Wordless Wednesday

 

A Flogging

"When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men,with floggings inflicted by men.  But my love will never be taken away from him."  2 Samuel 7:14

 

 

No, this isn't a serious blog about "flogging".  HA!  However I wondered as I read the above scripture, if "flogging" is ever an appropriate form of dicipline for parents to use these days?  If so, what would a "flogging" look like? 

Tar and feathers?

A pillow womping?

The dictionary defines flogging as a bit more harsh...To beat severely with a whip or rod.

I don't want to beat my kids, be rest assured, but I do want them to recognize when they are in the wrong.  Sometimes that will mean living with the consequences of their actions and decisions.  Sometimes it will mean the Holy Spirit's still small voice speaking into their hearts, moving and bending them in the right directions.

Oh may it be so.

And we can rejoice and be thankful that God's love will never change for us.

Oh precious Father, thank you for loving Alyssa and Kyle (and myself) no matter the wrongdoing in their lives.  I am blessed that you don't flog your children for all that they do that is not according to your will and plan.  However, you discipline those you love.  Holy Spirit, please convict, bend, teach, and move Alyssa and Kyle's hearts and minds so that they reflect you living in them.  Thank you, Lord, that your love will never be taken away!
 

Faith Encouragers

"When we get together, 
I want to encourage you in your faith, 
but I also want to be encouraged by yours."  
 Romans 1:12 (NLT)

 

 Alyssa (right) and friends...Graduation 2012

Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith.  Faith in you isn't necessarily something we do on our own.  We learn so much from the other people in our life.  Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life.  What joy it is to walk this journey with others.  

Father, I pray that you strategically place friends or adults in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their walk with  you.  Give them places of safety and refuge with people who they can trust, and who speak love and truth into their lives, especially when the daily grind of life is so hard.  Give them mentors and friends who walk with them as aliens and strangers in this world.  

In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in the life of someone else.  Help them to be bold and wise in their conversation with others, leading them closer to you.  Use my children to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love that reflects you.

I pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others as well.

Thank you, Jesus, for hearing this mom's prayers!

 

One Who Understands

"Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help."  Hebrews 4:14-16

 I laugh at Lyssa's look (on right)!

I'm just the mom.  According to my kids, I don't always understand.

          (But I know the One who does.)

I can't comprehend the intensity of tests, speeches, and essays.

          (But I know the One who does.)

I have no idea the stress of friendships,

the craziness of full calendars

and the desperation for money. (Right.)

          (But I know the One who does.)

Though my kids don't think I always understand, I want them to know the One who does.

God understands our fears.

God sympathizes with our hurts.

God is not "out of touch with our reality".

          Today I'm thankful for the One who knows and understands all...



And I pray that they know Him well!


Lord, thank you for being an understanding and sympathetic God.  You know the things we go through, the feelings we have, and the fears we experience.  Oh what joy to know that we can walk right up to you and get whatever you are so ready to give.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and experience for themselves that you can understand all that they are going through in life, and have a sympathetic heart towards them.  May they learn to draw near to you in their times of need and find the peace and joy that can come when they seek you.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for being our great High Priest.

 

No Clanging Cymbals

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1

Angry attitudes.
Flippant remarks.
Harsh comments.
Course jokes.
Foul words.
Insensitive declarations.
Careless comebacks.

Clanging cymbals.

Lord, you live and move in our inner beings and evidence of you comes out in our words and actions.  As we abide in you, and you in us, we become more like you.  I pray that as you live in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, and they spend time cultivating their relationship with you, you will be recognized in their speech, attitudes, and responses to the world around them.  Tame their tongues and make them obedient to you.  Dear Father, move Alyssa and Kyle to love deeply in word and deed. 

 

Thankful Thursday: Our Village

"One generation will commend your works to another;

 they will tell of your mighty acts." Psalm 145:4

Parenting is not a lone sport. When it is said that it takes a village to raise a child, I think I'd have to agree in a big way. I'm especially thankful for the other adults in my children's lives that are advocates for faith, and are helping lead them closer to Christ. They are many...Youth workers, Sunday school teachers, friends, and even family and grandparents.

I thought of honoring each of them by showing you their picture or listing their name, but the list became long, and I'd hate to miss someone. Even those who may not play big parts in their lives, can still have a tremendous impact on their spiritual walk, self-image, future career, who they date/marry, or their outlook on life. No pressure or anything!

The "village" is an important part of my kids lives.

My heart is full of thanks!

Lord, you have blessed our children's lives with so many special people, and you are using them in mighty ways. Each moment they spend with Alyssa and Kyle, is a moment where they have the opportunity to commend Your works, and tell of your mighty acts, helping draw them in to a personal relationship with you. Thank you for so many who radiate You living in their lives, and can't help but pass that passion onto our kids. I'm thankful for the time these people invest in so many lives, showing friendship, giving encouragement, lending a listening ear, and sharing wisdom...all helping develop our kids into adults who live for You. I'm thankful that I don't parent alone.  You have richly blessed our lives!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Pressing On

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

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

Complain or Praise?

Why am I discouraged?
      Why is my heart so sad?
   I will put my hope in God!
      I will praise him again—
      my Savior and my God!

--Psalm 43:5

Even when my heart is torn I will praise (trust) You Lord

Even when I feel deserted I will praise You Lord

Even in my darkest valley I will praise You Lord

And when my world is shattered and it seems all hope is gone

Yet I will praise You Lord.           (Yet I Will Praise You) by Andy Parks

Complaining.
Complaining.
Complaining.

I'm good at it.  My kids are good at it.  

"School is boring."

"There's nothing good for lunch."

"He won't stop teasing me."

"She's mean."

"There's nothing to do."

"I don't like that teacher."

"I hate homework."

Sometimes the complaining seems petty and unnecessary.

I'm fairly sure that there will be bigger things in life to complain about.  Alyssa and Kyle may face a crisis that brings them to their knees, a dry spell that leaves them desperate and alone, or grief that threatens to overwhelm every corner of their hearts,  My prayer is that instead of complaining, or allowing those hard times to turn their heart to bitterness, they will fix their eyes on Jesus and still choose to praise Him in the storms.

Praising Him will sometimes be the harder thing to do...
but will always be the better thing to do.

Lord, you always deserve praise.  Help us to forever trust your character and plan for our lives.  I pray that when Alyssa and Kyle are sad or discouraged they still put their hope in you.  When life throws them for a loop, I pray that they will choose to give you praise.  May they trust in you with all their hearts, and lean not on their own understanding, choosing to always acknowledge your place in their lives. I pray that praise is forever on the lips of Alyssa and Kyle.  You alone are God, and you deserve all of our praise.

 

Salvation Saturday

This mama is way too tired to write a blog for Saturday. I loved this picture and will allow it to suffice for a prayer thought for today. I commit Saturday's to praying for our kid's salvation and their relationship with God...my greatest hope and desire for their lives.

 

Joy in Challenges

 Photo taken by Lyss...

of Kyle making a shot!

This is my prayer today...

Dear Jesus, help Alyssa and Kyle to consider it a sheer gift when tests and challenges come at them from all sides. Under pressure, their faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So, though it is challenging, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so they become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

When Alyssa and Kyle don't know what they're doing, I hope that their first response is to pray to you Father. You love to help. Alyssa and Kyle will get your help, and won't be condescended to when they ask for it. Alyssa and Kyle can ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. Let them always ask in faith. 

If Alyssa and Kyle meet a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with You, the reward is life and more life.    (James 1:2-7, 12)
 

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 loving hubby.

My delightful daughter.

My sweet son.

A beautiful home.
 

A treasure of a family.

A blessed church home.

Friendships.

Salvation.

His 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

 

School Days

 Kyle's (3rd from the right) first grade friends 2004

A Student's Prayer

by St. Thomas Aquinas 

Creator of all things,
true source of light and wisdom,
origin of all being,
graciously let a ray of your light penetrate
the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness
in which I have been born,
an obscurity of sin and ignorance. 

Give me a keen understanding,
a retentive memory, and
the ability to grasp things
correctly and fundamentally. 

Grant me the talent
of being exact in my explanations
and the ability to express myself
with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning,
direct the progress,
and help in the completion.

I ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Something Worth Celebrating

Today is my 1,000th blog post.  Who knew when I started this journey on September 19, 2009 (you can read it here) that I'd still be here? 

1,000 daily prayers over the last 37 months.
The kids have gone from young teenagers, to one of them graduating
and going off to college.
We also went from having two bikes in the garage,
to two cars with licensed drivers.
Oh, and kids waking up to their own alarm clocks! (Yes, I prayed for that...more than once.)

I've prayed for fears,
friends,
and forgiveness.

And I've begged for God's hand in Alyssa and Kyle's
salvation,
school,
and their self image.

1,000 times over I've come to God and He has heard my prayer.
And today will be no different.

There have been times where I have questioned God's call on my life to do this "prayer-thing".
And there have been many times where I've wondered if it's worth it.
Sometimes it has felt like a "burden to bear",
And sometimes a lonely journey.
Through it all,
1,000 posts later,
I'm not sure if I've impacted anyone else,
but,
I am changed,
and I think my dear children have been changed too.

2009

2012

Oh Precious Lord, great is Your faithfulness.  You are faithful to hear my prayers, watch over our children, and change each of our lives as we come to you.  Thank you for your continued hand in growing up Alyssa and Kyle!  They are your children and I know you are ultimately their best parent, confidant and encourager.  Continue to move in and through their lives, bending them, stretching them, and calling them to your self.  I am holding onto your promises and know that I can continue coming to you with my doubts, worries and fears.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for being the most important part of our lives.  I love you, now and forevermore!

 

The Great Shepherd

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11



Lord, I come to you, in all faith and hope, believing in the assurance that you are the great Shepherd. I am believing that our children are a part of your flock. What a precious place to be. I rest in the promise that You carry Alyssa and Kyle close to your heart, and protect them in the safety of your arms. Thank you for providing them with a place of belonging and a home in your presence. If they ever walk away, or leave your flock, please tenderly seek them out and guide them back home. I thank you, that you will never give up on them. You are the Great Shepherd, and I trust you in every way and love that you lead, guide, protect and teach your children.  O Savior, my hear thanks you!

 

Big Ears

"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 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. 

 

Thankful Thursday

Counting my blessings today...

• A hubby who has been a big help while I've been working...dinners, laundry, cleaning house, and making me breakfast here and there.

• A day off from work which allowed for a date and some rest.

• A skype call from Lyssa.  She had a great weekend retreat with her fellow Art students and a favorable doctors visit about a cyst on her foot.  It seems to be going down all on its own and may not need any treatment.  

• Kyle found his first signs of facial hair.  Does this mean his baby-face will soon be gone?

• Blessed with TWO dinners from my dear friend.  Spoiled beyond words

• A huge box of potatoes on my doorstep. 

Oh Lord, you are so good to me.  I don't want to forget all your benefits and blessings today.  My heart rejoices in who you are and the many ways I see your hand of provision, love , and guidance. You lavish love on your children.  I feel abundantly cherished, my precious Savior! 
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Choose Well

God's Word always says it best...

Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: 

"I'll live in them, move into them;
   I'll be their God 
       and they'll be my people.
   So leave the corruption 
       and compromise;
   leave it for good," says God.
  "Don't link up with those 
      who will pollute you.
   I want you all for myself.
        I'll be a Father to you;
   you'll be sons and daughters 
       to me."
   The Word of the Master, God. 

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

One day, hopefully not in the very near future (ha!), our children will decide to marry.  I'm praying that God leads them to just the perfect spouse. 

 

I should re-phrase that.  I know God will lead Alyssa and Kyle to the spouse He has planned just for them,  I just pray that our kids pay attention to His leading.

Make the best decision, babies!  Follow Christ and His plan for your lives.  

 

And choose well!

Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle as they begin the search for someone significant in their lives.  I pray that you make them really aware of your hopes and desires, and even expectations, for their future.  May your Holy Spirit nudge their hearts when they are tempted to become partners with someone who rejects you,  They are the temple where you live, and you are their God, and anyone who does not believe in you is a compromise and their relationship with you will suffer.  Make Alyssa and Kyle wise and sensitive to your plan, dear Jesus, and may they please you with every road they go down in the future.  Bring someone into their lives that will always draw them nearer to you, and help build their home and family on the one true foundation: You! 

 

Law Abiding Citizens

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities..."  Romans 13:1

In less than a month my baby boy is turning 16.  How time flies.  Kyle is waiting with bated-breath for his big day, for one main reason:

He can drive after dark.

We've had many "discussions" about the fairness of us following the law of our state that says those under 16 cannot drive before sunrise and after sunset.  With each day getting shorter and shorter this rule gets harder and harder to obey.

We've heard many points in this debate...
I won't get caught.
Other parents don't care if their kid drives after dark.
I'll be 16 in less than a month.

I am trying to teach my son that following the law and living obedient lives is an important part of who we are as believers and citizens.  We don't always understand the rules but most often they are for our best.  

I'm praying that my kids are always rule followers and law abiders by choice!

Lord, even your Word calls us to obey and submit to governing authorities.  I pray that obedience marks Alyssa and Kyle's lives whether it be by obeying your Word, hearing your voice lead them, or obeying the laws of the land.  Often our human nature is to buck and battle when there are limits or boundaries placed on us, but you call us to live obedient and self-sacrificing lives. Often being a rule-follower is the harder thing, but I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose submission, obedience, and compliance.  Father, soften their wills and make them tender towards you and your call on their lives.  May they be wholly obedient to you!
 

 

A Thought for Today

Life with Hope

"You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ."  Ephesians 2:12-13 (NLT)

 Kyle & Alyssa (2004)

Lord, life without you is a life without hope.  So many in this world are lost, lonely, living in darkness, and searching for something that can fill the void in their lives.  Until they come to know you in a personal way, they cannot experience a truly satisfying life, filled with an everlasting joy, and marked by your peace.  Oh, I pray that my children never experience a life apart from you.  Through your salvation may they be brought near to you, and filled with the hope that comes only from being your child.  May Alyssa and Kyle call you Father all the days of their life.
 

Pray First!

“We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all."  --Oswald Chambers

Lord, I love you, for you hear my voice; and you hear my cry for mercy.  Because you turn your ear to me, I will call on you as long as I live.  Oh, how I long that the same will be true in Alyssa and Kyle's life as well.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they fall in love with speaking to you about their days, their cares and concerns, and their hopes and dreams.  I hope that they learn to recognize your still small voice, and hear your whisper in their ears.  Lord, you are Alyssa and Kyle's refuge and shelter, and an ever-present help in trouble.  May they find this to be an absolute truth and something to live by, as they come to you in prayer.  Thank you, Father, for talking to your children.

 

Thankful Thursday: God's Ears

"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. Probably, even more than myself, He wants my children to come to know Him in a personal and passionate way. He wants them to fall in love with His Word. I'm even pretty sure 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 everyone who reads this blog and is moved to pray for their own kids.

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

Thank you, Lord, for being an active and present part of our lives.

Oh Lord, how I love that you hear us!

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