Dating Temptations

"For God wants you to be holy and pure and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that each of you will marry in holiness and honor."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4  Living Bible

Photo Credit

Lord, watch over my babies.  You want them to be holy and pure and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that they may marry in holiness and honor.  Make their hearts set on your desires and hopes for their lives and give them the strength to withstand temptation and pressures.  You, Lord, call us to be holy because you are holy.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle choose this day whom they will serve!

 

 

Life of Purity

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

This weekend I had the opportunity to be involved in a panel of women who answered anonymous questions from a group of high school girls.  Whew.  I'll tell you what, they had some tough questions!!  These beautiful young ladies are contemplating, studying, and pondering their "positions" for life...sexual purity, dating, and drinking, and how all of those are seen through their eyes of faith. 

It reminded me to pray for my kid's processing of these same issues in their own lives. I  pray there are people in Alyssa and Kyle's path to help lead them and share their experiences and wisdom, and that their ears are open to what those "older and wiser" have to say to them.  What valuable wisdom they can find.

Teenagers today need us to voice courage, conviction, and compassion into their lives, blessing them into lives of purity in all areas.  So, today we'll be doing just that!

Press on towards purity, my children!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict their hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help them make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!



 

Being "Good"

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

 We're in the dating zone, folks.  Kyle has a girlfriend. 

Last night it was a dance, tonight it's a movie, and who knows what tomorrow holds.

Boy, I'm on my knees now!

I keep telling him to be GOOD, but does he "get it"?
 
So, here's my prayer for today:  God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for my kids.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day.

Old fashion, but truly a part of God's perfect plan.

Be good, my babies!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind Alyssa and Kyle of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help my children to make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May Alyssa and Kyle's marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!

 

Flirting with Evil

"Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good."  Romans 12:9 (The Message)

Sunday night, Kyle went to the mall with his friend, and came home with earring studs in his ears.  I tried hard not to flip out until I knew the truth of the situation, assuming that surely he wouldn't pierce his ears without his mother's permission (though, my mother would tell you I did that when I was living at home as well...my only excuse was that I was 18 and my friends made me do it...sorry mom!).  As I tried to grab at Kyle's ears, he flinched and squirmed, so for a brief second I thought he had succumbed to looking like a girl (in my humble opinion).  After some scrutiny, he laughed and showed me that his piercings were just magnets.  

Whew.  My heart could start beating at a normal rate.

Why are the things of this world so attractive?  Music, tattoos, smoking, drinking, sex before marriage, and foul language, fashion, etc.  Sometimes, as a godly mom, it feels like a big battle to fight every day.  My hope is that my kids would "run for dear life from evil, rather than dance around the edge and flirt with things that don't please the Lord.  

Truly, I know and trust that this is a war for the Holy Spirit to win.  I'm just going to stand along the sidelines, cheering on Alyssa and Kyle and getting on my knees in prayer, to hold on for dear life to the good God has for them!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to run for dear life from evil and hold on for dear life to good!  Prod their hearts to seek after the things that you desire, and hold fast to a life that his holy and pleasing to you.  Give Alyssa and Kyle eyes to see life as you see it, and have a heart that is like yours.  May the things of the world leave a bitter taste in their mouth.  Lord, this is my plea.

 +

Wordless Wednesday

 

O Be Careful Little Eyes

Somehow I missed yesterday's blog.  I wrote one, but I don't know where it disappeared.  We've just returned from a weekend in Las Vegas for a baseball tournament.  Our family had a great time together and we found so many ways to laugh and have fun together.  It was a blessed weekend in so many ways. 


I have to say though that the one downside was the oppression of sin everywhere we went....gambling, addictions, sexual temptations, and greed in multiplied fashion.  It reminds me to pray for our kids.  And I mean, pray hard!! (This blog was previously written, but seemed very appropriate for today!)  Welcome home to us!!!

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes..."  Psalm 101:3

Kyle (1998)

O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see.

O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear.

Our children have an amazing amount of opportunities to gain knowledge, and see things that I can hardly begin to fathom.  Sometimes it's scary to think of all the trash that they can see, hear, or find.  Innocence is easily lost.  At the tips of their fingers they have computers, iPods, iTunes, cell phones, movies, cable TV...the list goes on and on.
 
I pray for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds, and hope that as I loose more and more control of their choices of music, apps, and movies, that they choose wisely and keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure.  Innocence and purity so that they remain sensitive, receptive and ready to hear Christ above all else.

O be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little ears what you hear.

Lord, you have so many good things for your children to see, hear and experience, yet so often there are other things that get in the way.  Temptations are rampant, and we are easily swayed to partake of things that don't please you or reflect you in our lives.  These things often drown you out, and our eyes can't see you clearly, and our ears can't hear you speak to us.  Lord, protect our children's hearts, minds, and their eyes and ears.  Keep them for making poor choices that keep them from experiencing your presence in their lives.  Make their hearts, dear Jesus, sensitive to you and the things you desire for their lives.  Remove any temptation or desire to digest things that mock you, or don't line up with your heart and mind, and pull them further from your presence in their lives.  Make our children sensitive to your spirit, and choose purity, each and every day.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I entrust their eyes, ears and hearts to you.

 

Wordless Wednesday

Choose Well!

God's Word always says it best...

Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way: 


  "I'll live in them, move into them;
   I'll be their God 
       and they'll be my people.
   So leave the corruption 
       and compromise;
   leave it for good," says God.
  "Don't link up with those 
      who will pollute you.
   I want you all for myself.
        I'll be a Father to you;
   you'll be sons and daughters 
       to me."
   The Word of the Master, God. 

 (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

One day, hopefully not in the very near future (ha!), our children will decide to marry.  I'm praying that God leads them to just the perfect spouse.  Not only will that special person come into their lives, but they will need to be chosen.  Oh how I want our kids to choose well!

Make the best decision, babies!  Follow Christ and His plan for your lives.  Choose well!

Lord, be near Alyssa and Kyle as they begin the search for someone significant in their lives.  I pray that you make them really aware of your hopes and desires, and even expectations, for their future.  May your Holy Spirit nudge their hearts when they are tempted to become partners with someone who rejects you,  They are the temple where you live, and you are their God, and anyone who does not believe in you is a compromise and their relationship with you will suffer.  Make Alyssa and Kyle wise and sensitive to your plan, dear Jesus, and may they please you with every road they go down in the future.  Bring someone into their lives that will always draw them nearer to you, and help build their home and family on the one true foundation: You! 

First "Date"

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

My baby is growing up.  *sniff-sniff*.  

Kyle went to his first school dance this weekend...and invited a girl to go with him.  Yes, at almost 15, he' won't be doing an serious or consistent dating, but just this once we let him take a small step towards manhood.  

We had to buy some new duds. 

He purchased tickets and a corsage.

And dad had to be the chauffeur.

Whew.

I'm not ready for my boy to grow up and "get into" girls, but I can see the signs of it beginning.  

So, I'll get on my knees...big time!...and pray for him to "stick to his guns" and be the young man God wants him to be,

Oh, Lord, watch over our children as they are growing up,  I pray that we've trained Alyssa and Kyle in the ways that they should go, and that they will not choose to depart from it.  As they begin to hang out with those of the opposite sex, I pray that they remember what they've been taught, and will make wise choices.  I pray that they keep themselves pure, and live holy and pleasing lives.  Lord, I pray that my son treats girls with respect and honor, and is a gentleman in all that he says and does.  May he be the young man you call him to be.  I pray that my daughter stands firm in her convictions, and respects herself and you enough to always choose to say "no" to pressures physically, and makes wise choices with who she spends time with and gives her heart to.  You have wonderful futures planned for Alyssa and Kyle and I pray that they always choose to follow you with their lives.

Praying for Purity

"The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body."  1 Corinthians 6:12

I like this video. It's a good reminder to pray for our kids sexual purity.



Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to make wise choices that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!

Holy and Honorable

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

 As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Kyle worked on a persuasive speech at school this week on the topic of sexual purity. What a proud moment for this mom.  In a class vote, after his speech, 100 % of the class agreed that sexual purity was the way to go!

God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for Alyssa and Kyle.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day.

Way to go, Kyle, for being bold, persuasive, and honorable in God's sight!

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict their hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help them make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!

Watch Those Eyes and Ears

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes..."  Psalm 101:3

Kyle...1998

O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see.

O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear.

Our children have an amazing amount of opportunities to gain knowledge, and see things that I can hardly begin to fathom.  Sometimes it's scary to think of all the trash that they can see, hear, or find.  Innocence is easily lost.  At the tips of their fingers they have computers, iPods, iTunes, cell phones, movies, cable TV...the list goes on and on.
 
I pray for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds, and hope that as I loose more and more control of their choices of music, apps, and movies, that they choose wisely and keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure.  Innocence and purity so that they remain sensitive, receptive and ready to hear Christ above all else.

O be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little ears what you hear.

Lord, you have so many good things for your children to see, hear and experience, yet so often there are other things that get in the way.  Temptations are rampant, and we are easily swayed to partake of things that don't please you or reflect you in our lives.  These things often drown you out, and our eyes can't see you clearly, and our ears can't hear you speak to us.  Lord, protect our children's hearts, minds, and their eyes and ears.  Keep them for making poor choices that keep them from experiencing your presence in their lives.  Make their hearts, dear Jesus, sensitive to you and the things you desire for their lives.  Remove any temptation or desire to digest things that mock you, or don't line up with your heart and mind, and pull them further from your presence in their lives.  Make our children sensitive to your spirit, and choose purity, each and every day.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I entrust their eyes, ears and hearts to you.

Addicted to Jesus

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Jonah 2:8

Alyssa...1996

When Alyssa was little she had a desperate addiction to her binky…or should I say “binkies”. It began the day after she was born, and continued on until her 3rd birthday, as I mentioned in my blog on Saturday.

Often Alyssa would have more than one binky in her possession at any one time, and they were even named. There was “cow binky”, “train binky”, and “pink binky” and one of them was always close by. The comfort they gave when she was tired or hurt is immeasurable, and breaking the addiction was long and torturous. For her, and for me!

So, after several different attempts, I came up with an idea to make the separation a little easier.  Or at least I hoped it would.  I put together a "Binky Going Away Party" and Alyssa's friends came over to help us "celebrate".  We had Hostess cupcakes, juice, and if I remember right, balloons.  (I wish I could find the pictures I took.)  Anyway, we decorated a box, put all the binkies inside it, and wrapped it up.  Hand-in-hand we all walked to the mailbox to "send it to some other baby who really needed those binkies". 

It was so much fun, and worked like a charm, until bedtime hit!  Luckily I had asked my friend to drive by the mailbox, after she and her kids left the party, and pick up the package and take it home with her.  Otherwise, I might have been tempted to open it and give them back.  It only took three nights of crying for Alyssa to finally understand that there were no more binkies. 


I pray that the binky addictions, are the worst kind of addiction our children ever face(cause Kyle, too, had a binky fetish)  I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't appreciate their mom throwing another going away party, with friends, now that they are older. 

May their only addiction be Jesus Christ!!

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to never cling to worthless idols in their lives, and forfeit the grace that can be theirs.  You alone can fill all of their needs and the empty spaces of their hearts, yet sometimes it's easy to look to other things to replace what only you can fill.  Where they need to feel love, peace, comfort, and pleasure, may they look to you alone. I pray that thy never grab onto anything that is harmful in their lives, and expect it to bring happiness. Protect Alyssa and Kyle from the pressure of smoking, drinking, drugs, pornography, gambling…all those things that can easily become dangerous addictions, and cause harm in their lives. When/if they are tempted, may you give them the power to say “no”, and stand against the devil's schemes.  Thank you, Lord, for being the One that gives us life abundant.

Pure and Blameless

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

 Brother and Sister...2005

In my Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 is marked with my children’s names and the year 1999. As their mother, this verse was one of the prayers of my heart for my little ones. I don’t remember the specific circumstances of finding this verse, but I know that God gave it to me and I have prayed it over and over, claiming its truth for my kids. Today, I pray it again.

Lord, I lift before you my daughter Alyssa, and my son Kyle. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in their knowledge of you. To understand all the facets of your character; your faithfulness, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and holiness, and how it impacts their lives. I pray that they continue studying, and digging deep in your Word, and planting Scriptures in their heart. As Alyssa and Kyle get to know you better, I pray that they are able to discern right from wrong, when you are speaking to them, and what you’re calling them to do and be. Keep them both pure and blameless with their words, thoughts, and actions. Lord, fill them with the desire for right-living in you. May their lives reflect your holiness and bring glory and praise to you, precious Father, each and every day.

God's Plan

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable."  1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

Today is my 300th blog post.  I hardly can believe it.  I began this journey last September, and it dawned on me today, that in all this time, I haven't specifically written a blog praying for my children's sexual purity.  I think about it all the time, and so it seriously surprised me as I searched through my posts.

So, I don't necessarily have an story to share, or a lesson to give, except that God calls His children to live pure and holy lives, and that includes avoiding any sexual immorality.  Our world teaches the opposite every night on t.v., and more and more sex before marriage is becoming acceptable.  I want it to be different for Alyssa and Kyle.  I want them to be able to give the gift of their purity to their spouses on their wedding day. 

Old fashion, but truly a part of God's perfect plan.

Lord, you call your children to live holy and blameless lives, and that includes avoiding any hint of sexual immorality.  You have made sex to be something truly beautiful when it is between a man and wife, in the context of marriage. Holy Spirit convict their hearts, even now, to make the decision to refrain from anything that leads to sexual impurity.  Speak to them, and fill them with courage, conviction and strength when temptation is near.  Remind them of your desire and plan for their lives, and that you will honor their relationships and marriage if they follow your guidelines for purity. Lord, help them make wise choices, that lead to lives that glorify you.  Even now, dear Jesus, be doing the same work in the lives of those who will be their spouse.  May they find true loves, who have waited expectantly, and in purity, just the way you've designed it to be.  May their marriages be blessed abundantly because of their strong commitments to remain pure.  I pray, Lord, that we live lives that are holy and honorable to you!
 

O Be Careful Little Eyes

Kyle 1998

O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little eyes what you see
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see.

O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear.

"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes..."  
Psalm 101:3

Our children have an amazing amount of opportunities to gain knowledge, and see things that I can hardly begin to fathom.  Sometimes it's scary to think of all the trash that they can see, hear, or find.  Innocence is easily lost.  At the tips of their fingers they have computers, iPods, iTunes, Cell Phones, Movies, Cable TV...the list goes on and on.

This weekend I was having a chat with my kids about being careful about the things they download, and the songs that they choose to listen too, and they were insistent that I should trust them.  I want to trust them,and do, but I don't trust the enemy, especially when he seems to make the evil things of this world seem so attractive and alluring.

It reminds me of the story of "poop brownies".  One father brought out a plate of brownies to share with his children, but before they took a bite he explained that he put a just a little poop into them.   The kids were aghast that he would do such a thing, but he encouraged them that there was just a little poop in them, so why not eat them anyway.  It became a good lesson to his children on watching movies or listening to music with just a little bit of foul language, sex, or violence. 

I pray for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds, and hope that as I loose more and more control of their choices of music, apps, and movies, that they choose wisely and keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure.  Innocence and purity so that they remain sensitive, receptive and ready to hear Christ above all else.

O be careful little eyes what you see.
O be careful little ears what you hear.

Lord, you have so many good things for your children to see, hear and experience, yet so often there are other things that get in the way.  Temptations are rampant, and we are easily swayed to partake of things that don't please you or reflect you in our lives.  These things often drown you out, and our eyes can't see you clearly, and our ears can't hear you speak to us.  Lord, protect our children's hearts, minds, and their eyes and ears.  Keep them for making poor choices that keep them from experiencing your presence in their lives.  Make their hearts, dear Jesus, sensitive to you and the things you desire for their lives.  Remove any temptation or desire to digest things that mock you, or don't line up with your heart and mind, and pull them further from your presence in their lives.  Make our children sensitive to your spirit, and choose purity, each and every day.  I love you, dear Jesus, and I entrust their eyes, ears and hearts to you.

Wove and Mawwiage

Ken -n- Tresa--August 19, 1989

"Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethew today. Mawwiage, that bwessed awwangement, that dweam within a dweam. And wove, twue wove, wiww fowwow you fowevah and evah… So tweasuwe youw wove… "  --From the "Princess Bride"

Today's verse:  "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him'....For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."  Genesis 2:18, 24

Ken and I began dating 22 years ago today.
And 21 years ago today he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.
Every January 19th, my dear hubby and I, celebrate the beginning of our life together.

I look back and think we were so young.  Ken was 18, and I barely 19 when we met, and 20 at the time of our wedding.  I'm sure that the idea of their daughter getting married so young was a cause for concern in my parents minds.  Now that I'm a mother, and my children have hit their teenage years, I can understand that concern and fear so much better.  Dating and marriage could be just around the corner.

Though this is not a new request, I am praying for the marriages of my children.  I am praying for my daughter as she enters the dating years, that she stands by her values and finds a godly man to marry.  I am praying that my son learns to be a godly gentleman who loves and respects women, and finds a mate who follows Christ and will love and respect him in return.  With all my heart I hope that they both have marriages that are centered on Christ, will stand strong through all their trials, be full of love and joy, and remain steadfast in their covenant to one another. 

I'm so thankful that my husband loves the Lord, and lives his life serving Christ.  He's been so good to me, and was the mate God had in mind just for me.  I am a blessed woman.  We've now been married 20 years and 5 months!

I hope my children are just as lucky in their mate finds!

Heavenly Father, you made man and said that it was not good for him to be alone.  You designed the marriage relationship, and have made man to need woman, and woman to need man.  I know that you have plans for my children to find a spouse who will love and respect them, and who will be a beautiful part of their lives.  I'm beginning to pray now, even when they are young, for their future mates.  I pray that even now they are being taught about you, and are beginning to have a personal relationship with you as their Savior.  As they grow up and mature, and begin to date, I pray Lord, that you keep them sexually pure until marriage.  I pray that you begin to teach my children, and their future spouses, how to be loving and respectful marriage partners.  Lay a foundation for healthy marriages, and begin placing the desire in their hearts to live in committed marriages that will last a lifetime.  Lord, you are God, and you have a beautiful plan for my children's lives, including what their future families look like.  I'm so thankful that you are God, and have it all under your hand of protection.  Please continue to pursue my children, and their mates, into vital and vibrant relationships with you. I know that the answers to this prayer have already begun, and I look forward to you carrying it out to completion.  Marriage is a beautiful thing.  Thank you, Jesus, for mine!

Innocent as Doves

My dear husband Ken is the author of today's blog and prayer. Thanks, babe, for praying for our children with me. I love you!

Today's verse: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

Yesterday I was struck by a contrast. Papa, Uncle Tim and I took the kids to a recreation center where we enjoyed a great afternoon of basketball and swimming together. Unfortunately, in addition to having a fun time on the waterslides and courts, we also found some very unfriendly and rude teenagers who seemed to make it their goal to attract attention to themselves with their profanity. At one point, our daughter felt made fun of and she wisely and quietly found another place to be. I’m so proud that Lyssa is such a strong young woman of faith. She feels no need to compromise what she believes in order to fit in with others. Reflecting on today’s experience, it’s sad and frustrating to be in a public place, especially when you’re with your kids, where others are so casually using profanity and rude humor. For many, this is simply a way of life and rudeness is equated with being cool and having fun.

Yesterday’s recreation center experience made me feel deeply thankful for my family’s version of fun. By contrast, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing our family together around the dining table last night playing “Apples to Apples.” In a day and age where so many are attracted to vulgarity, it’s refreshing to find raucous laughter (to the point of tears) around wholesome, good and clean family fun.

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will protect the innocent spirit of our children. I pray that they will always be very careful of what they choose to expose themselves to. I pray that they will crave purity and that their hearts will always be sensitive to and repulsed by unwholesome and unclean things. I know that in this world, they will be confronted by evil on a daily basis. Father make them wise and always alert to danger. Lord, I pray that our home, and their homes, will always be a refuge of moral strength, joy and innocence. Lord let them be as shrewd as snakes, and as innocent as doves.

Pure and Blameless

Brother & Sister @ Chichen Itza 2009

Today’s verse: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

In my Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 is marked with my children’s names and the year 1999. As their mother, this verse was one of the prayers of my heart for my little ones. I don’t remember the specific circumstances of finding this verse, but I know that God gave it to me and I have prayed it over and over, claiming its truth for my kids. Today, I pray it again.

Lord, I lift before you my daughter Alyssa, and my son Kyle. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in their knowledge of you. To understand all the facets of your character; your faithfulness, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and holiness, and how it impacts their lives. I pray that they continue studying, and digging deep in your Word, and planting Scriptures in their heart. As Alyssa and Kyle get to know you better, I pray that they are able to discern right from wrong, when you are speaking to them, and what you’re calling them to do and be. Keep them both pure and blameless with their words, thoughts, and actions. Lord, fill them with the desire for right-living in you. May their lives reflect your holiness and bring glory and praise to you, precious Father, each and every day.

Pass the Pledge

Today’s verse: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10


It’s amazing how housework can give you some great spiritual insights. Too bad it wasn’t fun at the same time.

This morning as I stood in the kitchen, and the beautiful sunshine was beaming through my windows, I noticed how long it’s been since I have dusted my furniture and cleaned my windows. The sunlight so nicely emphasized the thick layer of grime everywhere. My house looks so much cleaner in the dark, and it’s a whole lot easier to ignore.

The light makes clear the areas in which need cleaning.

My prayer today, as my kids are getting older and older, is that God’s light shines in their lives in such a way that it gives them a clear picture of the things that don’t belong and need to be cleaned-up. May God’s spirit shine in the nooks and crannies of their heart and help them make good choices in their friends, habits, language, entertainment, and in all of life, so that they reflect Him instead of the grime. I want them to be “spotless” and clean.

We can take the analogy further, and know with faith, that God is the ultimate “Windex” and “Pledge”, and will wipe away the smudges left behind from our wrong choices. He makes us clean. God is good! Amen.

Lord, please shine your Light in my dear children’s lives, enlightening them to the areas in their lives that don’t reflect you. Gently prod them in the right direction when they are leaning towards making wrong choices. I pray that the window of their hearts remain clear and clean, spotless from any grime left behind from sin. Lord, let your Spirit be their guide. Clean their hearts, and renew a right spirit in them!