Speaking of His Goodness

All my life YOU have been faithful!

There has been a lot of internal processing.  As it comes out, at times there is a slow seeping, processing contemplatively, the layers of grief with Father or each other, tears slowly rolling down our checks.  Other times it's a tumbling, roaring waterfall, overflowing the puffy rims of our eyes, with a force so great we are unable to determine what path it will take or it's end.  The waves of grief.

I've wanted to blog, share life with you all and share the encouragement of Father's healing balm as it covers over my aching heart.  I felt like I was waiting for Father to show me something inspiring, you know that "A-Ha" thing that makes writing easy.  Well, I'm still waiting.  This morning as I rested in the wee morning hours, I felt a song rising in my heart and Father simply said,

"Speak of My goodness"

But Father ... I'm weary and thread bare, I just want to sleep, not think, not process.  Changing my focus, (a.k.a. climbing out of the pit) is just to exhausting.  I know it will not take away the grief, nor the loss, that's a journey we have to walk.  So, why can't I just believe in the goodness of God instead of proclaiming it?  I felt like Father was asking me to read back through the "catch phrases" I used at the end of each blog as if I were listening to His tender whisper speaking life to my weary soul. And then this song ... I count on one thing, The same God that never fails, Will not fail me now! ...

It's about refocusing my focus ... I am still confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13.  here goes ... phrases that capture His goodness.

Run to the Father. Trusting as I obey. Choose His perspective. Choosing to be grateful. Sweetest presence I know. Be still and know. Can you hear Him? He hears your voice. Childlike trust. Compelled by His love.  Aligning my crowns. Listening for His voice. Where is my attention? Soul set on solid ground. Echoing His words. In need of His grace!  Seeing through His eyes. We are more than them. Do you rest in this peace? I am living in the goodness of God!

"I do know that it won't be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God." Acts 20:24 (msg)

Life on the Mountain
Micah flew to PA on Friday, where he'll complete his Senior year at Hinkletown MS, be duel enrolled in LBC jump start program and have an internship learning the trade of basic auto mechanics.  We are thrilled for this opportunity and so proud of him, but we miss him desperately!  We are still living with many restrictions, however we are trying to see them positively.   The pm curfew and not being allowed to drive on Saturday has given us more time as a family.  Educating at home has been challenging but has given me a better understanding of what they're learning.   Church with staff at Casa VidaNet has given us heart to heart connections, allowed for honest processing and a time to speak life to one another.  "Stay at Home" has given us the sweetest connections with our neighbors, we feel very loved by them.  Regrouping ministry wide has been a constant and daily, run to the Father.

Praises
Micah's safe, uneventful flight to the states. 
Feeling supported by VidaNet's board of directors. 
Friends to have sleepovers with.
Finances for VidaNet
Afternoon rain showers and coffee with friends
Sunny wash drying days
Each of you carrying us to Father through your prayers, love and words of encouragement
So much to be thankful for, speak them.

Prayers
Grieving the loss of: Delynn, Micah, Quarantine affecting ministry and life, Daryl's childhood home.
Gloria, Manuelito, Carmelinda & Vinny and their families.
Wisdom, grace and rest for staff and leadership.
Our health, common colds have come and gone, our bodies are weary.
I am currently experiencing a Lupus flare, thankful for medicine to help.
Finances for VidaNet.

Celebrating with Tortillas con queso y Natilla! ...
(Homemade tortillas with cheese and 'sour cream')

... and coffee of course! 

Extended birthday celebration ...
The gift of brownies, ice cream and peanut butter topping! 

Finding life with these dear friends ...
The coffee is always a little bit sweeter with them! 

The smile says it all! ...
  Yes it's big, no it's not his ...
Esteban, what have you started!?



And now ... Our week of goodbyes with Micah ... 

One more sleepover ... rather a 'stay-up-over' 

Youth group goodbye ...
Absolutely love they hearts and passion! 

Celebrating Micah's 1/2 birthday ...
He's officially 17 1/2 : ) 

One last ride for Declan ...

We made time for Mom's Fall Photo shoot ... 

Just hanging around waiting for mom to decide
where to take the pictures! 

Lunch date with Dad, Mom and tears ...

Well see how this year measures up! 

"After" hair cut ... of course Mama didn't want to cut the curls!
It'll grow again, Mom! 

And just like that ... he's out from under our roof!
The goodness of God is running after him!
Rest in God's favor, Victorious Leader!

But as for God,
His way is perfect, His word is flawless,
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him!
Psalm 18:30