Think About These Things

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  Philippians 4:8

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Think about these things.  I needed to be reminded. 

The Message version says it beautifully.
"I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." Philippians 4:8-9

The best, not the worst.

The beautiful, not the ugly.

Things to praise, not things to curse.

Fixing my mind on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable takes discipline, decision, and persistence.  It's God's calling.  His will. 


I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can train their minds to focus on the truth in regards to their self-esteem, or when they face discouragement and doubt, or when people are unkind and unlovely.  Learning to fight the battle of the war waging in their head and heart may be the most important thing they do.

"And the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:9

God of peace, how we need you!  Help us to learn how to fill our minds with truth.  Teach us to think on the things that are right and pure.  And when our mind wants to go in unhealthy directions, teach us to take captive every thought to make it obedient to you.  Lord, be ever present in Alyssa and Kyle's thought life.  If there is discouragement, bring comfort.  If there is doubt, strengthen their confidence.  Help Alyssa and Kyle stand strong and courageous in the battles that go on in their minds.  You, in turn, will be their peace!


 

Follow His Steps

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.  Job 23:10-11

Another week begins.  Who knows the challenges my kids will face.  They may be little bumps in the road, or they may be huge mountains to climb.  Either way, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle rise to the occasion and face each trial with the strength God can give.  Following Him will bring peace, success, and abundant joy.

Here's to a wonderful week!

Lord, 
You know the ways Alyssa and Kyle take;
when tests come their way,
I pray that they come forth as gold.

May their feet closely follow your steps;
Keeping your ways without ever turning aside.

Amen

 

Wordless Wednesday

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Cleanse Me

 

Hanging Out

"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

 Kyle (#12) and his friend Jake (2005)

Weekends bring out the "party animal" in my son.  Now, he's a good kid, don't get me wrong, but weekends seem to be made for friends, sleep overs, dates, movie nights, etc.  And as Kyle gets older it seems harder and harder to know the kids he wants to hang out with. So, as he makes plans through the weekend, my prayer is that God helps Kyle choose good friends with GREAT character!

Lord, don't let Alyssa and Kyle be misled by bad company that could possibly corrupt their good character.  Help them to be wise in picking their friends and smart in what they do when they hang out together.  Holy Spirit, guide Alyssa and Kyle through the maze of friendships!


 

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

In Sync with the Spirit

^"Wherever the Spirit wanted to go, the creatures went in the direction the Spirit was moving."  Ezekiel 1:20 (HCSB)

Kyle in his new truck (August 2013)

Not only do the last four weeks mark a "sabbatical" from blogging, it marks a period of my summer where I couldn't drive.  I've been dependent on friends, my kids and my hubby to take me everywhere I've had to go.  That's hard for a mom who is used to helping everyone else, and being free to go and do whatever whenever. 

Another thing that was sometimes frustrating, in this driving dependance, was that my kids weren't always good listeners to directions. Sure, I wasn't always the best back seat driver, but still there were times when my guidance was ignored or unappreciated.

It gave me pause to think that sometimes it's hard for us to let go of what we think, or assume we know what is right, and listen to the wisdom of someone else.  I pray, that when it comes to Alyssa and Kyle's relationship with God, that they will be attentive to His voice, and willing to go in whatever direction He moves them in.  Where He goes, or where he sends, may they always follow!

My Sweet and Present Father, I pray that you are forever near Alyssa and Kyle in ways that they see you, sense you, and are intimately aware of your voice leading them in the ways they ought to go.  And wherever you lead, may they go in the direction your Spirit is moving.  Mirroring your movement, and following your leading, will always take trust, obedience, and discipline to pay attention to your presence.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always be in tune with you, Jesus!  Amen.


 

Wordless Wednesday

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Walk in Obedience

"So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."  Deuteronomy 5:32-33

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If you tell God no because He won't explain the reason he wants you to do something, you are actually hindering His blessing.  But when you say yes to Him, all of heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward your obedience.  What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit. --Charles Stanley

"You are my friends if you do what I command."  John 15:14


Obedience hasn't always come naturally to our kids.  I was reminded this weekend of something I used to say to them, "we can do this the easy way, or the hard way, but you will do it."  I don't get "no" very much any more.  Sometimes my request is just easily forgotten.  

My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle will be better at obedience when it comes to listening to God.  When He calls, I pray that they go running ready to immediately obey.

Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is. --George Mueller

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to walk in obedience.  I pray that they will never turn to the right or to the left, but only go forward where you have commanded them.  In this obedience to you, Alyssa and Kyle can live and prosper, and walk in your peace, joy, and light.  Teach their spirits, sweet Holy Spirit, and lead them in the way you have made perfect for them.  Obedience is pure delight to you and I pray it's the call fo Alyssa and Kyle's hearts.
 
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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Fix Your Attention

"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."  Romans 12:1-2 (The Message)

Lyssa (left) and Friends, Bible Quizzing (2007)

Lord, I pray for the desire in Alyssa and Kyle's heart to fix their daily attention onto you.  Oh how I hope that they don't become so well adjusted to the world that they fit into it without even thinking.  Help them choose to be aliens and strangers of this world.  Give Alyssa and Kyle a hunger and thirst for your Word, and for whatever it is that You, Lord, desire for their lives.  Bring out the best in Alyssa and Kyle and help th em develop a deep maturity in you.   I thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer.

 

A Noisy, Noisy World

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
    the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me
    and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.  Isaiah 30:15

Life has felt so "noisy" lately.  So, yesterday was a day to seek out some quiet.

Noise seems to be a constant companion.  Music, television, people's chatter, and even my home appliances are always providing a constant hum of background noise.  I always laugh that the moment Alyssa or Kyle get into my car, they have to turn on some tunes.  Quiet some how feels uncomfortable, out of the ordinary, and awkward.  

But quiet can bring rest and peace.  And somehow it gives strength. Quiet allows our mind to actually meditate, reflect, and respond to God.  Silence opens the door to hearing the Holy Spirit.  The more noisy life is, the more intentional we need to be at pulling away. 

It reminds me of a song I love...

"Teach me to stop and listen,
Teach me to center down.
Teach me to hear in silence,
Things that are never found.

Teach me to be collected,
Teach me to be in tune.
Teach me to be directed,
Silence will end so soon.

Then when it's time for moving,
Grant it that I may bring,
To every day and moment,
Peace from a silent spring." 



Not sure my kids will ever "get it", in between their phones, computers, and "tunes", but there in the quiet, they might just find a sweet, sweet sound!



Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to stop and listen, teach them to center down, and teach them to hear in silence.  Thank you that you and your strength are found in the quietness.


 

Soft Hearts for Wisdom

 

My son, if you accept my words

       and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom
       and applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight
       and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver
       and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD
       and find the knowledge of God.

--Proverbs 2:1-5

I've noticed, as my kids get older and move through their teenage years, that I don't seem to know so much.  Ha!  I've heard that this is a normal teenager phenomenon.  They have this tendency to believe what others have to say, and listen to their wisdom, sometimes before they listen to mine...even if I've even said it first.  Grumble.

So, I ask God to give Alyssa and Kyle soft hearts towards their parent's wisdom.  Beyond that, I pray that their hearts are open to others' wisdom as well...including God's.  It's our human nature to struggle sometimes against others' insights, or put higher confidence in our own ideas, and we cringe or act out in our pride, and we miss out on some valuable nuggets of wisdom.   Oh, I hate it when I do that!

 

I like this quote:

"The next best thing to being wise oneself 

is to live in a circle of those who are"  

--C.S. Lewis 
 

Surrounding oneself  with wise people, and being willing to listen to the wisdom of others, is a sign of maturity and growth.

Lord, your wisdom is the richest of all wisdom.  Thank you for sharing it with your children when we seek it.  Your Word is full of rich treasures!  I pray, Lord, that my children accept your words, and store up your commands within their hearts, turning their ear to wisdom and applying their heart to understanding.  Lord, If they call out for insight and understanding, and search your hidden treasures, they will find You in beautiful ways.  I also pray, Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle have hearts that are open to their parents wisdom and instruction.  Keep them from becoming closed off, or bitter, when we instruct in certain directions, and trust that we always have their best interest at heart.  Give them great pleasure in listening to others' wisdom, and good judgment on who and what they listen too. Thank you, Father, for the promise that when we seek you, we will find you!  Lord, be the first place they go for wisdom, and the loudest voice they hear speaking in their ear.  

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Making the Best Choice

A woman is bound to her husband 

as long as he lives. -- 1 Corinthians 7:39

 

He who finds a wife finds a good thing 

and obtains favor from the Lord.  

--Proverbs 18:22

One of my kids favorite outings used to be going to the "Dollar Store".  In my mind, $1 per child was a cheap investment for a little fun.  Boy, did I soon learn that it was no easy adventure. 

One dollar to spend in a land of 10,000 choices is hard work.

Lyssa would spend minute after minute trying to make sure she invested her resources on just the right thing.  She would handle one thing, and then pace the aisles to make sure she wasn't missing anything better.  Then she would decide something else looked better, and if we'd let her, she'd go round and round like this for an hour (or two or three). 

Truth be told, though it was annoying beyond belief at times, I like this characteristic in my daughter and I pray that she takes her time to investigate, pray over, and is just as picky when it comes to choosing a husband. 

My kids taking their sweet time, to make the right decision in this department, is one thing I won't be impatient with.

Lord, I know you intend that marriage is forever and that you have just the perfect mate for our children out there in the world.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle seek you first as they go out looking for the one they will give their life to.  You will bless and lead them as they come to you for wisdom and understanding.  I pray that Alyssa finds a man who will love her just as you loved the church and gave your life for it.  I pray that this man will be patient, loving, kind, and keeps no records of wrongs.  I pray the same for Kyle and that he finds a wife who will respect him in speech and action.  May Alyssa and Kyle find mates that bring them great joy and happiness, and help them grow in their faith of you.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing this mother's prayer.

 

Daily Protection

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."  John 17:15

I remember in vivid detail the day I left Alyssa at home by herself for the first time.  I know that Lyss barely blinked an eye, but me?  Worry, fret, and concern. 

Here I was sitting at Kyle's t-ball game and she was home all alone.  Did I teach her all she needed to know to be safe?  Would she answer the door if someone knocked?  What if the house caught on fire?  (Dramatic thoughts, I know.)  What if she got hurt?  Would she make wise choices about what to do? 

Even back then I had a cell phone and it didn't ever leave my hand in case she called with a need. 

Now my "babies" are older, they are driving, one is in another state going to school, and I've had to learn to trust that they are okay when they are away from me.  It doesn't help to lock them up and keep them from the world (though the thought has crossed my mind a time or two), Therefore my prayer becomes more about their protection, wisdom and strength as they go out and face life, and believing that God is with them, and the Holy Spirit is the voice guiding them. 

I still ask for a phone call here and there though.
Yes, I'm one of "those" moms. (Picture the rolling of eyes.)

Lord, you are the great Protector, our refuge and strength.  You are the one with my children at all times and are watching over them as they are coming and going.  This world is full of trouble, but you are the one who overcomes.  Oh Father, protect Alyssa and Kyle, especially from the evil one of this world.  Keep the enemy from any hold on their lives and own them as your son and daughter.  Speak tenderly into Alyssa and Kyle's lives and lead them down paths of righteousness.  Give them wisdom and discernment in order to make choices that bring abundant life.  Lord, watch over my babies.

 

Keepin' Them on Track

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;    he’s the one who will keep you on track.  --Proverbs 3:5-6

Praying that Alyssa and Kyle learn to TRUST and LISTEN.

Trust God
and
Listen for His voice.

Two things that will keep them on the right track!

Lord, you are so worthy of our trust.  You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and are our firm foundation.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle trust You from the bottom of their hearts and not try to figure out everything on their own.  Teach them to listen for your voice in everything they do and everywhere they go. You, Father, are the one who will keep Alyssa and Kyle on track as they trust and listen.  What a glorious and beautiful life they will have as they walk with you!

 

Big Ears

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; 

guard it well, for it is your life."  

Proverbs 4:13

  

"Everyone should be quick to listen, 

slow to speak and slow to become angry..."  

James 1:19

"Apply your heart to instruction and 

your ears to words of knowledge."   

Proverbs 23:12

 Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the sweetness they add to our lives.  Every day I see amazing ways you are active in their lives.  They are growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  In that growth, precious Savior, I ask that you make their hearts and minds pliable to instruction, guidance and knowledge from others.  It's so easy to be defensive when someone offers advise, or to close our ears to what others suggest, and we put up walls when we don't like what someone has to say.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle guard others instructions well, and apply their hearts to the wisdom and knowledge that surround them.  Help them to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Lord, mold and make Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be what you want them to be. 

 

Ears to Hear You With

 

 "Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; 

guard it well, for it is your life."  

Proverbs 4:13

  

"Everyone should be quick to listen, 

slow to speak and slow to become angry..."  

James 1:19

"Apply your heart to instruction and 

your ears to words of knowledge."   

Proverbs 23:12

Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the sweetness they add to our lives.  Every day I see amazing ways you are active in their lives.  They are growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually in beautiful ways.  In that growth, precious Savior, I ask that you make their hearts and minds pliable to instruction, guidance and knowledge from others.  It's so easy to be defensive when someone offers advise, or to close our ears to what others suggest, and we put up walls when we don't like what someone has to say.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle guard others instructions well, and apply their hearts to the wisdom and knowledge that surround them.  Help them to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Lord, mold and make Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be what you want them to be.