Wordless Wednesday

"Tebowing"

My two boys are faithful, long-time Denver Bronco fans. Recently, their love for their team has grown to include a deep admiration for their quarterback, Tim Tebow. 

If you are anywhere near a television these days, you can hear commentary, discussions and debates about the outspoken, and strongly demonstrative believer on the Broncos.  This man is a wonderful example, in my mind, of how someone can be in the public eye, play sports, make lots of money, and still give a loud testimony of loving and living for Jesus Christ.

There has even been a new word added to the "Urban Dictionary" and an entire website to "Tebowing".  It's a phenomenon that is catching, and being copied by many.

"Tebowing"= (verb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.

Now that is an athlete that I don't my kids following.

I am praying that Alyssa and Kyle have a faith so deep, wide, and strong, that they will never fear giving God all the glory for their accomplishments and blessings.  Maybe it will look like "tebowing", and maybe not.  Either way, may they always give God all the praise, honor and glory with their lives!

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."  1 Timothy 1:17


Lord you are our strength and song; you are my salvation. Please become Alyssa and Kyle's God, and may they praise you exalt your name forever.  You alone are their rock and their salvation; you, Father are their fortress, they will never be shaken.  Alyssa and Kyle's salvation comes from you alone.  With every breath, I pray that they give you all the praise, honor and glory.  May their actions and their words always be a reflection and representation of you living in their hearts.  Lord, be their firm foundation.  God, your solid foundation stands firm, and is sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his."  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lives are always marked by you, dear Jesus, and that they shout it from the mountaintop so that the whole world around them knows whom they believe in.  Lord, you are so good, so faithful, and so true.  May we abide with you forever!

From Head to Toe

My ball player...2011

Dear Father God, I pray for my son (and daughter) from head to toe:

 
His Head...That he will look to YOU as Lord of his life. (1 Corinthians 11:13) 

His Mind...That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (I Corinthians 2:16) 

His Eyes...That YOU will keep his eyes from temptation and that he will turn his eyes from sin.  (Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:47) 

His Ears...That he will hear YOUR still small voice instructing him.  (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:8) 

His Mouth...That his words would be pleasing to YOU. (Proverbs 19:14) 

His Neck...That he will humble himself before YOU and be strong, courageous, and careful to do everything written in YOUR Word so that he will be prosperous and successful. (James 4:10, Joshua 1:8-9) 

His Heart...That he will love and trust YOU with his whole heart.  (Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 3:5) 

His Arms...That YOU will be his strength.  (Psalm 73:26) 

His Hands...That he will enjoy the work of his hands and see it as a gift from YOU.  (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19) 

His Feet...That YOU will order his steps and that he will walk in YOUR truth.  (Proverbs 4:25, Psalm 26:3)

Reflecting Him

"Wisdom brightens a man’s face and changes its hard appearance."  Ecclesiastes 8:1

 Kyle...2004

Crazy Hair Day at VBS

I spent the last two weeks working a job that deals with people.  Did you know that there are lots of different people?  Joyful people.  Encouraging people.  Content people. 

Then there are people hardened by life.  Some people are heavy with anger, bitterness, or fear.  You can see it written on their faces, hear it in their words, and recognize it their attitudes. In some ways it was immediately obvious, and unfortunately wasn't attractive or always fun to come in contact with.  Many times my heart just wanted to reach out to those people and ask them if they knew Jesus loved them.  Oh what a difference He could make in their lives.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle have attitudes that reflect God living in the center of their hearts.  I pray that their demeanor is one that is marked by the fragrance of His Spirit emanating from within.  May even the appearance of their face shine Jesus.

  Alyssa...2004

Lord, you brighten a man's face and can change a hard appearance.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's face shine bright to the world around them.  It would be true evidence that you are alive and active in their lives.  Protect them, Father, from bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, selfishness, pride and greed that would cause them to look hard and ugly to those they interact with.  Fill them instead with peace, joy, hope, kindness, compassion, love, and humility, proving to be your disciples.  May Alyssa and Kyle reflect you!

Being a Team Player

“Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it.”  I Corinthians 12:27

Kyle pitching...2010

Please note:  Thanks for my dear hubby writing today's blog.  I'm in the midst of putting together our church's Women's Retreat for this weekend, and life feels crazy.  His sweetness to me is a blessing.  I love you, honey!

Rain pending, today is Kyle’s first game of Spring baseball.  In typical Idaho Spring fashion, we are expecting a high temperature of 50 degrees!  I guess it’s time to break out the bleacher seats, jackets, gloves, blankets and windbreakers!

Baseball, like life, is a team effort.  This year Kyle plays for the Kansas Jayhawks.  As a team member, Kyle’s preparation, performance, and his attitude affect the entire team.  When he succeeds, his team succeeds and when he fails his team does as well.  In baseball, it’s clear to see who’s team you are on.  Each player wears a uniform bearing the logo, colors and name of his team.

In living for Christ we, too, are a part of a larger team.  When we “step out onto the field” we represent not only ourselves, but our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We share a common goal and we ultimately wear the colors of Jesus, our Savior.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help Lyssa and Kyle to see their lives as connected to the lives of their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  I pray that you would help them always value and steward well their relationships with fellow team mates in Christ.  I pray you would teach them concern for others ahead of themselves and that they would develop a deep and life long love for Your church.  In Christ, Amen.

Always and Never

"...these men who were responsible for spreading the bad report about the land were struck down and died of a plague before the Lord."  Numbers 14:37

Family fishing trip...August 2005

I love it when my kids use the words always and  never in their complaint or plea.  It's a good sign that whatever they are about to tell me is a bit exaggerated.

She always laughs at me.
He never listens to me.
Everyone else always gets to do that.
We never go anywhere fun.
They always are rude.

Oh what joy to a mother's ears.  Not!

It's so easy to exaggerate the truth, tell false lies, or gossip about the people in our lives. It's sometimes so much easier to report the negative  But "bad reports" can really get us into trouble, with others and with God.  Oh, be careful little tongue what we say!

It's important to ALWAYS be careful with our words, and NEVER give bad reports.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be careful what they say, and use their tongues for praise and for the building up of others.  Keep them from being tempted to give "bad reports" when they are in conversations with others.  May their eyes be focused on the positive aspects of people and situations in their life.  And when they are tempted to grumble and complain, may they first choose to have a heart-to-heart with you.  Holy Spirit, guard their hearts and minds, and prompt them to think before they speak.  I pray that they always choose to speak truth and love, and reflect the peace and joy that comes from living in you.

Following My Example

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Papa, Daddy and Kyle...1998

I love this picture!  There's just something about seeing little Kyle try to be just like the big boys.  Tent making is hard work, boy howdy!

Daily Alyssa and Kyle are watching how their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends handle what life throws at them.  They are making note of how we work, deal with conflict, forgive, show love, serve, and walk with Jesus.  (Unfortunately, they'll  catch some of the the bad things, as well as the good.)

So I wonder, what will my kids take away from watching me today?  What will they observe, with their eyes or ears, of my faith in God?  It gives me pause to ponder.  

What of me are they becoming?

Lord, I try to follow you to the best of my ability every day.  I try to be who you call me to be, and walk where you lead.  As I follow you, I hope that I am becoming more like you.  Some days it feels like I have such a long way to go.  Dear Jesus, help my kids to see you in me, and desire to follow my example.  May they see the joy that comes from living their life for you, and go out and want to do the same.  May they see the peace that appears when we choose to forgive, and do likewise when it is necessary. May they see the hope that comes from just knowing and resting in you. I pray that their eyes see a difference in me because I spend time in your Word.  I pray that they catch onto the joy that comes when we listen or encourage others, or give of ourselves when someone is in need.  Lord, help me, as Alyssa and Kyle's mom, to be a beautiful example to them of a child who obediently and passionately follows her Father.

Dare to be Different

"We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers."  1 Chronicles 29:15

This year our daughter talked us into planting red petunias.  I usually have a tendency to pick purple or pink.  So, red it was.  As I went through and was weeding through them the other day, I noticed something peculiar.  In and among the throngs of red, I found one lone purple flower.  Alone it stood,

I reminded me of something I want to pray for our kids:  Be different.  Stand out in the crowd.  Follow Christ, even when the world looks at you as odd, peculiar, and unpopular.  Choose to be who God made you, and the person He wants you to be. 

I dare you, children of mine, to be different.  Be the purple flowers in the sea of red.

Lord, you call us to be aliens and strangers in this world.  You dare us to be different.  I pray that for our children, dear Jesus.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to stand firm in what they know and believe of you, and in who you've called them to be.  Give them confidence to make decisions that please you, even when it goes against the crowd, or the thing everyone else is doing.  Holy Spirit, prompt their minds and nudge their feet to follow you in everything they say and do.  There will be times where they will need courage to be different from the world around them.  I know, dear Jesus, you will be right there beside them, leading them down the right paths.  It's a high calling to follow you, and a calling that will bring them much blessing.  Thank you, Father, for allowing us to be your children, and giving us the strength we need to stand out in this world.

Beautiful Sabbath

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders."  Psalm 9:1

Alyssa (and Shreela) did a beautiful job today sharing about her missions trip to Aguascalientes, Mexico.  I loved hearing about God's activity and presence, in and through her, while she was away.  I was one proud mama! 

God, you are so good!

Lost and Found

This post is written by my dear hubby (a big thank you to him)....enjoy!

Monday Kyle lost his retainer for the second time in two weeks (did I mention that he’s only had the retainer for four weeks?).  Ugh.  After diligent searching he ended up finding the $150 prize under the seat of our van.  I can’t say that I know for certain  how it got there, but I can say for certain that we were all thankful that the 45 minute search ended happily.  Have you ever noticed that lost items are always the last place you look?

In Luke chapter 8, Jesus told us something about His passion for the lost. He said, “Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it?”  What a fuss over a single lost coin!  Why was the woman in this parable willing to sweep the entire house?  There’s only one reason I can think of.  It’s because that coin mattered to her.  As I thought about this last night I realized that we were willing to spent extended time and effort searching for Kyle’s retainer for that same singular reason reason.  It is valuable to us.

Why does God search so desperately for those who are lost?  Because they matter to Him. Monday we heard Lyssa and her team offering a summary of how God worked in and through them during her Mexico mission this summer.  Our hearts were pierced when we heard (anew) the story of our daughter and her friends praying with a couple to receive Christ as savior.  As their dad how my heart longs for my daughter and son to always have a heart that is broken for lost people.  May God consistently use them to bring His light into the darkness.  Being lost doesn’t make someone less valuable.  In fact, because they’re so valuable, God is on a rescue mission.  I pray my kids are always tender to the spiritual condition of others around them.

Heavenly Father, I praise you for seeking me when I was lost.  Thank you for seeing value in my life and for the joy of being found.  How I pray that You will direct Lyssa and Kyle to always have a heart that is open to other people.  May they be Your mouthpiece, Your hands, Your heart and Your feet to turn the place upside down in search for beloved and lost souls.  I pray you would fill their hearts with true zeal, love and care for others and I pray you will always give them opportunities and the empowerment they need to direct others to Yourself.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Let it Shine!

"Let your light shine for all to see.For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you."  Isaiah 60:1 (NLT)

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

July 4, 2004

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

 

Lord, you are the light of the world. Thank you for dispelling darkness, bringing hope, and filling us with truth and love. Your light lives in us, and in turn we can shine your light to others. Lord, may my kids live as children of light, and have lives that consist of goodness, righteousness and truth. Use my kids to be light in a world that desperately needs you. Teach them to shine your light to the lonely, hurting, angry, unloved, and may not know the hope you have to offer. I pray that they find the tenacity to let their light shine before men, in all that they say and do, and through all the days of their lives. Thank you, Jesus, for being our light, and the light of the world!

Dancing on their Face

 

 Alyssa, Kyle and Mom --1999

Today's verse: "The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out."  Proverbs 13:9

You know, when you can't find a good campfire, a candle is a pretty good substitute to roast marshmallows.  Just ask my kids.  We've roasted many a marshmallow by candlelight.  Of course, you miss the smell of the campfire, and the charcoal flavor that mingles with the sugary mess. 

I love to watch my children as they sit around the campfire.  I become mesmerized by the reflection of light dancing on their faces.  It just makes them glow.  At the same time, there's something about a campfire that brings great delight and joy to those sitting around it's edges.  Somehow, its infectious.

I think God's children reflect the beauty of His light in their lives, especially when they spend precious time in His presence.  His light shines in their compassion towards others, or in their acts of service or random acts of kindness.  His light shines through their words of encouragement, and in their attitudes about life.  He can be seen in beautiful ways.  God is infectious.

I love seeing God shine brightly in others.  I'm guessing that those who don't know Him in a personal way, are also attracted to the light and joy on the faces of God's children. They can't help but wonder about the peace that exudes from our lives, and want to know how they can have it too.  We can shine Jesus to the world around us.

I pray that the reflection of Christ's light lives in my children's lives, and that it dances on their faces in beautiful ways.

Lord, you are the light of the world, and you will not be hidden.  Whoever follows you will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.  Oh, Lord, dispel the darkness of this world.  Fill every corner of my children's hearts and minds with your light.  Shine in their faces, and help them reflect you to the world around them that is living in darkness.  May the joy they have because of your presence in their lives, overflow in their relationships, in their ministries, and in every aspect of their lives.  Lord, I pray that I will always see you dancing in their faces.

Thankful Thursday: God Sightings

Today’s verse: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

I love seeing God at work! At our Women’s Bible Study we call them “God Sightings”. We go around the room and we share how we have seen the Lord’s presence in our lives throughout the week. It’s so fun to hear how others experience God in their daily lives, and are aware of His speaking to them, or His blessing. We always conclude our time with a prayer of thanksgiving. So, today, I want to share my God sightings, and give Him thanks for His obvious presence!

Quaker Art: Presence in the Midst

• Yesterday I wrote about finding moments of laughter with my family, and tonight at dinner we all laughed until we had tears rolling out our eyes. Such a sweet sound!
• On my November 9th blog I prayed about my kids procrastination with homework. Aaaahhhhhh…we’ve experienced a little breakthrough! Alleluia!
• The kids and I have been struggling with our drive home from church on Sunday nights. Everyone is tired and cranky after a long day at church. So I asked my friends to pray for us. This Sunday we all drove home laughing together. God is good!
• The YIPPS (Youth Intercessory Prayer Partners) had some awesome prayer time this week, and I am blessed by the commitment of other parents to meet together and pray for the youth, and the youth leaders of our church. God is answering our prayers.
• Ken was able to visit a lady who once attended our church, but we hadn’t seen in many years, just a few hours before she went home to be with the Lord. God’s perfect timing.

The list goes on…I have more, but will let this suffice for now. I just wanted to “make known among the nations what he has done” in my life this week!

What an amazing God you are! You hear our prayers, you speak to us, and you bless us in abundant ways. Thank you for answering the prayers of this parent, who is on her knees for her family. As a mom, I tend to worry about many things in regards to my kid’s lives, but am learning that I can lay all of those burdens at your feet and entrust them to your care. You are infinitely more knowledgeable, and more sufficient, than this mom could ever be. Lord, I thank you for drawing near to me, as I draw near to you. Thank you for listening to the cry of my heart, and answering each time I call on you. I continue to be on my knees, begging for your presence in the lives of my children, and in my life, as I work to be the mom you’ve called me to be. I have faith that I can do all things because you live in me! And because I believe that with all my heart, I will continue to make known all that you're doing in my life. Amen!

One More Story, God!

Stories with Grammy--2005

Today’s verse: "As for me, this is my covenant with them," says the Lord. "My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the Lord. –Isaiah 59:21

My children have a heritage filled with faithfulness.

• They have Great-great-grandparents (and beyond) who loved the Lord.
• They have Great-grandparents who loved the Lord.
• They have Grandparents who love the Lord.
• And aunts, uncles, and cousins, from generations past until today, who love/loved the Lord.

One of my favorite things to watch, as my kids have grown up, is the time they have spent gathered around my Mom, aka “Grammy”, listening to the stories of her life, and of the lives of past generations. Often we would hear “One more story, Grammy. One more story.” Some stories were funny, some were based on lessons learned, and a lot of the stories shared about God activity and presence in the lives of those in our family.

I believe that I walk closely with the Lord today because of my God-loving family and their faithfulness to serve Him, love Him, and live for Him. Their mouths must have been filled with stories of God’s blessing and work in their lives. It then became a powerful testimony, passed down from generation to generation, to infect lives with Jesus. I believe, even now, my kid’s lives are impacted for Jesus with each story told. It just shows the power of our words!

I thank the Lord for the heritage I have, and that my children have, of a God-loving family. Like them, I pray that my kid’s mouths will be filled with stories of His faithfulness in their lives.

One more story, God. Oh, one more story!

Lord, your faithfulness from generation to generation, is something I give you praise for. You have moved, and acted, in my family’s life in so many ways. Thank you for a heritage of believers who have lived their lives for you, and were faithful to not let your words depart from their mouths. I love the precious moments my kids have, sitting and hearing stories of your presence in the past, and love the stories you are creating for the future. Lord, show my kids evidence of your activity in their lives today. May their eyes and ears be fully aware of your presence, and recognize the stories they have that give testimony to your Spirit’s work in their lives. Thank you, Lord, for the stories!