Loving Deeply

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

I love watching my kids have fun together.

 

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

but as we celebrated Mother's Day this weekend,

 I just missed having my two babies together.

Spring Break (2007)

I pray that they will always be friends!

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

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

 

 

Much to be Thankful For!

I'm Baaaaaack!

And I have much to be thankful for!  My trip to Hawaii was totally delightful, and at the same time, I am glad to be home with my dear family. I would be remiss to give God praise for my vacation.

• Hawaii was beautiful!  Every time I had coffee on the balcony, swam in the ocean, or visited a new place, I found myself thinking of God's amazing creativity and love for His people.

• Time with my mom, sister and niece was precious, and I was reminded how blessed I am.  We laughed, laughed and laughed and have memories to last a life time!

• I couldn't have taken this trip without the support and encouragement from my hubby.  He sent me without any qualms or regrets and did a great job taking care of the kiddos all the while working his tail off at church.  He's my hero and my love!

• And my kids seemed happy I came home.  Of course, I was bearing gifts so maybe that was part of their excitement.  I loved that they asked questions about my time away, and acted like they enjoyed hearing my stories. 

• A few things to give God praise for while I was away...Lyss got her first pay check and loves the freedom it gives her to spend, spend, spend.  And Kyle had a couple great days of baseball, going 5 for 7, with a triple, and 6 RBI's (for those of you who know baseball lingo) one day, and going 4 for 6, with 2 doubles, and 2 RBI's on another.   He was on fire! Wish I could have been there!

 Kyle's triple (June 2013)

God is soooo good to me!  Words cannot express my gratitude enough.

Dear Precious Savior, my heart is full of praise and thanksgiving! You have spoiled me beyond anything I deserve.  I saw you in the beauty and creativity of your creation, and felt your protection in our coming and goings.  Thank you so much for your extravagant love!

  

Thankful Thursday!

"And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!”  2 Samuel 7:29

 Easter 2008

Lord, you have blessed this house!

Time with Lyss home from college was a delight.
I loved watching her take pictures, hang with friends, and enjoyed whooping her at cards.
Adult conversations, fun shopping trips, and all for Redford's in one place.

Kyle spent many hours playing ball last weekend.
Despite loosing he kept his chin up and played hard.
Even when coaches worked him, or came down on the team, he stayed strong.

I also was blessed by seeing Kyle love on the little kids at church.
Around and around little Marley went singing "I love Kyle!"
And giggles from Logan as he chased Kyle up and down the sanctuary. 
He's adored for sure!

Easter.
Services with our church family.
Beautiful worship, joyful celebration, and lovely, special people.
A grandma thrilled to tell me her 11 year old grandson accepted Christ in our service!
Pizza for Easter lunch...non traditional!
A walk in the perfect spring weather.
Watching Kyle do his thing fishing.
A good, good day (except for taking Lyss the the airport).

Lord, you have blessed this house!  Thank you, precious Savior!


 

Family, Fighting, and Friendship

"And this commandment we have from him:

whoever loves God must also love his brother."  1 John 4:21

Lyss & Kyle (1998)

Sisters and brothers.  Best friends and worst enemies...all within a five minute time frame. Even now that they don't see each other as often since Lyss spends most of her time in Oregon at college.  Yes, spring break has barely started and they are already picking on one another.

Alyssa and Kyle know how to push buttons in the blink of an eye, yet they also can be each others greatest cheerleader.  I cherish the moments when I catch a glimpse of them treating each other with a love and kindness that they would show their greatest friend.  I also love watching them laugh together, or have a conversation, especially when one is showing great concern over the others needs.

However, at this time in life, my kids claim that they are not "friends", and sometimes treat each other more like lepers, than sister and brother.  I try to convince them the importance of their relationship, and that they will need each other one day.  They will go through trials in their life where they will need someone who will stand by them through thick and thin, and love them no matter what.

They put up (and put-up is definitely the word of the day) with each other as family now, but I pray that one day they will realize the treasure they have as friends.  I pray that they will forgive the crazy things of today, and love one another unconditionally through the things of tomorrow.

I think people that have a brother or sister 

don't realize how lucky they are. 

Sure, they fight a lot, 

but to know that there's always somebody there,

somebody that's family.  

--Trey Parker

Lord, you have given us two precious children and they fill our days with much joy.  However, when they fight, are impatient with one another, and hold onto grudges, my heart breaks.  I pray Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle will live lives that are completely humble and gentle; being patient, bearing with one another in love. May they make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  Lord, may forgiveness flow freely between one another.  Their friendship can can be a life-giving relationship that brings them much joy, but at times it will take a bit of effort.  May they each be willing to set aside hurts, fears, and anger to love one another the way that you call them to love.  Lord, you have created our family in beautiful ways, and you put Alyssa and Kyle together as sister and brother for special purposes in their lives.  May they find the true joy you have for them in this relationship.  As sisters and brothers...and as friends.
 

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!

Our Lord and God,
You are worthy to receive
glory and honor and power,
because You have created all things,
and because of Your will
they exist and were created.
--Revelation 4:11 

I just revel in all the ways God creates good things in my life.  Good things can even come out of hard experiences, believe it or not.  This week I have seen His handiwork in beautiful ways.

• Unexpected hugs and prayers.
• Laughing at "fainting goats" on YouTube with Kyle (google "fainting goats if you're in a bad mood).
• A phone call with Lyss.  So adult-like, so fun, so good!
• My living room full of 15 laughing, caring, loving ladies from my church. 

• Surprise gifts of purple things.  So embarrassing but so loving and kind!
• Kyle's car full of balloons from a girl asking him to the Sweethearts dance.
• A game night with friends.
• Kyle's passing grade (103%) on a math quiz when everyone else around him didn't do so hot. 
• Lyss loving school and doing college kind of things!
• Ken's timely presence with hurting families.
• Date lunch at PF Changs with a gift card.
• Purple tulips from my hubby.

• Watching my 16 year old sleep on the living room floor (I just want to squeeze on him), tired after early morning and after school baseball practices.

Lord, you are always creating beautiful things in my life.  I love watching your hand at work in Alyssa and Kyle's lives especially.  You are always faithful, good, and present in the good and bad times we go through.  Thank you, precious Savior for all these sweet benefits I've seen this week.  You are so good and so worthy of our praise! To you be all glory, honor and praise.


 

Thankful Thursday

"Satisfy us in the morning 
with your unfailing love,that we may sing for joy 
and be glad all our days." 
Psalm 90:14

I'm not gifted in photography like my daughter, but these are a smattering of things I was thankful for this week.

 Frost covering the trees, though mighty cold,

was beautiful!  A picture just can't do it justice.

 

My husband took me on a sweet Friday night date.

Saturday the boys slaughtered me in bowling

My hubby got some snazzy, new, yellow running shoes.

His smile was worth every penny.

 Our friend, Audrey, did a great job finding Ken just the right thing. 

Lord, thank you for your unfailing love and for satisfying our days with so many good things.  I sing for joy, precious Savior, and am glad for the many blessings.  My life is a precious gift and I give you thanks for every good and perfect thing from you!

 

True Joy

“Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” Psalm 119:35 (NLT)

I love hearing my family laugh. There is no sweeter sound.

The other night my two boys were laughing so hard they had tears coming out their eyes.  Over and over again they pushed "rewind" on one of the American Idol auditions, and laughed, and laughed and laughed. Take a peek and see if it makes you smile.




Though, I could write a whole other blog on laughing at others, I really want to focus on the spark of joy I saw that night, and the happiness I see in my kids eyes when they laugh from their belly.  I want nothing more than Alyssa and Kyle to love life and find great joy.

What I do know is that having Christ in their life will bring an everlasting and internal joy that is better, deeper, and more sustaining than the laughter that comes from an American Idol audition. My prayer is that as they continue to grow, and live their lives for Him, their happiness won’t be based on something external, but something eternal. May Jesus be their everlasting joy!

Lord, you are the joy of my life, and the prayer of my heart is that you become the joy of Alyssa and Kyle's lives. I pray that they find many things that bring them laughter and joy on a daily basis. Bring friends into their lives that make them smile. Even provide moments of joy and laughter around the dinner table. May Alyssa and Kyle never take life too seriously, and giggle even at the little things. Above all, with you living in them, may they have joy in their inner beings…deep inside who they are. May my children’s hearts shine You, and may their smiles reflect the joy that only comes from You, their God and Savior.

 

Thankful Thursday

"But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you."  1 Samuel 12:24

So many great things from the Lord each day this week:

• Women's Bible study returned from Christmas break on Thursday. It was a great way to start the new year!  It's sad that our journey through James is coming to an end so soon.
• Friday was movie night with the family. Oh how I love these people that God has placed in my life!
• Time to take down Christmas decorations on Saturday, ending the day in a family outing with a gift certificate to our favorite steak house, and began a puzzle (picture above).
• Sunday prayer time with two special ladies and the peace that falls as we pray for the youth of our church.
• Monday is our date day and we had Lyss (home from college still) tagging along.  After lunch we went to the thrift store, and Lyss and her dad laugh through the entire store.  The day was topped off with a dinner with friends who moved away 11 years ago, and 5 other families.  Friendships that last over time are a blessing.
• Tuesday I met a friend for coffee.  So thankful for those in my life that I can lean on, encourage in return, and journey this life together with.
• On Wednesday, Lyss did her second baby photo shoot this week, and has two more jobs before she heads home on Saturday.  I love watching her joy as she finds her favorites in the batch of 500-600 shots she has taken.  She has a great eye for capturing the personality of her "client" (picture below).  Fun to see the outcome of her time and effort!  If you're on facebook you can see her pictures here.

Lord, as I considered all the great things you have done for me, I find myself in awe and my heart full of thanksgiving.  You have blessed my family indeed! Thank you for the ways you're growing up Alyssa and Kyle to be servants and followers of you.  Precious Savior, I stand in awe of your work and gifts today!

 

Thankful Thursday

As I reflect on the past week, I am most thankful for time with family.  It's a little belated, but these are a few of my favorite pictures from Christmas day!

 Lord, thank you for the sweetness of family and time together.  What a delight it is to see the laughter and smiles, feel the love and acceptance, and find encouragement and blessing.  Alyssa and Kyle's lives are richer because of these special relationships.  Grow in them a desire, dear Jesus, to hold on tight to the people you have placed in their lives, and fight hard for healthy relationships.  Remind them that forgiveness and love will always be worth the effort. Thank you, for the heritage of faithfulness.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will pass this gift onto the next generation and always stay connected to these special people you have given them. Lord, thank you, for family!

 

Thankful Thursday

"Joab fell with his face to the ground to pay him honor, and he blessed the king. Joab said, “Today your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king...”  2 Samuel 14:22

I find that the desire to fall with my face to the ground in honor and worship to be quite strong this season...

Recognizing the immense and transforming gift that was made available to me by the gift and birth of God's Son.

Remembering many Christmases past, and a heritage of faithfulness, that have marked my 44 years of life.  I love that God is allowing me to pass on those same things to my kids.  Gathering with our church family for a pageant, Christmas Sunday services, and 2 Candlelight services on Christmas Eve, traveling over the river and through the woods to Grammy and Papa's house, and all 12 of us celebrating Christmas night, was a delight that will mark this season for sure!

Rejoicing in Alyssa and Kyle's pleasure and gratitude for the Christmas gifts they gave, and received.  Even mine (check previous post).  Only two returns needed.  Whew.

Reveling in the thoughtful gifts given our family and our ministry.  I stand in awe, totally amazed and blessed.

Resting in the time-off that comes at the end of a busy season.  Hanging out eating, playing games, reading, teaching others about their new "toys", and seeing the grandeur of bald eagles (picture above). Laughing, snoozing, wresting, tickling, teasing....family.

cousins and their toys!

It's been a Christmas that deserves my honor and thanksgiving to God my Savior!

Lord, thank you for this beautiful Christmas season, for my precious family, and for the many blessings.  I fall with my face to the ground to pay honor to you, my King. My heart is full, my spirit is at peace, and my mind in a state of gracefulness.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for the many ways you touch my life! 



 

Thankful Thursday: Abundant Goodness

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
    and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness
    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

 --Psalm 145:6-7

I just need to tell of God's awesome work in our lives this week.  The list is just a summary and I feel like I could go on and on, but it just proves that God is so good!

• We had 2 days with Lyssa and the rest of my family and it was just what I needed! 
• I loved Lyssa's surprised look on her face when she heard Kyle's voice for the first time in two months (yep, his voice has been deepening!).
• Our family participated in a Thanksgiving morning 5k.  A few walked and the crazy ones ran.  It was the only day of sunshine while we were there in Oregon.  Now that's a God-thing!
• I was blessed with a fun birthday celebration with my family. I felt abundantly spoiled and loved!  Friends also topped it off with cards, coffee, chocolate and so much thoughtfulness.  And boy did my hubby do it up good.  I never would have guessed such a lavish gift.  I'm a spoiled girl for sure.
• As we traveled to and from Oregon, I was in awe of God's beautiful creation, thankful for clear roads, and enjoyed the time to read.
• I've been preparing to host a weekend full of meetings and my church family has been so amazing at helping provide food and housing.  I love watching the church family work together! I couldn't have pulled off this weekend without them!

Oh such abundant goodness!

Lord, I want to praise you for the power of your awesome works, and proclaim your great deeds.

What a delight it is to celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.  God you are so good and I can't help but revel in the many ways you have blessed our lives....or blessed MY life!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize your goodness in their lives as well.  Open their eyes that may be aware of your presence, provision and blessing, and move their lips to give you thanks!  You are actively present in their lives and may they see you clearly.  Thank you, precious Savior, for your abundant goodness to our family!