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

Reinstated Hospitality

The fire is hot ... He's preparing a meal for us! 

I stared at the gift often. Facing this giant, I secretly hoped nobody would come and need this gift. Dawns light was not approaching, the clouds were thick and grey, there was no "maybe someday" feeling, and the gift merely laid dormant and was 'not for human consumption.'  The front door was closed, there was no place at the table and the mere thought of hospitality, (you know the gift He gave me, the title I carry, the thing I thrive in), had hung a mental 'no vacancy' sign over my heart.  

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 ... 

Happy 17 to our Tender Heart ... 

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

Reasoning for Rest

Firepit fondue, cheese filled nuggets! 

I've been lovingly placed in the feline category in my preparations to sleep.  I mean who doesn't love a good curl-up-on-a-sunny-rug kind of afternoon? At times I've been known to circle around my sleeping habitat until my physical being finds the perfection of comfort needed for the sweetest of slumber.  Pillow plumped but not to much, covers tucked exactly right, soulmate wedged perfectly to the contour of my physical position, and no mosquito buzzing shall be heard least we want to spend the next 20 minutes trying to hunt it down and settling into the perfect sleep position all over again! I covet the ability, like that of the aforementioned soulmate, who can enjoy the comforts of slumber in any place, position or pillow posture. 

I've slept with my phone by my bed more in the last 2 weeks than I have in my entire cell phone possessing life! It started with one of our dear ones laboring through the night and morphed into an intense week of health challenges with sleepless nights and multiple trips down the mountain to the pharmacy, clinic and hospital.  Caring for half of our family at Casa Vidanet through the stomach virus is not for the faint of heart! Our daily goal was to slow the intensity of liquids leaving the body and increase what was going in and pray the balance tipped in favor of the intake direction.  I repeatedly raised awareness with the "sir, yes sir" mentality, "stay hydrated, wash your hands, use extra soap on the dishes and keep your distance." We created a documentation process so everyone knew who took what medication and when. And we all dreaded that feeling in the pit of ones stomach that just didn't feel quite right!  I've not fought alone in this battle, our fearless leaders, coordinators and team have fought valiantly even while some of them succumbed to the virus as well.  And WE have not fought alone ... Friday morning we called on many of YOU to join us in prayer over this battle and declared the powerful name of Jesus over every heart and every mind. Glory to God, He summoned some of you to begin fighting for us even before we asked! Psalm 121 We lifted our eyes to the hills to see where our help comes from - Our Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!  2Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood at our side and gave us strength ...!

With the start of week #3 of the Vida220 school year, we are gloriously on the mend ... the lingering fevers, snot and congestion are a welcome reprieve from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Which brings me back to sleep.  

Today, I've sensed Father making me curl up on a sunny rug and rest (you know, like He made David lie down in green pastures).  I remember making my mighty men take an afternoon nap ... I can still hear that glorious sound of afternoon silence!  In the midst of needs to nurture, plans to perfect, lists to look at and should do's to schedule, learning how to rest is essential for our well being. It's a practice that doesn't come easy for yours truly (nor did it for 2 year old Jedidiah), but one God is asking me to obey. As my book and cozy sleep position awaits me, I wonder ... What is Father asking you to rest from? ... Can you feel the lush green softness on your bare feet and smell the sweet grassy sent wafting through the air?

Today I'm claiming rest as a spiritual discipline. 

Praises

Health, healing and restorative naps.

Father prompting you to pray before we asked.

New life and newborn sweetness.

Jedidiah's school routine.

Father leading worship through willing hearts.

The gift of ministering with an amazing team!

Prayer

Complete physical healing.

Students to claim truth over believing lies.

Brotherly love and patience between brothers.

Sustained health through a busy season.

Focus our minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Learning to rest even when there's a list.

Life on the Mountain

September rains are upon us with afternoon downpours.  We celebrated CR Independence Day and the start of a new Vida220 school year.  We retreated as a staff and enjoyed the laughter and challenge of 'icebreakers'. We are learning about our new students and enjoying time with 'old' staff.  The routine of Vida220 is a welcome reprieve however we're still waiting to settle into that routine!  Jedidiah officially joined Barefoot Academy homeschool which has been a gift to all of us! And, learning how to practice the discipline of rest in the midst of chaos.  

Science Fair inspiration from his brothers once again ... 
How airplanes fly.

The calm before September's storm ...
Taking time to celebrate our family's birth!
Happy 23rd to Us!

We have another guitar learner in our house! 

Leading the pack ...
Wearing his Stars and Strips sunglasses ...
Celebrating our beloved Costa Rica! 

Every once and a while I find a donated treasure for myself! 

Such a sweet joy to celebrate the miracle of new birth! 

Just my chauffer and I, sometime after midnight ...
Waiting for our student to return from the OR after an emergent adenectomy. 
Only my second trip to the ER in 5 days.

"I speak the name of Jesus, over every heart and every mind. 
I know there is peace within Your Presence,
I speak Jesus. 
Your name is power.
Your name is healing.
Your name is life."

Sent as Senders

Advancing The Kingdom one player at a time!

I am One who is Sent, thanks to many of you. In my youthful years my appetite was wet to be a Sent One. I asked Father often; when, where, how, and with whom?  As being sent in my pre-wedded bliss years morphed into The Hoover family of six being sent long term, these questions have lingered often in my mind. In July, participating in parts of the Kairos course I hesitantly (a.k.a. can we handle another major life transition) asked Father, is there more? More that I can be part of in the 'normal' life we are living as Ones who are sent? I sensed His tender prompting that 'the more' is simply that I am sent to be a sender.  Intrigued by the concept and wanting to foster this prompting, I casually perused our library and came upon this treasure: "Serving As Senders" by Neal Pirolo. And, 'the more' took root in my soul. Advancing The Kingdom is a team effort. We need Senders (behind the scenes) and Sent Ones (goers) and there needs to be a balance in our thinking to see the value in both. Each one has a critical part in advancing The Kingdom where they are planted and we can't have one without the other. 

Let me indulge you with an analogy that has filled our living room and occupied our evenings for what feels like forever ... So much so, that it may actually be making a fan out of yours truly! "Here we go boys, play ball!" ...

The Kingdom as it relates to the sport of Baseball!  Lets start with home plate, I’ve said often that everyone needs a home base, a place to start from and return to. Thus I present to you, Casa Vidanet as our home base.  At Vidanet, we have an owner, that would be God, not Wendell nor was it Delynn. We need a pitching coach, hitting coach, first base coach, third base coach, a bench coach, a general manager and a manager, a starting pitcher, relief pitcher and closer, base runners, batters, designated hitters, a catcher, a pitcher and all the rest of the field positions, we need a water boy, a bat boy and a ball boy!  And of course we need fans, the unique camaraderie, cheers and chants, face painting and jersey wearing loyalty and their eager willingness to be part of the team.  These faithful fans bring us undying hope, we need fans! And we can’t forget the grounds crew. There wouldn’t be a playing field or neatly prepared home plate without the grounds crew.  I'm sure I’ve missed a few but you get the idea.  

We at Vidanet are certainly not a perfect team. Sometimes we strike out, miss a catch and make an error.  But we all know the celebration that comes when all the practice pays off and we get on base, hit a homerun or feel like we’ve won the World Series. The best part about maintaining home plate (being a sender) is that we get to see the start and the homecoming!  There’s always an anxious nervousness as one steps into the batter's box, gearing up for a hit.  That bat swinging, leg twitching, hand out - digging a toe hold, nervous energy that comes as one is ready to hit and run. Running home typically has two options: A casual sauntering across home plate knowing you’ve scored a run.  Or the heart pounding intensity as one sees the third base coach signaling you to keep going, running full speed, sliding into home base with a face full of dirt, praying you make it home safe. 

 
At Vidanet, everyone (the senders and the sent) needs to be a team player because everyone has a position to play.  The team rulebook speaks of living in community, building intentional relationships and having a dying to self-mentality which is naturally a bit challenging. In summary, one needs to find out what pleases our Owner and make a choice to obey him. On this team, there is equipping, training, coaching, accountability, character building and behavior modifying routines. The athletically strong learn to humble themselves to be a team player and those who don’t believe in their own ability learn their value and importance as a chosen team player. Oh the joy of being a sender for Team Vidanet! 

A month ago, we sent our players (graduating students) into the field (home, missions, work, school etc.).  We couldn’t be more proud of them. They’ve worked hard, trained diligently and anxiously await the adventures of said playing field. Together we 've learned the value of waiting on and asking Jesus what we should do.  We've connected them with Jesus, His local church and broadened their world view enabling them to dream about their next steps.  These are the amazing perks of being a sender! 

We, the Hoovers, are sent to be Senders. What an amazing position to play on The Kingdom's team! My deep, heartfelt desire is that you all would know the depths of gratitude we have for each of you as Senders who have unashamedly cheered us on as Sent Ones who send!  We appreciate your moral support.  We affirm you as teachers of The Word and worshipers who raise up more to send.  We are grateful for your logistical details and the way you create a Godly society around your daily lives at our home field. We know your work as Senders at times feels monotonous and routine, but to God be the glory, He has called you such and His Kingdom is advancing because of each of you!

What position is He asking you to play on The Kingdom team? 

A team effort ... Advancing The Kingdom ... Sent to send! 

Life on the Mountain

Today we are celebrating our family's birthday! We thank God for the gift of celebrating the story of US which began on that joyful Sunday afternoon in the park, 23 years ago today!  But first ... August. It has been a beautiful month to quiet down Casa Vidanet as we allowed ourselves the time to engage in things that refresh our soul and bring us life! It's been a month to regroup, refresh, and recover, as we've only hosted 3 weekend groups. We've read books, rested in the hammock, celebrated CR Mothers day, painted some walls, honed our skills with the gift of a new math program, binged on Star Wars (guilty pleasures of a Boy mom!), 1/2 of us traveled a bit to visit Joseph which titled Adam as the Man of the House for a few days, one of us officially became a licensed driver, we've utilized video chats to encourage those in the playing field, connected with neighbors, frequented the outlets looking for cheap treasures, cleaned and polished vehicles, puzzled, feasted on firepit fondue, slept more, gazed at sunsets, and reflected on the gift of you, the Senders who have sent us to be Senders! 

As September begins, we shift our focus and turn our hearts toward the start of a new year at Casa Vidanet.  Rest has been good as we await with anticipation, a new team of players to train, raise up and send out into the playing field! To God be the glory!

Praises 

Senders who have sent us.

Patience of the paint store staff.

HS prompting as we sit quietly in His presence.

Health and healing.

23 years of wedded bliss.

New life, birthing grandbabies of Vidanet.

The gift of being sent.

Prayers

Choosing God while living in the world - rendirme.

Focus for Jedidiah in school.

God's guidance for the start of a new year at VN.

A miracle of financial provision and medical wisdom for Dorita, our cook.

Bonding for our staff.

The gift of hearing and seeing God for our new students. 

Complete physical healing from respiratory colds.

Holy Spirit wisdom as we coach the new team. 

The beginnings of an amazing team of Sent Ones ... 
Happy 23rd family birthday! 

Celebrating CR Mothers Day with my 3/4 of my MM

Firepit Fondue ... Jedidiah's latest family night creation!

The smoky smell and "would you rather laughter" 

lingers in our household for days!

These 3 mini Mighty Men have captured my heart ... Adam is a big brother!

Date with Dad ...
"You're the man of the house while I'm gone, take care of mom!"
 
On the verge of tears ... "This green is NOT the right shade of green!"
(I wanted olive green not celery green to cover up the terracotta ...)

Returning to the paint store, I discovered his name was Jesus ...
And appropriately so as he literally preformed a miracle by
changing the color of paint in my can!

Repairing couches Costa Rica style ...
They completely disassembled the couch, replaced the supports and reassembled it ...
right on the garage floor! 

Token picture of Joseph working for mom's benefit! 
(PC - Micah)

Summertime visits in PA are synonymous with ...
Freeze n Frizz soft serve
Motorcycle excursions
Spruce Lake Hoover family week
Phillies game
Golf with dad 

Look out world ... This Tender Heart is legal on the open road! 

3/4's of our MM can legally drive Mom to town! 

August Sabbath Rest ... Refreshing our soul, be still and know ... 

"You are sent to be Senders"