Follow His Steps

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.  Job 23:10-11

Another week begins.  Who knows the challenges my kids will face.  They may be little bumps in the road, or they may be huge mountains to climb.  Either way, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle rise to the occasion and face each trial with the strength God can give.  Following Him will bring peace, success, and abundant joy.

Here's to a wonderful week!

Lord, 
You know the ways Alyssa and Kyle take;
when tests come their way,
I pray that they come forth as gold.

May their feet closely follow your steps;
Keeping your ways without ever turning aside.

Amen

 

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. 

 

Wordless Wednesday

Photo credit

 

Rooted in Him

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

 (1998)

My precious babies, receive Christ Jesus as Lord.

Lord, I pray that you are Savior and Lord of Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  Today may they choose to serve you and live totally devoted to you.  Be Lord of their hearts!

Continue to live lives in Him.

Living in you takes choice and obedience, daily deciding to follow you.  I pray that every step Alyssa and Kyle take is deeply bathed in prayer and seeking.  Lord, fill them with your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Be their strength and hope each day.

Develop roots deep in Christ and a foundation that is strong.

Your Word promises that you are always with us, but I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to be WITH you, and come to know you deeply and intimately.  May they come to you daily and spend time getting to know you.  I pray that they things that they've been taught will be an important foundation to their faith.  Roots that are grown deep in you will help Alyssa and Kyle withstand the storms of life and help them to stand strong.  Lord, be their One true foundation.

Overflowing with thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is an outpouring of a life lived in you.  I pray that praise and thankfulness are true characteristics of Alyssa and Kyle's hearts and that the overflow will be evident in their words and actions all the time.  Oh how truly blessed they are!  Even if they haven't always been given what they want, or I didn't parent the way I should, they are still rich with love, family, and faith.  I pray that they know that deep down in their hearts.  Today, Jesus, remind Alyssa and Kyle that you lavishly love them and there's no better gift in this life!

Amen.


 

Wordless Wednesday

(Photo Credit)

 

Walk in Obedience

"So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."  Deuteronomy 5:32-33

Photo Credit

If you tell God no because He won't explain the reason he wants you to do something, you are actually hindering His blessing.  But when you say yes to Him, all of heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward your obedience.  What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit. --Charles Stanley

"You are my friends if you do what I command."  John 15:14


Obedience hasn't always come naturally to our kids.  I was reminded this weekend of something I used to say to them, "we can do this the easy way, or the hard way, but you will do it."  I don't get "no" very much any more.  Sometimes my request is just easily forgotten.  

My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle will be better at obedience when it comes to listening to God.  When He calls, I pray that they go running ready to immediately obey.

Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is. --George Mueller

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to walk in obedience.  I pray that they will never turn to the right or to the left, but only go forward where you have commanded them.  In this obedience to you, Alyssa and Kyle can live and prosper, and walk in your peace, joy, and light.  Teach their spirits, sweet Holy Spirit, and lead them in the way you have made perfect for them.  Obedience is pure delight to you and I pray it's the call fo Alyssa and Kyle's hearts.
 
 

God's Missionary

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."  Matthew 4:19

Kyle (yesterday)

  A little something to ponder today:

"The goal of a missionary is to do God's will, not to be useful or to win the lost.  A missionary is useful and he does win the lost, but that is not his goal,  His goal is to do the will of his Lord."  (Oswald Chamber, My Utmost for His Highest)

I'd never thought of the term "missionary" in that light.  I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle always choose to do the will of the Lord!  It won't always be easy, but it's a high calling that will reap God's abundant grace and blessing!

Lord, today I pray for my dear children, Alyssa and Kyle, and lift them before your throne.  Make their hearts and minds aware of your presence and call on their lives.  Urge them, Father, to always follow you wherever you lead and continually do your will.  In this, may others see your reflection in their lives, and be drawn to find you for themselves.  Being a fisher of men is a wondrous benefit that comes if Alyssa and Kyle would live in close relationship with you.  You, Lord, are the light of the world, and you are the precious Savior for all.  There is no greater calling in our lives, than to follow your will.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Prayer for 2013

As I look towards the new year, this is my prayer for Alyssa and Kyle:

God, teach Alyssa and Kyle lessons for living
    so they can stay the course.
Give them insight so they can do what you tell them—
    their whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide Alyssa and Kyle down the road of your commandments;
    I love traveling this freeway!
Give them a bent for your words of wisdom,
    and not for piling up loot.
Divert Alyssa and Kyle's eyes from toys and trinkets,
    invigorate them on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to Alyssa and Kyle—
    promises made to all who fear you.

Psalm 119:33-37

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Even Drudgery

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness..."  1 Peter 1:5

I have a pet peeve.  I hate to say it, but I cringe whenever my kids say "That doesn't sound like fun" or "That's boring."  There are things in life that seem like drudgery, yet we still need to do them.  Life isn't all about fun and games.   

There's bathrooms to clean,
Homework to do,
Dinner to make,
and meetings to attend...

I love this quote from Oswald Chambers,

Drudgery is the test of genuine character. The greatest hindrance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. Yet, “Jesus . . . took a towel and . . . began to wash the disciples’ feet . . .” (John 13:3-5).

Choosing to do things that are good and right, even if they are boring, hard, or uncool, builds character and opens the door to God's blessing and activity in our lives. 

"I must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life has all of the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I will do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience all of the magnificent grace of God is mine through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ."  Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest"

I'm praying that my children's lives are marked by obedience, even when it seems like drudgery, because who knows what God will do in them, or through them.

Lord, your grace is so amazing!  What an amazing thought that you can use every detail of our lives...even the little, mundane, and seemingly insignificant...to change us in the inside, draw us closer to you, or make a difference in someone else's life.  Father, help Alyssa and Kyle to choose to be obedient even in the things in life that seem to be drudgery and insignificant.  Out of their obedience, Lord, show them yourself.  Living in faith, means that sometime we don't know the "why" behind the things you ask of us, but we still choose to follow you wherever you lead.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's faith is so huge, that they will always choose to be obedient to the calling you issue on their lives.  Build their character in such a way that immediately respond, move their feet to go where you send them, and use their hands to work for you.  May your magnificent grace be our children's through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ.
 

Thankful Thursday: Redeemed Time

"God makes everything happen at the right time."  Ecclesiastes 3:11

At first, it just felt like a big glitch in my day.  I mean, no electricity for 5 hours kind of messes up one's plans.

So, in place of baking cookies for our upcoming open house...

• I had a visit with my neighbor and she shared with me how her friend needs prayer for her newborn baby who is struggling.

• I had a sweet silence as I finished off my Women's Bible study homework.  When is it ever that silent?  No hum of the refrigerator, no spin cycle on the washer, and no music playing on my computer.  Pure quiet.

• I had an impromptu visit with my friend as we chatted over freshly baked cookies and a glass of cool water.  (How does one heat water for coffee or tea without electricity?  Such a simple task on a normal day?)  The hour was a delight.

• And what's a boy to do after school without computers, video games, and cable tv?  Talk to his mother of course.  We laughed over cookies, gold fish crackers, and a glass of milk.  He's a growing boy.

A friend said it well, in response to my facebook status, sharing about my day, "Your time was more than redeemed!"

Yes, I'm thinking so. 

Thank you, dear Jesus, for redeeming my time today.  You make everything happen at the right time.  I just need to remember that sometimes.  Though my plans were different for this day, you used my time for your good and I was blessed.  Help me to be an example to Alyssa and Kyle of how to use time well, to be flexible when your plan takes them down different paths, and to rejoice in the outcomes of "bump in the road".  Lord, you are in control of my days, and I trust you.  Order my steps and plans, and I pray that you will be glorified in my response.

 

Keepin' Them on Track

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;    he’s the one who will keep you on track.  --Proverbs 3:5-6

Praying that Alyssa and Kyle learn to TRUST and LISTEN.

Trust God
and
Listen for His voice.

Two things that will keep them on the right track!

Lord, you are so worthy of our trust.  You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and are our firm foundation.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle trust You from the bottom of their hearts and not try to figure out everything on their own.  Teach them to listen for your voice in everything they do and everywhere they go. You, Father, are the one who will keep Alyssa and Kyle on track as they trust and listen.  What a glorious and beautiful life they will have as they walk with you!

 

Law Abiding Citizens

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities..."  Romans 13:1

In less than a month my baby boy is turning 16.  How time flies.  Kyle is waiting with bated-breath for his big day, for one main reason:

He can drive after dark.

We've had many "discussions" about the fairness of us following the law of our state that says those under 16 cannot drive before sunrise and after sunset.  With each day getting shorter and shorter this rule gets harder and harder to obey.

We've heard many points in this debate...
I won't get caught.
Other parents don't care if their kid drives after dark.
I'll be 16 in less than a month.

I am trying to teach my son that following the law and living obedient lives is an important part of who we are as believers and citizens.  We don't always understand the rules but most often they are for our best.  

I'm praying that my kids are always rule followers and law abiders by choice!

Lord, even your Word calls us to obey and submit to governing authorities.  I pray that obedience marks Alyssa and Kyle's lives whether it be by obeying your Word, hearing your voice lead them, or obeying the laws of the land.  Often our human nature is to buck and battle when there are limits or boundaries placed on us, but you call us to live obedient and self-sacrificing lives. Often being a rule-follower is the harder thing, but I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always choose submission, obedience, and compliance.  Father, soften their wills and make them tender towards you and your call on their lives.  May they be wholly obedient to you!
 

 

In Sync

"Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade."  Romans 3:28 (The Message)

I've enjoyed watching the Olympics this week.  So much talent, strength, and practice invested!  I've been particularly fascinated by the rowing and diving.

Focus.

Precision.

Unity.

Each movement in sync

with their partner.

I want to be that way with my Savior.  In step with His pace and plan.  

And I pray that for Alyssa and Kyle too!  As they go about their days, and make plans for their future, may they always fix their eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of their faith!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle get in step with you and let you set the pace for where they go and what they do, and not proudly or anxiously try to run the parade themselves.  May they choose to live in sync with you.  To do that Alyssa and Kyle will have to spend time with you often, listen intently, and live lives of obedience.  Following you will bring great success, a growing courage, and strength to handle all things.  Thank you, Lord, for being our greatest partner in life!

 

Not Neglecting His Word

 How can a Alyssa and Kyle keep their ways pure?
    By living according to your word.
I pray that they seek you with all their hearts;
    do not let them stray from your commands.
Teach Alyssa and Kyle to hide your word in their heart
    that they might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O Lord;
    teach Alyssa and Kyle your decrees.
With their lips may they recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.
May Alyssa and Kyle rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
And I pray that they meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
Oh that they delight in your decrees;
    and not neglect your word.

Psalm 119:9-16

 

Immediate Obedience

"Noah did everything just as God commanded him."  Genesis 6:22 

When you're hanging out with kids it doesn't take long before you see or hear them disobey or ignore their parents. Even my own at 18 and 15.  It can be so exasperating.  I wonder if God ever finds His children disobedient?  Somehow, failing to listen to directions, or going where told, comes pretty naturally to kids.  It's not even something we have to teach.  


In fact, as parents we need to be better at teaching our kids to be obedient.  Sometimes those are hard lessons.  I'll tell you what, it's better to do it sooner than later.  


I've always been struck with this quote:
"Delayed obedience is still disobedience".  


There should be no waiting for the count to three.  Let's be children who obey the first time!  
And every time!


Lord, thank you for the example of Noah.  May we be like him and do everything you command us to.  I also pray that Alyssa and Kyle are obedient to the things you ask of them, and even obedient to those over them here on earth.  Please help them to be respectful of laws, followers of your commands, and obedient to those in authority.  Obedience, Lord, sometimes feels like the surrender of our rights and an inhibitor to our wants and desires, but I pray that Alyssa and Kyle choose not to look to their own interest, but to the interest of others.  I pray that our kids find obedience worth the effort, and I pray that I can be a parent who calls them to a higher standard of doing what is asked for.  Lord, take our human hearts, that are often selfish, lazy, and ignorant, and make them more like your servant heart. 

 

Incredible Obedience

"Jesus...said to him, ’You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have...and come, follow Me.’ But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich."  Luke 18:22-23

God has asked me to do some hard things in my life.  Things that I've dragged my feet on.  In those moments I have loved the fact that I've heard Him speak to me, yet at the same time my feelings or fears get in the way, and I almost want to hear Him say it again so I know that I heard Him right.  Oh, my silly humanness.  What I've learned through all of that, however, is that God blesses me in abundant ways when I'm willing to be obedient.

Kyle's birthday party (2004) 

"The Incredibles"

(Kyle wasn't so happy about me wanting to take this picture!)

"Our Lord knows perfectly well that once His word is truly heard, it will bear fruit sooner or later. What is so terrible is that some of us prevent His words from bearing fruit in our present life. I wonder what we will say when we finally make up our minds to be devoted to Him on that particular point? One thing is certain— He will never throw our past failures back in our faces."  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, August 17

I wonder what kind of things God is going to ask my kids to do, and what sort of response they will give Him.  Will they choose obedience?  Or maybe waffle in indecision and fear?  As babies, one of their first words was "NO."  (Not "no", but "NOOO!!")  I'm praying that as they become adults, and mature in their faith, that their automatic response will be obedience.  Oh "YES, Lord!"

What INCREDIBLE blessing is theirs when they choose to obey Him!

Lord, I pray that our children will always follow wherever you lead, and go everywhere you call them to go.  I long to see Alyssa and Kyle obedient in all that you ask of them, whether it be big or small.  Open their ears so that they can hear your calling clearly.  Give their feet a boldness to step out in faith and follow your leading despite any fear, doubts, or reservations.  Lord, may obedience always be our children's natural response to you.  When saying "yes" takes sacrifice, give them added strength and blessing.  When saying "yes" brings fear, allow peace to reign in the midst of following your leading.  Obedience will ultimately bring great reward as they live in the direct center of your will.  Thank you, Lord, for loving our children so much, that you'll continue to prod them to obedience, lovingly speak your hopes and plans into their lives, and will forgive them if they choose to go the wrong way.  Help make obedience become a natural outpouring of their relationship with you, dear Jesus.