Snippets of My Everyday Life

Today Lukas informed me that he got a new girlfriend. She lives just down the street from us.

"Really?" I asked. "What's her name?"

"I don't know." He answered. "I didn't ask."

Apparently that isn't an essential detail for a six-year-old.

I helped Stefan finish up his last page of math homework for the week. How can third grade math be so hard? I never liked math, but they do things so differently now. Different approaches to everything. Now I understand why my dad used to say, "I can tell you what the answer is, but I can't tell you how to find the answer using what you know."

I didn't get groceries this weekend because it was a busy weekend anyway, and I don't like shopping when the stores are so crowded. Wouldn't you know, tomorrow's hot lunch is sweet and sour chicken which, of course, neither of them want. Now I have to figure out what to pack for their lunches from a bare pantry.

But here is the best thing. This weekend we had the Candlelight Dinners at Youth Haven. These are special dinners for those who support Youth Haven or have an interest in our ministry in some way. We have musical guests, a nice meal, and the children who are at the Ranch for the weekend do a special presentation for the people.

At the end of the children's presentation, they pass out prayer cards with their name and picture on them, asking the people to please pray for them. Last night, Lukas asked me, "Can I get one?"

"Yes," I said, "as long as you are going to pray for the child who gives it to you."

He got a prayer card and asked me the name of the little boy who was pictured on it. I read it for him and turned to say something to my mom. When I looked back, there was Lukas, eyes closed, head bowed, hands folded. He was already praying for that little boy.

My children are blessed to have a loving family, a chance to go to church and a Christian school, and provisions for their needs. They don't get everything they want, but their needs are met and they don't have to worry about going to bed hungry. They don't have to worry about their parents fighting or getting divorced. They have never been and never will be struck or abused. They are safe, and they are cherished.

I am grateful that, even through the mundane, everyday things in our lives, my husband and I have been able to set an example of caring for those less fortunate. I am thankful for the opportunity to let our kids see and learn about other children who face a lot of hardships at home. I treasure our nightly prayer times and see the fruit of that in their lives.

My kids have both asked Jesus into their hearts, and I see in them a real desire to do what pleases Christ. I'd like to say that we're doing a good job as parents, but the truth is, it's all God. Sometimes, even good parents have wayward children. I pray that will never be the case with my boys.

My prayer for them:

Thank you, Father, for their young yet steadfast faith. Please nurture it and help them to seek You with all of their hearts. All I want for them is to love You and serve You to the best of their ability. Please keep them close to You. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that has redeemed their lives. Amen.