Zipping My Lips

"Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it."  1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

Photo credit

I sometimes have conversations with people, in my head, as I'm getting ready in the morning. Yesterday morning I had a doozie of one and came up with the PERFECT response to someone's gruff comments to me yesterday.  Sometimes I wish I was quicker with my comebacks in person.
 
Then again, maybe it's good that I can't.  My tongue could probably get me in trouble.  Better to stay quiet than say something I'd regret, I'm thinkin'.

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."  Proverbs 21:23

Watching our words, whether in response to someone else's unkind comments, or just in every day conversation, is a spiritual discipline that can take much effort and practice.  I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle learn to watch their words and be careful to speak with words that build up, encourage, and shine the light of Christ living in them.

Words have great power, for good or evil.  Oh be careful little mouth what you say!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle keep their tongues out of trouble.  When there is temptation to repay evil for evil, or retaliate with insults when people insult them, help our children to pay back with blessings instead.  May you be reflected in our words, dear Jesus!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Today

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”
 Lamentations 3:22-24



Another week begins.  I'm trying to not be consumed by my to-do list and schedule, and talking with Lyss last night, I know she is in the same boat as she concludes her semester in college.

Today, I will live in peace. 
Today, God's compassion won't fail.
Today, He is my portion.
Today, I will wait on Him.

Lord, because of your great love we are not consumed, for your compassions never fail.  They are new today, even in the busyness and stress of the season.  Great is your faithfulness, Savior!  I will continue to remind myself that you are my portion and I will wait for you.  May the same be true for Alyssa and Kyle today.  Be their strength as this new day and new week begin.  Be Alyssa and Kyle's portion as they wait on you.

 
 

Like a Bird

My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God. 

Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    O Lord Almighty, 

 my King and my God.  

Blessed are those who 

dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you. 

--Psalm 84:2-4 

We have a trio of trees in our backyard (pictured above) that is about as close to heaven as you can get for some birds.  Each morning and every night we get concert of major proportions.  Sometimes it's so loud, the kids are hollering for the birds to shut-up.  Of course, most of the time, I find the singing to be a sweet, sweet sound.

Yesterday in church someone shared in open worship (a good description here if you want to know more) about the peace that a bird has as it's singing in the trees.  They worry for nothing and they spend their days rejoicing.  Such lives of peace (at least as far as we know!).

So, as I hear the birds sing, I will remember to "Be still and know that He is God" and rest in His presence with me...oh, and rejoice!!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's souls yearn to be in your presence.  You are the living God and they can dwell with you day by day.  Whatever their life circumstance they can trust that you are in and over all.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to live at peace knowing that you are God and you are in control of all.  You are their provider, their strength, and their hope, and because of that, they can let go of any worry, fear or toiling!  May they find that dwelling with you is cause for crying out in praise and thanksgiving.

(I've written about the birds in my trees in a previous post: HERE_

 

The Keeper of My Heart

Restless

You dwell in the songs that we are singing
Rising to the Heavens
Rising to Your heart
Our praises filling up the spaces
In between our frailty and everything You are
You are the keeper of my heart

And I'm restless
I’m restless
'Til I rest in You
(Oh God I wanna rest in You)

Oh speak now for my soul is listening
Say that You have saved me
Whisper in the dark
'Cause I know You’re more than my salvation

Without You I am hopeless
Tell me who You are
You are the keeper of my heart

Still my heart
Hold me close
Let me hear a still small voice
Let it grow
Let it rise
Into a shout
Into a cry

I am restless until I rest in You

Written by Audrey Assad and Matt Maher
© 2010 River Oaks Music Company (BMI)

Lord and Precious Savior, thank you for being the keeper of my heart, and for being the keeper of Alyssa and Kyle's hearts.  In their restlessness, may our children come to know that you are their hope and salvation, and that you alone are their rest.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's souls are listening to you, dear Jesus, because they need you to tell them who they are.  Your sweet salvation will be their greatest gift and joy, and your presence with them will bring the deepest calm throughout the trials, fears, and temptations in their lives.  Lord, be the keeper of Alyssa and Kyle's hearts!

Working for Peace

"God blesses those who work for peace,  
for they will be called the children of God."  Matthew 5:9

When Lyss was little I remember her being mad at a friend because she said something that hurt her feelings.
Or another friend who stole something from her.
Or I remember Kyle holding a grudge because his friend didn't come over to "play."
Or another friend who didn't treat him as a friend should.

Sometimes friends mess up.

Last week, in a Bible study I attend, something was shared that struck me.  I find it to be so true and it has caused me to be very intentional to work on my relationship with others...

"Our horizontal relationships always effect our vertical relationship, 

and our worship is weakened because of our lack of unity." 

Being peacemakers is hard work.  It takes discipline to keep from gossip and slander.  It takes courage to confront or work through disagreements and hurt feelings.  Often repentance and forgiveness is required, yet so hard to reach.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, 

but have not love, 

I am only a resounding gong 

or a clanging cymbal. "  

1 Corinthians 13:1

I want to be a good example to our kids on how to be a peacemaker.  I want them to be willing to work hard to mend broken relationships, come and speak to people they are in conflict with, and have hearts that find forgiveness easy. 

Conflict and gossip ruin relationships.

Hurt the church.

And impede our relationship with God.

Let peace begin today!

Lord, you are the Prince of Peace, and you are the Great Healer.  Help us to be instruments of your peace and healing.  Please help Alyssa and Kyle to value the people and relationships in their lives.  Help them to see the importance of their family and friends, and choose to work hard in making sure those relationships grow in love.  Bearing with each other and forgiving whatever grievances they may have against one another, is a high calling, but is worth all the work and effort they give it.  Teach them to not be afraid of conflict, and speaking truth, but that good things can come out of hard circumstances.  Lord, prod Alyssa and Kyle to always work towards peace.  At the same time, give them friends that value who they are, and are willing to work hard at their relationship as well.  Friends are a sweet part of life, and can give us much happiness.  Thank you, Lord, for giving us such a precious gift! May we hold onto all that is dear in our lives.

Instruments of Peace

“A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18

 

Our kids have fought over the silliest things…

Seats in the car, suitcases, crackers,
balls, television channels, beds,
toilet paper, candy bars,
video games, getting the mail,
annoying noises, music preferences,
or volume levels of the music,
and of course, our dog Zoe.

This list is definitely not exhaustive, but truly exhausting.
Especially from this mother’s perspective.

I’ve tried to teach my children, that these things aren’t worth fighting over, especially if it damages their relationship in the process. No“thing” is more important than the person they are arguing with.

I’ve also tried instilling in them that they can be the end of the argument. They each have the opportunity to change the direction of the argument, just by dropping the discussion, or changing the tone of their voice. Speaking calmly in the midst of “hot” topics, is something that takes self-control and discipline, but can change a tense discussion into a peace-filled conversation. They can be the instrument of change and peace. Speaking with patience, reflects Christ living in them, and often brings about the calm that is needed to end the quarrel.

A mother’s greatest dream some days!

Lord, I’m sure it breaks your heart to see your people fighting and quarreling. It breaks your heart when we are not kind and compassionate with one another, and living with dissension and arguments. Please forgive us, Lord. Replace our angry words with ones marked by your peace, love, and mercy. When our feelings get out of control, and fighting seems the only answer, I pray that your Spirit interrupts us and reminds us to be calm, kind, and peaceful. Lord, remind our kids of the high importance of their relationship with one another. Instill in them that there is nothing worth fighting over that would cause broken relationships. Help us each to remember that we can be the end of the argument, and the one to mark our conversations with calm and peace. Lord, may we reflect you in all that we say and do

Thankful Thursday: His Calming Peace

"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

 Lyss & Kyle...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 sometimes feel and says "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.

Heavy Loads

"For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37 (ESV)

Kyle and his pumpkin...2003

The above scripture is interesting in different versions...

One version says "Nothing is impossible for God!" (CEV or GOD's WORD translation).  And oh, how I believe that to be true.  But all the other versions leave me with the hope that with God nothing is impossible for us.

Our kids will face many challenges in life that seem way too big to handle, but with God I know that they can do it!  And over time, and with experience, I'm thinking they will not only learn that they are stronger than they think, but they will learn that they can trust God to be with them.

Some days the task will be too heavy to take on, but with God all things are possible!  (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27)

Lord, there will be many things in Alyssa and Kyle's life that seem impossible, but your Word offers a life-changing hope.  With you everything is possible.  All those things that feel heavy, too hard, or difficult beyond our own means, are not impossible with your help.  Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle.  Be their strength, their hope, and their reason to keep on going when it's easy to think about giving up.  You are all powerful, all knowing, and always present, and we have much to give you thanks for.  Amen.

Bathroom Battles

 
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  Proverbs 15:1

Bathroom battles rage at our house.  Having two teenagers, sharing one tiny bathroom, sometimes causes a bit of a raucous.  From the other side of the house I can hear the grumbling and irritation with one another, as they process whose turn it is to get ready.  So far, it's first come first serve, but that doesn't always keep the irritation from brewing.  It can move from a little impatience to a full blown war in a matter of seconds.

One day I hope they figure out that talking nice to one another may get a more desired response. I'm sure they will have to continue trying to figure out the morning schedule until one of them leaves home, because whether they like it or not, we're not adding another bathroom.  A gentle answer is much cheaper.

Heavenly Father, with your spirit indwelling within us, we can respond in ways that don't always come naturally to us.  Impatience and discord sometimes comes too easily.  I pray that you help our children to respond to one another with kindness and gentleness. May a kind word always be on their lips.  Help them to learn to set aside their selfish desires and look to the other person's needs and wants, but when things don't go as expected, teach them to respond with words that bring peace and unity.  May our lips reflect you, dear Jesus.

Thankful Thursday: The Basics

 Our New House 2001

"May our barns be filled

   with all kinds of crops.

   May our fields be covered

   with sheep by the thousands,

    and every cow have calves.

Don't let our city be captured

   or any of us be taken away,

   and don't let cries of sorrow

   be heard in our streets.

Our LORD and our God,

   you give these blessings

   to all who worship you."

--Psalm 144:13-15 (CEV)

Many times yesterday my heart was moved to give God thanks for the home that we live in, and the food on our table.  My husband works hard, in a good job that brings him joy and satisfaction, providing for our family in abundant ways.  We've never been in great need, nor had the inability to provide the things our children have needed.  Sure, we've had lean times, or times when we couldn't do all that we wanted to do, but we've always had a home.  We've always had food.  We've always had each other.

I couldn't be more thankful for the basics of my life!

Oh Lord, my heart cries out with thanksgiving for all the things you have blessed our life with .  Thank you for our home that provides shelter and warmth, and a place for love and joy.  Thank you for the food on our table that nourishes our bodies and gives us strength for each day.  Thank you for the clothes that keep us warm, the pillow in which we rest our head, and the electricity that allows us to use the "extras" in life.  Lord, you have always provided for our needs in abundant ways, and I never want to take that for granted.  May our hearts always turn towards gratitude and thanksgiving for the ways you provide for us, and rejoice in all the things you bless our lives with.  You have filled our barns!  You are God, and you are good.  Thank you, dear Lord.

At Home in His Arms

 

Papa and Alyssa 1999

Landmark, Idaho

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

       will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
       my God, in whom I trust."

Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
       and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,

 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
       nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you make the Most High your dwelling—
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-

 then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
       to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,
       so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
       you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him my salvation."

Lord, there is such rest in the shelter of your arms.  Like a father, you are our refuge and fortress.  I pray that my children fall in love with you, and you will be their mighty rescuer.  Thank you for protecting them when they acknowledge your name.  When they call on you, you Lord, will answer them.  You will be with them in trouble, and you will deliver them and honor them.  Lord, satisfy my children with long life, and show them your salvation.  From today forward, may you be their God, and my they be your children.  Wrap your arms around them and always be their shield, their shelter, and their refuge.  Oh, what a sweet place to be at home.

Instruments of Peace

Today’s verse: “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18

My kids have fought over the silliest things…

Seats in the car, suitcases, crackers,
balls, television channels, beds,
toilet paper, candy bars,
video games, getting the mail,
annoying noises, music preferences,
or volume levels of the music,
and of course, our dog Zoe.

This list is definitely not exhaustive, but truly exhausting.
Especially from this mother’s perspective.

I’ve tried to teach my children, that these things aren’t worth fighting over, especially if it damages their relationship in the process. No“thing” is more important than the person they are arguing with.

I’ve also tried instilling in them that they can be the end of the argument. They each have the opportunity to change the direction of the argument, just by dropping the discussion, or changing the tone of their voice. Speaking calmly in the midst of “hot” topics, is something that takes self-control and discipline, but can change a tense discussion into a peace-filled conversation. They can be the instrument of change and peace. Speaking with patience, reflects Christ living in them, and often brings about the calm that is needed to end the quarrel.

A mother’s greatest dream some days!

Lord, I’m sure it breaks your heart to see your people fighting and quarreling. It breaks your heart when we are not kind and compassionate with one another, and living with dissension and arguments. Please forgive us, Lord. Replace our angry words with ones marked by your peace, love, and mercy. When our feelings get out of control, and fighting seems the only answer, I pray that your Spirit interrupts us and reminds us to be calm, kind, and peaceful. Lord, remind my kids of the high importance of their relationship with one another. Instill in them that there is nothing worth fighting over that would cause broken relationships. Help us all to remember that we can be the end of the argument, and the ones to mark our conversations with calm and peace. Lord, may we reflect you in all that we say and do.

Peace that Passes All Understanding

Today’s verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

As we were heading to Alyssa’s last volleyball game the other night, Grammy asked Alyssa if she was nervous about the game. Alyssa responded with a confident “nope”. Then we asked her if she has ever been nervous before a game, and she replied, “Only before the first game.”

So we further questioned Alyssa, “Do you get nervous before having to give a speech at school?” In which Alyssa replied “Nope, but I did the first time.” Even late last night, way passed her bedtime, Alyssa was working on writing an outline for her speech today at school. Nervousness was not even a part of the equation.

I’m thankful that my daughter is not prone to anxiousness or worry at this stage in her life. And I pray that as she gets older and experiences the life of giving bigger speeches, having job interviews, paying the bills, and even having children, that she learns that whenever worry is present, or she finds herself anxious, that it is something she can hand over to God in prayer.

God encourages His people not to be anxious, but knows that we probably will face things in our life that cause us to fret, and reminds us that prayer brings peace. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need that reminder!

By the way…Alyssa’s team won their last game the other night! She was right. There was nothing to worry about! Way to go, girl!

Final game was to 15, but they had to win by 2...talk about a nail biter! ;)

Heavenly Father, and Prince of Peace, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to trust you with all their hearts, and not lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge You, and you will make their paths straight. I pray that when they are anxious about anything that they will learn that there is someone that they can entrust their cares to, and someone who hears their prayers. Thank you, for offering a peace that passes all understanding in all things when they are willing to lay our fears, worries, or concerns at your feet. Lord, keep my kids from worrying about things that You have under control, and let your peace reign in their lives.