Receiving from The Giver

These gifts are easy to receive! 

Gifts ... of course I'm pondering gifts!  Said She who's love language test score is a big old ZERO for 'receiving gifts.'  The word alone causes yours truly to contort in a shoulder shrugging cringe, 'I don't know what to suggest' pose while bringing glee filled delight to half of our tribe and leaving the rest feeling thankful, however, indifferent to the necessity.  Two-sixth's of the crew are counting on a plethora of prize possessions while the mature of the family revert to history with a knowing peace there will be few but heartfelt treasures awaiting the upcoming festivities.  While my 'no need to receive' may lend you to think otherwise, I am NOT a humbug, most certainly not!  I absolutely love family time, a chance to reflect on the blessings and heritage we've been handed through the years and the cozy warmth of family gathered around a peaceful tree lit room!  I get a giddy, butterfly belly filled sensation thinking about the serenity of these moments we set aside to celebrate The One, born to die, for the gain of our eternity with Him! As the celebration begins, I hear His song as He invites me, His flip-flop clad, dirty hemmed princess, to dance gleefully in His life giving embrace, rejoicing in the beauty that surrounds us in the glow of The Stable. 

Remember that Zero for gifts? ... Add to it my perspective on God as The Giver of all good gifts.  Pondering gifts during this time of year, causes this angst in me.  In receiving His gifts, there's no 'silent eye-rolling, smile fixed, thank yous' I need in graciously receiving. Don't get me wrong, I love a good surprise and receive with heart felt gratitude the majority of these earthly treasures knowing they are an expression of love from the giver ... the same way quality time and physical touch reaches deep in my soul, gift giving touches a part of others that equates to the heavenly hosts appearing.  SO I'm pondering ... what is my perspective this season in receiving (and giving) gifts?

It's as simple as asking, are we celebrating a baby or a Savior? ...
Am I distracted by festive twinkling lights or captured by the wonder in my son's sparkly eyes? ...
Am I comparing with darting eyes that need to hurry and scurry for the perfect gift or do I choose the peaceful serenity of being present at every gathering? ...
Do I join the ranks of eye rolling at the commercial demand to buy and give or choose to receive with grace knowing it's an expression of their love to me?

Since Micah was two, (15 years ago) we've given the gift of our hearts to Jesus for His birthday gift.  We have a simply adorned and treasured box that we wrap and open first each year.  We read the small explanation then say, "Happy birthday Jesus" as we place the small laminated red heart containing our name back in the box as a gift for Jesus.  This box, was not even a thought crossing my mind 8 weeks ago as we packed, stuffed and measured our bags in preparation for home leave in PA.  This year, our precious box, sadly remains separated from us, in Costa Rica. Oh the atrocity, now we don't have a gift, although symbolic, to give to the One who gives us life!  Thank you sweet Jesus, You receive our hearts whether they are symbolically wrapped, poured out raw and broken, or given joyfully in worship.  If my perspective is that I need to comply with the tradition of giving this box, the heartfelt meaning is lost and I'm pretty sure He may just be rolling His eyes!

If I look outward at gift giving, one may notice my eye-rolling that has not yet caught up with the maturity of my age.  If I look inward, receiving and giving according to His example, blessings of love and joy abound!  The encounters I've had with each one of you through the physical gifts of hugs and time spent or through the spirit of prayer, words of encouragement and affirmation ... Each of you is a gift to me, an example of the goodness of God! And so, even with that zero for receiving gifts, it's easy to reflect on The Gift of Jesus which then causes me to receive with childlike wonder, marveling at the gift of love each physical gift is intended to be!  *This is not a ploy to get more gifts : ) !*

Look inward, receive His gifts ... Look outward, share them with others ... 

See the heart of the Giver!

Life in Lancaster Co. 
Recovering from back surgery ... Visits and time well spent with many of you ... More sleepovers and breakfast dates ... Laser tag and Spanish food to celebrate Micah's 17th year of life ... Sharing our hearts with Hinkletown School high school and elementary groups ... Looking to Jesus, the light who shines in the darkness of unsettled health issues ... The joy that comes with spur of the moment meals with family ... Visiting with cousins from Mexico ... The gift of Fox Meadows ice cream to celebrate the first day of Winter ... The gift of Star Wars : ) ... Setting up our tree and digging out our 'old, stored' ornaments ... Purchasing with child like innocence, the perfect gift for our token name draw ... Choosing a heart of gratitude in the precious moments as gifts are given and received!

Sinus Update:
Daryl met with the ENT doctor to review his CT scan.  His sinus cavities are packed and full of "junk" but we still don't know why.  Doctor says it's not infection, fluid is clear.  His recommended course of action is to do a month long course of broad spectrum antibiotics to see if that clears anything up (even if the fluid isn't infected??).  If it doesn't, then surgery to clean out the sinus' would be a possibility.  As well, a tube would be placed in his ear to drain the fluid which has affected his hearing.  We tentatively scheduled surgery for January 10th, 2 days before our proposed return flight to CR!  This was the earliest he could get on the surgery schedule.  Doctor is then requiring a 3 week recovery period before returning to CR.

Praises
Jen's biopsy report from the lesion on her spine was NEGATIVE, Praise God!
Mrs Martin (and the HMS school family), Adam LOVES his teacher and class time with new friends
Heart connections with many of you
Birthday success for Micah (every year he says, "this was the best birthday ever")
Connections with EMM and feeling Father's arms around us through them
A positive perspective on receiving gifts

Prayers  
Daryl's sinus' to clear up, not needing surgery and to be able to return to CR as scheduled.
All of us to peacefully accept Father's plan, even if that includes surgery, delaying our return to CR.
Healing for Micah's knee
Walking through the emotions of good byes with Jedidiah
Training our physical eyes to see what HE sees

Peace in our marriage as we're out of routine and not always responding in love

Financial partners, we need $2000/month to complete our budget for the next 4 years.
Would you prayerfully consider how you can be part of helping us return to CR? emm.org/donate

Sharing a tattoo with cousins : ) ...
It was really a mom play date! 

Jr youth and his Ugly Christmas Sweater ...
Never thought these shoes would be the perfect color for anything!

Of course he chose a brownie ...
Would you believe it was 'to much of a good thing?!'

Birthday cake - Peach crisp made with love by Mimi

Puzzles with Busy Bee who came from Hinkletown School to spend the weekend with Adam

Their long days finally paid off ...
Congrats Pop-pop, can't wait for some good bologna! 

Laser tag with this bunch of Mennonite boys : ) ...

Hoover-Diener-Spanish food celebration ...
Can you say "please, thank you and good day" in Spanish
before eating! 

Costa Rica - Mexican cousins speaking Spanglish together! 

What, Santa comes to Brownstown in a firetruck?

Dress up and laughter as we clean out the boxes of 
"why did we keep this stuff?" ...

Fox Meadows Ice Cream ...
Seriously, Lancaster Co. ice cream is so delicious!

Hide -N- Seek ... the perfect hiding spot ...
If you're not claustrophobic! 

Thanks for the pre and post birthday gifts Willean!  ...
She knows the way to these boys hearts! 

Do I look cool? ...
There are no words to describe the amount of coolness!
Merry Christmas from our Cool house to yours!

May your days be graced by this truth ...
As for God, His way is perfect
His word is flawless
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him!
2 Samuel 22:31

Singing Over Me

There's a new song arising in the hearts of His children ... 

Two weeks and counting, this song has been on my heart 24/7 and it literally won't stop ... Praise God! When I hear it sung over me I weep at the peaceful beauty that flows over my soul.  As my mind sings it, I feel as though I'm dancing in His arms.  At times these words have been obscured by fear, anger, frustration and doubt.  However, as He stands there waiting by the quiet waters, looking all dapper in His tunic and flowing hair, He woos my attention back to Him and the song returns, renewing my spirit, soul and mind.  He's sung to me before, usually when I'm walking  through a 'valley'.  This time however ... it's like He's encouraging me that He knows my heart, literally this is the song of my heart!

Indulge, if you will, in these ramblings of my mind ...  Having this constant song on my heart feels a bit like I'm using my gifts, "Martha-ing" while my soul is "Mary-ing".  Is that even possible?  I've not yet tested this theory but here's my hypothesis ... While I'm certainly not negating the need to 'come away with Him and rest between His shoulders' ... oh sweet peace ... I'm contemplating how these two giftings go hand in hand. I mean, Martha and Mary were sisters, right?  Couldn't their gifts fit together? 

He has given me the gift of "Martha-ing", serving and caring for others to honor Him.  As any Mama knows (or any person for that matter), if I'm strictly "Martha-ing about" doing just to do without the joy of serving, I become weary and heavy laden. What I'm learning is "Mary-ing" is a gift too.  Doesn't that feel delightful?  Sitting at His feet and having that deep seeded faith of knowing that He is faithful, He is good and His promises are true. Always!  Can I please have the gift of "Mary-ing"?!  Quite frankly, "Mary-ing" is what He created me for ... to be in relationship with Him.

And, now to my theory ... As I use my Martha gifts, having this song on my heart has given me this deep seeded joy that comes from a Mary gifting!  Perhaps I've come full circle since my 1/27/19 post and I'm learning that it doesn't need to be one or the other.  Doing while Being is Continual Abiding! Has it really taken me 47 years to grasp this? ... Nah, I prefer to think it's just His perfect timing!

The song that never ends ... Hypothesis proved ... Oh how He patiently loves me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo

(The Goodness of God, Bethel music)

Back update
We got a second opinion for my back due to the start of tingling down my right leg and foot.  Repeat MRI showed two herniated discs had grown to moderately large.  Yesterday, December 9th, I had a minor and very quick surgery to clean up the herniated discs and biopsy the tumor/lesion in the same area. Now I have 2 weeks of restrictions to use my Mary gift as others Martha for me!  Feeling grateful for a capable hubby and helpful mighty men, being surrounded by family and friends and the song on my heart filling me with peace!

Life in Lancaster Co.
Sharing our hearts and God's story with Carpenter Church ... Feasting on the sweetness of Father's presence, rest, and the beauty of 12 inches of fresh fallen snow in Penn Yan, New York ... A safe place to hear, receive and process through 'what we need to work on' to experience continual abiding ... The thrill of the hunt and enjoying His surroundings without the reward of big game ... Grammie and cousin sleepovers ... A very quick weekend wedding in Costa Rica celebrating with Vinny and Carmelinda as Father showered His favor on their beautiful day ... CR neighbors invitation for dinner ... and the normal stuff of life, school, work, youth group, shoo fly pie and cheeze-its ...

Praises
Sleeping at home in Costa Rica felt like home!
Successful surgery, no complications, recovering in the care of my mighty men
Being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are praying us through
Beautiful CR wedding and safe travel for all involved
Laughter and dancing with my handsome hubby ... time to be a couple!
New and old partners who believe in what Father desires to do in CR
Seeing the sun through the clouds as Father spoke through Penn Clark
Tools in hand to train our physical eyes to see what HE sees

Prayers
Daryl's hearing is affected by the fluid and congestion in his sinus' ... awaiting CT results
Healing on Adam's ears, his hearing is very diminished after his recent ear infection
Illumination from the Holy Spirit as we work through the tools mentioned above
Financial partners to be 100% funded for our second term emm.org/donate
God connections, knowing what He wants us to do while we rest
Getting residency papers in order
Parenting Jedidiah
Peace to let go of our return to CR date ... His perfect timing is ... well, perfect!
Vida220 students as they finish up these last 10 days of training
Quality family time as we celebrate Jesus
*How can we pray for you?

Thankful to be driving in daylight hours ...
I'm no snow bunny but this beauty is hard to beat! 

"Cabin Boy" connections ...
You guys are amazing, Joseph is even playing a game!!

When uncle Jeeg finds a bargain ...
left over Doggie Halloween costumes make the perfect hat!

Mimi, you finally have someone to help you wash the dishes! 

Being spoiled by Mimi's affection and attention ... 

"You're 6 years old ... it's about time you learn to ride by yourself!"
Big brother Micah's patience!

Not sure who had more fun ... Pop-pop or the boys!
Arcade, Laser tag, Mini bowling, bumper cars!

 

Sunday afternoon rest ...

"Let's get all Mimi's stuffed animals out that we used to play with!"

8:00 Sunday morning greeters! 

You are my lamp O Lord; You turn my darkness into light!
2 Samuel 2:29

Approval

Fall colors ... make my heart happy!

We wait for the stamp with sweaty palms. Like a drill Sargent, I demand the boys stand neatly in order and stop pacing.  Any wrong move out of line gets an icy-cold stare.  Say the right things, act like you know what you’re doing, act like you understand everything and don’t look suspicious.  In the routine of their day, they look, confirm, stamp our passports, and we’re on our way with another 90 day visa … Sigh of relief, the fretting, sweaty palms moment was needless worry!

We are amid our 3 month home leave and the struggle for approval feels like one of those Goliath battles.  In my humanness, the need to feel approved, affirmed and validated is like pouring water through a sieve, my cup will never be filled!  Sharing updates, new stories, God stories feels a bit like waiting for our passport stamp to reenter Costa Rica.  “Stand neatly in order, no wrong moves, say the right thing, act like you know what you’re doing …” The battle to seek approval for what we’re doing so we receive the financial backing is no joke.  Ouch! ... Can I just find a carpeted corner to cower in?  Nope, not yet girl, pull out your sling, there's work to be done!

Can you imagine the blissful look of love as He retrieves my defeated self from hiding in my corner?  His gaze, if I truly engage in it, will cause the chains of seeking approval and validation to fall into the pit!  As conviction averts my gaze, He lovingly tips my chin upward and whispers, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance I am giving you!”  2 Chronicles 20:17. 

These are the stones in my sling … confession, sweet forgiveness and the command that brings the victory: “We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not trying to please men but God who knows our hearts!” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).  The inspiration does not come from any feeble arising of my humanness.  It really is all about Jesus!  He has entrusted us to share HIS work, believe who HE says we are, and confidently speak what HE has instructed us to say.  The battle is won as we turn our eyes to The One who has called, laying down our struggle for approval. And ... He doesn't care if I giggle and step out of line while sharing His heart!

Approved by God ... Entrusted with the gospel ... He knows my heart

Life in Lancaster Co.
Feasting on the delicacies of Thanksgiving with our families ... Blessed by God connections as we shared our hearts with Metzlers church ... seeing Frozen II for free ... Snuggling Adam through fever, ear infection and ruptured ear drum ... Heart connections at the pharmacy ... Hunting, avoiding black Friday madness, work on the farm, cold bike rides and warm tub baths ... Jedi enjoyed a barn party and sleepover ... family puzzles and library books ... And ... trusting Father to fight this battle as we look to Him!

Praises
Thankful to share life with lots of family ... Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!
This song ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo  ... has been wrecking my makeup All. Week. Long!
The privilege to sing of the Goodness of God!
Friends to have sleep overs with
Popcorn and sleeping on a carpeted living room floor
Family puzzle time

Prayers
Healing on Adam's ears and Daryl's sinus'
Travel to Costa Rica for a wedding next weekend
Hunting safety
Paperwork in order for residency
My back surgery scheduled for Monday December 9th
To be fully funded for our second term emm.org/donate
To seek HIM First and not earthly approval ...

We left Olaf (our van) in CR and found him in PA!

Adam working hard chauffeuring Mr. High around the farm!

Can this job get any better?! ...
"This is what a job should be, one that I love doing!"

Adam dished up ice cream ...
"Joseph, yours is the smaller one!"

Diener boys and Sara ...
Adam almost hugged the wrong Pop-pop!

Jedi working hard peeling potatoes ...
Officially taller than Uncle Johnny!

Amish Roast, potatoes and fixins to feed an army of 54!

Hoover Thanksgiving ... missing Big D and little D ...
"This was the best day ever, just being with family!"

Snuggles to take the fever and pain away ... 

Adam's sleepover so he didn't have to sleep alone while the boys are away!

First day hunting success!

... still waiting for the big buck!

 " ... And all my life You have been faithful ... And all my life You have been so, so good ... With every breath that I am able ... Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God!"

Grapes Are Easy

Feasting on His promises

The first purchase was one of second thought as I perused the produce aisle en route to the register.  "Hmmm, we haven't eaten grapes in a few years, that's a healthy treat at $0.99/pound!"  I proudly made my three pound purchase and returned home to wash, de-stem, and ready these deliciously, sweet morsels for snacking. Before I could even place the inviting yellow bowl in the refrigerator, their discovery was announced.  "Mom, that's a lot of grapes!" Wise Mama that I acclaim to be, I proudly announced the "pocket change" I dished out for said purchase.  Less than 6 hours later ... Six. Hours. Later.  I reached into the abyss of this once grape-laden yellow bowl to discover the only remnants of this bargain were the water drops I vaguely remember using as I prepared them for snacking.  Less than two weeks in PA and we've devoured approximately twelve pounds of grapes.  These sweet little treasures have not stood alone.  They have valiantly sacrificed themselves on the alter of Wheat thins, pretzels, chunks of cheese and port wine spread that our taste buds have watered for.  However you look at it, in two weeks time, we've devoured ... Twelve pounds of grapes ... "There could be worse things, right?" I justifiably declare!

If only this first month of home leave were as easy as devouring 12 pounds of grapes! Things I did for 30 years have caused me to stumble over myself.  To name a few ... Pumping gas (the first time I pulled up to the pump, stared at the monstrosity and pulled out without pumping, gave myself a pep talk and returned to the pump!) ... Responding in English to the cashier when Adam is babbling in Spanish ... Conversations with Doctor offices and scheduling appointments instead of just stopping in ... Practicing patience when dealing with pre-authorized insurance issues ... Fast paced highways ... Lots of phone calls instead of whatsapp messages ...  I sound like a wimp but these situations have left me floundering clueless on the wave of culture shock!

In the routine of having coffee with Jesus, He patiently breathed life into my spirit with this familiar command ... "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for I, your God, go with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you!"  The delight of this promise is like a handful of sweet grapes ... When the lonely feelings surface leaving me feeling disconnected, confused, overwhelmed and wanting to throw my hands up in defeat, He patiently reminds me of His provision.  His hand reaches to take mine, He pulls me up out of my pool of tears and invites me to walk with Him.  It really can be as simple as feasting on grapes ... Assuredly, there is no fear of sour grapes if I hold fast to the Everlasting Arms!

Munching on grapes ... Holding His hand ... Feeling strength arise

Life in Lancaster Co.
How do I sum it up ... dry skin, warm water, heated houses, carpeted floors and plenty of Lancaster Co. cuisine ... The gift of hard work on a farm for the 4 MM, feeling satisfied! ... hunting with Grandpa ... Laughter with girlfriends and saying tearful good byes ... hikes, sleepovers, all nighters, good will and re-use-it ... A trip to the beach for soul care ... A week of 'unplugging' in upstate New York and playing in the snow followed by a day of bathing suits playing at an indoor water park ... puzzles, games, sitting by the fire ... sharing God's story with friends, family and churches ... Feasting on grapes and resting in His promises!

Praises
Finding routine when we're out of routine
Being close to family
The freshness of his familiar promises
Friends who know our heart, hear our struggles and love us through them
Encountering Father's presence in unsuspected places
The gift of Hinkletown school
50 years of "wedded bliss" for my parents

Prayers
Second opinion Dr. is recommending I have back surgery, scheduled for December 9th
For our souls to rest in His presence even when our minds are in constant motion
Healing for Daryl's sinus' and colds
Peace and unity in our family as we go in a few different directions over the next two weeks
Wisdom on when to say yes and no

Pray for monthly partners so we can be 100% funded for our second term starting in January emm.org/donate

Time with Pop-pop ...

No matter the hour, time with Pop-pop is priceless! 

Happy birthday hug from Grammie Hoover ...

Cutting down the pines and having fun while doing it! 

One more thing to drive!  ...
He is loving the attention and affirmation from Mr. High! 

One heading west and one heading south ...
"Though time goes by and things may change, one thing remains the same, there's a place in my heart for you!"
... ALWAYS 

Adam's first sight of snow ...
This is just the beginning sweet boy! 

7 " later ... he still loves it!
Sucking on an ice laden tree branch for water on our hike! 

Fun, fellowship and learning! 

Feeling so blessed that God gave us this gift of snow in upstate New York! 

The peace of the moment ...
Micah was Adam's pack horse ...
They really do love each other! 

From snowsuits to swimsuits in a matter of 6 hours! ...
Forget the flip flops, you CAN wear snow boots with swimsuits! ... 
Sharing belly laughs through the twists and turns at a water slide park! 

Tubby baths and shaving bubbles ...
He cares about the details and seems to blessing us in abundance with them!