Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Walking Partners
"And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God." 1 Samuel 23:16
I'm thankful today for those who walk alongside me in my journey as
wife, mother, and follower of Christ. There are so many who encourage
me, teach me, and stretch me to be better all areas of my life.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find lifelong friends who bring them great delight and joy, and push them to grow in their faith. Friends who speak God's truth into their lives, always show grace and forgiveness, and spur them on towards good deeds. Partners on our journey of faith is one of the greatest treasures of life.
We can live this life on our own, but it's so much sweeter walking it with friends.
Lord, I love your presence in my life. With you I find great encouragement, hope, strength, and joy. You are my God, and I love you. Thank you for blessing me with friends who walk beside me on this journey, and help me strive to be a better wife, mother, and child of God. My heart is full of gratitude. Fill Alyssa and Kyle's lives with friends who will do the same for them; friends who will encourage them to draw closer to you, who will speak truth in love, and be with them through the thick and thin. Lord, you give us special people who enrich our lives in beautiful ways. Thank you for such a sweet gift.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find lifelong friends who bring them great delight and joy, and push them to grow in their faith. Friends who speak God's truth into their lives, always show grace and forgiveness, and spur them on towards good deeds. Partners on our journey of faith is one of the greatest treasures of life.
We can live this life on our own, but it's so much sweeter walking it with friends.
Lord, I love your presence in my life. With you I find great encouragement, hope, strength, and joy. You are my God, and I love you. Thank you for blessing me with friends who walk beside me on this journey, and help me strive to be a better wife, mother, and child of God. My heart is full of gratitude. Fill Alyssa and Kyle's lives with friends who will do the same for them; friends who will encourage them to draw closer to you, who will speak truth in love, and be with them through the thick and thin. Lord, you give us special people who enrich our lives in beautiful ways. Thank you for such a sweet gift.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Hanging Out
"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
A God Prompted Letter
Alyssa, Kyle and friends (2004)
Dear Lyssa,
As you came to mind today, I had a revelation that you and I are kind of going through similar things...believe it or not! I thought I'd share with you how I've been praying in my situation, and maybe it could be of encouragement to you.
One, I pray for the other person to change and see the light. Oh how the situation could quickly be remedied if they'd realize the error of their ways. HA! Especially if they could see how much it was hurting others someone else. We want people to recognize how they hurt us and are being "rude" and be sorry and willing to change. Keep praying that way, and I will too. God can do it!
Secondly, the other way I have been praying in my situation, and I find it a bit harder, is "God change me." I want Him to show ME the ways I need to change my expectation, my responses, and my heart. Ultimately, I think that will be the more important prayer in my situation. It's hard to learn how to love the unlovely, but God calls us to. So, I've been trying to find ways to intentionally love. People tend to change more through love than demand. It goes against every grain in me, but God calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I don't always like doing it...or the response I get (or lack there of), but I know I'm being obedient to God's instruction to me.
God put us in these situations for a reason. Maybe its to grow us...and maybe its to love the other parties. For some reason He thought we could handle it and has purpose in our trials. My prayer for us both is that we become better (and not bitter) through the experience.
He's with you, baby! He loves you...walks beside you...and wants to work in and through your situation to make something beautiful in you. Trials aren't fun, but for some reason, they stretch and grow us into more what He wants us to be.
I'm praying for you and trusting for His intervention.
loving you...
Mom
Learning our part in hard relationships can often be challenging and takes us out of our comfort zones, but God is willing to walk with us as we are faithful to follow Him. And as we are obedient, God will take care of the rest.
Lord, help our kids in their relationships with others. Teach them to love abundantly, forgive freely, and pray diligently when relationships are strained and need mending. You call us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, yet that is often so against our human nature. Help Alyssa and Kyle to love supernaturally through your strength and leading. Bring people into their lives who will show them good what healthy relationships look like, and who are willing to work through conflict and misunderstandings, and show them love and forgiveness when they mess up. Lord, you give us people to love, and to love us in return. May we be good stewards of the friendships you give us. Amen.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Circle of Good Friends
Those of us who
are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to
those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us.
Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after
the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Romans 15:1-2 (The Message)
Another school week begins! As my kids head out to their classes today I'm praying for those they cross paths with. I hope that they are surrounded by people who show them Jesus.
Lyssa went to a retreat this weekend with some peers and adults who live out their faith (picture below). I loved seeing their goofiness, and know that they each take their walks with the Lord seriously. I hope she found herself encouraged, and in turn was an encouragement to someone else!
Lord, please surround Alyssa and Kyle with friends and adults who point them towards you. I pray that they each find encouragement, acceptance and accountability with those they are close to. In turn, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are that "good friend" to someone else. Relationships can help us grow in our faith, and draw us closer to God, and I pray that those kind of friendships are in abundance in my kids lives! Today, put someone in Alyssa and Kyle's lives that bless their socks off!
Another school week begins! As my kids head out to their classes today I'm praying for those they cross paths with. I hope that they are surrounded by people who show them Jesus.
Lyssa went to a retreat this weekend with some peers and adults who live out their faith (picture below). I loved seeing their goofiness, and know that they each take their walks with the Lord seriously. I hope she found herself encouraged, and in turn was an encouragement to someone else!
Lord, please surround Alyssa and Kyle with friends and adults who point them towards you. I pray that they each find encouragement, acceptance and accountability with those they are close to. In turn, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are that "good friend" to someone else. Relationships can help us grow in our faith, and draw us closer to God, and I pray that those kind of friendships are in abundance in my kids lives! Today, put someone in Alyssa and Kyle's lives that bless their socks off!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Relationships Hurt
“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. IAf he listens, you’ve made a friend." Matthew 18:15
Any time we are in relationship with other people, there is bound to be conflict or hurt feelings. Peacemaking, conflict resolution, and forgiveness are all hard lessons to learn, and practice doesn't always make it easier.
Today, in Women's Bible study, our "get to know you" question was "If you were Queen for a day, what law would you put in effect or what change would you make?" One mom piped up and exclaimed, "No family fighting or sibling rivalry". Amen. Kids fight because they don't get their own way, which is not far from the reason adults fight either.
My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle learn to deal with conflict, face hurts, and work through difficult situations. Sometimes it will be by saying "I'm sorry". And sometimes they will have to be brave and say "you hurt me". Either way they will both take courage to do the right thing!
Do the hard work, babies, looking to Jesus for guidance and help! He will be right there beside you, cheering you on!
Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to manage their relationships well. When a friend hurts them, or causes strife, help them to face into the conflict and work things out, salvaging and building up their relationships. Give Alyssa and Kyle courage to work hard on their relationships, and strength and wisdom to forgive easily. Relationships with other will bless and enrich their lives in many ways, and are worth the effort to mend the hurt and clear the air. Thank you, Lord, that you help us do the hard work relationships take. Amen.
My sweet family!
Today, in Women's Bible study, our "get to know you" question was "If you were Queen for a day, what law would you put in effect or what change would you make?" One mom piped up and exclaimed, "No family fighting or sibling rivalry". Amen. Kids fight because they don't get their own way, which is not far from the reason adults fight either.
My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle learn to deal with conflict, face hurts, and work through difficult situations. Sometimes it will be by saying "I'm sorry". And sometimes they will have to be brave and say "you hurt me". Either way they will both take courage to do the right thing!
Do the hard work, babies, looking to Jesus for guidance and help! He will be right there beside you, cheering you on!
Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to manage their relationships well. When a friend hurts them, or causes strife, help them to face into the conflict and work things out, salvaging and building up their relationships. Give Alyssa and Kyle courage to work hard on their relationships, and strength and wisdom to forgive easily. Relationships with other will bless and enrich their lives in many ways, and are worth the effort to mend the hurt and clear the air. Thank you, Lord, that you help us do the hard work relationships take. Amen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Forgive People
"For if you forgive people their wrongdoing,
your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.
But if you don’t forgive people,
your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing."
Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB)
God's teaching on forgiveness is pretty much "black and white".
FORGIVE , Babies!
your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.
But if you don’t forgive people,
your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing."
Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB)
God's teaching on forgiveness is pretty much "black and white".
FORGIVE , Babies!
Alyssa's Birthday Sleep-over (2008)
Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle forgive people for their wrongdoing. Give them hearts that are don't hold onto mistakes and hurts long, but are quick to give forgiveness and understanding. Mend their hearts where they are hurt, and give them confidence in who you've made them, and how you love them, so that they can pass that love and consideration to others. May Alyssa and Kyle be givers of forgiveness!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Be the Best Friend
"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:10
Friends can bring great joy,
and deep heartache.
Sometimes even in the same day.
Deep and life giving laughter one moment.
Uncontrollable tears the next.
Hurt can come easily.
Words even sharp and too honest at times.
But a willingness to work through the pain.
Talking and listening.
Both important to the mending.
Friends give life and meaning to who we are.
Friends give encouragement to strive beyond our doubts and fears.
Friends give light to our dark days.
To have a friend like that is priceless.
To be a friend like that takes sacrifice and effort,
but blesses two.
You and
Your friend.
So love deeply, dear children.
Give abundantly.
Forgive always.
Laugh hard.
Comfort the tears.
Accept the differences.
Enjoy the similarities.Be the best.
And rejoice in such a beautiful gift!
Lord, thank you for the friends you have enriched my life with. Friends can bring such joy and pleasure in our lives. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find friends in their lives that spur them on towards good things. Friends that encourage them when they are down, forgive them when they are wrong, and love them even when they are unlovely. Above all, however, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to be that kind of friend. I pray that they love deeply, forgive easily, and give abundantly to the friends in their lives. Friendship takes work, and I pray that they are willing to do the hard work of being a good friend. May they shine you, dear Jesus, in their friendships, and lead others towards you. When their friends need guidance, may Alyssa and Kyle lead them to your Word. When they need hope, may they lead them to prayer. And when there is hurt, and forgiveness comes hard, may they look to you for strength. Friendships enrich our lives, but to have a good friend, they need to be a good friend. Help them, Lord, to be a good friend.
Lyssa (in red) and friends...1998
Friends can bring great joy,
and deep heartache.
Sometimes even in the same day.
Deep and life giving laughter one moment.
Uncontrollable tears the next.
Hurt can come easily.
Words even sharp and too honest at times.
But a willingness to work through the pain.
Talking and listening.
Both important to the mending.
Friends give life and meaning to who we are.
Friends give encouragement to strive beyond our doubts and fears.
Friends give light to our dark days.
To have a friend like that is priceless.
To be a friend like that takes sacrifice and effort,
but blesses two.
You and
Your friend.
So love deeply, dear children.
Give abundantly.
Forgive always.
Laugh hard.
Comfort the tears.
Accept the differences.
Enjoy the similarities.Be the best.
And rejoice in such a beautiful gift!
Lord, thank you for the friends you have enriched my life with. Friends can bring such joy and pleasure in our lives. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find friends in their lives that spur them on towards good things. Friends that encourage them when they are down, forgive them when they are wrong, and love them even when they are unlovely. Above all, however, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to be that kind of friend. I pray that they love deeply, forgive easily, and give abundantly to the friends in their lives. Friendship takes work, and I pray that they are willing to do the hard work of being a good friend. May they shine you, dear Jesus, in their friendships, and lead others towards you. When their friends need guidance, may Alyssa and Kyle lead them to your Word. When they need hope, may they lead them to prayer. And when there is hurt, and forgiveness comes hard, may they look to you for strength. Friendships enrich our lives, but to have a good friend, they need to be a good friend. Help them, Lord, to be a good friend.
Monday, April 15, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Thankful Thursday: Praying Together
"Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound
in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in
heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about
anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who
is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I
am there in their midst." Matthew 18:19-20 (NASB)
Each Sunday night I have the precious privilege of hearing a couple of my friends pray for my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for them. There is no better way to move into a new week, or release my burdens or fears, and learn to rest in hope for God's intervention in so many things on this parenting journey. Together, these ladies and I are experiencing sweet communion with the Lord, and seeing His power and grace at work in the lives of our youth.
Thank you, my dear friends, for faithfully gathering together with me in prayer. It's one of my greatest blessings each week!
Lord, it is such a tender experience hearing someone else pray for my children so faithfully, and I can't help but give you thanks today for my friends who gather with me each Sunday night. You say that when two or more are gathered in your name that you are in their midst. Your presence with us moms as we pray is the greatest encouragement and gives us the strength we need to face the coming week. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers, for loving our children even more than we do, and being present and active in their lives day by day, and moment by moment. What peace that comes knowing that we don't parent alone. We have you, dear Jesus, and we have friends that walk along side us on this journey. Thank you for such a precious gift!
Each Sunday night I have the precious privilege of hearing a couple of my friends pray for my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for them. There is no better way to move into a new week, or release my burdens or fears, and learn to rest in hope for God's intervention in so many things on this parenting journey. Together, these ladies and I are experiencing sweet communion with the Lord, and seeing His power and grace at work in the lives of our youth.
Thank you, my dear friends, for faithfully gathering together with me in prayer. It's one of my greatest blessings each week!
Lord, it is such a tender experience hearing someone else pray for my children so faithfully, and I can't help but give you thanks today for my friends who gather with me each Sunday night. You say that when two or more are gathered in your name that you are in their midst. Your presence with us moms as we pray is the greatest encouragement and gives us the strength we need to face the coming week. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers, for loving our children even more than we do, and being present and active in their lives day by day, and moment by moment. What peace that comes knowing that we don't parent alone. We have you, dear Jesus, and we have friends that walk along side us on this journey. Thank you for such a precious gift!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Monday, December 3, 2012
Someone Else
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2
Believe it or not, my kids don't listen to everything I have to say. In fact, sometimes I get the rolling of eyes, the big exhale, or a chuckle under their breath. "Oh, Mom!" Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.
However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt". Someone they can share their worries and fears with. Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.
Some days it will be me.
But most days it won't be.
So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.
And for those of you who encourage my kids:
Thank you!
Lord, I love my precious children! I see you in them in so many ways. Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself. I pray, Father, that you send someone into Alyssa and Kyle's lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me. May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts. Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!
Believe it or not, my kids don't listen to everything I have to say. In fact, sometimes I get the rolling of eyes, the big exhale, or a chuckle under their breath. "Oh, Mom!" Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.
However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt". Someone they can share their worries and fears with. Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.
Some days it will be me.
But most days it won't be.
So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.
And for those of you who encourage my kids:
Thank you!
Lord, I love my precious children! I see you in them in so many ways. Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself. I pray, Father, that you send someone into Alyssa and Kyle's lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me. May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts. Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others. I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Faith Encouragers
"When we get together,
I want to encourage you in your faith,
but I also want to be encouraged by yours."
Romans 1:12 (NLT)
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in the life of someone else. Help them to be bold and wise in their conversation with others, leading them closer to you. Use my children to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love that reflects you.
I pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others as well.
Thank you, Jesus, for hearing this mom's prayers!
I want to encourage you in your faith,
but I also want to be encouraged by yours."
Romans 1:12 (NLT)
Alyssa (right) and friends...Graduation 2012
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
Father,
I pray that you strategically place friends or adults in Alyssa and
Kyle's life that encourage them in their walk with you. Give them
places of safety and refuge with people who they can trust, and who
speak love and truth into their lives, especially when the daily grind
of life is so hard. Give them mentors and friends who walk with them as
aliens and strangers in this world.
In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in the life of someone else. Help them to be bold and wise in their conversation with others, leading them closer to you. Use my children to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love that reflects you.
I pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others as well.
Thank you, Jesus, for hearing this mom's prayers!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
A Precious Friend
"I praise you
because of
the wonderful way
you created me.
Everything you do is marvelous!
Of this I have no doubt." Psalm 139:14
I had some special time with my friend this weekend.
We dangled our feet into the lake.
We splashed one another...in fact, she started it!
And giggled.
We tossed and skipped rocks.
Smiles galore.
I love my friend because she always has a smile,
always gives me hugs,
and calls me her "buddy".
What joy she brings to life!
My friend is fearfully and wonderfully made and I give God thanks for her preciousness. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle look beyond differences and disabilities and find the blessing of every person they encounter. May they be like my friend in always finding joy in everyday life.
Thanks, precious friend, for the time we had at the lake!
Lord, you are an amazing Creator, making each of your children so unique and wonderful. Teach Alyssa and Kyle to find the wonder and delight of the people that come into their lives. It may just be a small interaction in their day, or it could be an individual they work with, go to church with, or live next door to, and I pray that they show your love and kindness in word and deed. There is great joy to be found in the preciousness of these relationships. Thank you, dear Jesus, for my dear friend and the fun we had together. May my children know that kind of joy!
because of
the wonderful way
you created me.
Everything you do is marvelous!
Of this I have no doubt." Psalm 139:14
I had some special time with my friend this weekend.
We dangled our feet into the lake.
We splashed one another...in fact, she started it!
And giggled.
We tossed and skipped rocks.
Smiles galore.
I love my friend because she always has a smile,
always gives me hugs,
and calls me her "buddy".
What joy she brings to life!
My friend is fearfully and wonderfully made and I give God thanks for her preciousness. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle look beyond differences and disabilities and find the blessing of every person they encounter. May they be like my friend in always finding joy in everyday life.
Thanks, precious friend, for the time we had at the lake!
Lord, you are an amazing Creator, making each of your children so unique and wonderful. Teach Alyssa and Kyle to find the wonder and delight of the people that come into their lives. It may just be a small interaction in their day, or it could be an individual they work with, go to church with, or live next door to, and I pray that they show your love and kindness in word and deed. There is great joy to be found in the preciousness of these relationships. Thank you, dear Jesus, for my dear friend and the fun we had together. May my children know that kind of joy!
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Cherry on Top
“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.” Proverbs 17:17 (The Message)
Friends make life sweeter! Friends are the cherry on top of life! I give God thanks every day for the friends I have in my life. Friends bring a smile to my day, when other things seem be dragging me down. Friends make me laugh, care when I cry, and push me to be the best that I can be. Friends are a blessing beyond compare.
I pray for the friendships that my kids are building now. Some of the friends that they are making will last a lifetime. And some of their friends will hurt them somewhere along the way. Good friends will help them through the bad days, or encourage them to follow Christ in all that they do. Then there are other friends who may lead them down paths that pull them further from God. May God help them choose their friends wisely. And when the hurts come, because they inevitably will, I pray that God will heal their hearts, and help them live in a state of free-flowing forgiveness.
May my kids find friends that
…bring laughter into their lives
…help them make wise choices.
…encourage them when they are down.
…walk with them through thick and thin.
…forgive them when they’ve been hurt.
…push them to be better in school, in relationships, and in all of life.
…And last, but not least, draw them closer to God.
Precious Father, you are the greatest Friend of all, and I pray that my kids live their life in a continual state of building a friendship with you. May you use their friends to bless their lives, and to encourage them in their walk with you. I pray that the friends they choose will follow after you, and journey along with my kids as they live their lives for you. May my kids find friends who will build them up, make them laugh, and encourage them daily, and through thick and thin. Help my kids make wise choices about their friends, and wise choices WITH their friends. In turn, I pray that my kids become good friends, and treat their friends the way that reflects you living in their lives. May their friendships be a blessing!
Alyssa and her high school friends! (20120
Friends make life sweeter! Friends are the cherry on top of life! I give God thanks every day for the friends I have in my life. Friends bring a smile to my day, when other things seem be dragging me down. Friends make me laugh, care when I cry, and push me to be the best that I can be. Friends are a blessing beyond compare.
I pray for the friendships that my kids are building now. Some of the friends that they are making will last a lifetime. And some of their friends will hurt them somewhere along the way. Good friends will help them through the bad days, or encourage them to follow Christ in all that they do. Then there are other friends who may lead them down paths that pull them further from God. May God help them choose their friends wisely. And when the hurts come, because they inevitably will, I pray that God will heal their hearts, and help them live in a state of free-flowing forgiveness.
May my kids find friends that
…bring laughter into their lives
…help them make wise choices.
…encourage them when they are down.
…walk with them through thick and thin.
…forgive them when they’ve been hurt.
…push them to be better in school, in relationships, and in all of life.
…And last, but not least, draw them closer to God.
“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg
even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” –Bernard MeltzerPrecious Father, you are the greatest Friend of all, and I pray that my kids live their life in a continual state of building a friendship with you. May you use their friends to bless their lives, and to encourage them in their walk with you. I pray that the friends they choose will follow after you, and journey along with my kids as they live their lives for you. May my kids find friends who will build them up, make them laugh, and encourage them daily, and through thick and thin. Help my kids make wise choices about their friends, and wise choices WITH their friends. In turn, I pray that my kids become good friends, and treat their friends the way that reflects you living in their lives. May their friendships be a blessing!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Real Friends
"There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are protected from friends that try to destroy them, but instead have real friends that stick closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24) Keep them safe from troublemakers that plant seeds of strife, and those who gossip because it separates and destroys the best of friends (Prov. 16:28) Instead give Alyssa and Kyle friends who sharpen them like iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.(Eccl. 4:9-12) I pray, Lord, that you give Alyssa and Kyle good friends, and in turn that they will be good friends to others.
Lyssa and her friend (2008)
Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are protected from friends that try to destroy them, but instead have real friends that stick closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24) Keep them safe from troublemakers that plant seeds of strife, and those who gossip because it separates and destroys the best of friends (Prov. 16:28) Instead give Alyssa and Kyle friends who sharpen them like iron sharpens iron. (Prov. 27:17) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.(Eccl. 4:9-12) I pray, Lord, that you give Alyssa and Kyle good friends, and in turn that they will be good friends to others.
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