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. 

 

Praying Scripture

Brother and Sister (1999)

Lord, I won't  stop praying for Alyssa and Kyle, asking you to give them wise minds and spirits attuned to your will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which you work. 

 (2006)

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will live well for you, the Master, making you proud of them as they work hard in your orchard. As Alyssa and Kyle learn more and more how you work, I pray that they will learn how to do the work you have for them. 

 (2010)

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength you, Lord, give. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking you who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that you have for us.

 (2012)

 (Colossians 1:9-12) 

 

Giving to God

"The Lord said to Moses,“Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give."  Exodus 25:1-2

___________________

Dear Precious Savior, you deserve so much from your children. You love us and we want to love you.  I pray, that because of that love, Alyssa and Kyle will long to bring to you the very best of who they are.  Their lives can be an offering to you. May they use their gifts and talents, and their treasure and wealth freely and without abandon, to bless others, and give you glory with their lives.

 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."  Romans 12:1


 

Made to Do

"Do not neglect your gift...Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress."  1 Timothy 4:14-15

I'm rereading one of my favorite books, "When Crickets Cry" by Charles Martin.  If you want to read a good book, I'd encourage you to pick it up.  As I read it, I came across a paragraph that made me think of my kids.

"People marvel at the genius of Mozart because he supposedly wrote "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" at the age of three and composed his first first symphony at the age of twelve.  And yes, of course he was a genius, but another way to look at it is that he just discovered early what it was God made him to do.  That's all.  For some reason, God gave him a little extra, or a little something different, and Mozart found out what that was and then got a head start on using it.  Of course, he was brilliant, but that's not the point.  The point is he knew, and then he got to work.

I was no Mozart, and I had to work at it, but I never doubted what God made me to do..."  (When Crickets Cry, by Charles Martin, page 76)

What is it that God has made my children to do?  Oh, how I can't wait to see.  I'm sure they are getting nudges here and there from God.  Whatever it is, great or small, it's going to be perfect for them.  As long as they are following God's lead they will live in abundant joy and peace.

Watching God's plan unfold will be one of life's greatest pleasures.

Lord, your plans for Alyssa and Kyle stand firm forever, the purposes of your heart through all generations (Psalm 33:11).  They are plans to prosper, and not to harm, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  In his heart a man plans his course, but you, Lord, determine his steps (Proverbs 16:9).  I'm in awe that you have gifted each of my children for something special and design their lives to serve you, reflect you, and love others.  Help them to recognize your purpose and leading in their lives, dear Jesus.  Follow Alyssa and Kyle all the days of their life, always speaking in their ear, "this is the way, walk in it."  (Isaiah 30:21).  Thank you, Lord, that there is something that they are made to do, and it will not be hidden from them.  God, you are so good!
 

No More, No Less

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less..."  Matthew 5:5

I love my kids! I love how God has uniquely made each one.  

I love Alyssa's humor, her strong conviction, and her creativity.  While on the other hand, I love Kyle's tenderness, his loyalty, and his discipline and determination.  Both just so special in who God created them to be.

But I'm sure there are things that Alyssa and Kyle don't like about themselves.  Isn't that just how we humans are?  

My prayer is that my children become content with who they are...
No more, no less. 

Lord, you have fearfully and wonderfully made Alyssa and Kyle, and I pray that they know that full well.  Teach them to be content in who you have made them to be.  I pray that they even revel in the gifts you've given them, the talents they have, and the plans you have for their lives.  May what they do with who you've made them, always bring you glory! 

(Pictures taken in 2009) 

 

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! 

 

Masterpieces

^"For we are God’s masterpiece."  Ephesians 2:10a (NLT)

I think my kids are masterpieces.  God done good!  Of course, I'm a little bias.  I just love how God has created them each with amazing talents, fabulous strengths, and passions that He'll use to bless and serve others.


I am in awe...and I hope they believe for themselves that they are masterpieces, with a God who treasures every ounce o their being. Sometimes it's a truth we have troubles believing!



But this mom thinks they are pretty wonderful, that's for sure!

Lord, I know that you have wonderfully made Alyssa and Kyle, and I pray that they know that full well for themselves.  Open their eyes to see the gifts and talents you have given them, and the wisdom to know that you've given them for a purpose in their lives.  May they have a confident humility within themselves, and a deep trust in you, their Creator, to be who you have made them to be.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle use their lives to bring you glory and honor, and live as the masterpieces you have created them to be.

 

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.

 

Baseball is a Team Sport

"A body isn't just a single part blown up into something huge. It's all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together."  I Corinthians 12:17

State Champions 2008 

(Kyle is on the bottom row, far left)

This summer we have been watching a lot of baseball. I think Kyle has something like 40+ games in two months.  That's a lot of hours, let me tell you.  But, I have to admit that it is such a great delight to watch my son play. 

The thing about Kyle though, is that he just doesn't like to talk about the games with me, when things are all said and done.  If I say that he has a good game, he just shrugs his shoulders and says "I guess".  And if it's game where he's had an error or a loss, he REALLY doesn't want to talk about it.  I find that sometimes he carries the weight of the loss on his shoulders.  One little mess-up has the potential to cause quite the silent treatment as he broods and mulls over the game.

But baseball is about teamwork.  Together the team wins.  Or together they loose.  The pitcher, catcher, and outfielders are all needed in order to make an out.  And one batter isn't likely going to produce enough runs for a win.  Kyle may be hard on himself for an error here or there, but the game is not all about him.  He's just a part of the team.

A good reminder for life.  We need each other!  And if we make a mistake, there hopefully will be someone to back us up and assist us to make the win!

Lord, I thank you that life isn't a game we play all by ourselves.  We need one another.  You give different gifts, to different people, so that we can help one another and function together as the body of Christ.  Help Alyssa and Kyle realize the gifts they have and the parts you have called them to play in the body of believers.  Allow them eyes to see their need for others, and how the gifts and talents you have given to other people can be a blessing in their lives.  Keep Alyssa and Kyle from beating themselves up, or thinking that they aren't important, especially when they face failure.  You have wonderfully made your team, each player with abilities where they shine and are needed, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize their role on your team, dear Jesus.

P.S.  If you want to hear some bragging on Kyle's day on the field yesterday, it wouldn't take much prodding for me to tell you all about it!  ha!  It was a good day of ball!

 

Many Hats

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails".  Proverbs 19:21

It's common in life to wear many hats.  Maybe not exactly like shown in the picture (and,  yes, all of those are Kyle's hats!), but in the roles we play and the ways we serve our God.

For instance, I am a mom, wife, friend, daughter, pastor's wife, Bible study teacher., worship leader, etc...and sometimes I'm those things all on the same day.

Some hats are more becoming than others because God has gifted me in particular ways.

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well."  Romans 12:6 (The Message) 

As my kids grow, they too will have many hats to wear, but I pray that they find the ones that fit them best, and wear them well!


Lord, thank you for the different gifts you have given Alyssa and Kyle.  In life, they will have many opportunities to use their gifts and I pray that they use then well.  They will also be given tasks, assignments, and opportunities for leadership that stretch them and take them outside of their giftings.  In each role, dear Jesus, I pray that you strengthen Alyssa and Kyle, give them your wisdom, and help them find success and joy in what they are doing.  May they revel in the gifts you have given them, and use them well for the glory of your kingdom!

 

Thankful Thursday: God's Masterpieces

"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


I am always thanking the Lord for my kids!  Sure, parenting is hard sometimes, but the blessings far outweigh the stress, fears, struggles.

Today, I'm rejoicing over the "masterpieces" He has created!

•  Lyss loves taking hold of her camera and finding ways to take beautiful pictures.  This week, she printed and framed a couple of her favorites (shown here) and entered them into an auction at church to raise money for our friend who is going to Haiti this summer.   I think this was Lyssa's first sale of her art and it was one proud moment.  For her and for her parents! And it made a big donation to a good cause! God is good!

• Kyle came home one day this week pleased that he was one of a few who got an "A" on their English paper.  Yeah!!!  And then last night he announces he got "most improved", with the prize being a sucker (what every kid wants!), for going from a failing grade on a pre-test to a 98% on the actual exam!

• I love the humor God has given my kids.  They can be so funny and sometimes just make me laugh until I have tears coming out my eyes.  They definitely have a few of Ken's genes. 

• I've been reminded to be thankful for their health, their stick-to-it-ness in their schoolwork, and their kindness to others.

I've got me some GOOD kids, by golly!

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the precious kids you have blessed our lives with.  Thank you for the masterpieces they are...each beautiful and unique in their own ways.  Alyssa and Kyle have both been created to do good things, things you've been planning for them to do.  Thank you for their gifts and talents.  Thank you for their strengths, and even their weaknesses.  You have created them both in amazing ways.  Thank you, Lord, for Alyssa and Kyle.  Oh how I love them!

 

The Best You Can Be

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)

Alyssa & Kyle (2003)

Another school week begins. Ready or not, here it comes.

There can be a lot of pressure for kids at school. They face a wide range of pressures: to have the best grades, wear the coolest clothes, have the best gadget, be the most popular friend, or even earn the “student of the month” before anyone else does. Striving, pushing, worrying, comparing. All on a daily basis.

Even though God created us each with particular strengths, it’s all too easy to instead focus on our weaknesses, and to wish we wish we were more like someone else.  The giftedness of someone else somehow seems more appealing. I love the reminder of the scripture above.  Paraphrased in my own words… “Don’t play the comparison game, just do your best.”

I pray that as my kids head out the door for another week of school, that they find joy in who God has created them to be, and that they take pleasure in their God-given strengths. I pray that they find contentment in who they are rather than focusing on comparisons. I hope they find the confidence to believe in themselves, recognize and celebrate their strengths, and at the same time have the courage to rejoice in the gifts of someone else.

Go out and be the best that YOU can be, my babies!

Lord Jesus, thank you for our precious kids, and the way you have beautifully made them. Thank you for Alyssa and Kyle's areas of strength and giftedness, and the way that you’ve made each one unique and special. I even rejoice in their areas of weakness because that is where they will be caused to look to you for power, strength and the help to change or improve themselves. I pray that they rejoice in who you have created them to be, celebrate their differences, and go out in the world and be the best that they can be. Lord, I give you praise because Alyssa and Kyle are fearfully and wonderfully made!

 

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.

 

Thankful Thursday: God Given Gifts

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:6-7

Today I'm thankful for the gifts and talents I have seen in my dear family this week.  God has wonderfully made each one and I revel in His creation of the special people in my life.  Oh how I love and adore them!

My Dear Hubby
As he walked along side our friends, as they were grieving the loss of their wife and mother (age 43, 29 days after she was diagnosed with cancer), I stood amazed at my hubby's compassion, strength, wisdom and peaceful presence in the midst of this great loss.  God has gifted my man to help those who are hurting, and lead them into the presence of their one true Comforter.  On a less "spiritual" side, he helps pull together details for a funeral, listen for needs, desires, and hopes in the planning, and pull together the perfect life sketch based on each family member's memories and delights of their lost loved one.  You can see my dear hubby's desire to be of comfort to the family, but also his heart that everyone in attendance of the funeral will come to know the One who is the ultimate Savior, Healer and Provider of everything they need.  I love my man, and these gifts (and so many more) that God has given him!

My Dear Daughter
I love the smile that brightens our dear daughter's face as she laughs and as she talks with others.  She has this quick mind that jumps to funny play-on-words and sometimes she can "bring down the house."  When she can get everyone chuckling around the table, my heart rejoices and gives God thanks...not only for her, but for the joy to be found when she is around.  I also love her eye for beautiful things and how she can catch that beauty through her camera.  And oh what a smart mind when it comes to her school work!  God has fearfully and wonderfully made, my dear daughter.  I love her dearly, and love these gifts (and so many more) that God has given her!

My Dear Son
Our boy is determined in everything he does and discipline marks his days.  His room is organized and clean, he has a passion to keep fit, and every day he is very conscientious to get his homework done.  Just the fact that he remembers to make his lunch at night before he goes to bed brings a smile to my face.  To be the best baseball player he can be, he works hard to learn and improve, and lives like he can be the best.  This week, even when he failed to make the basketball team at school, he didn't beat himself up or blame others.  He took responsibility for his part, in a healthy way, and then focused on what he wanted to work on to improve.  In everything, our boy strives to be the best he can be.  Oh, and the joy he has found in his new school, and with so many friends!  He has adjusted well and loves this new experience.  I think this young man loves life!  I love him so much, and love these gifts (and so many more) that God has given him.


Oh thank you, my precious Lord, for these beautiful people in my life.  Thank you for making theme each so unique and special, reflecting you in beautiful ways.  I pray that you help them to fan into flames the gifts that you have given them.  You do not give them a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  My heart rejoices, in you my Savior, and the family you have blessed my life with.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Things Never Imagined

"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."  1 Peter 4:11

 Lyss helping at VBS last summer.

Last night VBS started...whew.  I love how God pulls this week together.

Once upon a time...
I never imagined I'd direct a VBS.
I never considered teaching a women's Bible study.
I freaked at the thought of talking in front of anyone anywhere.

There were a lot of things I never knew I could do.
There were even a lot of things I decided I'd never even try.

However, God had something else in mind for my life.

I'm thankful, that He saw something different for me than I saw for myself.
I'm thankful that He opened my eyes to His power in my life.

I know that there are a lot of things that Alyssa and Kyle think
     they will never do too.
Or things that they think they can't do.

However, God has something in mind for their lives.

He will be transforming them from the inside out.
He will open their eyes to His power that lives within them.
He will grow and develop gifts and talents in them
     that they don't even know they have.

I can't wait to see what kind of things they will do with their life...
Things never imagined.

Lord, thank you for who you made Alyssa and Kyle to be, and what they will become with your transforming power working in their lives.  They will serve you with the strength you provide them.  We are all given different gifts to use for your purposes and glory.  All the plans you have for them will succeed if they keep their eyes fixed on you.  Lord, teach them that they can do all things through your strength.  They will do things they've never imagined.  Oh the joy they will find in following you, dear Jesus, and giving their lives wholly to you. 

Gifts & Time

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."  1 Peter 4:10

VBS "Advertising"...1997...Find Lyss & Kyle.

We are 2 days away from our church's Vacation Bible School.  VBS is one of our church's highlights each year, and we tend to do it up big.  In the final hours/.days before the big event, there are many things that need to be done, and many hours spent at the church.  Over the last three weeks, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching our church family pull together and use their gifts and talents to lend a hand to help.  Even Lyss gave some time and used her gifts.

By Lyss giving of her time, and using her gifts, she is a small part of changing children's lives at Vacation Bible School.  She is also a part of making the load lighter for others.  By her giving in this way she is blessing many other people's lives.

I pray that my kids will always be willing to use their time and gifts for the benefit of God and to bless others.

Thank you, Lyss, and dear church family for all your hard work!  What a blessing you've been, and will be in the coming week, to so many!

Oh Lord, you have gifted our children in so many ways, and you have specific purposes for their lives using those gifts.  Thank you for being their Master designer, and making them in such wonderful ways!  They are your children for sure!  I pray, dear Jesus, that they always choose to use their time and talent to serve you, help others, and show the world how to find you.  I pray that compassion fills their spirit, and flows out in their words and actions towards others.  I pray that they hold loosely to their own expectations, needs, and desires, and give freely of their time and talents to make a difference in other people's lives.  You can use their gifts in so many ways, if their hearts, minds, and bodies are willing.  In doing so they will be faithfully administering your grace in its various forms to others. Lord, thank you that you use us to show your love to others. Amen!

Part of the Body

"If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."  1 Corinthians 12:17-18

Lyss and her Quizzing team...2007

This weekend I participated in some meetings in Oregon.  About a year and a half ago I was asked to join this committee but I'm not sure I really knew what I was getting into.  Many times over the last 18 months I've wondered what God was thinking when He came up with this particular plan of His. He's so funny!

I know in my head that He made me with particular gifts, and without my gifts this committee would be lacking, but it's seriously easier to doubt why I'm not gifted in the same way as the others.  Or wonder why my gifts are needed in that room.  I know that God arranged every part of the body "just as he wanted them to be", but sometimes it's hard to rest in that.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize the gifts God has given them, and know without a doubt the wonderful purposes for which He has created them.  I hope that they live in the confidence that God has made them "fearfully and wonderfully" and that wherever He sends them, it is to accomplish mighty purposes for His Kingdom.  Maybe its pastoral ministry, maybe its being a stay-at-home parent, or maybe its on a committee like mine.  Whatever it is, may they shine bright for Him.


Lord, thank you for making all of your children different and gifted, yet using them all in unique and special ways in your kingdom.  You have arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as you wanted them to be, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can revel and live in that truth.  Help them both to recognize their strengths, and see the ways you want to use the gifts you've given them in growing your Kingdom.  Give Alyssa and Kyle a confidence to go out and shine in their differences, strengths and giftings, believing that you love them just the way they are and have made them "for such a time as this."  Thank you, Lord, for making us all different, yet special and with great purpose.  Thank you, for making Alyssa and Kyle just as you wanted them to be!

Thankful Thursday: 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

Often I ponder what God has made me for, or for what He has assigned for my life.  I know His plans are good, but sometimes I just wonder if I understand that plan and am following it the way He designed.  I try to pay attention to His clues and His leading, but sometimes I'm sure I miss the mark.

I'm thankful today for a few reasons:

1.  I know God made me with a purpose in mind...a servant assignment, if you will.  And I'm learning to trust that He is working out that plan in my life.

2.  I think I saw a little glimpse of it this week.  He's working in me and through me, and I love that!

3.  I know that God has a special plan and purpose for my children as well.  What their servant assignment is, I'm not sure.  But I know who knows, and I'm trusting Him with their lives!

Thank you, Lord, for knowing the plans you have for me, and for Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you that you will carry onto completion the work you are doing in our lives.  And thank you for the gifts and talents that you give each of us, and that we 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 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 the God we are serving.  I love you, dear Jesus, deeper than words can express.

Thankful Thursday: Bump, Set, Spike

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." Colossians 3:23

Today is Alyssa's last volleyball game of the season.

It's been a good run, despite so few wins.  

I love watching my girl play.

She has worked hard in the last 8 weeks!

Five days a week.

And she never gave up.

She's improved.

She's had fun.

And she's shown great sportsmanship.

  If I could boast a little...

I'd say she was a pretty good middle hitter/blocker!

We have loved watching her play.

It's sad to think that we've come to the end of the run.
 

It's been a great season.
 

Way to go, Lyss!  We love you!

Lord, thank you for our dear daughter, Alyssa.  She is such a precious gift in our life.  You have given her such wonderful gifts and talents, and she is strong in so many ways.  I pray that as she continues to grow into adulthood, she can use these gifts and talents for your glory.  Even in her playing and recreation may she find herself thanking the One who has blessed her with abilities and strengths.  I'm proud, dear Jesus, of her hard working attitude, good sportsmanship, and the determination to do her very best.  I know that you too are pleased!  Lord, thank you for my daughter, and the beautiful woman she is growing up to be!