Thankful Thursday

"And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name."  Luke 1:46-47, 49

My soul rejoices in God my Savior and the great things He has done for us!

• Our open house was a big success and a big blessing.  After much work we just enjoyed greeting and visiting with our church family. We have a great church, I tell you!  And after 19 1/2 years as their pastors, we still love them!
• I had 4 ladies who were sweet to help with the open house with baking and preparations.  Sweet, sweet friends!
• I came home from work one day last week and my dear hubby had cleaned the house for our open house!  What a gift!  I couldn't ask for a better man!
• Kyle has had a few early morning baseball workouts in the last week and has to be at school by 6:00 am.  He's done a great job at getting up and to school without help getting up.  I love that!  Such a responsible young man!
• I love getting Christmas cards in the mail.  I am reminded of the many special people God has placed in my life.
• A couple from our church blessed me with a basket with gifts for the twelve days of Christmas.  Each day I'm touched by their thoughtfulness.

• Lyssa is finishing up the fall semester of her sophomore year in college.  I'm assuming she's got great grades (ha) and we look forward to her coming home for Christmas break.
•  Ken and Kyle were given the opportunity to go pheasant hunting yesterday.  They've had some shooting practice and it paid off.  Together their group shot 18 pheasants.  Though it was cold and snowy out there they had a great time!

Lord, my soul glorifies you and my spirit rejoices in you, my Savior, for you have done great things for us— holy is your name. Thank you for your presence in our lives.  I see you in so many ways and my heart is full!

 

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!

 

Two Days, Five Potlucks

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

In the last two days, I have attended FIVE potlucks/dinners...
A women's missionary luncheon,
A wedding reception get-together.
A baseball fundraising dinner,
A Sunday afternoon potluck and business meeting,
and a 80th birthday celebration for two dear friends!

We have not failed to meet together with friends this weekend, let me tell you.  However, the diet on the other hand, was a complete failure!

Though I come through the weekend a bit on the "dazed and confused" side of things, I have this sense of gratefulness and love for the people in my life.  Such a variety of friends, encouragers, and sojourners who enrich me!  There's just something about knowing I'm not walking alone!

It reminds me to pray for those who enter Alyssa and Kyle's lives as teachers, mentors, friends, and co-laborers of Christ.  These people will remind them that they are not alone, they are loved, and that there are places to turn when life gets hard. 

Life is just more blessed when it's touched by the smile, kind words, and encouragement from another.

Lord, thank you for the blessing that I find from the people you have put in my life!  I revel in the variety from age, personality, passions, and purposes, but each are vital to my growth in you and finding joy day by day.  Please, precious Savior, but special people in Alyssa and Kyle's lives too.  Provide friends who encourage them, give them individuals to touch their hearts, and fill their days with those who strengthen their faith.  Today, if the day seems hard, I pray Alyssa and Kyle find a smile.  And if the day seems lonely, I pray that they find a friend.  Father, teach Alyssa and Kyle to live in community with other believers and find great joy from the presence of those you have placed in their lives.


 

Thankful Thursday

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”  Psalm 16:2

So many "good things" this week that I'm giving God praise for!

• Meridian Friends Church...it's past, it's present, it's people and it's pastors.  50 years is something truly worth celebrating and the party was a delight!

• My parents...a tremendous support and encouragement in life, parenting and ministry.  Hearing my mom play the piano at our church's big Jubilee celebration was a delight.

• After four days of tryouts, through rain, snow and cold, Kyle found out that he made the Varsity baseball team.  YAHOO!

I praise you, Lord, for all these good things!  All that is good comes from you, Maker of heaven and earth.  To you be all glory!

 

Traditions

"Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord."  Leviticus 19:30

Friday Night Sleepover (2000)

When Alyssa and Kyle were little, we had a couple of weekly "traditions".  Our Tuesday night tradition started when dad was working and it was just the three of us.  McDonalds had half-off Happy Meal night, and we'd each get our meal of choice, and enjoy playing in the play-land.  A nice little relief for mom.

Our Friday night tradition, wasn't so mom-friendly, and I don't remember how this one got started.  We owned a hide-a-bed (you know, for visitors and such!), and the kids would bring out all their blankets, stuffed animals, and such, and camp out together while watching their favorite videos.  The nights sometimes felt late, for this mom, and not always did Alyssa and Kyle agree on which videos to watch, but it was something they always looked forward to.  Yeah for Friday nights!

We've also had a Sunday morning tradition:  going to church.  Sure, we're the pastor's and don't have the choice, but I'm pretty sure we'd be a family that attended every Sunday even if we weren't.  As Alyssa and Kyle become adults, I pray that they hold onto our Sunday morning "tradition" of going to worship. It may take work sometimes, but the benefits far outweigh all else.

Here's to life-long traditions...

Lord, what an amazing thing it is that we can be with you at any time of any day.  Church isn't the only place we will meet you.  However, there are such sweet benefits of coming into your presence at church, and into the fellowship with other believers.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to be a part of a church family. I hope that they find relationships within the church that help them grow in their faith, and encourage them on their spiritual journey.  I long for them to find areas of ministry in which to use their gifts, and in turn encourage others to grow spiritually, and find you a their personal Savior.  Good habits take time to develop, but I pray that these childhood years, when we've attended church week after week, have helped Alyssa and Kyle begin a tradition that will carry on when they become adults and have families of their own.  Lord, thank you for the gift of church, and church families.  What a precious part of life!
 

Thankful Thursday

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things."  Jeremiah 33:3

I'm thankful that I can call on the Lord as I parent my dear babies.  Every growth, delight, and good sign is all because of Jesus, and I give Him praise.  Here's a few blessings this week...

My son is growing up.  First off, we had to buy some new dress clothes for his school dance, after finding his last set of dress clothes, bought 14 months ago, were like 3 sizes too small. Good grief! But I see signs of Kyle growing into manhood, in attitude, in discipline, and in abilities.  I'm proud of the young man he is becoming.

My dear hubby is sweet to me.  I forgot to take a picture of my valentine gift, but it was a basket full of my favorite things.  He is always listening and aware of my needs and wants and I can't help but give God thanks for the way he loves me.  So blessed.  This coffee was to celebrate our 23 1/2 years of marriage!

You will only know that the above picture is an answer to prayer after you read my blog NEXT Monday.  I wasn't thinking and wrote a blog for yesterday, forgetting that I usually do a "Wordless Wednesday".  Duh.  So, I saved what I wrote and you'll get to read it on Monday.  Anyway, the God-sighting part of this is that I wrote about wanting my kids to have teachable hearts, and then Lyss posted a picture about being mentored and listening.  Yeah God!

Our church is celebrating 50 years of ministry this weekend.  Ken and I have been pastors here for the last 19 years, and I have been continually reminded this week of the blessing it has been in my life to be a part of this church family, to have the privilege of leading this group of believers, and to feel so loved!  God is truly alive and active in this precious body and I thank Him for His faithfulness, grace, and mercy as we try to do His work.

So many wonderful things!  Thank you, dear Jesus!

Lord, my heart cries out in praise and worship for the amazing ways I see you in my life.  As I call on you, on behalf of our children, I can see the ways you are moving in them. Thank you for not leaving Alyssa and Kyle alone, and not leaving their lives totally dependent on the job I've done as a parent.  You are teaching them, loving them, and drawing them closer to you in so many ways that I can't.  You are a loving and compassionate God and you spread your covenant of love to a thousand generations.  Oh what a delight to know that you love THIS generation!  I stand in awe of who you are.  Thank you, Lord, for these precious blessings!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Thankful Thursday: His Bounty

They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
    they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—
 

 I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
    and my people will be filled with my bounty,”
declares the Lord.

 ^{Jeremiah 31:12, 14}

  Pastor Appreciation Day 2012

We've been filled with bounty for sure!  Words can't adequately express the overwhelmed feelings that come each October as our church family showers us with love.  

Cards with kind words.

Gift certificates.

Coffee.
Darling coffee mugs

Yummy things to eat.

Lord, thank you for the abundance of bounty showered on our family.  We are blessed and so thankful!  We shout for joy on the heights of your love!   As for me and my household, we will continue to serve you, precious Savior. 

Laughing Together

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:2-3

Yesterday our church cried together as we said good bye to a young man who passed away.  And yesterday our church family laughed together as we said hello to new friends.  Two extremes in one day, but a reminder of how blessed we are to be a part of a church family. 

But today, we can say, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!

Lord, our mouths were filled with laughter!  Thank you for the joy that marks our lives because we live in communion of you, and in community with other believers.  You've designed and created us to worship you and to long for being in connection with others. I pray that as adults Alyssa and Kyle find a church that leads them into deeper relationship with you, and provides people to encourage them, stretch them, and cheer them on through life's successes and trials.  I pray that they find a sense of community that matches that of being a part of a family.  Being a part of a community of believers will be a vital part of their walk with you!  Thank you, dear Jesus, for our church family and the joy they bring to our lives!  You shine in them and through them in so many ways.  Truly we are blessed!

 

18 Years

Yesterday marked an important anniversary for our family (or at least I think so!).  18 years ago, when we were just young and naive, with a little 2 month old in tow, we began the journey as pastor of our church.  18 years...It's so hard to believe (cause I'm really not that old...ha!). 

Many ups and downs. 
Lots of good times and a few hard ones. 
Blessings galore. 
Lives changed. 
A group of believers that we can truly call family.
Growth in so many ways.

18 years.  Where has the time gone?

I wonder what my kids will remember from these years?  I pray that ministry has been something that has ignited in them a faith that is real and genuine, and maybe even a love for service and ministry in their own lives.  It's a bit too early to tell, but I'm trusting God that these 18 years have been well worth it!

Cause I think it has!

Moving day of our new building & Alyssa's birthday...May 2006

Here's a blog I wrote back in 2010 about church life.  It's a prayer I am still praying for sure!

Church has been our life.  All our kids have known on Sunday mornings is church.  When the doors are open at the church, you will often find our family.  Our kid's best friends come from church, some of their most favorite memories are attached to church or church people, and church has always been an important part of our lives.  Pastor's kids usually have it no other way.

But there's a few statistics that gives me cause to pray... 

• 80% of pastor's believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor's children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.  (Pastoral Care Inc.)

• 33% of pastor's state that being in the ministry is an outright hazzard to their family.   (Pastoral Care Inc.) 

• 80% of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression.  (Maranatha Life-Line for Pastors)

I tried to find somewhere the statistic of Pastor's kids who stay connected to the church when they become adults, but I was unsuccessful in my search.  I've heard that it isn't a very good percentage.

Our kids sometimes see the great blessing of being pastors.  Our church was gracious and gave us a 12-week sabbatical in 2009, showered us for "Pastor Appreciation" in October, and many spoiled us with thoughtful Christmas gifts.  The "perks" don't go unnoticed by our children.

However, they sometimes also see the "pits" of being in ministry.  I think that they can sense the periodic stress, the busy hours, and people's disgruntlement or conflict when it arises.  We try to protect them from experiencing or hearing things, but as they get older it's not always possible.  They have been party to loosing friends when families leave the church, or are aware of long meetings or "discussion", or overhearing unhappy comments from people.

I truly believe that the "perks" far outweigh the "pits", but will our children feel the same way?  I pray so.  I long that they find great delight in staying connected to Christ and the Church, and that they even fall in love with serving Him with their lives...pits and all!

Lord, our lives should be lived to glorify and honor you, worshiping you all along the way.  Our family has counted it a privilege to serve you, and accept your calling for us.  We have chosen to serve you with our lives.  Even now, our children will begin to decide for themselves, if church is an important part of their lives, and if they will continue to participate in worship services, or in church ministries, serving you.  Lord, protect their hearts and minds from any bitterness, hurt, or confusion in regards to the church.  Keep them strong in their faith, and overlook the heartaches, fears, or burdens that come from being committed to a church family.  Help our children to fix their eyes on you, the author and perfecter of their faith, and focus on the perks and benefits of following you with their lives.  Lord, please help them to fall in love with the church, and find great joy in serving, worshiping, and living their lives for you.  Lord, we love you, and entrust our children's future to you.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Thankful Thursday: A Wider Community of Believers

"Love the brotherhood of believers, 

fear God, honor the king."  1 Peter 2:17 

 The three Kens!  My dear hubby on the left.

So many things to be thankful for this week.  We are at our annual church conference this week and it's easy to make a big list of blessings.  I'll try to be brief for your sake!

• The weather in Newberg, Oregon, for our annual conference is usually miserably HOT, but this week it has been cool and sunny!
• Lunch with another pastor couple was great encouragement!
• Time chatting with other pastor's wives blessed my socks off.
• God appointed moments with others.
• Seeing our children "hang" with other kids who are passionately in love with Jesus, and find community, encouragement, and great teaching, is a joy for me to behold.
• Hearing an auditorium of worshipers (not sure how many...500 or so), young and old, all resound their praise in song made my heart leap with delight.
• Seeing many youth from our church participating in these worship times.

God has refreshed my spirit despite the 14 hour days of meetings, worship, and fellowship.  I give Him thanks for the community of believers that surround me, and for His activity in and through us.

Crazy Birds

"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts."  Acts 2:46

 Every morning as the sun rises. and every evening as it turns dusk, we have a congregation of birds that meet up in the trees in our backyard.  They are the loudest bunch of birds I have ever heard.  As it woke me up yesterday morning, two things struck me...

• They meet consistently.  Every morning and every night, without fail, they are faithful to come together.
• They sound like they are happy to be together.

These crazy birds are a perfect example of things I pray my kids "leave the nest" knowing and living out.

• Find a church home and be faithful to attend consistently.
• Enjoy relationships with the other believers in your life.  Hang with your church family.  Have fun.  Work together doing amazing things.  Serve alongside on another.  Work through conflict.  Be encouragers.

As I hear the birds "sing sweetly in the trees", I will be reminded to pray.

Oh I love lifting my little birdies to the Lord! 

Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and for the precious treasure they are in my life.  I pray that they will always follow you, Father, and live their lives in communion with you and other believers who also love you.  Continuing to meet together with other believers will strengthen their faith, give them encouragement, and teach them some important lessons in life.  The church can be a vital part of their walk with you.  My soul sings "how great thou art!"  I love you, dear Jesus.

Thankful Thursday; The Village

"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts." Psalm 145:4

Parenting is not a lone sport. When it is said that it takes a village to raise a child, I think I'd have to agree in a big way. I'm especially thankful for the other adults in my children's lives that are advocates for faith, and are helping lead them closer to Christ. They are many...Youth workers, Sunday school teachers, friends, and even their grandparents.

I thought of honoring each of them by showing you their picture or listing their name, but the list became long, and I'd hate to miss someone. Even those who may not play big parts in their lives, can still have a tremendous impact on their spiritual walk, self-image, future career, who they date/marry, or their outlook on life. No pressure or anything!

The "village" is an important part of my kids lives.
My heart is full of thanks!

Lord, you have blessed our children's lives with so many special people, and you are using them in mighty ways. Each moment they spend with Alyssa and Kyle, is a moment where they have the opportunity to commend Your works, and tell of your mighty acts, helping draw them in to a personal relationship with you. Thank you for so many who radiate You living in their lives, and can't help but pass that passion onto our kids. I'm thankful for the time these people invest in so many lives, showing friendship, giving encouragement, lending a listening ear, and sharing wisdom...all helping develop our kids into adults who live for You. I'm thankful that I don't parent alone.  You have richly blessed our lives!

The Body of Christ

"The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance."  1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (The Message)

 Girls Group at Church...2008

Oh how I loved Easter Sunday!  Watching my church family worship and celebrate Jesus' resurrection was such a great delight.  It wasn't just the beautiful dresses or the men in ties.  It was the joy, the smiles, and the purposeful and passionate worship. 

There's something wonderful about being a part of the body of Christ. 

My prayer for Alyssa and Kyle is that they find great joy in being a part of a church.  That they use the gifts God has given them for the benefit of the body, and for changing lives for His Kingdom.  That when they are hurting, they find encouragement, hope and great support from other members.  When days and times are hard they would find that they have a place they can turn.  I pray that, together with others, they draw closer to Christ and get to know Him in deeper and more precious ways. 

There are so many benefits.

I believe that together we can be so much greater, and do so much more, when we're in fellowship with others.  There is great blessing to be found when we are in community with other believers!

Lord, you have made us to be a part of the body of Christ, and we can find such support, encouragement, and joy when we are in community with other believers.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle never give up meeting together, and being a part of a church family, as some are in the habit of doing.  They each are needed in the body of Christ, and have been given gifts to use to bless others.  I pray that they devote themselves to the teachings and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle always choose to be an active part of the body of Christ.

Part of the Body

"If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."  1 Corinthians 12:17-18

Lyss and her Quizzing team...2007

This weekend I participated in some meetings in Oregon.  About a year and a half ago I was asked to join this committee but I'm not sure I really knew what I was getting into.  Many times over the last 18 months I've wondered what God was thinking when He came up with this particular plan of His. He's so funny!

I know in my head that He made me with particular gifts, and without my gifts this committee would be lacking, but it's seriously easier to doubt why I'm not gifted in the same way as the others.  Or wonder why my gifts are needed in that room.  I know that God arranged every part of the body "just as he wanted them to be", but sometimes it's hard to rest in that.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize the gifts God has given them, and know without a doubt the wonderful purposes for which He has created them.  I hope that they live in the confidence that God has made them "fearfully and wonderfully" and that wherever He sends them, it is to accomplish mighty purposes for His Kingdom.  Maybe its pastoral ministry, maybe its being a stay-at-home parent, or maybe its on a committee like mine.  Whatever it is, may they shine bright for Him.


Lord, thank you for making all of your children different and gifted, yet using them all in unique and special ways in your kingdom.  You have arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as you wanted them to be, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can revel and live in that truth.  Help them both to recognize their strengths, and see the ways you want to use the gifts you've given them in growing your Kingdom.  Give Alyssa and Kyle a confidence to go out and shine in their differences, strengths and giftings, believing that you love them just the way they are and have made them "for such a time as this."  Thank you, Lord, for making us all different, yet special and with great purpose.  Thank you, for making Alyssa and Kyle just as you wanted them to be!

A Part of God's Plan

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Matthew 18:20

 Our Church

I love church...and in a lot of ways I need my church.  I think that's God's desire and plan for His children.  Sometimes I struggle with worry that Alyssa and Kyle will become disenchanted with the church, and walk away from it all together.  I want them to find great joy in what a church family can give them, and experience the treasure it is to dig in God's Word and learn with others beside them.  I pray that they hear God speak to them through others, find strength and encouragement when they go through the storms of life, and delight in using their spiritual gifts to change others lives. 

So many blessings to be had by being a part of God's church!  Oh, yes there is! 

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  Hebrews 10:25


Lord, I pray that our children not give up meeting together with other believers.  I pray that they remember the rich blessings there are for them as they invest their lives in a church family.  There will sometimes be hard or unlovely things, but God really wants the church to be a place of fellowship, encouragement and blessing.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to always remember the good things about church, and the blessings of being involved with other believers, and forgive the hard things.  I pray that church will always be a vital part of their lives, and they will find it an integral part of their faith and growth in Christ. I know, Lord, that you have made them with gifts, and those gifts have a purpose for your kingdom, and possibly in a church somewhere.  May they always be connected to you, dear Jesus, and find encouragement from being in fellowship with other believers.

Being a PK

"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the Lord has spoken.     --Isaiah 58:13-14

 Family Photo for Church...2004

I heard someone recently exclaim their jealousy over what it must be like to be the pastor's family of our church, and that my kids have a special place in the church that no other kids have.  Yes, there are some definite blessings, and I give God thanks often for the calling God has placed on our lives.  But I had to bite my tongue a little too, because sometimes there are things in ministry that no one would find worthy of jealousy. 

Some of these mark my children's "ugh" list...

At every church event or it "looks bad".
Nosey, well-meaning, "encouragers".
Interrupted family gatherings.
Shake hands, hug, and converse with everyone.
High expectations.
Conflicts or criticisms.
Long Sundays.
Overly busy parents.

The blessings far outweigh the negative in ministry, as far as my husband and I are concerned.  However, sometimes I worry if my kids would say the same.   I hope that when they look back on their childhood, they'll remember the ministry fondly, and the perks of the "job".  And I pray that they will love church when they become adults and can choose all on their own if they go or not.

That's one of my greatest prayers!

Lord, our lives should be lived to glorify and honor you, worshiping you every step of the way.  Our family has counted it a privilege to serve you, and have accepted your calling in our lives.  We have chosen to serve you as ministers in your church.  Even now, our children will begin to decide for themselves, if church is an important part of their lives, and if they will continue to participate in worship services, or in church ministries, and serving you.  Lord, protect their hearts and minds from any bitterness, hurt, or confusion in regards to the church.  Keep them strong in their faith, and overlook the heartaches, fears, or burdens that come from being committed to a church family.  Help our children to fix their eyes on you, the author and perfecter of their faith, and focus on the perks and benefits of following you with their lives.  Lord, please help them to fall in love with the church, and find great joy in serving, worshiping, and living their lives for you.  Lord, we love you, and entrust our children's future, and love for you and the church, into your hands.

Continue Meeting Together

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  Hebrews 10:25

 Kyle at Church...2005

Church has been a vital part of my kids lives.  From the moment they were born, they've attended church and were a part of a church family.  Being a part of the pastor's family has allowed them to see the most wonderful aspects of church, but also some of the ugly parts. 

This last month our church has been "plugging" Pastor Appreciation month, and today our family got to take home a basket full of goodies that has been accumulating over the last few weeks.  The four of us went out to lunch and took turns pulling a card out and reading it.  Around the table we went, reading one blessing at a time.  I loved watching my kids partake of such blessing.

That's just one of the amazing sides of church my kids have been witness to.  It's not about the gifts, but its the words and thought that mean the most.  It shows them the side of encouragement, blessing, unity and love that's worth hanging out for.

I pray that as Alyssa and Kyle continue to grow up, and start having to make decisions on their own about attending church, that they will remember these kind of times. 

Lord, I pray that our children not give up meeting together with other believers.  I pray that they remember the rich blessings there are for them as they invest their lives in a church family.  There will sometimes be hard or unlovely things, but God really wants the church to be a place of fellowship, encouragement and blessing.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to always remember the good things about church, and the blessings of being involved in ministry, and at the same time forget the hard things.  I pray that church will always be a vital part of their lives, and they will find it an integral part of their faith and growth in Christ. I know, Lord, that you have made them with gifts, and those gifts have a purpose for your kingdom, and possibly in a church somewhere.  May they always be connected to you, dear Jesus, and find encouragement from being in fellowship with other believers.