Showing posts with label Perseverance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perseverance. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
His Pruning
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:2
Yesterday was my dear hubby's day off, and crazy as it sounds, one of his favorite things to do is work on the yard. He says it feels "relaxing". So, the loving wife I am, I headed outside to give him a hand. My job was pruning and shaping the shrubs around our house. All 13 of them.
Pruning that many shrubs gives one time to ponder and reflect.
Now that my husband's day off is over, I think I need to take a day off! And I'll enjoy looking at my beautiful yard while I'm at it!
(John 15:1-8)
Lord, you are the true vine, and our Father is the gardener. I pray that you cut off every branch in Alyssa and Kyle that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, prune so that it will be even more fruitful. Alyssa and Kyle are already clean because of the word you have spoken to them. I know that if Alyssa and Kyle remain in you, you will remain in them. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can Alyssa and Kyle bear fruit unless they remain in you.
You are the vine; and Alyssa and Kyle are the branches. If they remain in you and you in them, they will bear much fruit; apart from you they can do nothing. If Alyssa and Kyle do not remain in you, they are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If Alyssa and Kyle remain in you and your words remain in them, they can ask whatever they wish, and it will be given to them. This is to my your glory, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle bear much fruit, showing themselves to be your disciples.
My front flower bed.
Pruning that many shrubs gives one time to ponder and reflect.
Pruning is painful and sometimes drastic.
Pruning is needed too get rid of that which is dead.
Pruning brings more fruit.
Pruning ultimately brings about a greater beauty.I don't know that I'm always ready and willing to be pruned, but I know that I need it. I want to be more open to God's pruning and shaping work in my life. And I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize the times in their lives where their Father is cutting off the things that don't bear fruit, and pruning them for better fruit, and become completely available to the Gardner.
Now that my husband's day off is over, I think I need to take a day off! And I'll enjoy looking at my beautiful yard while I'm at it!
(John 15:1-8)
Lord, you are the true vine, and our Father is the gardener. I pray that you cut off every branch in Alyssa and Kyle that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, prune so that it will be even more fruitful. Alyssa and Kyle are already clean because of the word you have spoken to them. I know that if Alyssa and Kyle remain in you, you will remain in them. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can Alyssa and Kyle bear fruit unless they remain in you.
You are the vine; and Alyssa and Kyle are the branches. If they remain in you and you in them, they will bear much fruit; apart from you they can do nothing. If Alyssa and Kyle do not remain in you, they are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If Alyssa and Kyle remain in you and your words remain in them, they can ask whatever they wish, and it will be given to them. This is to my your glory, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle bear much fruit, showing themselves to be your disciples.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Perseverance in Trials
Let's pray some Scripture today! Happy Friday, everyone!
Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can consider it pure joy whenever they face trials of many kinds, because You allow the testing of our faith to develop perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that Alyssa and Kyle may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. When Alyssa and Kyle lack wisdom, they should ask You, Father, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to them. But when Alyssa and Kyle ask, help them to believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
Blessed is Alyssa and Kyle when they persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that You have promised to those who love You. (James 1:2-8, 12)
Amen!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Persevering and Persistent
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
As I was searching for something this last weekend, we came across a letter that Alyssa wrote me when she was in third grade. You have to realize that there were times in our house where I was sure I was living in a farm...or better yet a ZOO...and the thought of one more animal joining our family did not bring this mother much pleasure. Ken was always the easy one to persuade, but I on the other hand, took great convincing and bribing. Therefore, the letter.
Oh can kids be persistent when they want something. I pray that they can take that "gift" and learn to use it in their prayer life. Being persevering and persistent will draw them ever closer to their Savior.
I don't really remember if this letter accomplished what the kids wanted, but I'm sure God wouldn't have turned them down! if they prayed with such eloquence and persistence!
Lord, I love that you hear our prayers and know the desires of our hearts. I love that you promise that when we seek you we will find you, and when we ask it will be given to us. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find great joy and delight in coming to you, dear Jesus, in prayer. I long for them to know the peace that passes all understanding that comes from you as they learn to trust you with their fears, needs and wants. May Alyssa and Kyle approach your throne of grace with confidence so that they may receive mercy and find grace to help them in their times of need. Thank you, precious Savior, for hearing our prayers!
As I was searching for something this last weekend, we came across a letter that Alyssa wrote me when she was in third grade. You have to realize that there were times in our house where I was sure I was living in a farm...or better yet a ZOO...and the thought of one more animal joining our family did not bring this mother much pleasure. Ken was always the easy one to persuade, but I on the other hand, took great convincing and bribing. Therefore, the letter.
Oh can kids be persistent when they want something. I pray that they can take that "gift" and learn to use it in their prayer life. Being persevering and persistent will draw them ever closer to their Savior.
I don't really remember if this letter accomplished what the kids wanted, but I'm sure God wouldn't have turned them down! if they prayed with such eloquence and persistence!
Lord, I love that you hear our prayers and know the desires of our hearts. I love that you promise that when we seek you we will find you, and when we ask it will be given to us. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find great joy and delight in coming to you, dear Jesus, in prayer. I long for them to know the peace that passes all understanding that comes from you as they learn to trust you with their fears, needs and wants. May Alyssa and Kyle approach your throne of grace with confidence so that they may receive mercy and find grace to help them in their times of need. Thank you, precious Savior, for hearing our prayers!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Endure with Hope
"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Endurance inspired by hope. God's message to me this week. I can endure because I have hope in Him! God says hold on, stand firm, and hang in there.
Endure with hope...in my parenting.
Endure with hope...in my obedience.
Endure with hope...in my praying.
Endure with hope...in ministry that doesn't look/feel successful.
Enduring with hope. I'm trying to learn.
And I want Alyssa and Kyle to learn to endure with hope too.
Endure with hope...in their schoolwork.
Endure with hope...in their friendship.
Endure with hope...in their beliefs and morals out in the world.
Endure with hope...as they study God's Word.
Endure with hope...as they follow God's plan for their lives.
Enduring with hope... is my phrase for the moment!
Lord, thank you for the times you speak to me through your Word. I'm holding on to your encouragement for me to endure with hope. Oh how I want Alyssa and Kyle to learn to endure with hope too. Teach us to endure when the road seems hard or lonely. Help us to endure when we don't see the reward or blessing in the journey. Help us, dear Jesus, to put one foot in front of the other and press on in obedience to your call in our lives. Your grace is our strength, our hope, and our true reward. Lord, help Alyssa, Kyle and I to endure with hope.
Endurance inspired by hope. God's message to me this week. I can endure because I have hope in Him! God says hold on, stand firm, and hang in there.
Endure with hope...in my parenting.
Endure with hope...in my obedience.
Endure with hope...in my praying.
Endure with hope...in ministry that doesn't look/feel successful.
Enduring with hope. I'm trying to learn.
And I want Alyssa and Kyle to learn to endure with hope too.
Endure with hope...in their schoolwork.
Endure with hope...in their friendship.
Endure with hope...in their beliefs and morals out in the world.
Endure with hope...as they study God's Word.
Endure with hope...as they follow God's plan for their lives.
Enduring with hope... is my phrase for the moment!
Lord, thank you for the times you speak to me through your Word. I'm holding on to your encouragement for me to endure with hope. Oh how I want Alyssa and Kyle to learn to endure with hope too. Teach us to endure when the road seems hard or lonely. Help us to endure when we don't see the reward or blessing in the journey. Help us, dear Jesus, to put one foot in front of the other and press on in obedience to your call in our lives. Your grace is our strength, our hope, and our true reward. Lord, help Alyssa, Kyle and I to endure with hope.
Friday, January 13, 2012
No Mountain Too High
"I will go before you and will level the mountains."
Isaiah 45:2
Isaiah 45:2
Alyssa and Kyle making the climb (2005)
There will be "mountains" that seem too big to climb in their lives. Today the mountains look like end of the semester finals, relationships with friends, or busy schedules. Later in life, the mountains may feel a bit more impossible.
I pray that my kids look at those challenges, much like they did the hill at the park...possible, as long as they take one step at a time. And better yet, I pray that they recognize God is with them, and He will take some of those "mountains" and make them just little bumps in the road.
As long as they "fix their eyes" on Him, they will conquer those big mountains.
On top of the mountain!
Oh Lord, help our children to find peace, strength, and success as they face mountains in their lives. When the journey seems too hard, I pray that they learn to fix their eyes on you, who is the author and perfecter of their faith, and experience your peace that passes all understanding. Grant them the courage to take one step at a time, the wisdom to follow where you lead, and look to you when fear seems to stop them in their tracks. I pray that they trust you, dear Jesus, whenever they come face to face with a mountain that seems too big. If it be your will, take those mountains and level them. I praise you, Father, for your near and precious presence in our lives.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Ripstick Remodel
"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4
Kyle is our persistent child. I love that quality in him because so often I feel that my inability to be persevering, persistence, and tenacious is my greatest flaw.
This week, since he is still on summer break and needed something to do to keep him from boredom, he took on the challenge of painting his Ripstick (below is what his Ripstick originally looked like).
All I could think about was how hard it would be to paint around all the little black flame looking things.
Oh mom, you are such a "girl".
Next think I knew Kyle had his board taken apart, and left for easy painting, was the red parts. Easy-peasy.
He then set to work. After the first try of painting, he had a little smudge, so he started over from scratch. And after the second try he had a few different weird spots and needed to figure out another way around finishing his paint job to perfection.
And he did!
My picture isn't that great, but I gave up.
Just teasing...I tried again.
I have to admit was I was impressed by his persistence. And to show for it, he has a great looking, personalized Ripstick!
Way to go, son!
Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to rejoice in their sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. I pray that they always choose to persist in the tasks required of them, always pressing on towards the goal. When they struggle may they look to you for wisdom and guidance, always trusting that with you all things are possible. I know that Alyssa and Kyle can do all things with your strength.
Kyle is our persistent child. I love that quality in him because so often I feel that my inability to be persevering, persistence, and tenacious is my greatest flaw.
This week, since he is still on summer break and needed something to do to keep him from boredom, he took on the challenge of painting his Ripstick (below is what his Ripstick originally looked like).
All I could think about was how hard it would be to paint around all the little black flame looking things.
Oh mom, you are such a "girl".
Next think I knew Kyle had his board taken apart, and left for easy painting, was the red parts. Easy-peasy.
He then set to work. After the first try of painting, he had a little smudge, so he started over from scratch. And after the second try he had a few different weird spots and needed to figure out another way around finishing his paint job to perfection.
And he did!
My picture isn't that great, but I gave up.
Just teasing...I tried again.
I have to admit was I was impressed by his persistence. And to show for it, he has a great looking, personalized Ripstick!
Way to go, son!
Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to rejoice in their sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. I pray that they always choose to persist in the tasks required of them, always pressing on towards the goal. When they struggle may they look to you for wisdom and guidance, always trusting that with you all things are possible. I know that Alyssa and Kyle can do all things with your strength.
Friday, May 6, 2011
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
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!
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!
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