Thankful Thursday: Abundant Goodness

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
    and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness
    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

 --Psalm 145:6-7

I just need to tell of God's awesome work in our lives this week.  The list is just a summary and I feel like I could go on and on, but it just proves that God is so good!

• We had 2 days with Lyssa and the rest of my family and it was just what I needed! 
• I loved Lyssa's surprised look on her face when she heard Kyle's voice for the first time in two months (yep, his voice has been deepening!).
• Our family participated in a Thanksgiving morning 5k.  A few walked and the crazy ones ran.  It was the only day of sunshine while we were there in Oregon.  Now that's a God-thing!
• I was blessed with a fun birthday celebration with my family. I felt abundantly spoiled and loved!  Friends also topped it off with cards, coffee, chocolate and so much thoughtfulness.  And boy did my hubby do it up good.  I never would have guessed such a lavish gift.  I'm a spoiled girl for sure.
• As we traveled to and from Oregon, I was in awe of God's beautiful creation, thankful for clear roads, and enjoyed the time to read.
• I've been preparing to host a weekend full of meetings and my church family has been so amazing at helping provide food and housing.  I love watching the church family work together! I couldn't have pulled off this weekend without them!

Oh such abundant goodness!

Lord, I want to praise you for the power of your awesome works, and proclaim your great deeds.

What a delight it is to celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.  God you are so good and I can't help but revel in the many ways you have blessed our lives....or blessed MY life!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle recognize your goodness in their lives as well.  Open their eyes that may be aware of your presence, provision and blessing, and move their lips to give you thanks!  You are actively present in their lives and may they see you clearly.  Thank you, precious Savior, for your abundant goodness to our family!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Complain or Praise?

Why am I discouraged?
      Why is my heart so sad?
   I will put my hope in God!
      I will praise him again—
      my Savior and my God!

--Psalm 43:5

Even when my heart is torn I will praise (trust) You Lord

Even when I feel deserted I will praise You Lord

Even in my darkest valley I will praise You Lord

And when my world is shattered and it seems all hope is gone

Yet I will praise You Lord.           (Yet I Will Praise You) by Andy Parks

Complaining.
Complaining.
Complaining.

I'm good at it.  My kids are good at it.  

"School is boring."

"There's nothing good for lunch."

"He won't stop teasing me."

"She's mean."

"There's nothing to do."

"I don't like that teacher."

"I hate homework."

Sometimes the complaining seems petty and unnecessary.

I'm fairly sure that there will be bigger things in life to complain about.  Alyssa and Kyle may face a crisis that brings them to their knees, a dry spell that leaves them desperate and alone, or grief that threatens to overwhelm every corner of their hearts,  My prayer is that instead of complaining, or allowing those hard times to turn their heart to bitterness, they will fix their eyes on Jesus and still choose to praise Him in the storms.

Praising Him will sometimes be the harder thing to do...
but will always be the better thing to do.

Lord, you always deserve praise.  Help us to forever trust your character and plan for our lives.  I pray that when Alyssa and Kyle are sad or discouraged they still put their hope in you.  When life throws them for a loop, I pray that they will choose to give you praise.  May they trust in you with all their hearts, and lean not on their own understanding, choosing to always acknowledge your place in their lives. I pray that praise is forever on the lips of Alyssa and Kyle.  You alone are God, and you deserve all of our praise.

 

Made to Praise

"Do everything without complaining..."  Philippians 2:14

I'm thinking it's pretty impossible to praise and complain simultaneously.  However, I have to admit that complaining comes more naturally to me.  Two different times yesterday God reminded me of this lesson and I realized the prompting as something I need to work on.
 
I complain about Alyssa's messes...
but choose today to praise Jesus that she's home for a few more weeks.


I complain about Kyle's busy ball schedule...
but choose today to praise Jesus for His talent and ability.


And I sometimes complain about the bickering or hyperness...
but choose today to praise Jesus for Alyssa and Kyle's health.


Today, I want to choose to praise Jesus,
and be a better example to my family or how to give God thanks 
instead of being a complainer.


Lord, help me teach Alyssa and Kyle to be people who give you praise in all things.  Your Word encourages us to do everything without complaining.  Take that old sinful nature of ours, the one that likes to complain and be ungrateful, and replace it with a heart of thanksgiving.  Fill our mouths with praise that we might declare your awesomeness to the world around us.  Make Alyssa and Kyle's eyes truly sensitive to you in their world and all that you've given them.  Lord, you bless our lives with good things and I give you all the praise and thanks!

 

Praise Him in the Storm

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

CHORUS:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm. 

My kids will (and have) faced a few storms in their lives, and I can probably guarantee them that there will be more to come.

I remember when Lyss was just a few months old, and not old enough to roll over yet (or so I thought), and she fell of my huge waterbed.  I was curling my hair in the bathroom and would poke my head out between curls, make her laugh, and then stick my head back in the bathroom to make another curl.   Next thing I knew I heard a cry and found my baby on the floor.  Oh my heart stopped.  Being the first time mom that I was I immediately called the doctor and rushed her to the office to get checked out.  The pediatrician was sweet as she looked over baby Alyssa, and was good at comforting this anxious and guilt ridden mom.  Before we left she said, "Tresa, this will not be the last time your baby will fall and get hurt, nor will it be the worse, and she will survive."

Yes, Alyssa and Kyle will fall and go through storms in their lives, and sometimes it will hurt a little and sometimes it will hurt a lot.  However, if they can "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" they will survive these storm and gain a treasure worth its weight in gold...a deeper relationship with God.

I pray that our kids learn to pray to Him AND praise Him in the storm.

Lord, I pray that in the storms of life Alyssa and Kyle find themselves joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.  As a mother, I always want to ask you to protect them through those falls and storms, but I also ultimately hope that they are refined, stretched, and grown into who you want them to be.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to trust you with all their heart, and never lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways (and through all their storms) acknowledge you, for I know and trust that you will make their paths straight.  May Alyssa and Kyle always pray to you and praise you in the storms.  Amen.

 

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_

 

Standing in Praise

"... stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening" 1 Chronicles 23:30

I'm standing (though a bit on the tired side) this morning to give God praise and thanks for His part in our lives over the last week!

• I survived working full time for two weeks in he election office, and a 15 hour day yesterday running a poling place.  My family did a good job at picking up the slack here and there, taking care of some of their own needs, and supporting me on this adventure. I'm thinking they really didn't miss me at all.  :) 
• Kyle had his first two JV baseball games.  They lost, but it was still a delight to watch him play.  he's a "stud" at short-stop!  Not to brag or anything, but he's getting the opportunity to play on the Varsity team tonight! As a freshman, that is quite the honor.  We're just praying it doesn't get rained out. 
• It reminds me to be thankful for the under-armour my dear hubby surprised me with.  Can I hear a big "Amen!"?  His thoughtfulness warms my heart!  
• Lyss got her financial aid package from George Fox.  Though I don't understand all the lingo, I get the impression it's pretty good.  God has been faithful to provide a big chunk with scholarships and grants.  
• We popped in on the Bible Quiz meet that was in our area last Saturday.  I loved watching Lyss and her team spout off scripture and answers from the Word, and have fun doing it.  We even got to peek in on my niece and watch her do her quizzing thing.  We were only there for a short moment, but I was blessed by stopping in.  
• A couple of spring like days made me ready for the real thing.  Thanking the Lord for the sunshine and warmth! 
• I have to say that I was blessed by a few friends this week.  A sweet email of encouragement and prayer from one, the humor and laughter of another, and the coffee getaway in there too.  God uses these little moments to provide things that speak love to my heart.

Oh Lord, I stand this morning to thank and praise you!  Thank you for the many ways you show your love to our family.  My heart is full and I am in awe of of you!  Amen.
 

Thankful Thursday

For the grave cannot praise you,
   death cannot sing your praise;
those who go down to the pit
   cannot hope for your faithfulness.
The living, the living—they praise you,
   as I am doing today;
fathers tell their children
   about your faithfulness. 

--Isaiah 38:18-20

Just a few things I want to give God praise for today...

• Spiritual growth opportunity for Lyss weekend last.  I think her trip to Midwinter was a success.
• Special times as a family.  We've had lots of nights at home these last two weeks. Family Skipbo nights with fun prizes from Dad.  Nights together make me feel blessed and refreshed.  I guess we might be getting prepared for busier times.
• Kids who do their best in school.  Finals week is almost over.
• Loved watching Kyle shovel the neighbor's snow.  Oh how I pray he continues to have a helping and giving heart.
• Ken and I were treated for lunch by friends at church and left feeling encouraged and blessed.  God uses others to touch our lives in special ways.
• Hearing a friend share her God-sighting with me, and how much she loves learning new things in the Bible, when a couple of years ago I would have said I'd never heard her speak that way.  Blessed my heart.

God is good!  All the time.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness to our family this week.  I love knowing that you are continually active in our lives.  When I don't know what to do as a parent, or allow fear or impatience to rule my thoughts, I have learned that I can turn it all over to you, and you hear my prayers.  Help me be diligent at passing onto my children, the many ways I see you at work in our lives, and that it's good for us all to give you praise. And when Alyssa and Kyle are anxious and worried, help me remind them to place everything in your hands, for you will be faithful to hear their prayers.  My heart is moved to give you praise, dear Jesus, for all the many blessings you have given our family!

God of Wonders

God of Wonders
Written by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong

"God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy, holy, holy..."


God of wonders, in this amazing season where we celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, may Alyssa and Kyle seek you and find you.  Oh how I pray that you reveal your heart to our children.  May they know the height and depth and width of your love them.  Open their eyes that they may see you in new ways this Christmas season.  You are holy, you are good, you are God!

Remember and Rejoice!

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."  Psalm 77:11

Tis the season to remember  

and rejoice!

It's time to put up the decorations,

buy a few gifts,

make some delightful goodies,

and above all 

prepare our hearts 

to worship our Savior!

 

Let the fun begin!

 Lyssa and Kyle helping with the tree...2005

 

Oh wait...

The kids are now teenagers.

For some reason, 

they don't think that all this is "fun" this year. 

Sure it's a bit of work,

but I pray that in all the hustle and bustle

they don't forget...

It's the season to remember  

and rejoice!

A Savior has been born!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will remember your deeds; yes, remember your miracles of long ago.  For unto us a Savior is born.  Oh, how we rejoice!  I pray that our children remember the reason we celebrate, and go to all this energy and work, during the holidays.  It's all about you.  May they find joy in you, dear Jesus, and celebrating your birth.  Move their hearts to give of their time, energy and resources this season to bless others, and to reflect you to those around them.  Remind each of them, Lord, the joy of your living presence in their lives, and that you alone are who and why we celebrate this Christmas season.  Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son.

Complain or Praise?

Why am I discouraged?
      Why is my heart so sad?
   I will put my hope in God!
      I will praise him again—
      my Savior and my God!

--Psalm 43:5

Even when my heart is torn I will praise (trust) You Lord

Even when I feel deserted I will praise (trust) You Lord

Even in my darkest valley I will praise (trust) You Lord

And when my world is shattered and it seems all hope is gone

Yet I will praise You Lord.           (Yet I Will Praise You) by Andy Parks

Complaining.
Complaining.
Complaining.

"School is boring."

"There's nothing good for lunch."

"He won't stop teasing me."

"She's mean."

"There's nothing to do."

"I don't like that teacher."

"I hate homework."

Sometimes the complaining seems petty and unnecessary.

I'm fairly sure that there will be bigger things in life to complain about.  Alyssa and Kyle may face a crisis that brings them to their knees, a dry spell that leaves them desperate and alone, or grief that threatens to overwhelm every corner of their hearts,  My prayer is that instead of complaining, or allowing those hard times to turn their heart to bitterness, they will fix their eyes on Jesus and still choose to praise Him in the storms.

Praising Him will sometimes be the harder thing to do...
but will always be the better thing to do.

Lord, you always deserve praise.  Help us to forever trust your character and plan for our lives.  I pray that when Alyssa and Kyle are sad or discouraged they still put their hope in you.  When life throws them for a loop, I pray that they will choose to give you praise.  May they trust in you with all their hearts, and lean not on their own understanding, choosing to always acknowledge your place in their lives. I pray that praise is forever on the lips of Alyssa and Kyle.  You alone are God, and you deserve all of our praise.

Thankful Thursday: Making a List

"I'll make a list of God's gracious dealings,
   all the things God has done that need praising,
All the generous bounties of God,
   his great goodness to the family of Israel—
Compassion lavished, love extravagant."

Isaiah 63:7 (The Message) 

I'm making a list and "checking it twice" of all the things God has done that need praising:

• The boys traveled for a a baseball tournament last weekend...they were safe, they had fun, and Kyle got his first hit on this new "man" team.  
• The girls stayed home and had some good time together...working on VBS, shopping, and watching movies.  
• VBS is coming together.  I love that most of the youth in the church are volunteering to help out!  I especially enjoyed watching our girl use her talents in the painting department for the decorations.  10 more days until the big kick-off.  Much to do.  Oh much to do!
• Alyssa drove for the first time!...and came back safe.  
• Praying together at YIPPS was a blessing.

God is good...ALL the time!

Lord, I will tell of all of your kindnesses, and the deeds for which you are to be praised.  The list above is not exhaustive in any way and my heart rejoices that you are living and active in our lives.  Thank you for the way you are present in Alyssa and Kyle's lives and how you are wooing them to yourself.  I can't keep silent about my deep love for you, Lord, and how grateful I am for your faithful activity throughout each day.  You are our Sovereign Lord, and the Lord Almighty, and I give you praise.  Amen.

Pray and Praise

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

CHORUS:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm. 

My kids will (and have) faced a few storms in their lives, and I can probably guarantee them that there will be more to come.

I remember when Lyss was just a few months old, and not old enough to roll over yet (or so I thought), and she fell of my huge waterbed.  I was curling my hair in the bathroom and would poke my head out between curls, make her laugh, and then stick my head back in the bathroom to make another curl.   Next thing I knew I heard a cry and found my baby on the floor.  Oh my heart stopped.  Being the first time mom that I was I immediately called the doctor and rushed her to the office to get checked out.  The pediatrician was sweet as she looked over baby Alyssa, and was good at comforting this anxious and guilt ridden mom.  Before we left she said, "Tresa, this will not be the last time your baby will fall and get hurt, nor will it be the worse, and she will survive."

Yes, Alyssa and Kyle will fall and go through storms in their lives, and sometimes it will hurt a little and sometimes it will hurt a lot.  However, if they can "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" they will survive these storm and gain a treasure worth its weight in gold...a deeper relationship with God.

I pray that our kids learn to pray to Him AND praise Him in the storm.

Lord, I pray that in the storms of life Alyssa and Kyle find themselves joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.  As a mother, I always want to ask you to protect them through those falls and storms, but I also ultimately hope that they are refined, stretched, and grown into who you want them to be.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to trust you with all their heart, and never lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways (and through all their storms) acknowledge you, for I know and trust that you will make their paths straight.  May Alyssa and Kyle always pray to you and praise you in the storms.  Amen.