Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
An "Overprotective" Mom
Oh I laughed at this commercial. After I got over that Kyle said this was me.
Praying for Alyssa and Kyle's relationships with the opposite sex. Sometimes I want to be an overprotective and nosy mom, but ultimately trusting God the watch over them is a better plan.
Praying for Alyssa and Kyle's relationships with the opposite sex. Sometimes I want to be an overprotective and nosy mom, but ultimately trusting God the watch over them is a better plan.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Relationship Dealings
"Remind them to... malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men." Titus 3:1-2 (NASB)
What happened to my blog post yesterday? No great reason except that my brain was in a fog from attending Women's Retreat all weekend. I know, excuses, excuses. It never even crossed my mind until I was thinking about my phone call with Lyss on Sunday and was praying for her. (Yes, I finally heard from her...its been three weeks since she left for school.)
Lyss has been experiencing some struggles with her new roommates. Everyone is different and has different ideas on how an apartment should look and run. Conflicts with other people are a fact of life, yet how we deal with them can reflect if God is an active part of our lives.
My prayer for both of my kids is that they can deal with difficult circumstances and people with kindness, gentleness and love. It won't always be easy, but with God's help, it's possible. Speak with love. Don't ignore. Forgive easily.
I'm banking that with Him big changes will take place for Lyss and her roommates, and that they will not just "survive" one another, but come to enjoy new friendships.
Lord, you call us to love one another, forgive seventy times seven, and respond with gentleness. Relationships with other people can sometimes be a challenge and following your plan in the midst of conflict can be harder than it sounds. Help Alyssa and Kyle as they deal with struggles with other people. Keep their mind focused on you, and your hopes for their responses. Extending kindness and grace can sometimes be hard, but with you, dear Jesus, it's possible. Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be peaceable and show consideration to others, even in their disagreements.
Lyss has been experiencing some struggles with her new roommates. Everyone is different and has different ideas on how an apartment should look and run. Conflicts with other people are a fact of life, yet how we deal with them can reflect if God is an active part of our lives.
My prayer for both of my kids is that they can deal with difficult circumstances and people with kindness, gentleness and love. It won't always be easy, but with God's help, it's possible. Speak with love. Don't ignore. Forgive easily.
I'm banking that with Him big changes will take place for Lyss and her roommates, and that they will not just "survive" one another, but come to enjoy new friendships.
Lord, you call us to love one another, forgive seventy times seven, and respond with gentleness. Relationships with other people can sometimes be a challenge and following your plan in the midst of conflict can be harder than it sounds. Help Alyssa and Kyle as they deal with struggles with other people. Keep their mind focused on you, and your hopes for their responses. Extending kindness and grace can sometimes be hard, but with you, dear Jesus, it's possible. Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be peaceable and show consideration to others, even in their disagreements.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Forgive People
"For if you forgive people their wrongdoing,
your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.
But if you don’t forgive people,
your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing."
Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB)
God's teaching on forgiveness is pretty much "black and white".
FORGIVE , Babies!
your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.
But if you don’t forgive people,
your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing."
Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB)
God's teaching on forgiveness is pretty much "black and white".
FORGIVE , Babies!
Alyssa's Birthday Sleep-over (2008)
Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle forgive people for their wrongdoing. Give them hearts that are don't hold onto mistakes and hurts long, but are quick to give forgiveness and understanding. Mend their hearts where they are hurt, and give them confidence in who you've made them, and how you love them, so that they can pass that love and consideration to others. May Alyssa and Kyle be givers of forgiveness!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Ironing Out Differences
"I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges." Philippians 4:2 (The Message)
Differences come and go. Some days my kids fight over this, that, and everything. Even at 19 and 16 Alyssa and Kyle fight over the silliest of things...
what to say,
when to eat,
where to sit,
how to be.
One day, I'm sure I'll be able to look back and laugh at their antics and attitude. And hopefully so will they.
But grudges can easily take root. I hope that in the process of being nit-picky, sassy, grumbly, and impatient, that my dear, sweet children learn to forgive as easily as they fight.
Ironing out differences is about as "fun" as doing the real ironing around here, but both are completely worth the effort. The outcome is always a smoother, more beautiful, relationship.
"I urge Alyssa and Kyle to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges."
Dear Precious Savior, move in and through Alyssa and Kyle and help them to be patient with one another, loving each other despite all their difference, faults and failures. It's hard work learning how to not hold grudges, but you are the perfect Teacher. So, teach Alyssa and Kyle, Father, to love completely, forgive easily, and be fully patient and kind to one another, and in each of their relationships. Thank you, Lord, for being actively present in our kids lives.
Differences come and go. Some days my kids fight over this, that, and everything. Even at 19 and 16 Alyssa and Kyle fight over the silliest of things...
what to say,
when to eat,
where to sit,
how to be.
One day, I'm sure I'll be able to look back and laugh at their antics and attitude. And hopefully so will they.
But grudges can easily take root. I hope that in the process of being nit-picky, sassy, grumbly, and impatient, that my dear, sweet children learn to forgive as easily as they fight.
Ironing out differences is about as "fun" as doing the real ironing around here, but both are completely worth the effort. The outcome is always a smoother, more beautiful, relationship.
"I urge Alyssa and Kyle to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges."
Dear Precious Savior, move in and through Alyssa and Kyle and help them to be patient with one another, loving each other despite all their difference, faults and failures. It's hard work learning how to not hold grudges, but you are the perfect Teacher. So, teach Alyssa and Kyle, Father, to love completely, forgive easily, and be fully patient and kind to one another, and in each of their relationships. Thank you, Lord, for being actively present in our kids lives.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Love Deeply
"Love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22
Cousins (Christmas 2012)
Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to love one another, for love comes from you. Everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you. But Lord, whoever does not love does not know you, because you are love. This is how you, dear Jesus, showed your love among us: You sent your one and only Son into the world that we might live through you. This is love: not that we loved you, but that you loved us and sent your Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I pray that, since you so loved Alyssa and Kyle, they also will love one another. No one has ever seen you; but if they love one another, you live in them and your love is made complete in them. (1 John 4:7-12)
Monday, April 29, 2013
Ready or Not It's Happening
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18
Both my kids are dating. (Deep breath)
If there is anything that brings a mother to her knees in prayer more it's that! There was nothing that prepared me for the first time I caught my kids holding hands with (much less kissing) someone of the opposite sex.
I'm thinking that it's about time I get used to the fact...
Cause ready or not, it's happening!
I soooooo want Alyssa and Kyle to find the partners God has planned just for them. I have my own set of "requirements" and hopes, and so does God, but ultimately my kids will be be the ones making the decision. My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle seek Him first, and then find the mate suitable for them because they've sensed His leading, guiding, and approval.
To me, this is a BIG deal. But not too big a deal for God.
Therefore, for now, I'll just fall on my knees and pray!
Lord, I know that you've intentionally made man and woman to need someone, and to not live alone. I also know that you've made a suitable helper for both Alyssa and Kyle. Today, I am praying with a begging heart, that my dear children choose to seek the partner you have planned perfectly for them. Help them to be patient in the seeking, picky in the choosing, and firm in their hopes and dreams. I also plead that Alyssa and Kyle find a friend and spouse who loves them deeply, lives for you Lord, and brings great joy in their lives. I pray that even now they are diligently praying to you about their future marriages and spouses. Oh, I know that you have a perfect plan for Alyssa and Kyle's lives and look forward to watching it all unfold. Thank you, precious Savior.
Both my kids are dating. (Deep breath)
If there is anything that brings a mother to her knees in prayer more it's that! There was nothing that prepared me for the first time I caught my kids holding hands with (much less kissing) someone of the opposite sex.
I'm thinking that it's about time I get used to the fact...
Kyle and his girlfriend heading to prom (April 2013)
Cause ready or not, it's happening!
I soooooo want Alyssa and Kyle to find the partners God has planned just for them. I have my own set of "requirements" and hopes, and so does God, but ultimately my kids will be be the ones making the decision. My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle seek Him first, and then find the mate suitable for them because they've sensed His leading, guiding, and approval.
To me, this is a BIG deal. But not too big a deal for God.
Therefore, for now, I'll just fall on my knees and pray!
Lord, I know that you've intentionally made man and woman to need someone, and to not live alone. I also know that you've made a suitable helper for both Alyssa and Kyle. Today, I am praying with a begging heart, that my dear children choose to seek the partner you have planned perfectly for them. Help them to be patient in the seeking, picky in the choosing, and firm in their hopes and dreams. I also plead that Alyssa and Kyle find a friend and spouse who loves them deeply, lives for you Lord, and brings great joy in their lives. I pray that even now they are diligently praying to you about their future marriages and spouses. Oh, I know that you have a perfect plan for Alyssa and Kyle's lives and look forward to watching it all unfold. Thank you, precious Savior.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Two Days, Five Potlucks
“And let us consider how we may spur
one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
In the last two days, I have attended FIVE potlucks/dinners...
A women's missionary luncheon,
A wedding reception get-together.
A baseball fundraising dinner,
A Sunday afternoon potluck and business meeting,
and a 80th birthday celebration for two dear friends!
We have not failed to meet together with friends this weekend, let me tell you. However, the diet on the other hand, was a complete failure!
Though I come through the weekend a bit on the "dazed and confused" side of things, I have this sense of gratefulness and love for the people in my life. Such a variety of friends, encouragers, and sojourners who enrich me! There's just something about knowing I'm not walking alone!
It reminds me to pray for those who enter Alyssa and Kyle's lives as teachers, mentors, friends, and co-laborers of Christ. These people will remind them that they are not alone, they are loved, and that there are places to turn when life gets hard.
Life is just more blessed when it's touched by the smile, kind words, and encouragement from another.
Lord, thank you for the blessing that I find from the people you have put in my life! I revel in the variety from age, personality, passions, and purposes, but each are vital to my growth in you and finding joy day by day. Please, precious Savior, but special people in Alyssa and Kyle's lives too. Provide friends who encourage them, give them individuals to touch their hearts, and fill their days with those who strengthen their faith. Today, if the day seems hard, I pray Alyssa and Kyle find a smile. And if the day seems lonely, I pray that they find a friend. Father, teach Alyssa and Kyle to live in community with other believers and find great joy from the presence of those you have placed in their lives.
In the last two days, I have attended FIVE potlucks/dinners...
A women's missionary luncheon,
A wedding reception get-together.
A baseball fundraising dinner,
A Sunday afternoon potluck and business meeting,
and a 80th birthday celebration for two dear friends!
We have not failed to meet together with friends this weekend, let me tell you. However, the diet on the other hand, was a complete failure!
Though I come through the weekend a bit on the "dazed and confused" side of things, I have this sense of gratefulness and love for the people in my life. Such a variety of friends, encouragers, and sojourners who enrich me! There's just something about knowing I'm not walking alone!
It reminds me to pray for those who enter Alyssa and Kyle's lives as teachers, mentors, friends, and co-laborers of Christ. These people will remind them that they are not alone, they are loved, and that there are places to turn when life gets hard.
Life is just more blessed when it's touched by the smile, kind words, and encouragement from another.
Lord, thank you for the blessing that I find from the people you have put in my life! I revel in the variety from age, personality, passions, and purposes, but each are vital to my growth in you and finding joy day by day. Please, precious Savior, but special people in Alyssa and Kyle's lives too. Provide friends who encourage them, give them individuals to touch their hearts, and fill their days with those who strengthen their faith. Today, if the day seems hard, I pray Alyssa and Kyle find a smile. And if the day seems lonely, I pray that they find a friend. Father, teach Alyssa and Kyle to live in community with other believers and find great joy from the presence of those you have placed in their lives.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Family, Fighting, and Friendship
"And this commandment we have from him:
whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:21
Lyss & Kyle (1998)
Alyssa and Kyle know how to push buttons in the blink of an eye, yet they also can be each others greatest cheerleader. I cherish the moments when I catch a glimpse of them treating each other with a love and kindness that they would show their greatest friend. I also love watching them laugh together, or have a conversation, especially when one is showing great concern over the others needs.
However, at this time in life, my kids claim that they are not "friends", and sometimes treat each other more like lepers, than sister and brother. I try to convince them the importance of their relationship, and that they will need each other one day. They will go through trials in their life where they will need someone who will stand by them through thick and thin, and love them no matter what.
They put up (and put-up is definitely the word of the day) with each other as family now, but I pray that one day they will realize the treasure they have as friends. I pray that they will forgive the crazy things of today, and love one another unconditionally through the things of tomorrow.
I think people that have a brother
or sister
don't realize how lucky they are.
Sure, they fight a lot,
but
to know that there's always somebody there,
somebody that's family.
--Trey Parker
Lord, you have given us two precious children and they fill our days with much joy. However, when they fight, are impatient with one another, and hold onto grudges, my heart breaks. I pray Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle will live lives that are completely humble and gentle; being patient, bearing with one another in love. May they make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Lord, may forgiveness flow freely between one another. Their friendship can can be a life-giving relationship that brings them much joy, but at times it will take a bit of effort. May they each be willing to set aside hurts, fears, and anger to love one another the way that you call them to love. Lord, you have created our family in beautiful ways, and you put Alyssa and Kyle together as sister and brother for special purposes in their lives. May they find the true joy you have for them in this relationship. As sisters and brothers...and as friends.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thankful Thursday: My Valentine
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24
"Marriage is not a noun, it's a verb.
It isn't something you get. It's something you do.
It's the way you love your partner every day."
-- Barbara De Angelis
Today is a perfect day
to celebrate the love of my life! God has truly blessed me. We met 25
years ago, and have been dancing together through life ever since. Of
course, in the 23 years since we've been married there have been a few ups and
downs, but with God by our side, our love has always remained. Here's
to another couple decades. I love you, Ken!
It's hard to believe, and I'm thinking I'm closer than I want to be, but my kids aren't too far
from the days when they will be thinking about marriage and finding
their life mates. Soon Valentine's Day will be a day worth celebrating,
because they will have someone to celebrate with. I'm praying for them
to find the mate God has planned just for them, and that they choose to
work hard throughout their lifetime to love their spouse deeply. I
long for them to live in deep happiness, and in marriages that are
strong, healthy, and committed for the long haul. One day, I hope they
will be celebrating a marriage that has lasted 20 years or more!
Valentines Day is a good day to
reflect on past memories, celebrate present love, and hope for a strong
futures...ours and our kids!
Lord, you have blessed my life
richly with a wonderful husband and a marriage that brings me much
happiness. You knew the man who would be perfect for me, and you
brought us together in beautiful fashion. Sure, we have struggles and
ups and downs, but you are always there pushing us to be better, to look
to you for guidance, and lean on you for understanding. Lord, I pray
that my children find the mates that you have designed perfectly for
them as well. Mates that will love them deeply, be willing to work through the
hard things, always be faithful, and live their lives devoted to you. I
pray that my kids have marriages that are full of love, happiness,
peace, contentment, and respect. Begin preparing them, and their future
spouses, for a beautiful adventure, with you by their side.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Saying Sorry
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed." James 5:16
"An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair about anything." --Lynn Johnston
Saying sorry is sometimes the hardest thing to do. It's an important lesson in life and I pray that I've taught my kids well enough.
Sorry is more than just the words.you say.
Sorry is listening and understanding.
Sorry is vital to every healthy relationship.
My kids, it's sometimes "hard to say I'm sorry", but it's always worth saying. When you do, you show value to the other person and reflect the God who lives in you!
Lord, I pray that you soften and mold Alyssa and Kyle's hearts so that knowing when to say"sorry" becomes first nature to them. Make them sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, dear Jesus, and have spirits that are compassionate, merciful, and forgiving. I pray that your Spirit is always leading, guiding, prompting and healing Alyssa and Kyle's hearts. Lord, make it easy for my dear children to say they are sorry.
"An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair about anything." --Lynn Johnston
Sorry is more than just the words.you say.
Sorry is listening and understanding.
Sorry is vital to every healthy relationship.
My kids, it's sometimes "hard to say I'm sorry", but it's always worth saying. When you do, you show value to the other person and reflect the God who lives in you!
Lord, I pray that you soften and mold Alyssa and Kyle's hearts so that knowing when to say"sorry" becomes first nature to them. Make them sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, dear Jesus, and have spirits that are compassionate, merciful, and forgiving. I pray that your Spirit is always leading, guiding, prompting and healing Alyssa and Kyle's hearts. Lord, make it easy for my dear children to say they are sorry.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Faith Encouragers
"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12 (NLT)
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we are supposed to do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
Alyssa and her youth leaders at graduation (2012)
Lord, you put other people in our lives in order to bless us, encourage us, and sometimes even teach or stretch our thinking when it comes to our faith. Faith in you isn't necessarily something we are supposed to do on our own. We learn so much from the other people in our life. Thank you for the many people who are like that in my own life. What joy it is to walk this journey with others.
Father,
I pray that you strategically place friends or adults in Alyssa and
Kyle's life that encourage them in their walk with you. Give them
places of safety and refuge with people they can trust, and who
speak love and truth into their lives, especially when the daily grind
of life is so hard. Give them mentors and friends who walk with them as
aliens and strangers in this world.
In turn, I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle BE the encourager in
the life of someone else. Help them to be bold and wise in their
conversation with others, leading them closer to you. Use my children
to bless someone else by speaking truth, being kind, and showing love
that reflects you.
I
pray that there will be others in Alyssa and Kyle's life that encourage
them in their faith, and also that they will want to encourage others
as well. Thank you, Jesus, for hearing my prayers!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Praying Scripture
"Love one another deeply, from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22
Cousins (Christmas 2012)
Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to love one another, for love comes from you. Everyone who loves has been born of you and knows you. But Lord, whoever does not love does not know you, because you are love. This is how you, dear Jesus, showed your love among us: You sent your one and only Son into the world that we might live through you. This is love: not that we loved you, but that you loved us and sent your Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I pray that, since you so loved Alyssa and Kyle, they also will love one another. No one has ever seen you; but if they love one another, you live in them and your love is made complete in them. (1 John 4:7-12)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
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.
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.
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.
I should re-phrase that. I know God will lead Alyssa and Kyle to the spouse He has planned just for them, I just pray that our kids pay attention to His leading.
Make the best decision, babies! Follow Christ and His plan for your lives.
And 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!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
The Hard Work of Forgiveness
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
It's said that practice makes perfect, but I'm not so sure if that's always true when it comes to learning about forgiveness. I find that forgiveness is hard work most every time. Some people are easy to forgive, and some circumstances more immediately forgivable, but often it still takes choosing to do the harder thing.
Forgiveness doesn't immediately fix the hurt, or heal relationships, but it does set us on the road God calls us to follow and healing can begin. I've seen people hold onto unforgiveness for a very long time, and it ruins relationships for a lifetime, and fills hearts with bitterness and anger. Our unwillingness to forgive someone who has hurt us, actually damages us worse.
I wish that my children didn't have to experience things in their lives where they needed to practice the art of forgiveness, but I know that is unrealistic. So, I'll just pray that they won't allow bitterness and hurt to take root in their hearts, and forever mess up the important relationships in their lives.
I pray that they will always choose to do the hard work of forgiveness.
Lord, you bear with your children, and forgive us over and
over again. Thank you, sweet Jesus. May you helps us to do the same.
Help us to give forgiveness freely, and not hold onto bitterness,
anger and hurt, especially in regards to our closest relationships.
Continued to teach us how to do the hard work of forgiveness. Lord,
protect my children from huge hurts in their lives, but where there is
hurt (and I know that there will be), I pray they choose to forgive.
And where they hurt others, I pray forgiveness is offered to them.
May my children never let unforgiveness take root in their hearts. In
these moments Lord, I pray that they lean on you for help and
guidance. You are the greatest forgiver of all...may we be more like
you!
It's said that practice makes perfect, but I'm not so sure if that's always true when it comes to learning about forgiveness. I find that forgiveness is hard work most every time. Some people are easy to forgive, and some circumstances more immediately forgivable, but often it still takes choosing to do the harder thing.
Forgiveness doesn't immediately fix the hurt, or heal relationships, but it does set us on the road God calls us to follow and healing can begin. I've seen people hold onto unforgiveness for a very long time, and it ruins relationships for a lifetime, and fills hearts with bitterness and anger. Our unwillingness to forgive someone who has hurt us, actually damages us worse.
I wish that my children didn't have to experience things in their lives where they needed to practice the art of forgiveness, but I know that is unrealistic. So, I'll just pray that they won't allow bitterness and hurt to take root in their hearts, and forever mess up the important relationships in their lives.
I pray that they will always choose to do the hard work of forgiveness.
"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love.
In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness."
--Robert Muller
Monday, August 20, 2012
Days Full of Grace
" Let your conversation be always full of grace..." Colossians 4:6
Three days at the beach with the family!
I'm praying for memories, moments, and connection. Sometimes when we hang out too long in close quarters its easy to say too much or become too easily irritated. So far, so good, but as we spend time together and prepare to say "good bye" to Lyssa for her first year at college, I pray that our time is seasoned with grace.
Lord, this is the day you have made, and so I will rejoice and be glad. Please be living and active in our family this week. Help our speech to always be full of grace and used for building one another up. Lord, help us to reflect you to one another in all that we say and do. Amen.
Three days at the beach with the family!
I'm praying for memories, moments, and connection. Sometimes when we hang out too long in close quarters its easy to say too much or become too easily irritated. So far, so good, but as we spend time together and prepare to say "good bye" to Lyssa for her first year at college, I pray that our time is seasoned with grace.
Lord, this is the day you have made, and so I will rejoice and be glad. Please be living and active in our family this week. Help our speech to always be full of grace and used for building one another up. Lord, help us to reflect you to one another in all that we say and do. Amen.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Growing in Patience
"Love is patient, love is kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4
Even at 18 and 15 my children have troubles getting along. Yesterday, in the heat of the day and in the busyness of errands, I found myself remarking on how they were acting like they did when they were 8 and 5.
"He's touching me."
"She's making fun of me."
"Moooommm."
"She hit me."
"He won't stop."
My index fingers finally found their way to my ears and the child-like side of me responded with, "La-la-la, I can't hear you!"
I'm thinking that there is still room for prayer in the department of patience and kindness...especially in regards to my kids relationship with one another.
Oh Lord, you're sure not finished yet!
I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle grow in patience and kindness. May the words of their mouths, and the meditation of their hearts be pleasing to you. When hot-tempered, Alyssa and Kyle can stir up dissension, but when patient they can calm a quarrel. Lord, mark our dear children with your Spirit, so that they will look more and more like you to the world around them. Amen.
Even at 18 and 15 my children have troubles getting along. Yesterday, in the heat of the day and in the busyness of errands, I found myself remarking on how they were acting like they did when they were 8 and 5.
"He's touching me."
"She's making fun of me."
"Moooommm."
"She hit me."
"He won't stop."
My index fingers finally found their way to my ears and the child-like side of me responded with, "La-la-la, I can't hear you!"
I'm thinking that there is still room for prayer in the department of patience and kindness...especially in regards to my kids relationship with one another.
Oh Lord, you're sure not finished yet!
I pray, dear Jesus, that Alyssa and Kyle grow in patience and kindness. May the words of their mouths, and the meditation of their hearts be pleasing to you. When hot-tempered, Alyssa and Kyle can stir up dissension, but when patient they can calm a quarrel. Lord, mark our dear children with your Spirit, so that they will look more and more like you to the world around them. Amen.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
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