Thankful Thursday

You are my God, 
and I will give you thanks; 
you are my God, 
and I will exalt you. 
Psalm 118:28









You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
my Women's Bible Study group
that allows me to learn from their own journey.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
a lady who has committed to praying for me.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
an afternoon with my friend browsing books.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
texts from Lyss that told me she was thinking about me.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
time with my son last weekend.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
a date with my husband.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
watching my son be so disciplined with
school, baseball, exercise, etc.
What a good kid!


Lord, You are my God,
and I give you thanks!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Giving to God

"The Lord said to Moses,“Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give."  Exodus 25:1-2

___________________

Dear Precious Savior, you deserve so much from your children. You love us and we want to love you.  I pray, that because of that love, Alyssa and Kyle will long to bring to you the very best of who they are.  Their lives can be an offering to you. May they use their gifts and talents, and their treasure and wealth freely and without abandon, to bless others, and give you glory with their lives.

 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."  Romans 12:1


 

My Prayer

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

 Brother and Sister (2005)

In my Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 is marked with my children’s names and the year 1999. As their mother, this verse was one of the prayers of my heart for my little ones. I don’t remember the specific circumstances of finding this verse, but I know that God gave it to me and I have prayed it over and over, claiming its truth for my kids. Today, I pray it again.

Lord, I lift before you my daughter Alyssa, and my son Kyle. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in their knowledge of you. To understand all the facets of your character; your faithfulness, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and holiness, and how it impacts their lives. I pray that they continue studying, and digging deep in your Word, and planting Scriptures in their heart. As Alyssa and Kyle get to know you better, I pray that they are able to discern right from wrong, when you are speaking to them, and what you’re calling them to do and be. Keep them both pure and blameless with their words, thoughts, and actions. Lord, fill them with the desire for right-living in you. May their lives reflect your holiness and bring glory and praise to you, precious Father, each and every day.
 

Beautiful Disasters

"He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light." Job 33:28

People do some amazing things to mess up their lives.  In ministry, my eyes and ears have been privy to many, many things that I sometimes can't even begin to comprehend or understand.  Some choices leave a path of destruction that seems irreparable. 

Even I have broken God's heart at times.  We all have.

But we have a God who makes beauty out of the ashes of our lives.  He loves us despite our failures.  He can redeem, make knew, and use the hard things in our lives.   

Today I am praying that my kids not only stay clear of big mistakes, but that they also sense God's Spirit check theirs when they are tempted to do something that doesn't fall in line with His expectation and hope for their lives.

But if there are disasters, or when there are disasters, may God make something beautiful.


Lord, you are our Redeemer, and you can make beautiful things out of our lives.  You can pull us up from the pit, take our old self, and make us a new creation.  Oh what a wonderful God you are!  Lord, protect my children from making huge disasters of their life.  Prod them with your Spirit to make wise choices in their lives, and not go down roads that don't include you, or stand in your perfect will,  Of course, because they are human they will not live perfect lives, but I pray that when they do make mistakes or poor choices, they will sense your unconditional love and forgiveness.  Lord, please make then teachable, moldable, and sensitive to your Holy Spirit.  I know and trust that you make beautiful things out of our lives, and you will do so for our children as well. 
 

Thankful Thursday

"Satisfy us in the morning 
with your unfailing love,that we may sing for joy 
and be glad all our days." 
Psalm 90:14

I'm not gifted in photography like my daughter, but these are a smattering of things I was thankful for this week.

 Frost covering the trees, though mighty cold,

was beautiful!  A picture just can't do it justice.

 

My husband took me on a sweet Friday night date.

Saturday the boys slaughtered me in bowling

My hubby got some snazzy, new, yellow running shoes.

His smile was worth every penny.

 Our friend, Audrey, did a great job finding Ken just the right thing. 

Lord, thank you for your unfailing love and for satisfying our days with so many good things.  I sing for joy, precious Savior, and am glad for the many blessings.  My life is a precious gift and I give you thanks for every good and perfect thing from you!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

True Joy

“Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” Psalm 119:35 (NLT)

I love hearing my family laugh. There is no sweeter sound.

The other night my two boys were laughing so hard they had tears coming out their eyes.  Over and over again they pushed "rewind" on one of the American Idol auditions, and laughed, and laughed and laughed. Take a peek and see if it makes you smile.




Though, I could write a whole other blog on laughing at others, I really want to focus on the spark of joy I saw that night, and the happiness I see in my kids eyes when they laugh from their belly.  I want nothing more than Alyssa and Kyle to love life and find great joy.

What I do know is that having Christ in their life will bring an everlasting and internal joy that is better, deeper, and more sustaining than the laughter that comes from an American Idol audition. My prayer is that as they continue to grow, and live their lives for Him, their happiness won’t be based on something external, but something eternal. May Jesus be their everlasting joy!

Lord, you are the joy of my life, and the prayer of my heart is that you become the joy of Alyssa and Kyle's lives. I pray that they find many things that bring them laughter and joy on a daily basis. Bring friends into their lives that make them smile. Even provide moments of joy and laughter around the dinner table. May Alyssa and Kyle never take life too seriously, and giggle even at the little things. Above all, with you living in them, may they have joy in their inner beings…deep inside who they are. May my children’s hearts shine You, and may their smiles reflect the joy that only comes from You, their God and Savior.

 

Smarts and Sense

From these, an ordinary person
    can learn to be smart,
    and young people can gain
    knowledge and good sense.

--Proverbs 1:4 

 Dear Lord, 

Your Word is precious and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with it.  Within it's pages they will get to know you, find your amazing promises, and understand your plan for humanity.  Even as they study and invest time in your Word, Alyssa and Kyle can learn to be smart, and will gain knowledge and good sense.  I pray that your Word comes alive to my children and that it will be part of the foundation of their faith.  Prod them, dear Father, to hunger and thirst to know more and more of you, and seek you with all their heart, mind and soul.  May your Word become a precious jewel to my most precious children.

 

White as Snow

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." Isaiah 1:18-20

Kyle at Grammy & Papa's (2008)

Snow everywhere.  And the beautiful morning frost on the trees.  It looks like a winter wonderland outside. We haven't had any new snow lately, it's just been too cold around here to melt it off.  You know what my favorite part of snow is?  I love the way it looks before it's been marred by footprints or tire tracks. Pure, clean, and unblemished.

It reminded me of the verse in Isaiah about our sins, though like scarlet, will become as white as snow. God makes our lives new, and takes our sins and washes them away.  Pure, clean, and unblemished.

The snow is a beautiful reminder to ponder and behold. When it becomes white outside, I will remember to pray for the gift of God's forgiveness, cleansing and salvation in my children's life. When they believe in Him, He will make them pure, clean, and unblemished. Their sins will be forgiven and made white as snow.

Lord, thank you for how the snow reminds me of you're beautiful gifts! It's pure white beauty reminds me of your promise that you will make our sins as white as snow. Thank you for making me clean, washing my sins away, and filling me with your love and forgiveness. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle open their hearts to you, Lord, and accept your gift of forgiveness. May they trust you, and believe that you love them despite whatever they have done.  Take their sins, make them clean, and love them abundantly always. Lord, as Alyssa and Kyle grow older, I pray that they hold on to your sweet gift of salvation, as you hold on tightly to them, all the days of their lives.
 

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 and her youth leaders at 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 are supposed to 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 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 my prayers! 

 

Thankful Thursday: The One Who Sees

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have seen the One who sees me.”  Genesis 16:13

 God sees me.  (Is that a profound thought to anyone else?)

God sees the days I struggle as a mom.

God sees my hopes and dreams for my kids.

God sees my fears and worries.

God sees my babies when I can't. 

God sees today and tomorrow.

God sees our needs.

God sees.

And I'm so thankful!


Oh Lord, You are the God who sees me, and that just amazes me!  Thank you for knowing everything about my world and being in it all.  You see it all and still love me.  You are aware of every detail and you're actively working in and through it all.  And Precious Savior, you see Alyssa and Kyle and you're watching over them, wooing them to yourself, and teaching them about yourself.  You know each fear, hear every prayer, and see all of our needs.  Thank you, God, for loving your children that much.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know intimately the true God that you are!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Parent Prayer

This a parenting prayer I found online.  It's a great prayer for today!

 Alyssa and Kyle (1998)

Dear Heavenly Father,

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

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

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

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

In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

 

Dare to be Different

"We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers."  1 Chronicles 29:15

One spring our daughter talked us into planting red petunias.  She knew that I normally have a tendency to pick purple or pink, but, red it was.  One day, as I went through and was weeding and dead-heading them, I noticed something peculiar.  In and among the throngs of red, I found one lone purple flower.  Alone it stood.

It reminds me of a prayer for my kids:  Be different.  Stand out in the crowd.  Follow Christ, even when the world looks at you as odd, peculiar, and unpopular.  Choose to be who God made you, and the person He wants you to be. 

I dare you, children of mine, to be different.  Be the purple flowers in the sea of red.

Lord, you call us to be aliens and strangers in this world.  You dare us to be different.  I pray that for Alyssa and Kyle today.  Help our dear children  to stand firm in what they know and believe of you, and in who you've called them to be.  Give them confidence to make decisions that please you, even when it goes against the crowd, or the thing everyone else is doing.  Holy Spirit, prompt their minds and nudge their feet to follow you in everything they say and do.  There will be times where they will need courage to be different from the world around them.  I know, dear Jesus, you will be right there beside them, leading them down the right paths.  It's a high calling to follow you, and a calling that will bring Alyssa and Kyle much blessing.  Thank you, Father, for allowing us to be your children, and giving us the strength we need to stand out in this world.
 

Knowing Him

Today, I'm praying that my kids don't miss out on the most important thing in life...

  
"Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life—they don't know God.” 1 Timothy 6:21a (LB)

Precious Savior, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle don't miss out on knowing you in a personal way.  May they know the power of your resurrection, the depth of your love, and the truth of your healing grace.  I pray that their knees bow and their tongues confess that you are their Lord.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for loving Alyssa and Kyle so much that you died on the cross so that they won't perish, but they would have eternal life with you!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to draw near to you!

 

Made to Do

"Do not neglect your gift...Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress."  1 Timothy 4:14-15

I'm rereading one of my favorite books, "When Crickets Cry" by Charles Martin.  If you want to read a good book, I'd encourage you to pick it up.  As I read it, I came across a paragraph that made me think of my kids.

"People marvel at the genius of Mozart because he supposedly wrote "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" at the age of three and composed his first first symphony at the age of twelve.  And yes, of course he was a genius, but another way to look at it is that he just discovered early what it was God made him to do.  That's all.  For some reason, God gave him a little extra, or a little something different, and Mozart found out what that was and then got a head start on using it.  Of course, he was brilliant, but that's not the point.  The point is he knew, and then he got to work.

I was no Mozart, and I had to work at it, but I never doubted what God made me to do..."  (When Crickets Cry, by Charles Martin, page 76)

What is it that God has made my children to do?  Oh, how I can't wait to see.  I'm sure they are getting nudges here and there from God.  Whatever it is, great or small, it's going to be perfect for them.  As long as they are following God's lead they will live in abundant joy and peace.

Watching God's plan unfold will be one of life's greatest pleasures.

Lord, your plans for Alyssa and Kyle stand firm forever, the purposes of your heart through all generations (Psalm 33:11).  They are plans to prosper, and not to harm, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  In his heart a man plans his course, but you, Lord, determine his steps (Proverbs 16:9).  I'm in awe that you have gifted each of my children for something special and design their lives to serve you, reflect you, and love others.  Help them to recognize your purpose and leading in their lives, dear Jesus.  Follow Alyssa and Kyle all the days of their life, always speaking in their ear, "this is the way, walk in it."  (Isaiah 30:21).  Thank you, Lord, that there is something that they are made to do, and it will not be hidden from them.  God, you are so good!
 

Thankful Thursday

"But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you."  1 Samuel 12:24

So many great things from the Lord each day this week:

• Women's Bible study returned from Christmas break on Thursday. It was a great way to start the new year!  It's sad that our journey through James is coming to an end so soon.
• Friday was movie night with the family. Oh how I love these people that God has placed in my life!
• Time to take down Christmas decorations on Saturday, ending the day in a family outing with a gift certificate to our favorite steak house, and began a puzzle (picture above).
• Sunday prayer time with two special ladies and the peace that falls as we pray for the youth of our church.
• Monday is our date day and we had Lyss (home from college still) tagging along.  After lunch we went to the thrift store, and Lyss and her dad laugh through the entire store.  The day was topped off with a dinner with friends who moved away 11 years ago, and 5 other families.  Friendships that last over time are a blessing.
• Tuesday I met a friend for coffee.  So thankful for those in my life that I can lean on, encourage in return, and journey this life together with.
• On Wednesday, Lyss did her second baby photo shoot this week, and has two more jobs before she heads home on Saturday.  I love watching her joy as she finds her favorites in the batch of 500-600 shots she has taken.  She has a great eye for capturing the personality of her "client" (picture below).  Fun to see the outcome of her time and effort!  If you're on facebook you can see her pictures here.

Lord, as I considered all the great things you have done for me, I find myself in awe and my heart full of thanksgiving.  You have blessed my family indeed! Thank you for the ways you're growing up Alyssa and Kyle to be servants and followers of you.  Precious Savior, I stand in awe of your work and gifts today!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Flirting with Evil

"Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good."  Romans 12:9 (The Message)

Sunday night, Kyle went to the mall with his friend, and came home with earring studs in his ears.  I tried hard not to flip out until I knew the truth of the situation, assuming that surely he wouldn't pierce his ears without his mother's permission (though, my mother would tell you I did that when I was living at home as well...my only excuse was that I was 18 and my friends made me do it...sorry mom!).  As I tried to grab at Kyle's ears, he flinched and squirmed, so for a brief second I thought he had succumbed to looking like a girl (in my humble opinion).  After some scrutiny, he laughed and showed me that his piercings were just magnets.  

Whew.  My heart could start beating at a normal rate.

Why are the things of this world so attractive?  Music, tattoos, smoking, drinking, sex before marriage, and foul language, fashion, etc.  Sometimes, as a godly mom, it feels like a big battle to fight every day.  My hope is that my kids would "run for dear life from evil, rather than dance around the edge and flirt with things that don't please the Lord.  

Truly, I know and trust that this is a war for the Holy Spirit to win.  I'm just going to stand along the sidelines, cheering on Alyssa and Kyle and getting on my knees in prayer, to hold on for dear life to the good God has for them!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to run for dear life from evil and hold on for dear life to good!  Prod their hearts to seek after the things that you desire, and hold fast to a life that his holy and pleasing to you.  Give Alyssa and Kyle eyes to see life as you see it, and have a heart that is like yours.  May the things of the world leave a bitter taste in their mouth.  Lord, this is my plea.

 +

No More, No Less

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less..."  Matthew 5:5

I love my kids! I love how God has uniquely made each one.  

I love Alyssa's humor, her strong conviction, and her creativity.  While on the other hand, I love Kyle's tenderness, his loyalty, and his discipline and determination.  Both just so special in who God created them to be.

But I'm sure there are things that Alyssa and Kyle don't like about themselves.  Isn't that just how we humans are?  

My prayer is that my children become content with who they are...
No more, no less. 

Lord, you have fearfully and wonderfully made Alyssa and Kyle, and I pray that they know that full well.  Teach them to be content in who you have made them to be.  I pray that they even revel in the gifts you've given them, the talents they have, and the plans you have for their lives.  May what they do with who you've made them, always bring you glory! 

(Pictures taken in 2009) 

 

Hope

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." Psalm 62:5

Hope.

I watch the news,
see the hurt in the lives of people around me,
and wonder what the future holds.

Our world needs hope.
I need hope.
Our children need hope.

"When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way..." Psalm 142:3

Hope for today.
In seeking real joy,
In building relationships,
In the struggles of school,
And living in the expectation of others.

Hope for tomorrow.
In jobs, relationships, finances, and dreams.

Hope.

Without hope our children won't live the lives God has in store for them.
He alone is our hope.

So hold onto Him, my babies!


Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find their true hope in you. When they are discouraged and all seems lost, I pray that they will recall and bring to mind that it is you who makes the world right, brings their spirit peace, and can fill them with an inexplainable joy. No matter their circumstances, remind Alyssa and Kyle, that their hope comes from you alone. May they always put their trust in you, as their Savior and Lord.

Back to School

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you."  Proverbs 4:6

Christmas break came and went way too quickly this year.  On January 2, Kyle was out the door to school at 5:45 am to start the day with a baseball workout, and then  returned home at 4:30 pm after a second workout.  School came too early in more than one way. 

I'm praying that today is filled with joy as Kyle attends school.  Though he is grumbling at the schedule that comes with being back to school (especially with his college aged sister still hanging out for another week and is sleeping in), I am hoping that God does a change in his heart and that he finds an unusual excitement as he gets back into the swing of things.

I want my kids to find a love for learning, and have something spark a great interest that may even lead them into the future God has planned just for them.  Learning, wisdom, and a good education can bring a lot of work, but it can also bring abundant joy.

May it be so today...even though it means our Christmas break has come to an end.

Lord, your wisdom is of greatest worth, and I pray that my kids will always grow in the knowledge of you.  At the same time, may they find great joy in gaining knowledge at school, and in their reading, writing, history class, and even math.  May they find classes that ignite their passion for learning, and teachers that encourage them to strive better and deeper in their classes.  Today, Kyle will need strength to get back into the swing of routine.  Lord, be with Kyle in every moment, reminding him that you are God, and you have made him for this day, and this day for him!  Thank you, dear Father.

 

Thankful Thursday

As I reflect on the past week, I am most thankful for time with family.  It's a little belated, but these are a few of my favorite pictures from Christmas day!

 Lord, thank you for the sweetness of family and time together.  What a delight it is to see the laughter and smiles, feel the love and acceptance, and find encouragement and blessing.  Alyssa and Kyle's lives are richer because of these special relationships.  Grow in them a desire, dear Jesus, to hold on tight to the people you have placed in their lives, and fight hard for healthy relationships.  Remind them that forgiveness and love will always be worth the effort. Thank you, for the heritage of faithfulness.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will pass this gift onto the next generation and always stay connected to these special people you have given them. Lord, thank you, for family!