Letting His Light Shine

Fly Eagles Fly! ... creepy guy in the background!

When she first arrived at Vidanet almost 3 years ago, she could barely speak her title in public.  When she did speak to those who knew her personally, her words had minimal filter and the spice of a Latina mama who is never wrong. Her opinion, spoken adamantly, was as strong as her character.  She knew what one should do, when they should do it and how they should accomplished it.  She spoke from the world's wisdom without listening to the heart of the speaker, she was always right.  Yet, when put in the spotlight, she silently hid behind a shy, beautiful smile that masked the years of hard life and loss in her soul. In time, and with trusted company, her story would be shared.  It was obvious she came with a heart to serve, with a calling to be a pillar in The Kingdom.  And so she began to serve out of her emptiness, not knowing the value and worth she held in the eyes of her Maker. She was unaware that HE was fond of HER. 

Stepping into this new routine, she hesitantly accepted her turn to share for morning staff devotions. The night before said task, was preceded by sleeplessness, cloaked in the darkness of anxiety.  The words spoken from her heart could barely be distinguished through the trembling of her voice ... Nevertheless, she did it!  And so the practice of letting His light shine was started. 

As testimony of Father's faithfulness, I wish you all could know the beauty of the transformed life of this dear One! The journey has been filled with steep climbs, deep, dark valleys and uncertainty.  However, even in darkness, light dawns for the upright as she is learning the voice of her Shepherd, learning to listen, learning to release her thoughts and burdens into Father's capable hands and learning her worth in His Kingdom.  And this ... this is the beauty of the journey ... Through her simple act of obedience to "serve at Vidanet", Father is gently molding her character into His image, establishing the work of her hands as a sustainable income, and restoring relationships in her family ... specifically with her 4 living children.  As she listens and prays, His light is literally shining into the hearts of her children and grandchildren, drawing them to Him!  

What she saw as an opportunity to 'do something for Him', He saw as an opportunity to restore her soul, and change the world around her by shining His light as the one who always had an answer practices the art of listening!  

Where does His light need to shine brighter than your words? 

Slow to speak ... Quick to listen ... Slow to become angry

Life on the Mountain
We have frolicked through February establishing a new routine!  Homeschool is successfully underway, we're having fun learning and we've entered the world of co-op again; We hosted a work team that feels more and more like family coming home to Casa VN ... SO grateful for the work of their hands as they serve as unto HIM; Celebrated our beloved EAGLES victory in a Dutch Valley snack laden Super Bowl party; Date night to celebrate "glad I met you day"; quiet weekend routines are a welcome reprieve from weekly homeschool routines; created a spreadsheet to organize our thoughts for Jedidiah's big move to PA in May; practiced the art of praying while listening as we processed life with our dear team leaders, staff and Mighty men ... It is a precious gift from Father when they are willing to let us hear the desperation in the depths of their hearts; February finally warmed up enough for me to put my hair up and open all the windows all day long; Renewed our drivers license for 6 years ... it was the quickest and easiest appointment process we've ever had in CR;  And, spending time listening to lead them to Jesus ... letting His light shine! 

Praise

Healthy and fun homeschool routine

Soul care from a work team

Safety in Micah's many travels

Plans progressing for Jedidiah's move to PA

Eagles for the win!

There is a song in Jedidiah's heart

The gift of a table ... but that's another blog story!

Prayers

A car for Jedidiah to purchase in PA

Wisdom for team dynamics on outreach - lead us Holy Spirit!

Rest for our leaders and students as they return to CR for 10 days

Healing for random sickness in students

Jedidiah's move to the States - (this one is definitely his mama's son with lots of emotions to process)

To let His light shine brighter than our words.

Oh my heart ... He wrote a song and they sang it at youth group!
"... From a broken past to a future bright, I'm walking with you out of the night ..." 

This one made Cheeseburger soup and bread bowls for the boys! 

Micah's sabbath rest ... long cycle rides, typically without this one on back!
This is also the favored mode of transport for guys night out!

Nuestro pequeno Tico machito! (Our little blond Costa Rican)
He is such a Tico, loves his tortilla con natilla y cafe for breakfast ... or anytime of day! 

The beauty of God's handiwork from Micah's bedroom window ... 

reminiscent of PA sunsets from the front porch!

Where am I going to put the pizza and wings? ... 

PA snacks makes the party a bit sweeter! 

Big screen entertainment ... 
2nd Eagles Super Bowl win since we moved to CR!

The elder didn't have a shirt for the occasion so ...
 the younger loaned one to him! 
I've saved and passed down many items through 4 boys ...
but I never thought these two would share clothing! : ) 

The perfect ending to a day of hard work ...

Thankful for the gift this crew was to our souls!

A comical representation to the LONG LIST of work projects this team tackled ...
But this one is close to my heart! 

This uninvited guest was quickly evicted ... 

Uggg, I hate to say it, but he was beautiful! 

“Red and yellow can kill a fellow; Red and black, friend of Jack” 

Homeschool shenanigans ... "Are you ok?!" ... 

Learning the life saving basics!

New co-op friends

Happy "glad I met you" day ... #24!

This takes my heart back 15 years! 
Four little boys and our favorite Franklin books ...
just a few more grey hairs and wrinkles! 

"Veo El Rey de gloria ... 

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna en las alturas!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0ZcobvWbpA

Filling My Tank

We are regulars attenders, they know us and greet us with familiarity asking "how is your husband, say hi to him for me!" They know we drive multiple vehicles and seem to know the request before it's even spoken. As I mindlessly pull up to the pump, it's a routine that takes no effort and really no thought. And, I think that is precisely why Father uses this oil-slicked, gas-scented, cement pad to speak to me! Seven+ years ago, I wrote about Johnny and Co. and how Father was using them to minister to us ... and, He's done it again! 

I turned off the engine and opened the window prepared to listen ... This one likes to practice English! "Fill up with diesel, yes?" As he pieced his words together like a puzzle, I began to understand the message ... "Each day is gift, you know? Everything good, bad, hard, easy, is put together as gift for us.  We have choose to complain or to thank."  As he walked away and left the diesel filling my tank, Father in His faithfulness, began to fill my soul.  Had he seen my furrowed brow? Did he sense the weight on my shoulders? Did he merely want to take advantage of an English speaking gringa? Whatever the reason, HE got my attention. 

Waiting for the pump to finish, I was lost in thought pondering Father's message when his greeting pulled me back to this world. "Senora, Corazon, esta bien?" I smiled and offered an apology for not realizing he was talking to me again.  Once again, his casual conversation redirected my focus, this time in Spanish.  "Sometimes it's good to look at nothing while thinking about nothing!"  Quite the contrary amigo, I was just experiencing the sweet presence of Jesus, looking at everything while thinking about everything and choosing to thank instead of complain! 

My routine at the Bomba oddly feels like sacred ground. In the routine of this place Father fills my soul with words of encouragement, challenge and insight unbeknownst by bearer of said words. It's almost like church at the Bomba!  

Since this encounter, I've been pondering routine places ... You know, those times where we seem to be looking at nothing and staring at nothing?  What routine in your day might God use as sacred ground to fill your tank? ... Perhaps the counter at the coffee pot? Behind your steering wheel on the way to work? Folding wash by the dryer? In the self-checkout line at Walmart?  The routine of each day is gift, how will you use it? 

Filling my tank ... Inspiring, mindless routine ... Looking at everything.

Life on the Mountain

What happened to January?  We celebrated the new year with our students then attempted to send them on outreach.  Two teams successfully arrived, two teams were delayed a week due to vehicle/border/paperwork issues; Attempting to settle into home school routine in the midst of activity; English camp at church; Mimi and Pop-pop came to visit; The gift of time with friends who fill our tank; Giggles and snuggles from sweet Eva; Heartfelt one on ones (present and virtual) with my dear 'daughters' and the joy of hearing their heart; Celebrating new life and the gift of supporting friends through the beauty of birth; Taking time to sit on the rockers and listen to the dreams of these precious women I mentor; cheering our beloved EAGLES on to NFC victory; Sun filled days at the beach, peaceful sunsets and a cool 6+ hour drive home after dark; New games with old friends;  Laughter at outlet bargains; And, choosing to fill our tank with gratitude in the routine places of our day. 

Praises

Our boys seeing/hearing God

Visits with family and friends

Home school and routine

Financial/Prayer partners filling our tank

Friends to walk through life with

Prayers

Heath - multiple areas of sickness

Home school focus

Teams on outreach

Communication for Daryl and I 

Choose gratitude

Joseph's (and buddies) service week cleaning up in North Carolina

Who is this stately looking chap and where did you hide Adam?

Leading them to Jesus to lead others to Jesus ... 

These dear ones have captured my heart! 

The silliness of English Camp

Cooling off from soccer Saturday with Cosechas smoothies! 

Finding treasures from Father

Jedidiah is still taller ... even with assistance from roller blades! 

"This is how you do it Mimi!"

Studs at sunset ...

So many amazing creatures! 

And ... some 'not so amazing' creatures! 

Always room at our table! 

Now that's a $3.50 bargain if you ask me!

What are you going to do with that? ... 

I'll wear it instead of wrapping in a blanket to do school! 

They banter is music to my ears ...
Amigos desde pequeño y para siempre!

Rekindled friendships once again ... Care group! 

But as for me it is good to be near God, I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all you have done! 
Psalm 73:28

Selfie with Jesus

Selfie with Jesus at the mall ... 

I've come to find out, one can teach an old dog new tricks ... sort of.  Yours truly has joined the world of BeReal! The concept is to 'be real' for your anticipating audience and take a selfie that combines with a forward view of your present situation.  I've entered this world by the loving insistence of my MM, "Mom, you can see daily pics of us and what we're doing!" Oh, they do know how to get to my heart!  I've asked myself, "does this store up treasures in heaven? Nope. But it does connect with my teenage/young adult sons so ... yes, yes it essentially does store up treasure in heaven!  The app sat on my phone for the better part of a week.  In the end, the temptation to see 'what they're doing in that moment' won out and I've been attempting to 'be real' ever since.  Did you know they actually see if I do a retake when I think "that real moment didn't show my better side?!

Now, one might see this as a prideful, self-loathing habit drawing attention to none other than me.  And I could tend to agree.  However, Father in the infinitely patient way He directs my spirit in worldly circumstances such as this, graced my mind with the following perspective ...

Where do I see Him in these 'selfie' moments? Without question, He is in the selfie with me.  But do I see Him? Is He in the background, stretching his neck, trying to get his face in the selfie? ... probably not.  Is He by my side, arm draped over my shoulder making a funny face with a peace sign? ... possibly.  Can you see His eyeroll as I insist on a retake because that angle didn't capture my good side? ... most assuredly! This concept to be real in any and every moment has captivated my thinking, meditation, spiritually insightful connections and selfie taking for the better part of a month.  The point is not what stance is Jesus taking but rather, is my selfie simply a self-loathing selfie or portraying a perspective honoring the constant presence I desire Him to be in my life? 

Selfies with Jesus is essentially an eternal perspective.  While selfies capture a moment in time, having the mindset/lifestyle that Jesus is my perpetual presence (present every day, without end, a source of strength and comfort, even in difficult times), can't help but lead those around us into His redemptive grace! 

To be real, am I ... consciously displaying His perpetual presence, listening to Him while I listen to others, allowing His perspective to season my words with grace, inviting Him to change my thoughts, feelings and actions, and leading others to the intimacy of His hospitality at the table? 

 Picturing Jesus in my selfies ... Eternal perspective ... Seek Him first. 

Life on the Mountain

Thankful for the village we have to raise up this next generation! Intimately connecting with Jesus and inviting these dear ones to do the same; Students are gearing up for Christmas break then onto outreach in January; The gift of Healing care week to refine us; Leaders growing in leadership; Spurred on and encouraged by a weekend with The Board of VN; Walking through the sacred ground of death and dying ... 4 times this fall; Indulged in a traditional Thanksgiving feast celebrating the family we're surrounded with; It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without - Family photos, neighbors over for dinner, the whipped cream challenge and the amazing team we have to cook, decorate, plan, organize and clean up after a feast for 75; Lots of cold, rainy, windy days and the beauty of rainbows ... Yup, I actually wore socks and boots for the better part of the week; Sleepovers, game nights and movie night laughter;  Celebrating Father's faithfulness with Auntie Anne's soft pretzels on our 8th anniversary of moving to Costa Rica; And growing in intimacy as we picture Jesus in every moment of everyday life. 

Praises

Thriving and growing teams 

Thanksgiving Celebration

Healing for Jen's back

Wisdom and unity in leadership

December rainbows

Celebrating our 8th anniversary of life in CR

Intimate connections with Jesus

Prayers

Adam's school closed, God lead us as we start home school

Jedidiah as he plans for his senior year in PA

Students, home for Christmas then on to outreach

Grace and comfort through grief and death

Our family will be separated for Christmas

To walk in Father's perpetual presence

Just being real with y'all ...

Aron Suarez, a famous soccer player from Adam's favorite team ...
Visited Adam's school!  

Excessive amounts of rain led to a week off school with zoom classes ...
CR equivalent to snow days! 

Game night with giggly girls ... 
Thankful for these girls to fill Adam's tank with friendship
while their parents taught classes.

A few tears saying goodbye to school friends ...
While ice cream doesn't change the situation, it sure helps to soften the sadness! 

Ready to brave the elements ...
A weekend backpacking adventure with cold temps and warm friendships! 

Thankful for family and a delicious Diener feast! 

Sweet Eva snuggles ... 
If only you lived next door like your mama used to! 

Feeling thankful for the gift of relationship and friendship with this one ...
It's a beautiful gift to serve Jesus side by side!

 

Celebrating Adam's last day of school 

Oh how these dear ones have entered my heart ... 
It is such a gift to walk through life with each of you! 

Girls/guys family pics ...

Token family photo ... 

Clean up crew ...
"Don't even start that!" said she who then started it!


Post turkey sleep pile ... can you match the legs with heads?

Just a guy with a cycle exploring Costa Rica's beauty ...

This is what happens as they grow ...
"Boys, Mom wants a picture of you in front of the tree ..."
: )   : )   : )

Almost daily December rainbows remind us ...
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength …
so that the message might be proclaimed, and all might hear it.
2 Timothy 4:17