Thankful Thursday

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”  Psalm 16:2

So many "good things" this week that I'm giving God praise for!

• Meridian Friends Church...it's past, it's present, it's people and it's pastors.  50 years is something truly worth celebrating and the party was a delight!

• My parents...a tremendous support and encouragement in life, parenting and ministry.  Hearing my mom play the piano at our church's big Jubilee celebration was a delight.

• After four days of tryouts, through rain, snow and cold, Kyle found out that he made the Varsity baseball team.  YAHOO!

I praise you, Lord, for all these good things!  All that is good comes from you, Maker of heaven and earth.  To you be all glory!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Traditions

"Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord."  Leviticus 19:30

Friday Night Sleepover (2000)

When Alyssa and Kyle were little, we had a couple of weekly "traditions".  Our Tuesday night tradition started when dad was working and it was just the three of us.  McDonalds had half-off Happy Meal night, and we'd each get our meal of choice, and enjoy playing in the play-land.  A nice little relief for mom.

Our Friday night tradition, wasn't so mom-friendly, and I don't remember how this one got started.  We owned a hide-a-bed (you know, for visitors and such!), and the kids would bring out all their blankets, stuffed animals, and such, and camp out together while watching their favorite videos.  The nights sometimes felt late, for this mom, and not always did Alyssa and Kyle agree on which videos to watch, but it was something they always looked forward to.  Yeah for Friday nights!

We've also had a Sunday morning tradition:  going to church.  Sure, we're the pastor's and don't have the choice, but I'm pretty sure we'd be a family that attended every Sunday even if we weren't.  As Alyssa and Kyle become adults, I pray that they hold onto our Sunday morning "tradition" of going to worship. It may take work sometimes, but the benefits far outweigh all else.

Here's to life-long traditions...

Lord, what an amazing thing it is that we can be with you at any time of any day.  Church isn't the only place we will meet you.  However, there are such sweet benefits of coming into your presence at church, and into the fellowship with other believers.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to be a part of a church family. I hope that they find relationships within the church that help them grow in their faith, and encourage them on their spiritual journey.  I long for them to find areas of ministry in which to use their gifts, and in turn encourage others to grow spiritually, and find you a their personal Savior.  Good habits take time to develop, but I pray that these childhood years, when we've attended church week after week, have helped Alyssa and Kyle begin a tradition that will carry on when they become adults and have families of their own.  Lord, thank you for the gift of church, and church families.  What a precious part of life!
 

Stop the Stiff-Necks!

"Circumcise your hearts, therefore and do not be stiff-necked any longer."  Deuteronomy 10:16

Alyssa (2008)

Sometimes I fear that our children will have hard and unteachable hearts.  You know, teenagers seem to think they know everything!  Even I have times where I am immovable in my convictions, desires, and decisions.  It takes much more discipline, and an openness, to be moldable and teachable.  Being "stiff-necked" stops the process of being transformed into Christ's likeness.

When opportunities arise, I pray that our kid's hearts are found to be open and changeable, because Christ lives in them.

So, out of here "stiff-necks", and move on in "circumcised hearts"!

Lord, be at work in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts.  Make them flexible, moldable, and teachable, allowing your Spirit to move in and change them into someone who reflects you living in their lives.  Please protect them from being "stiff-necked" and having stubborn hearts.  Being open to all the things they can learn allows them to grow and change into who you want them to be.  Give Alyssa and Kyle hearts of flesh, that allow your constant presence and activity in their lives.  Oh, how I pray that they always in the process of being transformed into your likeness. 

 

Living Deeply

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."  1 John 2:28 (The Message)

Alyssa, Kyle and Papa (1999)

I love how the Message paraphrases the verse above: "Live deeply in Christ."  I just want to ponder that today.

"Live deeply in Christ."

Oh, my deepest hope and prayer for Lyssa and Kyle.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to love you, and live deeply in you. May they not be tempted to just know of you, and live in the knowledge of what they've learned about you since they were little, but choose to strive to KNOW you deeper and better.  Sideline observers get a small taste of you, but those who choose to participate face to face in a relationship with you, experience first-hand the Living Water.  You, Lord, quench every thirst, and satisfy the deepest of hungers.  But living deeply in You is a choice one has to make every day.  Lord, spur our children on to laying down their selfish desires, or worldly yearnings, and to seek first your Kingdom, with their entire heart.  And now, Jesus, help Alyssa and Kyle to stay with you. Move them to live deeply in you. Then they'll be ready when you appear, ready to receive you with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when you arrive.  I pray, Lord, that they love you deeper than I can ever imagine, because you are the One that I love.
 

Tip-Top Shape

" I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me!  1 Corinthians 9:26 (The Message)

For weeks (or months) now, Kyle has been conditioning for the new baseball season that is about to begin.  His high school baseball tryouts are today.  YAHOO!  On top of all the baseball work outs he's been taking a weight lifting class since the beginning of the school year.  I'll tell you what, because of all this "fun" stuff, he's growing strong and healthy. (So strong and healthy that he's growing out of his clothes...good grief!)

I am reminded to pray for both my kid's continued health in life, but also their discipline to do their part to stay that in tip-top shape.

I hate to admit it, but you better pray for their mom as well...

Lord, our bodies are the temple of your Holy Spirit, and you want us to lead disciplined and healthy lives.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find within themselves to do their best at keeping their bodies in tip-top shape, looking to your help to be disciplined in their eating habits and exercise.  I don't want them to be obsessed by it, by any means, nor become prideful in their body image, but I do pray that they become good stewards of the bodies you have given them.  May they give everything that have to keep from sloppy living.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for Alyssa and Kyle's health and their strong and able bodies.  You have fearfully and wonderfully made my precious babies!  And oh how I love them!

 

Thankful Thursday

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things."  Jeremiah 33:3

I'm thankful that I can call on the Lord as I parent my dear babies.  Every growth, delight, and good sign is all because of Jesus, and I give Him praise.  Here's a few blessings this week...

My son is growing up.  First off, we had to buy some new dress clothes for his school dance, after finding his last set of dress clothes, bought 14 months ago, were like 3 sizes too small. Good grief! But I see signs of Kyle growing into manhood, in attitude, in discipline, and in abilities.  I'm proud of the young man he is becoming.

My dear hubby is sweet to me.  I forgot to take a picture of my valentine gift, but it was a basket full of my favorite things.  He is always listening and aware of my needs and wants and I can't help but give God thanks for the way he loves me.  So blessed.  This coffee was to celebrate our 23 1/2 years of marriage!

You will only know that the above picture is an answer to prayer after you read my blog NEXT Monday.  I wasn't thinking and wrote a blog for yesterday, forgetting that I usually do a "Wordless Wednesday".  Duh.  So, I saved what I wrote and you'll get to read it on Monday.  Anyway, the God-sighting part of this is that I wrote about wanting my kids to have teachable hearts, and then Lyss posted a picture about being mentored and listening.  Yeah God!

Our church is celebrating 50 years of ministry this weekend.  Ken and I have been pastors here for the last 19 years, and I have been continually reminded this week of the blessing it has been in my life to be a part of this church family, to have the privilege of leading this group of believers, and to feel so loved!  God is truly alive and active in this precious body and I thank Him for His faithfulness, grace, and mercy as we try to do His work.

So many wonderful things!  Thank you, dear Jesus!

Lord, my heart cries out in praise and worship for the amazing ways I see you in my life.  As I call on you, on behalf of our children, I can see the ways you are moving in them. Thank you for not leaving Alyssa and Kyle alone, and not leaving their lives totally dependent on the job I've done as a parent.  You are teaching them, loving them, and drawing them closer to you in so many ways that I can't.  You are a loving and compassionate God and you spread your covenant of love to a thousand generations.  Oh what a delight to know that you love THIS generation!  I stand in awe of who you are.  Thank you, Lord, for these precious blessings!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Praying Scripture

Our Family (2003)

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)
 

 

Being "Good"

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

 We're in the dating zone, folks.  Kyle has a girlfriend. 

Last night it was a dance, tonight it's a movie, and who knows what tomorrow holds.

Boy, I'm on my knees now!

I keep telling him to be GOOD, but does he "get it"?
 
So, here's my prayer for today:  God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for my kids.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day.

Old fashion, but truly a part of God's perfect plan.

Be good, my babies!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind Alyssa and Kyle of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help my children to make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May Alyssa and Kyle's marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!

 

HIS!

"They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Malachi 3:17-18

I love my kids.
They are a huge treasure in my life.
If I could spare them from harm, I would in a heartbeat.

God loves my kids...even more than I.They are His treasured possession,
and He will spare them, by offering them eternal life.
He says to them, "Be Mine" 

They are His.
I pray that they take Him up on His amazing offer.


Lord, on the day that you make up your treasured possessions, I pray that our children are wholly yours. I thank you, because you are a deeply compassionate God and you spare your children. May they believe that you are the Son of God, and accept the gift of your salvation. I pray that in our children we will see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. I know that they are yours, dear Jesus, and I pray that it will always be so. Thank you, Lord, that they will always be your children.
 

Open Those Eyes

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."  Psalm 119:18

 

Love those blue eyes (2009)

Lord, your Word is such a delight and holds so many rich treasures.  It teaches us about you, and helps us grasp the depths of your love for your children.  From the beginning to the end, we watch your plan unfold, and see your hand of love, power, and grace at work over and over again.  Each time I open it's pages I can sense your voice speaking personally to me.  I know, however, that it's a continual process to learn and understand the details we find within the pages of your Word.  I pray that you give my children understanding when they sit down and spend time with you and read your Word.  Open Alyssa and Kyle's eyes that they may see the wonderful things in your law.  Bring them hope, courage, and wisdom as they dig deep, falling in love with you deeper and deeper as they go.  Oh Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle come to believe your Word and hold onto this treasure that helps them know you more.  Speak to them, dear Jesus, calling them to yourself as your precious children each and every time they come to your living and active Word.  What a beautiful gift to your children!

 

Thankful Thursday: My Valentine

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  Genesis 2:24

"Marriage is not a noun, it's a verb.  

It isn't something you get.  It's something you do.  

It's the way you love your partner every day." 

-- Barbara De Angelis

Today is a perfect day to celebrate the love of my life!  God has truly blessed me.  We met 25 years ago, and have been dancing together through life ever since.  Of course, in the 23 years since we've been married there have been a few ups and downs, but with God by our side, our love has always remained.  Here's to another couple decades.  I love you, Ken!

It's hard to believe, and I'm thinking I'm closer than I want to be, but my kids aren't too far from the days when they will be thinking about marriage and finding their life mates.  Soon Valentine's Day will be a day worth celebrating, because they will have someone to celebrate with.  I'm praying for them to find the mate God has planned just for them, and that they choose to work hard throughout their lifetime to love their spouse deeply.  I long for them to live in deep happiness, and in marriages that are strong, healthy, and committed for the long haul.  One day, I hope they will be celebrating a marriage that has lasted 20 years or more!

Valentines Day is a good day to reflect on past memories, celebrate present love, and hope for a strong futures...ours and our kids!

Lord, you have blessed my life richly with a wonderful husband and a marriage that brings me much happiness.  You knew the man who would be perfect for me, and you brought us together in beautiful fashion.  Sure, we have struggles and ups and downs, but you are always there pushing us to be better, to look to you for guidance, and lean on you for understanding.  Lord, I pray that my children find the mates that you have designed perfectly for them as well.  Mates that will love them deeply, be willing to work through the hard things, always be faithful, and live their lives devoted to you.  I pray that my kids have marriages that are full of love, happiness, peace, contentment, and respect.  Begin preparing them, and their future spouses, for a beautiful adventure, with you by their side. 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

His Yoke

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

 Kyle on an amusement park ride...

strapped up and ready to go!

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

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

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

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


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

Commitments Keepers

"Don’t break your promises...Say only yes if you mean yes, and no if you mean no. If you say more than yes or no, it is from the Evil One."  Matthew 5:33, 37 (New Century Version)

At the beginning of winter Kyle agreed to be our neighbor's snow shoveler all season long. Every time the ground turns white, he'll cross the street with his shovel, and get to work.  The income it brings is a nice little bonus.  

BUT.... It's easier to make that kind of commitment before the real snow begins to fall.  

This week we had our fourth or fifth snow fall of the season (which is a lot for our neck of the woods) and Kyle wasn't too excited to go do his job. And my response? "Too bad, buddy, you agreed you'd be there every time in snowed!"  

Keeping promises, doing what you say you'll do,  and following through to the best of your ability is an important quality to practice and hold onto. 

I sure want my boy to be known as a man of good faith, shining in honesty, commitment, and integrity.

Lord, you never break your promises, and for that I give you praise and thanks.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always keep their promises, and are careful to always keep their word.  Sometimes that means being cautious in the things they say "yes" to, and sometimes it will mean doing things they don't want to do because they said they would.  Give them the wisdom in both situations, Father.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are known for their good word.  If they say "yes", may they be faithful, and if they need to say "no" may it be out of wisdom and care.  Honesty and commitment will reflect your presence and command of their lives.  May Alyssa and Kyle always represent you well!

 

At Home in Him

 

Papa and Alyssa (1999)

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

       will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
       my God, in whom I trust."

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
       and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,

 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
       nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling—
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-

 then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
       to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,
       so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
       you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him my salvation."

Lord, there is such rest in the shelter of your arms.  Like a father, you are our refuge and fortress.  I pray that my children fall in love with you, and you will be their mighty rescuer.  Thank you for protecting them when they acknowledge your name.  When Alyssa and Kyle call on you, you Lord, have promised that you will answer them.  As a mom it brings me great peace and joy to know taht You will be with our children when they are in trouble, and I love knowing that you will deliver them and honor them.  Lord, satisfy our children with long life, and show them your salvation.  From today forward, may you be their God, and may they be your children.  Wrap your arms around them and always be their shield, their shelter, and their refuge.  Oh, what a sweet place to be at home.

 

The Best Policy

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."  Luke 16:10-11

Kyle (age 3?)

Every day our children have the opportunity to choose truth or lies.  In their schoolwork, in conversation with others, when they are left home alone, or as they are out and about with friends, I pray that honesty is always their first response. One moment of dishonesty can deteriorate trust in any relationship.  Telling a little white lie here or there, may be the easiest way to go to stay out of hot water, but in the end it really could cause great damage.

"Those who think it is permissible 

to tell white lies 

soon grow color-blind." 

 ~Austin O'Malley

Honesty is vital for healthy relationships, successful careers, and a peace within themselves.  Some days, it will take much effort to choose being honest and truthful, but I don't believe my children will ever regret doing the better and right thing.

I pray that trust and honesty mark Alyssa and Kyle's lives...in every day and with every decision.

Lord, I pray that truth and honesty is always a part of the fabric of my children’s lives. Holy Spirit, guide and lead Alyssa and Kyle into living lives that please you. May honesty be forever on their lips. May they choose honesty in the decisions they make, with the conversations they have, and in every action they take.  Give Alyssa and Kyle the strength and courage when it seems to be the hard thing to do, and peace when fear tempts them to walk the other way. Lord, I pray that they will find your strength and help, when they choose honesty, integrity, and truthfulness. May they always put their hope in you. Honesty is a trademark that I pray that Alyssa and Kyle wear with pride.
 

Thankful Thursday!

Our Lord and God,
You are worthy to receive
glory and honor and power,
because You have created all things,
and because of Your will
they exist and were created.
--Revelation 4:11 

I just revel in all the ways God creates good things in my life.  Good things can even come out of hard experiences, believe it or not.  This week I have seen His handiwork in beautiful ways.

• Unexpected hugs and prayers.
• Laughing at "fainting goats" on YouTube with Kyle (google "fainting goats if you're in a bad mood).
• A phone call with Lyss.  So adult-like, so fun, so good!
• My living room full of 15 laughing, caring, loving ladies from my church. 

• Surprise gifts of purple things.  So embarrassing but so loving and kind!
• Kyle's car full of balloons from a girl asking him to the Sweethearts dance.
• A game night with friends.
• Kyle's passing grade (103%) on a math quiz when everyone else around him didn't do so hot. 
• Lyss loving school and doing college kind of things!
• Ken's timely presence with hurting families.
• Date lunch at PF Changs with a gift card.
• Purple tulips from my hubby.

• Watching my 16 year old sleep on the living room floor (I just want to squeeze on him), tired after early morning and after school baseball practices.

Lord, you are always creating beautiful things in my life.  I love watching your hand at work in Alyssa and Kyle's lives especially.  You are always faithful, good, and present in the good and bad times we go through.  Thank you, precious Savior for all these sweet benefits I've seen this week.  You are so good and so worthy of our praise! To you be all glory, honor and praise.


 

Wordless Wednesday