Interceding

"Possibly the hardest part of praying for our children is waiting for our prayers to be answered. Sometimes the answers come quickly, but many times they do not. If your child has made poor choices, don't berate yourself and stop praying. Keep communication lines open with your child, continue interceding for him or her, and declare God's Word." from my devotional today...Love it.

I have prayed for almost as long as I can remember. Once I started having children, I started praying for them, too. "Lord, please keep my child safe and healthy, be with them constantly, help them know how much I love them, how much YOU love them, God, etc, etc, etc". That used to be my typical prayer. Then a few years ago I was introduced to a new concept. Not just praying for my kids future, but really praying for my kids future. Prayer for the present, the future, and for no ill effects from past events. Praying in detail, "Lord, keep my children free from ANY type of abuse every day of their lives, Lord, keep my child free from any addictions or peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, sex, tv, internet, etc, etc,. Help them to be accepted and help them to lovingly accept others. Lord, I pray for their future spouse, that they are Godly and able to follow Your will together in life." Those are just a FEW of the things I am now led to pray for my children for. I feel like I am giving them a head start in the battles they face on this Earth. It doesn't mean they won't face challenges, or make mistakes, or that they will turn out perfect. But, I am specifically using scripture and prayer to get a head start on these battles for them. I feel like it's one of the greatest things I can do for them as a parent. I may loose my patience some days, or not get to brush all the tangles out of Izzy's hair, some days Joseph's energy may spur me on to a mini meltdown, and Andrew's teen attitude may get the best of me, and some days, we may even have (gasp) ramen noodles for dinner. But, in the long run, even though I've got much room to improve as a parent, I know those things won't make or break them. I don't care if my children grow up to be janitors, as long as they delight in the Lord. I don't care if they live in a shack, if they are following the Lord. I don't care if they never get married, or decide to give the Duggars a run for their money, as long as they are living for the Lord. I desire for my children, that they accept the Lord as their Savior, and make good choices and decisions to follow Him, to worship Him. Sure, I will still get caught up in the day to day grades, sports, friends, chores, etc...but when I lay my head down at night on my (really awesome, I might add) pillow, and I pray and pour my heart out to Him on behalf of my babies, I know I'm giving them a better chance in life. I'm so thankful I have a living God, that hears me, that LISTENS to me, and cares for me and my heart, and that answers me and has a perfect will for me, and my children. It's so hard to grasp, but I have to remember these three, beautiful blessings in my life, really, aren't even mine at all, but are being lent to me & David by Him, to raise according to His will. Now, that's something to try and wrap your mind around. It does help me remember, though, that He has His children's best interest at heart...and then I am able to sleep a little better on my really awesome pillow.

9 years ago today...

9 years ago today I was giving birth to a beautiful baby boy, my Joseph! After having Andrew who looked like his dad's twin, I was thrilled to have a little one that favored my side of the family. He was beautiful, pleasant, and perfect. Joseph has brought me many many days of happiness, and also challenges throughout these past nine years. A very special boy, who marches to the bit of a tad bit different drum. He is so smart and creative, a one of a kind. Though times are sometimes tough, I'm thankful for those times, because it forces me to open my mind and my heart and step out of my comfort zone. My heart has gone places with him that I never knew it could go, he has taken my love and desire to understand others to a whole new level. He has taught me to accept, not judge, those who are just a little different. And, while I'm still not perfect, it's because of him that I've come as far as I have. Thank you, Lord, for knowing just what you were doing when you placed this blessing, Joseph, into our lives, into my life. I know he is destined for greatness. I pray you will keep him close, protect him, guide him, comfort him, and bless him all the days of his life. Happy Birthday, boo!



"You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound" Psalm 4:7

Happy New Year

Weather you eat black eyed peas, or hate them
Weather you make resolutions, or despise doing so
Weather your sitting at home, or celebrating it up
Weather you are right where you want to be, or just starting a new journey
I'm wishing you a Happy New Year, a blessed beyond measure 2010

This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11