The Theme of their Song

"Your statutes are the theme of my song during my earthly life."  Psalm119:54

Oh how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with His Word.  I hope that they go to it when they need wisdom, hope, help, comfort, and just want to know more about God.  

As I looked at my Bible, which was given to me on Mother's Day 2008, I was reminded of so many times in my life in which He gave me a word for a situation I was in, and I've written notes here and there so I'd remember and recall those lessons.  Those mark His work and love in my life and I'm so grateful. 

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's Bible's are more than well worn, but they are well read, marked up, and treasured as the "theme of their song" in life!

"A thorough knowledge of the Bible is 

worth more than a college education."

--Theodore Roosevelt

\Lord, your Word is such a delight and holds so many rich treasures.  It teaches us about you, and helps us grasp the depths of your love for your children.  From the beginning to the end, we watch your plan unfold, and see your hand of love, power, and grace at work over and over again.  Each time I open it's pages I can sense your voice speaking personally to me.  I know, however, that it's a continual process to learn and understand the details we find within the pages of your Word.  I pray that you give my children understanding when they sit down and spend time with you and read your Word.  Open Alyssa and Kyle's eyes that they may see the wonderful things in your law.  Bring them hope, courage, and wisdom as they dig deep, falling in love with you deeper and deeper as they go.  Oh Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle come to believe your Word and hold onto this treasure that helps them know you more.  Speak to them, dear Jesus, calling them to yourself as your precious children each and every time they come to your living and active Word.  What a beautiful gift to your children! 

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Spring Break is Over

"Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."  Daniel 10:12

Spring break has come to a close.  I don't know who is more sad, my kids or myself.  It's been a great week of hanging together and taking life a little bit slower.  Kyle's done a little fishing (picture above from Easter afternoon), we've slept in a little, went to a movie, U-Swirl (frozen yogurt), and watched a few baseball games.  It's been a pretty good week, I must say.

But school starts back tomorrow.  Lyssa has one more month of college and Kyle two more months of his sophomore year.  My prayer is that as they head back to "work" they will set their minds to gain understanding in all their learning.  It's easy to let spring take hold of our minds and we start going slack in our efforts.  It will take discipline and determination!  Go, kids, go!

Alyssa and Kyle, I pray that you go back to school and finish this year well!

Lord, you have blessed us with a week of rest and time together.  My heart is full of thanksgiving.  Today, my kids go back to the work of learning.  Be with them in their comings and goings, precious Savior.  Help Alyssa and Kyle set their mind to gain understanding as they enter the classroom.  Give them the courage and ambition to work hard, do well, and learn all that they can in the coming weeks.  Learning is a gift from you and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find great joy from gaining wisdom!  Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer!

 

My Prayer

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

 Brother and Sister (2005)

In my Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 is marked with my children’s names and the year 1999. As their mother, this verse was one of the prayers of my heart for my little ones. I don’t remember the specific circumstances of finding this verse, but I know that God gave it to me and I have prayed it over and over, claiming its truth for my kids. Today, I pray it again.

Lord, I lift before you my daughter Alyssa, and my son Kyle. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in their knowledge of you. To understand all the facets of your character; your faithfulness, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and holiness, and how it impacts their lives. I pray that they continue studying, and digging deep in your Word, and planting Scriptures in their heart. As Alyssa and Kyle get to know you better, I pray that they are able to discern right from wrong, when you are speaking to them, and what you’re calling them to do and be. Keep them both pure and blameless with their words, thoughts, and actions. Lord, fill them with the desire for right-living in you. May their lives reflect your holiness and bring glory and praise to you, precious Father, each and every day.
 

Smarts and Sense

From these, an ordinary person
    can learn to be smart,
    and young people can gain
    knowledge and good sense.

--Proverbs 1:4 

 Dear Lord, 

Your Word is precious and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with it.  Within it's pages they will get to know you, find your amazing promises, and understand your plan for humanity.  Even as they study and invest time in your Word, Alyssa and Kyle can learn to be smart, and will gain knowledge and good sense.  I pray that your Word comes alive to my children and that it will be part of the foundation of their faith.  Prod them, dear Father, to hunger and thirst to know more and more of you, and seek you with all their heart, mind and soul.  May your Word become a precious jewel to my most precious children.

 

Salvation Saturday

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."  Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)

 Kyle swinging at Hayden Lake (2012)

To know the God who can do anything is the one thing I long most for my children. 
The One who can move mountains,
Heal the lame,
Free the captives,
Break down walls,
and
Forgive the sinners.

And to sense His Spirit gently working within them, is my prayer. Not the pushy, judgmental and angry God some think they know.
To know the depth of His love,
Feel His gentleness,
and
Believe in the hope He alone offers.

To know the God who can do anything
And to sense His Spirit gently working within.


Lord, oh the joy to know "the God who can do anything".  You offer hope to the lost, healing to the sick, forgiveness to the sinner, and love to the unlovely.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and believe in you as their own personal Savior and God.  And may they sense your Spirit gently working within them.  Your presence in their life is a gift to behold and hang onto.  I pray that they know you in personal, life-giving, hope-filling way, and love you with all their heart, mind and soul.  You are God, King of King and Lord of Lords, and you are our Savior and Friend!  May Alyssa and Kyle know that full well.

 

It's Test Time!

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 1:13

Let the end-of-the-school-year finals begin. 

This week, and next, Alyssa and Kyle need to have "minds of steel" as they study and take these tests that challenge what they've learned this school year.  I pray that they can remember and can easily bring to mind, the things that they have been learning.

Applying their mind is what they will need in the coming days for sure!

Lord, you have given Alyssa and Kyle strong minds and the ability to become wise with knowledge and experiences.   Please help them to apply their minds whenever they are called to, and fall in love with learning.  You have made them intelligent, but may they use those smarts to serve you in amazing ways.  May they always give you the glory, for the things they have learned, and for how they have used the things you have taught them.  Lord, thank you for being with our children when the tasks seem hard and overwhelming.  Be Alyssa and Kyle's strength through each test.

 

Finals Week

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 1:13

Let the finals begin. 

My prayer for this week is that Kyle will remember, and can easily bring to mind, the things that he has been learning.  For some it comes easier than others. Applying their mind is what he will need this week for sure!

Lord, you have given our kids strong minds and the ability to become wise with knowledge and experiences.   Please help them to apply their minds whenever they are called to, and fall in love with learning.  You have made them intelligent, but may they use those smarts to serve you in amazing ways.  May Alyssa and Kyle always give you the glory, for the things they have learned, and for how they have used the things you have taught them.  Lord, thank you for being with our children when the tasks seem hard and overwhelming.  Especially be Kyle's strength this week as he takes finals.

Sharing in the Inheritance

My sweet babies! (1997)

Dear Precious Heavenly Father,

For this reason, since the day we heard about our dear children, we have not stopped praying for them and asking you, God, to fill both of them with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And as their parents, we pray this in order that they may live a life worthy of you Lord, and may please you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of you, being strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to you Father, who has qualified our children to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Lord, you have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son you love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Thank you, dear Jesus, for hearing this mother's prayer.

(From Colossians 1:9-14)

Wordless Wednesday

Big Ears

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; 

guard it well, for it is your life."  

Proverbs 4:13

  

"Everyone should be quick to listen, 

slow to speak and slow to become angry..."  

James 1:19

"Apply your heart to instruction and 

your ears to words of knowledge."   

Proverbs 23:12

 Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the sweetness they add to our lives.  Every day I see amazing ways you are active in their lives.  They are growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually in beautiful ways.  In that growth, precious Savior, I ask that you make their hearts and minds pliable to instruction, guidance and knowledge from others.  It's so easy to be defensive when someone offers advise, or to close our ears to what others suggest, and we put up walls when we don't like what someone has to say.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle guard others instructions well, and apply their hearts to the wisdom and knowledge that surround them.  Help them to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Lord, mold and make Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be what you want them to be. 

Taught By God

"It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me."  John 6:45

 1998

Sometimes it's hard to be my teenager's "teacher".  There's something about teenagers that makes them think they know everything, and their parent knows nothing.  It's normal, I know, but there are things that Alyssa and Kyle need to learn.  (Of course, don't we all)?!  


I came across the above verse the other day in my quiet time and I just loved it, especially as I thought about my sometimes "strong-willed" children..."they will all be taught by God".  What a relief to know, that there are some things I can entrust Him to teach my children, especially when I feel unsuccessful.  Thank you, dear Jesus!


Oh that they will "listen to the Father"!  


Lord, you are our most precious Father, and I am in awe of your amazing wisdom, and that you impart it to your children.  I will continue praying that you fill Alyssa and Kyle with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. With everything that I am, I pray that they will be sponges who soak up all the wisdom and knowledge you have for them, and be hearers and doers of your Word.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always have flexible spirits, tender minds, and open ears to the voice of their Savior.  Teach them, Jesus!

Live Deeply in Christ

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."  1 John 2:28 (The Message)

I love how the Message paraphrases that verse..."Live deeply in Christ."  I just want to ponder that today.

"Live deeply in Christ."

Oh, my deepest hope and prayer for Lyssa and Kyle.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to love you, and live deeply in you. May they not be tempted to just know of you, and live in the knowledge of what they've learned about you since they were little, but choose to strive to KNOW you deeper and better.  Sideline observers get a small taste of you, but those who choose to participate face to face in a relationship with you, experience first-hand the Living Water.  You, Lord, quench every thirst, and satisfy the deepest of hungers.  But living deeply in You is a choice one has to make every day.  Lord, spur our children on to laying down their selfish desires, or worldly yearnings, and to seek first your Kingdom, with their entire heart.  And now, Jesus, help our children to stay with you. Move them to live deeply in you. Then they'll be ready when you appear, ready to receive you with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when you arrive.  I pray, Lord, that they love you deeper than I can ever imagine, because you are the One that I love.

Hunger for Knowledge

"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge."  Proverbs 23:12

 Alyssa's "Bess Truman" project...2008

Another school week is upon us.  I pray that it's a good week for my kids.  Five more days of school  until the Thanksgiving break is upon us. 

I've probably mentioned this before on my blog, but I hate helping my kids with their homework.  Sometimes it makes me realize how much I didn't catch when I went to school, or how much I have yet to learn.  I think I took my education for granted at times, and instead enjoyed the friendships and fun.  I still had good grades, but I think I could have invested my life in learning a lot better than I did. 

So, I pray that for my kids.  My hope is that Alyssa and Kyle invest themselves in their learning, open their minds to new knowledge, and become inquisitive and hungry for deeper understanding.   I hope they have a thirst and hunger for learning.  It will help them go a long ways in life. 

Open your minds, kids!  There's a "boat-load" of stuff out there to take in.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to apply their hearts to instruction and their ears to words of knowledge.  Fill them with the your Spirit, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.  Open their ears and eyes today, that they may gain new insights, deeper understanding, and instruction that will grow them up into wise and knowledgeable adults.  And in their learning, may they find you, dear Jesus!

Pure and Blameless

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

 Brother and Sister...2005

In my Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 is marked with my children’s names and the year 1999. As their mother, this verse was one of the prayers of my heart for my little ones. I don’t remember the specific circumstances of finding this verse, but I know that God gave it to me and I have prayed it over and over, claiming its truth for my kids. Today, I pray it again.

Lord, I lift before you my daughter Alyssa, and my son Kyle. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in their knowledge of you. To understand all the facets of your character; your faithfulness, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and holiness, and how it impacts their lives. I pray that they continue studying, and digging deep in your Word, and planting Scriptures in their heart. As Alyssa and Kyle get to know you better, I pray that they are able to discern right from wrong, when you are speaking to them, and what you’re calling them to do and be. Keep them both pure and blameless with their words, thoughts, and actions. Lord, fill them with the desire for right-living in you. May their lives reflect your holiness and bring glory and praise to you, precious Father, each and every day.

Praying Scripture: Colossians 1

My babies...1997

Dear Precious Heavenly Father, 

For this reason, since the day we heard about our dear children, we have not stopped praying for them and asking you, God, to fill both of them with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And as their parents, we pray this in order that they may live a life worthy of you Lord, and may please you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of you, being strengthened with all power according to your glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to you Father, who has qualified our children to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Lord, you have rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son you love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.


Thank you, dear Jesus, for hearing this mother's prayer.


(From Colossians 1:9-14)

Live Deeply

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."  1 John 2:28 (The Message)

I love how the Message paraphrases that verse..."Live deeply in Christ."  I just want to ponder that today. Oh, my greatest prayer for Alyssa and Kyle.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to love you, and live deeply in you. May they not be tempted to just know of you, and live in the knowledge of what they've learned about you since they were little, but choose to strive to KNOW you deeper and better.  Sideline observers get a small taste of you, but those who choose to participate face to face in a relationship with you, experience first-hand the Living Water.  You, Lord, quench every thirst, and satisfy the deepest of hungers.  But living deeply in You is a choice one has to make every day.  Lord, spur our children on to laying down their selfish desires, or worldly yearnings, and to seek first your Kingdom, with their entire heart.  And now, Jesus, help our children to stay with you. Move them to live deeply in you. Then they'll be ready when you appear, ready to receive you with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when you arrive.  I pray, Lord, that they love you deeper than I can ever imagine, because you are the One that I love.

Grow, Baby, Grow!

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."  2 Peter 3:18

Growth is just a fact of life.  Just take note of the pictures below. 

 Kyle enjoying "Candyland"...1999

  Kyle enjoying "Monopoly"...2010

Eleven years changes a guy, that's for sure!

His physical changes are most noticeable!  And intellectually he can handle a much more challenging game.  He has grown in his vocabulary, abilities, and wisdom.  With time, he has even grown and matured in his faith. 

I can't wait to see what Kyle will look like in another eleven years.  He'll be a young man, with a job or career, and possibly a family of his own.  Where he will live, go to church, or have a ministry, will be such a joy to behold.

Above all, I pray that Kyle continues to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ!
I pray that he grows in his faith.
I pray that he grows in holiness.
I pray that he grows in obedience and joy.

I'm trusting that God is going to do amazing things in his life!  Grow, Kyle, grow!

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and love, as you have helped my children grow.  Thank you for giving them good health, able bodies, and sound minds.  Through the years, you have protected them in so many ways, and you've always guided them day by day.  Lord, I pray that you continue to grow them up to be wonderful adults who love you, serve you, and know you intimately. Grow their faith in you, and teach them to trust in you for their daily needs.  As they come to your Word, make it alive to them, so that they grow in their knowledge of you.  Lord, don't ever stop parenting our children, helping them to grow into adults who live for you.  Daily pursue them in ways that they recognize it's you, and come to know and believe in your deep love for them.  Thank you, Lord, that you never leave your children the same, but you're in the business of changing our lives through your love.  Oh, God, you are so good!

Craving Spiritual Milk

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."   1 Peter 2:2-3

 My daughter often craves Qdoba nachos, Double Chocolate mochas, and McDonald's cheeseburgers.  She even gets to a point where she begs, pleads, and is often willing to sacrifice her own money in order to fill her "need". 

What I pray for most, is that what she craves more than those things is pure spiritual milk.  God and His Word is the greatest food for her soul.  Oh, how I want her to long for the deeper things.

And the beautiful thing about this?  I think that is the desire of my daughter's heart as well. 
Yeah God!

Lord, help our children to crave pure spiritual milk, so that they may grow up in their salvation, and fall deeper in love with you.  I pray, Father, that their souls hunger and thirst for more of you.  Put within their hearts a longing to dig deep in your Word, to pursue you with every ounce of their body, mind and soul, and encourage others to do the same.  I pray that when they seek you, they find you, dear Jesus, just as you have promised. 

Jesus & Hot Dogs

 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
      Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

--Psalm 34:8 (NLT)

When Kyle was three or four years old, his favorite and only meal he would eat was hot dogs.

Hot dogs for breakfast.

Hot dogs for lunch.

And hot dogs for dinner.

Hot dogs, hot dogs, and more hot dogs.  

Hot dogs warmed up.

Hot dogs cold.

Hot dogs covered in ketchup.

Hot dogs on a stick.

Mostly hot dogs with no bun.

Oh how he loved his hot dogs!  And though he doesn't eat them with as much passion today, he still loves a dog once in a while!

My hope is that my son loves God with as much hunger as he did his hot dogs.  I want both of our children to "taste and see" that He is good, and crave Him morning, noon and night.  I want them to thirst after His Word, and desire to get to know Him deeper and deeper.  I think the more we "taste" Him and get an idea of His true sweetness, the more we crave His presence in our lives.  I pray that for my children, in a big, big way!

Jesus & hot dogs!  Who would have thought the two could have anything in common?

Oh Lord, my Lord, you are so good.  I have tasted your sweet words, and they bring me life, and life abundantly.  I pray that my children hunger and thirst after you, dear Jesus, and crave you like no other.  With each little taste, I pray that their desire for you grows in increasing ways to the point that they hunger for more and more of you in their life.  Each minute they spend with you, is life giving and vital to their relationship with you.  Cause those moments in your presence to ignite a fire in their souls, and a thirst in their heart that cannot be quenched by anything, or anyone, but you. You are God, and you are good! Oh that they may crave you, Father!