Dancing in the Aisles

Today's post is written by my dear hubby!  His help was a gift on a busy day.  Thanks, babe!


I saw this video someone recently posted and it sure made me laugh. It also caused me evaluate the joy level in my life. Jesus said we must become like little children to enter His kingdom. I pray that as our children mature that they retain the gift of wonder, joy and a fearlessness to be themselves.

As life responsibility increases, as we become more aware of peer pressure and as we grow in our desire to fit in, we risk losing our ability to live in the moment. If this guy can be this excited to move to the beat at a sporting event, why are we sometimes so restricted in our expressions of worship, celebration and thanksgiving? As forgiven, redeemed and dearly loved children of the King, we indeed have so much to celebrate!


Heavenly Father, as Lyssa and Kyle daily face growing challenges, homework and responsibilities, I pray they find Your endless joy to be their source of strength. Help them finish this quarter strong and with an awareness of the kind of daily joy, thanksgiving and rest that a child so easily enjoys. Thank you God that You are our Almighty Father, the source of our hope and joy.

 

Wordless Wednesday

Photo Credit

 

Wordless Wednesday

Photo Credit

 

Bronco Fans!

"But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."  Exodus 9:16

Kyle's a Boise State Bronco fan too! (2006)

My boys are die-hard Denver Bronco fans.  Which is a good thing when they are on a winning streak.  Kyle pulls out his Champ Bailey jersey (even now that its too small) and Ken is decked out in a snazzy new sweatshirt.  It would be hard to miss who they are rooting for and cheering on.

Since games are often on a Sunday, there is discussion about who is going to record them game, when and where they will watch it, and what what needs to happen to make sure they get to see their beloved team.  Being a follower of the Broncos takes intention and planning!

And oh does it get loud around here when the game is on! 

As our children grow up, my hope is that they make their faith their own and will declare in loud praise that "Jesus is Lord" so that it is clear Who's "team" they belong to.

Every knee will bow,
and every tongue confess,
Jesus is Lord!

O Lord, you are God and you have raised Alyssa and Kyle for the very purpose, that as you show them your power, they will proclaim  your name in all the earth.  I pray, dear Jesus, that they are your biggest followers and cheerleaders, praising your name to their friends, in public places, and in the quiet moments where it's just you and them.  May boldness characterize their faith and journey with you, always declaring your mightiness.  Jesus, you are Lord!


 

Persistence, Perseverance and Passion

Sorry....been a crazy week.  Another re-post.  Love the pic of Kyle.  Work week 1 of 2 coming to an end today.  Yeah. 


You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."  Hebrews 10:36

Persistent Kyle...1997

As a little tyke Kyle was always persistent in getting what he wanted.  Periodically, I still get to see that side of him.  Persistence, or perseverance, are good qualities when used for the right things, and in the right ways.

Kyle loved bath times, and he hated it when Alyssa would be taking a bath and he wasn't allowed to go in and join her.  I would close the bathroom door, and he would cry, and cry, and cry.  However, if I left the door open so he could check out what was going on, he couldn't just "sit on the sidelines" and watch Alyssa in the bath.  He had to get in with her...no matter what.  There were many times when all of a sudden my little boy was submerged in bubbles and warm water, in his pajamas and all (don't you love soggy, wet diapers?!).

Persistence, perseverance and passion got him what he wanted!

Kyle (and Alyssa), I hope that you use those same qualities to follow God's will for your life.  Be persistent, never letting any stumbling blocks to get in your way.  Perseverance will be the key when things get tough, or days feel long.  And passion will cause you to go great lengths for the One you love!

Lord, I know the plans you have for Alyssa and Kyle's lives are for good, and will bring them into places of abundance, joy, and life.  However, there will be days I'm pretty sure, that will be filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome.  Instill in our children the desire to be persistent, persevering, and passionate about the calling you place on their lives.  Remove any tendencies to be lazy or fearful, but choose to push through no matter the cost.  Lord, your strength is what they will need to hold onto some days, and your vision is what they will need to fix their eyes on, and when they do, I know that they will find great help and blessing.  I pray that they jump into your plan for their lives, feet first and with great gusto, no matter the things that seem to be in their way, because one day they will receive what you have promised! 

Praying Scripture: Delight in Your Word

Dear Precious Savior,

How can a Alyssa and Kyle stay on the path of purity?
   By living according to your word.
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle seek you with all their hearts;
   do not let them stray from your commands.
May they hide your word in their hearts
   that they might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, LORD;
   teach Alyssa and Kyle your decrees.
I pray that with their lips they can recount
   all the laws that come from your mouth.
Oh how I hope that Alyssa and Kyle rejoice in following your statutes
   as one rejoices in great riches.
May they always meditate on your precepts
   and consider your ways.
From today on, may Alyssa and Kyle delight in your decrees;
   and not neglect your word.


Be good to Alyssa and Kyle while they live,
   that they may obey your word.
Open their eyes that they may see
   wonderful things in your law.
Alyssa and Kyle are strangers on earth;
   do not hide your commands from them.
I pray that their souls are consumed with longing
   for your laws at all times.
Lord, you rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
   those who stray from your commands.
Remove from Alyssa and Kyle scorn and contempt,
   for they keep your statutes.
Though rulers sit together and slander you,
   I pray that your servants, Alyssa and Kyle,
   will meditate on your decrees.
May your statutes be Alyssa and Kyle's delight;
   they are their counselors.
                          --Psalm 119:9-24

Oh may it be so, my Lord!  
Amen.

Jesus and 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 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 just hot dogs with no bun.

Oh how Kyle 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 and 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!



Repost from April 9, 2010...just because I loved thinking about the memory of Kyle and his hot dogs today. It seemed so long ago. :) 

Jesus and the Boise State Broncos

“That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

You’re probably wondering what the Boise State Broncos have to do with Jesus. My husband claims all the time that God is the biggest Bronco fan ever. He knows this because the most beautiful sunsets are blue and orange.

Yes, my man thinks he is funny! Ha!

We live in Boise State heaven. Everywhere you turn, there is blue and orange. Cars are decked with flags, stickers, and license plates. Businesses have their BSU cheer on their signs and windows. Young and old, men or women, all are decked out in their BSU gear. Everyone screaming to the world who they are rooting for! Who would have thought that blue and orange would be such popular colors?

Then when you go to an actual Boise State football game, you are bombarded with blue and orange overload. You can really tell a semi-fan from a real FAN, if you know what I mean. Painted faces or bodies, beads, horns, and crazy hats all showing which team they are siding with. As you can tell by the following picture, my boy falls in the category of a real FAN!

Kyle...2005

My deepest prayer is that my children will be just as big of fans for Jesus Christ. That they will shout as loud for Him, as they do the Boise State Broncos. I pray that the way they dress, the activities they participate in, and the words they say, all represent whose team they are really on. May they be the biggest cheerleaders on God’s team!

Lord, I pray that my children live their lives representing your team. May they confess with their mouth that you are their Lord, and believe in their hearts that you are God! I pray that the gift of your salvation becomes their own, and that they live their lives rooting for the right team. May they go all out in their love for you, showing the world their excitement and passion for you. There’s no greater thing in this world that I desire for my children, than that of hem being Your child!



Originally posted:  October 24, 2009

Persistence, Perseverance and Passion

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."  Hebrews 10:36

Persistent Kyle...1997

As a little tyke Kyle was always persistent in getting what he wanted.  Periodically, I still get to see that side of him.  Persistence, or perseverance, are good qualities when used for the right things, and in the right ways. 

Kyle loved bath times, and he hated it when Alyssa would be taking a bath and he wasn't allowed to go in and join her.  I would close the bathroom door, and he would cry, and cry, and cry.  However, if I left the door open so he could check out what was going on, he couldn't just "sit on the sidelines" and watch Alyssa in the bath.  He had to get in with her...no matter what.  There were many times when all of a sudden my little boy was submerged in bubbles and warm water, in his pajamas and all (don't you love soggy, wet diapers?!).

Persistence, perseverance and passion got him what he wanted!

Kyle (and Alyssa), I hope that you use those same qualities to follow God's will for your life.  Be persistent, never letting any stumbling blocks to get in your way.  Perseverance will be the key when things get tough, or days feel long.  And passion will cause you to go great lengths for the One you love!

Lord, I know the plans you have for Alyssa and Kyle's lives are for good, and will bring them into places of abundance, joy, and life.  However, there will be days I'm pretty sure, that will be filled with challenges and obstacles to overcome.  Instill in our children the desire to be persistent, persevering, and passionate about the calling you place on their lives.  Remove any tendencies to be lazy or fearful, but choose to push through no matter the cost.  Lord, your strength is what they will need to hold onto some days, and your vision is what they will need to fix their eyes on, and when they do, I know that they will find great help and blessing.  I pray that they jump into your plan for their lives, feet first and with great gusto, no matter the things that seem to be in their way, because one day they will receive what 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!