Long Time No See

It's been over two years since I posted anything on this blog.  I wasn't tired of praying for my kids, I was just burnt out on posting something on a daily basis.  I wish I had kept it up and hadn't dropped the ball.  I wish I had a record of God's faithfulness, and of life's big events, in the Redford household.  There has been so much:

• Our family marked 20 years being the pastors at our church. (July 2014)
• Lyssa got married. (August 2014)
• Ken and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. (August 2014)
• Kyle graduated from high school.  (June 2015) 
• Kyle received a scholarship to play baseball for Northwest Nazarene University, and finished his freshman year there, working on an engineering major.
• Lyssa, and her husband Jered, both graduated from George Fox University. (May 2016)
• And some hard milestones too: My mom was diagnosed with cancer shortly before Lyssa's wedding and Ken's brother passed away unexpectedly.

This last week, we took Kyle back to school and he has hit the ground running, facing his sophomore year of school head-on.  I'm not sure if it's because of the transition this last week, or because I'm stuck at home and can't drive (that's a whole other story) and have lots of time on my hands, or if it's God's prompting, but several times over the last week I have felt the urge to jump back on here and write a post praying for my kids. I don't know how often, I'll come back to post here, but I will always be praying for my kids even though they are all considered adults now! My heart will always long for God's best in their lives, and for their hearts to be fully devoted to Him.

So as I sat having my morning coffee and quiet time, God gave me a promise in His Word, that I'm going to hold onto for my sweet babies (cause they will always be my "babies"!).

For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
    and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
    and my blessing on your descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
    like poplar trees by flowing streams. 
Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’;
    others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;
still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’    and will take the name Israel. (Isaiah 44:3-5)

My greatest desire is that my children will say, "I belong to the Lord"! Or declare that they are "The Lord's!"

Oh, dear Jesus, may it be so! 


 

Thankful Thursday

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."  Psalm 13:5

 Kyle on third after hitting a triple (May 2014).

• Lyssa turned 20 on Monday! So hard to believe.

• In the last week Lyssa has also finished her sophomore year of college, moved into a new apartment and started a new job.  It's been a big, big week in my girl's world!

• Kyle ended his his Varsity baseball season last night.  He hit a triple this week (pictured above) and finished the season as the number one batter on the team.  YAHOO!

• Kyle took initiative and showed courage when he texted his coach about a concern he had.  

• Kyle worked on his truck this week and I was impressed by his attention to detail, patience, and effort to clean up after himself.  He seemed so grown up and responsible.  Maybe we taught him right.  Ha!

Lord, thank you for helping my children grow up into wonderful, responsible adults.  I'm amazed by your active presence in their lives, and how I can see you working, teaching and stretching my babies.  Thank you, precious Savior!
 
 

Thankful Thursday

"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."  Hebrews 1:3

I'm so thankful that God sustains all things.  What promise and hope for parenting, busy lives, and unknown futures.   It reminds me of the song "Because He Lives"...

Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives

Amen and Amen!!  So thankful!

Here's also a few things I'm grateful for on the home front...

• Kyle's continuing to get great grades even with the busyness of baseball starting.  His lowest grade is an 89% (pre-calculus).  Pretty good, I think!
• Lyssa facetimed me on Sunday.  She's been fighting not feeling well, but continues to press on in her last month of college classes.  I'll post a picture of her latest art project.  Beautiful in my humble opinion.  

• Kyle took me to hit balls at our local golf course.  He was a great (but unsuccessful) teacher at showing me how to use a golf club appropriately.  His lack of success had nothing to do with his teaching skills, but everything to do with my lack of skill.  I enjoyed our time together the most.

• Ken had the opportunity to make some extra money on Monday.  Every little extra "dough" we make is a blessing in paying for our children's upcoming summer adventures (wedding and baseball camps aren't cheap!).  God is so good!  And I'm thankful for a man who works hard and sacrificially!
• I'm heading to Women's Retreat today.  It's been a few months of planning and work to put it together but I have enjoyed watching God's pre-retreat work and can't wait to see what He'll do this weekend as we gather.
• And oh how I love that spring is here!  My trees are beautiful with pink and white blossoms.  I wish they would just stay that way for more than a week.  I guess that is what causes me to be more in awe today!

 Thank you, Lord, for sustaining all things, especially me!  And in that sustaining, I see blessings and signs that you are present in my life.  Thank you for the ways I see you growing up my babies and sustaining them as well.  I pray that we each always radiate your glory in our comings and goings, and in our thanksgiving and trust!  You are my God and I praise you!

 

Thankful Thursday

A few things I'm thankful to the Lord for this last week...

• Wedding dress shopping with my daughter.

 

• Time with family.

• Laughter, fun, food, and lots of running around with Lyssa and Jered.

•  Signs of spring.

•  Though I missed my boy's games while I was away, another mom sent me this picture. I got this after we had spent an evening watching videos of when our kids were small.  It amazes me to see my boys growth!  He's a young man for sure!

Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise..."  Psalm 48:1

 

Strong in the Lord!

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

 Kyle, 3 years old

My son is growing up!  *sniff-sniff*

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

  Kyle, 17 years old

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

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


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

 

Thankful Thursday

"Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice."  1 Chronicles 16:10

 Kyle was in the newspaper! (Idaho Press Tribune, March 19, 2014)

A few little things I am rejoicing over this week!

• I love the sun and warmth, and the flowers peeking out from the earth.  Spring is on its way!
• The smell of a clean puppy.
• A surprise box of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch from a secret someone.
• A facetime call with Lyss...and my parents.
• Lunch "date" with my boys.
• Kyle hit a triple in Tuesday's COLD baseball game.
• Whoever invented a "lava seat" was a genius, and my sister the best for giving me one!
• A beautiful bouquet of flowers from my sweet hubby.

Lord, thank you for these many blessings!  I rejoice in you, my Savior, my God!  You show us your love and care in so many ways.  Thank you for being ever present in our lives.  Amen.

Mac Moment:

 This statue FREAKED him out. Funny!

 

Thankful Thursday

"If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection."  Psalm 63:5 (The Message)

Things I'm thankful for this week:

• Friday night was spent with both my boys, doing one of their favorite things...watching the high school state basketball semi-final games.   I didn't have to cook, and the three of us were together in one place.  Yeah!
• On Saturday, Ken and I enjoyed going to see the play "Fiddler on the Roof" at a nearby college, and watching one of the youth from our church perform.  It was a fun date, and we enjoyed singing the song "Do You Love Me" on the way home as we too, like Tevye and Golde, are soon celebrating 25 years of marriage

For twenty-five years I've washed your clothes
Cooked your meals, cleaned your house
Given you children, milked the cow
After twenty-five years, why talk about love right now?

 (I've done all but milk the cow...ha!)

• Kyle made the Varsity baseball team and had the first game of the season last night.  Let the baseball fun begin!  And God gave us beautiful weather for our first game. 
• Instead of giving Ken a team baseball hat for keeping score all season, the coach gave us a free season pass to get into the home games.  That's a big savings, I tell you!  God is good!
• Our Sunday night prayer time was precious and I'm blessed when I hear someone else pray for our kids.  We went into the prayer meeting just having heard a 17 year old, that Kyle has played with baseball with in years past, had died in a car accident, and the people in that room so lovingly prayed for Kyle's comfort.
• Tuesday night, Lyssa called in dire panic because she had stepped on a piece of glass.  My first thought was "She called me!" (Which just really may be what I'm thankful for!). We spent a good thirty minutes trying to keep her mind off the pain, and her threat to faint, by chatting with her about the weekend she spent with her future in-laws, while Jered tried to pull the glass out.  She did survive and she pulled the glass out all by herself.  Yeah Lyssa!

The list goes on and on!  I'm just thankful for the many ways I can see God living and active in my life, and in the life of my family.

Better is one day in your courts 

than a thousand elsewhere; 

I would rather be a doorkeeper

in the house of my God 

than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

                      --Psalm 84:10

Lord, I have been in grateful reflection, and my heart wants to cry out to you in thanksgiving.  You are living and active in our lives, and I am overflowing with gratitude.  Thank you, Lord, for your blessing and provision.  Thank you for answering the prayers of this praying mom.  What joy it brings to see your presence and work effecting the lives of my children.  I love living in your courts, dear Jesus, and wouldn't wish to be any where else!  I love you!

 

Thankful Thursday!

"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”  John 14:21

I have felt loved, in so many ways, by my Heavenly Father this week!  He shows Himself in beautiful ways!

• Our daughter got engaged into a young man she's been dating for 5 1/2 years.  I loved her declaration that she was "beyond happy".  Though I find myself anxious about her age, God clearly has told me to trust Him.  I've also loved the abundance of texts and facetime calls with Lyss since her engagement, asking questions, making plans, and keeping her parents in the loop. 

• Kyle has been working hard at both school and baseball.  I love his discipline for sure!  One blessing is that he is going to a big baseball camp this summer and someone gifted us with a check to help in the cost of this big adventure.  Words cannot express our gratitude.

• Ken and Kyle had a great time at Man Camp, and I sensed God answering some of my prayers about men who will speak truth and blessing into my teenage son's life.  Our young men need to see grown men living out their faith, and not ashamed of following God.  

• Our dog Mac had a brief stint of crazy wheezing and was pretty lethargic for a day, which is really cause for alarm when the mutt lives on high energy most of the time.   I was thankful that we have a veterinary friend in our church and she was quick to respond and give us help.  It seems that our dog was suffering from allergies.  Oh great, we needed another allergy mess around here.

Thank you, Lord, for the ways I sense your love and care over our family!  I see you in beautiful ways and my heart is full of gratitude and awe.  

 

Thankful Thursday

I will give you hidden treasures,
    riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

 Isaiah 45:3 

My hubby took me on a lovely getaway last weekend.  

The picture above is the view outside our window 

when we woke up Saturday morning.  Lots of snow!

Kyle getting ready for the Sweethearts Dance.  

He tied his tie in a fancy knot by watching a YouTube video.  

He was mighty handsome!

 Kyle and his girlfriend Tia as they headed out to the Sweethearts Dance.

  I'm work with a team of ladies to put on an annual Women's Retreat, 

and last weekend was our fundraiser.  We put on a Spaghetti Feed

and dessert auction, raising $1,707.00  So blessed. 

This dessert (above) is the one we "won"!  Kyle wanted the raspberries!

Kyle's transcript after this last semester.  Each semester he is improving.

He's such a disciplined student.

A surprise Valentines delivery was dropped off yesterday.  

More raspberries for Kyle, sweet treats, and a yummy dinner!

The thoughtfulness touched my heart.

Lord, thank you for the hidden treasures in this week that remind me of your presence in our lives.  You are so good to us!

 

With All Your Might

Photo Credit

Today, a new semester begins for Kyle.  He closed out the last semester with a 4.2 GPA and we are so proud of him. I pray that he works as hard this semester!

Work at it with all your might, Kyle!

Lord, as the new week and semester begins, push Kyle to be and do his best.  Instill in him a strong work ethic and remind him that you are pleased with his efforts.  Help Kyle to see the rewards of working hard and being disciplined in every area of his life.  Thank you, Father, for such a precious son.  You have made him smart, able, and confident and they are all gifts that will bring him success. 


 

An Additional "Thankful Thursday"

A text conversation with Kyle today...

Yeah God!!

 

Thankful Thursday

"I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!"  Deuteronomy 32:3

This week Kyle was invited to the Sweethearts Dance.

*  Kyle attended a big baseball camp this last weekend. He spent almost 30 hours in four days being taught, stretched, and observed.

*  We are 3/4 the way through finals week and Kyle's done a great job!  Tuesday, he got a 87% on his calculus final and ended the semester with 95%.  By tomorrow, we may just be able to celebrate a straight "A" semester!  Yahoo for Kyle!

*  A facetime call from Lyss was a treat.  It's good to see her happy and enjoying her new apartment and new semester.  Ken's headed today to see her...so jealous.

*  Ken would like to add that the Denver Broncos won and are going to the Superbowl.  I had two very happy boys in my house on Sunday!

 It's been a blessed week!

Thank you, Lord, for your continual presence and work in our lives.  You shower us with blessing and I delight in the ways I see you.  I love you, precious Savior!

And just on a funny note...Mac thinks this is a pretty great toy! (not a great picture because he kept moving!  Ha!)

Thankful Thursday

"And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name."  Luke 1:46-47, 49

My soul rejoices in God my Savior and the great things He has done for us!

• Our open house was a big success and a big blessing.  After much work we just enjoyed greeting and visiting with our church family. We have a great church, I tell you!  And after 19 1/2 years as their pastors, we still love them!
• I had 4 ladies who were sweet to help with the open house with baking and preparations.  Sweet, sweet friends!
• I came home from work one day last week and my dear hubby had cleaned the house for our open house!  What a gift!  I couldn't ask for a better man!
• Kyle has had a few early morning baseball workouts in the last week and has to be at school by 6:00 am.  He's done a great job at getting up and to school without help getting up.  I love that!  Such a responsible young man!
• I love getting Christmas cards in the mail.  I am reminded of the many special people God has placed in my life.
• A couple from our church blessed me with a basket with gifts for the twelve days of Christmas.  Each day I'm touched by their thoughtfulness.

• Lyssa is finishing up the fall semester of her sophomore year in college.  I'm assuming she's got great grades (ha) and we look forward to her coming home for Christmas break.
•  Ken and Kyle were given the opportunity to go pheasant hunting yesterday.  They've had some shooting practice and it paid off.  Together their group shot 18 pheasants.  Though it was cold and snowy out there they had a great time!

Lord, my soul glorifies you and my spirit rejoices in you, my Savior, for you have done great things for us— holy is your name. Thank you for your presence in our lives.  I see you in so many ways and my heart is full!

 

How Time Changes Things!

"I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do."  Acts 13:22

Happy Birthday to our son, Kyle!

On his birth, 17 years ago, 

he weighed 8 lbs 2 oz and was 21 inches long.

He was born on a cold blustery night as we listened to the news that Bill Clinton was re-elected for his second term in office as President of the United States.  

Gas was $1.22/gallon,

the Yankees had just won the World Series,

and the Nintendo 64 was making its debut.

Kyle Chandler on the t.v. show Early Edition prompted us to like the name "Kyle" if we happened to have a boy (the doctor had guessed a girl....surprise!).

Today our Kyle is 5 feet 10 inches and 165 lbs, and is thrilled as can be that the Boston Red Sox took the World Series last week.  And gas?  Who would have guessed we'd be happy that gasoline is down a few cents in the last week and is at $3.54?

A lot has changed in 17 years!

But one thing that has not?

That I sure love that boy that God gave us. 

I pray that Kyle becomes a man after God's heart and will do everything God wants him to do!  What joy it will be to continue to watch God's will for his life unfold!

Happy Birthday, Son!

Lord, blessed is the man you're making Kyle to be,
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

I pray that Kyle is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

(Psalm 1:1-3)

Thankful Thursday

"You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills, the trees of the field—all the world around you—will rejoice."  Isaiah 55:12 (Living Bible)

Last weekend we had the fun opportunity to travel to St. George, Utah.  I wish my camera could capture the beauty of the mountains surrounding the area.  The bright red is just glorious, almost as if shouting praise to the Creator!  Somehow taking in His creation makes me want to praise Him too!

It's been a good week...

• A baseball opportunity for Kyle in Utah.  Amazing to think scouts were there checking out the boys and their talent.  I almost wanted to shout at the top of my lungs when he hit a double, or made a great play outfield, but it just didn't seem appropriate at this level.  Ha.
• Time with my boys was priceless.  We just missed Lyss and sent her pictures of our yummy In & Out burger to make her jealous.
• Safe travels is always a worthy thing to thank the Lord for.  A 1,300 mile trip in a van with 209,000 and no problems is something to revel in. 
• Sunny and warm 77 degree weather in October was pretty nice.
• Because of our last minute trip we missed our church's Pastor Appreciation day, but still we came home to lots of love.  Words cannot express what the thoughtfulness of our church family means, and so I almost avoid saying anything fearing that I would somehow come across as expectant, prideful or deserving.  I just stand in awe of people's graciousness and kindness to us.  God has blessed us with a wonderful church family and I think that is why we love ministry so much.

That just seems like a good place to stop and say "thank you, dear Jesus!"  I rejoice in His goodness!

Lord, you are so good.  I can't say thank you enough for the many ways I've seen you evident in our lives this week. We're spoiled beyond words, and feels so loved and cared for.  Thank you for being such a gracious giver to Alyssa and Kyle.  I pray that they know and recognize the beauty you give to their lives!

 

Thankful Thursday

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave."  Luke 1:46-47

• Our church leaders had a wonderful retreat last weekend.  God's presence was felt in big ways.

• I braved zip-lining, and enjoyed the laughter and encouragement of my church friends.
• Kyle stayed at home by himself...and the house is still standing and the dogs are still alive.  I loved coming home and finding things fairly clean, and the dishwasher empty.  Yeah.
• I've been on a ten week struggle with my eyes/contacts, and at the retreat I had a moment of pleading with God.  I just wanted to wear my contact long enough that I could see the faces of my church family as we talked about how we've seen God working in our church over the last year.  God answered, and I wore my contact for a good 5 hours before it "yelled" at me that it was done.  Another praise...I went in to complain one more time about how my new contact was doing, and the doctor agreed it wasn't working well.  Another contact is on order.  Hopefully it will be a good answer before I hit week #11.
• A skype chat with Lyss (2 in one week) made my day.  God is slowly answering prayers about her living situation.  Though it's still hard, and things have not improved much, I think SHE is handling things a bit better.  Hard to tell long distance, but I think her demeanor seemed more at peace.

• Kyle came home on Monday and announced that he got the top grade on a test in his calculus class...a 98%!
• I see little signs on Facebook that Lyss is enjoying her college classes.  I'll give God thanks for the joy she is finding as she seeks ways to use the gifts He has given her.

  
Lord, thank you for these precious little blessings in my life this week.  Your fingerprints are visible all over our lives.  My soul proclaims the greatness of you, Lord, and my spirit has rejoices in you, my Savior!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle rejoice in you as well!