TGIF

 

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!

 

A Great Calm

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."  Mark 4:39

Brother and Sister (2008)

I'm not a huge worrier...until it comes to my kids.  As I pray for Alyssa and Kyle each day, and sometimes pen stories or thoughts that have been impressed on my heart that day, God takes control of the storm I feel and I hear Him say "Peace! Be still".

And there is a great calm.

Thank you, dear Sovereign Lord, for your calming peace in my life.  I revel in the assurance that you take great delight in me, and will quiet me with your love, rejoicing over me with singing.  Help me to "be still and know that you are God", especially where my kids are concerned.  I pray, Father, that you continue drawing Alyssa and Kyle to yourself so that they know you as God, Savior, and Friend.  In the area where I am weak in my parenting, I know you are strong and I'm thankful that you fill in all the gaps.  Thank you, Lord for your calming peace as I love, teach and let go of control in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  They are yours for ever and ever.

 

My Struggles

 Our annual Christmas picture (2013).

Hello, patient friends!  If you've kept coming back to my blog over the last month looking for an updated post, you're faithful and forgiving. 

My absence has been, in part, needing a break during the busy holidays.  I felt challenged with a packed schedule and wanting to be present with my kids while they where home for Christmas break.  Lyssa just headed back to college on Friday and begins a new semester today.

The other reason for my absence is my own personal inner struggle to know if I'm still following God's leading to post a prayer daily.  I've waffled to know if I'm doing it with the right heart and if its making a difference anywhere, especially in my and my kids lives.  Doubt can often be a tool of the enemy to discourage and frustrate the one following God in obedience.  I also know the opposite is true and that doubt can lead us further into the arms of the One who knows us and loves us.  Lately, I think doubt has been a "gift" of the enemy.

My kids have come to the age where I've begun to fear if I've done enough in my parenting. Its almost like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I regret if I've peddled hard enough, took the right turns, and will come out the other side having said all that I've needed to say. The tunnel seemed really like a long journey in the beginning and I would have all the time in the world to prepare my kids for being adults, but now it feels like it's been just a blink of the eye and I wish I had done better.

I doubt if I've shared enough of Jesus.
I doubt if I gave them enough tools to work hard in their relationships with others.
I doubt if I taught them to work hard, give generously, and be content.
I doubt if I was hard enough, present enough, and loving enough.

Then I am reminded that this parenting this isn't all about ME (thank goodness!).  Its also about my kids and how well they've chosen to listen and learn.  And more importantly, it's about God and His work in my kids lives, despite my parenting gaps and deficits. 

I'm still struggling, but I'm trying to trust Him deeper.  I'm not sure what my blog will look like in the coming days or months, but I hope you'll forgive me, pray for me, and keep checking back if you're interested.  Over the years, this has been a therapeutic discipline, especially when I was prone to worrying about Alyssa and Kyle, and for some reason I can't just give it up completely.  Maybe it's because I know that I'm really not done parenting, nor ever will be, it's just changing.


I personalized this verse to make it my prayer.
"May the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13 NIV

 

Salvation Saturday & Sunday

Being a mom is not for the faint of heart, I tell you!  Why didn't someone share that news with me before I entered the realm of no return?  And the struggles just don't end with potty training and teaching those little hoodlums how to sleep through the night.  Sorry if this is not encouraging news to some of you.  Though I think I do have some good news to share.

Before kids (and even still, though I hate to admit it) I had some pretty big fears about being a mom.  Would my kids grow up to be well adjusted adults?  Could I keep them from drugs, alcohol, smoking and other life-damaging things?  Was I going to teach them well enough to love the Lord or would they walk away from the faith of their parents? Oh how I feared loosing my precious babies to this world.  

So, to "prevent" these fears from becoming realities, over the years I've done things to ensure their safety and protection.  Since Alyssa and Kyle were born we've gone to church, attended play groups, sent them to church camp, and taught them about the Lord from my experiences.  But out of my intense insecurities, I hate to admit, I started writing this blog and even formed a parent prayer group at church.  I figured the more prayer for my kids the better!  I just didn't want to fail at this parenting thing.

In some ways, what I feel like I have failed at is this: trusting God to do His work.  I don't want to negate the importance of praying for my kids, but by golly, I think I need to confess that I need to trust God to do His job too.  He is the One who will do the work in Alyssa and Kyle's lives so that they know and believe in Him, and choose to live their lives according to His design and plan.  Me?  I just get to trust, pray, hope...and watch.  

That's pretty good news!

I hold onto this:   
"He is wooing MY KIDDOS from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction,    to the comfort of your table laden with choice food."  Job 36:16 (NIV)

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in THEM will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6 (NIV)


Oh precious Jesus, I trust you fully.  I trust you with Alyssa and know that you are continually wooing her to yourself. She is your daughter and you hold her in the palm of your hand, and will keep her in the center of your heart.   I also trust you with Kyle's heart and believe with all that I am, that He is your son and you will be calling his name, pursuing him around every corner, and have great plans for his life.  I am confident of this, you HAVE begun a good work in Alyssa and Kyle's lives and YOU will carry it on to completion.  They are yours Precious Savior, not mine.  I will continue to trust you, pray for them, hope with all that I am, and watch your hand at work in Alyssa and Kyle's lives.  This I pray, Amen!

 

Praying for Mom

 

Thankful Thursday: The One Who Sees

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have seen the One who sees me.”  Genesis 16:13

 God sees me.  (Is that a profound thought to anyone else?)

God sees the days I struggle as a mom.

God sees my hopes and dreams for my kids.

God sees my fears and worries.

God sees my babies when I can't. 

God sees today and tomorrow.

God sees our needs.

God sees.

And I'm so thankful!


Oh Lord, You are the God who sees me, and that just amazes me!  Thank you for knowing everything about my world and being in it all.  You see it all and still love me.  You are aware of every detail and you're actively working in and through it all.  And Precious Savior, you see Alyssa and Kyle and you're watching over them, wooing them to yourself, and teaching them about yourself.  You know each fear, hear every prayer, and see all of our needs.  Thank you, God, for loving your children that much.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know intimately the true God that you are!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Love This!

from LifeWayWomen

 

Thankful Thursday: Our Village

"One generation will commend your works to another;

 they will tell of your mighty acts." Psalm 145:4

Parenting is not a lone sport. When it is said that it takes a village to raise a child, I think I'd have to agree in a big way. I'm especially thankful for the other adults in my children's lives that are advocates for faith, and are helping lead them closer to Christ. They are many...Youth workers, Sunday school teachers, friends, and even family and grandparents.

I thought of honoring each of them by showing you their picture or listing their name, but the list became long, and I'd hate to miss someone. Even those who may not play big parts in their lives, can still have a tremendous impact on their spiritual walk, self-image, future career, who they date/marry, or their outlook on life. No pressure or anything!

The "village" is an important part of my kids lives.

My heart is full of thanks!

Lord, you have blessed our children's lives with so many special people, and you are using them in mighty ways. Each moment they spend with Alyssa and Kyle, is a moment where they have the opportunity to commend Your works, and tell of your mighty acts, helping draw them in to a personal relationship with you. Thank you for so many who radiate You living in their lives, and can't help but pass that passion onto our kids. I'm thankful for the time these people invest in so many lives, showing friendship, giving encouragement, lending a listening ear, and sharing wisdom...all helping develop our kids into adults who live for You. I'm thankful that I don't parent alone.  You have richly blessed our lives!

 

Rest on Me

"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."  Isaiah 11:2 

Some days to pray for my children, means praying for me as their mom.  As a mother, I have many days where I feel like I have no where near the amount of wisdom I need to parent my babies.  Each day there are new and different things to work through, always leading me to depend on my Savior for guidance.  I long to be the best mom I can be, but I know that I can't do it without Him.

Lord, you have blessed me with two beautiful children, and my heart thanks you over and over again.  Yet, at times I feel so inadequate as their mother.  You've said in your Word that you'd never give me more than I could handle, but at times parenting feels like a job that requires more wisdom, strength, and patience than I can muster.  Only with You by my side, can I be the mother my children need.  Lord, please fill me with everything I need to parent my children.  Fill me with your wisdom each day, refuel my energy and strength, and mark my life with your peace and patience.  Lord, may I reflect you to my children, and help lead them into a living and active relationship with you.  I pray that you fill me with the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.  Holy Spirit, please rest on me!

 

Thankful Thursday: It's God's Battle

I needed a word from the Lord this week.  

Before I know it, my oldest child is heading off to college. In my head I am thinking, have I taught her all she needs to know from me? Will she make good choices?  Is she wise enough in the Lord to recognize the enemies lies?  Oh, the worries take over sometimes.

But God's message to me was loud and clear. Each line was just what I needed to hear.

This is what the Lord says to you (to me): 

‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  

For the battle is not yours, but God’s.   

You will not have to fight this battle. 

Take up your positions; 

stand firm and see the deliverance 

the Lord will give you.

Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged.'

 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17

I am thankful for the reminder that battle is not mine, it's the Lords!

Thank you, dear Lord, for knowing just what I needed to hear.  I will not be afraid or discouraged, but trust our children to your care.  Alyssa and Kyle are fully yours, and their souls are yours, and I will not be afraid.

Supply What I Lack

This is a prayer I found online and appreciated it's content. Just the perfect prayer for today.  I especially appreciated the part about being a parent.   It's a hard job, man, and needs much prayer!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this treasured child of mine. Although you have entrusted him/her to me, I know he belongs to you. Like Hannah offered Samuel, I dedicate my child to you, Lord. I recognize that he is always in your care. 

Help me as a parent, Lord, with my weaknesses and imperfections. Give me strength and godly wisdom to raise this child after your Holy Word. Please supply what I lack. Keep my child walking on the path that leads to eternal life. Help him to overcome the temptations in this world and the sin that would so easily entangle him. 

Dear God, send your Holy Spirit daily to lead and guide him. Ever assist him to grow in wisdom and stature, in grace and knowledge, in kindness, compassion and love. May he serve you faithfully with his whole heart devoted to you. May he discover the joy of your presence through daily relationship with your Son, Jesus. 

Help me never to hold on too tightly to this child, nor neglect my responsibilities before you as a parent. Lord, let my commitment to raise this child for the glory of your name cause his life to forever testify of your faithfulness. 

In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

 

Hold Up My Arms, Dear Jesus!

"So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."  Exodus 17:10-13

 My Precious Family...2009

Lord, in the busyness of this day, please remind my children that they are loved immensely.  In the moments when I am not available, whether physically or mentally, may they know that they are two of the most important people in my life.  Oh how I love how you've made them, dear Jesus, and how you've given them to me to enjoy, care for, and love.  I don't always do my job adequately, so please fill in the gaps where I miss the mark.  Lord, help me to be available and aware in the moments that they need a listening ear.  Give me a boldness to speak truth into the areas where they wandering off your path.  Open my eyes so that I can see clearly their needs, hurts, and fears.  I cannot do this parenting thing alone, Father, so please hold my hand, and be the one to lift up my arms (like Aaron and Hur did for Moses) so this "battle" can be won for my children's lives and souls.  Today, Jesus, I am on my knees seeking your strength, asking for your wisdom, and surrendering to you my job as a mom.  And above all, I'm on my knees in worshiping you as my God, my Redeemer, and my all in all!

Confessions of a Snooze Alarm

"Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it."  Proverbs 22:6

My girl...2011

Yesterday morning was not a good morning…At least from this mother’s perspective.  This is a text I sent my dear hubby…

“If I had to make a list of things I hate, there are at least two things that would make the running next to mice…our schedules and waking up the girl.”

 I think I deserve the nickname “snooze alarm”. 

I come to her room every 15 minutes or so.

I remind her of how much time she has until she has to leave.

I turn on lights.

I nudge.

I’ve even been known to set off the fire alarm (blogged about here).

Then at some point I claim that the “snooze alarm” is "out of order".

Yesterday, with 7 minutes to spare before needing to head out the door, and no less than 7 trips to her bedroom, Lyss got out of bed.

I probably get more and more frustrated, not entirely because the kids don’t get out of bed when they should, but because I don’t put my foot down and allow them to fail (or succeed) all on their own in the department of getting up in the morning.  I make myself the “snooze alarm”.

Lyssa is facing her senior year in high school.  One more year and she’ll be away at college and have to figure this getting up thing all on her own.  Oh I need to let go of thinking that the “snooze alarm” is my job, and pass the responsibility and “privilege” off to the girl.  

Wake up, Tresa, it’s time!

Lord, you’ve given me the awesome responsibility of training up my children in the way they should go, and so many times I feel like I have failed.  Give me the strength and wisdom to know how and when to make changes, teach hard lessons, and even give myself and them grace.  You discipline those you love and I need to follow that example even when it’s hard.  You allow your children to face hard consequences when we make wrong choices, and I need to be willing to do the same.  And still you are are our refuge, shelter, and walk with us through the tough times that are a result of our mistakes.  I so want Alyssa and Kyle to grow up to be responsible adults and the things we are teaching them now are laying a foundation for that.  Be our teacher, dear Jesus, and show us the ways we should be parenting, and give us wisdom and courage to make new rules, institute different changes, or allow hard consequences.  Lord, grow up Alyssa and Kyle in the way they should go, and I pray that they never depart from it.

Lord, Please Bridge the Gap

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11

Oregon Coast...2005

I love to read. Though it is not my prayer focus today in my blog, I do pray that my kids fall in love with reading someday. My husband doesn’t quite have the same thrill as I do walking into “Barnes and Noble” or the Christian bookstore either. I pray for him too. Ha!

Christian fiction is often my “flavor” of choice, and mostly I just read for enjoyment. However, sometimes God surprises me with an important lesson within the story. One book in particular has stuck with me and I think about it often. A friend and I even talked about it over coffee today. The book is called “Tristan’s Gap” by Nancy Rue, and I’d highly recommend it for any mother.

I won’t go into the storyline of this book. You’ll have to just have to go and read it yourself. Who knows, maybe God will speak to you too. The theme that had such an impact on me is based on one of the best pieces of advise that the author was given when her children were young: “Pray that God will bridge the gap between what your child needs and what you can give her.”

There are many areas, known and unknown to me, in which I need God to fill in the gaps of my parenting capabilities. No matter how hard I try, I will never be able to provide for all of my children’s needs. I cannot protect them from every hurt. I won’t be able to fulfill every desire. I will never be able to be with them in every crisis. I will be unable to meet every need that they have physically, emotionally, and for sure spiritually. So, I am on me knees, dependent and hopeful that God will take care of all the things that I cannot.

I need God to help me be the best parent I can be, but I also need Him to “bridge the gap” between what my children need and what I can actually give them! What a hope to hold on to!

Lord, thank you for my children, and for the gift they are in my life. But, Lord, sometimes parenting is hard, and I need you to guide me, strengthen me, and help me in those times where I seem to fail. My kids have so many needs, and some I can fill and some I cannot. I’m so glad that I don’t have to parent alone. You are with me. Please, Lord, bridge the gaps between what my kids need, and what I can actually give them. Where I am not enough, take over and fill in the blanks. Lord, I stand in faith, believing in your promise to satisfy our needs, and strengthen our frames. Oh, how I pray you do that for me as a parent to my children, and for my children in their lives. Lord, guide us always.

Originally posted:  October 21, 2009

Mind Your Manners

"When you go out to dinner with an influential person, mind your manners: Don't gobble your food, don't talk with your mouth full. And don't stuff yourself; bridle your appetite."  Proverbs 23:1(The Message)

Kyle...2007

Just the other day I caught Kyle going for a quick swig of Sunny Delight, right out of the bottle, and I cried out in disgust and reprimand.  He responded by "Why?" 

"Because it's not good manners" I retort. 

And his response made me laugh.

"Well who said we have to use our manners all the time?"

I guess I haven't taught my little man to be a little gentleman.  By golly, this mom still has work to do! 

Watch out, my son.  Here I come!

Lord, give me wisdom in parenting Alyssa and Kyle.  It's not long until they will leave home, and there is so much they need to know.  Help them to mind their manners, and remember the things that I  have taught them.  I pray that they refrain from greed and gluttony, excel in using "please" and "thank you", and always speak with words that would be pleasing to you.  May they from talking with their mouths full of food, but live with mouths full of praise, encouragement, and thanksgiving.  Lord, I will not always be with Alyssa and Kyle, but I pray that they will remember the things that they have been taught.  Please...

Thankful Thursday: He's Not Done

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, 

will continue his work until it is finally finished 

on the day when Christ Jesus returns."  Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Alyssa and I...2007

I am thankful that God is not finished with me yet. 

I'm just sayin'...

Lord, thank you for not giving up on me.  I thank you that you are doing a good work in me, and you will continue to do so until the day of Christ's return.  Continue to mold me into the woman you want me to be.  I so want to reflect you as I parent, as a wife, and when I serve others.  There are days when I feel like there is more of me in me, than you, and I so want that to be different.  Lord, forgive me for the times when I fall short, and fill me with your Spirit and strength so I can handle anything that comes my way. Clothe me with strength and dignity.  Dear Jesus, I'm so thankful that you're not finished with me yet.  May I shine with Your presence living in my life.

Thankful Thursday: God Hears

Alyssa's feet...and creative photography art.

I love knowing God hears my prayers!  I see His evidence in so many ways. As we spend time praying we become more and more aware of His activity and presence in our lives.  God hears, my friends, when we speak.

Some of my answered prayers...

• I've caught Alyssa and Kyle actually liking each other recently.  So sweet to see them laughing together.
• Our family has been fighting illness over the last week, but are now healthy.
• Alyssa is enjoying her classes this year.  Especially her Psychology class at the community college.
• I see my daughter growing in her faith, and desiring to go deeper.
• Kyle is thriving at school, and making lots of christian friends who want to hang out together outside of school.
• Our family has experienced some wonderful family times together over the last week.

God is good.  He hears me when I cry out to Him!

Amen!

Lord, thank you for hearing this mother's prayers.  I see you active in our children's lives in so many ways.  My mouth will speak your praise!  You are constantly abiding with Alyssa and Kyle...protecting them, guiding them, and teaching them.  You cover over every detail of their lives.  Lord, you mark every day with your presence, but today may they take notice.  Open their eyes that they may see you in clear and precious ways.  Open their eyes that they may hear you tenderly calling their name.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing your children pray.

Following My Example

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Papa, Daddy and Kyle...1998

I love this picture!  There's just something about seeing little Kyle try to be just like the big boys.  Tent making is hard work, boy howdy!

Daily Alyssa and Kyle are watching how their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends handle what life throws at them.  They are making note of how we work, deal with conflict, forgive, show love, serve, and walk with Jesus.  (Unfortunately, they'll  catch some of the the bad things, as well as the good.)

So I wonder, what will my kids take away from watching me today?  What will they observe, with their eyes or ears, of my faith in God?  It gives me pause to ponder.  

What of me are they becoming?

Lord, I try to follow you to the best of my ability every day.  I try to be who you call me to be, and walk where you lead.  As I follow you, I hope that I am becoming more like you.  Some days it feels like I have such a long way to go.  Dear Jesus, help my kids to see you in me, and desire to follow my example.  May they see the joy that comes from living their life for you, and go out and want to do the same.  May they see the peace that appears when we choose to forgive, and do likewise when it is necessary. May they see the hope that comes from just knowing and resting in you. I pray that their eyes see a difference in me because I spend time in your Word.  I pray that they catch onto the joy that comes when we listen or encourage others, or give of ourselves when someone is in need.  Lord, help me, as Alyssa and Kyle's mom, to be a beautiful example to them of a child who obediently and passionately follows her Father.