Salvation Saturday

My sweet kiddos (2008)

Dear Alyssa and Kyle...

You are my witnesses,
   and my servants whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
   and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
   nor will there be one after me.
 I, even I, am the LORD,
   and apart from me there is no savior.
 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
   I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses, that I am God.  (Isaiah 43:10-12)

I love you!
Your Heavenly Father

 

Pocket Knives and God's Word

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Since he was just a little tyke, Kyle has had a fascination with pocket knives. I think he first saw one when Papa used it to help cut the tape of really hard to open Christmas gifts. A tool. Can you just hear Tim "the Toolman" Taylor doing his man-grunt? Kyle had a passion to own one of these cool tools.

I wish I remember exactly how old he was when we broke down and let Kyle get his very first pocket knife. For him it seemed like it had been a lifetime of waiting. We carefully gave him all the rules and cautions of having such grown-up item in his possession, but he was pretty sure that he understood all that he needed to know. Within moments of ownership, my son tearfully came into the kitchen yielding a slice in one of his little fingers. A lesson was well learned that day. A pocket knife truly IS sharp just like Mom said.

In Hebrews, it tells us that God's Word is living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. That's sharp! It penetrates our hearts, and it judges our thoughts and attitudes. God's Word does a work in our life, and helps us become more like who God wants us to be. Every time we open it's pages, it is relevant to our lives. God wants to speak to us and often does through the Scriptures. He speaks love. He speaks guidance. He speaks truth. And sometimes it cuts to the heart.

Kyle still has a scar left from his first pocket knife experience, and likewise, our experiences in His Word changes us profusely and leaves God's mark on our lives. It's the best kind of scar ever in my opinion.

May my children be marked by God's Word

Lord, your Word is a precious gift that often we take for granted, nor understand the true power of. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with your Word and understand the importance of it in their lives. May they make a discipline of reading it every day, and using it as a help when making decisions that impact their lives. I pray that they are not intimated when they come to your Word, but find peace, hope, strength, and wisdom within its pages. Your Word is living and active, and it can changes lives in profound ways. Use it to change our kids hearts. Thank you, Lord, for making a way that we can know you. Thank you for using your Word to speak love to your children. I love it with my life, and pray that my kids do too!

 

Standing in Praise!

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

 
Lord, I'm standing this morning in praise and thanksgiving to you!

• Women's Bible study is brimming with excitement.  I can hardly stand it!
• Hanging with my sister at Women's Retreat.
• Laughter with other Christian sisters.
• Sleeping at retreat....that's not a "usual" thing lately.
• Surprising financial provisions.  One supporting my personal ministry.
• The unexpected blessing of travel time with a new friend.
• Spiritual conversations.
• Worship times with friends.
• Shopping with my boy at the thrift store.
• Skpe call from my girl. I treasure those moments.
• Time at the lake skipping rocks.
• Brilliant pink moon and sun (because of the smoke).
• God popping a ministry idea into my head.
• Measuring my growing son...1 1/2 inches in less than 6 months. 
• Boise State Bronco tickets for my boys.
• A father and son chat while mom was away.
• Sunday night prayer time...even with just two of us.
• Hubby made dinner.
• Autumn weather brewing.
• An hour having coffee with my friend.

 God is good...ALL the time!
 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

A Precious Friend

"I praise you
    because of
the wonderful way
    you created me.
Everything you do is marvelous!
    Of this I have no doubt."  Psalm 139:14

I had some special time with my friend this weekend.

We dangled our feet into the lake.
We splashed one another...in fact, she started it!
And giggled.
We tossed and skipped rocks.

Smiles galore.

I love my friend because she always has a smile,
always gives me hugs,
and calls me her "buddy".

What joy she brings to life!

My friend is fearfully and wonderfully made and I give God thanks for her preciousness.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle look beyond differences and disabilities and find the blessing of every person they encounter.  May they be like my friend in always finding joy in everyday life.

Thanks, precious friend, for the time we had at the lake!

Lord, you are an amazing Creator, making each of your children so unique and wonderful.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle to find the wonder and delight of the people that come into their lives.  It may just be a small interaction in their day, or it could be an individual they work with, go to church with, or live next door to, and I pray that they show your love and kindness in word and deed.  There is great joy to be found in the preciousness of these relationships.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for my dear friend and the fun we had together.  May my children know that kind of joy!

 

Praying for Our Teachers

This is a prayer I found online.  Let's pray for the teachers who impact our children's lives!

 Alyssa's 5th Grade Graduation (2005)

God of Love--Thank you for every teacher who notices a child's special gift. Thank you for teachers who are listeners and gentle guides. Thank you for teachers who expect much and love enough to demand more. Thank you for the special teacher each one of us remembers.

God of Mercy--Sustain teachers who give everything they have and feel abandoned when society expects too much. Strengthen teachers who assume the blame for so many problems beyond their control. Help exhausted teachers rest.

God of Strength--Encourage teachers to care and inspire them to nourish. Motivate teachers to keep on learning for the fun of it and to make learning fun for children.

We wonder at teachers who know how to quiet a class of five year-olds or help fourth grade girls be empathetic. We admire teachers who enjoy middle school writers, or teach physics or math or civics. We cannot even imagine how to help every single student achieve adequate yearly progress. Bless the people who are expected to accomplish these miracles and who know how to comfort children when miracles don't happen.

God of Justice--help our nation find a way to steward our vast wealth to support teachers in their special calling, wherever they teach and whatever the race or religion or gender or wealth of the children.
 
We pray these things in the name of our great Teacher, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Walk Wholeheartedly

“Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.”  Isaiah 38:3

Lord, guard Alyssa and Kyle's steps.  May their feet have closely follow your steps and keep to your way without turning aside.  I pray that they always walk faithfully with you, and with wholehearted devotion.  Keep away anything that will entice their hearts and minds away from you, dear Jesus. When there are choices to make, and different paths to follow, may Alyssa and Kyle always choose you.  When the road is narrow, or the path hard, I pray that they look to you for guidance, assistance, and protection.  And when you call them to obedience, may they faithfully go where you lead.  May the desire of their hearts always be you and only you, their Savior and God.

 

Heavy Loads

For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37 (ESV)

Kyle and his pumpkin...2003

The above scripture is interesting in different versions...

One version says "Nothing is impossible for God!" (CEV or GOD's WORD translation).  And oh, how I believe that to be true.  But all the other versions leave me with the hope that with God nothing is impossible for us.

Our kids will face many challenges in life that seem way too big to handle, but with God I know that they can do it!  And over time, and with experience, I'm thinking they will not only learn that they are stronger than they think, but they will learn that they can trust God to be with them.

Some days the task will be too heavy to take on, but with God all things are possible!  (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27)

Lord, there will be many things in Alyssa and Kyle's life that seem impossible, but your Word offers a life-changing hope.  With you everything is possible.  All those things that feel heavy, too hard, or difficult beyond our own means, are not impossible with your help.  Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle.  Be their strength, their hope, and their reason to keep on going when it's easy to think about giving up.  You are all powerful, all knowing, and always present, and we have much to give you thanks for.  Amen.
 

Thankful Thursday

What joy for those you choose to bring near,
      those who live in your holy courts.
   What festivities await us
      inside your holy Temple.

--Psalm 65:4 (NLT)

There are many things that God has given me 

that bring me great joy...

My handsome hubby.

My delightful daughter.

My sweet son.

A beautiful home.

A treasure of a family.

A blessed church home.

Friendships.

Salvation.

God's Word.

Laughter.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the many things in my life that bring so much joy.  You have blessed in abundant ways.  My heart revels in being your daughter and living in your holy courts.  Oh there will be greater festivities one day, but here on earth, we are blessed because you walk with us and talk with us.  I pray today that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to live in your holy courts too. There is great joy in your presence, dear Father!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Battles On Your Knees

"They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him."  1 Chronicles 5:20

Life is full of battles. 
Big ones.
Little ones.
Short ones.
Long ones.
Trivial ones.
Life-changing, perseverance-developing, and character-building ones.

Kyle shared a "battle" he had with one of his teachers yesterday.  It is small and will provide some practice at communication, but it's in these "trivial" battles that we have the opportunity to stretch our discipline of prayer.  God can do amazing things in our hard times!

Oh how He wants be Alyssa and Kyle's best friend in the challenging times of life.  If they practice prayer in their trials now, they will always know where to find their strength in the difficult days that may come.

Pray, my dear babies!  Pray, pray, pray!

Lord, thank your for hearing and answering your children's prayers!  Teach Alyssa and Kyle the power of speaking to you, and the delight and joy in hearing from you.  Prayer will draw them closer to you, fill them with strength and joy, and help them in the midst of battles.  Help them speak to you as one would speak to a friend.  More importantly, Lord, you are our compassionate,loving and all-powerful God!  May they know you to the fullest!

 

Ears to Hear You With

 

 "Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; 

guard it well, for it is your life."  

Proverbs 4:13

  

"Everyone should be quick to listen, 

slow to speak and slow to become angry..."  

James 1:19

"Apply your heart to instruction and 

your ears to words of knowledge."   

Proverbs 23:12

Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the sweetness they add to our lives.  Every day I see amazing ways you are active in their lives.  They are growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually in beautiful ways.  In that growth, precious Savior, I ask that you make their hearts and minds pliable to instruction, guidance and knowledge from others.  It's so easy to be defensive when someone offers advise, or to close our ears to what others suggest, and we put up walls when we don't like what someone has to say.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle guard others instructions well, and apply their hearts to the wisdom and knowledge that surround them.  Help them to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Lord, mold and make Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be what you want them to be. 

 

Wanna Know A Secret?

"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

A father's love is precious...especially the love of our Heavenly Father.  Oh how I hope and pray that my kids grasp how wide and long and high and deep His love really is for them.

Kyle and I used to have a little game we'd play.  I would grab his little attention by asking the question, "Wanna know a secret?"  With big eyes he'd say "What?"  I would always respond with a big "I love you!"

When he was little, it always made him smile, but as he grew older and caught on to the question, he wasn't so impressed.  With a roll of the eyes, he began to respond with a "I already know."

One day, I said "Okay, if you already know my secret, what is it?" 
(I smile ever time I recall what he said next.)

Looking proud at knowing the secret, he said, "I love you!"

"You love me?!?  Oh, Kyle, I love you too!"

We both laughed at the turn around that happened in our conversation.  Now, that he's almost 16 he doesn't think the game is so impressive (ha!), but I'll tell you what, he knows the secret!

May Alyssa and Kyle always "know the secret" of their Father's love for them.

Lord, show Alyssa and Kyle the wonders of your great love, and may they begin to grasp how wide and long and high and deep your love is.  It is not a secret that you love your children.  On what a wonderful truth!  Your Word says that you love them so much that you gave your one and only son, so that they may spend eternity with you.  Help them to believe this real truth, dear Jesus. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle never live in the fear that they are not good enough to be accepted and loved by you, but always rest in the security of being your child.  I also pray that they never look at themselves with self-hatred, loathing, and feel unlovely, but will always relish that you are enthralled with who they are, inside and out.  You are God, and your love abounds to a thousand generations.

 

A Servant Nature

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Hebrews 16:10

Alyssa and friend Luke (2004)

How wonderful it is that nobody 

need wait a single moment before 

starting to improve the world.    

~Anne Frank

Helping Hands (2004)

 

After raking leaves, we visited with Helen, 90+ years old.

Lord, your very nature is that of a servant, and our attitudes should be the same.  It doesn't always come naturally to us to make ourselves nothing, or to give to others sacrificially.  It's easy to worry about what's in it for me, and to take care of myself.  I see it so evidently in our children at times, and I pray, dear Jesus, that they become people who love to help others, give generously, and sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others or you.  Give Alyssa and Kyle eyes to see the needs of others, and how they can help.  Prod their hearts to encourage the lonely, give to the needy, and feed the hungry. May you be reflected in their actions and attitudes, and draw others closer to you.  You are a servant, Lord, may we be one too.  

 

Thankful Thursday: Great is the Lord!

"Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise..."  Psalm 48:1

Great is the Lord...I see your beauty in creation.

Great is the Lord...when your love is passed on through my husband.

Great is the Lord...for power of your voice through the pages of your Word.

Great is the Lord...for the laughter and love of life in my son.

Great is the Lord...hearing the voice of my daughter.

Great is the Lord...in the moments on my porch.

Great is the Lord...when I gather with my church community.

Great is the Lord...You have blessed me with dear friends.

Great is the Lord...for your abundant provision.

Oh great are you, Lord!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Rest on Me

"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."  Isaiah 11:2 

Some days to pray for my children, means praying for me as their mom.  As a mother, I have many days where I feel like I have no where near the amount of wisdom I need to parent my babies.  Each day there are new and different things to work through, always leading me to depend on my Savior for guidance.  I long to be the best mom I can be, but I know that I can't do it without Him.

Lord, you have blessed me with two beautiful children, and my heart thanks you over and over again.  Yet, at times I feel so inadequate as their mother.  You've said in your Word that you'd never give me more than I could handle, but at times parenting feels like a job that requires more wisdom, strength, and patience than I can muster.  Only with You by my side, can I be the mother my children need.  Lord, please fill me with everything I need to parent my children.  Fill me with your wisdom each day, refuel my energy and strength, and mark my life with your peace and patience.  Lord, may I reflect you to my children, and help lead them into a living and active relationship with you.  I pray that you fill me with the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.  Holy Spirit, please rest on me!

 

Pure Choices

"I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home. I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.."  Psalm 101:2-3


Today I am praying for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds. As Alyssa and Kyle get older, we have lost most control over their choices of music, apps, and movies. My hope and prayer is that they always keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure so that they remain sensitive, receptive and ready to hear Christ above all else.

O be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little ears what you hear.

Lord, you have so many good things for your children to see, hear and experience, yet so often there are other things that get in the way.  Temptations are rampant, and we are easily swayed to partake of things that don't please you or reflect you in our lives.  These things often drown you out, and our eyes can't see you clearly, and our ears can't hear you speak to us.  Lord, protect our children's hearts, minds, and their eyes and ears.  Keep them for making poor choices that keep them from experiencing your presence in their lives.  Make their hearts, dear Jesus, sensitive to you and the things you desire for their lives.  Remove any temptation or desire to digest things that mock you, or don't line up with your heart and mind, and pull them further from your presence in their lives.  Make our children sensitive to your spirit, and choose purity, each and every day.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I entrust our children's eyes, ears and hearts to you.

 

LIFE

"I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life."  John 6:47
 

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."  John 10:10

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."  Psalm 16:11

Lord, O Lord Almighty, you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and my heart belongs to you.  I pray for Alyssa and Kyle and ask that you make known to them the path of life and that they can experience eternal pleasures at your right hand. I believe that with you Alyssa and Kyle will have a more and better life than they ever dreamed of.  You are the everlasting life.  You are all that they need.  Lord, be in and over Alyssa and Kyle's life.  Thank you for hearing my prayer.


Photos taken by Alyssa, 2011
 

Avoid Comparing

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

We've come to the close of our second week of school.  There's some sense of accomplishment...and I'm not even in school.  Ha!

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

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

I pray that as my kids begin a new school year, they find joy in who God has created them to be, and that they take pleasure in their God-given strengths. I pray that they find contentment in who they are rather than focusing on comparisons and find the confidence to believe in themselves, recognize and celebrate their strengths, and at the same time have the courage to rejoice in someone else’s differences.

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

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

 

Thankful Thursday

"O Lord our God, as for all this abundance...it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you."  1 Chronicles 29:16

All this abundance is from Him!

• Skype calls (yes, more than one) from Lyssa! It felt like we were in the same room.
• Lyssa's unexpected check for art supplies.
• A card of encouragement  in the mail.
• The gift of eggs, zucchini, peaches, pears, and watermelon...God's bounty!
• A house full of new friends to watch football.  Go BSU!
• A Saturday date with my boys.
• A night of cards with long-time friends.
• God's provision of a Christian friend for my boy.
• A surprise visitor bearing chocolate and sweet conversation.
• Making zucchini bread with Kyle.
• A boy who "gets on the ball" with his homework.

Lord, thank you for all this abundance.  Each of these blessings come from your hand.  My heart rejoices in your unfailing love and rest in your provision.  You know our each and every need, and go above and beyond and even supply our wants,  Savior, we give you thanks today!  Thank you for our dear children, Alyssa and Kyle and your continuing presence in their lives,  Today may we serve you well!
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

A New Name

"...[He] does not stand in the truth, 
because there is no truth in him. 
When he lies, 
he speaks out of his own character, 
for he is a liar and the father of lies.” –John 8:44

I have a name that periodically echos in my head.  
A name from the Enemy.
A name that I know is a lie, 
yet it still rears its head from time to time.

It's easy to believe the lie.
With a brief interaction,
in a quiet moment of the day,
or in the busyness of life,
the Enemy plants the seed
and reminds me of the name.

What lies does he fill Alyssa and Kyle's mind with?
What do they believe to be true about themselves,
though it is far from God's designed name?
What circumstances trigger the false "roll call"? 

But One who is greater,
Who is over all,
Bestows on us a new name.
Truth.

Amen.

The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new namethat the mouth of the Lord will bestow.  –Isaiah 62:2

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and believe
the name God whispers in their ear
as He sweetly sings over them.

Lord, keep Alyssa and Kyle from believing the enemy's lies.  Whatever name or thoughts he feeds them, may they be dispelled by your powerful and everlasting truth.  Take those names and crush them and replace them with the new name that you bestow upon Alyssa and Kyle.  By your transforming presence and the truth of your Word, help them to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in your sight.