The fire is hot ... He's preparing a meal for us! |
She came in the midst of this emptiness. Her visits always make my heart feel lighter. She has listened, counseled, touched the depths of my soul, pointed me to Jesus, cared for my mighty men and has hugged me without letting go. One afternoon while sitting on the rocking chairs with her, in the depths of my grief, a deep longing started to sprout. Somewhere in my brokenness, because of His mercy and her patient love, grew a desire to do for other women what she had done for me. My heart actually had a desire to activate this gift once again. After her visit, I decided to put on my 'big girl panties', face this giant, and try once again to practice this gift He had so graciously entrusted me with. The light bulb bing came when she visited a year later, hugged me goodbye and thanked me for hosting them around our table. "Wait, what?" I actually hosted, and it felt life giving and there was joy overflowing around the table.
Recently I caught a glimpse of His playful grin as He once again nudged my spirit with a reminder of His faithfulness, "See, I gave you this gift to use for My glory!" This testimony of Father's faithfulness has been ongoing and growing for the better part of the past 2 years! I looked and searched for the above journal entry, allowing the tears to flow freely as I reflected on the beauty of His healing. Over the past weeks, our home has had a revolving door. Sunday lunches and sleepovers, baby snuggles and smells, refocusing relationships and routines, feeding tacos to the tribes, regrouping a care group with soup, and everything in between, our table has been full and our cups have been overflowing.
For the better part of 6 months, Father has been prompting my pondering of Peter's return to fishing. He had just lived an adventurous few years following the footsteps of Jesus yet after Jesus' death and resurrection he "petered out" and returned to fishing! In my "why?", I sensed His gentle whisper ... Quite simply, Peter didn't know what else to do because he had misplaced his purpose. When we are puzzled about our purpose, life feels off balance, uncertain, confusing and empty like Peter's net. (He fished all night and caught no fishes!) In the simplicity of breakfast on the beach, Jesus invited Peter to the table, reinstated him with a "Do you love Me, then feed my sheep" pep talk, and Peter's purpose was rekindled.
Does life feel lifeless? Tempted to return to routine? Does your purpose need pointed? Breakfast on the beach is waiting! Jesus wants to reinstate us to thrive, not just survive, in the gifts He has gifted us with and the purpose He has planned for us!
Seek Jesus first ... His hospitality is so sweet ... Walk in His purpose for you.
Life on the Mountain
Health has been restored ... except for the few lingering colds. Teams and locations have been announced and reality of spending 5 months with these peeps is setting in; We feel like these students are 'old friends' as relationships are growing quickly; A few more hospital visits; Amazing youth group camp out and beach weekend with a buddy; Hunting with G'pa; Driving bus with a few choice passengers; Jedidiah is traveling home from Honduras, translating for a work team; Adam has enjoyed having the Yoder girls here for a week to laugh with; Weekly trips to snuggle sweet little Eva; Soccer Saturdays have kept Adam active; Rainy afternoons and cooler nights are the norm; Dinner guests, weekend guests, coffee, counseling and conversation; Life giving hospitality, and the simplicity of friends ... our table has been full and abundantly blessed!
Praises
We have an amazing group of students, servant hearted
Joy and peace for Joseph
Jedidiah's school routine
Adam's laughter
Wisdom for Micah as he leads
Heartfelt connections with students and staff
Walking in our purpose
Prayers
Adam's future schooling
Godly wisdom for leadership team
Healing for Jedidiah's throat
Healing for baby Eva's milk allergy
Helping our boys walk in their God given purpose
To daily know His purpose for our lives
The bus passed inspection! ... I'm not sure which one was more excited for this trip! |
The music in his heart ... the passion in his voice ... Let it by YOU Jesus! |
"Let's celebrate Joseph's 20th birthday with soft pretzels!" Wishing we could share some with you Joseph! |
Sun, sand, surf and a good buddy ... Gabe (and family), thanks for sharing life with Adam! |
Grandpa took his "pack horse" along hunting!
Thankful for time to relax in the woods ... still waiting for his buck.
Promoting Vida220 ... Lord lead them to your perfect plan for their lives! |
Cinnamon roll prayer hand hold ... |
He found his quiet time spot in sunny Honduras! |
Care group caring ... Date with Dad ... Always room for ice cream! Practicing English and praying before the spelling bee ... |
Taking a team to see the sights of sunny Volcan Poaz ... |
"Does this make me an uncle?" ... Well, spiritually speaking, yes. |
My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:25 |