Strong in the Lord!

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

 Kyle, 3 years old

My son is growing up!  *sniff-sniff*

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

  Kyle, 17 years old

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

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


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

 

Determined Steps

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Kyle has spent the entire weekend hanging out with some big-time baseball coaches.  Mostly its been a time for training and coaching, but I think there's a little scouting going on as well.  As a junior, Kyle has no idea where he wants to go to school after he graduates, but believe it or not it's time to start thinking about it, and baseball seems to help get him serious about making plans.  Maybe Kyle won't make the "big leagues", but his mom sees potential for him to play for a college.  Of course, he says I'm a little bias.

My prayer is that God will open doors (and close them as well) as He sees fit, and that Kyle will be sensitive to His leading and guiding.  I can't wait to see what God has planned for Kyle's future and how He will determine each of his steps. 

 Lord, determine Kyle's steps as he looks towards his future.  Open and close doors in such a way that we can confidently say "this is the way" and walk in it.  We trust you and lean not on our own understanding, but acknowledge you as the giver and maker of life and our future.  Make Kyle's path's straight, dear Jesus, and lead him in the ways he should go. Thank you for a future filled with hope, purpose, and joy. 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Photo credit

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Back to School

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you."  Proverbs 4:6

Christmas break came and went way too quickly this year.  On January 2, Kyle was out the door to school at 5:45 am to start the day with a baseball workout, and then  returned home at 4:30 pm after a second workout.  School came too early in more than one way. 

I'm praying that today is filled with joy as Kyle attends school.  Though he is grumbling at the schedule that comes with being back to school (especially with his college aged sister still hanging out for another week and is sleeping in), I am hoping that God does a change in his heart and that he finds an unusual excitement as he gets back into the swing of things.

I want my kids to find a love for learning, and have something spark a great interest that may even lead them into the future God has planned just for them.  Learning, wisdom, and a good education can bring a lot of work, but it can also bring abundant joy.

May it be so today...even though it means our Christmas break has come to an end.

Lord, your wisdom is of greatest worth, and I pray that my kids will always grow in the knowledge of you.  At the same time, may they find great joy in gaining knowledge at school, and in their reading, writing, history class, and even math.  May they find classes that ignite their passion for learning, and teachers that encourage them to strive better and deeper in their classes.  Today, Kyle will need strength to get back into the swing of routine.  Lord, be with Kyle in every moment, reminding him that you are God, and you have made him for this day, and this day for him!  Thank you, dear Father.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Servants of the Gospel

"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power."  Ephesians 3:7

No heads in the sand here (2004)

 I often wonder what my kids will be when they grow up.  As they get older I am getting closer and closer to finding out.  

When Alyssa and Kyle were little there was talk of being a paleontologist, a professional baseball player, a McDonald's worker, a dentist, and a zoologist.  These careers were always based on their current passion or interest, or what made a lot of money.  

As I reflected on Ephesians 3:7 yesterday, I was drawn to the first part of the verse that said "I became a servant of this gospel."  My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle find a passion for life, using the talents and gifts God has given them, all the while choosing also to be a "servant of this gospel.  

I also like how the Contemporary English Version says it:  "God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news." 

Who knows what our kids will be doing in 10 years?
A photographer?
A baseball player?
Or even a McDonalds worker (Though I'm praying for something better!)?

Whatever it is, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are servants of our Lord Jesus Christ, passing on the Good News and telling others about Him!

Lord, I pray that this is Alyssa and Kyle's life work: helping people understand and respond to your Message.  Open their hearts and minds, sweet Jesus, to know and recognize all the ways you have treated them with kindness, and because of that awareness, they will go out and pass on the good news to others.  You change people, you give salvation freely, and forgiveness flows in giant quantities.  May Alyssa and Kyle know that in personal ways and always choose to be servants of this gospel.  Oh the delight it will be to watch and see!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Choose Well

God's Word always says it best...

Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: 

"I'll live in them, move into them;
   I'll be their God 
       and they'll be my people.
   So leave the corruption 
       and compromise;
   leave it for good," says God.
  "Don't link up with those 
      who will pollute you.
   I want you all for myself.
        I'll be a Father to you;
   you'll be sons and daughters 
       to me."
   The Word of the Master, God. 

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

One day, hopefully not in the very near future (ha!), our children will decide to marry.  I'm praying that God leads them to just the perfect spouse. 

 

I should re-phrase that.  I know God will lead Alyssa and Kyle to the spouse He has planned just for them,  I just pray that our kids pay attention to His leading.

Make the best decision, babies!  Follow Christ and His plan for your lives.  

 

And choose well!

Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle as they begin the search for someone significant in their lives.  I pray that you make them really aware of your hopes and desires, and even expectations, for their future.  May your Holy Spirit nudge their hearts when they are tempted to become partners with someone who rejects you,  They are the temple where you live, and you are their God, and anyone who does not believe in you is a compromise and their relationship with you will suffer.  Make Alyssa and Kyle wise and sensitive to your plan, dear Jesus, and may they please you with every road they go down in the future.  Bring someone into their lives that will always draw them nearer to you, and help build their home and family on the one true foundation: You! 

 

Masterpieces For Sure

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  Ephesians 2:10

 Lord, I am so in awe of the beauty and wonder of our children, Alyssa and Kyle. I know that  they are perfectly and wonderfully made by you.  Every gift, passion, and dream is fashioned for your pleasure and purpose.  I believe you have perfect plans for their lives.  You have gifted them each in special ways and you desire that they will use those gifts to do your work and bring you glory.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can discover what they were made for and find your great purpose and meaning for their lives.  Discerning your will takes discipline, effort and desire.  You are God, and Creator of all, and I know and trust in your perfect and pleasing plan for Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  Oh for them to live in the confidence of you and your plan...that is my prayer! 

 

Our Master Planner

“O Lord, you are my God; 

I will exalt you and praise your name, 

for in perfect faithfulness 

you have done marvelous things,

things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1

I often wonder what my teenagers will be doing 5 or 10 years from now.  You know, when they are all grown up!  I think it will be here before I know it, especially since my daughter is headed off to college in a week.  Anyway, I wonder if they will be successful in their jobs? Will they be a part of changing the world or people’s lives for the better? What will their lives hold? Only God knows for sure.

When Kyle was younger we'd ask him “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and his reply still gives me the chuckles when I think about it. He boldly replied, “I want to be a professional baseball player or a worker at McDonalds.” Come to find out, McDonalds was in the running because he figured he would get free food. That's a growing boy for you! Well, let’s hope that of the two choices he becomes a professional baseball player, cause that way, he can buy all the cheeseburgers he wants!

He's on his way to being a professional!
12 year old State Champions (2009)

I know, without a shadow of doubt, that God has a marvelous plan for my children’s lives. He offers them a future and a hope. He’s created them for something spectacular, and I just can’t wait to see what unfolds as they begin to find their passions, think about higher learning, and make decisions in regards to their careers. I pray that they will always seek God for guidance, and desire to follow His plan for their lives.

Where His plan leads, nobody knows. But what I DO know? It’s sure gonna be good!

Dear Master Planner, and Precious Lord, I believe, with all that I am, that you have something spectacular planned for my children’s lives. You have all their days planned out for them, and have created them in wonderful ways, for wonderful things. I praise you for making them in such beautiful ways, with special gifts, and for specific purposes. They are a part of your plan, and I know that your plan is good. I pray, Lord, that my kids will always seek after you, and follow your plans for their lives. I pray that they find your calling on their lives, and follow it with all their hearts. May their lives glorify you in all that they say and do, and in how they live their lives, from now until the end of their days.

 

True Success

"As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  2 Chronicles 26:5

Kyle & Lyss (2000)

Every mom wants to see her children be successful.  Sometimes I ponder what Alyssa and Kyle will be like 10 or 20 years from now.  I wonder what they will be doing with their lives, what careers they will choose, or what their families will look like. 

Kyle talks more about success, than Alyssa does.  Maybe it's a man thing. He's dreamed of making it big in baseball, and what he'll do with the money he makes.  When he thinks of a career, he's running down the line of who he deems "rich".  I'm glad he has ambition, but I hope that as he dreams big, he'll seek the Lord in his decisions.  Following Him, no matter the cost, will bring their greatest reward I'm sure!

I don't think of success being marked by how much money our children make, or if they live in big homes, and have lots of "toys".  In my eyes, I will see Alyssa and Kyle as successful if they are happy and following Jesus with all their heart. 

Lord, I know that you have wonderful plans for our children's lives.  Their futures hold great success, pleasure, and treasures, as they decide to seek after you.  Your Word promises that when they seek you, they will find you, and when they ask, you will answer.  I pray, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to look to you for guidance, wisdom, help in their decisions, and follow you to the ends of their earth.  Seeking after you sometimes takes work, and time, but you will never fail to show them the way you have planned for them.  Open their eyes that they see you clearly, and their hearts so that they are willing and ready to go wherever you lead.  You want to give Alyssa and Kyle the desires of their hearts, I know that full well, but I pray their hearts will always desire to seek after you.

 

Plans Galore

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."  Proverbs 15:22

High School graduation is just around the corner,
and not far behind is the beginnings of Lyssa's college adventure.

Though at times makes me cringe, planning is the theme of our days.

Schedules.
Scholarships.
School needs.
Summer wants.
And celebrations all around.

Plans galore.

What I am finding is that my kid doesn't really want parental counsel.
And who does a mom and dad turn to when they can't figure it all out?
Learning to ask for counsel is an important lesson in life.
I'm praying that our kids get over their know-it-all-ness,
and seek out the wisdom of others in their lives.

Then their plans just may succeed.

Lord, I so want Alyssa and Kyle's plans to succeed in life.  They will fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they have a better chance of success.  Give them wise and willing people to help them on this journey.  Open Alyssa and Kyle's ears that they may hear and take seriously the advise of others, and a wisdom to know what is right and true.  Plans are many and constant, and we ask for your leading and guiding, knowing and believing that you know all the days ordained for them, and have plans to prosper them.  Alyssa and Kyle are yours, dear Father, and I pray that they heed your call and leading on their lives.

 

Servant Assignments

Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God's field in which we are working."  1 Corinthians 3:5-9

"We each carried out our servant assignment."  What will be Lyssa and Kyle's "servant assignment" be?  How will they recognize God's leading and plan in their lives?  What will they do?  Who will they be?  In what ways will the serve our Savior with their lives?  Oh, I can't wait to see how they carry out their days ahead.

But those things they do?  "What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving."  May their hearts be so entwined with their Savior that they can't help but long to serve Him.

Thank you, Lord, for knowing the plans you have for Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you that you will carry onto completion the work you are doing in their lives.  And thank you for the gifts and talents that you give them, and that they have opportunities to serve, teach, and bless others with those gifts.  I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle will be attentive to your voice, and aware of your leading, as you continue to mold and make them into what you want them to be.  May they always follow you, and walk obediently in your path.  Use them to draw other people to yourself.  Allow them the opportunity to minister to others, and reflect you living in their lives.  Grow in them a trust and faith in you, so that no matter where you lead, they will follow!  Thank you, Lord, for whatever the servant assignment is for Alyssa and Kyle, and for the reminder that what makes them worth doing is you,  God we are serving.  I love you, dear Jesus, deeper than words can express.

 

Ready or Not!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."  Jeremiah 29:11-13

Our girl is filling out college applications.

(Am I ready for this?)

She's taken the SAT and ACT.

The senior pictures are done.

And yesterday, she brought home the order form for her cap and gown and graduation announcements.

(I really don't think I'm ready for this.)

As Lyss heads into these new adventures around the corner, I'm praying that she waits on the Lord and allows Him to direct her steps.

(And that I have the strength to handle it all!)

Oh Lord, direct Alyssa's steps and guide her down the paths you have planned for her life.  Show her the ways she should go, and give her success in all that she does.  Thank you, Lord, that the plans you have for her are good and are to give her a future and a hope.  When Alyssa prays, may she believe with her heart that you will listen, and know that when she looks for you wholeheartedly, she will find you.  Watch over our dear girl, in her comings and goings, and forever guide her towards good things.  Thank you, dear Jesus!

Godly Successes

"In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him."  1 Samuel 18:14

 Kyle and his pumpkin (2003)

Lord, what blessed assurance to know that you are with Alyssa and Kyle.  I pray that their hearts are always stayed on you, their Savior and their God.  As they grow up in you, may they recognize that you are walking with them, you provide them all the strength and wisdom they need, and you have wonderful plans for their lives.  With you by their side Alyssa and Kyle can do anything. Everything is possible with you.  Following you will always lead to godly successes, and through those successes, Alyssa and Kyle's lives will glorify you.  May our dear children's lives be marked by success and joy because they call you Father, and are willing to go wherever you lead!

Successful Lives

"O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." Nehemiah 1:11

 

Lyssa's 5th Grade Graduation (2005)

I pray that my kids find great success in their lives. Not necessarily success as defined by the world, but success from living close to the Lord and His designs for their lives.

Success won't be measured by their grade point average.
     Or by the awards they earn.
     Or if they are in the top of their class.
Success won't depend on the amount of money they make.
     Or by the type of job they have.
     By how big their house is.
     Or by the number of things they own.

I will count my children successful if...

they love the Lord.
they use the talents and gifts God has given them.
they follow God's laws and commands.
they fall in love with His Word.
they love others well.
they find a spouse and together they found their marriage on God.
they grow their children up to know and love the Lord.
they share Jesus with others who don't know Him.
they work hard in all that they do.
they go wherever God calls them to go.

Success by the worlds standards are all fine and good, but may just leave my children empty and unfulfilled if they don't allow God to be a part of their lives.  I pray that they always love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and soul, and find the contentment that comes with that kind of success.  Oh, what joy it is to watch their lives unfold!

O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today.  Please Lord, give my children success today.  Take the work of their hands, the thoughts of their minds, and the desires of their hearts and use them for your glory.  Remind them of the gifts and talents you have given them and show them how to use them to shine your light to the world around them.  I pray that you are always Lord of their lives and that they find great joy and success from living according to your plan.  May they love you with all their heart, mind and soul. I eagerly watch and wait for my children's lives to unfold, day by day, and year by year, hoping that they always live their lives for you. Thank you for the great plans you have for their lives...plans for a hope and a future.   Oh, how I love you, dear Jesus! 

Where God?

"For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

Maybe Kyle will be President one day!...2011

To graduate next year our daughter needs to put in 120 hours on an internship somewhere.  The question up in the air is where. 

Where God? 

We keep asking her what it is she would enjoy doing, where her passions and gifts lie, and what would she like to try.  One question is what does she want to do "when she grows up"? It doesn't mean that whatever internship she finds she's going to do for the rest of her life.  It's just something to try.

What God?

We are trusting that God has a plan for the greater future of both our kids, and there are a lot of different things they will go through and experience that will play a part in them figuring out what He has made them for. If they find God's purpose for their life nobody will be able to stop them from succeeding!
  
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"  Jeremiah 29:11

So today, we are asking:

Where God?

 and

What God? 




Lord, I know and trust the plans you have for Alyssa and Kyle.  Your plans are to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future. When Alyssa and Kyle find the guidance and direction towards their future, and if where they go is from you, God, then nothing will be able to stop them from success, happiness and peace.  Lord, we pray for your wisdom and guidance.  Please open doors, tug Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to know their gifts, talents and passions, and speak to them in clear ways "this is the way, walk in it!".  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle lean on your understanding, and follow you, so that they can experience you making their paths straight.  Thank you, Father, for your precious plan for my children.
 

Pulling Off Prom

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."  Proverbs 16:3

For a few months now Alyssa and her friend Hannah have been planning their school prom, and Saturday all their hard work came to fruition in an extravagance that is hard to really experience unless you had seen it first hand.  I'm proud of them for all their planning and hard work and it was a tremendous success.

Here's a few pictures so you can get an idea:

 I think Lyss was saying here that she was tired.  Ha!

 My beautiful girl!

All their plans succeeded.  It was a great night all in all. I don't know if they prayed over things as they went along in their planning over these last months, but watching it all unfold was a blessing.

Bigger projects and plans will come about in our kids lives, and decisions will need to be made that could impact their future in big ways, and I pray that they learn to seek God for wisdom, guidance and direction as they go.  As they follow His will for their lives, and commit to going His way and not their own, I'm sure they will find a God-success that matches no other.

Good job girls for pulling off a wonderful prom!

Lord, what great delight it was to watch my daughter find success this weekend.  Thank you for being with her as she planned, organized, and put together such a fun event.  What great delight you must have watching your children succeed in their lives when they commit their ways to you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to check in with you in regards to their plans for life, and that they commit to following wherever you lead.  As they make decisions that will impact their future, may they look to you for guidance and approval.  For I know you have plans for Alyssa and Kyle that will bring great joy and peace, and with you by their side leading, they can find great success and pleasure.  Thank you, Lord, for being living and active in our lives.