Prayer for Graduates

 
Lord God, thank You for the gift that our graduates are to their friends and families. Thank You for blessing each one with gifts and talents. May they use them to Your glory. Fill them with Your love and wisdom. May they always trust in You, seeking You for guidance and strength. I thank You, my Father, that You are always with them. May they look to You as their Lord, Savior, Protector, Provider, and Peace. In the Name of Jesus...amen.

Abbie Against the Storm

Abbie Against the Storm - The True Story of a Young Heroine and a Lighthouse, by Marcia Vaughan, is my next selection for Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month.

Abbie Burgess helps her father tend the Matinicus Rock Lighthouse. When her father sails to Rockland to buy supplies, he leaves Abbie in charge. During his absence, a dangerous storm threatens not only the lights, but lives as well. Straining against the raging storm, Abbie risks her life to keep the lights burning and her family members safe.  But will she succeed? And will her father ever return?

I love this story because Abbie is responsible, strong, and courageous.  She's a girl determined to do whatever it takes to get the job done, in spite of a mammoth obstacle. After reading the story, remind your child that God is our help in times of trouble (Psalm 46). Then pray together, thanking God that He is always with you, and asking Him to help your child be brave and trust the Lord at all times.

This children's picture book, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, is appropriate for elementary-age children. Abbie Against the Storm was published by Aladdin/Beyond Words in 1999. The story is based on actual events of 1856. 

Read more about Abbie Burgess here.

Trinidad Memories & Moms

My husband's work assignment moved us to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago. Although we lived in Trinidad less than 2 years, our lives were enriched by our experiences there and the lovely people we met. We're grateful our parents were able to visit. In honor of Mother's Day, here are a few special memories!

Dale's parents, Bill and Norma, visited us in 2007. We took them to one of our favorite restaurants, Battimamzelle (Trini word for "dragonfly"). Battimamzelle specializes in Caribbean cuisine.

We drove to Maracas Bay for a walk on the beach and enjoyed Richard's shark & bake. 

Maracas Beach

Scarlet ibis in flight at Caroni Swamp.

On our way to Asa Wright Nature Center, we followed bad directions, took the wrong road, and ended up lost. We laughed about it, and finally found our way to Asa Wright. We enjoyed the Discovery Nature Trail guided tour. After our hike, we watched birds from the veranda. Asa Wright Nature Center is home to over 150 bird species.

 

A view of the Atlantic Ocean at Balandra Bay

I love the leatherback turtles of Grande Riviere! These magnificent and endangered creatures grow up to seven feet long and weigh as much as 2000 pounds. We observed the leatherbacks nesting on this protected beach. It was an awesome experience.

My mom, Lorraine, visited us in 2008. Here we are at Maracas Bay Lookout. 

We took the ferry to Tobago and stayed a couple of days at Coco Reef, a beachfront resort. The sunsets were breathtaking!

While in Tobago, we hiked the scenic trail to Argyle Falls.

Our parents met some of our dear friends as well. Friends who will always hold a place in our hearts. May God bless you and the special people with whom you share wonderful memories!

National Day of Prayer 2015

National Day of Prayer is an annual event encouraging people of all faiths to come together and pray for the United States of America. Attending this event strengthens and refreshes my spirit. Intercession is made for our seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family. This national observance is held the first Thursday of May. To find an event near you, click here.

Sovereign God, we humble ourselves before You, pray and seek Your face. Turn our hearts to You and away from our sin. Have mercy on us! Hear our prayers, forgive us, and heal our land. 

Your word says to pray for those in authority. Bless these men and women with wisdom, and lead them to do Your will. May they govern rightly, and fear You. Give each one courage to live with integrity. May our leaders love truth, administer justice, and resist evil. 

Protect those who defend our nation, and bless them  with strength and courage. 

Bless teachers, administrators, and parents with wisdom. May they seek and teach truth. Give our nation's children a desire to honor, obey, and respect those in authority over them. Help them to make good and wise choices. Please protect our homes and schools, and fill them with Your peace. 

May those who work in the media and entertainment industries report truth and present morality and godly values. 

Prosper business owners who conduct their businesses with integrity and honesty. Provide jobs for those in need. 

May Your Church impact this nation with truth, love, and mercy.

In the Name of  our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords...amen.

Blessing Sydney

Graduations are just around the corner. Give your graduate a special blessing that conveys all you hope and pray for them, and invokes God's favor and protection. 

I wrote this blessing for my niece, Sydney, and read it at her college graduation celebration. 

Howdy! As the proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2014, congratulations on your graduation from Texas A&M University! Whoop!!

Paul exhorted Timothy, his son in the faith, to be an example to believers in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. In the presence of friends and family, I encourage you to live a life worthy of your calling. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength; and love others as Jesus loves you.

I bless your speech with life-giving, gracious words, always giving thanks to our God. May your words be gentle, kind, encouraging, loving, truthful, and wise.

I bless you to seek wisdom, live sensibly, righteously, and godly as you run your race with endurance. And remember, Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those that do. 

Because the LORD has good plans for you, I bless you to reach your full potential in Him. May you use your God-given spiritual gifts to passionately serve the Body of Christ. May you possess a spirit of hospitality and generosity. 

Sydney, from infancy, you have known the Holy Scriptures. May God's Word continue to be a lamp to your feet, a light to your path, and richly abide within you. 

I bless your light to shine brightly in the darkness. I bless you with courage to stand firm in your faith. May you keep your heart pure, do what is just, love mercy, walk humbly with God, and be devoted to prayer.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. I love you, Sydney! Gig 'em, Aggies!

December 19, 2014

The Day the Crayons Quit: April "Book of the Month"

Our youngest granddaughter, Sparkles, loves to draw and color. That's why The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt, is the perfect choice for April's "Book of the Month."

 Duncan discovers letters of complaint written by his crayons. All, but Green, have issues. Red is overworked, while Pink feels neglected. Gray is tired; and coloring outside the lines distresses Purple.  Orange and Yellow are in a snit because each claims to be the sun's true color. How will Duncan ever make them all happy and work together again?

This humorous story encourages creativity. I believe it can also provide opportunity for parents and children to discuss how to express feelings honestly and respectfully.

The crayon pictures, by Oliver Jeffers, are appealing. I know if I were a little kid, this book would send me running for my crayons and sketch pad.

The Day the Crayons Quit, published by Philomel Books, is the winner of the 2015 Texas Bluebonnet Award.


What is your favorite crayon? Mine's Blue. And, I like Purple, too!

The "Good" about Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion, a horrible and brutal death. Scripture tells us Jesus, sinless Son of God, was betrayed, arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross, suffered, shed his blood, and died (Matthew 26- 27).

So what's good about Good Friday?

All people have sinned, and our sin separates us from God. God is just and required punishment for the sins we have committed. But God showed His love for us by sending His only Son to die for us (Romans 3: 21- 26; John 3: 16-17; Romans 5: 8). The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (Hebrews 9: 22: 1 John 1: 7- 9).

Good Friday is good because God loves us, and His Son sacrificed Himself for our sins. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead.  His tomb remains empty. He is alive forever (Matthew 28; Revelation 1: 18).  Whoever believes in Him has the promise of eternal life (John 3: 15- 16).

Will you believe?


Father God, you are righteous, just, and loving! Thank you for proving your love for all mankind by sending Your only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins! We have sinned against you. When we confess our sins, you are faithful and righteous to forgive us. Thank you for your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to believe and trust in Jesus.  In the name of Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior, amen.