Strong in the Lord!

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy 2:1

 Kyle, 3 years old

My son is growing up!  *sniff-sniff*

Kyle had a job interview this week.  I don't know how he'll manage a job and baseball, but I'm proud of him for giving it a try.  He seemed to go into the interview without even a hint of nervousness (though he could have been hiding it from his mom).  Why should he be nervous, man?!  He's one great kid!

  Kyle, 17 years old

But what I also know is this: Kyle has a confidence and determination in who God has made him to be.  He's got big things ahead as he continues to stand in God's strength and trust that He has great plans for his life.

Kyle is going to be successful when he leaves his future in God's hands.  Even if he gets this summer job or not.


Lord, all that you've created is good, and that even includes each of your children.  Thank you for fearfully and wonderfully making each of our children, giving them each such beautiful gifts and talents.  In those gifts, I see an amazing confidence and strength.  Continue to build in Alyssa and Kyle a determination that they can do anything as long as you're beside them, providing all the strength, wisdom, and peace that they need to complete their job, move forward, and excel.  Help them to always look past their fears and doubts, and depend on you to lead, guide, and provide all that they may be lacking, in order to stand firm in their callings.  Never let fear and anxiety overtake them.  May their confidence always come from you, and in the knowledge that they are your child and you are with them, loving them no matter the outcome.  I know you have great things planned for their lives, and those plans aren't for harm, but they are for good.  Oh, dear Jesus, I can't wait to see those plans unfold in their lives.  May their confidence come from knowing and following you!

 

Wordless Wednesday

  Photo Credit

 

Facing A Fear

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

There are many things in this life that I miss out on because of fear. 

This could have been one of those things.

Yes, I went zip-lining this weekend!

I just didn't like the heights factor of this adventure.

And I wasn't dressed appropriately.

Nor did I have the right shoes. (They duct taped my flip-flops onto my feet.)

Yet, every reason not to go, seemed to fade with reasoning.

Obviously my hubby wasn't so afraid...

But I faced my fears, with a bit of prodding, and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon with my friends.  Had I let my fear win, I would have really missed out.

God gives us the courage to face those things in our lives that we want to avoid.  He strengthens. He holds.  He blesses.  I pray that when our kids face struggles, fears, and obstacles, that they will put themselves in God's very capable and strong hands, and depend on Him for His help. 

Alyssa and Kyle, be strong and courageous in all things!  For with Him all things are possible!  Just look at your mom, she went zip-lining!  Who would have thought?

(PS...I even took one hand off...for a second!)

Lord, thank you for helping your children face their fears and stand strong and courageous in the midst of hard things.  We don't have to tremble or be dismayed because you are with us wherever we go.  When Alyssa and Kyle have fears, I pray that they look to you for strength, protection, and help in their times of need.  Your presence helps us to face things that seem insurmountable.  With you, dear Jesus, we can scale a wall.  Thank you, for helping me to conquer my fears!  I pray that my example encourages Alyssa and Kyle to go out and face their fears as well.

Strength and Confidence

"You then, my son (and daughter), be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy 2:1

Lyssa had a job interview today!  Doesn't she look beautiful?!

And as soon as the interview was over she was sweet to send me a text:

"I TOTALLY nailed it!"

She won't know right away if she got the job, but I love her confidence.  She went in with a little fear, but overall she was strong, confident, and at peace.

I pray that she always lives in the knowledge that she is wonderfully made by her Maker, and she can be strong and courageous knowing He goes behind and before her.

You go, girl!

Lord, all that you've created is good, and that even includes each of your children.  Thank you for fearfully and wonderfully making each of our children, giving them each such beautiful gifts and talents.  In those gifts, I see an amazing confidence and strength.  Continue to build in Alyssa and Kyle a determination that they can do anything as long as you're beside them, providing all the strength, wisdom, and peace that they need to complete their job, move forward, and excel.  Help them to always look past their fears and doubts, and depend on you to lead, guide, and provide all that they may be lacking, in order to stand firm in their callings.  Never let fear and anxiety overtake them.  May their confidence always come from you, and in the knowledge that they are your child and you are with them, loving them no matter the outcome.  I know you have great things planned for their lives, and those plans aren't for harm, but they are for good.  Oh, dear Jesus, I can't wait to see those plans unfold in their lives.  May their confidence come from knowing you!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Dare to be Different

"We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers."  1 Chronicles 29:15

One spring our daughter talked us into planting red petunias.  She knew that I normally have a tendency to pick purple or pink, but, red it was.  One day, as I went through and was weeding and dead-heading them, I noticed something peculiar.  In and among the throngs of red, I found one lone purple flower.  Alone it stood.

It reminds me of a prayer for my kids:  Be different.  Stand out in the crowd.  Follow Christ, even when the world looks at you as odd, peculiar, and unpopular.  Choose to be who God made you, and the person He wants you to be. 

I dare you, children of mine, to be different.  Be the purple flowers in the sea of red.

Lord, you call us to be aliens and strangers in this world.  You dare us to be different.  I pray that for Alyssa and Kyle today.  Help our dear children  to stand firm in what they know and believe of you, and in who you've called them to be.  Give them confidence to make decisions that please you, even when it goes against the crowd, or the thing everyone else is doing.  Holy Spirit, prompt their minds and nudge their feet to follow you in everything they say and do.  There will be times where they will need courage to be different from the world around them.  I know, dear Jesus, you will be right there beside them, leading them down the right paths.  It's a high calling to follow you, and a calling that will bring Alyssa and Kyle much blessing.  Thank you, Father, for allowing us to be your children, and giving us the strength we need to stand out in this world.
 

Be Strong and Courageous

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

Kyle taking the plunge...2006

The command to "be strong and courageous" appears about 11 times in scripture.  I think it may be said over and over again because it's something we need to hear. I know that I often need to be reminded to "take courage" (listed at least 4 times).

"Be strong and courageous", Tresa, as you parent.
"Be strong and courageous", Tresa, when you need to face a fear.
"Be strong and courageous", Tresa, when you think about the future.
"Be strong and courageous", Tresa!

I believe that our children need to hear and be encouraged by this reminder today.

"Be strong and courageous", my child, as you try something new.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, as you face your fear.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, when you have to endure a hurt.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, when you need to speak the truth.
"Be strong and courageous", my child, each time you choose to do the right thing.

With God Alyssa and Kyle can do all things!  Nothing is impossible.  Today, I pray that they will be "be strong and courageous!"

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be strong and courageous today.  Whatever fears they face, and with whoever they come in contact with, or in whatever they have to do, I pray that they know that you are walking by their side.  You provide them the strength they need to do all things.  You will never leave them or forsake them.  May your Spirit resound in the depths of their heart and remind them continually that they can be strong and courageous as they walk with you.  Thank you, Lord, that we can take courage, stand firm and live in your hope.  Oh Savior you are so precious.
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Masterpieces

^"For we are God’s masterpiece."  Ephesians 2:10a (NLT)

I think my kids are masterpieces.  God done good!  Of course, I'm a little bias.  I just love how God has created them each with amazing talents, fabulous strengths, and passions that He'll use to bless and serve others.


I am in awe...and I hope they believe for themselves that they are masterpieces, with a God who treasures every ounce o their being. Sometimes it's a truth we have troubles believing!



But this mom thinks they are pretty wonderful, that's for sure!

Lord, I know that you have wonderfully made Alyssa and Kyle, and I pray that they know that full well for themselves.  Open their eyes to see the gifts and talents you have given them, and the wisdom to know that you've given them for a purpose in their lives.  May they have a confident humility within themselves, and a deep trust in you, their Creator, to be who you have made them to be.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle use their lives to bring you glory and honor, and live as the masterpieces you have created them to be.

 

Senior Presentation Day

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:7

Today is a big day in the final conclusion of Lyssa's senior year.  It's Senior Presentation day.  Shortly she'll be standing before a panel of 6 judges, and her Senior class, giving a speech or report on what she has learned and experienced through her high school years.  I'm not sure if she is nervous, but I know I would be if I were her. 

I pray that confidence and passion flow through Lyssa's lips today, and every time she is asked to stand up and tell others what she knows, she'll find herself strong and courageous!

Lord, you do not make Lyssa timid, but you give her your power.  May she always be confident to speak with the knowledge and wisdom that you give her.  Remove any fear, and make her strong in you!   Lord, I know you will always tell Lyssa where to go and she'll go there.  You'll tell her what to say and she'll say it. I pray that she not be afraid of a soul because you will be right there, looking after her.  Today, may Lyss speak with confidence because you are with her.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Basketball Tryouts

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."  Philippians 4:11

 Kyle #11 (2011)

Friday Kyle had basketball tryouts.

Saturday he found out he didn't make it.

For the last few years he's been the point-guard on his school team, but this year he's attending a new (and bigger) school. Even so, his mom was sure it was going to be a "slam dunk" to get on a team.

Sometimes it's in those moments where the feeling of failure and inadequacy grow to unmanageable depths.  In all reality our head tells us that we aren't "awesome" at everything we put our mind to.  We know we aren't. And we hold fast to the truth that we are valuable and gifted beyond what others see or confirm in us. Yet, despite what we know in our head, there still comes the little voice of doubt that chips away at our confidence. 

Kyle seems to be handling this "foul" with ease.  I'm proud of him for sure.  This change of game-plan won't be the last in his life, but I am praying that he grows in strength and confidence though these trip-ups, and learns to be content in whatever the circumstances.

I hope he knows he's still a star in his mama's eyes!

Thank you, Lord, for who you've made both of our children.  Alyssa and Kyle are both fearfully and wonderfully made, and blessed with tremendous gifts and talents.  You, Lord, are the creator of their lives and you have wonderful plans for their futures.  Strengthen Alyssa and Kyle's character and prepare their hearts for the little bumps in the road, dear Jesus.  Through trials and discouragement, may they learn to be content whatever the circumstance.  Build a confidence within them that is unshakeable.  May they know for themselves that you have created someone who is loved and can do amazing things with their lives.

Thankful Thursday: Answer to the Impossible

I'm giving God thanks today for some answers to prayer.  Below is a post of a few "impossible" things I wanted God to help Alyssa with.  Sure I wrote it (or prayed for it) over a year ago, but I was reminded just this week that He answered my prayers.

Well, most of these impossibilities have been "fixed" anyway!  #1 and #3 are great accomplishments in my daughter's life, now a senior in high school, but I'm still praying for #3.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for answering prayer!

The Impossible

Posted August 23, 2010

"But with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

We've finished our first week of the new school year, and are beginning our second.  Though Alyssa is a junior in high school (oh my), she begins her first dose of college classes this week (OH MY).  As we were driving around I teased Lyss about the three things I hoped she would learn this year...

1.  How to wake up to her own alarm clock.

2. How not procrastinate on her homework or responsibilities.

3.  How to drive. 

Alyssa and friends in Aguascalientes, Mexico (2010)

 

She seems to think that all of these are impossible, but I have great hope that with God she can not only learn these things, she can master them beautifully. There are a lot of things that we "think" we can't do, but we have to choose to try, and then seek God's help along the way.

This is the beginning of new things!  Oh how I can't wait to see how Alyssa, with God, will make huge strides in these areas this year.  Adulthood here we come!

Lord, with you all things are possible.  You give the strength your children need to do big things. Help both Alyssa and Kyle to rise to the challenges in their lives that seem beyond their ability.  Give them confidence, power, and hope that comes for your abiding presence with them.  Lord, there are a lot of seemingly impossible things we have to do in our lives, but your promise to help us scale walls.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for being our strength!

Driving Fears

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Yesterday, Alyssa survived her first night of Drivers Ed.  YAHOO!  

 

At 17, she is one of the oldest students in the class.  Part of the delay began because I wasn't ready to have a child driving, but the longer we put it off the more it became about Alyssa and her fear to drive.

So yesterday felt like one big step towards conquering a fear that has been nagging my girl for a couple of years. What freedom will come when she finally realizes that this is something she can do.  I know God goes with her through each twist and turn, parking challenge, and new lesson.

Now lets just pray she goes back to class tonight. 

Drive away that fear, dear Jesus!

Oh Lord, our God, take hold of Alyssa's right hand and speak tenderly in her ear, 'Do not fear; I will help you."  What blessed assurance she can have knowing that you are with her, you are mighty to save, and that with you she can do all things.  I pray Lord, that fear never take hold of Alyssa and Kyle in such a way that it keeps them from living abundant lives and following wherever you send them.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to be bold and trusting of your promises.  May they fix their eyes on you, and set their minds on the hope that you are their refuge and their strength, and their help in trouble.  Drive away those fears, sweet Jesus.

I Do It!

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

Alyssa working hard filling the pool...1997

A phrase that I often heard my independent little daughter use was, "I do it."  Most of the time I loved those sweet words coming from her mouth.  Only when I was in a hurry, did I struggle to let her figure things out on her own. But now, I'm thinking that can-do attitude will help her go far in life. 

When her homework is hard to understand, I pray that she will respond with "I do it."

When relationships take work to figure out, I pray that she will choose to say "I do it."

When God issues a call on her life, and it seems to difficult, I pray that she shouts "I do it."

When a task seems too difficult, may her first words be "I do it."

And though I pray for this independent strength in my daughter, where she doesn't give up too easily on hard tasks, I also pray that she never pushes God aside and forgets to look to Him for the the wisdom, strength, and guidance she truly needs for a successful life.

Being independent and dependent at the same time, can be a tough act to balance, but I know she can do it.

A job well done!

You Lord are my strength and my song; you have become my salvation.  Be my children's strength and salvation.  Fill them with your spirit and give them a confidence to say "I can do it!", no matter how difficult the task.  When they are unsure, fearful, or lacking the strength, I pray that they look to you, Lord, for wisdom, hope, assurance, and peace.  Be their guide, day after day, and moment by moment, filling them with everything they need for any situation.  Sovereign Lord, be my children's strength; make their feet like the feet of a deer, you enable them to go on the heights. 

Yoke of Freedom

"The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them."  Ezekiel 34:27

 Kyle on an amusement park ride...

strapped up and ready to go!

"Part of God's consistent character is wooing the captive to freedom."  --Beth Moore, Breaking Free

So many things can keep us from experiencing a life of freedom and joy in Christ.  I look at my children's lives, and pray that God will keep them from being held captive by fears, depression, low self worth, dependence on drugs, alcohol or food...and the list goes on and on. Each and any one of those things will hold them back from living the abundant life God has planned for them, and replace the security He alone gives.  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:29-30

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always live in the real existence of Christ's yoke!


Lord, I come boldly to your throne and pray on Alyssa and Kyle's behalf.  I pray that they will be secure in their land, and will know that you are the Lord.   Please break the bars of whatever yokes them to something or someone other than you, and rescue them from the hands of whatever enslaves them.  Remove, Lord, the fears that hold Alyssa and Kyle, and keep them from experiencing true freedom in their lives.  Bind them only to You.  You are consistent and faithful, loving each of your children, providing peace, a firm foundation, and courage to live life abundantly.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle sense your wooing, and your call to a life of freedom in you! 

A New Thing

 Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past. 

See, I am doing a new thing!

 --Isaiah 43:18

What has been true in the past, won't necessarily be true in the future.  Except God.  He is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be tomorrow. 

I laugh because sometimes I can't talk my kids into trying things a second time, because they didn't like it before. For instance, I try to convince them that just because they didn't like green beans before, doesn't mean that they might not like them now.  They don't believe me. 

Or my kids decide that tylenol never works, because it failed to help the first time.

Sometimes I try to convince them that people can change too.  One day their friends might not be kind and thoughtful, but given a second chance, maybe they will be different. 

Change is inevitable, and is often a part of God's M.O.  Sometimes we need to be willing to set aside what we know to be "true", or our preferences and expectations, and "forget the past".  Sometimes embracing life's changes will take little moments of decision and bravery (yeah, I'll try a green bean!), and other times it'll take God doing some major work on our hearts.  

I just want Alyssa and Kyle to be open to whatever God has in store for their lives.  His truths, and His plans, hold such promise and joy!

I want to see God do a "new thing", don't you?! 

O Lord, my Lord, what a joy it is to know that you're at work in Alyssa and Kyle's life.  Change their hearts, and make them bold, to go and do whatever you call them to do.  Help them to forget the former things, and not dwell on the past, but live in the excitement and thrill of the new thing you want to do in their lives if they are willing and available.  You have wonderful plans for both Alyssa and Kyle, and you've created them to display your glory.  May their hearts choose to live in the center of your plan, and in great confidence of your guidance in their lives.  Oh Lord, I watch in awe and wonder at you doing a new thing in Alyssa and Kyle!

Hair Cut Bravery...and Success!

"And even the very hairs on your head are numbered."  Matthew 10:30

 Kyle...before

Kyle saved us some money yesterday.  He's been insisting lately that he wants a buzz cut and that we can do it at home.  So yesterday we took the plunge. 

 Kyle...during

Kyle was only worried for a second.  

I love Kyle's 'can-do' mindset about things, but in all seriousness I couldn't believe he was so brave and trusting to let me cut his hair.  Especially when I've never done such a thing before.  Sometimes to a 14 year old, hair is everything!  No pressure.  In spite of my objections, Kyle was insistent this would work.  He was so committed to the idea that he paid for the clippers himself (and he obviously took all the risk if this venture didn't work out so well).

Kyle's brave and adventurous spirit will get him far in life.  He'll need courage to make friends, go to school, marry a girl, spread the gospel, or live out God's calling in His life. Bravery will be a day by day decision and need, but will bring great success and joy.

The important thing for Kyle to remember is, that if God knows every hair on his head, I'm sure that God knows every detail of where He will send him in his life. 

Studly...after

Lord, how amazing it is to know that you know the number of hairs on our head.  You know our future and the things you have planned for our lives.  What hope, peace, and strength that brings our lives.  Give Alyssa and Kyle a bravery and boldness to live life to the fullest, to think of life as an adventure, and know that you are their faithful guide, leader, and protector.  Thank you, Lord, that nothing is impossible with you!

 

Clothed in Strength and Dignity

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."  Proverbs 31:25

 Alyssa...2005

When Lyss was little she seemed so confident in who she was.  She hated pink, purple, sparkles and butterflies, and she didn't care if others did.  Bows were a no-no, flowers an outrage, and she despised dresses (and still does).  If I tried to talk her into wearing something with any of these things, I was in for a loosing battle.  Or if someone gave her something that fit into any of these categories, there was just no way, polite or not, she was going give in. 

Rude?  Sometimes yes.
Opinionated?  Oh yeah.
Strong-willed?  Maybe so.
Confident in herself?  I'd like to think of it in those terms.

As girls grow older that confidence seems to slowly drain from their essence, and is replaced with an unexplained insecurity.  I pray that my daughter skips that stage, which I know is probably an impossibility.  Especially, since being 16, she's probably right in the most crucial time of feeling inadequate, unlovely, unlovable, and fearful of what others think.

I truly long for Alyssa to stay connected to who she was way back when.  I don't necessarily care if she continues to boo-hoo pink, purple, or sparkles.  I just pray that she stands firm in her beliefs, convictions and passions, and live her life in a way that reflects her love for the Lord.  No matter what the world around her says.

Be clothed, dear daughter, with strength and dignity!

Lord, you made Alyssa in beautiful ways, and I pray that she is confident in her strengths, faithful to her convictions, and firm in her beliefs.  Clothe her with strength and dignity, dear Father.  Remind her of the awesome and wonderful love you have for her as your daughter.  May she know and believe that your love is not based on what she does. Don't let anyone lead her to believe anything different.  Keep her from insecurity, fear, and unrest, and show her when others speak untruth.  Lord, you have fearfully and wonderfully made Alyssa...may she know that full well.

The Impossible

"But with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

We've finished our first week of the new school year, and are beginning our second.  Though Alyssa is a junior in high school (oh my), she begins her first dose of college classes this week (OH MY).  As we were driving around I teased Lyss about the three things I hoped she would learn this year...

1.  How to wake up to her own alarm clock.

2. How not procrastinate on her homework or responsibilities.

3.  How to drive. 

She seems to think that all of these are impossible, but I have great hope that with God she can not only learn these things, she can master them beautifully. There are a lot of things that we "think" we can't do, but we have to choose to try, and then seek God's help along the way.

This is the beginning of new things!  Oh how I can't wait to see how Alyssa, with God, will make huge strides in these areas this year.  Adulthood here we come!

Lord, with you all things are possible.  You give the strength your children need to do big things. Help both Alyssa and Kyle to rise to the challenges in their lives that seem beyond their ability.  Give them confidence, power, and hope that comes for your abiding presence with them.  Lord, there are a lot of seemingly impossible things we have to do in our lives, but your promise to help us scale walls.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for being our strength!