Doing vs. Being

Dear Blog, I've missed you.  It's not that I haven't thought about you. Quite the contrary, you've been on

The peace of being in His presence ...

my mind a lot!  The rambling thoughts passing through my mind these past 4 weeks that usually find their outlet through your tender 'listening ear' have instead been scribed on the sacred pages of my journal. You know how it is, sometimes you need that private contemplation with that One trusty friend who listens without prejudice. Oh dear blog, you know I love you, but pouring out my heart to you sometimes feels like being center stage, surrounded by an audience. I am extremely grateful for the sacred friendship we've built over the years. I have found such freedom in our common ground in which I write, you listen and Father leads. My absence from this relationship was nothing more that needing to be alone with Father ... I wrote, He listened, peace ensued.

So now that we're on speaking terms again, I'd like to share with you what I've been contemplating.  Martha and Mary. It came as nothing more that a mere suggestion from a dear sister, I think it was what Father had been speaking to her. Well, we all know how that goes. 

If I am even entertaining the idea of studying these two women, need I say more? My mere contemplation of these two indicates I'm in need of sitting at my Father's feet. I mean, why else would one choose to study the differences between these two? It's absurd to think I need to do more work instead of being in my Father's presence! But ... like Martha, I'm good at Hospitality. I absolutely love to be hospitable, love to make people feel welcomed and comfortable. "Welcome to Casa VidaNet. I make sure you have a bed to sleep in, food to eat, savory hot coffee and a cool refreshing shower." Hospitality is like the thorn in my flesh. It's my gift however the constant motion can cause that side stitch that leaves me breathless. I've come to realize, taking care of everyone else has left me lacking in taking care of me. My dear Blog, as you know, all this Doing and not simply Being does not end well! The Thorn is when I over-focus, stress and anxiously twist my stomach in knots instead of rocking on the chairs in front of the bunk house with our recently arrived guests. You know, Martha vs. Mary. 

My gift ... My thorn ... learning to rock with Jesus

Life on the Mountain

A month in brief ... A week between Christmas and New Years with puzzles, games, movies, food and coffee ... New Years Eve morning wading through the medical system for care of Jedidiah's two fractured fingers ... Two New Years celebrations with friends new and old, near and far ... Date nights to hear from the hearts of our Mighty men ... A relaxing week at the beach ... this is hardly a truth with 4 action packed, energy filled mighty men! ... Orienting Dona Alba, our new cook ... "Here's the kitchen, here's the food, have fun!" (and she is!) ... Welcoming a new season of Interns and family the same day ... A week showing family the sights, sounds and savory Costa Rican culture ... And finally, this past week was 'catching up on life', catching our breath, prep work for the start of a new school year, receipts and family. A month "off" is hard work! 

Praises

Six Vida220 teams on outreach locations sharing Jesus

Dona Alba, our angel in the kitchen

Sunsets on the beach

A peaceful week with family while in constant motion

Dr. Rebecca (dentist) and Dr. Jenkins (Ortho Dr.)

Neighbors to share life with
Life with Interns

Prayers

Taking time to relax with Jesus

Emotional health

Our first appointment with a counselor this Wednesday 

Our next steps, discernment and decision

Safety in travel and work for February work teams ... see you soon : ) 

Understanding as I learn to work with Dona Alba

As God grows VidaNet, prayers to discern what to grab hold of and what to let go

Visiting the new mall ... Santa came to Costa Rica!

"Pop-pop, HELP!" ...
It's not Christmas vacation without a puzzle

Crepes and Christmas ... delicious! 

Proud owner of two fractured fingers ...
a.k.a. brotherly love in the form of a Karate kick!

This is what vacation looks like on us

This little guy loved Adam the best ...
especially when Adam had snacks in his hand!

"Come closer so I can hold you!"

Don't think for a moment this stopped him for more than a few seconds!

Sunset selfie while contemplating life with my
handsome young man

They made it ... refreshing Cosechas to celebrate the arrival of family!

Little boys and big toys ... hold on tight Mama!

Learning the art of soap making ...
How much can I sell them for and how much money can I make?!

Being in His presence ...
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. 
Psalm 119:35-37