In Over Their Heads

I was thinking of this following story the other day and I was reminded I had written about it back when I first started my blog.  Oh it was a traumatic mom day.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."  1 Corinthians 10:13

(Photo Credit)


My only excuse was my post-pregnancy hormones.  Alyssa's only excuse was that she was 2 1/2 years old. Kyle was only a couple of weeks old, and so he really had nothing to do with this story, except for the fact that he was the cutest little boy around. 

It was a Sunday afternoon after church, and our family headed to the local Mexican restaurant for lunch with a few families from our church.  Of course, I can't remember anyone who was there now.  I was too traumatized, I guess.  We were close to the end of our meal and little Alyssa was starting to get antsy.  A restaurant is really not a fun place for a 2-year old.  Everything just takes too long.  As the meal drew to a close, and I was focused on a conversation with a friend, Alyssa decided to stick her head through the back of her chair.  Unfortunately, she was unable to get her head back out.

All of a sudden Alyssa was in a panic, and crying because she was stuck.  I spent a few seconds trying to release her, but to no avail.  She was truly stuck.  Next thing I know everyone at our table began to stir, and we all began to work together to try to figure out how to make the rescue.  Everyone except me anyway...After my initial discovery that Alyssa was stuck and that I couldn't get her out, I just stood back and let the tears flow in worry.  (That's why I blame the hormones!)  My baby was trapped in the chair.

With a screwdriver found by the restaurant staff, and the chair taken a part, Alyssa finally became free from her head-lock.  Oh what sweet relief for both mother and daughter.

Life will be full of temptations, but God's Word promises that He will always provide a way for us to stand up under them.  We will never get in such a tight place, that we can't get out.  I'm thankful for that promise, and the hope it gives this mother, as she realizes all the temptations her children may face in life.

Oh God, watch over my dear children.  And if they ever get in over their heads, please be their rescuer!

Oh Lord, how you love your children.  I'm sure that your heart aches when you see them trapped by the things of this world.  You offer us great hope when in the fact that no temptation will seize our children except what is common to man. And You are faithful; you will not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear. But when they are tempted, you will also provide a way out so that they can stand up under it.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for watching over our children, and being with them in those hard times.  In those moments where they can get into a tight squeeze, show them the way out, dear Jesus.  Be the voice whispering in their ears, "This is the way; walk in it."   I love you, dear Jesus.  You are our blessed Rescuer!

 

Wordless Wednesday

Photo credit

 

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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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

 

Wordless Wednesday (Sorta)

 

Praying Scripture: Wise Choices

Lyss (2008)

As I contemplated what I wanted to pray for today I just couldn't help but think about my hope that Alyssa and Kyle make wise choices in their life...

Who they hang out with,
what they do when together with their friends,
what movies they watch or music they listen to.
How they spend their money,
drive their car,
or take care of their bodies.
How much effort to put into their schoolwork,
when to study,
and when to study harder.
Who to date,
when to say "no",
and choosing their partner for life.

Choices.
Choices.
Wise choices.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle choose to do what is right and best with their lives!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle remember
   your teachings and instructions
   and obey them completely.
Those lessons will help them live
   a long and prosperous life.
Let love and loyalty
   always show like a necklace,
   and be written on Alyssa and Kyle's mind.
You, God, and people will like them
   and consider them a success.
With all their heart
   Alyssa and Kyle must trust you, Lord
   and not their own judgment.
Always lead Alyssa and Kyle,
   and clear the road
   for them to follow.
Keep Alyssa and Kyle from ever thinking
   that they are wise enough,
   but respect you, Lord,
   and stay away from evil.
This will make Alyssa and Kyle healthy,
   and they will feel strong. 

Proverbs 3:1-8
  

 

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.