How Long, Lord?

"How long, Lord ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"  Psalm 13:1-2








How long, Lord?  How long?

Sometimes prayer is hard because we get tired of waiting for God's answer.

How long, Lord?  How long?

It's said that "God is never early, and never late."

How long, Lord?  How long?

Still He asks us to pray without ceasing.

How long, Lord?  How long?

And promises that if we ask Him, He will answer.

How long, Lord?  How long?

I'm pretty sure He's not afraid of us asking "how long?" because we're still asking, seeking, and coming to Him.

How long, Lord?  How long?

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to pray, and teach them to pray without ceasing.  When they wonder and doubt that you hear them, and are waiting for you to answer, may they not be afraid to ask "how long, Jesus?" May Alyssa and Kyle wrestle through life's issues with prayer, knowing and trusting that you will hear them and answer their call to you.  Prayer can be a sweet relationship builder as they come to you.  May they fall in love with dear conversation with their Lord and Savior.

 

Ready or Not It's Happening

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”  Genesis 2:18

Both my kids are dating. (Deep breath)

If there is anything that brings a mother to her knees in prayer more it's that!  There was nothing that prepared me for the first time I caught my kids holding hands with (much less kissing) someone of the opposite sex.

I'm thinking that it's about time I get used to the fact...

Kyle and his girlfriend heading to prom (April 2013)

Cause ready or not, it's happening!

I soooooo want Alyssa and Kyle to find the partners God has planned just for them.  I have my own set of "requirements" and hopes, and so does God, but ultimately my kids will be be the ones making the decision.  My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle seek Him first, and then find the mate suitable for them because they've sensed His leading, guiding, and approval.

To me, this is a BIG deal.  But not too big a deal for God. 
Therefore, for now, I'll just fall on my knees and pray!

Lord, I know that you've intentionally made man and woman to need someone, and to not live alone.  I also know that you've made a suitable helper for both Alyssa and Kyle.  Today, I am praying with a begging heart, that my dear children choose to seek the partner you have planned perfectly for them.  Help them to be patient in the seeking, picky in the choosing, and firm in their hopes and dreams.  I also plead that Alyssa and Kyle find a friend and spouse who loves them deeply, lives for you Lord, and brings great joy in their lives.  I pray that even now they are diligently praying to you about their future marriages and spouses.  Oh, I know that you have a perfect plan for Alyssa and Kyle's lives and look forward to watching it all unfold.  Thank you, precious Savior.

 

Salvation Saturday

“If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Going to church doesn't 

make you a Christian
any more than

 going to the garage

 makes you a car.
--Laurence J. Peter

Salvation, and living their lives for Christ, is my greatest prayer for Alyssa and Kyle. Just because they have grown up in the church, or have parents who are pastors, it isn't a guarantee that they will choose to believe in Him. One day they will have to choose for themselves whom they will serve.

And I pray
that they choose Christ!


 



Lord, please hear my heart today! I pray that Alyssa and Kyle believe in you all the days of their lives. May the seeds that have been planted in their hearts and minds, by their parents, Sunday school teachers over the years, or their youth workers and friends, germinate into a lifelong love for you! I pray that the message of your Word becomes real to them, and they believe with all their hearts that You the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May they believe you are the Creator of all, the Forgiver of sins, and the Light of the world! Lord, may they look to you as their Lord and Savior! This is my greatest desire, and I know your greatest desire as well. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, minds and souls to your care today!

 

Endure With Hope

"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Thessalonians 1:3

Endurance inspired by hope.  God's message to me this week. I can endure because I have hope in Him!  God says hold on, stand firm, and hang in there.

Endure with hope...in my parenting.
Endure with hope...in my obedience.
Endure with hope...in my praying.
Endure with hope...in ministry that doesn't look/feel successful.

Enduring with hope.  I'm trying to learn.

And I want Alyssa and Kyle to learn to endure with hope too.
Endure with hope...in their schoolwork.
Endure with hope...in their friendship.
Endure with hope...in their beliefs and morals out in the world.
Endure with hope...as they study God's Word.
Endure with hope...as they follow God's plan for their lives.

Enduring with hope... is my phrase for the moment!


Lord, thank you for the times you speak to me through your Word.  I'm holding on to your encouragement.  Oh how I want Alyssa and Kyle to learn to endure with hope too.  Teach us to endure when the road seems hard or lonely.  Help us to endure when we don't see the reward or blessing in the journey.  Help us, dear Jesus, to put one foot in front of the other and press on in obedience to your call in our lives.  Your grace is our strength, our hope, and our true reward.  Lord, help Alyssa, Kyle and I to endure with hope.

Thankful Thursday!

"For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones."
  Proverbs 2:6-8

He holds our successes and I'm giving Him thanks!

• Women's retreat last weekend was a great delight.  I saw lives changed, friendships made, worship delighted in, His Word spoken in powerful ways, and a group of women love hanging out together.  God was present and the weekend was a success!

• Lyss is preparing projects and getting ready for a week or two of finals.  I revel in hearing how she is working ahead and loving the things is learning and experiencing in college.  Our girl has had a successful freshman year!

Lyssa's art project (2013)

• I got a cute text from Kyle yesterday that said "I got a 270 on my ISAT!"  The crazy mom I am, I had to ask if that was good or REALLY good?!  He wrote back, "Average is 230.  In my class, people usually get 259."  He's pretty good at math, man!  So proud! 

 Kyle playing third base (04/22/13)

Each success is a gift from Him! 

Lord, thank you for the gifts you've given us this week.  What a delight it is to see your hand of blessing.  From your mouth comes knowledge and understanding.  You hold success in store for the upright, and are a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for you guard the course of the just and protect the way of your faithful ones.  Thank you, precious Savior, for the successes you have given Alyssa and Kyle this week, and the successes you'll continue to give them.  All good and perfect gifts are from you!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

First Resort

"Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish."  Psalm 25:17

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

--Oswald Chambers

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

 

 

Be the Best You Can Be

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)

Alyssa & Kyle (2003)

Another school week begins. Ready or not, here it comes.

There can be a lot of pressure for kids at school. They face a wide range of pressures: to have the best grades, wear the coolest clothes, have the best gadget, be the most popular friend, or even earn the best grade or top award. Striving, pushing, worrying, comparing. All on a daily basis.

Even though God created us each with particular strengths, it’s all too easy to instead focus on our weaknesses, and to wish we wish we were more like someone else.  The giftedness of someone else somehow seems more appealing. I love the reminder of the scripture above.  Paraphrased in my own words… “Don’t play the comparison game, just do your best.”

I pray that as my kids head out the door for another week of school, that they find joy in who God has created them to be, and that they take pleasure in their God-given strengths. I pray that they find contentment in who they are rather than focusing on comparisons. I hope they find the confidence to believe in themselves, recognize and celebrate their strengths, and at the same time have the courage to rejoice in the gifts of someone else.

Go out and be the best that YOU can be, my babies!

Lord Jesus, thank you for our precious kids, and the way you have beautifully made them. Thank you for Alyssa and Kyle's areas of strength and giftedness, and the way that you’ve made each one unique and special. I even rejoice in their areas of weakness because that is where they will be caused to look to you for power, strength and the help to change or improve themselves. I pray that they rejoice in who you have created them to be, celebrate their differences, and go out in the world and be the best that they can be. Lord, I give you praise because Alyssa and Kyle are fearfully and wonderfully made! 

 

Salvation Saturday

"Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade."  Romans 3:28 (The Message)

Getting "in step" with God is much like the sports of rowing and diving.  It takes:

Focus.

Precision.

Unity.

Each movement in sync

with their partner.

I want to be that way with my Savior.  In step with His pace and plan.  

And I pray that for Alyssa and Kyle too!  As they go about their days, and make plans for their future, may they always fix their eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of their faith!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle get in step with you and let you set the pace for where they go and what they do, and not proudly or anxiously try to run the parade themselves.  May they choose to live in sync with you.  To do that Alyssa and Kyle will have to spend time with you often, listen intently, and live lives of obedience.  Following you will bring great success, a growing courage, and strength to handle all things.  Thank you, Lord, for being our greatest partner in life!

 

Be the Best Friend

"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"  Ecclesiastes 4:10

Lyssa (in red) and friends...1998

Friends can bring great joy,
and deep heartache.
Sometimes even in the same day.

Deep and life giving laughter one moment.
Uncontrollable tears the next.

Hurt can come easily.
Words even sharp and too honest at times.
But a willingness to work through the pain.
Talking and listening.
Both important to the mending.

Friends give life and meaning to who we are.
Friends give encouragement to strive beyond our doubts and fears.
Friends give light to our dark days.

To have a friend like that is priceless.
To be a friend like that takes sacrifice and effort,
but blesses two.
You and
Your friend.

So love deeply, dear children.
Give abundantly.
Forgive always.
Laugh hard.
Comfort the tears.
Accept the differences.
Enjoy the similarities.Be the best.

And rejoice in such a beautiful gift!

Lord, thank you for the friends you have enriched my life with.  Friends can bring such joy and pleasure in our lives.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find friends in their lives that spur them on towards good things.  Friends that encourage them when they are down, forgive them when they are wrong, and love them even when they are unlovely.  Above all, however, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to be that kind of friend.  I pray that they love deeply, forgive easily, and give abundantly to the friends in their lives.  Friendship takes work, and I pray that they are willing to do the hard work of being a good friend.  May they shine you, dear Jesus, in their friendships, and lead others towards you.  When their friends need guidance, may Alyssa and Kyle lead them to your Word.  When they need hope, may they lead them to prayer.  And when there is hurt, and forgiveness comes hard, may they look to you for strength.  Friendships enrich our lives, but to have a good friend, they need to be a good friend.  Help them, Lord, to be a good friend.
 

Thankful Thursday

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 44:3

I started today's blog post on Monday...

And then forgot all about it, somehow thinking I was ahead of the game and done.  I'm heading up to Women's Retreat for the weekend and wanted to be ready and on the ball.  Oops! Obviously I am not.

There are a few things I'm thankful for this week however, so I'll just rattle them off in my panic state.  Luckily I had already added some pictures.

• As a Pastor's wife I have the great joy of meeting women for coffee or lunch, and this month has been extra full of them.  Not sure why.  On Sunday a friend of mine handed me a card and when I got a chance I took a peek and in it was a check for my "coffee ministry".  God was saying to me "I see what you're doing and I want to bless you!".  I'm thankful for this dear lady and God's provision and encouragement through her.

• Monday is our usual "date date" and this time my hubby and I headed up to the mountains.  I already wrote about this on Tuesday, but I was reminded of, and am thankful for the beauty of God's creation.  Everywhere I looked His glory was on display!

• Last minute Women's Retreat preparations have been filling my week and there have been moments where I couldn't see how it was all going to get done.  In the midst, God sent encouragement and a smile, with a card from a friend, a text messaged prayer, and an unexpected phone call!  Each cheering me on towards the finish line. I'm thankful for the dear people He has put in my life.  

Well, I must get dashing since this was an unexpected detour in my morning preparations.  I delight in remembering and rejoicing in the ways God has blessed my life this week.  Each little/big thing reminds me that I'm His daughter, He knows my need, and He loves me!

Lord, I sing for joy over the many displays of your splendor this week.  In you, I find hope, strength and pleasure each day.  Help me teach Alyssa and Kyle to have eyes that see your handiwork and therefore have reason to praise you.  May they have their own "God sightings" this week and give you praise and thanks for them.  You are God over all, yet you love your children intimately and personally. Thank you, Lord, for knowing my needs, encouraging my desires, and being near me each step of the way!  Display your glory in me, I pray.

Wordless Wednesday

 

A Noisy, Noisy World

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
    the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me
    and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.  Isaiah 30:15

Life has felt so "noisy" lately.  So, yesterday was a day to seek out some quiet.

Noise seems to be a constant companion.  Music, television, people's chatter, and even my home appliances are always providing a constant hum of background noise.  I always laugh that the moment Alyssa or Kyle get into my car, they have to turn on some tunes.  Quiet some how feels uncomfortable, out of the ordinary, and awkward.  

But quiet can bring rest and peace.  And somehow it gives strength. Quiet allows our mind to actually meditate, reflect, and respond to God.  Silence opens the door to hearing the Holy Spirit.  The more noisy life is, the more intentional we need to be at pulling away. 

It reminds me of a song I love...

"Teach me to stop and listen,
Teach me to center down.
Teach me to hear in silence,
Things that are never found.

Teach me to be collected,
Teach me to be in tune.
Teach me to be directed,
Silence will end so soon.

Then when it's time for moving,
Grant it that I may bring,
To every day and moment,
Peace from a silent spring." 



Not sure my kids will ever "get it", in between their phones, computers, and "tunes", but there in the quiet, they might just find a sweet, sweet sound!



Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to stop and listen, teach them to center down, and teach them to hear in silence.  Thank you that you and your strength are found in the quietness.


 

Two Days, Five Potlucks

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

In the last two days, I have attended FIVE potlucks/dinners...
A women's missionary luncheon,
A wedding reception get-together.
A baseball fundraising dinner,
A Sunday afternoon potluck and business meeting,
and a 80th birthday celebration for two dear friends!

We have not failed to meet together with friends this weekend, let me tell you.  However, the diet on the other hand, was a complete failure!

Though I come through the weekend a bit on the "dazed and confused" side of things, I have this sense of gratefulness and love for the people in my life.  Such a variety of friends, encouragers, and sojourners who enrich me!  There's just something about knowing I'm not walking alone!

It reminds me to pray for those who enter Alyssa and Kyle's lives as teachers, mentors, friends, and co-laborers of Christ.  These people will remind them that they are not alone, they are loved, and that there are places to turn when life gets hard. 

Life is just more blessed when it's touched by the smile, kind words, and encouragement from another.

Lord, thank you for the blessing that I find from the people you have put in my life!  I revel in the variety from age, personality, passions, and purposes, but each are vital to my growth in you and finding joy day by day.  Please, precious Savior, but special people in Alyssa and Kyle's lives too.  Provide friends who encourage them, give them individuals to touch their hearts, and fill their days with those who strengthen their faith.  Today, if the day seems hard, I pray Alyssa and Kyle find a smile.  And if the day seems lonely, I pray that they find a friend.  Father, teach Alyssa and Kyle to live in community with other believers and find great joy from the presence of those you have placed in their lives.


 

Taste and See

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."  Psalm 34:8

 Lyssa (1996)

From the moment she was born, until her 3rd birthday, binkies were Alyssa's favorite friend.  Everywhere she went, there was a binky not far behind.  She hung onto those little plastic things with dear life.  Often one in each hand.  That way, if one got too "warm" and used, she could do a quick swap.

Yes, binkies were one of Alyssa's FAVORITE things.

The binkies soothed her when she was grumpy,

gave comfort when she was unhappy,

and was her security when she sleeping.

Sounds a bit like Jesus, don't you think?!

Jesus can be the one to soothe us when we are anxious or unhappy, give us comfort when are sad, and help us to feel secure when our fears feel big and overwhelming. 

Taste HIM.  He's so much better than those darn binkies!

Oh Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle taste and see that YOU are good.  How blessed is the one who takes refuge in you.  You offer such a sweet gift of salvation, and all that Alyssa and Kyle have to do is confess with their mouth that you are Lord.  I pray that they make the move to live their lives for you, always partake of you, and enjoy the sweetness of your Spirit alive and active in their lives.  May the only addiction Alyssa and Kyle have in life be You!
 

Grasping How Deep

Oh Lord, I pray that out of your glorious riches you may strengthen Alyssa & Kyle with power through your Spirit in their inner being, so that you may dwell in their hearts through faith. And I pray that Alyssa & Kyle, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is your love, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that Alyssa & Kyle may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of you.

Lord, you are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within Alyssa & Kyle, to you be glory in the church and throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

--Ephesians 3:16-21

 

Thankful Thursday!

"It was not by their sword that they won the land,
    nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
    and the light of your face, for you loved them."
Psalm 44:3 

It is by Christ's right hand, and because of His love, that I live such a blessed life and can see His treasures through my week.  He is a faithful and good God and I just delight in His work in my family's life. It is not by my own efforts that Alyssa and Kyle are in a good place...it's all because of God!  

This week I give God thanks for:

• Kyle's sportsmanship in a tough game situation.   We haven't won a game this week, with several games in extra innings because we were tied.  Still my boy had a smile on his face.
• Lyss is working hard in school and was struggling with a class a few weeks ago.  With hard work and diligence she's got her grade up.  
• Kyle is disciplined to come home after a game (sometimes as late as 10 pm) and get straight to work on his homework, never needing to be pushed and prodded.  This Sunday he even worked on some homework that wasn't due until today.  I love that!
• Lyssa's art project made my day (picture below).  She named it "God met me here".

•  One more Lyss story...check out this picture below and what she wrote about it.  I love that her first instinct was to always think that her DVD player was saying "LORD"! 

 "I've been wondering my entire literate life why things always said LORD 

or L or D like I had a choice. It says load, everybody. LOAD. My life just changed."

God is at work in our children's lives and I give Him praise!

Other things I'm thanking Him for this week...

• Purple tulips from my friend.
• A prayer email from another friend.
• A date with my hubby.
• Beautiful spring weather.
• A special prayer time on Sunday for the kids of our church.

 He loves us so!

Lord, it is not by my might that my life is blessed or that my children are won for the You, nor does my arm bring us victory.  It is your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you love us.  Thank you, precious Savior!  I am blessed!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Praying for our Teachers

Alyssa and her teacher (2006)

God of Love--Thank you for every teacher who notices a child's special gift. Thank you for teachers who are listeners and gentle guides. Thank you for teachers who expect much and love enough to demand more. Thank you for the special teacher each one of us remembers.

God of Mercy--Sustain teachers who give everything they have and feel abandoned when society expects too much. Strengthen teachers who assume the blame for so many problems beyond their control. Help exhausted teachers rest.

God of Strength--Encourage teachers to care and inspire them to nourish. Motivate teachers to keep on learning for the fun of it and to make learning fun for children.

We wonder at teachers who know how to quiet a class of five-year-olds or help fourth grade girls be empathetic. We admire teachers who enjoy middle school writers, or teach physics or math or civics. We cannot even imagine how to help every single student achieve adequate yearly progress. Bless the people who are expected to accomplish these miracles and who know how to comfort children when miracles don't happen.

God of Justice--help our nation find a way to steward our vast wealth to support teachers in their special calling, wherever they teach and whatever the race or religion or gender or wealth of the children.
 
We pray these things in the name of our great Teacher, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Stepping Up to the Plate

Thanks to my dear hubby who wrote today's blog/prayer!  You're the best, sweetheart!

Kyle batting! (April 2013)

 

Yesterday morning I (Ken) volunteered to help with our monthly “sermon in a sack."  This is a children’s object lesson during the morning worship service.  The twist is…the speaker does not know in advance what the object is.   Fortunately, I had a quick idea once the object was taken out of the sack – a softball.  I encouraged our kids to know that just because we may have struck out last time at the plate, we can still come up to bat with a fresh new start and opportunity.  God’s grace is always available to give us a new at bat as we are willing to ask Him for fresh wind and fire.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you will help Lyssa and Kyle today to never grow tired of doing good.  When they are faced with discouraging circumstances, I ask you would give them a fresh perspective, new strength and a faith to move forward with courage and grace.  I pray today you will help Lyssa and Kyle to wait upon the Lord.  Please help them today to run and not grow weary and to walk and not be faint.  Let them find their strength in You.