Finals Week!

"Listen to instruction and do your best to learn."  Proverbs 23:12 (CEV)

Kyle (2009)

It's finals week around here!  Today is a test in calculus and Kyle's been studying hard.  I pray that whatever he's learned over the last semester, and all that he has studied this weekend, can be applied to his big tests this week.

Kyle's been doing his best to learn and we're sure proud of him!

Lord, I pray for Kyle today.  Help him to apply the things he has learned and keep his head on straight when the questions seem hard.  You have made Kyle smart and gifted and he can do much with you by his side.  Give Kyle success as he works hard this week, dear Jesus!

 

Someone Else Please

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."  2 Timothy 2:2

Believe it or not, our kids don't listen to everything we have to say.  Often someone else can offer the same advise or encouragement and they seem to listen to it better. Go figure.

However, I think that Alyssa and Kyle have a lot to learn and sometimes need encouragement and wisdom from someone with a few more years "under their belt".  Someone they can share their worries and fears with.  Or a person to challenge them in their views and attitudes.

Some days it will be me.

But most days it won't be.

So, today I'm praying that they find a friend, or someone to come alongside them, to influence them in the things of the Lord and bless their lives with encouragement and support.

Lord, thank you for my dear children, Alyssa and Kyle.  Thank you for the way you're growing them up and drawing them near to yourself.  I pray, Father, that you send someone into their lives that will encourage them in their faith, challenge them in their world views, and teach them some of the lessons of life that for some reason aren't always heard from me.  May they each find a mature friend to influence their spiritual walk closer to you.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are blessed with mentors that love them, yet are willing to tell them the truth even when it hurts.  Prepare their hearts for these moments, and teach them to be open to the wisdom and guiding of others.  I entrust Alyssa and Kyle to you, dear Jesus, and pray that they are on a continual journey closer to you!

 

Wordless Wednesday

Photo credit

 

Listen to Him, Dear Ones!

Dear Alyssa and Kyle,

My child, listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways
    and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble. 
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
    Guard them, for they are the key to life.

Don’t do as the wicked do,
    and don’t follow the path of evildoers.

Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.
    Turn away and keep moving.

For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.
    They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.

They eat the food of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence!

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
    which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
    They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

My child, pay attention to what I say.

     Listen carefully to my words. 

Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Avoid all perverse talk;
    stay away from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.

Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

Love, God 

(Proverbs 4:10-27)

 

The Theme of their Song

"Your statutes are the theme of my song during my earthly life."  Psalm119:54

Oh how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with His Word.  I hope that they go to it when they need wisdom, hope, help, comfort, and just want to know more about God.  

As I looked at my Bible, which was given to me on Mother's Day 2008, I was reminded of so many times in my life in which He gave me a word for a situation I was in, and I've written notes here and there so I'd remember and recall those lessons.  Those mark His work and love in my life and I'm so grateful. 

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's Bible's are more than well worn, but they are well read, marked up, and treasured as the "theme of their song" in life!

"A thorough knowledge of the Bible is 

worth more than a college education."

--Theodore Roosevelt

\Lord, your Word is such a delight and holds so many rich treasures.  It teaches us about you, and helps us grasp the depths of your love for your children.  From the beginning to the end, we watch your plan unfold, and see your hand of love, power, and grace at work over and over again.  Each time I open it's pages I can sense your voice speaking personally to me.  I know, however, that it's a continual process to learn and understand the details we find within the pages of your Word.  I pray that you give my children understanding when they sit down and spend time with you and read your Word.  Open Alyssa and Kyle's eyes that they may see the wonderful things in your law.  Bring them hope, courage, and wisdom as they dig deep, falling in love with you deeper and deeper as they go.  Oh Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle come to believe your Word and hold onto this treasure that helps them know you more.  Speak to them, dear Jesus, calling them to yourself as your precious children each and every time they come to your living and active Word.  What a beautiful gift to your children! 

 

Soft Hearts for Wisdom

 

My son, if you accept my words

       and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom
       and applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight
       and cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver
       and search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD
       and find the knowledge of God.

--Proverbs 2:1-5

I've noticed, as my kids get older and move through their teenage years, that I don't seem to know so much.  Ha!  I've heard that this is a normal teenager phenomenon.  They have this tendency to believe what others have to say, and listen to their wisdom, sometimes before they listen to mine...even if I've even said it first.  Grumble.

So, I ask God to give Alyssa and Kyle soft hearts towards their parent's wisdom.  Beyond that, I pray that their hearts are open to others' wisdom as well...including God's.  It's our human nature to struggle sometimes against others' insights, or put higher confidence in our own ideas, and we cringe or act out in our pride, and we miss out on some valuable nuggets of wisdom.   Oh, I hate it when I do that!

 

I like this quote:

"The next best thing to being wise oneself 

is to live in a circle of those who are"  

--C.S. Lewis 
 

Surrounding oneself  with wise people, and being willing to listen to the wisdom of others, is a sign of maturity and growth.

Lord, your wisdom is the richest of all wisdom.  Thank you for sharing it with your children when we seek it.  Your Word is full of rich treasures!  I pray, Lord, that my children accept your words, and store up your commands within their hearts, turning their ear to wisdom and applying their heart to understanding.  Lord, If they call out for insight and understanding, and search your hidden treasures, they will find You in beautiful ways.  I also pray, Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle have hearts that are open to their parents wisdom and instruction.  Keep them from becoming closed off, or bitter, when we instruct in certain directions, and trust that we always have their best interest at heart.  Give them great pleasure in listening to others' wisdom, and good judgment on who and what they listen too. Thank you, Father, for the promise that when we seek you, we will find you!  Lord, be the first place they go for wisdom, and the loudest voice they hear speaking in their ear.  

 

Praying Scripture

Brother and Sister (1999)

Lord, I won't  stop praying for Alyssa and Kyle, asking you to give them wise minds and spirits attuned to your will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which you work. 

 (2006)

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will live well for you, the Master, making you proud of them as they work hard in your orchard. As Alyssa and Kyle learn more and more how you work, I pray that they will learn how to do the work you have for them. 

 (2010)

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength you, Lord, give. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking you who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that you have for us.

 (2012)

 (Colossians 1:9-12) 

 

My Prayer

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11

 Brother and Sister (2005)

In my Bible, Philippians 1:9-11 is marked with my children’s names and the year 1999. As their mother, this verse was one of the prayers of my heart for my little ones. I don’t remember the specific circumstances of finding this verse, but I know that God gave it to me and I have prayed it over and over, claiming its truth for my kids. Today, I pray it again.

Lord, I lift before you my daughter Alyssa, and my son Kyle. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in their knowledge of you. To understand all the facets of your character; your faithfulness, steadfastness, trustworthiness, and holiness, and how it impacts their lives. I pray that they continue studying, and digging deep in your Word, and planting Scriptures in their heart. As Alyssa and Kyle get to know you better, I pray that they are able to discern right from wrong, when you are speaking to them, and what you’re calling them to do and be. Keep them both pure and blameless with their words, thoughts, and actions. Lord, fill them with the desire for right-living in you. May their lives reflect your holiness and bring glory and praise to you, precious Father, each and every day.
 

Back to School

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you."  Proverbs 4:6

Christmas break came and went way too quickly this year.  On January 2, Kyle was out the door to school at 5:45 am to start the day with a baseball workout, and then  returned home at 4:30 pm after a second workout.  School came too early in more than one way. 

I'm praying that today is filled with joy as Kyle attends school.  Though he is grumbling at the schedule that comes with being back to school (especially with his college aged sister still hanging out for another week and is sleeping in), I am hoping that God does a change in his heart and that he finds an unusual excitement as he gets back into the swing of things.

I want my kids to find a love for learning, and have something spark a great interest that may even lead them into the future God has planned just for them.  Learning, wisdom, and a good education can bring a lot of work, but it can also bring abundant joy.

May it be so today...even though it means our Christmas break has come to an end.

Lord, your wisdom is of greatest worth, and I pray that my kids will always grow in the knowledge of you.  At the same time, may they find great joy in gaining knowledge at school, and in their reading, writing, history class, and even math.  May they find classes that ignite their passion for learning, and teachers that encourage them to strive better and deeper in their classes.  Today, Kyle will need strength to get back into the swing of routine.  Lord, be with Kyle in every moment, reminding him that you are God, and you have made him for this day, and this day for him!  Thank you, dear Father.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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!

 

Plans Galore

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."  Proverbs 15:22

High School graduation is just around the corner,
and not far behind is the beginnings of Lyssa's college adventure.

Though at times makes me cringe, planning is the theme of our days.

Schedules.
Scholarships.
School needs.
Summer wants.
And celebrations all around.

Plans galore.

What I am finding is that my kid doesn't really want parental counsel.
And who does a mom and dad turn to when they can't figure it all out?
Learning to ask for counsel is an important lesson in life.
I'm praying that our kids get over their know-it-all-ness,
and seek out the wisdom of others in their lives.

Then their plans just may succeed.

Lord, I so want Alyssa and Kyle's plans to succeed in life.  They will fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they have a better chance of success.  Give them wise and willing people to help them on this journey.  Open Alyssa and Kyle's ears that they may hear and take seriously the advise of others, and a wisdom to know what is right and true.  Plans are many and constant, and we ask for your leading and guiding, knowing and believing that you know all the days ordained for them, and have plans to prosper them.  Alyssa and Kyle are yours, dear Father, and I pray that they heed your call and leading on their lives.

 

Wordless Wednesday

Taught By God

"It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me."  John 6:45

At the Oregon Coast (1998)

Sometimes it's hard to be my teenager's "teacher".  There's something about teenagers that makes them think they know everything, and their parent knows nothing.  It's normal, I know, but there are things that Alyssa and Kyle need to learn.  (Of course, don't we all)?!  

I came across the above verse the other day in my quiet time and I just loved it, especially as I thought about my sometimes "strong-willed" children..."they will all be taught by God".  What a relief to know, that there are some things I can entrust Him to teach my children, especially when I feel unsuccessful.  Thank you, dear Jesus!

Oh that they will "listen to the Father"! 

Lord, you are our most precious Father, and I am in awe of your amazing wisdom, and that you impart it to your children.  I will continue praying that you fill Alyssa and Kyle with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. With everything that I am, I pray that they will be sponges who soak up all the wisdom and knowledge you have for them, and be hearers and doers of your Word.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always have flexible spirits, tender minds, and open ears to the voice of their Savior.  Teach them, Jesus!

Wordless Wednesday

Oh Boy! Finals Week

"I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens."  Ecclesiastes 1:13

We are entering finals week around here.  Alyssa says she has "tons" of  finals.  I'm not sure exactly how many that is, but oh my, it could be a hairy week around here.  I don't know if I should pray more for me, or for my kids.  ha!

My prayer for this day, and really for life, is that Alyssa and Kyle remember and can easily bring to mind, the things that they are learning.  For some it comes easier than others. Applying their mind is what they will need this week for sure!

I also pray that in every stressful moment they seek Jesus and Oh the peace that He offers.  And I will do the same

Lord, you have given Alyssa and Kyle strong minds and the ability to become wise with knowledge and experiences.   Please help them to apply their minds whenever they are called to, and fall in love with learning.  You have made them intelligent, but may they use those smarts to serve you in amazing ways.  May they always give you the glory, for the things they have learned, and for how they have used the things you have taught them.  Lord, thank you for being with our children when the tasks seem hard and overwhelming.  Be Alyssa and Kyle's strength this week.

Seeing Jesus Clearly

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."  Proverbs 8:17

I love this picture of Kyle and Grammy. I love Kyle's blonde, blonde hair, his little legs, that curled up hand and puckered lip, and his little man outfit.  So cute he was!  I also love the intense look on his face as he tries to peer out the binoculars to the beautiful ocean.

I think this happened to be the same day that Ken was intently looking out his own binoculars, and didn't realize that there were seagulls flying overhead, until...

You guessed it!  He was marked by a wonderful shower of seagull poop.  Oh the smell!  It's a day we'll never let him live down, that's for sure!

We all took turns looking through the binoculars that day, hoping to focus on something awesome out in the great mass of water (and none of the rest of us experienced the seagull shower!).  It's amazing how those things work, allowing us to see things that we wouldn't normally be able to see with our naked eye.  They magnify in such a way that you can see such intricate details, and the beautiful design of God's creation.

God's Word is like that!  It shows us clearly, when we choose to take a look, the God who loves His children.  It helps us to see an accurate and beautiful picture of God's plan for this world.  How can we help but not fall deeper in love with Him, when we get to know Him more?

Seek Him through His Word, my precious children, and you WILL find Him!

Lord, what a promise that your children can hold onto!  When we seek you, you will not remain hidden from us, but we are guaranteed that we will find you!  What a gift that is to hold onto.  Your Word is like a telescope, and when we look into it, you become magnified and we can see you more clearly.  Every intimate detail of your plan from the beginning of time, and how you love your children, and provide a way for us to draw near to you, can be found within the pages of Scripture.  We just need to be willing to take a look, and fix our eyes on you.  Lord, I pray that my children fall in love with You and Your Word, and choose daily to dig deep and seek you with all their hearts.  Within those moments I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find the great treasures you have just for them, and they find you in beautiful, life-changing, and fulfilling ways.

Big Ears

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; 

guard it well, for it is your life."  

Proverbs 4:13

  

"Everyone should be quick to listen, 

slow to speak and slow to become angry..."  

James 1:19

"Apply your heart to instruction and 

your ears to words of knowledge."   

Proverbs 23:12

 Lord, thank you for Alyssa and Kyle and the sweetness they add to our lives.  Every day I see amazing ways you are active in their lives.  They are growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually in beautiful ways.  In that growth, precious Savior, I ask that you make their hearts and minds pliable to instruction, guidance and knowledge from others.  It's so easy to be defensive when someone offers advise, or to close our ears to what others suggest, and we put up walls when we don't like what someone has to say.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle guard others instructions well, and apply their hearts to the wisdom and knowledge that surround them.  Help them to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Lord, mold and make Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be what you want them to be. 

Living Deeply in Christ

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."  1 John 2:28 (The Message)

I love how the Message paraphrases that verse..."Live deeply in Christ."  I just want to ponder that today. 

"Live deeply in Christ."  This is my greatest prayer for Alyssa and Kyle.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to love you, and live deeply in you. May they not be tempted to just know of you, and live in the knowledge of what they've learned about you since they were little, but choose to strive to KNOW you deeper and better.  Sideline observers get a small taste of you, but those who choose to participate face to face in a relationship with you, experience first-hand the Living Water.  You, Lord, quench every thirst, and satisfy the deepest of hungers.  But living deeply in You is a choice one has to make every day.  Lord, spur Alyssa and Kyle on to laying down their selfish desires, or worldly yearnings, and to seek first your Kingdom, with their entire heart.  And now, Jesus, help them to stay with you. Move them to live deeply in you. Then they'll be ready when you appear, ready to receive you with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when you arrive.  I pray, Lord, that Alyssa and Kyle love you deeper than I can ever imagine.  You, Lord, are the One that I love.

Learning New "Stuff"

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
   the man who gains understanding..."  

--Proverbs 3:13

 Kyle and his friend Jake...2005

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this yet on my blog, but Kyle recently was accepted to a new baseball team.  It's exciting and scary all at the same time (at least for mom) because he's playing on a high school team, with some kids much older than he is.  I mean some have facial hair and their voices have this deep, manly tone about them.  At 14, I know that it won't be long until Kyle sees those changes too, but a mom can be in denial if she wants.  

There are a lot of changes playing with the big boys...besides facial hair and manly voices.  There seem to be games almost every day and often a 2 hour warm up before a game, or a 3 hour practice on non-game days.  This is getting serious man.

One day after a game/practice last week, Kyle got in the car and I asked my usual "how did it go?"  He responded with "Wow I'm learning a lot of new stuff."  

I love that.  This is a great opportunity for Kyle.  

I love that my kids are continually learning, and also willing to admit that there is something they don't know.  I pray that they are always open to listening to the wisdom and advise of other people in their lives, and to be teachable when there is something new to learn.  May they always be so excited to gain wisdom!

Now that's makes a smart kid!

Kyle with the "big boys" last week.

Lord, thank you for the growing wisdom that happens within Alyssa and Kyle's minds.  Continue to help them be accepting of others guidance and wisdom.  Open their ears to hear the things being taught and the wisdom to know what is not the correct teaching.  May Alyssa and Kyle always search wisdom and gain understanding.