Showing posts with label Responsibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Responsibility. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Laboring Attitude
I'm a bit late getting my prayer out this morning. We had a busy Sunday and a lazy morning today and so I'm a little slow on actually writing down my prayer. I guess "Labor Day" is a day to take a break from our work, so I'll just say I've enjoyed sleeping in a bit and having my cup of coffee before I opened this page to write.
Today I need to pray for my kids work ethic and money habits. Whew. Or maybe it's more a prayer about contentment and mature choices.
"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense." Proverbs 12:11
Wants, hopes, and desires are in full supply, but the desire to get down and dirty to make a way for some of these "needs" hasn't quite arrived. We all have to come to a point of figuring it out, and sometimes it comes when we have to learn to live on pennies until we do something about it, or need to stretch a dollar until payday.
I don't want to be my kids' "sugar mama" for the rest of their lives. I want them to take care of themselves and provide for their own needs like responsible adults, so that when I want to give out of love I can easily do so lavishly with joy.
Well, this is a fun way to pray on "labor day"!
Lord, sometimes I feel like I've done such a poor job parenting, bu I have faith in knowing you can take care of these big needs. Be Alyssa and Kyle's teacher today in the area of money, contentment and responsibility. Move them, dear Father, from being dependent and needing to be provided for, to being mature and capable adults who work hard to take care of their needs and wants. Working hard will bring them confidence, power, and a maturity that will make them successful adults. At the same time, tame Alyssa and Kyle's insatiable need to have more, be pampered, and fulfill the appetites that rage within them. Living within their means is a hard lesson, but if learned now, it will serve them well in the years to come. You provide your children with blessings along the way when we are faithful to live in obedience. Give Alyssa and Kyle eyes to see your gifts!
Today I need to pray for my kids work ethic and money habits. Whew. Or maybe it's more a prayer about contentment and mature choices.
"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense." Proverbs 12:11
Wants, hopes, and desires are in full supply, but the desire to get down and dirty to make a way for some of these "needs" hasn't quite arrived. We all have to come to a point of figuring it out, and sometimes it comes when we have to learn to live on pennies until we do something about it, or need to stretch a dollar until payday.
I don't want to be my kids' "sugar mama" for the rest of their lives. I want them to take care of themselves and provide for their own needs like responsible adults, so that when I want to give out of love I can easily do so lavishly with joy.
Well, this is a fun way to pray on "labor day"!
Lord, sometimes I feel like I've done such a poor job parenting, bu I have faith in knowing you can take care of these big needs. Be Alyssa and Kyle's teacher today in the area of money, contentment and responsibility. Move them, dear Father, from being dependent and needing to be provided for, to being mature and capable adults who work hard to take care of their needs and wants. Working hard will bring them confidence, power, and a maturity that will make them successful adults. At the same time, tame Alyssa and Kyle's insatiable need to have more, be pampered, and fulfill the appetites that rage within them. Living within their means is a hard lesson, but if learned now, it will serve them well in the years to come. You provide your children with blessings along the way when we are faithful to live in obedience. Give Alyssa and Kyle eyes to see your gifts!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Friday, October 28, 2011
Oh the Messes!
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands." 1 Thessalonians 4:11
"Cleanliness may not make one godly,
but it does make one appreciated."
--Wes Fessler
Thought it is not "Wordless Wednesday", I'm sure the above picture brings many thoughts to your mind about what this mother is praying for today.
Oh the messes!
Lord, you know my heart, and you know the needs and struggles of our dear children. Oh how I want Alyssa and Kyle to grow up to be responsible and hard-working adults. Some days I can see signs of their ability to take care of themselves, being kind to others, making mature choices, and having the desire to have the freedom and responsibility that comes with becoming an adult. And other days, not so much. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle grow spirit's that thrive to work hard, live organized and orderly lives, and always choose to be responsible with their time and possessions. Lord, bless their hands as they work and help them to do it all for the glory of your name.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Macaroni and Cheese Lesson
Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Yesterday, a child of mine begged, pleaded, and was very persistent in wanting me to make a box of macaroni and cheese for lunch. This was after leaving the potluck at church where there was plenty of food to be had. Being the good mom that I am, I figured this child, who for this blog entry will remain unnamed, needed to learn to do their own work and take care of their own physical hunger. I'm sure they wouldn't starve.
What could have taken less than ten minutes to make, ended up in longer ordeal than necessary in hopes that I would give in. No such luck.
Hopefully it was a good lesson that "those unwilling to work will not get to eat."
*chuckle-chuckle*
Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle grow up into adults who are not unwilling to work. Especially when they are hungry or in need. The sluggard doesn't receive what he needs to live. May Alyssa and Kyle's hands be of great use to not only help themselves, but to be of some assistance to others in need as well. I pray that our kids always work diligently and glorify you in all that they do.
Yesterday, a child of mine begged, pleaded, and was very persistent in wanting me to make a box of macaroni and cheese for lunch. This was after leaving the potluck at church where there was plenty of food to be had. Being the good mom that I am, I figured this child, who for this blog entry will remain unnamed, needed to learn to do their own work and take care of their own physical hunger. I'm sure they wouldn't starve.
What could have taken less than ten minutes to make, ended up in longer ordeal than necessary in hopes that I would give in. No such luck.
Hopefully it was a good lesson that "those unwilling to work will not get to eat."
*chuckle-chuckle*
Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle grow up into adults who are not unwilling to work. Especially when they are hungry or in need. The sluggard doesn't receive what he needs to live. May Alyssa and Kyle's hands be of great use to not only help themselves, but to be of some assistance to others in need as well. I pray that our kids always work diligently and glorify you in all that they do.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Mistakes and Messes
"He has sent me to ...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:1, 3
My Facebook status from yesterday: I hate it when little mistakes make big messes.
When will I learn to not push the "on" button so fast on my KitchenAid? Especially when I've just added a cup or two of dry ingredients. Let me tell you, from experience, that a little flour can go a LONG ways. With a quick flip of the switch I had a big mess.
Life is full of messes.
Mistakes are made on a daily basis.
Some of those mistakes just have bigger consequences than others.
A messy diaper stain on the carpet will always be hidden under the couch,
but spilled juice is an easy pick-up (though it's sticky, sticky, sticky).
A hot glue gun drip made a life-scar on my counter-top,
but forgotten homework isn't remembered for long.
Big mistakes will usually have big consequences,
but little mistakes can sometimes result in big messes too.
I want our kids to learn from their mistakes,
and even live with some of the consequences of their decisions.
But I also want them to know that God can make beauty out of ashes.
Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the work you are doing in their lives. You are forever present, continually faithful, and patiently pursuing them day by day. I know that they will make mistakes in life, and I pray that they will seek your intervention and help when the consequences and messes seem too big. Soften their hearts to be receptive to instruction and learning in the midst of their mistakes, and repentance when they know that they've done wrong. Lord, bestow on Alyssa and Kyle a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting for the display of your splendor.
My Facebook status from yesterday: I hate it when little mistakes make big messes.
When will I learn to not push the "on" button so fast on my KitchenAid? Especially when I've just added a cup or two of dry ingredients. Let me tell you, from experience, that a little flour can go a LONG ways. With a quick flip of the switch I had a big mess.
Life is full of messes.
Mistakes are made on a daily basis.
Some of those mistakes just have bigger consequences than others.
A messy diaper stain on the carpet will always be hidden under the couch,
but spilled juice is an easy pick-up (though it's sticky, sticky, sticky).
A hot glue gun drip made a life-scar on my counter-top,
but forgotten homework isn't remembered for long.
Big mistakes will usually have big consequences,
but little mistakes can sometimes result in big messes too.
I want our kids to learn from their mistakes,
and even live with some of the consequences of their decisions.
But I also want them to know that God can make beauty out of ashes.
Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the work you are doing in their lives. You are forever present, continually faithful, and patiently pursuing them day by day. I know that they will make mistakes in life, and I pray that they will seek your intervention and help when the consequences and messes seem too big. Soften their hearts to be receptive to instruction and learning in the midst of their mistakes, and repentance when they know that they've done wrong. Lord, bestow on Alyssa and Kyle a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting for the display of your splendor.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Warning: Contains Complaining
"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good." Galatians 6:9
It's summer break time! Yesterday was our official first day of no school. It wasn't long before I heard the first "I'm bored" or "There's nothing to do." Could they have just waited until day #2 to issue any complaint?
I'm thinking I'll also have to be reminding them of the "rules" and expectations I have for the coming months (or for the rest of their lives)...
Oh, did that sound like I was yelling? Sorry. I think I picked up one too many things that weren't mine yesterday.
I truly want my kids eyes to be open to how they can help around the house, and what their responsibilities are. I want them to somehow naturally see what needs to be done and then do it.
I guess I'll just have to keep nagging until they get it. Or pray harder.
Lord, be with our family in this new season. May this be a time where Alyssa and Kyle grow and mature and face their responsibilities head-on. I pray that they don't tire of doing what is right, good, and helpful to others. Responsibility is growing more and more in Alyssa and Kyle and I know that it is you moving and living in them. Please continue to show them the areas in which they need to step up and do better. Prompt their hearts to do their best! May their hearts be marked by kindness, service and compassion. Move them, dear Jesus, to be their best!
I'm thinking I'll also have to be reminding them of the "rules" and expectations I have for the coming months (or for the rest of their lives)...
- Throw away your own trash.
- Turn off the lights.
- Put the dishes in the dishwasher.
- Wipe off the counter if you make a mess.
- Take the cans/bottles to the recycle bin.
Oh, did that sound like I was yelling? Sorry. I think I picked up one too many things that weren't mine yesterday.
I truly want my kids eyes to be open to how they can help around the house, and what their responsibilities are. I want them to somehow naturally see what needs to be done and then do it.
I guess I'll just have to keep nagging until they get it. Or pray harder.
Lord, be with our family in this new season. May this be a time where Alyssa and Kyle grow and mature and face their responsibilities head-on. I pray that they don't tire of doing what is right, good, and helpful to others. Responsibility is growing more and more in Alyssa and Kyle and I know that it is you moving and living in them. Please continue to show them the areas in which they need to step up and do better. Prompt their hearts to do their best! May their hearts be marked by kindness, service and compassion. Move them, dear Jesus, to be their best!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Growing Up
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 (ESV)
Those are some simple yet profoud lessons. Have we taught Alyssa and Kyle well enough to lend a helping hand, to give abundantly, or look on other people with compassion and empathy? Will they ever learn to "clean up their own mess", send a thank-note without being reminded, or do something that is someone else's job?
I know that as they grow up, and as they sink themselves into being followers of Christ, they'll learn those lessons all on their own. I can trust God's work in their lives, and know without a shadow of a doubt, that some of this growth will come with age. Yahoo.
Lord, thank you for being continually at work in our children's lives. You have important lessons for them to learn, and you are continually guiding them into greater understanding, deeper maturity, and a pleasing reflection of you. Make Alyssa and Kyle people who give to others out of the abundant love in their heart, use their hands to bless those in need, and remember to think of others above themselves. Grow them up, Father, to be adults who reflect you in all that they say and do. You are living and active in them, and I give you all the thanks and praise.
Lyss helping build a desk...2009
There are days where I just pray that we've taught pur kids well enough. I mean, before we know it, they will be leaving home and won't have their parents to remind them of what they should be doing.. It kind of reminds me of the following poem...
All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
by Robert Fulghum
Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
Those are some simple yet profoud lessons. Have we taught Alyssa and Kyle well enough to lend a helping hand, to give abundantly, or look on other people with compassion and empathy? Will they ever learn to "clean up their own mess", send a thank-note without being reminded, or do something that is someone else's job?
I know that as they grow up, and as they sink themselves into being followers of Christ, they'll learn those lessons all on their own. I can trust God's work in their lives, and know without a shadow of a doubt, that some of this growth will come with age. Yahoo.
Lord, thank you for being continually at work in our children's lives. You have important lessons for them to learn, and you are continually guiding them into greater understanding, deeper maturity, and a pleasing reflection of you. Make Alyssa and Kyle people who give to others out of the abundant love in their heart, use their hands to bless those in need, and remember to think of others above themselves. Grow them up, Father, to be adults who reflect you in all that they say and do. You are living and active in them, and I give you all the thanks and praise.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Driving Towards Manhood!
“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 28:1-2 ESV
Our boy is becoming a man before our very eyes. Every day I find myself amazed at the "little" things such as his height. I'm still a tad taller than he is, but it won't be long, I'm sure. But when I let him get behind the wheel of my car on Sunday, and he drove for the first time, all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with how close my little boy was to many big milestones in his life.
Driving.
Shaving.
Dating.
Oh my. Oh my.
He'll be facing a lot of new things in the years (or months) to come, and gaining more and more adult responsibilities. Trust will be vital, obedience a lifeline to more freedoms, and wise choices will give him a "long life" (Deuteronomy 6:2). I'm praying for "man-like" choices, and that responsibility will mark all that he does.
Lord, help Kyle to faithfully obey your voice, being careful to follow all your commandments, and your blessings shall come upon him and overtake him. Grow him up to be a man who follows you, dear Jesus, and lives a life of integrity, strength, and honor, always reflecting you in all that he says and does. May obedience come quick, wise choices be his first response, and doing right always outweigh being cool, having fun, or doing what every one else does. Lord, I pray that you are always Kyle's rock and shelter, and the One for whom he lives. I love you, dear Jesus, and have a heart full of gratitude and praise, knowing that you hear my prayers.
Kyle's first driving experience...1997
Our boy is becoming a man before our very eyes. Every day I find myself amazed at the "little" things such as his height. I'm still a tad taller than he is, but it won't be long, I'm sure. But when I let him get behind the wheel of my car on Sunday, and he drove for the first time, all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with how close my little boy was to many big milestones in his life.
Driving.
Shaving.
Dating.
Oh my. Oh my.
He'll be facing a lot of new things in the years (or months) to come, and gaining more and more adult responsibilities. Trust will be vital, obedience a lifeline to more freedoms, and wise choices will give him a "long life" (Deuteronomy 6:2). I'm praying for "man-like" choices, and that responsibility will mark all that he does.
Lord, help Kyle to faithfully obey your voice, being careful to follow all your commandments, and your blessings shall come upon him and overtake him. Grow him up to be a man who follows you, dear Jesus, and lives a life of integrity, strength, and honor, always reflecting you in all that he says and does. May obedience come quick, wise choices be his first response, and doing right always outweigh being cool, having fun, or doing what every one else does. Lord, I pray that you are always Kyle's rock and shelter, and the One for whom he lives. I love you, dear Jesus, and have a heart full of gratitude and praise, knowing that you hear my prayers.
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