The Cave

Lasagna and Peanut Butter Cheesecake ...
They know the way to Mama's heart! 

Some days leave me longing to curl up in a cave before I even leave the downy abyss of sleep land! Of course this cave would have a comfy oversize chair set squarely upon a soft, earth tone colored, braided rug.  It wouldn't smell musty and dirty however, it would smell earthy with a hint of pine. I would be completely assured that this cave does not contain one trace of the 8 legged species that pursue my friendship. This cave's opening would of course face the sun "at all times" allowing just enough entrance of light's friendship to calm and sooth the refuge-seeking soul.  I envision feeling the deepest peace as I collapse in the arms of said over sized chair. Followed by a sleep so profound that could only be aroused by the touch of angel wings. I recognize it's His presence in this cave that makes it so charming.  As Elijah ran from Jezebel, he sought refuge and rest in a cave ... Ok, perhaps his cave was not as elaborately detailed as I'm envisioning mine to be. None the less, he found rest for his weary body in a cave, lead there by His presence.

I am weary. Lately, all I've wanted to do is sleep.  I've been intrigued by this "Over 40 hormone reset" idea that promises "seeing results in as little as one day".  As I read, I started pondering another consideration for my weariness, possibly I have an elevated estrogen level (OB nurse has an answer for everything right!). There's the age old tale that if I drank more water, less coffee and took more time to sit outside in the sun I would feel more refreshed. Maybe it's more exercise I need, perhaps if I started a daily exercise routine again, I would feel more energized. The thought of pursuing any of these 4 ideas (a.k.a. one more thing), makes me run for my life with Elijah to the vision I've dreamed up in my minds eye of my cave. At the mere thought of waking to another day of weariness, the refuge of my cave's delightful camaraderie summons me to linger in her security one minute more. I wonder if Elijah felt the same allure to his cave? I imagine his profound sleep, awoken only by an angels touch, was due to the captivating presence of Father as he slept on the cold, damp, musty smelling rock bed he collapsed upon. He was running for his life ... perhaps the mental weariness I feel could be equated to the physical exhaustion Elijah felt as he ran.  All running, weariness and caves aside ... It's in this cave that Father recommissioned Elijah. What I need to grasp today is this. As Elijah found rest, Father spoke. 

The allure of my cave ... HIS gentle whisper ... Rest

Life on the Mountain

This week was bathed in much prayer for healing, restoration of life and rest for a family from our church that was involved in a serious accident. We are absolutely certain, Angels hovered over each occupant of that van last Sunday evening! ... Celebrating Costa Rica Mothers Day with the gift of my boys making Lasagna and peanut butter cheese cake for me to feast upon ... Sharing weekend meals with the few staff that remain at Casa VidaNet this month ... Finding time to put our house in order after a busy season ... Seeking rest, listening to His voice and choosing obedience. 

Praises

Guardian Angels 

Housing option for our furlough this fall

Hearing Father's voice in parenting Jedidiah

Sharing life, tears and encouragement with neighbors we call friends

Prayers

To be 100% funded for our second term ... message us for details!

Complete healing for Daryl's head cold and my back

That we would take time to rest in this 'quiet' month for the ministry

To lay the burden of details for our home leave at Father's feet and feel His leading

Communication and tender hearted devotion in our marriage

Will I get braces if my teeth are crooked? ...
Doesn't every 11 year old make tinfoil braces?

"I like my hair like this because I want to be like a dinosaur!"

Surprise Mother's Day visit from my "eldest" son!

Send forth Your light and truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell. 

Psalm 43:3

Finding rest for my soul ... 

Opening The Box

Elijah Zachary 8/11/11 ... 17 weeks

As I took my first sip and soaked in the savory aroma of my morning java, the date caught my eye.  Immediately, a flood of emotions filled my heart as a tear forced it's way over the brink of my lashes onto the slippery slope of my recently moisturized cheek.

"It's August 11th," I said.  

Voicing this simple declaration opened, The Box.  Although this Box was so neatly tucked away in the recesses of my memories, it has never been completely "wax seal" stamped. Other boxes have been stacked in front of it, however, the intimate glow of the memories in this box allows me to find it easily and share it's story often. Today, as I gave permission for my emotions to express themselves in a river of tears, the pain in the story of this box felt like it was lived yesterday. Yet due to the magnitude of life lived in the past seven years since this box was shelved, the story it contains feels like it was painted on it's bleak canvas a lifetime ago.

I closed my eyes, let the tears fall and listened as my soulmate read His promises. The question that lingered ... "How has Father met your needs during a difficult time when things didn't go as planned?" ... opened The Box in it's entirety.  I could see and feel His comforting presence as this journey played out in my mind. Seven years ago, I held to my faith and HOPE that there was a reason and purpose for this anguish. Today, He showed me the multitude of opportunities for LIFE that came from this unwelcome death. He WAS there with us. He WAS holding my hand as we entered that place of  'bringing life' while death swallowed us. He WAS giving me words of hope to share as 'she' sat at my bedside crying and wanting to know about my faith. He WAS holding our precious wee one as he left the security of my womb. He WAS the peace that blanketed me on those sleepless, tear-soaked nights. He WAS the arms that strengthened me to hold 'another one' through the sheer emptiness of her loss. He WAS by my side as I took part in 'her' wee one filling his lungs with the breath of life. His WAS the voice that spoke of LIFE and HOPE rising from the ashes. He IS the One who continues to show me open doors to speak of HIS life because things didn't go as I had planned!

Not as planed ... Seeking opportunities for life ... He is my HOPE

Life on the Mountain
The overarching theme of the week was, Graduation! ... The good byes do NOT get any easier. We are eternally blessed to witness the gift of seeing these 37 students and leaders grow, change, mature and deepen their love for Father over these past 10 months! ... Joseph started 9th grade. How can it be that we have two in high school? ... Thankful for the gift of living in community and grateful for the gift of 'quiet' family evenings at home ... Soccer Saturday was extra special sharing it with friends ... while Saturday afternoon was extra quiet giving way to an hour of reading bliss! ... This week was filled with Father's presence even when things didn't go as planned.

Praises
We have a house available for us this fall!
The joy of sharing heart to hearts with Nellie
Celebrating Graduation with 37 Vida220 students and leaders
The English library and the gift of choosing 38 books
Afternoons with Adam
Finding ways to fight FOR Jedidiah instead of fighting AGAINST him
Katerine and Meli filling the kitchen with life and laughter, they are a gift!

Prayers
Rosita, the mom of a dear friend, is in critical condition due to a head injury from a fall, pray for a miracle!
VidaNet's upcoming support banquets in Ohio and PA   https://www.facebook.com/pg/vidanet.cr/events/
Healing for Daryl, bronchitis and 'never ending' head cold
Opportunities to speak of His life to our neighbors and through daily interactions
Companionship for Jedidiah
Unity in our leadership team as we are apart for a season
Plans and timing for our home leave this fall

Joseph practicing his cooking skills ...
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for breakfast ...
He passed! 

Rainy afternoons and books ...
"Lets snuggle and read Mama!"

Celebrating CR Mother's Day (8/15) with
Mount House School ...

Mother's Day take two with Church ...
CR Mother's Day is a huge celebration! ...
So proud to be Mama of these 4 Mighty Men!

Communication time ... 2 hours a week ...
sacred ground ... don't steal my internet! 

Meli and Katerine ...
Cooking with seasonings, love and laughter

There's one in every school ...
Adam's girlfriend!

Some of the special ones ...
He loved the connection and their attention! 

Dressed in The Armor of Light ...
Now GO and be world changers! 

Mama typically avoids these 8 legged creatures ...
This one was SO intriguing! ...
It's not cargo, it's a shield on it's back!

Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though "things don't go as planned" ...
Yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength, He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and enables me to go on the heights.
"He meets my needs"

"How has Father met your needs during a difficult time when things didn't go as planned?"

Taking the Stand

The tree is growing with them!

It's quite humbling when Father has to remind me of something I used to be so passionate about! I prayed on these 6 articles for those coming, going and traveling the world over ... I made knight caricatures to accompany our mighty men as they entered the gates of public school ... these sacred articles were second nature to my thinking. If I was confused and seeking direction, I prayed it over my mind. When the enemy's lies tried to turn my eyes from the Speaker of Truth, I girded up my waist and took up It's power in my hand. If there was distention in the ranks and a fight ensued, I shod my feet and marched forward into battle with peace. No flaming arrows of doubt, lies or insecurities would penetrate my mustard seed faith. Clad in The Armor of light I felt the supernatural powers of Wonder Woman as I held my head high and confidently declared, "When the day of evil comes, I will stand my ground ... Stand firm!" Well ... needless to say, Father seemed to be having the time of His life today reminding me of these actions I used to be so passionately deliberate about!

He asked, "What lies are you believing?" ... a.k.a. "What devices is the enemy of lies using to hinder and stunt my spiritual growth?" ... I'm a defeated mother who doesn't know how to parent This one ... I've chosen "for better" but not "for worse"... busyness is next to Godliness, (you know, because if I don't do it, it won't get done) ... weight, I'd feel better about myself with less ... I will come away with You when there's time ... If everyone around me were happy, I'd be happy too ...

Then He asked, "Why are you fighting against flesh and blood in your own strength?" ... "Remember the look in the Deceiver's eyes when you spoke with authority? Remember how he cowered and trembled when you stood your ground girded in The Armor of Light?" ... I could feel His strength arising as I contemplated the scene that played out before my minds eye. As I watched, there seemed to be spoken words pouring from Pastor Martin's mouth.  However, I knew in my spirit, they were being spoken from the heart of The Speaker of Truth.  As I mentally started from the top down, I placed on the first article, the Armor's power began pouring over my ravaged, humanity clad soul.  His eyes so full of compassion yet blazing with the fire of righteous indignation, He girded me up to take my stand and whispered, "I know your heart, and I don't listen to Satan's lies about you! Stand firm!"

Humbly reminded ... Taking my stand ... Girded in the Armor of Light

Life on the Mountain
Dutch Blitz from 6 years to 49 years, laughter around the table ... with a different schedule this week, there seemed to be lots of forgetting to remember, which I eventually remembered ... welcoming the students back from L10 and basking in the glory of Father's provision as they shared their stories ... celebrating a day off school with The Lion King and Auntie Anne soft pretzels ... feeling blessed to know these 37 students and leaders who are passionate about HIM!

Praises
His Armor fits perfectly
I forgot I had back pain ... wait, that means there isn't any!
"Bite Your Tongue Thursday" ... practicing life giving words
A counselor who is taking time to walk with us
Your affirmation and support to Stand Firm with us!

Prayers
Healing for Daryl - chest cold and congestion
VidaNet's upcoming Support Banquets, increased funds for the ministry
His banner to cover these 37 students and leaders as they graduate this Friday
Housing for our home leave this fall ... please let us know if you have options for us to consider
Trust in Father's timing for our home leave
Taking time to rest, rejuvenate and restore

Family Game night ... Dutch Blitz! 

This boy ... 

Feeling what Jesus felt ...

"Act like you're hitting me and I'll be dead" ... 

Finished school, now what? ...
Putting a puzzle together without the picture on the box! 

Half price movie and ... It was in English! 

"I'll wash the dishes mama!"

Cheeseburger soup! ...
The only sound around the table was, "mmmmm"

Ephesians 6:10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

HOPE

The picture that brought HIS inspiration ... 

Two weeks living out of a suitcase is two weeks to long! There has been a lot of life lived since I last shared coffee and a quiet afternoon with you all.  As most of you know, we had 2 short, very full weeks in PA being ‘wined and dined and spoiled by the best of em’! Thanks to grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends, we were not in want! Our hearts were full on all the sweet fellowship while our physical bodies were weary from all the tasting and seeing what we’ve missed for the past 3 years! We landed in CR in the midst of 2 more very full weeks. And today, I made time to stop and repot some 'life' into our house! ...

Reflecting on Oasis, the reason we had our two week venture to the States ... The FIRST thing I saw when I looked over our schedule for the week was ... "Silence and Solitude." YES, I could hardly wait ... a good nap surrounded by nature was calling my name! Contrary to my selfish obsession with napping, He desired so much more for this time ...

July 10th ... while this date will eventually join ranks in the jumble of other dates, words and soul inspiring moments with Father, the intimacy of His breath on my face on this date, has transformed my soul for eternity. July 10th will forever be etched in my soul as the day Father renamed me. I found my spot, settled in and prepared for my long awaited nap. My spirit waged war against my will ... I tried to justify my physical need for rest while my spirit cried for the intimacy of hearing His whisper during this solitude. And so ... I listened and He spoke, Hope ... May this vulnerability He's asking me to share inspire a deep HOPE within your ragged, bone weary soul as it did mine.

HOPE: A joyful, confident expectation. No matter what valley I traverse, no matter the heights of elation I soar upon ... I have this joyful, confident expectation that Father is still on the Throne, holding me, listening, leading, waiting to dance and He's present with me!

Hope:
-When it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel instead of an illuminated tunnel.
-His banqueting table of promises to feast on is set. He invites and waits for me to join Him.
-When my companion to sleep is anxiety and worry, His feet are still propped on the corner of my bed.
-When the migraine of feeling overwhelmed pounds His comforting presence fills my dark room with the calm of deep blue menthol.
-When I say "I can't take one more step" He calls me to come away.
-Walking through the valley of dry bones of death to the mountain summit of being the bearer of new life. In these extremes of emotions, the seed of bright hope for tomorrow has taken root, sprouted and for His glory, hope is reaping a harvest in once barren souls.
-Standing on the mountain precipice, a new life in Costa Rica loomed ahead ... even in the unknown, there was hope in His presence.
-As I held the shell of what once was my strong, stable husband, I cried out in anger, "Where are you hope?" ... Hope came in human form, took our hand and step by step helped us see the glimmer of hope in a new dawn of our marriage.

I can rejoice in the HOPE of the glory of God AND sufferings which produce perseverance causing my character to grow into one of HOPE. I've contemplated, perhaps my personality lends me to be hopeful? "No", He spoke, it's truly MY presence that fills you with hope ... For hope does not disappoint me because Father has poured out His love into my heart by the Holy Spirit whom He has given me.

Hope is always present even when the blinders of loss, change and instability tries to obscure it's radiance.

Hope, it's who Father is and what He represents

Hope, is always present, even when I have to look for it.

Hope, is what He named me that day. 

Life on the Mountain ... 
There is SO much to share from our two weeks in the States, see our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dnjhoover for the highlights! ... We flew home at 6 a.m. Monday the 15th, went to bed by 6 p.m. and jumped right back into action Tuesday morning. It felt good to be home in PA and feels good to be home in CR! ... We finished up the week with Vida Missions ... walked through a week of intense Perspectives class, supporting those who participated ... served on kitchen duty ... started organizing months worth of finances ... carved out precious moments to hear our boys hearts on how different "what used to be familiar," now feels ... and,

held onto the memory of precious moments of life shared with you all in the States.

Praises
The HOPE He spoke to my soul ... the perfect birthday gift from Father!
He is always present!
Hugs and time with those that know us and continue to love us
Safe, uneventful travel
Rest and refreshment at Oasis

Prayers
Housing for our home leave this fall ... end of October - January
Details for our home leave this fall
Complete healing for my back
Our journey with Jedidiah ... change and good byes are so very hard
Parenting, marriage, ministry ... communication, patience and grace
Healing for my parents ... Rotator cuff repair and broken clavicle
Successful support raising for VidaNet's upcoming Growth banquets

Carefree, running wild and free and structured
with defined lines in place ...
the things our marriage is made of!

Oh how he wishes ...
Got his drivers permit and cycle permit on the same day! ...
I'm officially a back seat driver!

Machito x 2 (little blond boy x 2) ...
Puppy therapy

Science Fair project ...
Of course he explained the properties of making SLIME!

Sweet Declan ...
He stopped moving long enough for Joseph to snuggle

Micah's project upon our return ...
Pop-pop's shelves filled and ready for action.

School bus ready ...
They may look different but they sound the same!

When your son wants to color his hair ...
The Mennonite in me doesn't want to waste the rest!

No, mine is NOT black! ...
He spent $3 more to have a more radical change!

Repotting life into our home ... 
HOPE ... joyful, confident expectation these plants will flourish and grow!

Rejoicing Over Them

"Let's dress like twins for church!"

These two have been our reason to celebrate this weekend! June 21 was Jedidiah's 7th spiritual birthday and June 22 was Adam's 6th birthday. Essentially these days promised to be as normal as any other day, except for the fact that I made some extra treats, bought some gifts and prepared mentally for a day of pouring life and love into them. In the midst of the busyness of life I looked forward to carving out precious moments to celebrate these two mighty men.

Unfortunately, Friday dawned with a heaviness in my spirit ... the events of the previous day had tucked me into bed with a restless mind.  Oh I tried to lay it all down, tried to set my mind on things above and tried to grasp His perfect peace that passes understanding.  However, I awoke with a turmoil in my spirit. I grudgingly prepared breakfast and rushed out the door by 7:30 for a doctor appointment with Jedidiah.  En route, he confessed something in attempt to make right the wrong. This was the issue causing my heaviness that had me questioning the validity of my love as a parent. My thoughts ... "If I only love him when he does good and obedient things, do I really love him at all? Why can't he just be obedient, unselfish and compliant?"  These questions had my mind swirling with doubt, fear and uncertainty about my parenting and questioning my ability to fulfill The Call. As I stopped for gas, Johnny our gas attendant, whom I'm fairly certain is an angel, greeted me with his usual smile and affirmation.  Upon seeing my tears, he quietly turned around and continued the fill up process. As he returned my card, he looked me straight in the eye and with a boldness and confidence in his spirit, he said, "Woman of God, He has a perfect plan for this and He has called you AND your family here!" Tears freeing my turmoiled spirit and Jedidiah's confession redirected our route to the doctor. Instead, I pulled to the roadside and asked him to talk about it. As my anger of said situation faded and sadness filled its place, we began to weep together for our hopeless humanness. His confession and explanation brought to reality some issues for both of us that go deep.

Fast forward 48 hours ... Adam's successful celebratory day of turning 6 safely tucked away in the scrapbook for another year ... and Father opens my heart to read from Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord will rejoice over you with singing." This comes in the context of Israel's choice to keep on sinning and Father's choice to forgive and love ... I picture in my mind one of those parenting moments of gazing upon His hopelessly human child with eyes full of compassion and a tenderness in His heart that no matter what, He loves them ... irregardless to their choice to sin. I mean, can you even imagine the intensity of those eyes? ... I would love to conclude this by saying I "rejoiced over Jedidiah with singing". Instead I'll conclude with this ... As I learn to keep my eyes on HIM, He's helping me to see through His eyes. Rejoicing in the journey ...

Confession ... Tears ... He's rejoicing over us!

Life on the Mountain
Preparing, organizing and getting ready to receive our students back from outreach this week ... a few Doctor visits to get to the bottom of these colds ... Celebrating and rejoicing over these two mighty men ... Feeling His gaze and hearing Him sing over us!

Praises
Doctor Carla at Cedcas
Heart connections with our neighbors
Words of hope from Father delivered through human vessels

Prayers
We travel to PA for 2 weeks this Saturday, pray for health, strength and peace
Complete healing for my back and colds
Sound sleep as we prepare for things to continue here while we're away for two weeks

Remembering his decision 7 years ago and 

celebrating his choice to follow The Giver of life!

Adam celebrating with his school friends! ...

So much energy and excitement over a 

chocolate chip cookie cake!

Chocolate cupcakes, peanut butter icing and ...

His best buddies and partners in crime!

Thank you Grandparents! ... 

Trucks and cars make his heart happy!

A rolling backpack and ...

Hand-me-down, camo, dress up, play set from Joseph ... 

yup, it's 12 years old and almost good as new!

I would say that's a good Mennonite except that it's army fatigues! 

Faithful Devotion

Eagles and Phillies in one outing!

Those of you who know him can attest to his devotion to his beloved Phillies and Eagles! Whether they're winning the Super Bowl or on the worst loosing streak of their career, his faithful support is unwavering. Without a doubt, his devotion to these two hometown teams is nothing and pales in comparison to his devotion and love for his Creator, our Mighty Men, and yours truly.  He has rejoiced in Father's favor, walked victoriously trampling the enemy of lies, and he has walked though the depths of to many barren valleys in his young life. However, through it all, even in the 'wondering', he's kept his eyes on The Sustainer of life. Even though questions and doubts arose, his faith never wavered. Quite dimply, he is the steady, stable Mennonite boy I never wanted to marry ... but am eternally grateful I did! Through it all, he's taught us faithfulness, devotion and how to stand on The Rock when ones strength is crumbling beneath ones own feet. He has taught us where his true devotion lies. Today, we honor the life changing work Father continues to cultivate in him. Today, we honor him as the seed bearer for our 6 Mighty Men. Today, we humbly bow before the throne of grace thanking our Heavenly Father for this incredible gift of an earthly father we have been given to share life with. Happy Father's Day sweetheart, we love you!

Micah 5:4-5 Daryl will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And, we will live securely, for HIS greatness will reach the ends of the earth and HE will be our peace!

Psalm 40:1-4 Daryl waited patiently for the Lord; HE turned to Daryl and heard his cry ... HE lifted Daryl ... HE set Daryl's feet on a rock ... HE put a new song in Daryl's mouth ... Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

He is a gift ... Celebrating life in his spirit ... Mennonite boy, my dream come true!

Life on the Mountain

Welcoming Tonio y Meli to our family for base maintenance and cooking! ... unfortunately 1/2 of us have joined the ranks of colds, coughs and ear infections that seem to be plaguing the world around us ... Jedi had fun participating in a political party at school as possible VP, unfortunately they didn't win ... Our older 3 enjoyed a night exploring at Martin and Dolores' and had the fun of mowing their lawn, planting a garden and cleaning up using the wood chipper ... Daryl and I enjoyed a quiet evening movie and peaceful alone time snuggles with Adam ... Attempting to organize our work duties for the next month as we plan for 2 weeks in PA ... Blessed to celebrate the gift of Fathers, eternally grateful for the incredible blessing Father chose for us!

Praise

Life in Daryl's spirit

Sharing life with our fathers even though we're not physically with them

We have a vehicle for both stints in PA

Tonio and Meli arrived safely from Honduras

Extra days for M & J to finish school

Library shelves built by Pop Diener

Prayers

Organizing our roles to make life flow smoothly while we're gone

Complete physical healing for our family, back, colds, ears.

Fostering intimacy with Father when life is a whirlwind around us

For our 6 teams of 30 students on outreach to finish well

"Random" physical ailments of our leadership team and staff ... we believe in HIS miraculous touch!

Liz, Manu, Declan & Sara as they serve in Turkey

Boldness to plant and patience to nurture

"Vote for PAP!" ... Political party for elementary grades!

Community time ...
Baking cookies and cupcakes and making milkshakes!

He was itchin to get his hands on some wheels ... 

Greeting church friends on Father's Day ...
My baby all grown up!

Proud Mama moment ...
God given talents and a willingness to share them!

Yes, he sat through 3 hours of a noisy school celebration ...
Now that's fatherly love!

 A few Father's day throwbacks ...

True devotion ... he carried me to and from the water EVERYDAY so I didn't have to 'crutch' across the sand!

 Never to young to learn ... Adam

 Proud Grandpa ... A full quiver!

 Too cute to resist ...

Then ...

and Now

If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24