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I am back on a productive track

May 7, 2013 by at 7:53 am 1 Comment

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Hello Friend,

Months have passed since I last sat at the computer to blog and share life with you. I have been waiting for a drug-free mind and God’s clear direction to begin blogging again with purpose.

It was almost a year ago I began having acute pain in my gut. As the pain worsened each week, the doctors increased the levels of pain-killers  needed. I lost several months of productive living, not to mention the lack of productive thinking! There were days I could hardly speak a coherent sentence let alone write one down.

After surgery in the Fall, my productivity level progresses each month. The pain is under control on most days and my body is finally drug-free!

I took the first few months of recovery catching up with my kids’ schedules, then I had to relearn how to enter my website. Should I be admitting that publicly?

This has been a year of various physical and emotional trials and triumphs for our family. I look forward to sharing the lessons God is still revealing to us through the hard times.

We may ask, “Why does God bring thunderclouds and disasters when we want green pastures and still waters?” Bit by bit, we find behind the clouds, the Father’s feet; behind the lightning, an abiding day that has no night; behind the thunder, a still small voice, that comforts with a comfort that is unspeakable.–Oswald Chambers

Friend, it is good to share life with you again and together search out the Lord’s direction for our daily life and breath!

Always for His Honor,

Bonnie

 

 

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Faith Conversations with my Teenage Boys

July 11, 2012 by at 1:29 pm Leave a Comment

Despite the long hours this mom-on-the-go spends in her vehicle, and the uneasy sense of my rear growing four times its size as a result from sitting so long every day, I do enjoy van-time with my kids. The daily detailed stories, questions and practical faith conversations are shared freely in the confines of our cushioned metal cage. But recently I notice, the boys are more quiet in our daily drives. I wonder if its due to their teenage testosterone or if they are doing more internal thinking. But no, with one glance over my shoulder I understand its those darn smart phones. The addictive games and texts are pulling them in to cyber play, drawing them away from life’s in-the-moment interactions.

Beside me in the passenger seat sits my fourteen year old son. He is nurturing his new smart phone. To my dismay, this has become a common scene. His conversation of late has been centered around his praises and concerns for his new treasure.

“How is your precious?” I asked in a friendly manner.

Huh?

“I think you are going to make a great Daddy one day.” His face twisted in disgust as he looked at me curiously. “When you were a baby, your Dad and I loved holding you and patting you and talking to you and talking about you. We adored you.”

Yea?

He was still wondering where I was going with this.

“You seem to be nurturing your own precious cell phone that way. If you take care of your own children like your precious phone, you will also be a great attentive Dad,” I say with a voice of encouragement.

Oh. Uh-oh.

He got it. Similar conversations have taken place over the course of his young lifetime. It has been our parenting intention to model the futility of loving things–how easy it is to place the temporal above our love for God and others.

I pulled the van slowly into the garage and gently added, “All things will pass away, my boy. Only God and people last forever. Love them more than your technology.”

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Life is hard but God is Good

May 21, 2012 by at 11:00 am 2 Comments

Be Still

Do you ever have those moments when things are going so well in your life that you wonder, “When is the crisis coming?” It used to be a “doomsday” feeling that lurked over my head in my younger years. Life experience has taught me it won’t actually be the end of the world when crisis comes my way. Yes, life is hard, but our God is good!

Contrary to popular opinion, life is not about making me happy and easing through the years. This topic of conversation has cropped up frequently this month as different generations of women in my life are able to relate. Life is about becoming more like the image of God and I have a long way to go! He gently and kindly chips away my rough edges. He allows only what I can handle through the strength He gives me.

It is during these times of crisis when emotions, stretched like a worn rubber band, force me to rely heavily on the Lord to get me through the day in one big emotionally healthy God-honoring way. One day I’ll learn to rely on Him so fully every day that it doesn’t take a crisis to get me depending so desperately upon Him!

Only last month the thought crossed my mind, “When is the next crisis coming?” Sure enough the hard times were lurking around the corner. Pausing in our dark garage with a heavy heart, I sat in the van and pondered the last ten years of my life, “Has life become easier or harder?”

Yes and yes, I decided.

Yes, life is easier because I have learned to manage my emotions better. I have learned to”let go” sooner. I have learned contentment in the simple phrase, “It is what it is”. I have learned to turn to friends and experts when we need a life jacket to help us stay afloat.

I have learned to sit still and know that God is God. Trusting fully in God’s character and His good  hand in our life provides a deep source of peace. Even experiencing joy in the midst of pain!

And yes, life is harder. I am often stretched beyond my resources and beyond my experiences. When my kids are involved in the crisis, the letting go of anxiety and deep emotional investment is even more challenging. You parents know what I mean. You carry the anguish of your kids’ struggles like a thorn in your flesh. The ache in your heart isn’t going away any time soon. The challenge to give our kids over to the Lord is an ever-evolving exercise of faith.

But, it is all good. God is always good.

A favorite author of mine, J.I. Packer, adds his perspective on the goodness of God:

“…you recognize that God is the author and source of all the good that you have had already, and all the good that you hope for in the future.  This is the fundamental philosophy of Christian prayer. The prayer of a Christian is not an attempt to force God’s hand, but a humble acknowledgement of helplessness and dependence. When we are on our knees, we know that it is not we who control the world; it is not in our power, therefore, to supply our needs by our own independent efforts; every good thing that we desire for ourselves and for others must be sought from God, and will come, if it comes at all, as a gift from his hands. In effect, therefore, what we do every time we pray is to confess our own impotence and God’s sovereignty.”  J.I.Packer, Knowing and Doing the Will of God

In the midst of your trial friend, are you willing to submit your anxiety and pain to the goodness of God? Will you join me in the humility of prayer that does not attempt to control or force the hand of God? Let us learn together how to fully acknowledge our helplessness and dependence upon Him.

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The Lord tests the heart

May 17, 2012 by at 6:44 pm Leave a Comment

“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
but the Lord tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3

The fire of the crucible is never meant to destroy the silver. The intense heat of the furnace will not destroy the gold. Fire improves upon precious metals, refining and purifying them. Likewise, the Lord tests our heart.

He allows the heat of our trials to refine our character and purify our heart. Will You test our hearts, Lord?

A wrong has been done against our child and we are in the midst of a battle for justice.  We are his protectors. We are the voice for our special needs child when he is unable to speak for himself.

The world fights injustice by productive means, but its justice also has the tendency to act out with vengeance or silly lawsuits. We cannot get caught up in the actions of the world. On the contrary, we are vessels of Christ and He desires to shine His light into this darkness.

I am very certain He has a larger purpose in mind for the situation we find our family in. We are just along for the wild ride. In the pain and discouragement of events exposed, we are willing to do what He wants us to do.

The problem is we don’t know exactly what He wants to do with all of the details of the event. But we do know the Lord will direct our steps. And when He does make clear to us what actions to take then we act with bold faith. No matter how personally uncomfortable it is to tread upon unfamiliar territory, the discomfort cannot be our guide.

So please Lord, keep our hearts in check. We acknowledge our hearts can deceive us. When injustice is carried out against our flesh and blood mankind has the potential to go overboard in response. We have no desire to push people to their breaking point in the name of justice. And we absolutely have no desire to shrink back, sweeping the injustice under the carpet.

Help us act in just and purposeful ways which reflect Your heart and honor You without our flesh messing it up!  Test our hearts O Lord, and refine them for good.

Filed Under: Anticipate Grace, Weekly Wisdom Tagged With: , , , ,

Four Affordable Gluten-Free Favorites from Trader Joe’s

May 7, 2012 by at 12:05 pm Leave a Comment

Since May is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, I am sharing some of my favorite recipes and pantry staples with you.  I call our city the Grocery Store Mecca of Northern California.  Within a 7 mile radius lies a plethora of organic grocery stores, bulk grocery stores, specialty grocery shops and rumors of more to come! I specifically shop at 5 of these stores weekly  in order to get our favorite picks at the best prices.

When we began shopping gluten-free 6 years ago, I had to order it online. I believe the shipping alone on my first order cost us $45! Thankfully, gluten-free items are becoming mainstream, and we can find many local good bargains. Since I find pleasure in grocery shopping and love the hunt for a bargain, I am passing along some of my favorite affordable gluten-free items.

Shop at Trader Joe’s First

If you are fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe’s in your neighborhood, make it your first stop for gluten-free items. Their fresh produce and flash-frozen vegetables and organic fruits are a great buy. Organic cage free eggs, Greek yogurt and 100% corn tortilla chips are also fabulous buys for your healthy, gluten-free kitchen. I hit up our local Trader Joe’s first when fulfilling my weekly grocery list.

When I compare prices to local grocery stores, these are my top four affordable gluten-free picks from Trader Joe’s:

 

Thai Noodles. My kids always beg for a certain cup of noodles from the grocery store that is packed with MSG. I could go on and on why MSG is banned from our home! This Rice Noodle Soup Bowl is gluten-free, vegan friendly, and only 99 Cents! A competing brand of Thai Noodles costs upwards of $3.

My son who has Celiac Disease often requests a hot lunch like his classmates have at school. I make these in the morning, add chicken or extra vegetables and put them in a hot thermos for his school lunch. The only thing I don’t like about these noodles is the high sodium content! I only use half the enclosed seasoning package or use low-sodium Tamari sauce in its place.

 

Chicken Broth. Chicken Broth is a year round staple in my pantry.  Trader Joe’s Chicken Broth is available organic, free range, and low sodium. Best of all, it is free of MSG and gluten!  Thank you, Trader Joe’s!  You can’t beat the $1.99 sticker price.  Check out their other broths and gluten-free Red Pepper Soup, too.

 

 

Oats. Rolled Oats become an issue for the gluten-intolerant when they are manufactured and packaged in an environment where other glutenous items are present. Trader Joe’s Rolled Oats are manufactured in a gluten-free environment. They are a great healthy staple for baking, breakfast and other creative gluten-free cooking. The size of this package at $3.99 makes it a great buy!

 

Hot Dogs.  The price for gluten-free, preservative free, nitrate free, hot dogs in your mainstream grocery store can be absolutely outrageous!  My kid is like many other American kids who loves to eat hot dogs.  Trader Joe’s supplies their customers with chicken or beef hot dogs that are free of all the nasty stuff.

Not only is it a great product which all my kids enjoy, it only costs $3.99.  Even when other grocery stores have their gluten-free hot dogs on sale, I have never found them at such a great price.

I haven’t mentioned the rice pasta assortments, rice varieties, or nature bars, or Udi’s bread T.J.’s carries. You can look up your local Trader Joe’s online and read up on their gluten-free offerings.  Do you have a favorite gluten-free Trader Joe item? Please tell us about it in the comment box!

Filed Under: Weekly Parenting Tip Tagged With: , ,

How Great is the love of the Father

April 30, 2012 by at 1:25 pm 2 Comments

Father and son

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are” I John 3:1

Meditating on the Father’s great love for us, this picture comes to mind. A.J. missed his Daddy so much while he was away for a week serving in Mexico, that he ran quickly into his arms as soon as he saw his Dad return.  “Daddy! Daddy!” I was able to click my cell phone camera in time, because the strong embrace lasted so long. How great is the love of this father and son.

I have been a little wound-up lately.  My heart is racing as though I have consumed a tank of caffeine. It has been a difficult “Special Needs Month” as we deal with battles and situations beyond our control. The aching in my heart pulls me to crawl under the covers and sink into my sadness. But the Lord keeps giving me this picture of my child running into the arms of his father.

Is that the kind of love You have for me, Lord? Is that the kind of love You have for my child?

I choose not to hide under my covers in despair. Instead, the love of the Father draws me to His embrace with these comforting words from Psalm 121:

“I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber” NLT

It isn’t easy being vulnerable, but I have finally learned to allow the body of Christ to bear with me in my burdens. I am entrusting my special requests to trustworthy friends who pray on our behalf.

This is when I cry, when I let the walls of self-preservation drop and allow others to come along side us. Augh, this isn’t fun.

As anxiety rises up within me, my mind plays certain ugly scenarios over and over. The Lord interrupts my anxious thoughts, “Be still”  He says, “And know that I am God”.

I ignore Him, “Wait a minute Lord, I need to finish this thought”.

“Be Still” my Father interrupts me again, “And know that I am God.”

I took my thoughts captive and rested in the God who knows all, who loves my son and who will tend to His needs as the Loving Shepherd He is.

Today I choose to rest in the arms of our Father. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us!

“You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

It is high; I cannot attain to it

If I ride the wings of the morning,

if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

even there your hand will guide me,

and your strength will support me.”  Psalm 139:5 & 10

Filed Under: Anticipate Grace, Blessings and Blunders Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wisdom Diaries: I am not willing to settle

April 16, 2012 by at 12:23 pm Leave a Comment

Justine Leveille

The Wisdom Diaries are posted monthly by Justine Leveille.  Justine is a 24-year-old  who loves to learn, exercise in any and every way, travel, eat great food, cook, teach children, read, dance, watch movies, and be social!  Her sole purpose is to live life to the fullest measure, to serve God and bring Him glory. She has a huge heart to share the love of Jesus with others and she invites young women to grow a passion for Christ along with her.

Dear Jesus,

As I sit on my bed, I am trying to sort through so many truths You keep revealing to me about trusting you.

Recently You took me on the ride of a lifetime, giving me a grander view of life with You. It is far beyond where I have been.  You pierced my soul with a deep conviction that has been steering my days ever since.

Now I realize how often I settle into living a “practical faith.”  I was reading a new book, Fasting, by Jentezen Franklin, when Your Holy Spirit gently opened my eyes to the lack of faith, hope, and trust I have in You.

As I read Your Word You showed me just how radical the faith of Your saints was.  I began to hunger for the same.

If only I had just one-sixteenth of a mustard seed of their kind of faith! The truth is I have really struggled internally with trusting You when I pray. 

I think I have lacked the faith to really believe in Your desire to answer my prayers.

Regardless of what I pray, I always thought You would answer and work out the details of my life as You choose anyway.

But now Your Holy Spirit is revealing to me just how powerful prayer is.   On this journey of choosing to trust You more I have discovered many of my friends struggle with the same thing.  They are faced with the same decision:  “Will I Trust in You through thick and thin, or will I choose fear, doubt, and worry? Elisabeth Elliot wrote some great words in this regard:

 “But that’s what faith is–the unwillingness to be limited to what we can see and the willingness to believe that there’s a reality deeper than the seeing world that we participate in every day.”

I want to continually strengthen my faith. I need to TRUST in the power of You and in the power of prayer.  I thank You Jesus, that You led me to practice trusting You through a new commitment to spend time praying and fasting.

At first I did not exactly know how it would happen, nor what would happen as a result.  You tested my patience and obedience to set apart time to pray, to fast from food and seek Your sustenance in its place.

“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  Matthew 4:4

It was not easy; in fact it was painful at first. 

In completing this discipline you taught me so much about how to trust You.

You called me to trust in you as my emotions were shaky,

when my tummy was grumbling

and when things at work were challenging.

Today I testify, whatever hardship facing me, as I trust in You all things are possible.

 There is a great temptation to be defeated and give up when going through life’s hardships. I think it is equally tempting to just settle into living a life that is not Your best design for us.

I want to always, Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding.  In all my ways submit to Him and He will make my path straight,  Proverbs 3:5,6

Jesus, I believe in the authentic Christian life You require your people to take heart and boldly TRUST You by advancing forward — straight through the difficult situations.  It is painful to face hardships head on, yet I must rely on Your Holy Spirit’s guidance. Help me to remember I am not alone. Lord, I am TRUSTING that You will be faithful to lead me through.

 John 12: 27-28 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? Father save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.  Father glorify your name…”

My encouragement to you, friend:

When doubt creeps in– kill it. Crucify it.  Crush it with faith and hope and trust in our Master.  Begin to:

  • Pray boldly & specifically
  • Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17)
  • Pray with an undivided heart which trusts in the Lord

 Justine

 

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Operation: Button your pants continues

April 4, 2012 by at 3:40 pm 2 Comments

Time slips through our fingers. It has been almost 3 months since we began Operation: Button Your Pants! To refresh your memory regarding our special challenge to teach our 17 year-old son how to button his pants, you can read about it here: http://www.womangonewise.com/2012/01/30/operation-button-your-pants/.

Because the days do pass so quickly, I am more deliberate in setting practical goals for our growing young man. Teaching a new skill to a child with physical or developmental challenges requires breaking the skill into small steps. Each step is carefully approached with patience. The time it takes to acquire the step is not as important as keeping each goal in mind.

I am happy to say A.J. has passed each of these first steps:

Operation: Button your Pants

  • Work on pincer skills by playing “Feed the Dog” every day. Celebrate every attempt!                   Check!
  • Breakdown the steps to buttoning. Practice one step every day. Celebrate every attempt!         Check!
  • Progressively practice smaller button holes.           Check!
  • Practice on a pair of pants.           Check!

What a surprise to see A.J. enjoying the process so much. He is so pleased with his new accomplishments that he initiates the “Feed the Dog” game and button cards. Without any prompts from us, he practices daily.

The Motivating Factors

Personal pride for his accomplishments is not his only motivating factor for working on the buttons. I have to admit, he has become a little sneaky.

He knows he cannot access gummy treats whenever he wants, so he has learned to zip through his button games and exercises and go directly to the treat cupboard to get his gummies–multiple times a day! It took me a couple of weeks to catch on to my sly boy. I guess that means he has trained Mom pretty well.

I was not thrilled with the notion of introducing sweet snacks as a reward, but the fact is treats are highly motivating. When a skill needs to be taught to a highly frustrated or stubborn individual, I tell you, a reward that works is worth it!  But, because the new skill  became so easy, its time to create the next step of challenges toward buttoning his own pants.  This means he will have to really work for those gummies again!

A.J. Hits a Roadblock

Whenever I have the opportunity to interface with Occupational Therapists or Behavior Management Consultants, I tap their brains for any resources they have for teaching pant buttoning. One of the most important tidbits of advise I received was to place a pair of pants on his lap as though they were on his body. This way he will not learn the button skill backwards!  Backwards buttoning had never crossed my mind.

I found the largest and oldest (softest) pair of jeans in my husband’s closet and placed them on A.J.’s lap. First I sat behind him on the floor and placed my hands on his hands, trying to guide the button through the hole. That did not work well.

A.J. had his own idea to  place his hands on my hands as I slipped the button through the hole.  That was a good idea, because he could feel the way my wrists turned and how fingers have to move behind and beside and in front of the button.  Did you realize you move your fingers and wrist that much when you button your pants?!

Finally, I sat beside him as he attempted to slip the metal button through the stiff little hole. Frustration mounted. He grunted and motioned for me to help. I kept my hands away but sat closely to encourage his efforts. He must wonder why this button will  not cooperate as easily as the buttons he has been practicing on.

Disappointment set in for both of us. Eventually, I placed my hands on the waistband, giving him a sense of support. A week or so went by without any success.  Both of us have ignored those jeans lately. Feeling a little defeated myself, I have not taken any further steps toward getting those jeans buttoned.

I have my finger and hand issues due to arthritis and am aware of adaptive tools for everyday tasks. After a little online research, I discovered a handy tool to help with buttoning pants. I stared at the picture and considered what it would mean for A.J. on a daily basis. Not only would he have to carry the tool on his person daily, but it would be very difficult to get him motivated to button his own pants after using the tool. Any adaptive tools at this point will be our last resort.

Give him every opportunity to excel

Our philosophy since his infancy has been to give him every opportunity to excel, and then let him show us what he can do. If I resort to the tool so soon, I would be cutting the process short.  Through his willingness to continue buttoning  he is still showing us a desire to develop.

So, I called on the school Occupational Therapist. She agreed it is best to stay away from the adaptive tool at this time. She suggested cutting into the buttonhole–a little skill I know about from my earliest days of learning to sew. Then I got the idea to cut up the waistbands from a few pair of old jeans and make a new button board. This will be my project for the week.

Operation: Button your pants–Step 2

  • Create a button board made from jeans.
  • Clearly mark the Top of the board to be closest to the body.
  • Practice short amounts of time to limit frustration. Celebrate every attempt.
  • Do not give gummies until at least 3 attempts are made on the denim board. Celebrate attempts!
  • Practice every day.

Cross your fingers!  Well, that would mean I believe in luck. I don’t. Through prayer and hard work we will keep taking steps towards success!  I will let you know how it goes.

 

Filed Under: Anticipate Grace, Blessings and Blunders Tagged With: , , ,

Holding my loved ones loosely

April 2, 2012 by at 9:54 am 2 Comments

Father and Son on their way to Mexico

 

Over the weekend, the driver in front of me kicked up a stone and cracked my windshield.  This is the third incident mucking up my new van in less than a year. I was instantly reminded how accidents even happen at home, while doing the mundane.

How many of us cling to our families and material things as though it will keep them safe from harm?

When our 12-year-old son left for the Dominican Republic on a mission trip a few summers ago, the popular response from my friends was, “Aren’t you scared?” The truth is I am more afraid of clinging to my kids and my fears so tightly, that I thwart the Lord from doing a mighty work in their lives. In spite of my Mama-fears, I must hold my loved ones loosely.

Friday morning I waved goodbye again to the same son (now 16 years old) and his dad as they left for a Spring Missions trip to Mexico.

This morning I said goodbye to my 13-year-old baby.  He is serving the local Salvation Army, homeless, and planting trees at schools downtown with his Junior High youth group.

 

Sweet Baby Dane goes off to serve

 

I was hoping to go with him, at least drive a van load of kids back and forth. But through a series of events, I lent my van to a driver I don’t know, to be filled with hyper junior high kids. The thought of a hole punched in the seat or a shovel scraping the ceiling has crossed my mind.  But, I must also hold my van loosely.

Stones will hit the window while I drive it around the corner, rust will destroy it, and thieves may break in and steal it. Scripture reminds me, “Where my treasure is, there will my heart be also.”  So, I handed over my keys as an act of worship.

I am left feeling a little lost this morning.  A.J. and I are home alone for the week. It’s a funky feeling when most of your family is gone and you are left tooling around on your own. Normally I would welcome the time to myself, but I am feeling as though a large piece of my heart is gone.

Honestly though, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Opportunities abound for our kids to grow deeper in their walk with the Lord while serving the world.

So here are the strange prayers from a Mama learning to hold her loved ones loosely:

I pray they get dirty for God! I hope their fingernails get dirty from playing with children and planting trees.

I pray their bodies get smelly from living away from the conveniences of home but being filled up from serving the Lord.

I pray their hearts are broken as they encounter people who have so little. And their hearts stretched as they experience the joy of sharing the Good News and treating others as better than themselves.

I pray they build lasting friendships working side by side with like-minded kids. While they share in the work and the worship, I pray they would come back to their schools and sports teams and shine brighter together!

I pray they will feel uncomfortable or afraid, and step out of their comfort zone, take a step of faith, and watch God show up in personal and mighty ways!

When they feel tired and sore and lay in their sleeping bags feeling homesick, I am grateful they can’t text me. I pray they would lean upon God as their comfort and  provider.

This mom is holding her loved ones loosely today, trusting if I cling to my life I will lose it, but if I lose my life for Christ’s sake and the Gospel, I will save it (Mark 8:35).

I couldn’t have it any other way.

 

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I prayed for you today

March 26, 2012 by at 12:31 pm 6 Comments

I love this picture! She is a beautiful girl who is hungry for God!

 

I prayed for you today;  my sisters, disciples, friends.

I always pray as the Lord reminds me of your name or burdens my heart about you. I have learned to pray for you whenever I think of you, knowing the reminder is a quickening from the Holy Spirit to pray on your behalf.

Sometimes I learn why He put you on my heart and it serves as a lesson how the Holy Spirit is intimately caring and working for us.

Today I am reminded to pray for  you more often, more deliberately. You are the girls God placed in my life over many years.

You are the Freshman I prayed with as you received Jesus. I was a Senior.

You are the girls I laughed with in youth group as we talked about serious things like boyfriends, parents, and trusting Jesus. You are the girls  I met with each week in your parents’ home. We sat in a circle and prayed and shared and laughed and studied our Bibles. I watched you serve your high school friends, grapple with your convictions in dance class, and make daring life choices for Jesus. You were in your teens and I was in my 20′s…and 30′s.

You are the girls I drink coffee with each Sunday morning, or the women who are raising a new generation of American youth.

You confided with me and entrusted your soft hearts to me. I still don’t take that lightly. God entrusts us with the task to pass along our faith, to rightly represent Him through His Word. He convicts me to point you to His sufficiency alone.

Your family pictures and Christmas cards portray beautiful images of women living faithful lives. You are teachers, students, missionaries, stay-at-home Moms. You are community leaders, youth leaders, investing in your church. You are serving at camps, serving the poor, and raising godly boys and girls.

Your lives display a deeply rooted faith and hungry, God-honoring hearts. My heart is filled-up thinking about you.  So, I followed the words of Paul and prayed for you today (Colossians 1:9-12) –

that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding

May you continue to grow in your knowledge of God, so you will be filled with His presence. He will teach you to be wise in all things and help you understand how to live and respond throughout your day.

The word continue reminds me we must never become stagnant in our relationship with God. How can we be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding if we are not in tune with the Lord?

Jesus, remind her today of her desperate need for You.

so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

We have talked a lot about this, haven’t we? Oh, may our lives be so filled with gratitude toward our Lord, that we walk in a manner worthy of Him! I pray your heart would long to please Him in every corner of your life.

Jesus, may she bear fruit in every good work, may she increase in her knowledge of You, and may You be honored today in her time, thoughts, work and worship.

strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;

Jesus, You know what she is going through. Whatever financial, physical, or relational hardship she is facing, I claim Your strength upon her life. May she keep her mind fixed on You. You give strength when she feels weak and discouraged.

May she rely on Your power within to give her the ability to be steadfast and patient while You work all things out for her good.

joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Thank You, Father. YOU have qualified us –by Your mercy, You consider us Not Guilty. We are able to share in the inheritance “which belong to His people who live in the light” (NLT).

I pray You would set a passion in her soul. May her love for You grow deep and spill out in every fiber of life. I pray You would stir in each of us the desire to be a living sacrifice to You–whatever that looks like–whatever it takes–

(because) You delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son, in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins. (!  Colossians 1:9-14)

Precious young woman, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you!

If you think this prayer is for you–you are right. You are in my heart, and I continue to take your name to the Throne.

Humbled,

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