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