The Cave

Lasagna and Peanut Butter Cheesecake ...
They know the way to Mama's heart! 

Some days leave me longing to curl up in a cave before I even leave the downy abyss of sleep land! Of course this cave would have a comfy oversize chair set squarely upon a soft, earth tone colored, braided rug.  It wouldn't smell musty and dirty however, it would smell earthy with a hint of pine. I would be completely assured that this cave does not contain one trace of the 8 legged species that pursue my friendship. This cave's opening would of course face the sun "at all times" allowing just enough entrance of light's friendship to calm and sooth the refuge-seeking soul.  I envision feeling the deepest peace as I collapse in the arms of said over sized chair. Followed by a sleep so profound that could only be aroused by the touch of angel wings. I recognize it's His presence in this cave that makes it so charming.  As Elijah ran from Jezebel, he sought refuge and rest in a cave ... Ok, perhaps his cave was not as elaborately detailed as I'm envisioning mine to be. None the less, he found rest for his weary body in a cave, lead there by His presence.

I am weary. Lately, all I've wanted to do is sleep.  I've been intrigued by this "Over 40 hormone reset" idea that promises "seeing results in as little as one day".  As I read, I started pondering another consideration for my weariness, possibly I have an elevated estrogen level (OB nurse has an answer for everything right!). There's the age old tale that if I drank more water, less coffee and took more time to sit outside in the sun I would feel more refreshed. Maybe it's more exercise I need, perhaps if I started a daily exercise routine again, I would feel more energized. The thought of pursuing any of these 4 ideas (a.k.a. one more thing), makes me run for my life with Elijah to the vision I've dreamed up in my minds eye of my cave. At the mere thought of waking to another day of weariness, the refuge of my cave's delightful camaraderie summons me to linger in her security one minute more. I wonder if Elijah felt the same allure to his cave? I imagine his profound sleep, awoken only by an angels touch, was due to the captivating presence of Father as he slept on the cold, damp, musty smelling rock bed he collapsed upon. He was running for his life ... perhaps the mental weariness I feel could be equated to the physical exhaustion Elijah felt as he ran.  All running, weariness and caves aside ... It's in this cave that Father recommissioned Elijah. What I need to grasp today is this. As Elijah found rest, Father spoke. 

The allure of my cave ... HIS gentle whisper ... Rest

Life on the Mountain

This week was bathed in much prayer for healing, restoration of life and rest for a family from our church that was involved in a serious accident. We are absolutely certain, Angels hovered over each occupant of that van last Sunday evening! ... Celebrating Costa Rica Mothers Day with the gift of my boys making Lasagna and peanut butter cheese cake for me to feast upon ... Sharing weekend meals with the few staff that remain at Casa VidaNet this month ... Finding time to put our house in order after a busy season ... Seeking rest, listening to His voice and choosing obedience. 

Praises

Guardian Angels 

Housing option for our furlough this fall

Hearing Father's voice in parenting Jedidiah

Sharing life, tears and encouragement with neighbors we call friends

Prayers

To be 100% funded for our second term ... message us for details!

Complete healing for Daryl's head cold and my back

That we would take time to rest in this 'quiet' month for the ministry

To lay the burden of details for our home leave at Father's feet and feel His leading

Communication and tender hearted devotion in our marriage

Will I get braces if my teeth are crooked? ...
Doesn't every 11 year old make tinfoil braces?

"I like my hair like this because I want to be like a dinosaur!"

Surprise Mother's Day visit from my "eldest" son!

Send forth Your light and truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell. 

Psalm 43:3

Finding rest for my soul ... 

Opening The Box

Elijah Zachary 8/11/11 ... 17 weeks

As I took my first sip and soaked in the savory aroma of my morning java, the date caught my eye.  Immediately, a flood of emotions filled my heart as a tear forced it's way over the brink of my lashes onto the slippery slope of my recently moisturized cheek.

"It's August 11th," I said.  

Voicing this simple declaration opened, The Box.  Although this Box was so neatly tucked away in the recesses of my memories, it has never been completely "wax seal" stamped. Other boxes have been stacked in front of it, however, the intimate glow of the memories in this box allows me to find it easily and share it's story often. Today, as I gave permission for my emotions to express themselves in a river of tears, the pain in the story of this box felt like it was lived yesterday. Yet due to the magnitude of life lived in the past seven years since this box was shelved, the story it contains feels like it was painted on it's bleak canvas a lifetime ago.

I closed my eyes, let the tears fall and listened as my soulmate read His promises. The question that lingered ... "How has Father met your needs during a difficult time when things didn't go as planned?" ... opened The Box in it's entirety.  I could see and feel His comforting presence as this journey played out in my mind. Seven years ago, I held to my faith and HOPE that there was a reason and purpose for this anguish. Today, He showed me the multitude of opportunities for LIFE that came from this unwelcome death. He WAS there with us. He WAS holding my hand as we entered that place of  'bringing life' while death swallowed us. He WAS giving me words of hope to share as 'she' sat at my bedside crying and wanting to know about my faith. He WAS holding our precious wee one as he left the security of my womb. He WAS the peace that blanketed me on those sleepless, tear-soaked nights. He WAS the arms that strengthened me to hold 'another one' through the sheer emptiness of her loss. He WAS by my side as I took part in 'her' wee one filling his lungs with the breath of life. His WAS the voice that spoke of LIFE and HOPE rising from the ashes. He IS the One who continues to show me open doors to speak of HIS life because things didn't go as I had planned!

Not as planed ... Seeking opportunities for life ... He is my HOPE

Life on the Mountain
The overarching theme of the week was, Graduation! ... The good byes do NOT get any easier. We are eternally blessed to witness the gift of seeing these 37 students and leaders grow, change, mature and deepen their love for Father over these past 10 months! ... Joseph started 9th grade. How can it be that we have two in high school? ... Thankful for the gift of living in community and grateful for the gift of 'quiet' family evenings at home ... Soccer Saturday was extra special sharing it with friends ... while Saturday afternoon was extra quiet giving way to an hour of reading bliss! ... This week was filled with Father's presence even when things didn't go as planned.

Praises
We have a house available for us this fall!
The joy of sharing heart to hearts with Nellie
Celebrating Graduation with 37 Vida220 students and leaders
The English library and the gift of choosing 38 books
Afternoons with Adam
Finding ways to fight FOR Jedidiah instead of fighting AGAINST him
Katerine and Meli filling the kitchen with life and laughter, they are a gift!

Prayers
Rosita, the mom of a dear friend, is in critical condition due to a head injury from a fall, pray for a miracle!
VidaNet's upcoming support banquets in Ohio and PA   https://www.facebook.com/pg/vidanet.cr/events/
Healing for Daryl, bronchitis and 'never ending' head cold
Opportunities to speak of His life to our neighbors and through daily interactions
Companionship for Jedidiah
Unity in our leadership team as we are apart for a season
Plans and timing for our home leave this fall

Joseph practicing his cooking skills ...
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for breakfast ...
He passed! 

Rainy afternoons and books ...
"Lets snuggle and read Mama!"

Celebrating CR Mother's Day (8/15) with
Mount House School ...

Mother's Day take two with Church ...
CR Mother's Day is a huge celebration! ...
So proud to be Mama of these 4 Mighty Men!

Communication time ... 2 hours a week ...
sacred ground ... don't steal my internet! 

Meli and Katerine ...
Cooking with seasonings, love and laughter

There's one in every school ...
Adam's girlfriend!

Some of the special ones ...
He loved the connection and their attention! 

Dressed in The Armor of Light ...
Now GO and be world changers! 

Mama typically avoids these 8 legged creatures ...
This one was SO intriguing! ...
It's not cargo, it's a shield on it's back!

Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though "things don't go as planned" ...
Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength, He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and enables me to go on the heights.
"He meets my needs"

"How has Father met your needs during a difficult time when things didn't go as planned?"

Taking the Stand

The tree is growing with them!

It's quite humbling when Father has to remind me of something I used to be so passionate about! I prayed on these 6 articles for those coming, going and traveling the world over ... I made knight caricatures to accompany our mighty men as they entered the gates of public school ... these sacred articles were second nature to my thinking. If I was confused and seeking direction, I prayed it over my mind. When the enemy's lies tried to turn my eyes from the Speaker of Truth, I girded up my waist and took up It's power in my hand. If there was distention in the ranks and a fight ensued, I shod my feet and marched forward into battle with peace. No flaming arrows of doubt, lies or insecurities would penetrate my mustard seed faith. Clad in The Armor of light I felt the supernatural powers of Wonder Woman as I held my head high and confidently declared, "When the day of evil comes, I will stand my ground ... Stand firm!" Well ... needless to say, Father seemed to be having the time of His life today reminding me of these actions I used to be so passionately deliberate about!

He asked, "What lies are you believing?" ... a.k.a. "What devices is the enemy of lies using to hinder and stunt my spiritual growth?" ... I'm a defeated mother who doesn't know how to parent This one ... I've chosen "for better" but not "for worse"... busyness is next to Godliness, (you know, because if I don't do it, it won't get done) ... weight, I'd feel better about myself with less ... I will come away with You when there's time ... If everyone around me were happy, I'd be happy too ...

Then He asked, "Why are you fighting against flesh and blood in your own strength?" ... "Remember the look in the Deceiver's eyes when you spoke with authority? Remember how he cowered and trembled when you stood your ground girded in The Armor of Light?" ... I could feel His strength arising as I contemplated the scene that played out before my minds eye. As I watched, there seemed to be spoken words pouring from Pastor Martin's mouth.  However, I knew in my spirit, they were being spoken from the heart of The Speaker of Truth.  As I mentally started from the top down, I placed on the first article, the Armor's power began pouring over my ravaged, humanity clad soul.  His eyes so full of compassion yet blazing with the fire of righteous indignation, He girded me up to take my stand and whispered, "I know your heart, and I don't listen to Satan's lies about you! Stand firm!"

Humbly reminded ... Taking my stand ... Girded in the Armor of Light

Life on the Mountain
Dutch Blitz from 6 years to 49 years, laughter around the table ... with a different schedule this week, there seemed to be lots of forgetting to remember, which I eventually remembered ... welcoming the students back from L10 and basking in the glory of Father's provision as they shared their stories ... celebrating a day off school with The Lion King and Auntie Anne soft pretzels ... feeling blessed to know these 37 students and leaders who are passionate about HIM!

Praises
His Armor fits perfectly
I forgot I had back pain ... wait, that means there isn't any!
"Bite Your Tongue Thursday" ... practicing life giving words
A counselor who is taking time to walk with us
Your affirmation and support to Stand Firm with us!

Prayers
Healing for Daryl - chest cold and congestion
VidaNet's upcoming Support Banquets, increased funds for the ministry
His banner to cover these 37 students and leaders as they graduate this Friday
Housing for our home leave this fall ... please let us know if you have options for us to consider
Trust in Father's timing for our home leave
Taking time to rest, rejuvenate and restore

Family Game night ... Dutch Blitz! 

This boy ... 

Feeling what Jesus felt ...

"Act like you're hitting me and I'll be dead" ... 

Finished school, now what? ...
Putting a puzzle together without the picture on the box! 

Half price movie and ... It was in English! 

"I'll wash the dishes mama!"

Cheeseburger soup! ...
The only sound around the table was, "mmmmm"

Ephesians 6:10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.