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| Grateful to celebrate with these MM! |
Perhaps it was a dark, moonlit night with clouds passing occasionally. I imagine the sleep deprived movements of casting the net in these wee morning hours were routine enough they didn't require much thought or precision. Was his cast throwing caution to the wind or was there an expectancy that 'this would be the big one?' ... As we cast off, can you feel the sea spray on your face as we set sail in the open seas? Ones smile indicates there is a sense of deep-breath-freedom and eyes-to-the-horizon new adventure ... As the castaway hides in the bowels of the vessel, hidden in the deepest, darkest corner, is there hope for a new start as he abandons, discards, or throws aside that in which he has been trapped? ... Casting on/off in the art of knitting most certainly brings a sense of joy in the starting, satisfaction in the ending and an ordered calm to ones OCD tendencies in following the repeated pattern of over-under-through ... At days end, the setting sun casts a soft, warm glow on my salt-dried complexion as I welcome His peace in my soul.
Our daily lives are filled with a variety of anxiety producing processes and situations. Giving credit to those thoughts, take a moment and name what we're casting. "Next steps, uncertainty, fear of unknown, transition, __________." This art of casting should bring a sense of life-giving freedom as we release our human desire for control. As I've been pondering the cast in 1Peter 5:7, I've been drawn to practice the simplicity of casting. Mentally releasing what's held in my clenched fist of control for said situation, and trusting He cares for me, I'm filled with hope and expectation not dread for said situation. Oh I know, the list won't complete itself. But in casting, I'm declaring He will direct my steps in peace. No matter what situation you're facing, there is a beautiful simplicity in the art of casting, a freedom in the release and a thrill of hope anticipating His Presence! Would you care to practice the art of casting with me?
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Life on the Mountain
An attitude of gratitude feeds the soul with peace, patience, understanding, and hope. The fullness of life leaves us wondering, where did November go? I remember writing about "them" coming and here we are with 2 weeks of training left before we send them to outreach; We celebrated #21 and #18 with our Mighty Men across the ocean; hosted a Florida work team; filled up on Yoder girl's laughter and fellowship; welcomed, hosted and feasted on the friendship of the VN Board and teachers; renewed our residency and saw Father's provision where the way seemed stuck; processed our next steps out loud with trusted hearts and shared the subsequent announcement of our transition to PA next August; shared in the joy as he asked for the hand of our spiritual daughter in marriage; completed Ancient history and started Medieval history - 7th grade is so amazing! Feasted on the sweetness of the Holy Spirit's presence as our students continue learning how to listen to His voice; cooked 4 turkeys to share a traditional Lancaster Co. feast of gratitude with 78 dear ones; celebrated our 9th year anniversary in CR; and ... practiced the art of casting and releasing with expectancy.
Praises
Moist turkey and traditional Thanksgiving treats
Healing and growth in our students
Knowing Father's will with certainty and being unified in the decision
The sweetness of walking with the Holy Spirit
The process of discipleship and the beauty of growth
The thrill of hope as we practice the art of casting
Prayers
Six Hoovers will be under one roof in CR for 2 weeks!
A clear call for someone to fill our roles at VN
Transition, training others, timeline
Micah as he attends RBC's winter term
God's guidance in relationships for each of our boys
To practice the art of casting
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| Helping each other with the casting ... I love my 'office'! |
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| Rainy soccer Saturday under our vintage umbrella! This camo umbrella is older than Jedidiah ... Yes, it still keeps the rain out! |
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| Visit with the kitchen crew ... These girls fill my soul with joy and laughter! |
OH, PA converge in CR ...
Life-giving, life-long friendships!
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| Yes, it really does get this cold here! |
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| Perks of Board meeting ... I get to revel in the sweet fellowship of these dear friends! |
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| Boots, machete and nature ... These just might be his favorite things!  How did he survive those preschool years : ) PC Joseph! |
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| Awe ... he really does miss his brother! He came for a quick weekend to renew his residency card! |
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| The pug shirt lives on ... Many precious things pass from one MM to the next ... None as treasured as this threadbare, 9 year old, $3.00 Goodwill bargain! |
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| El Chamo ready for a beach adventure with the students! |
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| The dear ones that fill our days ... |
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| The joy of friendship ... I can't even remember getting to know them, it seems we just did.
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| The peace and serenity of setting up the tree and Peppermint mocha. |
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| Happy 9th anniversary breakfast ... What do YOU remember about that day? The blue bags, Father's faithfulness and Stacy's calm. |
The art of casting ...
The freedom of the release ...
The thrill of hope in Jesus...
Love, hugs, prayers. Joanne Siegrist
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