Loving Deeply

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

I love watching my kids have fun together.

 

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

but as we celebrated Mother's Day this weekend,

 I just missed having my two babies together.

Spring Break (2007)

I pray that they will always be friends!

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

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

 

 

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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Clothed Like Him

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12

Kyle (approx 2000)

A new school week is knocking on our front door.  It's Monday, and both my kids are out and about in the world, attending classes, participating in activities, and face-to-face with many kinds of people.  My prayer for Alyssa and Kyle today is that they clothe themselves with all that represents the God who made them, lives in their heart, and loves His children deeply.

And because Alyssa and Kyle are loved, they can go out and love others!

Lord, Alyssa and Kyle are your chosen children, holy and dearly loved.  So help them clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience as they walk and talk with the people they cross paths with this week.  Help them to see the beauty in each person and rejoice in their differences.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle shine you in their conversations, in their attitudes, and even in their conflicts. We can show grace and love because you gift us with grace and love even when we don't deserve it.  Thank you, precious Savior, for loving your people!



 

Wordless Wednesday

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Ironing Out Differences

"I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges."  Philippians 4:2 (The Message)

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Differences come and go.  Some days my kids fight over this, that, and everything.  Even at 19 and 16 Alyssa and Kyle fight over the silliest of things...

what to say,
when to eat,
where to sit,
how to be.

One day, I'm sure I'll be able to look back and laugh at their antics and attitude.  And hopefully so will they.

But grudges can easily take root.  I hope that in the process of being nit-picky, sassy, grumbly, and impatient, that my dear, sweet children learn to forgive as easily as they fight.

Ironing out differences is about as "fun" as doing the real ironing around here, but both are completely worth the effort.  The outcome is always a smoother, more beautiful, relationship.

"I urge Alyssa and Kyle to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges."

Dear Precious Savior, move in and through Alyssa and Kyle and help them to be patient with one another, loving each other despite all their difference, faults and failures.  It's hard work learning how to not hold grudges, but you are the perfect Teacher.  So, teach Alyssa and Kyle, Father, to love completely, forgive easily, and be fully patient and kind to one another, and in each of their relationships.  Thank you, Lord, for being actively present in our kids lives.

 

No Clanging Cymbals

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1

Angry attitudes.
Flippant remarks.
Harsh comments.
Course jokes.
Foul words.
Insensitive declarations.
Careless comebacks.

Clanging cymbals.

Lord, you live and move in our inner beings and evidence of you comes out in our words and actions.  As we abide in you, and you in us, we become more like you.  I pray that as you live in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, and they spend time cultivating their relationship with you, you will be recognized in their speech, attitudes, and responses to the world around them.  Tame their tongues and make them obedient to you.  Dear Father, move Alyssa and Kyle to love deeply in word and deed. 

 

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!

 

Growing in Patience

"Love is patient, love is kind."  1 Corinthians 13:4

Even at 18 and 15 my children have troubles getting along.  Yesterday, in the heat of the day and in the busyness of errands, I found myself remarking on how they were acting like they did when they were 8 and 5.

"He's touching me."
"She's making fun of me."
"Moooommm."
"She hit me."
"He won't stop."

My index fingers finally found their way to my ears and the child-like side of me responded with, "La-la-la, I can't hear you!"

I'm thinking that there is still room for prayer in the department of patience and kindness...especially in regards to my kids relationship with one another. 

Oh Lord, you're sure not finished yet!

I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle grow in patience and kindness.  May the words of their mouths, and the meditation of their hearts be pleasing to you.  When hot-tempered, Alyssa and Kyle can stir up dissension, but when patient they can calm a quarrel.  Lord, mark our dear children with your Spirit, so that they will look more and more like you to the world around them.  Amen.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Serving Wholeheartedly

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men."  Ephesians 6:7

Lyssa spent her Sunday afternoon watching the 4 little ones of a couple at our church so they could go on a little date.  She served wholeheartedly.

I pray that having a servant's heart will always come naturally to my kids; Lend a helping hand to the neighbor in need, doing a job that isn't theirs to do when there's something that needs to be done, and giving sacrificially of their time, talents, and finance.

Serving wholeheartedly is an outward sign of an inner heart that reflects Jesus.  May Alyssa and Kyle have hearts that desire to serve!

Lord, I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle to serve wholeheartedly, and when they serve they do it out of love and honor of you their God and Savior.  Others can pressure us to serve them, and overextend ourselves, and we often have to keep boundaries and make choices that are hard.  Give Alyssa and Kyle discernment and guidance to serve in the ways that you call them to, and in the ways you have gifted them.  When they are stretched and tired, give them the strength they need, and when the task is hard and out of their comfort zones, give them wisdom and the ability to finish well.  Mark their hearts with compassion, kindness, and giving as they serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving you, not men.

 

The Few Too Many F's

 An old picture of me working the elections...

I'm fried.
I'm frazzled.
I'm flabbergasted.

It's election time, and I've been a workin' mom these last two weeks.  I've probably written a similar blog sometime over the last couple of years, but today was just enough to push me over the edge, and somehow deserves a post.  Good thing today is Friday and the end of a two week stint in the world of politics.

I've helped people who are
furious,
fickle,
and
flippant.

Some of their concerns and frustrations are reasonable, but I find that the way they "lash out" isn't in anyway kind, productive, and needed. How we treat each other, even in our anger, is so important, by golly! 

So, today, I'm praying for our kids responses in situations where they are tempted to let out their
frustrations,
fault-findings,
and,
fears.

"Complain if you must, but don't lash out."  Psalm 4:4 

(And maybe someone should pray for me!)

 Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle not to sin in their anger.  If complaining is a must, I pray that they keep from lashing out to others in a way that crushes spirits, fuels bitterness, and compromises resolution and being heard.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to not think more highly of themselves than they ought, but consider the feelings and thoughts of others in each and every encounter.  May they show the kindness of Christ to all they meet.

 

An UN-derstatement

"Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  1 Peter 5:5

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.  But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.  ~Author unknown

We are in this lovely stage of life called
T-E-E-N-A-G-E-R-S.
Need I say more?

As parents we are...
Uncool.
Unlovely.
Unacceptable.
Unadmired.
Unappealing.
Unbalanced.
Unbrilliant.
Unimpressive.

   Un--
   Un--
   Un--

   Unappreciated.






You'll all want to tell me this is "normal", but I'm still going to pray UNabashedly for God to UNdoubtedly change the Unpleasantness of my little UNderaged adults.

Just in case you're wondering, please understand, I still do love them UNconditionally, forever and always. 

Lord, I do thank you for my lovely teenagers.  I love Alyssa and Kyle with all of my heart.  But still I ask that you be abundantly involved in molding and leading them into being full of kindness and humility. Remove the impatience, irritability, pride and immaturity that mark this age.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to clothe themselves with humility toward others in their lives.  Thank you, Lord, for always moving in our kids lives, and making them into what you want them to be.

Today's Lesson Plan

"Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other."  1 Thessalonians 4:9

 Brother and Sister (1999)

Oh my children know how to push each others buttons.  They are pretty well trained at picking on/at each other, teasing, criticizing, and arousing every possible negative emotion in their sibling.  And it being Christmas break and all, I am keenly aware that the "natives are getting restless"...especially with each other.

Though I have used many of my own words in the last day or two about how they need to practice the art of "loving one another", I'm thinking it's time for God to move in and do His own teaching! 

Brotherly love is on the lesson plan today!

Lord, I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle a thing or two about loving each other.  May your Spirit fill both of them and prod them to speak with kindness, compassion and humility.  Remind them to love one another, deeply from the heart, as you have loved them.  This kind of love comes from you, Father, and everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you.  This is your command and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle live out this command in their lives.

Wordless Wednesday

Living Beyond Differences

"I consider my life worth nothing to me..."  Acts 20:24

 My girl and boy!...1998

My kids are total opposites in more areas than one being a girl and one a boy.  God created them each uniquely that's for sure!

One likes to stay home.
One likes to go.

One revels in the rain.
One plays in the sun.

If one hates a song on the radio,
the other loves it.

Where one likes to go out to eat,
the other whines in disgust (yes, even at 14 & 17),

If one were to like black,
I'm sure that the other would vote for white.

There is even a difference of opinion on
chocolate vs. vanilla.

Sometimes these difference cause a little ruckus in our home.  When they face decisions or react they don't always think of the other person.  It's so easy to be selfish and  thoughtless of the other.

Part of growing up and maturing will be Alyssa and Kyle learning to put aside their preferences and considering others desires ahead of their own.  Sometimes considering our life nothing is hard...

Lord, thank you for making Alyssa and Kyle so different.  They are each wonderful in who you have made them to be. Continue maturing them, dear Father, and help them to learn to appreciate each other and their differences.  Putting the other person first can sometimes be hard but it's a sign of you living in them, and of growing more compassionate and kind.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to  look towards the interest of others and choose to sacrifice their wants and wishes on behalf of someone else.  I know you are living in Alyssa and Kyle's lives and you are molding them into who you want them to be.  Thank you, Lord, for wonderfully making our children!

Seasoned with Grace

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."  Colossians 4:6 (NASB)

Week two of summer vacation begins today.  I don't know about anybody else, but it always seems to take some adjustment for our family to get used to being together for a longer period of time than just a few hours after school.  Attitudes get irritable, words are short, and patience seems to grow mighty thin.

I want this second week to different.  I'm praying it is seasoned with grace.

Lord, this is the day you have made, and so I will rejoice and be glad.  Please be living and active in our family this week.  Help our speech to always be full of grace and used for building one another up.  Help us rid ourselves of all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from our lips.  May there be no unwholesome talk coming out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.  Lord, help us to reflect you to one another in all that we say and do.  Amen.
 

Reflecting Him

"Wisdom brightens a man’s face and changes its hard appearance."  Ecclesiastes 8:1

 Kyle...2004

Crazy Hair Day at VBS

I spent the last two weeks working a job that deals with people.  Did you know that there are lots of different people?  Joyful people.  Encouraging people.  Content people. 

Then there are people hardened by life.  Some people are heavy with anger, bitterness, or fear.  You can see it written on their faces, hear it in their words, and recognize it their attitudes. In some ways it was immediately obvious, and unfortunately wasn't attractive or always fun to come in contact with.  Many times my heart just wanted to reach out to those people and ask them if they knew Jesus loved them.  Oh what a difference He could make in their lives.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have attitudes that reflect God living in the center of their hearts.  I pray that their demeanor is one that is marked by the fragrance of His Spirit emanating from within.  May even the appearance of their face shine Jesus.

  Alyssa...2004

Lord, you brighten a man's face and can change a hard appearance.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's face shine bright to the world around them.  It would be true evidence that you are alive and active in their lives.  Protect them, Father, from bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, selfishness, pride and greed that would cause them to look hard and ugly to those they interact with.  Fill them instead with peace, joy, hope, kindness, compassion, love, and humility, proving to be your disciples.  May Alyssa and Kyle reflect you!

Thump those Tongues

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29

Some movies can have great lessons.  Take Bambi....maybe my kids could learn a lesson or two from sweet little Thumper.

Thumper:  He doesn't walk very good, does he?
Mrs. Rabbit:  Thumper!
Thumper:  Yes, mama?
Mrs. Rabbit:  What did your father tell you this morning?
Thumper:  [clears throat] If you can't say something nice...don't say nothing at all.

Need I say more?

Lord, our words often reflect what is truly in our hearts.  Sometimes it's so hard to hold our tongues, and we spout off things that can be hurtful, damaging, and can't be taken back.  Even, I, Lord fail at this sometimes.  Please forgive me.  Make my heart new and clean, and may my words reflect your presence in my life.  I pray, dear Jesus, for the same thing in our children's lives.  Remind them that their words hold great power to build up or to tear down....even in their relationship with one another.  Help the slams, the names, and the negative comments cause a sourness in their mouths.  Move their hearts to choose words that lift up, encourage, speak thanksgiving and kindness, and reflect you.  Let no unwholesome talk come out of Alyssa and Kyle's mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  May this be especially true in our home.