Her First Job

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce."  Proverbs 3:9 (New Living Translation)

Lyssa has her first real, paying, job.  She's done babysitting and a few photo shoots that have given her some spending money, but this will be the first job where she has to punch a time clock.  I'm one happy mom, and I think she is one happy girl!

Learning how to budget her money, and make decisions on what to spend, how much to save, and if she will tithe, will all be a new adventure for her. We'll offer her suggestions, and have taught her the importance of all these things when she was younger, but this will all be new to her. 

Money habits are sometimes hard lessons to learn.  My prayer is that Alyssa will listen to wisdom, pray about her decisions, and act wisely when she gets her first paycheck.   Cause ready or not, here it comes!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle honor you with their work and wealth.  May they heed your call to give some of their money back to you, and choose wisely on how to save and spend the remainder.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to find themselves disciplined in their spending, generous in their giving, and smart in their saving, all which will bring glory to you.

And, precious Savior, be with Lyss as she begins her new job.  Give her the strength she needs for long days and the wisdom to learn the job quickly and with ease.  She has great opportunity to represent you to the people she meets and I pray she does that well.  Lord, thank you for this job.  I pray that Lyss finds great joy from working hard and earning her way in this world.  Amen.

 

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!

 

Working Hard

"Hard work always pays off..."  Proverbs 14:23 (The Message)

I popped in to see Lyssa at college this weekend.  It was fun to see her in her environment and get little glimpses of all her hard work.  Saturday she spent 6 hours in the art room working on her clay project that is due today (pictured above).  First, I was impressed that she was spending her Saturday working.  And second, that she was doing her work ahead of the game!

Hard work always pays off!

Kyle has been working out, practicing, and putting in a lot of hours on the baseball field.  It's fun to watch him do well and succeed this season.  We're only beginning, but I know there are good things to come.

Hard work always pays off!

Last night at dinner Kyle went through the list off projects, papers, and tests that are happening this week before spring break hits.  The list seems a bit daunting along with baseball practice each night after school and two baseball games.  He's going to have to be disciplined and diligent in what little time he has each evening. 

Hard work always pays off!

I can't wait to see what comes of Alyssa and Kyle's hard work!

Lord, I pray that you bless the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands.  Give them a strong determination to work hard, do everything to the best of their ability, and follow through with all of their responsibilities.  Grow their desire to put forth every ounce of effort they can into their work.  May whatever Alyssa and Kyle do, be done enthusiastically, as something done for you Lord and not for men.  There is profit in all hard work, but endless talk leads only to poverty.  Hard work always pays off!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle are hard workers!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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!

 

Workin' Hands

"Be pleased with the work of his hands."  Deuteronomy 33:11

We've just got one day left until we take Lyss to college...and little is packed.  Though she's been having a great time hanging out with friends and visiting over coffee, I'm thinking there's lots to bed one before we can leave town.

God, can you just help my daughter get her hands workin'? 
Thanks,
This crazy mom.

Lord, bless the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands.  May they not eat the bread of idleness (Prov. 31:27).  Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth (Prov. 10:4).  We do not want them to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised (Hebrews 6:12).  The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work (Prov. 21:25).  A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work (Ecc. 2:24).  Whatever their hand finds to do, I pray that they do it with all their might (Ecc. 9:10) May Alyssa and Kyle make it their ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind their own business and to work with their hands, so that their daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that they will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thess. 4:11-12)  Above all, may they lift up their hands in the sanctuary and praise you, Lord.  (Psalm 134:2)

 

A Little Wish

No matter how much you want,

   laziness won't help a bit,

   but hard work will reward you

   with more than enough. 

Proverbs 13:4 

Dishes.

     

Dishes.

Dishes.

I just want the dishes to make it into the dishwasher...

without me,

without reminding,

without sitting in the sink.

That's all.

Lord, I'm just whining a bit today, probably, but I know you hear my prayers and understand my heart.  I so want Alyssa and Kyle to have helping hands around the house.  Laziness will not reward them, but working hard will be of great benefit, now and in the future.  Help them to have hands that work hard, bless others, and show compassion and sensitivity to the world around them.  Remove any tendencies in them to be sluggards and sloths, and find within themselves the joy that comes from using their hands.  You have given Alyssa and Kyle special gifts and strengths, and I pray that they use those gifts to bless your Kingdom and live lives that bring you glory!

Wordless Wednesday

Working Hands

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

Alyssa begins her internship today!  Oh that is such a praise in this mom's (and dad's) heart, I can't even begin to tell you!  She will be getting her first taste of what it is like to "go to work".  We even had to go out this weekend to buy some semi-dressy work clothes.

I'm sure that this job isn't something she will be doing for the rest of her life, but I pray it's a time of learning some great lessons, and finding that there is a satisfaction that comes when one works hard.

Get those hands dirty, girl!  I'm praying for you.

Lord, bless the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands.  May they not eat the bread of idleness (Prov. 31:27).  Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth (Prov. 10:4).  We do not want them to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised (Hebrews 6:12).  The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work (Prov. 21:25).  A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work (Ecc. 2:24).  Whatever their hand finds to do, I pray that they do it with all their might (Ecc. 9:10) May Alyssa and Kyle make it their ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind their own business and to work with their hands, so that their daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that they will not be dependent on anybody (1 Thess. 4:11-12)  Above all, may they lift up their hands in the sanctuary and praise you, Lord.  (Psalm 134:2)

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. 

Wordless Wednesday

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.

School Strength

Whatever I have,
wherever I am,
I can make it through 
anything
in the One 
who makes me
who I am.
Philippians 4:13
(The Message)








School is picking up and homework is getting deeper.  Some days it feels a little overwhelming...and I'm not even the student!  I know that my kids can make it through anything that comes their way, but some days I think they need some added strength.

Breaking the binky habit...seemed torture.
Learning to sleep through the night...oh what a killer.
Riding a bike...nearly impossible.

At least that's how it felt at the time. Some days  I'd go back and redo those struggles to avoid  the trials of today.

Research papers, speeches, and calculus problems that seem impossible.

I pray that when it all seems "too hard" to Alyssa and Kyle, that they depend on the strength God can give them.

Lord, whatever Alyssa and Kyle have, and wherever they are, may they know that they can make it through anything with you, who makes them who they are.  You are their strength and hope.  You give wisdom and guidance when they call on your name.  I pray, dear Jesus, that when things get hard, you will be there with Alyssa and Kyle, pulling them through.  Help them to fix their eyes on  you, and to call on you when they feel overwhelmed, frightened, and alone.  You are the giver of all we need.  Thank you for being the One Alyssa and Kyle need.


 

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)...

• 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.

PICK UP AFTER YOURSELVES!

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!

Be Diligent!

"The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor."  Proverbs 12:24

Kyle workin' hard!

Some days it feels like the kids have schoolwork coming out their ears.  With the end-of-the-year just around the corner it seems the projects, presentations, and reports are piling up.  I love that both kids are learning important things, and are receiving the tools to do such amazing projects, but sometimes it seems a bit much...and I'm not even the one doing the work.

Last week, Kyle had to make a memorial for someone who died in World War II, and then yesterday he came home to share that he forgot that he had to make another memorial to represent the 6 million that died at the hand of the Nazis.  He remembered this project when one by one the other students in his class began to give presentations and show their memorials.  The teacher began at the beginning of the alphabet, and slowly the list got closer and closer to Kyle.  I'm thinking he was pretty lucky that his last name is toward the end of the alphabet.  The end of class came, and he was able to breathe a little easier...there were still 2 classmates ahead of him who needed to give their presentation.

With all the projects, comes hard work and the need for good time management.  It's easy to procrastinate, put-off, and even forget all that needs to be done.  School takes diligence, labor, and great effort.

I'm praying my kids stick-to-it with all their heart, and work hard at their learning!

Lord, thank you for this day and all that it will hold.  Thank you for the gift of education and the wonderful teachers that work with my kids on a daily basis to impart to them the wisdom they need for life.  I pray Alyssa and Kyle find pleasure in what they are learning.  Putting off until tomorrow, what they can do today, is often a struggle that wages war in their minds.  Please Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to make wise choices about what needs to be done in this day.  Help them to thrive on working through the things that seem hard, never giving up because it feels overwhelming.  Place within themselves a desire to press on, work hard, and put in their best effort on each assignment and project.  Lord, I want them to enjoy learning, but at the same time, find a sense of great accomplishment for the times where they have to work hard.  Lord, you are the one to help them through each day, each assignment, and each time they are tempted to put off what they need to do.  May your Spirit lead them in making wise choices today.  You are a great God, and I give you all the thanks and praise.

Do Everything For You, Jesus

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  Colossians 3:17

 Kyle at a baseball game...2005

Kyle and Ken had a wonderful weekend at Men's Retreat.  It was Kyle's first time attending.  I think at first, he was a little surprised that there were going to be FOUR "church services".  Ha!  But know that sledding, pool and ping pong, and swimming at an area hot springs were some of the added perks. I'm just praying that wonderful seeds were planted in his heart, as he listened to God's Word spoken, and as he witnessed grown men who love Jesus. 

Within an hour of their arrival back home, Kyle had baseball practice.  Yes, we were "mean" parents and made him go.  He's had to miss the last 3-4 practices for other reasons, and we felt like it was important for him to make an appearance.  If you can picture it, he was quite unhappy.  I tried to console him that everyone can do anything for an hour.

There will always be things on our to-do list, that cause us to drag our feet, throw a little fit, or cause us to want to hide in a hole.  However, we have to stick it out, follow through, and do our best in everything.  Unfortunately, we live in a world that sometimes lives the opposite example.

I'm praying that Alyssa and Kyle "do everything in the name of the Lord"...
Even baseball practice at the end of a long weekend!

Lord, thank you for so many opportunities Alyssa and Kyle have to get to know you better, and to stretch their faith and dependence on you.  When they are weak, you Lord, are strong.  They can do all things because you offer them strength.  You give them each gifts and abilities, and they can use all those things, to the best of their ability, to reflect you to the world around them.  Lord, whatever they do, in word or deed, may they do it in honor of you, and to the glory of your name.  For this I pray, Amen.

Thankful Thursday: Helping Hands

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work."  Ecclesiastes 4:9'

This last week, I bit off a bigger task than I could chew on my own.  It was a job that I couldn't have done alone.  I greatly appreciated the extra hands of my mom and daughter.  We painted, painted and painted until we couldn't paint any more.  Besides painting, we laughed, shared rich conversation, and just enjoyed being together.  I'm thankful for those two women, and that together we accomplished something huge!

Our finished project... 

Lord, thank you for the people you have put in my life.  I am richly blessed. I thank you that two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work.  Together we worked hard this weekend and produced something beautiful.  In the process, it made a huge task more manageable because we each did a part.  Thank you for the gift of family, of help, and for the time we spent together.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know the joy of working together with others, the satisfaction of helping others, and the encouragement of being on the receiving end of added hands.  We are blessed, dear Jesus, when we don't have to stand alone in this life.  Thank you for being present with us, and giving us the added presence of others in our lives.  Today, my heart is full of gratitude and thanksgiving.

Switching Rooms...Oh my!

"If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks."  Ecclesiastes 10:18

Our kids came up with a crazy scheme for their Christmas break!  Switch rooms.  What appears fun to one person, seems like a bunch of work to another.  Can you guess which one I am? They "promised" that I wouldn't have to do anything, and that they would do all the work, but there are just some things they can't do all by themselves.

It sure is fun seeing them work though.  Amazingly enough they seem much happier.  Not that they would admit it, I'm sure. Working hands are happy hands. 

Lord, continue to grow up Alyssa and Kyle into adults who work hard at all that they do.  Laziness will just breed trouble and messes.  But diligent hands will bring wealth and happiness, especially from the inside out.  I pray that the work of Alyssa and Kyle's hands will glorify you always, dear Jesus.

Keep Your Word

"It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it."  Ecclesiastes 5:5

Our house...2008...before the demise of our snow globe

It snowed Sunday night.  Maybe, just maybe, we will have a white Christmas.  Unfortunately the weather man says probably not.

Kyle had a great idea for making money a few weeks ago.  He prepared some fliers and went around the neighborhood announcing that he was for hire to shovel driveways if it snowed.  And it worked.  After the first snow, Kyle got an official job offer.  He only has to show up after each snow, shovel the sidewalk and driveway of our neighbor, and he'd make five bucks.  Yahoo.

But then it snowed again.
And yet again.
Each time bringing more and more grumbles.

So, yesterday morning, I woke up Kyle so he could head to the neighbors because it snowed through the night.  After he got all bundled up and ready to get to work, he says "Mom, why do you always make me do things that I don't like?"

Wait a minute.  Did I make the fliers?  Did I agree to take the job?

My words in response were short and sweet, I'm sure.  I want my children to, not only be people who work hard, but people who keep their word. God says "Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’ "  (Matthew 5:37)

So, let it snow!  Let it snow!  Let it snow!  

When you tell God you'll do something, do it—now.
   God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it.
   Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up.

 Don't let your mouth make a total sinner of you.
   When called to account, you won't get by with
      "Sorry, I didn't mean it."
   Why risk provoking God to angry retaliation? 

--Ecclesiastes 4-6 (The Message)

Lord, I know with all my heart and soul that not one of all the good promises you gave has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.  May we become more like you and be children who keep our promises.  We become trustworthy people when we keep our word.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle continue to grow up into individuals that follow through with their commitments, keep their promises, and only say "yes" if they mean "yes".  Prod their hearts, dear Jesus, to speak with honesty, integrity, and faithfulness.  May they reflect you, when they put action to their words.