True Success

"As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  2 Chronicles 26:5

Kyle & Lyss (2000)

Every mom wants to see her children be successful.  Sometimes I ponder what Alyssa and Kyle will be like 10 or 20 years from now.  I wonder what they will be doing with their lives, what careers they will choose, or what their families will look like. 

Kyle talks more about success, than Alyssa does.  Maybe it's a man thing. He's dreamed of making it big in baseball, and what he'll do with the money he makes.  When he thinks of a career, he's running down the line of who he deems "rich".  I'm glad he has ambition, but I hope that as he dreams big, he'll seek the Lord in his decisions.  Following Him, no matter the cost, will bring their greatest reward I'm sure!

I don't think of success being marked by how much money our children make, or if they live in big homes, and have lots of "toys".  In my eyes, I will see Alyssa and Kyle as successful if they are happy and following Jesus with all their heart. 

Lord, I know that you have wonderful plans for our children's lives.  Their futures hold great success, pleasure, and treasures, as they decide to seek after you.  Your Word promises that when they seek you, they will find you, and when they ask, you will answer.  I pray, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to look to you for guidance, wisdom, help in their decisions, and follow you to the ends of their earth.  Seeking after you sometimes takes work, and time, but you will never fail to show them the way you have planned for them.  Open their eyes that they see you clearly, and their hearts so that they are willing and ready to go wherever you lead.  You want to give Alyssa and Kyle the desires of their hearts, I know that full well, but I pray their hearts will always desire to seek after you.
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Baby Blues

"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand."  Psalm 73:23

Once upon a time (1997)

I was being sentimental recently as I thought about how my babies are no longer babies.

<<sniff-sniff>>

All of a sudden a memory flashed through my mind.of a conversation I had with Kyle over a book we were reading.  I wish I remembered what it was because it was a catalyst for a fun back-and-forth conversation over the next couple of years.  The book posed the thought that there would be one day when I would no longer be able to pick up my "little" boy.

<<sniff-sniff>>

Well, I haven't tried to pick Kyle up lately, but I'm pretty sure he's grown "too big" for a cuddle.  I mean, he's taller than me now for goodness sake! 

<<sniff-sniff>>

My babies are no longer babies!


Lyssa is away at college.

<<sniff-sniff>>

Then there is my little boy.
He's driving, looking for a job, and taking his SAT soon.

WOWZA!  Time is flying!

But I know God is watching over them, and when I can't pick them up, I can trust that He holds them in His hands!

Lord, I put my confidence and trust in your continual presence in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  I know that when I can't pick them up when they fall, or comfort them when they hurt, or carry them through the storms of life, that you are with them and your right hand holds them.  There is nowhere that Alyssa and Kyle can go to avoid your Spirit, and no way they can flee from your presence,  You are always with them, and your hand will always guide them.  Today, if they need you to pick them up, I pray they will call on your name and wait expectantly for your strength and might to cradle them in their time of need.  Thank you, for my "babies", dear Jesus, and thank you for being there for them when I cannot.

 

Rooted in Him

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

 (1998)

My precious babies, receive Christ Jesus as Lord.

Lord, I pray that you are Savior and Lord of Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  Today may they choose to serve you and live totally devoted to you.  Be Lord of their hearts!

Continue to live lives in Him.

Living in you takes choice and obedience, daily deciding to follow you.  I pray that every step Alyssa and Kyle take is deeply bathed in prayer and seeking.  Lord, fill them with your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Be their strength and hope each day.

Develop roots deep in Christ and a foundation that is strong.

Your Word promises that you are always with us, but I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to be WITH you, and come to know you deeply and intimately.  May they come to you daily and spend time getting to know you.  I pray that they things that they've been taught will be an important foundation to their faith.  Roots that are grown deep in you will help Alyssa and Kyle withstand the storms of life and help them to stand strong.  Lord, be their One true foundation.

Overflowing with thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is an outpouring of a life lived in you.  I pray that praise and thankfulness are true characteristics of Alyssa and Kyle's hearts and that the overflow will be evident in their words and actions all the time.  Oh how truly blessed they are!  Even if they haven't always been given what they want, or I didn't parent the way I should, they are still rich with love, family, and faith.  I pray that they know that deep down in their hearts.  Today, Jesus, remind Alyssa and Kyle that you lavishly love them and there's no better gift in this life!

Amen.


 

Dancing in the Aisles

Today's post is written by my dear hubby!  His help was a gift on a busy day.  Thanks, babe!


I saw this video someone recently posted and it sure made me laugh. It also caused me evaluate the joy level in my life. Jesus said we must become like little children to enter His kingdom. I pray that as our children mature that they retain the gift of wonder, joy and a fearlessness to be themselves.

As life responsibility increases, as we become more aware of peer pressure and as we grow in our desire to fit in, we risk losing our ability to live in the moment. If this guy can be this excited to move to the beat at a sporting event, why are we sometimes so restricted in our expressions of worship, celebration and thanksgiving? As forgiven, redeemed and dearly loved children of the King, we indeed have so much to celebrate!


Heavenly Father, as Lyssa and Kyle daily face growing challenges, homework and responsibilities, I pray they find Your endless joy to be their source of strength. Help them finish this quarter strong and with an awareness of the kind of daily joy, thanksgiving and rest that a child so easily enjoys. Thank you God that You are our Almighty Father, the source of our hope and joy.

 

Thankful Thursday

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, 

will continue his work until it is finally finished 

on the day when Christ Jesus returns."  Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

2007

I am thankful that God is not finished with me yet. 

I'm just sayin'...

Lord, thank you for not giving up on me.  I thank you that you are doing a good work in me, and you will continue to do so until the day of Christ's return.  Continue to mold me into the woman you want me to be.  I so want to reflect you as I parent, as a wife, and when I serve others.  There are days when I feel like there is more of me in me, than you, and I so want that to be different.  Lord, forgive me for the times when I fall short, and fill me with your Spirit and strength so I can handle anything that comes my way. Clothe me with strength and dignity.  Dear Jesus, I'm so thankful that you're not finished with me yet.  May I shine with Your presence living in my life.
 

Helping Hearts

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  Hebrews 6:10

Alyssa and friends (2006)

Every year our kids have to do some community service to earn some "stamps for camp".  I think that it's usually the last requirement they fill, in order to earn their full scholarship to go to summer camp.  One year (pictured above), Alyssa and her friends made dog biscuits from scratch, and then took them to the area Humane Society, for the homeless dogs.  Very sweet idea, but oh what a lovely mess they made.

I'm praying that as Alyssa and Kyle get older they don't continue to need "incentives" in order to serve others in our community, whether it be in our church or otherwise. I want their hearts to be moved to help others when they sense a need, or give of their time because it's a passion, and be a blessing to the hungry, hurting, or hopeless.  

 

This past Saturday many from our church gathered to rake leaves for people who needed help (picture below).  What a joy it was to work side-by side with others to accomplish something helpful for someone else.  

 

 

I want Alyssa and Kyle to make a difference in the life of someone else because God has made a difference in theirs.

Lord, give our children a servant's heart.  Move them to help those who need a helping hand.  May their spirit be marked by compassion for the hurting and hungry world around them. Whatever they do for one of the least of these, they truly do for you (Matthew 25:40).  Give them your eyes, dear Jesus, that they may see the world as you do, and make their hearts tender like yours.  Serving others is serving you, and you will not forget the ways they show love to those around them (Hebrews 6:10). You will make Alyssa and Kyle's joy complete when they are like-minded, having the same love as you have, being one in spirit and purpose.  I pray that they do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than themselves. (Philippians 2:2-3)  May Alyssa and Kyle's lives be lived in honor of you, and may your glory be revealed in and through them.

 

Love One Another

"Love one another deeply,

 from the heart."  1 Peter 1:22

Cousins & Grammy (2007)

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)
 

A Love Affair with God's Word

[God’s laws] are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” Psalm 19:10

God’s Word is one of the most precious things in the world to me. I think I fell in love with it when I was in elementary school or middle school. I remember moving from my childhood Bible, into a more adult-like one, and loving the time it took to re-underline all of my favorite verses. I loved carrying it to church and using it when my Sunday school teacher, youth leader, or the pastor asked me find a particular verse. I loved the things I learned, and how it spoke to me about my life circumstances. I remember even taking my Bible to school, hoping I would have time to read it in my free time, or would have it available to share a verse or two with my friends. Yes, I was a “Bible Thumper”! My love affair with the Bible began long, long ago.

I pray that the Bible becomes one of the most precious things in the world to my kids too. I pray that it changes from just a book that sits on their shelf, or under their dirty laundry, to a “living and active”, life changing gift that they wouldn’t ever want to live without. I pray that God speaks to them through His Word, and they find treasures from Him that is a reminder of His deep and steadfast love.

I will totally love it if one day my kids start carrying their Bible wherever they go, or call me with a verse that spoke to them. I pray for the day that their love affair begins, and God’s Word becomes “more precious than gold” in their lives!

Bible Thumpers unite!

Your Word, O Lord, is better than life, and I love it! My heart’s prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle  fall in love with the treasures written for them in Your Word too. Place Bible teachers in their lives that inspire them to dig deeper, search for answers, and understand your direction and plan for them. Lord, when Alyssa and Kyle make efforts to read your Word, open their eyes so that they will see you, and their minds to understand what they’ve read. I pray that your Word comes alive to them, and they never take for granted what a priceless gift it is! Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Word and the power it has in my life. May it be so with my kids. Let their love affair begin today. 

Bommerangs Can Hurt

"Don't be quick to fly off the handle.

 Anger boomerangs. 

You can spot a fool 

by the lumps on his head."   

Ecclesiastes 7:9 

(The Message)

I just have to laugh at the way The Message states the above verse.  Learning how to respond to others with patience has been one of my lifelong struggles, especially when I'm tired, cranky, and stressed.  

And now I have teenagers.
  

Sometimes it requires a mountain load of patience.

For them and for me.

Impatience is unfortunately a contagious condition.  Once started, serious treatment is in order. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit specializes in giving patience.  Patience is listed as a fruit of the Spirit and how I pray God will always help me and help all of us to find our strength and help from above.

Lord, help us to not be quick to fly off the handle.  Keep our tongues from evil and our lips from being impatient.  May we each be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.  May our family be completely humble and gentle; being patient, and bearing with one another in love.  Lord, thank you for being at work in me and helping me be more patient.  Please fill Alyssa and Kyle with your Spirit, and help them to be patient as well.

 

Thankful Thursday

Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise..."  Psalm 48:1

Hawaii 2013

 

 Great is the Lord...I see your beauty in creation.  Fall is beautiful!

Great is the Lord...when your love is passed on through my husband.

Great is the Lord...for power of your voice through the pages of your Word.

Great is the Lord...for the laughter and love of life in my son.

Great is the Lord...hearing the voice of my daughter (which is rare).

Great is the Lord...when I gather with my church community.

Great is the Lord...You have blessed me with dear friends.

Great is the Lord...for your abundant provision.

Oh great are you, Lord!
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

photo credit 

 

Someone Else Please

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."  2 Timothy 2:2

Believe it or not, our kids don't listen to everything we have to say.  Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.

However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt".  Someone they can share their worries and fears with.  Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.

Some days it will be me.

But most days it won't be.

So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.

Lord, thank you for my dear children, Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself.  I pray, Father, that you send someone into their lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me.  May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts.  Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others.  I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!

 

Praying for Our Teachers

Another school week begins!  Ready, set, go!  It's a good day to pray for the teachers that influence our kid's lives.  Below is a list of suggestions from Mom's In Prayer International.

Photo Credit

Pray for the teachers at your school

That they will consider each child as a special individual—not just as “their class” or “their job”; that they will have a zeal to make a difference for good in each life

That they will not grow weary in well doing, particularly near the end of the year; that their commitment to excellence and discipline will not wane

That God will prepare the teachers’ hearts for good relationships with your children

That positions at your school will be filled by men and women with godly principles
and values

That those teachers going through difficult personal problems will seek God

That Christian teachers will be salt and light, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in
their lives

That substitute teachers will be able to control classrooms and be a welcome and positive influence in your school.


Lord, I pray that this is a wonderful week of learning for Alyssa and Kyle.  I pray for the teachers that you have placed in their lives and ask that you watch over their influence and relationships.  May Alyssa and Kyle's teachers not grow weary in doing good, but continue to press on and use the gifts you have given them to teach.  Our schools and teachers are a gift from you and I give you thanks for each teacher you have placed in my kids lives.  Today, may learning be abundant and rich in Alyssa and Kyle's lives!

 

Give Them to Jesus

"Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."  1 Peter 5:7

As a mom, I can't always take away my kids worries and fears, though I wish I could.  Sometimes I can alleviate the worry of an upcoming test with help and encouragement.  Other times, I can encourage them in fearful moments with a prayer or a hug.  However, Alyssa and Kyle are going to have to learn that there is One who can help them in bigger and better ways than I can.  His name is Jesus.

Learning to let God have our worries and cares will be an important life lesson as their concerns grow bigger and bigger; jobs, money issues, parenting, health issues, etc.  Surrendering it all to Jesus will grow their faith, develop their relationship with Him, and strengthen their resolve in hard times.  God uses those times in beautiful ways to draw us to Himself.

I pray that today, wherever and whenever Alyssa and Kyle have heavy burdens, they can let go and trust God!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to let you have all their worries and cares, and know deep down that you are always thinking about them and watching over everything that concerns them.  When concern weighs heavy on their hearts, I pray that they come to you for wisdom, guidance, and peace in the midst of their concern.  On days, when they feel overwhelmed with their cares, I pray that they turn to you and trust you for your help.  You can shower them with hope, peace, and joy even in the middle of their messes.  Thank you, dear Jesus for your abiding presence, especially when we feel tired and alone.  You alone can handle all our worries and cares.

 

Thankful Thursday

"I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me."  Psalm 103:1-2 (Living Bible)

Grammy visits Mac

So many glorious things the Lord has done for us this week!

• I finished another election season working for early voting.  His strength was abundant and we enjoy His extra provision for the Christmas season.
• Grammy and Papa arrived to visit for the weekend.  We enjoyed times of laughter, visiting, and just hanging out.
• It was a weekend of birthday celebration.  My little boy turned 17.  How time flies.
• A friend made me her special (and my favorite) banana cake.  Oh the love!
• Lyssa attended a Youth Worker's Conference.  It's amazing to watch our daughter walk her way through finding her own ministries.
• Kyle made the National Honor Society this week.  He also got a 95% on his Calculus test when most of the class supposedly failed. 

Lord, I bless your holy name with all my heart.  I will bless you and not forget the glorious things you have done for us!  Thank you, precious Savior, for the ways you were visible and present in our daily lives.  You are growing up Alyssa and Kyle in beautiful ways and I give you all the praise and thanks!  You are Lord of all and my heart rejoices in you!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

photo credit

 

How Time Changes Things!

"I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do."  Acts 13:22

Happy Birthday to our son, Kyle!

On his birth, 17 years ago, 

he weighed 8 lbs 2 oz and was 21 inches long.

He was born on a cold blustery night as we listened to the news that Bill Clinton was re-elected for his second term in office as President of the United States.  

Gas was $1.22/gallon,

the Yankees had just won the World Series,

and the Nintendo 64 was making its debut.

Kyle Chandler on the t.v. show Early Edition prompted us to like the name "Kyle" if we happened to have a boy (the doctor had guessed a girl....surprise!).

Today our Kyle is 5 feet 10 inches and 165 lbs, and is thrilled as can be that the Boston Red Sox took the World Series last week.  And gas?  Who would have guessed we'd be happy that gasoline is down a few cents in the last week and is at $3.54?

A lot has changed in 17 years!

But one thing that has not?

That I sure love that boy that God gave us. 

I pray that Kyle becomes a man after God's heart and will do everything God wants him to do!  What joy it will be to continue to watch God's will for his life unfold!

Happy Birthday, Son!

Lord, blessed is the man you're making Kyle to be,
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

I pray that Kyle is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

(Psalm 1:1-3)

Putting Self Aside

It's selfish and stupid

   to think only of yourself

   and to sneer at people

   who have sense. 

Fools have no desire to learn;

   they would much rather

   give their own opinion.

Wrongdoing leads to shame

   and disgrace. 

--Proverbs 18:1-3

Lord, if Alyssa and Kyle have gotten anything at all out of following you, if your love has made any difference in their life, if being in a community of your Spirit means anything to them, if they have a heart, or if they care— then I pray that they do this: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle not be tempted to push their way to the front; and not sweet-talk their way to the top. May they always put their self aside, and help others get ahead. Some days it will take intention and choice, but I pray that they not be obsessed with getting their own advantage. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle forget themselves long enough to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Lord, may our children always have the same attitude of Christ Jesus who gave up his life for others. (Philippians 2:1-5)

 

Praying Scripture: Wise Choices

Lyss (2008)

As I contemplated what I wanted to pray for today I just couldn't help but think about my hope that Alyssa and Kyle make wise choices in their life...

Who they hang out with,
what they do when together with their friends,
what movies they watch or music they listen to.
How they spend their money,
drive their car,
or take care of their bodies.
How much effort to put into their schoolwork,
when to study,
and when to study harder.
Who to date,
when to say "no",
and choosing their partner for life.

Choices.
Choices.
Wise choices.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle choose to do what is right and best with their lives!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle remember
   your teachings and instructions
   and obey them completely.
Those lessons will help them live
   a long and prosperous life.
Let love and loyalty
   always show like a necklace,
   and be written on Alyssa and Kyle's mind.
You, God, and people will like them
   and consider them a success.
With all their heart
   Alyssa and Kyle must trust you, Lord
   and not their own judgment.
Always lead Alyssa and Kyle,
   and clear the road
   for them to follow.
Keep Alyssa and Kyle from ever thinking
   that they are wise enough,
   but respect you, Lord,
   and stay away from evil.
This will make Alyssa and Kyle healthy,
   and they will feel strong. 

Proverbs 3:1-8