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| 50+ years HE is our Constant in the change. |
The only constant is change. I say it often while resigning myself to the fact that today will most likely not unfold like the "perfectly planned whole day at home alone" I crafted in my mind. Said perfectly planned day started off with my taller than most of us Tender Heart croaking out "Mom, I don't feel good, my throat and head hurt and I feel nauseous." ... Dig deep for the cheerful smile and reply with patient love - I coached my inner persona. Why don't you start with a shower and see how you feel after that ... please God, I really need a clear head day to think, process, plan and most importantly blog! Resigned to the fact that the shower didn't help and I would have a wordy companion today, I reminded myself of the concept I felt led to blog about ... The only constant is change. No, it's not.
I sat quietly fixing my gaze on the unseen, as the seen - birdsong, clouds, sun and raindrops - ministered equally to my soul ... Pondering the worlds view that change is the only constant, one must resign oneself to the fact that you will just have to adapt. If we rely on our attention to detailed planning, trusting in the world as our accomplice to execute perfectly planned day or event, we will inevitably be handed 2 options when change comes ... we can fume, be irritated and stumble our way through OR focus on The Constant of change. When my day or life goes upside-down or in reverse, what is the unseen, driving, force that motivates me to do, be, stop, go, act, wait, listen, speak with aforementioned cheerful smile and patient love? When life comes at me hard and fast, what is it that enables me to saunter gleefully anticipating the next mountain peek of change or peacefully carries my tear-stained self through the dark valley of change ... HE is The Constant of change!
This isn't about choosing a good attitude, although that helps, says the glass half-full, cheerleader that I am. No, it's about knowing in the depths of your being who and whose you are. It means that when I mess up with an irritated response, lash out in frustration, give room for anxious thoughts, or give a steely-eyed stare at change, knowing whose I am, redirects me to the time out chair at the core of my being. Find out what pleases the Lord (Eph. 5:8).
My dear friends, my only Constant has to be Jesus, not change. Knowing without a doubt, trusting without faltering, believing without a backwards glance, He is my Rock, my Shield, my Firm Foundation through the constant of change. Regardless of the tears that fall, regardless of the fist shaking, frustration, regardless of the pain that seems purposeless - I must center in the peace of His Presence, in the lavishness of his love, in the fierceness of his faithfulness ... so that He becomes my Constant in change.
Change is not my constant ... Believing Whose I am ... Captivated by my Constant
March was full of life and work! We feasted, celebrated, shared beautiful life, joys and sorrows with an amazing work team, dedicated staff, inspirational students and our life giving leadership team as we looked to our Constant during a month of change. Our students came 'home' to share the life they've lived and learn about conflict resolution before we sent them off once again to share Jesus with the world. A visit from a childhood friend and daughter, celebrating the resurrection with friends that feel like family and the joy of running from the tomb with Mary to tell the world about Jesus, AMCA youth retreat brought life to Jedidiah's soul, LT retreat brought refreshment and refocus, the work project continues to take shape, taxes are being tackled, friendships rekindled and deepened through the pain of loss, we rejoice with the gift of a communications director, some more long hair to donate, brace free his pearly whites are beautiful, and the beautiful life of mentoring, discipling, and coaching others to find The Constant in the change that surrounds us.
Praises
We made a decision to stay in CR! Thank you for covering us in prayer!
Gadiel, our new communications director
Morning walks to share our hearts
Jedidiah's gift of music as he leads worship
Micah's team making changes to honor Jesus
Starting an El Nido center in Honduras
*If you want to receive our email announcement with details of our term renewal,
please let us know: dnjhoover@gmail.com
Prayers
Housing in PA for 4 of us July 21-24
Micah's team as they navigate a very busy season
Family rhythms that bring life to the 4 of us
Connections for each of our boys
Hoffert/Peterson families, Emily, Robyn, Eli, would you join us in prayer for these friends who are walking through unbearable changes in life?
To choose first The Constant in the change
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| He is a sure foundation for our times ... A visit from a friendship built on this sure Foundation! |
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| From sunny Florida to a cool Mt top in CR ... |
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| They worked ... |
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| And more work they did! ... Check out this list of 'done' projects this mighty group of Florida friends conquered! |
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| Pouring out His love on those who serve in love ... |
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| So sweet to reconnect with this one ... |
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| "Mimi, look, I got a 100% on his Spanish exam!" |
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| One more musical challenge ... This makes 5 instruments for this talented one! |
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| Before ... |
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| During the process Joseph was 'present' to watch ... |
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| And ... 12 inches ready to donate! Don't cry Mom, it's only hair, it will grow again! |
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| Happy 5th spiritual birthday to this Mighty man! |
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| Pearly whites ... Sorry Joseph, this was the only picture I have to document! : ) |
This tradition can't change!
Peanut butter and Coconut cream eggs ...
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| "Mom, I want to make one of those garden things to show Jesus in the tomb and on the cross!" |
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| Ever since he was a wee one, this boy has been passionate about EVERYTHING he does in life ... |
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| Thank you Amazon outlet! From PA to CR, this $1.50 find is a treasure! |
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| Who are these babies? ... From the simplicity of life to the challenge of change, He has been and will forever be our Constant! 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away (change), yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day (The Constant). For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory (The Constant) that far outweighs them all (change). So we fix our eyes not on what is seen (the change), but on what is unseen (The Constant), since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. |
