I read a verse this morning that really reflects how I feel. The second part of Psalm 89:8, "Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? You are entirely faithful."
No matter how difficult some days have been in the last few months and even couple years, I've seen God's goodness in them too. I am convinced that there is nothing God can't touch, heal, help, speak calmness to, and strengthen. He is faithful every day.
Becky started high school this year, which means she just completed the junior high years. Yep, they were filled with the things junior high is filled with...friendship problems, drama, peer pressure, choices, homework stresses, etc...and yet, through her difficult times I saw God working in her life. There is nothing so beautiful and great to watch as this. It's my favorite part of being a parent.
When her freshman year started, at a new school, with new people, I prayed that God would give her a good friend (or two), that like her, even in the midst of all the struggles, temptations, setbacks and triumphs that life and school presents, is growing in their relationship with Christ. So when the first day came that I dropped her off in front of the school, I watched her walk up the school's front sidewalk, guitar in one hand, and her bright yellow backpack slung across her back. I had one of those moments where I knew I was letting her go, and at the same time, waiting with faith to see how God would answer my prayer for her. And by the way, one of my favorite parts of my mornings is watching her walk into school with her guitar and yellow backpack...she is so cool! :)
I could see from day one or two that God heard my prayer. He answered even more than I prayed. He is such a WOW factor for me...I love seeing him work! Becky told me that there is a group of kids from school that go to a church in Phoenix called "Catalyst" (http://ignitephx.com/). She sat with them at lunch and after a couple more days she told me that she wanted to check out their youth group at their church. Well, we are used to driving a distance to church, and this is just about as far in the other direction...lol. I don't mind, though, and I am convinced that God wants us to be united with other believers.
We took Becky and a friend of hers to Catalyst's youth group service a few Sunday nights ago. Jim, Heidi, and I walked in with them since they didn't know anyone and we were a couple minutes late. Right away a youth group leader showed them a place to sit, and another leader asked if we wanted to hang out. We sat in the back and thoroughly enjoyed what we saw...the fellowship of knowing Christ is good anywhere! For now, Becky wants to go every other Sunday night since she likes going to youth group at our church in Anthem on Sunday nights, too. Totally okay with me!
Which brings me to yesterday and today... yesterday when I picked her up after school, she told me that right after I dropped her off yesterday morning, a couple of her friends from Catalyst asked if she wanted to meet with them at the pole for prayer. I could tell from the way she was telling me that she was glad she did. Even though, when she looked around her, kids were pointing and laughing at them. It was obvious she and her friends were praying. But, for me, the best part of the conversation with Becky was when she told me, "It made me happy." God says if you lay down your life for His sake, you will find yours. I think this is the truth what Becky experienced yesterday.
She told me that they were meeting for prayer again this morning in the same place. I was curious to know which pole in the school yard she was talking about. When we drove up this morning, she pointed it out to me. This pole is right beside the main sidewalk and closest to the front doors of the school. Every student passes within three feet of that pole there when going into school every morning. I am so excited by Becky's courage, her friends' courage, and about their deepening, real relationship with the One that offers life at its best! God is so faithful...I can't wait to see how God keeps answering my prayer.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Mama's baby grew up to be an excited college student.
What a weekend...and I'm including last Thursday in that! The time finally came...Alyssa is officially a student at Grand Canyon University, a happy and excited student. As much as it is hard to let her go, it does a heart good to see your child fully embrace what she's facing.
We got the car packed up before 7a.m. last Thursday so we could drop Becky off to school on the way to GCU. Each step was bittersweet for me...packing, watching Alyssa and Heidi hug goodbye, taking a picture of Alyssa and Becky outside Becky's school, stopping for coffee with Alyssa...ahhh! My tears want to spill just thinking about it.
Here's Alyssa with her coffee :)
I had no idea there could be so many tidbits of advice to give in the twenty-five minute drive there. I wonder how many other parents crammed in all the last bits of advice like I did. We covered safety, relational issues, studies, etc!
I am so impressed with GCU. From the moment we drove onto campus and throughout the day, the staff and students were so helpful! We never felt lost or wondered what to do next. They do communicating very well!
We waited in a long line outside to get Alyssa's room assignment. It's August...translate that to a typically hot, sunshiny, muggy day! I know someone prayed for good weather (and later on, I found out I was right)! It was still warm, but overcast, and while we waited in line, it rained hard! We loved it. In AZ, that makes for a perfect summer day. We just happened to be standing behind someone who picked up the big umbrella that GCU provided, and he carried it as the line moved along. I'm not talking a small, handheld umbrella... this was one of the big, semi-stationary ones. Yeah, I wasn't going to stop him. My hair was getting flat, and we stood under it with him! ;)
We eventually made it to the front of the line, which put us at the table where a GCU student handed Alyssa her dorm room assignment. My heart instantly went into a tug-of-war battle as she took the papers. It is difficult to let go!! Fortunately that battle was a private one in my heart, and I didn't reach across the table handing the papers back! ;) So far so good, no tears spilled yet that morning.
We got to the dorm, walked to the second floor, and found Alyssa's room, with her name on the wall outside of it. That's when I lost it. It sank in...her new home! Outside of mine. Even though I knew this was as it should be, that just didn't feel right! Hugs all around!
The day was good. I helped Alyssa get moved in, there were parent meetings, and one of the best times of the day was the Invocation service. GCU is a Christian university, and to listen to the faculy speak from their hearts about caring for the students was awesome. Also awesome was the worship led by "The Gathering", which is the student worship band at GCU. There is something about coming together and praising our great God that feels so good and right. It is a great way to start out the school year. I know God will do a masterpiece of work among the students there this year.
Alyssa wanted to go to a university that didn't make students fill out a statement of faith. I really respect that. She and I both know that wherever you attend, perfection isn't to be found. She wanted to be with believers and non-believers, though, to have more opportunity to share Jesus. This is what I love about GCU...nothing is forced on the students, attendance at chapels and worship services attendance isn't required, no dress code, etc. The faculty loves the Lord, and they intend on showing that to the students. I've seen it every time I've been on campus. There are Christian student leaders on every floor of the dorm. They offer a small group for whoever would like to attend. There are opportunities for service, worship, etc. I think the leadership at GCU has the heart of Jesus...they really care about the students eternal well-being, and have extended an invitation to the students to know Jesus. I am so excited to see how God works this year.
Enjoy your year, Alyssa...your family loves you very much!
We got the car packed up before 7a.m. last Thursday so we could drop Becky off to school on the way to GCU. Each step was bittersweet for me...packing, watching Alyssa and Heidi hug goodbye, taking a picture of Alyssa and Becky outside Becky's school, stopping for coffee with Alyssa...ahhh! My tears want to spill just thinking about it. 
Here's Alyssa with her coffee :)I had no idea there could be so many tidbits of advice to give in the twenty-five minute drive there. I wonder how many other parents crammed in all the last bits of advice like I did. We covered safety, relational issues, studies, etc!
I am so impressed with GCU. From the moment we drove onto campus and throughout the day, the staff and students were so helpful! We never felt lost or wondered what to do next. They do communicating very well!
We waited in a long line outside to get Alyssa's room assignment. It's August...translate that to a typically hot, sunshiny, muggy day! I know someone prayed for good weather (and later on, I found out I was right)! It was still warm, but overcast, and while we waited in line, it rained hard! We loved it. In AZ, that makes for a perfect summer day. We just happened to be standing behind someone who picked up the big umbrella that GCU provided, and he carried it as the line moved along. I'm not talking a small, handheld umbrella... this was one of the big, semi-stationary ones. Yeah, I wasn't going to stop him. My hair was getting flat, and we stood under it with him! ;)
We eventually made it to the front of the line, which put us at the table where a GCU student handed Alyssa her dorm room assignment. My heart instantly went into a tug-of-war battle as she took the papers. It is difficult to let go!! Fortunately that battle was a private one in my heart, and I didn't reach across the table handing the papers back! ;) So far so good, no tears spilled yet that morning.
We got to the dorm, walked to the second floor, and found Alyssa's room, with her name on the wall outside of it. That's when I lost it. It sank in...her new home! Outside of mine. Even though I knew this was as it should be, that just didn't feel right! Hugs all around! The day was good. I helped Alyssa get moved in, there were parent meetings, and one of the best times of the day was the Invocation service. GCU is a Christian university, and to listen to the faculy speak from their hearts about caring for the students was awesome. Also awesome was the worship led by "The Gathering", which is the student worship band at GCU. There is something about coming together and praising our great God that feels so good and right. It is a great way to start out the school year. I know God will do a masterpiece of work among the students there this year.
Alyssa wanted to go to a university that didn't make students fill out a statement of faith. I really respect that. She and I both know that wherever you attend, perfection isn't to be found. She wanted to be with believers and non-believers, though, to have more opportunity to share Jesus. This is what I love about GCU...nothing is forced on the students, attendance at chapels and worship services attendance isn't required, no dress code, etc. The faculty loves the Lord, and they intend on showing that to the students. I've seen it every time I've been on campus. There are Christian student leaders on every floor of the dorm. They offer a small group for whoever would like to attend. There are opportunities for service, worship, etc. I think the leadership at GCU has the heart of Jesus...they really care about the students eternal well-being, and have extended an invitation to the students to know Jesus. I am so excited to see how God works this year.
Enjoy your year, Alyssa...your family loves you very much!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Well, THAT was a first!
Even though I had a hint this was coming, it still took me by surprise. Last night, to still Becky's cries (this is what she posted on Facebook yesterday, "Phone!Phone! Neeed my phone! Mommmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol"), and in order to fully satisfy my list for the day of "To Do" things, I did the dreaded item of calling Sprint to activate a different phone for Becky because hers broke. Heidi got a new phone for her birthday so I activated her old one. I hate making these phone calls...it's just a hassle. (Two tries to get through to the operator, which means two phone calls, and more than a few menu options...yes, the conveniences we have are a hassle :). When I got through to the operator, we went through all the normal account questions, and then she asked me to take the battery out of the phone so I could read the serial number to her. No problem. No, wait...it was a problem. No matter how hard I squinted I just couldn't tell if I was looking at a 6 or an 8... I asked the operator to hold on, then asked Heidi to read the string of numbers out loud. The 6 or the 8 I had been trying to decipher was actually a 5. And the 3 was an 8.
Okay, I admit it...I could be aging a little! That was kind of a rude awakening. I can see (clearly) for the first time that reading glasses are in my immediate future. I'm sorry, Hon, for rolling my eyes at you when you couldn't read the restaurant menu...I totally get it now (but, could you please remember to bring your glasses next time? I may need them!). Lol. It really is quite a helpless feeling when you can't see the print in front of you. I felt even more helpless when I asked the Sprint operator to hold on, and, without success, frantically looked around for your reading glasses! Glad Heidi was next to me :). And, Becky's glad because she has a working phone. Let the texting commence!
Okay, I admit it...I could be aging a little! That was kind of a rude awakening. I can see (clearly) for the first time that reading glasses are in my immediate future. I'm sorry, Hon, for rolling my eyes at you when you couldn't read the restaurant menu...I totally get it now (but, could you please remember to bring your glasses next time? I may need them!). Lol. It really is quite a helpless feeling when you can't see the print in front of you. I felt even more helpless when I asked the Sprint operator to hold on, and, without success, frantically looked around for your reading glasses! Glad Heidi was next to me :). And, Becky's glad because she has a working phone. Let the texting commence!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tonight, tomorrow, and...
...then Thursday will come (most likely!!), the day that Alyssa moves into her dorm at GCU. We have been having a really good time getting ready...shopping, going through pictures and taking them to Walmart to have them printed out. Walmart does such a great job with their photo printing and the photo machines (I know these are called a different name!) are fun to use. Alyssa has made a 16x20 poster, an 11x14 collage, a few 8x10 collages, and some prints of various pictures. And, the prices are so reasonable!
Some of the pictures we came across have been so cute...like Libby when she was a puppy. And even cuter, Becky holding her!
Some of the pictures we came across have been so cute...like Libby when she was a puppy. And even cuter, Becky holding her!
Another picture we printed was one of all three girls with Cindy. It was taken after their piano recital. We ended up printing 4 of them...a 4x6 for each of the girls, and a 5x7 for me. I love this picture...my girls...Cindy...all so beautiful. It is a really nice way to remember Cindy.
It's bittersweet to get help Alyssa get ready for college, but I am so excited for her. And, excited that she's excited. I am thrilled that she will be experiencing so many new things, and independently! It's really cool to see her so confident about it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Taking the time...
...to write. I'm thinking this should be as regular for me as exercise should be! Yeah, now you have a hint as to how disciplined I am at it.
This is going to be a milestone week, and I am flooded with emotions over it. Alyssa is moving into her dorm, starting college, this Thursday, August 26th. I am so excited for all the opportunities that she will face, I'm a little nervous (any Mom must wonder, "Did I teach them how to handle all the situations they will come up against??"), and I'm more than a little sad. Wow! Childhood passes so quickly.
I look up to Alyssa. She has been an amazing example of discipline to me, her MOM. :) If her discipline were to be displayed physically, she would be winning top prizes at fitness competitions...she would be ripped! :)
God has blessed me with my heart's desire. I am watching my kids grow in the knowledge and goodness of Christ. There is nothing else I want more. I love seeing God at work in each of my kids...He knows just how to reach them and teach them. He is creating individual masterpieces. My prayer is that my kids would continue to be more and more open to him...the all perfect friend, father, comfort, truth.
On another note, I have been thinking the last couple days about what kinds of things pierce darkness. What gives light to dark times? I could write a long list of ways that God has lit up my dark times over the years. Recalling his goodness. But, I don't think God wants us to just recall it and keep it for ourselves...he wants us to share the light that He gives us, to realize that's where satisfaction lies. It's all about giving it away.
Heidi wasn't feeling good this morning...her allergies make her feel sick at times. But I sent her to school anyway. It may seem a little trivial, but for her that is a dark time, having to go to school feeling stuffed up and blah! After giving her more allergy meds, it felt perfect and satisfying to pray with her and invite God to be with her today.
And now...it's time to get this Monday morning "crack-a-lackin'", as Alyssa would say :)
This is going to be a milestone week, and I am flooded with emotions over it. Alyssa is moving into her dorm, starting college, this Thursday, August 26th. I am so excited for all the opportunities that she will face, I'm a little nervous (any Mom must wonder, "Did I teach them how to handle all the situations they will come up against??"), and I'm more than a little sad. Wow! Childhood passes so quickly.
I look up to Alyssa. She has been an amazing example of discipline to me, her MOM. :) If her discipline were to be displayed physically, she would be winning top prizes at fitness competitions...she would be ripped! :)
God has blessed me with my heart's desire. I am watching my kids grow in the knowledge and goodness of Christ. There is nothing else I want more. I love seeing God at work in each of my kids...He knows just how to reach them and teach them. He is creating individual masterpieces. My prayer is that my kids would continue to be more and more open to him...the all perfect friend, father, comfort, truth.
On another note, I have been thinking the last couple days about what kinds of things pierce darkness. What gives light to dark times? I could write a long list of ways that God has lit up my dark times over the years. Recalling his goodness. But, I don't think God wants us to just recall it and keep it for ourselves...he wants us to share the light that He gives us, to realize that's where satisfaction lies. It's all about giving it away.
Heidi wasn't feeling good this morning...her allergies make her feel sick at times. But I sent her to school anyway. It may seem a little trivial, but for her that is a dark time, having to go to school feeling stuffed up and blah! After giving her more allergy meds, it felt perfect and satisfying to pray with her and invite God to be with her today.
And now...it's time to get this Monday morning "crack-a-lackin'", as Alyssa would say :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Discipline & Its Harvest
Don't forget the encouraging words God speaks to you as his children. He says,
"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline. Don't reject it. Don't be upset and give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines and corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. The Lord our God disciplines us for our own good. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? His discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! It always feels like it is going against the grain. But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God.This righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confident trust forever.
The Kingdom of God is a matter of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Look straight ahead with purpose, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don't get sidetracked; consider well the path of your feet. Let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Keep your feet from following evil. Mark this straight path for your feet so that those (yours and others) who are weak and lame will not fall and be disabled. Rather, they will become healed and strong, instead of getting worse.
Hebrews 12:5-7,9-13, Proverbs 3:11-12, Deuteronomy 8:5, Isaiah 38:16, Philippians 1:11, Isaiah 32:17, Romans 14:17, Proverbs 4:25-27
"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline. Don't reject it. Don't be upset and give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines and corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. The Lord our God disciplines us for our own good. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? His discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! It always feels like it is going against the grain. But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God.This righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confident trust forever.
The Kingdom of God is a matter of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Look straight ahead with purpose, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don't get sidetracked; consider well the path of your feet. Let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Keep your feet from following evil. Mark this straight path for your feet so that those (yours and others) who are weak and lame will not fall and be disabled. Rather, they will become healed and strong, instead of getting worse.
Hebrews 12:5-7,9-13, Proverbs 3:11-12, Deuteronomy 8:5, Isaiah 38:16, Philippians 1:11, Isaiah 32:17, Romans 14:17, Proverbs 4:25-27
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Loving quiet times these summer mornings....
...the house is so quiet! I've been reading Hebrews and feel like I need to soak it in more so I don't forget what's there.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses whose lives tell us what faith means, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily, deftly, and cleverly trips us up, clings to and entangles us. And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the race God has set before us. Let's never give up. (*Run to win! Run with purpose in every step. Look away from all distractions. Press on. Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead...your heavenly prize through Christ Jesus.) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
*1 Corinthians 9:24,26, Philippians 3:13-14
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses whose lives tell us what faith means, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily, deftly, and cleverly trips us up, clings to and entangles us. And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the race God has set before us. Let's never give up. (*Run to win! Run with purpose in every step. Look away from all distractions. Press on. Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead...your heavenly prize through Christ Jesus.) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
*1 Corinthians 9:24,26, Philippians 3:13-14
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