Thankful Thursday: God's Masterpieces

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  Ephesians 2:10


I am always thanking the Lord for my kids!  Sure, parenting is hard sometimes, but the blessings far outweigh the stress, fears, struggles.

Today, I'm rejoicing over the "masterpieces" He has created!

•  Lyss loves taking hold of her camera and finding ways to take beautiful pictures.  This week, she printed and framed a couple of her favorites (shown here) and entered them into an auction at church to raise money for our friend who is going to Haiti this summer.   I think this was Lyssa's first sale of her art and it was one proud moment.  For her and for her parents! And it made a big donation to a good cause! God is good!

• Kyle came home one day this week pleased that he was one of a few who got an "A" on their English paper.  Yeah!!!  And then last night he announces he got "most improved", with the prize being a sucker (what every kid wants!), for going from a failing grade on a pre-test to a 98% on the actual exam!

• I love the humor God has given my kids.  They can be so funny and sometimes just make me laugh until I have tears coming out my eyes.  They definitely have a few of Ken's genes. 

• I've been reminded to be thankful for their health, their stick-to-it-ness in their schoolwork, and their kindness to others.

I've got me some GOOD kids, by golly!

Thank you, dear Jesus, for the precious kids you have blessed our lives with.  Thank you for the masterpieces they are...each beautiful and unique in their own ways.  Alyssa and Kyle have both been created to do good things, things you've been planning for them to do.  Thank you for their gifts and talents.  Thank you for their strengths, and even their weaknesses.  You have created them both in amazing ways.  Thank you, Lord, for Alyssa and Kyle.  Oh how I love them!

 

Wordless Wednesday

Ears to Hear

"Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  Mark 4:9

 Check out those ears...the giraffes, not Alyssa's! (2005)

Our kids are probably like any other kids.  Sometimes they don't hear well.  Or maybe better said, they hear well, but sometimes choose not to listen.  I mean, if its not something they WANT to hear, its just easier to pretend like they missed what I said.

But beyond asking them to pick up their rooms, bring me their laundry, or feed the dog, there are times where I have important things to say that I hope they choose to hear.  Things that will save them from calamity, failure, or harm.  Things that will help their relationships, get to know God more, or help them succeed as they become adults.

Sometimes mothers (or fathers...or our Father) know best...so open those ears, dear ones!!!

Kyle (2005)

Lord, thank you for the sense of hearing.  What joy it is to hear a baby's laugh, a parent's blessing, or the sound of the ocean.  There are sometimes, however, things that we don't want to hear.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle's ears be open to hearing the wisdom of others, especially you.  When you are tenderly calling their name, speaking your wisdom, or giving them your love, may they recognize your voice.  May Alyssa and Kyle be receptive to encouragement, patient with discipline, and understanding of people's (true and wise) advise.  I praise you, dear Jesus, for your presence and activity in our children's lives.

 

The Best You Can Be

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6:4-5 (The Message)

Alyssa & Kyle (2003)

Another school week begins. Ready or not, here it comes.

There can be a lot of pressure for kids at school. They face a wide range of pressures: to have the best grades, wear the coolest clothes, have the best gadget, be the most popular friend, or even earn the “student of the month” before anyone else does. Striving, pushing, worrying, comparing. All on a daily basis.

Even though God created us each with particular strengths, it’s all too easy to instead focus on our weaknesses, and to wish we wish we were more like someone else.  The giftedness of someone else somehow seems more appealing. I love the reminder of the scripture above.  Paraphrased in my own words… “Don’t play the comparison game, just do your best.”

I pray that as my kids head out the door for another week of school, that they find joy in who God has created them to be, and that they take pleasure in their God-given strengths. I pray that they find contentment in who they are rather than focusing on comparisons. I hope they find the confidence to believe in themselves, recognize and celebrate their strengths, and at the same time have the courage to rejoice in the gifts of someone else.

Go out and be the best that YOU can be, my babies!

Lord Jesus, thank you for our precious kids, and the way you have beautifully made them. Thank you for Alyssa and Kyle's areas of strength and giftedness, and the way that you’ve made each one unique and special. I even rejoice in their areas of weakness because that is where they will be caused to look to you for power, strength and the help to change or improve themselves. I pray that they rejoice in who you have created them to be, celebrate their differences, and go out in the world and be the best that they can be. Lord, I give you praise because Alyssa and Kyle are fearfully and wonderfully made!

 

He Played on Varsity!!

"The God of heaven will give us success."  Nehemiah 2:20

If a mom and dad get this excited about their freshman son playing on the Varsity baseball team, how much more crazy-excited will they be when they know without a shadow of a doubt that their kids are living their lives for God?!?!? 

Oh what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always know that you are their God and Savior.  May they confess with their mouth that you are Lord, and believe in their heart that you raised Jesus from the dead to save them. You are the One who loves them, forgives them, and grants them success in their lives.  You are their Light, their Bread of Life, and their Beloved Shepherd.  I pray that you will always be their Lord and Savior.  May they choose this day whom they will serve and live always as your son and daughter!

 

A New Look Goin' On!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  2 Corinthians 5:17

 It's Spring!  (Photo by Lyss)

My blog has a new look to it.  (I bet you couldn't tell!)

My hair finally got a touch up.

And daily I find myself becoming a new creation in Christ.

I love transformations!  Maybe that is why it thrills me that spring is on its way!

Lord, I pray that as Alyssa and Kyle live in you, they become new creations; the old having gone and the new making an appearance.  I pray that the Holy Spirit moves their hearts to become more and more like you.  When they come to your Word, because it is living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword, may it penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.  Lord, use your Word to judge the thoughts and attitudes of Alyssa and Kyle's heart, transforming them into who you want them to be.  Make them beautiful in your sight, dear Jesus!  May they always be yours!

 

Standing in Praise

"... stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening" 1 Chronicles 23:30

I'm standing (though a bit on the tired side) this morning to give God praise and thanks for His part in our lives over the last week!

• I survived working full time for two weeks in he election office, and a 15 hour day yesterday running a poling place.  My family did a good job at picking up the slack here and there, taking care of some of their own needs, and supporting me on this adventure. I'm thinking they really didn't miss me at all.  :) 
• Kyle had his first two JV baseball games.  They lost, but it was still a delight to watch him play.  he's a "stud" at short-stop!  Not to brag or anything, but he's getting the opportunity to play on the Varsity team tonight! As a freshman, that is quite the honor.  We're just praying it doesn't get rained out. 
• It reminds me to be thankful for the under-armour my dear hubby surprised me with.  Can I hear a big "Amen!"?  His thoughtfulness warms my heart!  
• Lyss got her financial aid package from George Fox.  Though I don't understand all the lingo, I get the impression it's pretty good.  God has been faithful to provide a big chunk with scholarships and grants.  
• We popped in on the Bible Quiz meet that was in our area last Saturday.  I loved watching Lyss and her team spout off scripture and answers from the Word, and have fun doing it.  We even got to peek in on my niece and watch her do her quizzing thing.  We were only there for a short moment, but I was blessed by stopping in.  
• A couple of spring like days made me ready for the real thing.  Thanking the Lord for the sunshine and warmth! 
• I have to say that I was blessed by a few friends this week.  A sweet email of encouragement and prayer from one, the humor and laughter of another, and the coffee getaway in there too.  God uses these little moments to provide things that speak love to my heart.

Oh Lord, I stand this morning to thank and praise you!  Thank you for the many ways you show your love to our family.  My heart is full and I am in awe of of you!  Amen.
 

Wordless Wednesday

Pride Isn't Pretty

"It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory."  Proverbs 25:27 (ESV)

 Champions, Kyle (left) and his friend Jake (2005)

I have a pretty humble kid. Or at least he is around me.  Even when I see Kyle excel in baseball, make an awesome play, or get picked for a special team, I don't hear him brag about his accomplishments.  I like that about my boy.


I remember the "jocks" when I was in high school, and they were filled with pride and haughtiness, often overlooking those kids that didn't have the same abilities or hung in the same crowds.  As one boasts about themselves, and puts on heirs that they are better than everyone else, it turns people off and actually diminishes one's likeability.  Pride isn't pretty.

As Kyle begins his high school baseball career, I pray that he continues to shine bright, and remain my sweet and humble boy.  


Lord, your Word reminds us that it is not glorious to seek one's one glory.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle live with a confidence that you have fearfully and wonderfully made them.  Yet in their successes, and when they find joy in using the gifts that you have given them, I pray that they keep their pride in check.  Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  It can become so easy to boast in our gifts, and shift people's focus away from You and onto ourselves, failing to give you all the credit for our hand in our lives.  Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's lives will be marked by humility and grace, always living their lives for your glory!

 

A Manic Monday

"Oh Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress." Isaiah 33:2

 First Day of School (2004)

I don't know about you, but around our house, Mondays can be crazy. Mostly it stems from a tiredness that enfolds us because our Sundays are so busy with church stuff. The kids have troubles getting out of bed in the morning (and their parents as well), all sorts of papers often need signed, and who knows where the backpacks were left on Friday afternoon. Chaos reigns for the brief hour before school. As a mom, I should be better prepared for it.

Who ever started calling it Manic Mondays? Whoever did, really nailed it on the head.

Lord, today I am praying for my kids to have the strength to make it through this day. May it be one where they sense you holding them up when they are tired, encouraging them when they are discouraged, and giving them little blessings along the way that make them giggle or smile. May today not be one filled with lost papers, forgotten assignments, and cranky teachers, but a day filled with your peace, your strength, and your joy! And may, I, as their parent, lean on you through this day and find the blessings you have in store for me! You are the Lord of this Monday!


 

Salvation Saturday: Walking with Him

Yesterday was a much better day at work.  Someone must have been praying for me.  People were nicer over all, and the day went smoother.  Prayer works!  How blessed to know someone was going to the Lord on my behalf!

Today, I'm praying for our children's salvation!

I love watching my kids figuring out their walk with the Lord. There's nothing more thrilling than those moments when I see them making their faith their own.  Today, As I reflect on their salvation, I'm praying that they choose to walk this road all the days of their life.  May they never take a detour, but always stay the course.

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: 

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life, 

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord  

and to seek him in his temple."  

 --Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of you, Lord, this is what I seek: that Alyssa and Kyle may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of their life, to gaze upon your beauty and to seek you in your temple.  Each day may they stay the course you have laid out for them.  May Alyssa and Kyle take great delight in you, dear Jesus, and find great freedom ad hope in you.  You alone are their salvation, and their hope, and I pray they ever turn away from you.

 

The Few Too Many F's

 An old picture of me working the elections...

I'm fried.
I'm frazzled.
I'm flabbergasted.

It's election time, and I've been a workin' mom these last two weeks.  I've probably written a similar blog sometime over the last couple of years, but today was just enough to push me over the edge, and somehow deserves a post.  Good thing today is Friday and the end of a two week stint in the world of politics.

I've helped people who are
furious,
fickle,
and
flippant.

Some of their concerns and frustrations are reasonable, but I find that the way they "lash out" isn't in anyway kind, productive, and needed. How we treat each other, even in our anger, is so important, by golly! 

So, today, I'm praying for our kids responses in situations where they are tempted to let out their
frustrations,
fault-findings,
and,
fears.

"Complain if you must, but don't lash out."  Psalm 4:4 

(And maybe someone should pray for me!)

 Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle not to sin in their anger.  If complaining is a must, I pray that they keep from lashing out to others in a way that crushes spirits, fuels bitterness, and compromises resolution and being heard.  Help Alyssa and Kyle to not think more highly of themselves than they ought, but consider the feelings and thoughts of others in each and every encounter.  May they show the kindness of Christ to all they meet.

 

Thankful Thursday: He Sets Things Right

Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders!

   He rolled up his sleeves,
   He set things right. 

God made history with salvation,
   He showed the world what he could do.

 He remembered to love us, a bonus
   To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love.

   The whole earth comes to attention.
   Look—God's work of salvation! 

 Shout your praises to God, everybody!
   Let loose and sing! Strike up the band! 

 Round up an orchestra to play for God,
   Add on a hundred-voice choir.

 Feature trumpets and big trombones,
   Fill the air with praises to King God. 

 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause,
   With everything living on earth joining in. 

 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!"
   And mountains harmonize the finale— 

 A tribute to God when he comes,
   When he comes to set the earth right.

   He'll straighten out the whole world,
   He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.

--Psalm 98 (The Message)

Photos taken by Lyss

 

Wordless Wednesday

Stumbling Blocks

"For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living."  Psalm 116:8-9

Kyle #12 (2010)

Sometimes there are big things in the middle of our path that trips us up.  And sometimes we can trip over our own two front feet.  I am proof  that you can get really hurt, just by a slip of a foot.  Four years ago, I lived on crutches and a brace for a couple of months because of one misstep.

There are a lot of things in life that will try to trip up our children.  The enemy wants to keep them from a life of peace, happiness, and fullness in Christ.  Everyone's stumbling blocks are different.  Some are out in the open for them to see.  And some sneak up on us while we are unaware.

I am praying that my children's feet stand firm, and walk confidently down the narrow path God has chosen for them, skipping over the stumbling blocks placed in their path.  Holy Spirit, lead and guide them in the way they should go.

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, and that you lead us, alert us, and protect us from the stumbling blocks in our path.  I pray that you deliver our children's soul from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from stumbling.  Protect them, dear Jesus, from the stumbling blocks that the enemy uses, and places in their path, to keep them from you.  Help their eyes see clearly the things that aren't pleasing to you.  Remove the attraction to evil, that which is unholy, and all that keeps them from your presence.  Lord, put a hedge of protection around their eyes, ears, hands, and their heart, mind and soul.  Create in them a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in them.  Amen. 
 

Not Just the Minimum

"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.” Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message)

It's Monday...let the school week begin!

I'm praying that my kids work hard, do their best, and learn responsibility.

Here's to a a great week!

Lord, I thank you for our dear children, and the work you are doing in their lives.  You are good, and I trust you to continue to carry onto completion the adults you are wanting them to be.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle to do what they are told by their earthly masters...parents and teachers alike. I pray that they don't just do the minimum that will get them by, but that they will do their best. May they work from the heart for their real Master, you God, confident that they'll get paid in full when they come into your inheritance. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always keep in mind that the ultimate Master they are serving is You, and that the sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Oh Lord, being a follower of you doesn't cover up bad work.  Today is Monday, and I pray that it's the beginning of a wonderful week.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer! 

Eyes to See Jesus

"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."  Job 42:5

 I love my boy's bright blue eyes!

Dear Precious Father, what a blessed thing it is that you are not a silent God, you are not far from us, and you don't desire to stay hidden from our sight.  You are a God who longs for your children to come into relationship with you, and so you are pursuing us all the time.  My children's ears have heard of you all of their lives.  They know the stories found in your Word, and have been taught about you over and over again.  I pray, however, that they come to experience you in new ways...in ways that draw them into a powerful relationship of love, conversation, and trust.  Lord, I look forward to the day when they can say that they have seen you with their eyes.  Build their faith, move them to hope, and teach them to trust in you with all their heart, mind, and soul.  Make yourself evident in my children's lives in profound and visible ways.  What sweet words it will be when I hear them say, "I've just seen Jesus."

The Best Place to Go

If your law had not been my delight,
   I would have perished in my affliction. 

I will never forget your precepts,
   for by them you have preserved my life. 

--Psalm 119:92-93

I love God's Word.  Anytime I am struggling I can go there and find hope and comfort.  When I am lacking wisdom I open it's pages and find help and answers.  What a treasure it is in my life.  I'm so thankful that I don't have to live my life without it.

I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with God's Word too.  I hope that when they are going through hard times that they seek answers and comfort in the scriptures.  It will ultimately be the key to their survival through some of life's circumstances.

Lyss is in the midst of her senior year of high school.
Soon she will be making important life decisions...college major, church attendance, and who she is going to be "when she grows up".

Kyle has always had a natural wonder about the character of God.

One day, he too will be thinking about his future.

Then there is boyfriends and girlfriend stuff,

Conflict resolution help,

And answers for their fears.

Dear children, God's and His Word is THE place to go for the very best answers!

"There is one, even Jesus Christ, that can speak to thy condition"--George Fox

Lord, your Word is a precious gift to your children.  Thank you for this wonderful gift.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle fall in love with the Bible, for it is your Holy Word.  I pray that it is the place they run to when they need answers for the things they are going through in their lives.  When times are hard, may they seek You through your Word.  When they need answers to the questions they face in life, may they hunt through your Scriptures.  Your Word will offer comfort, peace, hope, answers, and joy as they take time to soak in it.  I pray that it becomes a living and active part of their lives.  
 

 

Thankful Thursday: Big Successes!

"Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.  Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."  Psalm 145:2-3

 Photo by Lyss

Praising God for so many things today.  In fact, I'm bouncing up and down and beaming with pride.  God is sooooo good!

• Lyss got word this week that she won the two scholarships that she went to Oregon to interview for a couple of weekends ago!!!  The pride on her face, and the joy in her voice, when she received word was priceless.  We are just thanking the Lord for her success and His provision.

•  Last weekend Kyle had his first tryouts for the high school baseball team.  What a great honor it is for him to be a freshman and picked for the JV baseball team.  He is one of three freshman who made it.  On top of that, it appears that he will have the opportunity to practice and fill-in for the short-stop on the Varsity team.  Kyle is pretty humble when talking about all of this, so he doesn't quite show the same pride and joy as Lyss did with her scholarships, but I can tell that he's thrilled for this opportunity.  More thanks goes to the Lord for sure!

There's more, but nothing tops these this week! I'm so proud of both of my kids!

Lord, today I will praise you and every day I will extol your name for ever and ever.  Great are you Lord and most worthy of praise; your greatness no one can fathom!  Thank you for these abundant blessings!  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know that it was by your hand that they found success and blessing.  Make their hearts eager to give thanks, and may they too praise you every day!  I love you, dear Jesus!