeping in instead.

God is good.
All the time!

Lord, I stand this morning to thank and praise you, and likewise will end my day in gratitude.  I give you thanks for our dear children and the ways you can be seen in their lives.  You're a God who shines down your love each day.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle stand, day after day, to thank and praise you too.  May our hearts be full of praise and thanksgiving today.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Set Apart

"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."  1 Peter 2:9-10 (The Message)

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will


(lyrics written by Brian Doerksen)

Lord, Alyssa and Kyle are chosen by you, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, As God's instruments they are made to do your work and speak out for you, to tell others of the night-and-day difference you made in their lives—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.  May they not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of their mind, that by testing they may discern what your will is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
 
 

18 Years

Yesterday marked an important anniversary for our family (or at least I think so!).  18 years ago, when we were just young and naive, with a little 2 month old in tow, we began the journey as pastor of our church.  18 years...It's so hard to believe (cause I'm really not that old...ha!). 

Many ups and downs. 
Lots of good times and a few hard ones. 
Blessings galore. 
Lives changed. 
A group of believers that we can truly call family.
Growth in so many ways.

18 years.  Where has the time gone?

I wonder what my kids will remember from these years?  I pray that ministry has been something that has ignited in them a faith that is real and genuine, and maybe even a love for service and ministry in their own lives.  It's a bit too early to tell, but I'm trusting God that these 18 years have been well worth it!

Cause I think it has!

Moving day of our new building & Alyssa's birthday...May 2006

Here's a blog I wrote back in 2010 about church life.  It's a prayer I am still praying for sure!

Church has been our life.  All our kids have known on Sunday mornings is church.  When the doors are open at the church, you will often find our family.  Our kid's best friends come from church, some of their most favorite memories are attached to church or church people, and church has always been an important part of our lives.  Pastor's kids usually have it no other way.

But there's a few statistics that gives me cause to pray... 

• 80% of pastor's believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor's children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.  (Pastoral Care Inc.)

• 33% of pastor's state that being in the ministry is an outright hazzard to their family.   (Pastoral Care Inc.) 

• 80% of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression.  (Maranatha Life-Line for Pastors)

I tried to find somewhere the statistic of Pastor's kids who stay connected to the church when they become adults, but I was unsuccessful in my search.  I've heard that it isn't a very good percentage.

Our kids sometimes see the great blessing of being pastors.  Our church was gracious and gave us a 12-week sabbatical in 2009, showered us for "Pastor Appreciation" in October, and many spoiled us with thoughtful Christmas gifts.  The "perks" don't go unnoticed by our children.

However, they sometimes also see the "pits" of being in ministry.  I think that they can sense the periodic stress, the busy hours, and people's disgruntlement or conflict when it arises.  We try to protect them from experiencing or hearing things, but as they get older it's not always possible.  They have been party to loosing friends when families leave the church, or are aware of long meetings or "discussion", or overhearing unhappy comments from people.

I truly believe that the "perks" far outweigh the "pits", but will our children feel the same way?  I pray so.  I long that they find great delight in staying connected to Christ and the Church, and that they even fall in love with serving Him with their lives...pits and all!

Lord, our lives should be lived to glorify and honor you, worshiping you all along the way.  Our family has counted it a privilege to serve you, and accept your calling for us.  We have chosen to serve you with our lives.  Even now, our children will begin to decide for themselves, if church is an important part of their lives, and if they will continue to participate in worship services, or in church ministries, serving you.  Lord, protect their hearts and minds from any bitterness, hurt, or confusion in regards to the church.  Keep them strong in their faith, and overlook the heartaches, fears, or burdens that come from being committed to a church family.  Help our children to fix their eyes on you, the author and perfecter of their faith, and focus on the perks and benefits of following you with their lives.  Lord, please help them to fall in love with the church, and find great joy in serving, worshiping, and living their lives for you.  Lord, we love you, and entrust our children's future to you.