Live Generously

“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously."  Luke 6:27-30 (The Message)

Teaching my kids how to love their enemies is hard sometimes cause the "mama bear" in me feels their hurt and inner struggle, and it's our natural tendency to want to fight back, to defend, and to make right the wrong. But God's Word commands us differently.

Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. (The Message)

Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  (NIV)

My son has been struggling with a couple of teachers in school this year.  His struggle (as far as I can tell) is mostly internal and he hasn't actually acted out in rebellion, disrespect, and anger.  It's just the little things these people do that make him feel picked on and disliked.  Sure, there are two sides to the story and Kyle's perception could be skewed, but still when my son feels these things, he feels them. And this mama's heart feels them. 

The world teaches us to stand up for yourself or disrespect back, and I'm trying to encourage my son that there is a different way that God calls us to.  Because we are followers of Christ we want to be like Christ to the world around us...doing good, blessing, and praying for the one who offends.  It means going above and beyond to be better than our enemies expect, being kind, showing humility instead of pride, and becoming stronger through the trial instead of weaker.  It's hard to "let them bring out the best in you" when it goes against everything we feel. 

The Message translation concludes this passage in Luke 6 (above) on loving our enemies, by challenging us to "live generously".  Giving to others when they don't deserve it. As my kids go out in this world today, that is my prayer for them, as they face unkind and difficult people.

Live generously, sweet ones, cause God will see.  He will be your defender.  He will reward and love. 

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to love their enemies and do good to those who mistreat them.  Praying for those who cause us to struggle is the harder, but better, thing to do.  Oh to let these situations bring out the best in them, and not the worst, is my prayer.  Holy Spirit, speak tenderly to Alyssa and Kyle's broken and hurting hearts, when people don't treat them with kindness and respect.  Remind them that you are their Defender.  Instruct them on how to respond in a way that brings you glory and turns around the circumstances they are in.  In this world we will have troubles, but through them I pray that Alyssa and Kyle trust you and follow your example to live generously, especially to those who don't deserve it.  Encourage Alyssa and Kyle's hearts today and remind them that they are dearly loved by you!


 

Think About These Things

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  Philippians 4:8

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Think about these things.  I needed to be reminded. 

The Message version says it beautifully.
"I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." Philippians 4:8-9

The best, not the worst.

The beautiful, not the ugly.

Things to praise, not things to curse.

Fixing my mind on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable takes discipline, decision, and persistence.  It's God's calling.  His will. 


I pray that Alyssa and Kyle can train their minds to focus on the truth in regards to their self-esteem, or when they face discouragement and doubt, or when people are unkind and unlovely.  Learning to fight the battle of the war waging in their head and heart may be the most important thing they do.

"And the God of peace will be with you."  Philippians 4:9

God of peace, how we need you!  Help us to learn how to fill our minds with truth.  Teach us to think on the things that are right and pure.  And when our mind wants to go in unhealthy directions, teach us to take captive every thought to make it obedient to you.  Lord, be ever present in Alyssa and Kyle's thought life.  If there is discouragement, bring comfort.  If there is doubt, strengthen their confidence.  Help Alyssa and Kyle stand strong and courageous in the battles that go on in their minds.  You, in turn, will be their peace!


 

Careless Words

"I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.”  Matthew 12:36  HCSB

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Lord, how careful we must be with our tongues.  On the day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word we speak.  Oh teach us to make good use of our words.  The world is flippant with your name, and with foul language.  Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you.  I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle to use their mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief.  (Job 16:5)  Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)  Our tongues should not curse men and declare your praise at the same time.  Dear Jesus, move Alyssa and Kyle to use their words for your glory and praise!  Amen.


 

No Clanging Cymbals

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1

Angry attitudes.
Flippant remarks.
Harsh comments.
Course jokes.
Foul words.
Insensitive declarations.
Careless comebacks.

Clanging cymbals.

 


Lord, you live and move in our inner beings and evidence of you comes out in our words and actions.  As we abide in you, and you in us, we become more like you.  I pray that as you live in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, and they spend time cultivating their relationship with you, you will be recognized in their speech, attitudes, and responses to the world around them.  Tame their tongues and make them obedient to you.  Dear Father, move Alyssa and Kyle to love deeply in word and deed.

 

Wordless Wednesday

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Let Anger Straggle in the Rear

"If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; 

calmness can lay great offenses to rest." --Ecclesiastes 10:4

Sensible people control their temper;
    they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. 

 --Proverbs 19:11

"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life."  --James 1:19-21

Lord, you are the great Teacher, and your children sometimes have many things to learn.  You are a God who is slow to anger, abounding in love, and you forgive sin and rebellion.  Help us to have the same attitude.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle patience, love, and forgiveness, I pray.  Calm responses can lay great offenses to rest.   Help them to lead with their ears, follow up with their tongues, and let their anger straggle along in the rear.  May Alyssa and Kyle reflect you, dear Jesus.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Stopping the "I'm Bored" Routine

"Bless all his skills, Lord, and be pleased with the work of his hands."  Deuteronomy 33:11

Kyle ready for work or play?  (1998)

"I'm bored!"  It's my least favorite statement from the kids, yet probably the greatest wish for myself in the busyness of life.  Oh to be "bored" for just a couple of hours. 

I've already heard the words this summer.  When Alyssa and Kyle were younger, the rule was, if you said you were bored you got a job to do.  What a quick cure for this habitual statement when there was nothing "fun" going on.  We even had a jar of chores; cleaning baseboards, scrubbing toilets, dusting cobwebs, folding laundry, etc.

I'm pretty tempted to relive the days of old.

My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle find themselves useful to others around them, challenged in what they find to do with their time this summer, and joyful from a sense of productivity and accomplishment. 

Lord, be pleased with the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands!  

I pray, dear Jesus, that you bless the skills of my children and put a desire in their hearts to use those skills to be productive and happy people.  May they be disciplined to work hard, keep busy, and avoid being sluggards this summer.  Give me wisdom to know how to lead and parent them through these dog days of summer, and push them out of boredom and into a space of usefulness and contentedness.  Please use Alyssa and Kyle's hands to bless others!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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.

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Wordless Wednesday

 

Be Careful Little Tongue!

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."  James 3:9-10

Kyle and that tongue of his!  (2006)

Oh the tongue!  It is such a little thing in our body, yet sometimes it can cause huge damage. 

Enough said.

Lord, use Alyssa and Kyle's mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief.  (Job 16:5)  Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you.  Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

No Clanging Cymbals

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13:1

Angry attitudes.
Flippant remarks.
Harsh comments.
Course jokes.
Foul words.
Insensitive declarations.
Careless comebacks.

Clanging cymbals.

Lord, you live and move in our inner beings and evidence of you comes out in our words and actions.  As we abide in you, and you in us, we become more like you.  I pray that as you live in Alyssa and Kyle's hearts, and they spend time cultivating their relationship with you, you will be recognized in their speech, attitudes, and responses to the world around them.  Tame their tongues and make them obedient to you.  Dear Father, move Alyssa and Kyle to love deeply in word and deed. 

 

Pure Choices

"I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home. I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.."  Psalm 101:2-3


Today I am praying for the innocence and purity of our children's hearts and minds. As Alyssa and Kyle get older, we have lost most control over their choices of music, apps, and movies. My hope and prayer is that they always keep their eyes, ears, minds, and hearts clean and pure 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 our children's eyes, ears and hearts to you.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Avoiding Reckless Words

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

Brother and Sister (2004)

It's summer break and I think Alyssa and Kyle have way too much time together. They are best friends one minute, and worst enemies the next. Complaints are made that the other person eats too loud, talks too much, or is just plain "annoying." Words of irritation fly everywhere.

I pray that they will soon learn the power of their words. Their words can build-up or tear-down, bring war or promote peace, and have the power to change moods, irritations, and relationships forever. Sisters and brothers can be friends and encouragers of the best sort.

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless."
--Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

Today could be the beginning of kind and loving words between the siblings in this house. Hey, I can pray for that anyway. Our God is a miracle worker.

Oh Lord, this is the day that you have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! Be present with us in every moment, loving us, changing us, and making us more like you. Teach us, dear Jesus, to use our words wisely, and to be careful with how we speak. May our words be marked by your grace, peace, and compassion. Lord, teach my children the power of their words, and give them the discipline to hold their tongues and say only what is kind. I so want Alyssa and Kyle to recognize that their words can be reckless and pierce like a sword, or they can bring healing and encouragement. Mark our lives with your presence, and help us to shine you in all that we say and do. 

 

Life and Death Choices

"When good people turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. And when a wicked person turns away from his wicked life and starts living a just and righteous life, he'll come alive."  Ezekiel 33:18-19 (The Message)

Camping find...Grammy, Alyssa & Kyle (1998)

Choices.  Every day our children are faced with making choices.
Will they make wise choices?
Safe choices?
Moral choices?
Choices that bring life?

This last week was one full of our kids experiencing freedom. One child went off to church camp and another child spent a few nights in a motel with his baseball buddies. While our children were out and about without us, they were in positions to make their own choices.

I'm praying, good choices.

Each day that passes brings us closer to them leaving home (Lyss only has a month and a half before college begins), and the choices that they make then won't necessarily have consequences with mom and dad. They are even probably getting to the point where they could care less what we think about their life choices.  However, those choices could have life and death kinda consequences. Each decision or action, will either bring our children closer to God, or take them farther away from His presence and will.

I pray that they will always choose to honor God in all that they say and do.

Choose wisely, my babies!

Lord, please watch over our children, and protect them.  Move your Spirit in them, prodding them to always make choices that keep them safe, and reflect your presence in their lives.  Live and move in their hearts, Jesus.  May they always hear your voice behind them saying, "This is the way, walk in it."  Remove any fantasy from them, Lord, that make them think that things not of you bring happiness and pleasure.  Help them to find their deep joy and eternal satisfaction only in you.  Protect them from others who may lead them astray.  Lord, when Alyssa and Kyle turn back from living good lives and plunge into sin, they'll die for it. But if they come to a place in their lives and need to turn away from their wicked life and they start living a just and righteous life, they'll come alive.  What a beautiful promise of unconditional love, and the gift you give us, Lord, when we are repentant.  Thank you, for your forgiveness, and making us new when we choose turn back to you!  Lord, I pray that our children always choose You!

 

Quite a Stink

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” Colossians 3:8

I have some great family memories from camping; from when I was a kid, and then when I had kids of my own. As a parent, I often wish that we had been better at fitting in times to take the family to the mountains to make memories that my kids will remember for a lifetime as well. I guess at least we have a few good memories to hold onto!

One of the camping trips we went on, when the kids were little, wasn’t to the deep woods of a forest, but it was just outside the city of Lewiston, Idaho along the Snake River. With little ones it was nice to have a place with bathrooms and electricity, and be close to a town if we needed anything. I have many fun childhood memories camping at this park as well.

Even though this campground is close to town, it still felt like we were away from civilization and were getting a “real” camping experience. We even had the opportunity to see some wildlife. Alyssa was probably about four years old, and she absolutely loved the family of skunks that happened to wander through our campground. How cute is a mama skunk and her two little babies? Oh my. In the daytime, we could watch them at a distance, but in the pitch black of night you had no idea where they were and how to stay clear.  I think that was scarier than the thought of a bear out in the woods.

Of course, little Alyssa wanted to follow them, maybe get a little closer, and hold one of those sweet little babies. Baby animals are so cuddly looking, you know? It was hard to explain to her that those precious little creatures wouldn’t be so “precious” if they decided to defend themselves. Even baby skunks can make quite a stink.

The same is true with the words that come from our mouths. It only takes a few foul words, swearing or just plain unkind, to stink things up. Our words have the power to encourage or discourage, to build up or tear down, and the moment we speak someone can decide if we are friend or foe. Our words are a reflection of what is in our heart, and it only takes a little “stink” to overpower, infiltrate, and impact someone's heart, and prove that ours is in need of some serious cleaning up.

I pray that the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be pleasing to Him!  And I'll pray that for my little "stinkers" as well!

Lord, thank you for the reminder of the power of our words and the need to be careful how we speak. This is a lesson that I pray Alyssa and Kyle can learn now, early in life.  With our words we can worship you and give you glory, or we can bring shame and dishonor, to you or to others. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  Oh the lessons we need to learn, and the practice we need to have when it comes to the words of our mouth. Please help rid Alyssa and Kyle of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from their lips. Lord, open their mouths so that they will declare your praise every moment of every day.
 
 

Wordless Wednesday