Zipping My Lips

"Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it."  1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

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I sometimes have conversations with people, in my head, as I'm getting ready in the morning. Yesterday morning I had a doozie of one and came up with the PERFECT response to someone's gruff comments to me yesterday.  Sometimes I wish I was quicker with my comebacks in person.
 
Then again, maybe it's good that I can't.  My tongue could probably get me in trouble.  Better to stay quiet than say something I'd regret, I'm thinkin'.

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."  Proverbs 21:23

Watching our words, whether in response to someone else's unkind comments, or just in every day conversation, is a spiritual discipline that can take much effort and practice.  I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle learn to watch their words and be careful to speak with words that build up, encourage, and shine the light of Christ living in them.

Words have great power, for good or evil.  Oh be careful little mouth what you say!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle keep their tongues out of trouble.  When there is temptation to repay evil for evil, or retaliate with insults when people insult them, help our children to pay back with blessings instead.  May you be reflected in our words, dear Jesus!

 

Wordless Wednesday

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Pleasing the Spirit

"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."  Galatians 6:8

 Alyssa & Kyle 2004

Oh the sinful nature is so easy to appease sometimes...
Anger.
Bitterness.
Selfishness.
Greed.
Envy.
And I'm really good at gluttony (ugh).

It takes more effort, a conscious decision, and so much discipline to choose the opposite responses to the sinful nature inside me.  But kindness, humility, forgiveness, and patience are the responses God truly delights in.  When we exude those things, we reflect Him living in us, and we reap the abundant and joyful life God has for us.  

Oh to be "the one who sows to please the Spirit".  That is this mother's prayer for her children (and herself) today!

Lord, you are so good, and you are in everything that is good.  If you are living in our lives, we should reflect all that you are.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to recognize when they are sowing to please their sinful nature, because if they don't it will reap destruction.  Rather, I pray that they will the one who sows to please you in everything they say and do.  For from you they will reap eternal life.  Thank you for working internally in our children's lives, and carrying onto completion the work you are doing in their lives.  Transform Alyssa and Kyle from the inside out, dear Jesus, and may they forever be your children!  Eternal life in you is the greatest treasure of all!

 

Oh Be Careful Little Mouths

"Summoning the crowd, He told them, “Listen and understand: It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”"  Matthew 15:10, 11 HCSB

 "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."  Ephesians 5:4 ESV

"May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14 LB

 "Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief."  Proverbs 21:23

"If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate."  1 Corinthians 13:1 The Message


Lord, today is the beginning of a new week and we have a fresh start as we go out into the world of work and school.  Help our interactions with others and our mouths reflect you living in us.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always watches what comes out of their mouths and speak with love and holiness. May every spoken word be pleasing to you.  Today, is a new day, dear Jesus!  Help us to reflect you to the world around us!


 

Careless Words

"I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.”  Matthew 12:36  HCSB

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Lord, how careful we must be with our tongues.  On the day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word we speak.  Oh teach us to make good use of our words.  The world is flippant with your name, and with foul language.  Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you.  I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle to use their mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief.  (Job 16:5)  Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)  Our tongues should not curse men and declare your praise at the same time.  Dear Jesus, move Alyssa and Kyle to use their words for your glory and praise!  Amen.


 

Wordless Wednesday

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Praying Scripture

Summer 2013

(1 John 2:15-17) 
Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will not love the world’s ways. I pray that they don’t love the world’s goods. For having a love of the world squeezes out love for you, Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with their walk with you. It will just isolate Alyssa and Kyle from a vital and healthy relationship with you. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but when Alyssa and Kyle do what you want they will be set for eternity.

Thank you, Precious Savior.
Amen 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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Eye Protection

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




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

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

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

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

 

Listen to Him, Dear Ones!

Dear Alyssa and Kyle,

My child, listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways
    and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble. 
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
    Guard them, for they are the key to life.

Don’t do as the wicked do,
    and don’t follow the path of evildoers.

Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.
    Turn away and keep moving.

For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.
    They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.

They eat the food of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence!

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
    which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
    They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

My child, pay attention to what I say.

     Listen carefully to my words. 

Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Avoid all perverse talk;
    stay away from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.

Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

Love, God 

(Proverbs 4:10-27)

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Life of Purity

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

This weekend I had the opportunity to be involved in a panel of women who answered anonymous questions from a group of high school girls.  Whew.  I'll tell you what, they had some tough questions!!  These beautiful young ladies are contemplating, studying, and pondering their "positions" for life...sexual purity, dating, and drinking, and how all of those are seen through their eyes of faith. 

It reminded me to pray for my kid's processing of these same issues in their own lives. I  pray there are people in Alyssa and Kyle's path to help lead them and share their experiences and wisdom, and that their ears are open to what those "older and wiser" have to say to them.  What valuable wisdom they can find.

Teenagers today need us to voice courage, conviction, and compassion into their lives, blessing them into lives of purity in all areas.  So, today we'll be doing just that!

Press on towards purity, my children!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict their hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help them make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!



 

Being "Good"

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

 We're in the dating zone, folks.  Kyle has a girlfriend. 

Last night it was a dance, tonight it's a movie, and who knows what tomorrow holds.

Boy, I'm on my knees now!

I keep telling him to be GOOD, but does he "get it"?
 
So, here's my prayer for today:  God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for my kids.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day.

Old fashion, but truly a part of God's perfect plan.

Be good, my babies!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind Alyssa and Kyle of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help my children to make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May Alyssa and Kyle's marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!

 

Flirting with Evil

"Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good."  Romans 12:9 (The Message)

Sunday night, Kyle went to the mall with his friend, and came home with earring studs in his ears.  I tried hard not to flip out until I knew the truth of the situation, assuming that surely he wouldn't pierce his ears without his mother's permission (though, my mother would tell you I did that when I was living at home as well...my only excuse was that I was 18 and my friends made me do it...sorry mom!).  As I tried to grab at Kyle's ears, he flinched and squirmed, so for a brief second I thought he had succumbed to looking like a girl (in my humble opinion).  After some scrutiny, he laughed and showed me that his piercings were just magnets.  

Whew.  My heart could start beating at a normal rate.

Why are the things of this world so attractive?  Music, tattoos, smoking, drinking, sex before marriage, and foul language, fashion, etc.  Sometimes, as a godly mom, it feels like a big battle to fight every day.  My hope is that my kids would "run for dear life from evil, rather than dance around the edge and flirt with things that don't please the Lord.  

Truly, I know and trust that this is a war for the Holy Spirit to win.  I'm just going to stand along the sidelines, cheering on Alyssa and Kyle and getting on my knees in prayer, to hold on for dear life to the good God has for them!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to run for dear life from evil and hold on for dear life to good!  Prod their hearts to seek after the things that you desire, and hold fast to a life that his holy and pleasing to you.  Give Alyssa and Kyle eyes to see life as you see it, and have a heart that is like yours.  May the things of the world leave a bitter taste in their mouth.  Lord, this is my plea.

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Praying Scripture

 Preparing the pose for our Christmas picture (2007)

Imitating you, Lord, in everything they do, is my prayer for Alyssa and Kyle, because they are your dear children. May they live a life filled with love, following the example of your son Jesus Christ. He loved Alyssa and Kyle and offered himself as a sacrifice for them, a pleasing aroma to you.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed in Alyssa and Kyle. Such sins have no place among your people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness from Alyssa and Kyle to you. You say that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit your Kingdom. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle carefully determine what pleases you, Lord. 

(Ephesians 5:1-5, 10)

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Pure Choices

"I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home. I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.."  Psalm 101:2-3


Today I am praying for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds. As Alyssa and Kyle get older, we have lost most control over their choices of music, apps, and movies. My hope and prayer is that they always keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure so that they remain sensitive, receptive and ready to hear Christ above all else.

O be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little ears what you hear.

Lord, you have so many good things for your children to see, hear and experience, yet so often there are other things that get in the way.  Temptations are rampant, and we are easily swayed to partake of things that don't please you or reflect you in our lives.  These things often drown you out, and our eyes can't see you clearly, and our ears can't hear you speak to us.  Lord, protect our children's hearts, minds, and their eyes and ears.  Keep them for making poor choices that keep them from experiencing your presence in their lives.  Make their hearts, dear Jesus, sensitive to you and the things you desire for their lives.  Remove any temptation or desire to digest things that mock you, or don't line up with your heart and mind, and pull them further from your presence in their lives.  Make our children sensitive to your spirit, and choose purity, each and every day.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I entrust our children's eyes, ears and hearts to you.

 

Life and Death Choices

"When good people turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. And when a wicked person turns away from his wicked life and starts living a just and righteous life, he'll come alive."  Ezekiel 33:18-19 (The Message)

Camping find...Grammy, Alyssa & Kyle (1998)

Choices.  Every day our children are faced with making choices.
Will they make wise choices?
Safe choices?
Moral choices?
Choices that bring life?

This last week was one full of our kids experiencing freedom. One child went off to church camp and another child spent a few nights in a motel with his baseball buddies. While our children were out and about without us, they were in positions to make their own choices.

I'm praying, good choices.

Each day that passes brings us closer to them leaving home (Lyss only has a month and a half before college begins), and the choices that they make then won't necessarily have consequences with mom and dad. They are even probably getting to the point where they could care less what we think about their life choices.  However, those choices could have life and death kinda consequences. Each decision or action, will either bring our children closer to God, or take them farther away from His presence and will.

I pray that they will always choose to honor God in all that they say and do.

Choose wisely, my babies!

Lord, please watch over our children, and protect them.  Move your Spirit in them, prodding them to always make choices that keep them safe, and reflect your presence in their lives.  Live and move in their hearts, Jesus.  May they always hear your voice behind them saying, "This is the way, walk in it."  Remove any fantasy from them, Lord, that make them think that things not of you bring happiness and pleasure.  Help them to find their deep joy and eternal satisfaction only in you.  Protect them from others who may lead them astray.  Lord, when Alyssa and Kyle turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. But if they come to a place in their lives and need to turn away from their wicked life and they start living a just and righteous life, they'll come alive.  What a beautiful promise of unconditional love, and the gift you give us, Lord, when we are repentant.  Thank you, for your forgiveness, and making us new when we choose turn back to you!  Lord, I pray that our children always choose You!

 

Set Apart

"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."  1 Peter 2:9-10 (The Message)

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will


(lyrics written by Brian Doerksen)

Lord, Alyssa and Kyle are chosen by you, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, As God's instruments they are made to do your work and speak out for you, to tell others of the night-and-day difference you made in their lives—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.  May they not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of their mind, that by testing they may discern what your will is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.