Twenty Years

Twenty years.  It's hard to believe.

Twenty years ago we pulled into southern Idaho with a trailer full of every belonging we owned, and our 8-week old daughter, ready to begin a new adventure in life. 

Twenty years ago we drove into the parking lot of a church, filled with people we didn't know, who fed us, unpacked our U-haul, and set us up for a good nights sleep.  It was just the beginning of the many, many ways our church has loved us as their pastors.  Even though, way back then, we were just young babies who probably didn't know what they were getting themselves into.

Twenty years.  Yes, we are little bit older, a whole lot wiser, and still enjoying where God brought us way back then!  Our 8-week old daughter is now twenty and getting married, and our son, who showed up along the way, is soon to begin his senior year in high school. Alyssa and Kyle know no other church and they've known no other pastor, and therefore intimately aware in their own way about ministry, but I would still love to tell them a few things I've learned in our twenty years.

1.  There is great joy in following God's calling in your life!  When you're doing what you've been made for, and where God leads, there's a peace and joy that cannot compare.  We've been here this long because we couldn't imagine being anywhere else or doing anything else.There's great joy in seeing someone come to know the Lord, get married to their best friend, find answers to life's problems through God's Word, or watching lives change. Oh the joy of being used by Him!  God's plan is the best, so find out where He wants you, and go there!

2.  Following God's calling won't always be easy.   In our twenty years, we've seen many hard things too...death, illness, divorce, affairs, conflict, abuse, anger, friends leaving the church, and people walking away from the Lord.  Some days, the hours are long, and the investment of time, heart, and energy is big.  There's sometimes criticisms, unhappy people, problems to solve, and can be kind of lonely.  But when you're doing what God has made you to do, the good things far outweigh the bad, and He always give the strength we need to handle the hard things.  Watching God at work, especially in difficult circumstances, is a fun sight to behold.  So, when you look for God's calling in your life, don't just go for what looks easy!  Be strong and courageous because God will make it all worth it!

Twenty years is just the beginning of what God has planned for our lives.  I don't know what the next twenty will look like, but if we continue to follow God's lead, I'm sure He will take us down many more beautiful paths. 

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.  I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.  Psalm 84:10

 

TGIF

 

Thankful Thursday

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)

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

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Loving Deeply

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  Colossians 3:14

I love watching my kids have fun together.

 

They live a part right at the moment, and maybe for the rest of their life,

but as we celebrated Mother's Day this weekend,

 I just missed having my two babies together.

Spring Break (2007)

I pray that they will always be friends!

Not just have fun together, but love one another deeply.

Lord, I love the children you have blessed our lives with.  They are both so fearfully and wonderfully made by your hand.  You knew that Alyssa and Kyle would be sister and brother, and you gave them each other as a gift to be cherished.  Help them to love one another deeply.  Bind them together in unity.  Always help them to give forgiveness easily, keep no record of wrong, and believe the best about the other person.  I pray that "putting on love" will be easy and the goal of their every interaction.  Oh what a mother's delight it is to watch her children laugh together and love one another.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for the gifts Alyssa and Kyle can find in their relationship together.

 

 

Praying Scripture

 Photo Credit

Dear Precious Savior,

How can a Alyssa and Kyle stay on the path of purity?
   By living according to your word.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle seek you with all their hearts;
   do not let them stray from your commands.
May they hide your word in their hearts
   that they might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, LORD;
   teach Alyssa and Kyle your decrees.
I pray that with their lips they can recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth.
Oh how I hope that Alyssa and Kyle rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches.
May they always meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
From today on, may Alyssa and Kyle delight in your decrees;
   and not neglect your word.


Be good to Alyssa and Kyle while they live,
   that they may obey your word.
Open their eyes that they may see
   wonderful things in your law.
Alyssa and Kyle are strangers on earth;
   do not hide your commands from them.
I pray that their souls are consumed with longing
   for your laws at all times.
Lord, you rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
   those who stray from your commands.
Remove from Alyssa and Kyle scorn and contempt,
   for they keep your statutes.
Though rulers sit together and slander you,
   I pray that your servants, Alyssa and Kyle,
   will meditate on your decrees.
May your statutes be Alyssa and Kyle's delight;
   they are their counselors.
                          --Psalm 119:9-24

Oh may it be so, my Lord!  
Amen.
 

Surround and Encircle

Alyssa and Kyle (1999)

Those who trust in God
    are like Zion Mountain:
Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain
    you can always depend on.
Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
    and God encircles his people—
    always has and always will.
(Psalm 125:1-2 The Message)

For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
    he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
(Psalm 34:7 NLT) 


You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
(Psalm 139:5 NIV) 


Oh Precious Savior, surround my children.  Hem them in behind and before.  Surround and guide Alyssa and Kyle all the days of their life.  Your presence is always with them, and as a mom, that allows me to rest and find confidence. Lord, protect Alyssa and Kyle physically as they drive, play sports, and just in the dailiness of life  Guard them emotionally in relationships and with their self image.  And watch over Alyssa and Kyle spiritually, growing their trust in you, developing their faith, and keeping the Enemy from putting doubts in their hearts and minds.  Lord, encircle Alyssa and Kyle in everything they say and do today!  They are yours completely and I trust you with their lives.
 

Thankful Thursday

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."  Psalm 13:5

 Kyle on third after hitting a triple (May 2014).

• Lyssa turned 20 on Monday! So hard to believe.

• In the last week Lyssa has also finished her sophomore year of college, moved into a new apartment and started a new job.  It's been a big, big week in my girl's world!

• Kyle ended his his Varsity baseball season last night.  He hit a triple this week (pictured above) and finished the season as the number one batter on the team.  YAHOO!

• Kyle took initiative and showed courage when he texted his coach about a concern he had.  

• Kyle worked on his truck this week and I was impressed by his attention to detail, patience, and effort to clean up after himself.  He seemed so grown up and responsible.  Maybe we taught him right.  Ha!

Lord, thank you for helping my children grow up into wonderful, responsible adults.  I'm amazed by your active presence in their lives, and how I can see you working, teaching and stretching my babies.  Thank you, precious Savior!
 
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Zipping My Lips

"Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it."  1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

Photo credit

I sometimes have conversations with people, in my head, as I'm getting ready in the morning. Yesterday morning I had a doozie of one and came up with the PERFECT response to someone's gruff comments to me yesterday.  Sometimes I wish I was quicker with my comebacks in person.
 
Then again, maybe it's good that I can't.  My tongue could probably get me in trouble.  Better to stay quiet than say something I'd regret, I'm thinkin'.

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."  Proverbs 21:23

Watching our words, whether in response to someone else's unkind comments, or just in every day conversation, is a spiritual discipline that can take much effort and practice.  I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle learn to watch their words and be careful to speak with words that build up, encourage, and shine the light of Christ living in them.

Words have great power, for good or evil.  Oh be careful little mouth what you say!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle keep their tongues out of trouble.  When there is temptation to repay evil for evil, or retaliate with insults when people insult them, help our children to pay back with blessings instead.  May you be reflected in our words, dear Jesus!

 

Happy Birthday, Daughter!

 Alyssa Maree entered the world (1994)!

One month old.

4-5 months old.

9 months old.

3 years old.

7 years old.

10 years old.

12 years old.

17 years  old.
 

February 2014

It's hard to believe my baby is 20 years old!  Happy Birthday, Lyssa-bean!  I pray that you know that I will always love you, I will continue to pray for you, and I'm proud of the woman you're becoming! 

I love you to the moon and back!

-----------------------------------------

10 Powerful Prayers to Help You Fight for the Heart of Your Daughter:
by Lysa TerKeurst (found here)

1. Give my daughter a deep desire to listen to You, Lord, and pray often, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Joshua 5:14b).

2. Let her learn early in life that to obey You, God, is the best way to the life her heart truly desires, (1 Samuel 15:22).

3. May she find comfort in Your ability, God, to reach her, hold her, and rescue her, (2 Samuel 22:17-18).

4. May she please You, Lord, by desiring, asking for, and utilizing a discerning heart full of wisdom, (1 Kings 3:9-12).

5. Let her find confidence in You, God, even when hard times come and she doesn’t know what to do, by keeping her eyes fixed on You, (2 Chronicles 20:12).

6. Give her a great desire to accept Your word, God, and store up Your commands within her so her ears will turn to Your wisdom, (Proverbs 2:1-2).

7. May she keep herself under control and not give full vent to people and situations that anger her, (Proverbs 29:11).

8. Give her the ability to rise above the traps of people pleasing so she can be kept safe by trusting You, Lord, (Proverbs 29:25).

9. Let her walk in the security of Your assigned worth to her. Give her a strong work ethic and health to accomplish all her tasks. Give her a heart that desires to extend her hand to those in need. Protect her for the right husband, a man of respect and godly honor. And let her be a woman of joy and laughter whose Christ-centered character is what makes her most beautiful, (Proverbs chapter 31).

10. And every time you, Jesus, whisper, “Follow me” she does so with great grace, (Matthew 4:19).

 

Who Will Tell Them?

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"  Romans 10:14-15 (NLT)

Alyssa and Kyle (Spring Break 2007)

As I think about Alyssa and Kyle, and their walk with the Lord, I am conscious of the fact that they watch their parent's relationship with God, and they hear what we have to say about it.  Daily we are an example.  In all reality, however, there is a chance that they will hear about it all better from someone else.  Oh how I hope that there are other people in their lives that are involved in sharing the good news of Christ to them, that exhibit passion and commitment to Him, and help them grow in their faith. 

How will they hear about Him unless someone tells them?

Lord, I pray that there are people that come in contact with Alyssa and Kyle that are not ashamed of the gospel, and will speak boldly on your behalf.  I pray that You may open a door for their message, and that they may proclaim the mystery of Christ. I pray that someone may share the good news clearly to Alyssa and Kyle, and make the most of every opportunity they have to lead them closer to you.  Thank you for the people you put in their lives that know you, love you, and speak of you.  Thank you for the difference you make in their lives, and for the difference you can make in my kids lives.  You are a God of hope, love, and relationship, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know the reality of your salvation!
 

Thankful Thursday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Praying Scripture

"In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle put their trust you.

I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle not be put to shame.  Please protect them and not let their enemies triumph over them. 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.  Grow Alyssa and Kyle's hope in you, and keep them from shame. 

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.  Show Alyssa and Kyle your ways and teach them your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Guide Alyssa and Kyle in your truth, for you are God their Savior.  may their hope be in you all day long. 

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.  Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love for Alyssa and Kyle.

Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.  I pray you forget the sins of Alyssa and Kyle's youth, and their rebellious ways; according to your love, remember them, for you, Lord, are good!

Psalm 25:1-7 NIV


 

Last Week of School

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

It's the last week of school for Lyssa...
and final projects and exams are in full swing.

What more can I say?

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

 

Doing Right

"For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man."  2 Corinthians 8:21

Photo Credit

Kyle got a 100% on his calculus test this week.  He was one of two in the class to get a perfect score.  

That's my boy!!!

As the teacher was passing out the tests, he announced that there were two who got 100%, and they were both sitting in the back and must have cheated.  

<<gasp>>

Kyle had to clue me in that the teacher was just joking.  Whew.  

And then I saw the news where a Yankee player was suspended for 10 games because he decided to cheat.

Cheating, lying and deception sometimes seem common place.  I pray it isn't so in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  Honesty and integrity are really the right way to go!

Lord, I pray that honesty and doing right are always the way Alyssa and Kyle choose to live.  It's important to do what is right, not only in the your eyes, but also in the eyes of man.  Please keep a tight protection on Alyssa and Kyle's integrity, and prod their hearts when they are tempted to lie, cheat or steal.  I pray that they are rewarded when they choose to live according to your law and design for their lives. 

 

Thankful Thursday

"My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You because You have redeemed me."  Psalm 71:23

On this Thankful Thursday we have many reason to shout for joy!  Our God is so good!

• A wonderful Good Friday service and Easter Sunday services.
• A visit with a baseball coach from an area college. 
• Picking a tuxedo with Kyle for prom.
• I got a new bike from my Easter honey!  It's purple!  What a fun surprise!

• An Easter afternoon bike ride with my boys (picture above).
• Lyssa got a new-to-her car.
• A day with no baseball for Kyle and a night of rest for all.

 

Lord, you have been so good to our family!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

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