Thankful Thursday

"You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills, the trees of the field—all the world around you—will rejoice."  Isaiah 55:12 (Living Bible)

Last weekend we had the fun opportunity to travel to St. George, Utah.  I wish my camera could capture the beauty of the mountains surrounding the area.  The bright red is just glorious, almost as if shouting praise to the Creator!  Somehow taking in His creation makes me want to praise Him too!

It's been a good week...

• A baseball opportunity for Kyle in Utah.  Amazing to think scouts were there checking out the boys and their talent.  I almost wanted to shout at the top of my lungs when he hit a double, or made a great play outfield, but it just didn't seem appropriate at this level.  Ha.
• Time with my boys was priceless.  We just missed Lyss and sent her pictures of our yummy In & Out burger to make her jealous.
• Safe travels is always a worthy thing to thank the Lord for.  A 1,300 mile trip in a van with 209,000 and no problems is something to revel in. 
• Sunny and warm 77 degree weather in October was pretty nice.
• Because of our last minute trip we missed our church's Pastor Appreciation day, but still we came home to lots of love.  Words cannot express what the thoughtfulness of our church family means, and so I almost avoid saying anything fearing that I would somehow come across as expectant, prideful or deserving.  I just stand in awe of people's graciousness and kindness to us.  God has blessed us with a wonderful church family and I think that is why we love ministry so much.

That just seems like a good place to stop and say "thank you, dear Jesus!"  I rejoice in His goodness!

Lord, you are so good.  I can't say thank you enough for the many ways I've seen you evident in our lives this week. We're spoiled beyond words, and feels so loved and cared for.  Thank you for being such a gracious giver to Alyssa and Kyle.  I pray that they know and recognize the beauty you give to their lives!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

With His Strength

^" I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

St. George, Utah (2013)

Philippians 4:13 is inscribed in the bill of Kyle's baseball hat.  He wrote it himself.  I love that! A constant reminder, on top of his head, of all he can do with God's help.

This weekend we traveled 650 miles to attend a baseball scouting event.  Kyle arrived to play on a team he's never played on, with a bunch of players he didn't know, in front of a few college scouts.  He could do all this with God's strength.

Kyle worked on his homework, both coming and going, to make sure he had everything done that he needed done to go to school yesterday.  That was even after playing 6-7 hours of baseball.  He did all that with God's strength.

Then, after arriving home at 2:00 am, Kyle still got up at 6:30 am to go to school.  All in God's strength!

Each day our kids face all sorts of obstacles and challenges. and if they can say "I can do all this through him who gives me strength", they will be able to accomplish more than they could ever imagine.


Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle hold on to the truth that they can do all things with you as their strength.  As they face obstacles, challenges and difficulties may they fix their eyes on you as their help.  Alyssa and Kyle can go many places and do things unimaginable with you by their side.  You, Lord, are their refuge and strength, and their ever present help in trouble.  Thank you, Lord, for your abiding presence with our children.

 .

A New Week Begins

 But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned 

 the flames will not set you ablaze. 

For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43:1-3

Lord, be with Alyssa and Kyle today as they begin a new school week.  Be close to them at school as they struggle through hard lessons and are slow to understand.  Help them to ask questions, work through questions, and work hard in doing their work.  Be present with Alyssa and Kyle, Lord, as they face interactions of all kinds.  Be in their words, thoughts, and actions.  Bring people into their worlds who give encouragement, hope, and wisdom.  Whatever your plan is for Alyssa and Kyle this week, we trust you and look for your abiding presence.  

 

A God Prompted Letter

Alyssa, Kyle and friends (2004)

I wrote a letter to my daughter yesterday.  God had placed her on my heart.  She's going through a tough time with her new roommates.  Its a reminder that relationships are hard, hard work.  I have a similar stretching experience in my life and thought I'd share with Lyss what God has been teaching me.  A portion of the letter is below (though edited out for some privacy).

Dear Lyssa,

As you came to mind today, I had a revelation that you and I are kind of going through similar things...believe it or not!  I thought I'd share with you how I've been praying in my situation, and maybe it could be of encouragement to you.
  
One, I pray for the other person to change and see the light.  Oh how the situation could quickly be remedied if they'd realize the error of their ways.  HA!  Especially if they could see how much it was hurting others someone else.  We want people to recognize how they hurt us and are being "rude" and be sorry and willing to change.  Keep praying that way, and I will too. God can do it!

Secondly, the other way I have been praying in my situation, and I find it a bit harder, is "God change me."  I want Him to show ME the ways I need to change my expectation, my responses, and my heart.  Ultimately, I think that will be the more important prayer in my situation.  It's hard to learn how to love the unlovely, but God calls us to.  So, I've been trying to find ways to intentionally love. People tend to change more through love than demand.   It goes against every grain in me, but God calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  I don't always like doing it...or the response I get (or lack there of), but I know I'm being obedient to God's instruction to me. 

God put us in these situations for a reason.  Maybe its to grow us...and maybe its to love the other parties.  For some reason He thought we could handle it and has purpose in our trials.  My prayer for us both is that we become better (and not bitter) through the experience. 

He's with you, baby!  He loves you...walks beside you...and wants to work in and through your situation to make something beautiful in you.  Trials aren't fun, but for some reason, they stretch and grow us into more what He wants us to be. 

I'm praying for you and trusting for His intervention.

loving you...

Mom

Learning our part in hard relationships can often be challenging and takes us out of our comfort zones, but God is willing to walk with us as we are faithful to follow Him.  And as we are obedient, God will take care of the rest.

Lord, help our kids in their relationships with others.  Teach them to love abundantly, forgive freely, and pray diligently when relationships are strained and need mending.  You call us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, yet that is often so against our human nature.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to love supernaturally through your strength and leading.  Bring people into their lives who will show them good what healthy relationships look like, and who are willing to work through conflict and misunderstandings, and show them love and forgiveness when they mess up.  Lord, you give us people to love, and to love us in return.  May we be good stewards of the friendships you give us.  Amen.

 

He Answers When We Call

Ahhhhh...my sweet babies! (1996)

They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.'  Zechariah 13:9

I know that God hears my prayers.  How do I know?  He answers.

Sometimes with a "yes".
Sometimes with a "no".
Once in a while with a "Let's wait and see."
Periodically He changes my mind.

However, I always have an assurance that He is listening.

This week was no different.  I sensed His care as I cast my burdens on Him, and He answered me when I called.


Lord, thank you for hearing your children when they call on your name.  Thank you for answering me when I prayed to you for help this week.  I know and trust that you are watching over Alyssa and Kyle and you are fighting for and working on their behalf every day.  When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.  I pray that when Alyssa and Kyle need you, they will know they can cast their cares on you and you will care for them.  We are your people, O Lord, and you are our God.  Thank you for answering us when we call.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Photo Credit

 

Pleasing the Spirit

"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."  Galatians 6:8

 Alyssa & Kyle 2004

Oh the sinful nature is so easy to appease sometimes...
Anger.
Bitterness.
Selfishness.
Greed.
Envy.
And I'm really good at gluttony (ugh).

It takes more effort, a conscious decision, and so much discipline to choose the opposite responses to the sinful nature inside me.  But kindness, humility, forgiveness, and patience are the responses God truly delights in.  When we exude those things, we reflect Him living in us, and we reap the abundant and joyful life God has for us.  

Oh to be "the one who sows to please the Spirit".  That is this mother's prayer for her children (and herself) today!

Lord, you are so good, and you are in everything that is good.  If you are living in our lives, we should reflect all that you are.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to recognize when they are sowing to please their sinful nature, because if they don't it will reap destruction.  Rather, I pray that they will the one who sows to please you in everything they say and do.  For from you they will reap eternal life.  Thank you for working internally in our children's lives, and carrying onto completion the work you are doing in their lives.  Transform Alyssa and Kyle from the inside out, dear Jesus, and may they forever be your children!  Eternal life in you is the greatest treasure of all!

 

Oh Be Careful Little Mouths

"Summoning the crowd, He told them, “Listen and understand: It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”"  Matthew 15:10, 11 HCSB

 "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."  Ephesians 5:4 ESV

"May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14 LB

 "Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief."  Proverbs 21:23

"If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate."  1 Corinthians 13:1 The Message


Lord, today is the beginning of a new week and we have a fresh start as we go out into the world of work and school.  Help our interactions with others and our mouths reflect you living in us.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always watches what comes out of their mouths and speak with love and holiness. May every spoken word be pleasing to you.  Today, is a new day, dear Jesus!  Help us to reflect you to the world around us!


 

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!

 

Praying Scripture

Kyle in Sunday School (2000)

Dear Precious Father,

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle accept your words
and store up your commands within their hearts,
turning their ears to wisdom
and applying their hearts to understanding,
and if Alyssa and Kyle call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if they look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then they will understand how to fear you, Lord
and find the knowledge of You.
For you, Lord, give wisdom,
and from your mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
You hold victory 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.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter their hearts,
and knowledge will be pleasant to their soul.
Discretion will protect Alyssa and Kyle,
and understanding will guard them.

Lord, wisdom will save Alyssa and Kyle from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.

It will save Alyssa and Kyle also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before You.
For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.

Thus, I pray, that Alyssa and Kyle will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it. 

(Proverbs 2)

Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer.

 

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) 

 

I love the colors of fall!

 

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 happy church home.

Special 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

Photo Credit

 

In Over Their Heads

I was thinking of this following story the other day and I was reminded I had written about it back when I first started my blog.  Oh it was a traumatic mom day.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."  1 Corinthians 10:13

(Photo Credit)


My only excuse was my post-pregnancy hormones.  Alyssa's only excuse was that she was 2 1/2 years old. Kyle was only a couple of weeks old, and so he really had nothing to do with this story, except for the fact that he was the cutest little boy around. 

It was a Sunday afternoon after church, and our family headed to the local Mexican restaurant for lunch with a few families from our church.  Of course, I can't remember anyone who was there now.  I was too traumatized, I guess.  We were close to the end of our meal and little Alyssa was starting to get antsy.  A restaurant is really not a fun place for a 2-year old.  Everything just takes too long.  As the meal drew to a close, and I was focused on a conversation with a friend, Alyssa decided to stick her head through the back of her chair.  Unfortunately, she was unable to get her head back out.

All of a sudden Alyssa was in a panic, and crying because she was stuck.  I spent a few seconds trying to release her, but to no avail.  She was truly stuck.  Next thing I know everyone at our table began to stir, and we all began to work together to try to figure out how to make the rescue.  Everyone except me anyway...After my initial discovery that Alyssa was stuck and that I couldn't get her out, I just stood back and let the tears flow in worry.  (That's why I blame the hormones!)  My baby was trapped in the chair.

With a screwdriver found by the restaurant staff, and the chair taken a part, Alyssa finally became free from her head-lock.  Oh what sweet relief for both mother and daughter.

Life will be full of temptations, but God's Word promises that He will always provide a way for us to stand up under them.  We will never get in such a tight place, that we can't get out.  I'm thankful for that promise, and the hope it gives this mother, as she realizes all the temptations her children may face in life.

Oh God, watch over my dear children.  And if they ever get in over their heads, please be their rescuer!

Oh Lord, how you love your children.  I'm sure that your heart aches when you see them trapped by the things of this world.  You offer us great hope when in the fact that no temptation will seize our children except what is common to man. And You are faithful; you will not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear. But when they are tempted, you will also provide a way out so that they can stand up under it.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for watching over our children, and being with them in those hard times.  In those moments where they can get into a tight squeeze, show them the way out, dear Jesus.  Be the voice whispering in their ears, "This is the way; walk in it."   I love you, dear Jesus.  You are our blessed Rescuer!

 

Do Your Best

"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message)

It's Monday...let the school week begin!

I'm praying that my kids work hard and do their best.

Here's to a a great week!

Lord, I thank you for our dear children, and the work you are doing in their lives.  You are good, and I trust you to continue to carry onto completion the adults you are wanting them to be.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle to do what they are told by their earthly masters...parents and teachers alike. I pray that they don't just do the minimum that will get them by, but that they will do their best. May they work from the heart for their real Master, you God, confident that they'll get paid in full when they come into your inheritance. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always keep in mind that the ultimate Master they are serving is You, and that the sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Oh Lord, being a follower of you doesn't cover up bad work.  Today is Monday, and I pray that it's the beginning of a wonderful week.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer!
 

God's Still Working!

"But Jesus responded to them, “My Father is still working, and I am working also.”"  John 5:17 HCSB

Alyssa and Kyle (1997)

I love the thought that God is still working in my kids lives.  I'm holding onto that truth today, especially in regards to their walks with Him.  I pray that they KNOW God, follow Him where He leads, and lives their lives in unison with Spirit.  That's my greatest hope!

Lord, I love knowing that you are still working in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  As you call them each by name, I pray that they each respond wholeheartedly and with no reserve.  May they give their hearts, minds and souls to you, loving you day by day and moment by moment.  Alyssa and Kyle are yours, I know that full well!
 
 

Careless Words

"I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.”  Matthew 12:36  HCSB

 Photo Credit 

Lord, how careful we must be with our tongues.  On the day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word we speak.  Oh teach us to make good use of our words.  The world is flippant with your name, and with foul language.  Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you.  I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle to use their mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief.  (Job 16:5)  Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)  Our tongues should not curse men and declare your praise at the same time.  Dear Jesus, move Alyssa and Kyle to use their words for your glory and praise!  Amen.


 

Thankful Thursday

Jesus, my Lord,
my God,
my All


I'm so thankful for you.  This week you have been present with me in so many ways.  

You were with me in the conversation I had with my boy.  You were the giver of wisdom and patience in the moments I had none.  I felt you in the precious moment of tenderness with a grown teenager who often thinks I'm a nuisance.  My heart reveled in your touch...making beauty out of trials.

You were with me as I worried about my daughter.  You gently reminded me to trust you and hand her over to your care.  I rejoiced in the chance to talk to her, smiled at her text (even in the middle of the night), and recognize the ways you're growing her up to be strong in you.  Thank you, sweet Jesus, for watching over her.

You were with me as I prayed for a hurting friend,
as I listened to my boy recount his sports evaluation,
when I finally got to put in my new contact and could see,
while I sought answers to a problem,
and faced potential conflict.

I saw you in the smile on my daughter's face, 
heard you in the voice of a unplanned phone call
and felt you in the quiet of doing my Women's Bible study.

Thank you, precious Savior, for your Lordship in my life.
I know you're also Lord of Alyssa and Kyle, 
and you own their hearts.  
I will continually give them to you!

Jesus, my Lord,
my God,
my All


 

Wordless Wednesday

(Photo Credit)

 

Good Friends

“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.” Proverbs 17:17 (The Message)

Alyssa and her school friends (2012).

Friends make life sweeter! Friends are the cherry on top of life! I give God thanks every day for the friends I have in my life. Friends bring a smile to my day, when other things seem be dragging me down. Friends make me laugh, care when I cry, and push me to be the best that I can be. Friends are a blessing beyond compare.

I pray for the friendships that my kids are building now. Some of the friends that they are making will last a lifetime. And some of their friends may hurt them somewhere along the way. Good friends will help them through the bad days, or encourage them to follow Christ in all that they do. Then there are other friends who may lead them down paths that pull them further from God. I pray that God will help them choose their friends wisely. And when the hurts come, because they inevitably will, I pray that God will heal their hearts, and help them live in a state of free-flowing forgiveness.

May my kids find friends that
…bring laughter into their lives
…help them make wise choices.
…encourage them when they are down.
…walk with them through thick and thin.
…forgive them when they’ve been hurt.
…push them to be better in school, in relationships, and in all of life.
…And last, but not least, draw them closer to God.

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” –Bernard Meltzer

Precious Father, you are the greatest Friend of all, and I pray that my kids live their life in a continual state of building a friendship with you. May you use their friends to bless their lives, and to encourage them in their walk with you. I pray that friends Alyssa and Kyle choose will follow after you, and journey along with my kids as they live their lives for you. May my kids find friends who will build them up, make them laugh, and encourage them daily through thick and thin. Help Alyssa and Kyle make wise choices about their friends, and wise choices WITH their friends. In turn, I pray that they become good friends, and treat their friends the way that reflects you living in their lives. May their friendships be a blessing!

 

Great Successes

"In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him."  1 Samuel 18:14

 Kyle and his pumpkin (2003)

Lord, what blessed assurance to know that you are with Alyssa and Kyle.  I pray that their hearts are always stayed on you, their Savior and their God.  As they grow up in you, may they recognize that you are walking with them, you provide them all the strength and wisdom they need, and you have wonderful plans for their lives.  With you by their side Alyssa and Kyle can do anything. Everything is possible with you.  Following you will always lead to godly successes, and through those successes, Alyssa and Kyle's lives will glorify you.  May our dear children's lives be marked by success and joy because they call you Father, and are willing to go wherever you lead!
 

Knowing Him

Today, I'm praying that my kids don't miss out on the most important thing in life...

  
"Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life—they don't know God.” 1 Timothy 6:21a (LB)

Precious Savior, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle don't miss out on knowing you in a personal way.  May they know the power of your resurrection, the depth of your love, and the truth of your healing grace.  I pray that their knees bow and their tongues confess that you are their Lord.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for loving Alyssa and Kyle so much that you died on the cross so that they won't perish, but they would have eternal life with you!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to draw near to you!