Eye Protection

 "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light.  But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness." --Luke 11:24




When my kids were little I could control most of the things that they would see and experience on a day to day basis. I'd monitor their television intake and could turn the channel at any moment, was picky about the movies they'd bring home, and be choosy about the books that they'd check out from the library.  Protecting their eyes from seeing the unlovely things of this world was a big job sometimes.

But today, now that Alyssa and Kyle are 19 and 16 years old, I find the job a bit out of my hands.  The many different electronic devices in each child's possession add to the challenge as well.  Yet, even at this age (and my age, truth be told), guarding what their eyes see is of vital importance.  When our eyes are healthy, our spirit is more in tune with His Spirit, and like Luke 11:24 states, our body is "full of light". 

I will still try to influence what is watched on television in our home, and the electronic activity to the best of my ability, but at this point the best thing I can do is fall on my knees and ask God to protect my babies, and move their spirit to cringe at things they shouldn't see (or hear, or read) for eye protection ultimately protects the heart.

Lord, please protect Alyssa and Kyle's eyes for they are the lamp of their body. When their eyes are healthy, their whole body also is full of light.  And when they are unhealthy, their body is full of darkness.  Help Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be sensitive to what is not right, good, and holy, and desire the things that you find pleasing.  Move them to hunger for holiness, dear Savior, and give the the drive to seek after you.  You can bring them such great pleasure and delight, and they will find a great joy in you that they will not find in the world.  Lord, please be Alyssa and Kyle's eye protection I pray.

 

Thankful Thursday!

 Lyssa this week enjoying her freedom.

Thank God! He deserves your thanks.
    His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
    His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
    His love never quits.

Thank the miracle-working God,
    His love never quits.
The God whose skill formed the cosmos,
   His love never quits.
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations,
    His love never quits.
The God who filled the skies with light,
    His love never quits.
The sun to watch over the day,
    His love never quits.
Moon and stars as guardians of the night,
    His love never quits.
The God who struck down the Egyptian firstborn,
    His love never quits.
And rescued Israel from Egypt’s oppression,
    His love never quits.
Took Israel in hand with his powerful hand,
   His love never quits..
Split the Red Sea right in half,
   His love never quits.
Led Israel right through the middle,
    His love never quits.
Dumped Pharaoh and his army in the sea,
   His love never quits.
The God who marched his people through the desert,
    His love never quits.
Smashed huge kingdoms right and left,
    His love never quits.
Struck down the famous kings,
    His love never quits.
Struck Sihon the Amorite king,
    His love never quits.
Struck Og the Bashanite king,
    His love never quits.
Then distributed their land as booty,
    His love never quits.
Handed the land over to Israel.
    His love never quits.

God remembered us when we were down,
    His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot,
    His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need.
    His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all!
    His love never quits.

(Psalm 136 The Message)

Kyle attended a church leadership camp this last weekend.

Your love never quits, precious Savior.  Thank you for the many ways I see your loving hand at work in my little family.  Thank you for my beautiful daughter, Lyssa, and my handsome son, Kyle.  Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My heart is full of gratitude and awe knowing that you will love them always.  You will never quit loving them, no matter how far from you they may become.  I pray, Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle will always be near you and know the depths of your love for them.  You will be the One who will never quit on them.  Amen!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Exam Central

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."  Proverbs 14:23

It's the last week of school for Kyle...
and finals are in full swing. 

What more could I say?

Lord,be with each student as they work hard and finish off this school year.  Help Kyle to learn that hard work brings a profit and will give him success, pride and confidence for the future.  Today, when it's easy to procrastinate or get discouraged, I pray that you strengthen up Kyle and give him the courage to work hard and do his best.  Thank you, for the success and learning that has been found this school year.  To you be the praise and glory!

 
 

True Incredibleness

"Jesus...said to him, ’You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have...and come, follow Me.’ But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich."  Luke 18:22-23

God has asked me to do some hard things in my life.  Things that I've dragged my feet on.  In those moments I have loved the fact that I've heard Him speak to me, yet at the same time my feelings or fears get in the way, and I almost want to hear Him say it again so I know that I heard Him right.  Oh, my silly humanness.  What I've learned through all of that, however, is that God blesses me in abundant ways when I'm willing to be obedient.

Kyle's birthday party (2004) at the "The Incredibles"

(Kyle wasn't so happy about me wanting to take this picture!)

"Our Lord knows perfectly well that once His word is truly heard, it will bear fruit sooner or later. What is so terrible is that some of us prevent His words from bearing fruit in our present life. I wonder what we will say when we finally make up our minds to be devoted to Him on that particular point? One thing is certain— He will never throw our past failures back in our faces."  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, August 17

I wonder what kind of things God is going to ask my kids to do, and what sort of response they will give Him.  Will they choose obedience?  Or maybe waffle in indecision and fear?  As babies, one of their first words was "NO."  (Not "no", but "NOOO!!")  I'm praying that as they become adults, and mature in their faith, that their automatic response will be obedience.  Oh "YES, Lord!"

What INCREDIBLE blessing is theirs when they choose to obey Him!

Lord, I pray that our children will always follow wherever you lead, and go everywhere you call them to go.  I long to see Alyssa and Kyle obedient in all that you ask of them, whether it be big or small.  Open their ears so that they can hear your calling clearly.  Give their feet a boldness to step out in faith and follow your leading despite any fear, doubts, or reservations.  Lord, may obedience always be our children's natural response to you.  When saying "yes" takes sacrifice, give them added strength and blessing.  When saying "yes" brings fear, allow peace to reign in the midst of following your leading.  Obedience will ultimately bring great reward as they live in the direct center of your will.  Thank you, Lord, for loving our children so much, that you'll continue to prod them to obedience, lovingly speak your hopes and plans into their lives, and will forgive them if they choose to go the wrong way.  Help make obedience become a natural outpouring of their relationship with you, dear Jesus.
 

The Road that Leads to Life

 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.  Jeremiah 6:16

 (photo by Alyssa, 2013)

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.  Isaiah 42:16

  (photo by Alyssa, 2013)
 
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.  Psalm 25:4
 

  (photo by Alyssa, 2013)

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11

Oh Lord, make known to Alyssa and Kyle the path of life, so that they will be filled with joy in your presence.  Lead them, guide them, and pursue them to follow your path so that they will experience your life everlasting and rest for their souls.  You are the way, the truth, and the life and they will only come to know the Father through you, Jesus Christ.  May Alyssa and Kyle know you intimately, trust you fully, and call on your name day by day.  I pray that they love you deeply, precious Savior.  This is my prayer today.

 

Listen to Him, Dear Ones!

Dear Alyssa and Kyle,

My child, listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways
    and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble. 
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
    Guard them, for they are the key to life.

Don’t do as the wicked do,
    and don’t follow the path of evildoers.

Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.
    Turn away and keep moving.

For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.
    They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.

They eat the food of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence!

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
    which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
    They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

My child, pay attention to what I say.

     Listen carefully to my words. 

Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Avoid all perverse talk;
    stay away from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.

Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

Love, God 

(Proverbs 4:10-27)

 

My Lips Will Glorfy You!

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

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

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

Baby ducks in the canal.
The love and encouragement from my Women's Bible study ladies as we concluded our study for the summer.
Alyssa cleaned the house for me.
A weekend visit from my parents.
Family time at the zoo.
Birthday gifts for my hubby from friends.
A quiet afternoon at the river with my man.
And he fixed my kuerig coffee maker.
14 hours running an election poll with my friends.
Kyle made the AA Legion baseball team for the summer.
And announced that he has a 4.0 this semester!

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

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Stopping the "I'm Bored" Routine

"Bless all his skills, Lord, and be pleased with the work of his hands."  Deuteronomy 33:11

Kyle ready for work or play?  (1998)

"I'm bored!"  It's my least favorite statement from the kids, yet probably the greatest wish for myself in the busyness of life.  Oh to be "bored" for just a couple of hours. 

I've already heard the words this summer.  When Alyssa and Kyle were younger, the rule was, if you said you were bored you got a job to do.  What a quick cure for this habitual statement when there was nothing "fun" going on.  We even had a jar of chores; cleaning baseboards, scrubbing toilets, dusting cobwebs, folding laundry, etc.

I'm pretty tempted to relive the days of old.

My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle find themselves useful to others around them, challenged in what they find to do with their time this summer, and joyful from a sense of productivity and accomplishment. 

Lord, be pleased with the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands!  

I pray, dear Jesus, that you bless the skills of my children and put a desire in their hearts to use those skills to be productive and happy people.  May they be disciplined to work hard, keep busy, and avoid being sluggards this summer.  Give me wisdom to know how to lead and parent them through these dog days of summer, and push them out of boredom and into a space of usefulness and contentedness.  Please use Alyssa and Kyle's hands to bless others!

 

Love Deeply

"Love one another deeply, from the heart."  1 Peter 1:22
 

Cousins (Christmas 2012)

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to love one another, for love comes from you. Everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you.  But Lord, whoever does not love does not know you, because you are love. This is how you, dear Jesus, showed your love among us: You sent your one and only Son into the world that we might live through you. This is love: not that we loved you, but that you loved us and sent your Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I pray that, since you so loved Alyssa and Kyle, they also will love one another. No one has ever seen you; but if they love one another, you live in them and your love is made complete in them.  (1 John 4:7-12)

 

The God Who Can Do Anything

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."  Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)

My sweet family. (1998)

To know the God who can do anything is the one thing I long most for my children.
The One who can move mountains,
Heal the lame,
Free the captives,
Break down walls,
and
Forgive the sinners.

And to sense His Spirit gently working within them, is my prayer. Not the pushy, judgmental and angry God some think they know.
To know the depth of His love,
Feel His gentleness,
and
Believe in the hope He alone offers.

To know the God who can do anything
And to sense His Spirit gently working within.


Lord, oh the joy to know "the God who can do anything".  You offer hope to the lost, healing to the sick, forgiveness to the sinner, and love to the unlovely.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and believe in you as their own personal Savior and God.  And may they sense your Spirit gently working within them.  Your presence in their life is a gift to behold and hang onto.  I pray that they know you in personal, life-giving, hope-filling way, and love you with all their heart, mind and soul.  You are God, King of King and Lord of Lords, and you are our Savior and Friend!  May Alyssa and Kyle know that full well.
 

Strength and Confidence

"You then, my son (and daughter), be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy 2:1

Lyssa had a job interview today!  Doesn't she look beautiful?!

And as soon as the interview was over she was sweet to send me a text:

"I TOTALLY nailed it!"

She won't know right away if she got the job, but I love her confidence.  She went in with a little fear, but overall she was strong, confident, and at peace.

I pray that she always lives in the knowledge that she is wonderfully made by her Maker, and she can be strong and courageous knowing He goes behind and before her.

You go, girl!

Lord, all that you've created is good, and that even includes each of your children.  Thank you for fearfully and wonderfully making each of our children, giving them each such beautiful gifts and talents.  In those gifts, I see an amazing confidence and strength.  Continue to build in Alyssa and Kyle a determination that they can do anything as long as you're beside them, providing all the strength, wisdom, and peace that they need to complete their job, move forward, and excel.  Help them to always look past their fears and doubts, and depend on you to lead, guide, and provide all that they may be lacking, in order to stand firm in their callings.  Never let fear and anxiety overtake them.  May their confidence always come from you, and in the knowledge that they are your child and you are with them, loving them no matter the outcome.  I know you have great things planned for their lives, and those plans aren't for harm, but they are for good.  Oh, dear Jesus, I can't wait to see those plans unfold in their lives.  May their confidence come from knowing you!

 

Thankful Thursday

“Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord.  Zechariah 2:10

Mother's Day Tulips from Kyle

I am glad that God lives in my life and among my family!  I have reason to shout and be glad today!

• Lyssa is home from college!  YAHOO!

• I felt spoiled and loved on Mother's Day!  And though my "pick" for dinner was too busy, I enjoyed eating out and just having the four of us spending some time together!

• My boy came home Sunday with purple tulips for me.  My favorite! It made my heart leap for joy.
• I came home from work on Monday night to dinner done and on the table.  Lyss was a super-star and I felt loved!

• This week we our van "died" on the way to the grocery store, but not before we barely parked in the mechanics parking lot.  Though it's not fun to have to put some money into our vehicle, I was thankful for the amazing proximity to where we could get help.

• Unfortunately the same day our home air conditioner went out...on the hottest days of the spring so far.  My sweet hubby worked hard throughout his day off to try to fix it himself, but was unsuccessful.  I was thankful for the fix-it man coming out at 9 pm at night to give us a hand after a long day. (People say that things break in three's...well, to prove it's sometimes right, our keurig coffee maker broke on Tuesday.  Oh my!  We hit three.  Now lets pray no more!)

• Since home, Lyssa has also has been job hunting...and has her first interview this afternoon!  Yeah God!

 Yes, much to give God thanks for!

Lord, I shout and am glad that you come and live among us!  I see you at work in so many ways and revel in the many blessings I see.  Even in the hard times, and through discouragement and craziness, I will praise you. I love watching you at work in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  I pray that they sense your presence and find themselves glad that they are your children!  You are so good!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Changed Expression

"I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile..."  Job 9:27

 Mother's Day 2013

"A smile confuses an approaching frown." --author known

I love watching my kids smile.  It makes my day.  This week I've had the joy of seeing them smile when they...

 

teased one another,

opened birthday gifts,

had their favorite meal,

showed off their school work,

and shopped together.

Some days it feels like there are more frowns, gripes, and whines, than those beautiful smiles.

Today, I'm praying that around every corner the smiles are abundant!

 

\

Lord, sometimes its easy to complain and whine.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to forget those complaints, and choose to "change their expression" and smile.  In all their comings and goings may they be reminded of the wonderful things in their lives, and to be thankful, cheerful, and full of joy.  Because you, Lord, are a part of their lives, they have great reason to rejoice and smile.  Because of your sweet salvation, they can live today with much an overflowing joy for life.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle smile their way through this day!

 

The Theme of their Song

"Your statutes are the theme of my song during my earthly life."  Psalm119:54

Oh how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with His Word.  I hope that they go to it when they need wisdom, hope, help, comfort, and just want to know more about God.  

As I looked at my Bible, which was given to me on Mother's Day 2008, I was reminded of so many times in my life in which He gave me a word for a situation I was in, and I've written notes here and there so I'd remember and recall those lessons.  Those mark His work and love in my life and I'm so grateful. 

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's Bible's are more than well worn, but they are well read, marked up, and treasured as the "theme of their song" in life!

"A thorough knowledge of the Bible is 

worth more than a college education."

--Theodore Roosevelt

\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! 

 

Home Sweet Home

"There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home... Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me."  John 14:2, 6 (The Message)

Lssa is in the house!  She's home!  I'm one happy mom with both my babies under one roof.

But this is what my girl put on Facebook yesterday...

  

Saying goodbye to my home.--at George Fox University

Wait, I thought home was here in Idaho...
             in the house in which she has lived for the last 12 year...
                          with me!

 So, I left a comment on Facebook that said "I thought you were coming home, not leaving it."

And she replied, "I have two homes, silly mommy."

I guess I'm satisfied with that answer.  It means college was a good experience.

Today, since I've dedicated to praying for my kid's salvation each Saturday, it dawned on me that really Lyssa potentially has three homes.  And her third home will outshine all the rest in the long run!  Heaven will truly be her "home sweet home"!


Her ticket Home will only come from knowing her Father!
(Kinda like Lyss getting a ride to Idaho from her Dad...ha!)

Know Him, love Him and believe in Him, girl!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know you as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and call on your name so that they will be saved and find a home with you for eternity. May they know the thrill of being your children and living with you forever.  Draw Alyssa and Kyle to yourself, dear Jesus!  May they find their true home with you!

 

Uzziah's Downfall

"Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother's name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  2 Chronicles 26:3-5

 Ken & Kyle playing Jenga and waiting for the fall.(2005)

"But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall."  

2 Chronicles 26:16

Lord, I know that as your children do what is right in your eyes, and seek you each day, you will give them success.  Their success may not be measured in the same way as the world measures success, but will bring them a happiness and deep-down joy that comes from you.  I pray that in this process of finding success, big or small, you keep our children from a pride that would lead to downfall.  Don't let pride blind Alyssa and Kyle. Help them live with a godly humility, and give all the credit of their success to you.  May Alyssa and Kyle's eyes always be fixed on you, dear Jesus, and their heart stayed on you, for you are the giver of all success.
 

Thankful Thursday

Taken by Lyss (April 2013)

"May You be praised, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks and praise Your glorious name."                    2 Chronicles 29:10-13

I give You thanks and praise Your glorious name for...

• Lyssa finishing her freshman year at college and passed all her classes.
• Lyssa turning 19!  How time flies.
• Kyle's got some awesome grades for a kid who's been busy with baseball.
• The smell of my lilacs blooming.
• Dear friends taking a walk together on Saturday.  Laughter, tears, and coffee are a delightful combination.  You put beautiful people in my life.
• 2 jobs at the moment, though tiring, are bringing in a little extra money.
• Dinner with some sweet friends and seeing how You have changed their lives.  We also always leave with a second dinner in hand.  So spoiled.  So blessed.
• Your protection over my babies as they drive around, hang with friends, and enjoy their freedoms.

May You be praised, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity!

Wordless Wednesday

photo credit: www.wallpaperhi.com

True Success

"O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." Nehemiah 1:11

 

Lyssa's 5th Grade Graduation (2005)

I pray that my kids find great success in their lives. Not necessarily success as defined by the world, but success from living close to the Lord and His designs for their lives.

Success won't be measured by their grade point average.
     Or by the awards they earn.
     Or if they are in the top of their class.
Success won't depend on the amount of money they make.
     Or by the type of job they have.
     By how big their house is.
     Or by the number of things they own.

I will count my children successful if...

they love the Lord.
they use the talents and gifts God has given them.
they follow God's laws and commands.
they fall in love with His Word.
they love others well.
they find a spouse and together they found their marriage on God.
they grow their children up to know and love the Lord.
they share Jesus with others who don't know Him.
they work hard in all that they do.
they go wherever God calls them to go.

Success by the worlds standards are all fine and good, but may just leave my children empty and unfulfilled if they don't allow God to be a part of their lives.  I pray that they always love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and soul, and find the contentment that comes with that kind of success.  Oh, what joy it is to watch their lives unfold!

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today.  Please Lord, give my children success today.  Take the work of their hands, the thoughts of their minds, and the desires of their hearts and use them for your glory.  Remind Alyssa and Kyle of the gifts and talents you have given them and show them how to use them to shine your light to the world around them.  I pray that you are always Lord of their lives and that they find great joy and success from living according to your plan.  May they love you with all their heart, mind and soul. I eagerly watch and wait for Alyssa and Kyle's lives to unfold, day by day, and year by year, hoping that they always live their lives for you. Thank you for the great plans you have for them...plans for a hope and a future.   Oh, how I love you, dear Jesus!