Growing Up Responsible

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’  Luke 14:28-30 (ESV)

Yesterday was a big day for Kyle.  He got his first debit card!  He's been begging forever and is pretty sure he can be responsible with such a thing, so here we go.  Ready or not.


Lord, please help my kids to be financially responsible!


 

Thankful Thursday: Abundant Goodness

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
    and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness
    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

 --Psalm 145:6-7

I just need to tell of God's awesome work in our lives this week.  The list is just a summary and I feel like I could go on and on, but it just proves that God is so good!

• We had 2 days with Lyssa and the rest of my family and it was just what I needed! 
• I loved Lyssa's surprised look on her face when she heard Kyle's voice for the first time in two months (yep, his voice has been deepening!).
• Our family participated in a Thanksgiving morning 5k.  A few walked and the crazy ones ran.  It was the only day of sunshine while we were there in Oregon.  Now that's a God-thing!
• I was blessed with a fun birthday celebration with my family. I felt abundantly spoiled and loved!  Friends also topped it off with cards, coffee, chocolate and so much thoughtfulness.  And boy did my hubby do it up good.  I never would have guessed such a lavish gift.  I'm a spoiled girl for sure.
• As we traveled to and from Oregon, I was in awe of God's beautiful creation, thankful for clear roads, and enjoyed the time to read.
• I've been preparing to host a weekend full of meetings and my church family has been so amazing at helping provide food and housing.  I love watching the church family work together! I couldn't have pulled off this weekend without them!

Oh such abundant goodness!

Lord, I want to praise you for the power of your awesome works, and proclaim your great deeds.

What a delight it is to celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.  God you are so good and I can't help but revel in the many ways you have blessed our lives....or blessed MY life!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize your goodness in their lives as well.  Open their eyes that may be aware of your presence, provision and blessing, and move their lips to give you thanks!  You are actively present in their lives and may they see you clearly.  Thank you, precious Savior, for your abundant goodness to our family!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Promises

"When you make a promise, 

say only "Yes" or "No." 

Anything else comes from the devil."   

~Matthew 5:37 

Promises are like babies:  

easy to make, hard to deliver.  

~Author Unknown

 

Promises may fit the friends,

but non-performance will 

turn them into enemies. 

~Benjamin Franklin

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle the importance of their word and to be careful to always keep their promises.  May it be their commitment to not break their covenant; and not take back a single word they say.  Especially when they make a vow to you, Lord, I pray that they don't delay in fulfilling it, for you take no pleasure in fools.  I pray that honesty and integrity always mark Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  I know you live in them, and through their actions and their words, and following through with their promises, others will see you!  Thank you, dear Jesus, for hearing my prayer.

 

Bronco Fans!

"But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."  Exodus 9:16

Kyle's a Boise State Bronco fan too! (2006)

My boys are die-hard Denver Bronco fans.  Which is a good thing when they are on a winning streak.  Kyle pulls out his Champ Bailey jersey (even now that its too small) and Ken is decked out in a snazzy new sweatshirt.  It would be hard to miss who they are rooting for and cheering on.

Since games are often on a Sunday, there is discussion about who is going to record them game, when and where they will watch it, and what what needs to happen to make sure they get to see their beloved team.  Being a follower of the Broncos takes intention and planning!

And oh does it get loud around here when the game is on! 

As our children grow up, my hope is that they make their faith their own and will declare in loud praise that "Jesus is Lord" so that it is clear Who's "team" they belong to.

Every knee will bow,
and every tongue confess,
Jesus is Lord!

O Lord, you are God and you have raised Alyssa and Kyle for the very purpose, that as you show them your power, they will proclaim  your name in all the earth.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they are your biggest followers and cheerleaders, praising your name to their friends, in public places, and in the quiet moments where it's just you and them.  May boldness characterize their faith and journey with you, always declaring your mightiness.  Jesus, you are Lord!


 

Salvation Saturday

2004

How lovely is your dwelling place,
   O LORD Almighty!
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's soul yearns, even faints,
   for the courts of the LORD;
and their hearts and 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, Alyssa and Kyle's King
and Alyssa and Kyle God.
Blessed are Alyssa and Kyle
  as they dwell in your house;
   and are ever praising you.
               
Blessed are Alyssa and Kyle whose strength is in you,
   who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
   they make it a place of springs;
   the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will go from strength to strength,
   till each appears before You in Zion.
Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
   listen to me, O God of Jacob.
                
Look upon our shield, O God;
   look with favor on your anointed ones.
Better is one day in your courts
   than a thousand elsewhere;
 I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's would rather be a doorkeeper
in the house of their God
   than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For You LORD God are a sun and shield;
   and You bestow favor and honor;
no good thing do You withhold
   from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty,
   blessed are Alyssa and Kyle as they trust in you.

Siblings and Friends

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  Colossians 3:14

I love watching my kids have fun together.

Spring break at the beach (2007)

Oh, how I pray that they will always be friends!

Not just have fun together, but love one another deeply.

 

Thanksgiving break (2012)

Lord, I love the children you have blessed our lives with.  They are both so fearfully and wonderfully made by your hand.  You knew that Alyssa and Kyle would be sister and brother, and you gave them each other as a gift to be cherished.  Help them to love one another deeply.  Bind them together in unity.  Always help them to give forgiveness easily, keep no record of wrong, and believe the best about the other person.  I pray that "putting on love" will be easy and the goal of their every interaction.  Oh what a mother's delight it is to watch her children laugh together and love one another.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for the gifts Alyssa and Kyle can find in their relationship together. 

 

One Hundred Blessings

1. My Savior, My God.
2. God's daily grace and forgiveness.
3. His transforming work in my life.
4. The joy of walking with Him.
5. He sings over me.
6. My dear, sweet husband who loves me unconditionally.
7. His passion for serving God and his family.
8. His hardworking nature and consistent character.
9. His role as a dad. 
10. The joy on his face after a day of fishing.
11. His discipline to get up early to exercise.
12. His faithfulness to spend time in God's Word.
13. His sweet prayers for me.
14. My biggest cheerleader.
15. My sweet daughter.
16. Her strength and character to work through the hard things.
17. Her creativity and photography talent.
18. Her laughter and humor.
19. Her senior high graduation.
20. Salutatorian.  
21. A new adventure as she headed off to college.
22. My tender son.
23. His athletic ability and stick-to-it attitude on the field.
24. His consistency and hard work in school.
25. His fun-loving spirit.
26. Learning that he's been patient with all the years of food he doesn't like. 
27. His changing voice (he's growing up!).
28. My passionate God-loving Mom.
29. Her love for my kids.
30. Her story-telling and humor.
31. Her willingness to speak wisdom and truth. 
32. Pedicures together.
33. My strong Father.
34. His consistent and intentional walk with God.
35. His hardworking mindset.
36. His loving care of his family. 
37. My sister and friend. 
38. Her generous and giving spirit.
39. Her walk with Christ and willing servants heart for her church.
40. Her commitment to family and friends.
41. Her husband and beautiful (and funny) kids.
42. My mother-in-law and father-in-law who pray for our family daily.
43. Extended family.
44. A heritage of faithfulness.
45. My sweet and consistent best friend and her walk with the Lord.
46. Her daily emails.
47. Her prayers and encouragement in life, parenting, and ministry. 
48. Coffee/breakfast times. 
49. My home and the shelter it gives.
50. A place to lay my head.
51. Appliances that make life easier.
52. Funny, I know, but my towel warmer.  Spoiled girl.
53. Cars that run.
54. Our church.
55. A place of worship, learning, service, laughter and love.
56. My family away from family.
57. New Associate Pastor and his wife.
58. So many people that serve and give.
59. Our small group.
60. New and old youth workers who have influenced my kids lives.
61. My Women's Bible study group.
62. My faithful co-leader.
63. Women who love Jesus and are passionate about their walk with God.
64. The study of James.
65. The spirit of generosity, encouragement, and sweet fellowship.
66. A year of joy in trials.
67. God's presence in the hard times.
68. His strength being sufficient. 
69. Family vacation to the Oregon Coast in August.
70. The majesty of the ocean and beauty of the sunset.
71. The gift of a cabin.
72. Coffee times with friends. 
73. A check to support my "coffee-ministry".
74. A short-term, full-time job.
75. And that it's over.  :)
76. Money to spend for Christmas.
77. God's strength was/is sufficient.
78. My computer and phone to keep me connected.
79. My blog that helps me to pray. 
80. Generous friends.
81. Pinochle nights.
82. Books to read.
83. Coffee.
84. Chocolate pomegranate candies.
85. My health.
86. Sunshine streaming through the windows.
87. Rainbows that remind me of God's promises. 
88. Cameras that take pictures to capture special moments.
89. A voice to sing in worship.
90. Praying with a friend to accept the Lord. 
91. Vision for a prayer emphasis.
92. Delight of planning "Knock and Roll" party.
93. Gift video covering 16 years of VBS ministry.
94. God's Word.
95. Bible Study Fellowship.
96. Beth Moore homework.
97. Sunday night prayer times are sweet to me.
98. So many dear friends...I'll be in trouble if I begin to name them.
99. People who actually read this blog and pray with and for me.
100. Knowing God hears and answers prayer! 

 

Warning

A little behind today...blog post to come later this afternoon.  Off to a "Give and Gobble" Run/Walk.  Can you guess which I will be doing?

Oh but I have things to be thankful for today! :)


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Servants of the Gospel

"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power."  Ephesians 3:7

No heads in the sand here (2004)

 I often wonder what my kids will be when they grow up.  As they get older I am getting closer and closer to finding out.  

When Alyssa and Kyle were little there was talk of being a paleontologist, a professional baseball player, a McDonald's worker, a dentist, and a zoologist.  These careers were always based on their current passion or interest, or what made a lot of money.  

As I reflected on Ephesians 3:7 yesterday, I was drawn to the first part of the verse that said "I became a servant of this gospel."  My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle find a passion for life, using the talents and gifts God has given them, all the while choosing also to be a "servant of this gospel.  

I also like how the Contemporary English Version says it:  "God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news." 

Who knows what our kids will be doing in 10 years?
A photographer?
A baseball player?
Or even a McDonalds worker (Though I'm praying for something better!)?

Whatever it is, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are servants of our Lord Jesus Christ, passing on the Good News and telling others about Him!

Lord, I pray that this is Alyssa and Kyle's life work: helping people understand and respond to your Message.  Open their hearts and minds, sweet Jesus, to know and recognize all the ways you have treated them with kindness, and because of that awareness, they will go out and pass on the good news to others.  You change people, you give salvation freely, and forgiveness flows in giant quantities.  May Alyssa and Kyle know that in personal ways and always choose to be servants of this gospel.  Oh the delight it will be to watch and see!

 

Love This!

from LifeWayWomen

 

Patience

 

"A patient man has great understanding, 

but a quick-tempered man displays folly."  Proverbs 14:29

I'll be the first to admit that patience hasn't always been my greatest of virtues.  If there is one thing I could go back and change about myself, especially in the early years of my children's lives, is my quick temper when times were stressful.  Oh the nasty temper in stress!

But God is in the business of change and transformation.  From the inside out He can take what is not lovely, and make it beautiful and pleasing to Him.  Thank goodness.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle don't face the same struggle of having a quick temper and being short on patience.  As they deal with friends, experience hard bosses/teachers, drive down the road, meet someone of the opposite sex, get married, and have children, I pray that they can reflect a strength and patience that comes from Jesus living in their lives. Patience is an outward sign of maturity and Christ-likeness that will be seen in their words, actions, and responses.

My continual hope is that our children are better than me in everything, patience above all.

Lord,  you are the One in the business of changing and transforming lives.  Thank you for being continually at work in transforming me.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle live patient lives, always being slow to respond, and full of grace.  Take those quick tempers and remove their deep roots, and in their place grow patience, calmness, and a powerful kindness that reflects your Holy Spirit living in them.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for making us new creations.

Pictures taken in 2008

 

Finding True Joy

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."  John 5:24

 Cousins (2007)

There are a lot of things in this world that reach out and grab my kids attention.  Today alone I was aware of my sons interest in music, friends, working out, movies, texting, video games, Sports Illustrated, cool clothes, and everything in between.   Everything is loud, bright, exciting, and brings "fun".  To every teenager this is happiness. 

I don't want my kids to be fooled though. Temporary things disappear and will leave behind an emptiness that cannot be filled by anything or anyone but a Savior. 

Hearing the Word and believing in God will bring true life.  Despite the glitter and glam of this world, I pray that our babies fall in love with Jesus and find where real joy comes from!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa an Kyle know the real truth; that as they hear your word and believe in you they will have eternal life and not experience condemnation.  You offer our children the opportunity to cross over from death to life.  Bind the thief from coming into their lives to steal and kill and destroy; and may they have life, and have it to the full.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know how much you truly love them and find an everlasting joy that comes from living life with you.  Oh Father, I am on my knees in surrender and prayer begging for our children's eternal life.

 

Be Careful Little Tongue!

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."  James 3:9-10

Kyle and that tongue of his!  (2006)

Oh the tongue!  It is such a little thing in our body, yet sometimes it can cause huge damage. 

Enough said.

Lord, use Alyssa and Kyle's mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief.  (Job 16:5)  Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you.  Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 

Thankful Thursday: Sabbath-Rest

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience."  Hebrews 4:9-11

This past weekend the boys and I took a Sabbath-rest. Though it is Thursday, I am still giving God thanks for the wonderful time away.

I sat in the motel and read a book (yes, the entire thing from beginning to end)...

 and did my James Bible study, drank coffee, and watched a movie.

All the while my boys were out in the blustery cold fishing their hearts away.

 
They say they were huddling here around a heater (picture below)...

...I say they looked kind of cold.

Either way, I think we all rejoiced in God's beautiful creation and the time of rest.

(Too bad we ended the weekend with a flu-bug.)

Lord, thank you for the time of Sabbath-rest.  My heart moves to worship you as I gaze on your creation and spend time recognizing your presence.  The beauty I see outdoors reflects your power, creativity and love for your children.  As we rest, as you call us to, we are strengthened, encouraged, and rejuvenated to do the work you've called us too.  Thank you for the reminders over and over this weekend that you are with us and that  I am loved.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Delighting in God's Word

Dear Precious Savior,

How can a Alyssa and Kyle stay on the path of purity?
   By living according to your word.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle seek you with all their hearts;
   do not let them stray from your commands.
May they hide your word in their hearts
   that they might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, LORD;
   teach Alyssa and Kyle your decrees.
I pray that with their lips they can recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth.
Oh how I hope that Alyssa and Kyle rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches.
May they always meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
From today on, may Alyssa and Kyle delight in your decrees;
   and not neglect your word.


Be good to Alyssa and Kyle while they live,
   that they may obey your word.
Open their eyes that they may see
   wonderful things in your law.
Alyssa and Kyle are strangers on earth;
   do not hide your commands from them.
I pray that their souls are consumed with longing
   for your laws at all times.
Lord, you rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
   those who stray from your commands.
Remove from Alyssa and Kyle scorn and contempt,
   for they keep your statutes.
Though rulers sit together and slander you,
   I pray that your servants, Alyssa and Kyle,
   will meditate on your decrees.
May your statutes be Alyssa and Kyle's delight;
   they are their counselors.
                          --Psalm 119:9-24

Oh may it be so, my Lord!  
Amen.

 

Making the Best Choice

A woman is bound to her husband 

as long as he lives. -- 1 Corinthians 7:39

 

He who finds a wife finds a good thing 

and obtains favor from the Lord.  

--Proverbs 18:22

One of my kids favorite outings used to be going to the "Dollar Store".  In my mind, $1 per child was a cheap investment for a little fun.  Boy, did I soon learn that it was no easy adventure. 

One dollar to spend in a land of 10,000 choices is hard work.

Lyssa would spend minute after minute trying to make sure she invested her resources on just the right thing.  She would handle one thing, and then pace the aisles to make sure she wasn't missing anything better.  Then she would decide something else looked better, and if we'd let her, she'd go round and round like this for an hour (or two or three). 

Truth be told, though it was annoying beyond belief at times, I like this characteristic in my daughter and I pray that she takes her time to investigate, pray over, and is just as picky when it comes to choosing a husband. 

My kids taking their sweet time, to make the right decision in this department, is one thing I won't be impatient with.

Lord, I know you intend that marriage is forever and that you have just the perfect mate for our children out there in the world.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle seek you first as they go out looking for the one they will give their life to.  You will bless and lead them as they come to you for wisdom and understanding.  I pray that Alyssa finds a man who will love her just as you loved the church and gave your life for it.  I pray that this man will be patient, loving, kind, and keeps no records of wrongs.  I pray the same for Kyle and that he finds a wife who will respect him in speech and action.  May Alyssa and Kyle find mates that bring them great joy and happiness, and help them grow in their faith of you.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing this mother's prayer.

 

Salvation Saturday

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.  Psalm 34:5

Oh the joy of Saturdays.  The love is so much deeper after spending the weekdays working!  So today our family is "vacationing" away from home.  The boys are out fishing and I'll be enjoying my book and the quiet of our motel room.  I'm praying for God's refreshing spirit to fall on our family!

While I worked these last few weeks, I came face to face with thousands of people.  Some I chatted with, and others I just watched.  Just by looking at their face I could see those who were happy, and at peace and full of joy. Then there were others that just looked hard, roughed-up by life, unhappy, angry, lonely, and even lost.  So many looked like they just needed Jesus in their life. 

He brings joy.
He gives life.
He produces peace.
He offers hope.
He showers grace.
He provides salvation.
He loves abundantly.
He forgives instantly.
He delights in us!

Knowing Him changes us.  Our lives may not be void of hard things, yet we can face each day knowing the One who holds our future...and it changes our face.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know Jesus so intimately that it is seen on their faces. 

Lord, you love this world so much that you gave your one and only Son that we might have eternal life, abundant life, and joy everlasting.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle believe in you, precious Savior.  I pray that they know the truth of your forgiveness, the joy of your salvation, and the hope that comes as they walk daily with you.  Because of you, our children's faces never have to be covered in shame.  Oh may it be so!  Thank you, dear Jesus!

Daily Protection

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."  John 17:15

I remember in vivid detail the day I left Alyssa at home by herself for the first time.  I know that Lyss barely blinked an eye, but me?  Worry, fret, and concern. 

Here I was sitting at Kyle's t-ball game and she was home all alone.  Did I teach her all she needed to know to be safe?  Would she answer the door if someone knocked?  What if the house caught on fire?  (Dramatic thoughts, I know.)  What if she got hurt?  Would she make wise choices about what to do? 

Even back then I had a cell phone and it didn't ever leave my hand in case she called with a need. 

Now my "babies" are older, they are driving, one is in another state going to school, and I've had to learn to trust that they are okay when they are away from me.  It doesn't help to lock them up and keep them from the world (though the thought has crossed my mind a time or two), Therefore my prayer becomes more about their protection, wisdom and strength as they go out and face life, and believing that God is with them, and the Holy Spirit is the voice guiding them. 

I still ask for a phone call here and there though.
Yes, I'm one of "those" moms. (Picture the rolling of eyes.)

Lord, you are the great Protector, our refuge and strength.  You are the one with my children at all times and are watching over them as they are coming and going.  This world is full of trouble, but you are the one who overcomes.  Oh Father, protect Alyssa and Kyle, especially from the evil one of this world.  Keep the enemy from any hold on their lives and own them as your son and daughter.  Speak tenderly into Alyssa and Kyle's lives and lead them down paths of righteousness.  Give them wisdom and discernment in order to make choices that bring abundant life.  Lord, watch over my babies.

 

Thankful Thursday

Because your love is better than life, 
my lips will glorify you.  --Psalm 63:3

Lord, your love IS better than life,
but the life you have given is abundant and good.

Thank you for the many ways I felt your love this week.

A visit from my parents...laughter, rest, and time together.
A son turning 16...celebration, growth, reminiscing, and yummy food.
A skype call from Lyss...her love of college life and just hearing her voice.
A van breakdown...perfect timing and a quick fix.
Election season is over...God's strength, kind words, and Christmas money.
Beautiful November...a walk, warmth of the sun, and all the fall colors.

Oh, Lord, you are in every detail of our lives.  I give you thanks for your provision in so many ways.  I often forget to stop and give you thanks, yet know in my heart that all I have is a visible and tangible sign of your love.  Today, my lips will glorify you!