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!


 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

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A Season for Wise Management

There’s an opportune time to do things, 

a right time for everything on the earth:

...A right time to plant and another to reap.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 

Kyle, March 2014

It's baseball season.  That means there is daily practices, weekend field work days, and at least 3 evening games a week.  Last night, Kyle got home from practice just in time for dinner, and announced that he had "tons" of homework this week.  So, on his one night at home this week, he locked himself away in his room to work on a 3-5 page paper and some calculus homework.  He took advantage of the time he had to squeeze in work that isn't even due until Friday.  I'm impressed.

Balancing work and play, planning ahead, and being disciplined are sometimes things others don't learn until they are adults.  I still find that its hard to always make the right choices.  I'm proud of my boy, but pray that as baseball season gets busier and busier, he can maintain his energy to do everything well.  

So far, he's my all-star player!

Lord, each day is a gift, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can use each minute and hour in the best ways they can.  Help them both to discern when it's best to work or play, and figure out whats expected of them ahead of time.  When it's time for them to rest, I pray that their bodies and minds are refreshed, and when it's time to work, that they do it to the best of their abilities.  Lord, in this busy season, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle do their best and are rewarded for their hard work.

Belated Monday Post

 

With All Your Might

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Today, a new semester begins for Kyle.  He closed out the last semester with a 4.2 GPA and we are so proud of him. I pray that he works as hard this semester!

Work at it with all your might, Kyle!

Lord, as the new week and semester begins, push Kyle to be and do his best.  Instill in him a strong work ethic and remind him that you are pleased with his efforts.  Help Kyle to see the rewards of working hard and being disciplined in every area of his life.  Thank you, Father, for such a precious son.  You have made him smart, able, and confident and they are all gifts that will bring him success. 


 

Do Your Best

"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message)

It's Monday...let the school week begin!

I'm praying that my kids work hard and do their best.

Here's to a a great week!

Lord, I thank you for our dear children, and the work you are doing in their lives.  You are good, and I trust you to continue to carry onto completion the adults you are wanting them to be.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle to do what they are told by their earthly masters...parents and teachers alike. I pray that they don't just do the minimum that will get them by, but that they will do their best. May they work from the heart for their real Master, you God, confident that they'll get paid in full when they come into your inheritance. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always keep in mind that the ultimate Master they are serving is You, and that the sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Oh Lord, being a follower of you doesn't cover up bad work.  Today is Monday, and I pray that it's the beginning of a wonderful week.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer!
 

Call to Him

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, 

made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: 

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‘Call to me and I will answer you.

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 I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things 

that you could never figure out on your own.’ 

 Jeremiah 33:2-3 (The Message)

Lord, thank you for the promise that when we call to you, you will answer, and when we can't figure out things you will give us wisdom and insight.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to talk to you like one would talk to a friend, and seek you when they need answers and have struggles.  Oh what marvelous and wondrous things you want to share with them.  I ask that you help Alyssa and Kyle to understand the power and sweetness of prayer, and find joy and delight as they find you in your Word.  You, Lord, have the answers they need, and will shower them with wisdom and love as they call on your name. May the truth of this promise come alive to Alyssa and Kyle, and they experience first hand your intimate and all-knowing voice.  Oh what blessing they will find!

 

Wordless Wednesday

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Wordless Wednesday

 

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.


 

No Clanging Cymbals

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1

Angry attitudes.
Flippant remarks.
Harsh comments.
Course jokes.
Foul words.
Insensitive declarations.
Careless comebacks.

Clanging cymbals.

 


Lord, you live and move in our inner beings and evidence of you comes out in our words and actions.  As we abide in you, and you in us, we become more like you.  I pray that as you live in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, and they spend time cultivating their relationship with you, you will be recognized in their speech, attitudes, and responses to the world around them.  Tame their tongues and make them obedient to you.  Dear Father, move Alyssa and Kyle to love deeply in word and deed.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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Wordless Wednesday

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Her First Job

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce."  Proverbs 3:9 (New Living Translation)

Lyssa has her first real, paying, job.  She's done babysitting and a few photo shoots that have given her some spending money, but this will be the first job where she has to punch a time clock.  I'm one happy mom, and I think she is one happy girl!

Learning how to budget her money, and make decisions on what to spend, how much to save, and if she will tithe, will all be a new adventure for her. We'll offer her suggestions, and have taught her the importance of all these things when she was younger, but this will all be new to her. 

Money habits are sometimes hard lessons to learn.  My prayer is that Alyssa will listen to wisdom, pray about her decisions, and act wisely when she gets her first paycheck.   Cause ready or not, here it comes!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle honor you with their work and wealth.  May they heed your call to give some of their money back to you, and choose wisely on how to save and spend the remainder.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to find themselves disciplined in their spending, generous in their giving, and smart in their saving, all which will bring glory to you.

And, precious Savior, be with Lyss as she begins her new job.  Give her the strength she needs for long days and the wisdom to learn the job quickly and with ease.  She has great opportunity to represent you to the people she meets and I pray she does that well.  Lord, thank you for this job.  I pray that Lyss finds great joy from working hard and earning her way in this world.  Amen.

 

Eye Protection

 "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light.  But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness." --Luke 11:24




When my kids were little I could control most of the things that they would see and experience on a day to day basis. I'd monitor their television intake and could turn the channel at any moment, was picky about the movies they'd bring home, and be choosy about the books that they'd check out from the library.  Protecting their eyes from seeing the unlovely things of this world was a big job sometimes.

But today, now that Alyssa and Kyle are 19 and 16 years old, I find the job a bit out of my hands.  The many different electronic devices in each child's possession add to the challenge as well.  Yet, even at this age (and my age, truth be told), guarding what their eyes see is of vital importance.  When our eyes are healthy, our spirit is more in tune with His Spirit, and like Luke 11:24 states, our body is "full of light". 

I will still try to influence what is watched on television in our home, and the electronic activity to the best of my ability, but at this point the best thing I can do is fall on my knees and ask God to protect my babies, and move their spirit to cringe at things they shouldn't see (or hear, or read) for eye protection ultimately protects the heart.

Lord, please protect Alyssa and Kyle's eyes for they are the lamp of their body. When their eyes are healthy, their whole body also is full of light.  And when they are unhealthy, their body is full of darkness.  Help Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be sensitive to what is not right, good, and holy, and desire the things that you find pleasing.  Move them to hunger for holiness, dear Savior, and give the the drive to seek after you.  You can bring them such great pleasure and delight, and they will find a great joy in you that they will not find in the world.  Lord, please be Alyssa and Kyle's eye protection I pray.

 

Stopping the "I'm Bored" Routine

"Bless all his skills, Lord, and be pleased with the work of his hands."  Deuteronomy 33:11

Kyle ready for work or play?  (1998)

"I'm bored!"  It's my least favorite statement from the kids, yet probably the greatest wish for myself in the busyness of life.  Oh to be "bored" for just a couple of hours. 

I've already heard the words this summer.  When Alyssa and Kyle were younger, the rule was, if you said you were bored you got a job to do.  What a quick cure for this habitual statement when there was nothing "fun" going on.  We even had a jar of chores; cleaning baseboards, scrubbing toilets, dusting cobwebs, folding laundry, etc.

I'm pretty tempted to relive the days of old.

My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle find themselves useful to others around them, challenged in what they find to do with their time this summer, and joyful from a sense of productivity and accomplishment. 

Lord, be pleased with the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands!  

I pray, dear Jesus, that you bless the skills of my children and put a desire in their hearts to use those skills to be productive and happy people.  May they be disciplined to work hard, keep busy, and avoid being sluggards this summer.  Give me wisdom to know how to lead and parent them through these dog days of summer, and push them out of boredom and into a space of usefulness and contentedness.  Please use Alyssa and Kyle's hands to bless others!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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.