The Glorious Hide and Seek!

Re-post.  Sorry.  Busy Easter and baseball weekend!  Love both though!  I pray that you have a blessed Easter and celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Savior!

 Kyle, Easter (1998)

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."  Deuteronomy 4:29

Tis the season for Easter eggs, bunnies, jelly beans, chocolate, Easter dresses, and pretty bonnets.  Once upon a time my kids loved the excitement and joy of playing hide and seek with the plastic stuffed eggs.  Now they are teenagers, and though they still want all the goodies inside, they are no longer interested in looking high and low for their yummy treasure.

When the kids were little, however, hiding the eggs was a game we played for many days after Easter was over.  They never tired of the big hunt.  Unlike their mother who did.  The eggs didn't even have to hold anything inside anymore, it was just the thrill of finding that which was "lost".  Ready, set, go!

 Alyssa, Easter (1998)

I pray that their life is a continual hunt for their Savior.  He's not hard to find, but sometimes there takes some effort on our part to get to know Him better.  His Word promises that when they seek Him, they will find Him.  And when they find Him, just like the plastic eggs, they will taste and see something truly sweet.  Oh how glorious!  The greatest game of "hide and seek" ever!

  Kyle, Easter (1998)

Lord, you are the greatest gift of our life, and you promise that when we seek you with all our hearts we will find you.  I pray that our children choose you, over and over again, and seek you with all that they are.  As they open the pages of your Word, may they find the beautiful you, and realize the depths of your great love.  I pray that they choose to dig deep, and get to know you daily, from here to eternity.  Speak to them sweet words of wisdom and love, as they listen for your voice in prayer.  You are the most beautiful treasure, Jesus, and what an amazing thing that you want your children to have an intimate relationship with you.  May our children seek you with all their heart, and find you in precious ways.  Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful promise!

  

Real Friends!

"There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."  Proverbs 18:24

Lyssa and her friend (2008)

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are protected from friends that try to destroy them, but instead have real friends that stick closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24)  Keep them safe from troublemakers that plant seeds of strife, and those who gossip because it separates and destroys the best of friends (Prov. 16:28)  Instead give Alyssa and Kyle friends who sharpen them like iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17)  Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.(Eccl. 4:9-12) I pray, Lord, that you give Alyssa and Kyle good friends, and in turn that they will be good friends to others.
 

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
our daughter being home for Spring Break.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
a thoughtful card of encouragement and appreciation.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
having all four members of our family around one table.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
a Sunday afternoon nap.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
a family "date" to see "The Hobbit".

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
our church's Seder meal and the reminder of Christ's sacrifice and gift.

You are my God,
and I give you thanks for
Alyssa's giftedness at photography and a few "appointments" this week.



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



 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Family, Fighting, and Friendship

"And this commandment we have from him:

whoever loves God must also love his brother."  1 John 4:21

Lyss & Kyle (1998)

Sisters and brothers.  Best friends and worst enemies...all within a five minute time frame. Even now that they don't see each other as often since Lyss spends most of her time in Oregon at college.  Yes, spring break has barely started and they are already picking on one another.

Alyssa and Kyle know how to push buttons in the blink of an eye, yet they also can be each others greatest cheerleader.  I cherish the moments when I catch a glimpse of them treating each other with a love and kindness that they would show their greatest friend.  I also love watching them laugh together, or have a conversation, especially when one is showing great concern over the others needs.

However, at this time in life, my kids claim that they are not "friends", and sometimes treat each other more like lepers, than sister and brother.  I try to convince them the importance of their relationship, and that they will need each other one day.  They will go through trials in their life where they will need someone who will stand by them through thick and thin, and love them no matter what.

They put up (and put-up is definitely the word of the day) with each other as family now, but I pray that one day they will realize the treasure they have as friends.  I pray that they will forgive the crazy things of today, and love one another unconditionally through the things of tomorrow.

I think people that have a brother or sister 

don't realize how lucky they are. 

Sure, they fight a lot, 

but to know that there's always somebody there,

somebody that's family.  

--Trey Parker

Lord, you have given us two precious children and they fill our days with much joy.  However, when they fight, are impatient with one another, and hold onto grudges, my heart breaks.  I pray Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle will live lives that are completely humble and gentle; being patient, bearing with one another in love. May they make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  Lord, may forgiveness flow freely between one another.  Their friendship can can be a life-giving relationship that brings them much joy, but at times it will take a bit of effort.  May they each be willing to set aside hurts, fears, and anger to love one another the way that you call them to love.  Lord, you have created our family in beautiful ways, and you put Alyssa and Kyle together as sister and brother for special purposes in their lives.  May they find the true joy you have for them in this relationship.  As sisters and brothers...and as friends.
 

Soft Hearts for Wisdom

 

My son, if you accept my words

       and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom
       and applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight
       and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver
       and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD
       and find the knowledge of God.

--Proverbs 2:1-5

I've noticed, as my kids get older and move through their teenage years, that I don't seem to know so much.  Ha!  I've heard that this is a normal teenager phenomenon.  They have this tendency to believe what others have to say, and listen to their wisdom, sometimes before they listen to mine...even if I've even said it first.  Grumble.

So, I ask God to give Alyssa and Kyle soft hearts towards their parent's wisdom.  Beyond that, I pray that their hearts are open to others' wisdom as well...including God's.  It's our human nature to struggle sometimes against others' insights, or put higher confidence in our own ideas, and we cringe or act out in our pride, and we miss out on some valuable nuggets of wisdom.   Oh, I hate it when I do that!

 

I like this quote:

"The next best thing to being wise oneself 

is to live in a circle of those who are"  

--C.S. Lewis 
 

Surrounding oneself  with wise people, and being willing to listen to the wisdom of others, is a sign of maturity and growth.

Lord, your wisdom is the richest of all wisdom.  Thank you for sharing it with your children when we seek it.  Your Word is full of rich treasures!  I pray, Lord, that my children accept your words, and store up your commands within their hearts, turning their ear to wisdom and applying their heart to understanding.  Lord, If they call out for insight and understanding, and search your hidden treasures, they will find You in beautiful ways.  I also pray, Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle have hearts that are open to their parents wisdom and instruction.  Keep them from becoming closed off, or bitter, when we instruct in certain directions, and trust that we always have their best interest at heart.  Give them great pleasure in listening to others' wisdom, and good judgment on who and what they listen too. Thank you, Father, for the promise that when we seek you, we will find you!  Lord, be the first place they go for wisdom, and the loudest voice they hear speaking in their ear.  

 

Hardheaded...I Pray Not!

“Now listen to me:
    You’re a hardheaded bunch and hard to help.
I’m ready to help you right now.
    Deliverance is not a long-range plan.
    Salvation isn’t on hold.
I’m putting salvation to work in Zion now,
    and glory in Israel.”
 Isaiah 46:12-13 (The Message)

Hard-headed.

Not easily moved.

Obstinate.

Stubborn.

Willful. 

Lord, soften my children's hearts. 

Make them pliable,

Teachable,

Humble,

Open, 

and ready,

because

Deliverance is not a long-range plan. 

Salvation isn’t on hold.

It's for today!

I pray that, if Alyssa and Kyle hear your voice today,

They will not harden their hearts.

Put your salvation to work in my children,

Oh, my Precious Savior!

 

 (Picture above:  Alyssa and Kyle, Easter 2005)

Generous Givers

"Give away your life; 

you'll find life given back, 

but not merely given back—

given back with bonus 

and blessing. 

Giving, not getting, 

is the way. 

Generosity begets generosity." 

--Luke 6:38

Jesus, you loved the unlovely, you fed the hungry, and you gave to the undeserving.  And each day you continue to do so. You are a loving, compassionate and giving God.  I pray, dear Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle become imitators of you.  May they take the opportunities in front of them to feed those who are without, lend a helping hand to those in need, give abundantly out of their resources big or small, and through their actions show your love to others.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's eyes are opened to see people as you see them, and their hearts burn within them to go above and beyond to be a blessing.  Please mark their lives with giving and generosity.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to give away their lives as they love others, reflecting you in all that they do.
 

Thankful Thursday: Prayers of Others

"On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers."  2 Corinthians 1:10-11

 Lyssa and Jered in her dorm this weekend. 

I'm so blessed that I have people who pray on my behalf.  I'm sure there are those who pray for me without my knowledge, and I'm grateful.  I also know that there are others who pray for me because they tell me so.  God lays my name on their hearts and they pray. This week, I even called out for prayer, and I know they someone must have obliged because I saw God come to my rescue.  How privileged I am to have people in my life who pray for me!

If you're one of those people, I give God thanks for you!

Here are some answers to prayer this week:

• Safe travels to Oregon for meetings...even the return since I, for some reason, had a ticket to come home on the wrong day.
• I loved visiting Alyssa and staying with her in her college dorm.  I was a part of her world for 2 evenings and loved seeing her interact with her friends, hear about and see college life, and hear more words out of her than I would in a whole week at home.
• Some of my meetings were hard for me, and I shot a quick text during dinner to my hubby to pray, and God came to my rescue.
• God gave me some parenting wisdom after I asked for prayer.
• Lyssa is struggling with a class this semester and had a big test yesterday. We're still praying that the grade is good, but she said she thinks she did okay.  I hope it encouraged her just to know we were praying.

"On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us"... AMEN!

Thank you, Lord, for the hope and healing that come as we call on you! As we call to you, you hear us and answer our prayers.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know the power and peace that come when they call on your name. Deliverance, strength, hope, courage, and faith always are available as we look to you, our Savior!  Thank you for being the God who hears your people!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Working Hard

"Hard work always pays off..."  Proverbs 14:23 (The Message)

I popped in to see Lyssa at college this weekend.  It was fun to see her in her environment and get little glimpses of all her hard work.  Saturday she spent 6 hours in the art room working on her clay project that is due today (pictured above).  First, I was impressed that she was spending her Saturday working.  And second, that she was doing her work ahead of the game!

Hard work always pays off!

Kyle has been working out, practicing, and putting in a lot of hours on the baseball field.  It's fun to watch him do well and succeed this season.  We're only beginning, but I know there are good things to come.

Hard work always pays off!

Last night at dinner Kyle went through the list off projects, papers, and tests that are happening this week before spring break hits.  The list seems a bit daunting along with baseball practice each night after school and two baseball games.  He's going to have to be disciplined and diligent in what little time he has each evening. 

Hard work always pays off!

I can't wait to see what comes of Alyssa and Kyle's hard work!

Lord, I pray that you bless the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands.  Give them a strong determination to work hard, do everything to the best of their ability, and follow through with all of their responsibilities.  Grow their desire to put forth every ounce of effort they can into their work.  May whatever Alyssa and Kyle do, be done enthusiastically, as something done for you Lord and not for men.  There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty.  Hard work always pays off!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are hard workers!

 

Back to School Day

 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.

 

Pilgrimage Partner

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage."  Psalm 84:5

Pilgrimage: a journey, especially a long one, 

made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion

I see my life as a pilgrimage, with Jesus as my walking-partner.  

He leads me down straight paths.

He guides me alongside quiet waters.

He helps me to ride on the heights.

He whispers in my ear which way to turn.

I pray that my dear children take on walking this pilgrimage with their Savior. It will be the best journey they take!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find their strength in you and that they set their hearts on pilgrimage you.  Life is a journey and they will go a long ways as they have you as their walking partner.  Lead them, dear Jesus, down straight paths and guide them in the way you want them to go.  You are the One who gives abundant life and life everlasting.  You can be Alyssa and Kyle's hope, their strength, and their everlasting joy, when they choose to live  with you.  Father, you are their Savior and God, and may they know and believe it with all their heart, mind and soul.

 

A Sleep-Over

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

 One sleepy girl! (1999)

With teenagers, sleep cycles can sometimes get out of whack.  Mine and theirs (sometimes I think I am too old for their late night adventures).  If I'd let them, I'm sure my kids would stay up until 2 am and then sleep in until noon.  However, with school's early morning hours, sleeping in isn't a luxury they get very often.

With their growing bodies and the taxing brain activity of school, I'm thinking that both Alyssa and Kyle (and their mother) need some deep, deep sleep.

A "sleep-over" is definitely in order (kind of like a make-over of our sleep habits)!

Early to bed, Early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

Yawn.

Lord, bring Alyssa and Kyle (and their mom) a deep and sweet sleep.  In the quiet of the night hours, I pray that my babies get the sleep that they need for their growing bodies and minds. Remove any barriers, dear Jesus, that are keeping them from waking refreshed and ready for the day. You are the one to give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). May Alyssa and Kyle find your mercies new every morning and your strength in abundant supply. When their eyes are open through the watches of the night, help them to meditate on your promises (Psalm 119:148). Be Alyssa and Kyle's strength every morning (Isaiah 33:2).

 

Singing for Joy!

"Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel."  Isaiah 44:23

 Kyle #12 is encouraging his teammate (March 2013)

The Lord has done this, and therefore I sing for joy:

• Given me dear friends...coffee appointments, lunch dates, prayers, emails and encouragement.
• Blessed Kyle with two great baseball games to kick off the new season. 
• Prompted a sweet Facebook post from my daughter.  Sure, I had to bribe her with cookies, but it worked!
• He gave us day at home to rest...movies, good food, and time with my boys.  Colds are healing.
• He helped Kyle get a 100% on his math test. I love the smile on his face when he shared his good news.
• Opened doors for a good conversation about dating with my son.
• He dropped a part-time job in my lap that allows me to keep doing Women's Bible Study.

Yes, the Lord has done all this!


Jesus, you are so good!  My heart rejoices and sings for joy at the many ways you touch our lives.  I can see you daily and am in awe of a God who is so intimately aware of my life and the needs of my family.  I see your glory displayed in Alyssa and Kyle's lives, and I pray that it is displayed in mine. Thank you for loving us, your children!  I sing for joy for you have done these many things!

'

Wordless Wednesday

 

His Surrounding

  Alyssa and Kyle (1999)

Those who trust in God
    are like Zion Mountain:
Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain
    you can always depend on.
Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
    and God encircles his people—
    always has and always will.
(Psalm 125:1-2 The Message)

For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
    he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
(Psalm 34:7 NLT) 


You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
(Psalm 139:5 NIV) 


Oh Precious Savior, surround my children.  Hem them in behind and before.  Surround and guide Alyssa and Kyle all the days of their life.  Your presence is always with them, and as a mom, that allows me to rest and find confidence. Lord, protect Alyssa and Kyle physically as they drive, play sports, and just in the dailiness of life  Guard them emotionally in relationships and with their self image.  And watch over Alyssa and Kyle spiritually, growing their trust in you, developing their faith, and keeping the Enemy from putting doubts in their hearts and minds.  Lord, encircle Alyssa and Kyle in everything they say and do today!  They are yours completely and I trust you with their lives.

 

Protection from Pride

^"But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God..."  2 Chronicles 26:16

Baseball season is in full swing! (No pun intended. Ha!)

Oh how I love watching my boy do his thing on the field, even though there are times I struggle with the weather conditions and the busy schedule.  I will always love cheering him on.

I haven't said much here, but Kyle made the Varsity team this year and we are so proud of him.  We will continue to be in the stands cheering him on over the next months.  Rain, snow flurries, or major heat waves, you'll catch me in the stands.

One thing I've been impressed with so far is that, even in making Varsity as a sophomore, Kyle doesn't flaunt his success, gloat about his excitement, or brag about his abilities.  In fact, he seems to present quite the opposite (at least in my presence). Most people are unaware of his getting onto the Varsity team.  Even after a good game, I find that Kyle is a little uncomfortable talking about the ways he did well.  He kind of nods his head, gives a slight grin, and tries to change the subject.

Pride can so easily get in the way and leave an ugly taste in our mouth when we see it in others, yet can move so quickly from humility to haughtiness when it comes from our own lips.  I hate it when I catch an over-the-top pride in myself. 

Pride will mess up my sweet son and I pray that he will always remain humble, kind, and an encourager to others. 

Lord, I pray that my son (and daughter with her successes) lives with humility, never letting success and power bring an ugly pride that leads to his downfall.  Keep him humble in his successes, and sensitive to those around him, never making himself higher or better than the least person.  Humility shines in more beautiful ways.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Kyle will always give you the credit for his gifts and abilities, and never take them for granted. 

 

Salvation Saturday

So be very careful        My dear babies
to love the Lord          This is my prayer for you.
your God.                     Make Him yours!

You know                     Get to know God.
with all your heart      Let Him into your heart.
and soul                      Make Him part of who you are.
that not one                 Know His Promises,
of all                            Every one of them,
the good promises        are precious and true.
the Lord your God     He, Your Savior
gave you                     has promised you
has failed.                   and will never fail you.

Every promise            God promises you, my children
has been fulfilled;      And those promises will be fulfilled in you.
not one has failed.      Never leaving or forsaking you.
                                    He is faithful to all He has said.
                                    Know Him.
                                    Know His promises!
                               
Joshua 23:11, 14


   

Hold My Hands, Jesus!

"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."  Exodus 17:10-13

 My Precious Family (2009)

Lord, in the busyness of this day, please remind my children that they are loved immensely.  In the moments when I am not available, whether physically or mentally, may they know that they are two of the most important people in my life.  Oh how I love how you've made Alyssa and Kyle, dear Jesus, and how you've given them to me to enjoy, care for, and love.  I don't always do my job adequately, so please fill in the gaps where I miss the mark.  Lord, help me to be available and aware in the moments that they need a listening ear.  Give me a boldness to speak truth into the areas where they wandering off your path.  Open my eyes so that I can see clearly their needs, hurts, and fears.  I cannot do this parenting thing alone, Father, so please hold my hand, and be the one to lift up my arms (like Aaron and Hur did for Moses) so this "battle" can be won for my children's lives and souls.  Today, Jesus, I am on my knees seeking your strength, asking for your wisdom, and surrendering to you my job as a mom.  And above all, I'm on my knees in worshiping you as my God, my Redeemer, and my all in all!
 

Thankful Thursday: Praying Together

"Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."  Matthew 18:19-20 (NASB)

Each Sunday night I have the precious privilege of hearing a couple of my friends pray for my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for them.  There is no better way to move into a new week, or release my burdens or fears, and learn to rest in hope for God's intervention in so many things on this parenting journey.  Together, these ladies and I are experiencing sweet communion with the Lord, and seeing His power and grace at work in the lives of our youth.

Thank you, my dear friends, for faithfully gathering together with me in prayer. It's one of my greatest blessings each week!


Lord, it is such a tender experience hearing someone else pray for my children so faithfully, and I can't help but give you thanks today for my friends who gather with me each Sunday night.  You say that when two or more are gathered in your name that you are in their midst.  Your presence with us moms as we pray is the greatest encouragement and gives us the strength we need to face the coming week.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers, for loving our children even more than we do, and being present and active in their lives day by day, and moment by moment.  What peace that comes knowing that we don't parent alone.  We have you, dear Jesus, and we have friends that walk along side us on this journey.  Thank you for such a precious gift!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

A Sign of Lies

"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."  Psalm 34:12-13

 Alyssa with "trampoline hair" (1999)

Pinocchio gave me an idea when it came to teaching my children about lies.  I remember feeling that I needed some way to convince my little ones that I knew when they were fibbing.  So, one day, it just slipped out of my mouth..."I know you are not telling me the truth.  Did you guys know that when you lie, you're hair starts sticking up?"  Their eyes grew big, and their hands went to the top of their heads, looking quickly to the mirror.

Sometimes the kids and I have a good laugh at my old fib about fibbing.  As they have gotten older they have learned the truth about my tale, and it no longer works like it used to, but I'm trusting that God will check their spirit whenever they are tempted to lie.  I pray that truth will always be on their lips.

If not, their mom might just say, "Is your hair sticking up?"

O, Lord, our mouths can get us in such trouble sometimes.  Often our words don't reflect your presence in our lives.  I pray that you help guard Alyssa and Kyle's tongues, and that no matter how hard it is, that they always choose to tell the truth.  May your Spirit always cause a check in their hearts and minds when they are tempted to lie.  May speaking false always cause a bitter taste in their mouths, and an unsettled feeling in their spirit.  A tongue cannot speak lies, and at the same time honor you.  I pray, Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle will always glorify you with the words of their mouths.