Crazy Mom Needs a Break

Not sure if anyone has wondered where I am, but I thought I'd better make a statement about my disappearance on my blog. In almost four years of almost daily blogging (Yep, four years!  Wowza!) I am taking a small break.  Life has been too crazy and something just had to give.  Last week it was a church conference, and the next two weeks will be swamped with VBS.

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I'll still be praying for my kiddos, especially as our summer break is soon coming to an end and school preparations begin, and will plan to come back to blogging in a couple of weeks.


 

Salvation Saturday

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth."  Isaiah 40:28 HCSB

"Then everyone who calls on the 

name of Yahweh will be saved."  Joel 2:32 HCSB

Lord, I know that Alyssa and Kyle have heard that you are the everlasting God.  They know the stories and they have been taught your lessons, but I pray that they call you Savior and Lord!  May they know you intimately as Friend, Comforter, Father, and Refuge, never fearing to call on your name.  Lord, Alyssa and Kyle are yours forever, I pray!

 

No Worries!

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."  Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

Kyle (2009)

It's hard to believe there is only one month of summer left.  I try not to think about it actually.  Slow mornings, evening baseball games, bbq dinners, and iced tea are all wonderful things.  Not a worry in the world!  

School starts soon though. Alyssa and Kyle are needing to start figuring out classes to take, what supplies they need, roomate possibilities (for Lyss), and sorting through job opportunities.  The list goes on and on of things my kids could be worried about.  

My prayer is that if the worries start to make an appearance, that Alyssa and Kyle can fix their attention on Christ and trust Him for what they do not know or understand.  He will work it all out!

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.    Run to God!
Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)

Lord, life is full of things to worry about.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can keep themselves from fretting and anxiety, and learn that they can trust You with every care and concern. Recognizing that you are the One who takes care of all their yesterdays, todays and tomorrows, will allow them to life a life of peace, joy, and hope.  You are worthy of their trust.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle to come to you with their cares and worries.  Help them to speak to you as one would speak to a friend, and find a confidence to face tomorrow.  You, dear Jesus, hold each day in your hands.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know that full well.

 

Thankful Thursday

"Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed."  Deuteronomy 28:6

Our family has been blessed everywhere we went and in everything we did this week!  God deserves much praise and thanks!

• A baseball trip to Montana put many miles on our vehicle, but boy did we pass through some beautiful scenery.  Majestic mountains, peaceful and clear waters, mile after mile all declaring the glory of God!

• Grammy and Papa joined in the fun and it was a delight to share the weekend with them.  So thankful for family...MY family!

• Kyle had a great tournament, including a walk off double to bring in a run to end the game  Loved the grin on his face as he came off the field! Then he was chosen to be on the tournament's All-Star game (1 of 4 from our team). 

• Kyle accidentally left his new (and expensive) sunglasses at the ball field TWICE, each time leaving mom with an anxious pit in the bottom of her stomach....and twice God protected the loss of this frivolous "thing".  

 

• Lyssa unfortunately had to stay home and work, and while the cat is away, the mice will play.  She decided to surprise me and she painted and redecorated one of our bathrooms.  She actually did a great job and it looks beautiful!

Lord, thank you for the many blessings I could see this week.  This list seems quick and incomplete.  Still my heart wants to declare your praise.  You were with us in our coming and going, and in each experience I could sense your presence and feel your blessing on our family.  Thank you for loving us in such tangible ways this week!  Your majesty was seen in every mountain, through the sound and sight of beautiful water, and even in the smell of the forest.  You were everywhere!  My heart sings your praise!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Daily Protection

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."  John 17:15

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I remember in vivid detail the day I left Alyssa at home by herself for the first time.  I know that Lyss barely blinked an eye, but me?  Worry, fret, and concern.

Here I was sitting at Kyle's t-ball game and she was home all alone.  Did I teach her all she needed to know to be safe?  Would she answer the door if someone knocked?  What if the house caught on fire?  (Dramatic thoughts, I know.)  What if she got hurt?  Would she make wise choices about what to do?

Even back then I had a cell phone and it didn't ever leave my hand in case she called with a need.

Now my "babies" are older I've had to learn to trust that they are okay when they are away from me.  It doesn't help to lock them up and keep them from the world (though the thought has crossed my mind a time or two), Therefore my prayer becomes more about their protection, wisdom and strength as they go out and face life, and believing that God is with them, and the Holy Spirit is the voice guiding them. 

I still ask for a phone call here and there though.
Yes, I'm one of "those" moms. (Picture the rolling of eyes.)

Lord, you are the great Protector, our refuge and strength.  You are the one with my children at all times and are watching over them as they are coming and going.  This world is full of trouble, but you are the one who overcomes.  Oh Father, protect Alyssa and Kyle, especially from the evil one of this world.  Keep the enemy from any hold on their lives and own them as your son and daughter.  Speak tenderly into Alyssa and Kyle's lives and lead them down paths of righteousness.  Give them wisdom and discernment in order to make choices that bring abundant life.  Lord, watch over my babies.

 

A Giving Heart

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

___________________

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

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

 

Thankful Thursday!

What joy for those you choose to bring near,
      those who live in your holy courts.
   What festivities await us
      inside your holy Temple.

--Psalm 65:4 (NLT)

Summer 2008

There are many things that God has given me 

that bring me great joy...

My sweet hubby.

My delightful daughter.

My tender son.

A beautiful home.

A treasure of a family.

A blessed church home.

Friendships.

Salvation.

God's Word.

Laughter.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the many things in my life that bring so much joy.  You have blessed in abundant ways.  My heart revels in being your daughter and living in your holy courts.  Oh there will be greater festivities one day, but here on earth, we are blessed because you walk with us and talk with us.  I pray today that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to live in your holy courts too. There is great joy in your presence, dear Father!

 

Wordless Wednesday

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No Clanging Cymbals

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1

Angry attitudes.
Flippant remarks.
Harsh comments.
Course jokes.
Foul words.
Insensitive declarations.
Careless comebacks.

Clanging cymbals.

 


Lord, you live and move in our inner beings and evidence of you comes out in our words and actions.  As we abide in you, and you in us, we become more like you.  I pray that as you live in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, and they spend time cultivating their relationship with you, you will be recognized in their speech, attitudes, and responses to the world around them.  Tame their tongues and make them obedient to you.  Dear Father, move Alyssa and Kyle to love deeply in word and deed.

 

Walk in Obedience

"So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."  Deuteronomy 5:32-33

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If you tell God no because He won't explain the reason he wants you to do something, you are actually hindering His blessing.  But when you say yes to Him, all of heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward your obedience.  What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit. --Charles Stanley

"You are my friends if you do what I command."  John 15:14


Obedience hasn't always come naturally to our kids.  I was reminded this weekend of something I used to say to them, "we can do this the easy way, or the hard way, but you will do it."  I don't get "no" very much any more.  Sometimes my request is just easily forgotten.  

My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle will be better at obedience when it comes to listening to God.  When He calls, I pray that they go running ready to immediately obey.

Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is. --George Mueller

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to walk in obedience.  I pray that they will never turn to the right or to the left, but only go forward where you have commanded them.  In this obedience to you, Alyssa and Kyle can live and prosper, and walk in your peace, joy, and light.  Teach their spirits, sweet Holy Spirit, and lead them in the way you have made perfect for them.  Obedience is pure delight to you and I pray it's the call fo Alyssa and Kyle's hearts.
 
 

Seek Him and Live!

"For the Lord says to the house of Israel: Seek Me and live! Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal or journey to Beer-sheba, for Gilgal will certainly go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. Seek Yahweh and live, or He will spread like fire throughout the house of Joseph; it will consume everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it."  Amos 5:4-6 HCSB

 Alyssa and Kyle (2010)

I love the call to "Seek Me and live!"  I want to shout it out to my kids, "Seek Him and live!"  I want to them to hear His voice call louder than mine though.  My prayer is that their ears are ultra sensitive to His promptings.

Cause sometimes my kids seem to be hard of hearing, you know?  Directions fly in one ear and out the other, requests misunderstood, and stories needing retold.  If they are going to hear God speaking, they better turn their ears on.

And God has the best kind of news to hear.  As Alyssa and Kyle choose to seek God they will truly begin to live! Fully live in you!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to seek you and live.  There are so many things that they could seek and follow.  Bind the enemy from leading them down the wrong path, and tempting them with idols and desires that will lead them into exile and give them nothing.  If Alyssa and Kyle seek you, your Word promises that they will find you, and they will live a full and abundant life.  This is my greatest prayer. 

 

God's Missionary

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."  Matthew 4:19

Kyle (yesterday)

  A little something to ponder today:

"The goal of a missionary is to do God's will, not to be useful or to win the lost.  A missionary is useful and he does win the lost, but that is not his goal,  His goal is to do the will of his Lord."  (Oswald Chamber, My Utmost for His Highest)

I'd never thought of the term "missionary" in that light.  I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to do the will of the Lord!  It won't always be easy, but it's a high calling that will reap God's abundant grace and blessing!

Lord, today I pray for my dear children, Alyssa and Kyle, and lift them before your throne.  Make their hearts and minds aware of your presence and call on their lives.  Urge them, Father, to always follow you wherever you lead and continually do your will.  In this, may others see your reflection in their lives, and be drawn to find you for themselves.  Being a fisher of men is a wondrous benefit that comes if Alyssa and Kyle would live in close relationship with you.  You, Lord, are the light of the world, and you are the precious Savior for all.  There is no greater calling in our lives, than to follow your will.

Thankful Thursday

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!"  Revelation 19:7

 The view on our "date" Sunday night!

I have to say that though Hawaii had some beautiful sunsets, the show God puts on in Idaho will always top it!  I just revel in the majesty every time I see the sun rise and set.

Amazingly enough, He also does some mighty things in our lives as well!  His power, creativity, and love are written all over the pages of each day!  Oh how I wish that so often I didn't forget to stop and stand in awe of His presence.

Today, I am reminded to rejoice and give Him the glory!

• A date with my hubby!  I sure love my man!

• Youth Sunday was a reminder of the blessing it is to be a part of a church family for such a long time.  This week we come to the completion of 19 years as pastors of our church.  God is so good to us!

• Lyssa and Jered (her boyfriend) made us dinner one night while we sat out at a baseball game in 110 degree weather.  Words cannot describe the blessing it is when your kids start doing thoughtful things for you.

• Kyle helped me with the grocery shopping one day and I enjoyed our time together.  I'm thinking one day he'll make a pretty fine husband.

• Yesterday, our living room was full of ladies from my church, and as I looked around the room I reveled at the blessing they are in my life.  I love hearing them laugh and chit-chat, watching them encourage one another, and seeing how they speak God's love and truth into each other's lives.

• VBS planning has been a bit harried lately, but God made the rough places smooth.  I just marvel that when I am weak and weary, He is strong and faithful!

Lord, I rejoice in you and want to give you all the glory and praise.  Thank you for the many evidences of your protecting, guiding, providing, and love over my family.  You're an amazing God and I pray that our lives glorify you in all that we say and do.  You are growing up my babies and I see your mighty hand watching over them.  I pray that they know the power and joy of your resurrection, and the preciousness of your daily presence in their comings and goings.  Oh how I love you, my Savior and God.  You alone are all that we need!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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Walking Humbly

"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."  Romans 12:3 (NLT)

It's HOT here, man!  Probably much like it is everywhere.  Yesterday, in the heat of the day, I was sitting out at the ball field watching my boy do his stuff.  Despite the 100 degree sauna outside, his team pulled out a win.  And his mom survived.

Is it wrong to feel proud of my son's humility?

Even when Kyle does well, he doesn't like us talking about it.  He doesn't brag.  He doesn't gloat.  He doesn't talk highly of himself.  I like that.

I pray that he always walks humbly...
and that I can keep from speaking too prideful as well!

Lord, keep Alyssa and Kyle from thinking better of themselves than they really are.  I pray that they always are honest in their evaluation and keep themselves from an odious pride. Even in their successes may they always give you the credit and honor. You are the giver of all good gifts, and you ultimately are the one who deserves our boasting.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always reflect you in their humbleness. 

 

Keep on Growin'!

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."  2 Peter 3:18

Alyssa and her garden (2006)

There's something fun about watching a garden grow.  After all the hard work of prepping the soil, planting the seed, and weeding the unwanted stragglers, you get something of value. It may be something edible, like a fruit or vegetable, or something beautiful like a flower.

I find the same joy when I watch my children grow...physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I love seeing the growth as we have conversations, or in how they deal with the things that come at them in life, and even in their relationship with others.  But growing in their walk with the Lord is the one thing I love to watch unfold most.

I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle grow STRONG in the Lord, with roots down DEEP, and that they produce spiritual fruit that is BEAUTIFUL and BOUNTIFUL!

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle grow in the grace and knowledge of you, their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May they grow in the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  As they experience you, day by day, I pray that their faith in you grows strong, and their roots go down deep, and that they flourish as they walk with you.  To you be glory both now and forever!  Amen