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| A 9 year old perspective ... |
His eyes were closed, his breathing relaxed and a blanket of peace enveloped him. I quietly waited thinking he was sinking into the downy abyss of peaceful sleep ... nope, just concentrating on my words! His eyes fluttered open, "Mama, how can I do that when I don't feel it? I HAVE to say I forgive even if I don't feel like it or I maybe might get a discipline." Oh my precious son, that is a great question!
In his victorious attempt to stay up later, I tucked him in with this sermonette. Ephesians 5:8 -10 says, You are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord. What pleases Jesus in this situation? "to forgive." Even when it's hard and you would rather stay angry, right? "I guess". Sometimes we need to make the choice (forgive), do the action (say I forgive you) and trust that our heart will follow. When we make that choice, our heart softens to the other person and Jesus smiles at us. If we choose to say no and not forgive, holding those hurt feelings like a prized possession, our grumpy attitude grows and we make other people around us unhappy too.
I'm convinced David spoke the words, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine (Goliath) that he should defy the armies of the living God?” before his heart was in agreement to the challenge that lay before him. He made the choice: to stand for God. He did the action: stood before Goliath (without doubt, quaking in his sandals!) His heart followed: he boldly spoke - "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, for this battle is the Lord’s!"
In the depth of this mighty nine year old's question, and the simplicity with which Father answered, I sensed the gentle nudge that I too needed to make the choice, do the action and believe my heart would follow. Let go of expectations that the world has piled on me (like Saul's armor), use the tools (stones) in my bag, and trust that He will guide us, satisfy our needs in a sun-scorched land, strengthen our frame, making us like a well-watered garden.
Once again, thinking he was settling into his dream world, I quietly turned to leave. "But Mama, just one more thing, can you tell me what the score is?" Yes my son, God: 1 and Satan: 0!
Make a choice ... Act and trust ... See the deliverance of the Lord
We've hosted and hosted again. Isn't January - April to be a quiet time for the ministry?! Cheering our beloved EAGLES on in the Super Bowl. Enjoying the blessing of family and friends who travel to spend time sharing life with us. A new school year started in the midst of hosting and preparing for the next guests. Tree trimmers created quite a ruckus as they felled the mighty protectors around Vidanet. Lots of movement preparing our laundry/storage area for a remodel from a group of 20 that arrive today. Defining new family rhythms, reinitiating morning walk/processing time, weekly communication time with two of our mighty men, El Nido events and sweet baby snuggles, mentoring, discipling and lots of facts and figures in the midst of life. And, making the choice, doing the action and trusting our heart will follow.
Praises
Positive start to 4th and 9th grades
Joseph loves what he is studying
Micah's team, wisdom in unexpected teaching opportunities
Family and friends safe travel and connection
Choices that honor God
Prayers
Wisdom and clear direction for our future
Jedidiah to make choices that build our trust
Staff for specific roles that need filled
Planning for Vida Missions
Wisdom for Daryl with taxes
Housing in PA for 4 of us July 15, 21-23
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| I stand amazed at moms who daily mix children, long hair and school! One week of pre-school brushing and ponytail whining and this became the "Before" ... |
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| And 18 months without a haircut this is the, "After" ... |
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| A boy with braids and a talented Belizean friend! |
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| Moments with Mimi ... |
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Pop-pop reliving his youth! ... |
His newest blessing for Casa Vidanet ...
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| Yes, this is Costa Rica ... It's just a volcano, 9000 feet above sea level and unfortunately covered with clouds! |
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| Pre-game excitement! |
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| He made chicken melts for supper! |
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| The long awaited hike with friends ... The view did not disappoint! |
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| 4th and 9th grades, here we come! |
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| Beloved teachers at White Dove school in Santa Clara Honduras! ... The Lord has given you an instructed tongue! |
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| Tree felling is not for the faint of heart! And, No, that wasn't an earthquake ... |
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| El Nido team ... sharing the hands and feet of Jesus. |
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| Sharing life with "old" friends ... It was a short two weeks! |
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| But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16 |
