Listo ... Ready ?

As we prepare for our home leave, I've been thinking about the changes we're going to live through in

Cafe grande to fill my tank!

these coming months.  I've gained a quiet confidence as I've reread our journey through the blog ... To revisit that crazy time in our lives make this crazy time seem attainable! This quote from one such blog, has taken residence in my thoughts occupying most of my quiet contemplation this week ... "How does one live in the supernatural while surrounded with the flesh?"

Adam was up two times last night. The first encounter, "something is under my bed", fear quickly defeated with a hug, kiss, drink and retuck back into bed.  In his second encounter at 5:00 a.m., he was met with my harsh words before I even knew the reason for his interruption of my dream world ... "I'm wet and cold" he stated in defeat.  Regrettably, I snuggled him in my arms offering, "I'm sorry" as a token of my choosing flesh.  The next day, everything seemed to be going right, positive and good ... it was easy to feel surrounded by the supernatural.  Among these victories, we got our washer back with the promise of our van tomorrow.  I returned home ready to dive into the deep, smelly abyss of a weeks worth of laundry only to find our laundry room completely covered with construction dust! Without hesitation, my flesh reared it's ugly head like a scene from Godzilla.  The workers were working and didn't clean up after themselves.  Choosing to recognize the supernatural instead of giving place to the flesh is no joke!  

Laundry room cleaned, supper served, mighty men tucked in bed and multiple loads of laundry later ... I settled into my thoughts and how simple disruptions of my ideal causes my flesh to brake dance all over my supernatural peace.  The next morning Father lead me to the parable of the Ten Virgins and thus opening the eyes of my heart to my aforementioned question.  One needs to be prepared and ready.  My flesh is flesh, it needs dying to for the supernatural to be victorious ... However, that doesn't just happen, I need the oil of His Spirit.  Facing the changes in these next few months with a small amount of oil in my lamp will certainly result in my flesh snuffing out the wick.  Therefore, I need to prepare by keeping my oil full, (a.k.a. communing with Father, thinking on things that  are excellent or praiseworthy, choosing to trust instead of worry ... you get the picture) ... In being prepared with a full lamp and oil chamber, I will be choosing to live in the supernatural and that flesh can just waltz on out of the way. 

Listo ... Ready ... Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burnin'

Life on the Mountain

This week was all about preparation ... Preparing for the start of Vida220 today as we welcome 31 new students ... Preparing for home leave ... Always be prepared by teaching basic first aid to co-op high schoolers: you never know when the drivers of a snack delivery truck might be robbed at gun point outside your large gate and they need your phone to call for help as they are bleeding profusely from the gash on their face ... Being prepared by brushing my teeth before I rushed out the door to an early morning medical emergency that resulted in rushing to the ER ending with emergency surgery for a perforated appendix ... Crock pot Chicken corn noodle soup and home made bread prepared the day before because that's the kind of week it's been ... Death, life and cheering the Eagles onto victory ... Being prepared, living in the supernatural while surrounded by the flesh.

Praises

31 students, 6 leaders, 4 Vida220 leadership team, from 7 different nations, listo, ready

Helpful advice from Dr Carla at Clinica Cedcas

Hospital Clinica Biblica, exceptional care as they patiently answered my multitude of questions

Thanking Father for Osny's life, as he recovers from a ruptured appendix

Exec. leadership team all back in one place

Repaired washer

The gift of Martha's friendship and how she opens her heart to me

Prayers

To choose love and put each other's needs above our own

Complete healing and quick recovery for Osny

Next steps for VidaNet, Father show us Your plan

Job opportunity for Micah on our home leave

Physical healing for bronchitis, allergies, migraines

Partners to financially support us in the work Father has called us to in Costa Rica emm.org/donate

"Set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain that I can't control ... I want more of You God!"

Two layer chocolate chip cake, with chocolate icing ...
made from scratch! ...
"Mom, this is easy!"

Classroom filled with Father's spirit ...
waiting for hungry hearts to be filled with His love!

Piddling About

Listening to his "soul"!

A few weeks ago I jotted down this contemplative thought, "How does one rest when there are things to do?"  As I sit with coffee in hand, my intended savoring His presence time, instead I'm catching up on emails,  jotting notes to plan this or that and pacing about needing to reheat my coffee for the second time!  This past week, Jedidiah and Adam had vacation from school which drew my thinking to one of a blissful fairy tale.  Sleeping in past the alarm and waking from my dreamland stupor wrapped in my soulmates arms to the delicious aroma of coffee, bacon and toast ... Snuggling on the couch with my sleepy eyed boys as they peacefully wake up gleefully sharing the silliness of their star kissed dreams ... Rainy afternoons playing games where everyone has something to laugh about and not a care who wins or looses ... Watching late night movies snuggled on the couch with popcorn and pajamas that we stayed in all day ... It's a magical place really where there is no wash that needs done, the bathrooms smell deliciously fragrant all the time and whatever our taste buds desire is set before us to feast upon. 

Unfortunately, this week did not go according to my fairy tale inspired mindset simply because ... there was work to be done.  Even when the daily list was checked off, I still had this nervous "piddling about" action ... you know what I'm talking about? Wiping the counter, putting piles on the steps to go upstairs, organizing this and that ... Motion, just because I felt like I should be doing instead of resting.  I could hear my mind echoing a phrase I coined when Jedidiah is doing this very thing, piddling about, "Jedidiah, get a book!" (a.k.a. stop pacing around, sit down and read!)  I had too much on my mind yet I felt like I was pacing around the house with the sole purpose of doing, planning, moving. In the absurdity of my thinking, if I wasn't doing, someone might catch me doing something I shouldn't be doing, resting!

This is absurd! Can I get an A.MEN?!  "How does one rest when there's work to be done?" I asked again.  In that moment it was like I stepped through the cloud into fairy tale land ... I was seeing it 3rd person while feeling it 1st person.  I rested blissfully against His chest, the faintest breeze kissed my cheeks and tousled my hair, there was complete freedom to just be - rest - while His light permeated me and was radiating to those around me. He very patiently and tenderly tipped my chin to look full in my face and stated,  "If you feel like you have to still do while I call you to rest, that's disobedience." ... He wiped the tear of repentance that trickled from my eye and reminded me ... whether I'm surrounded by chaos or solitude, He is my hiding place, He surrounds me with songs of deliverance. My soul can rest in His sweet presence, even when there is work to be done.

Feast on His Word ... Bask in His presence ... Find rest O my soul in God alone! 

Life on the Mountain
Celebrating CR Independence day with Parades, Lanterns and mouthing our way through the National Hymn again ... Sharing tears as we said good-bye to Alcedes a church "grandpa" who called the boys "my grandsons" ... Welcoming a new crew of leaders for our next Vida220 ... Teaching first aid to high-schoolers, made me realize how much I miss that lingo! ... Beach day with the youth group for M & J ... Seeing our van's motor being rebuilt step by step and feeling grateful for a loaned vehicle while we wait ... Last minute invitation to a Soccer game and swimming at the local Castle (Country club) with our dear neighbors ... Taking time to watch an afternoon movie and basking in His presence, finding rest for our souls even when there is work to be done.

Praises
Loaned vehicle while ours is being repaired
Neighbors who allow us to use their washer while ours is being repaired
Lunch with seasoned missionaries who speak life and wisdom into our hearts
A school opportunity for Jedi and Adam to attend part time while on home leave
Friends who want to hear our heart and love us through the challenges
Each of you for your faithful support, affirmation and wise counsel

Prayers
Home leave details and plans
Finding rest for our souls
To speak life giving words that build each other up
The start of a new Vida220 training, God's heart to be revealed
Restoration of family relationships for our neighbors, Father show us how to be a bridge for them
Daryl and I, communication, patience and team work
Unity in our leadership team as we're in different countries

Parade of Faroles (lanterns) a Costa Rica tradition

7:00 a.m. ready for action ...
playing the beat of their heart!

"Drummer with attitude" ...
Sunglasses to keep the glare from his drum out of his eyes!

"Herding cats" ... Prefirst drum corps!

Too excited for this hour ...
And why not, a day with friends awaits! 

Big boys playing at the beach ...
Never grow up, young at heart!

Occupying his time on vacation ... Mom said, "not more tech"
... No piddling about!

Of course he made home made pizza for supper! 

Relaxing in the pool at "The Castle"

Sheltering from the downpour as we walked The Castle grounds

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6

Yours for the Asking

Celebrating Dia del Nino with
these Mighty Men

Sometimes I wonder if Father feels like I do with all the asking? What mom doesn't get asked over a million questions a day ... I'm certain that is not an estimated number but one of researched fact! For example, 'what's for dinner' is one notoriously asked multiple times by multiple persons living under our roof. Can we go to the park? What are we doing tonight, tomorrow, this weekend? Can I do this, can I do that? ... The absurdity of my words as I impatiently state, "Go ask Dad, I'm tired of answering questions ... I already answered that ... if you were listening you wouldn't be asking, AGAIN." Which inevitably takes more words and effort than just answering their myriad of questions. I know you know what I'm talking about ... And, the questions don't stop with the mouths of my mighty men and soulmate, they continue from the host of heavenly souls I'm placed on this earth to mother, the check out saint in our local grocery store, the school secretary, Adam's partners in crime ... Everyone is asking and everyone is needing something. The emotions that rise to the surface with all the asking can summon my selfish side to rear it's ugly head, dig my heels in like a defiant two year old and simply not answer! I mean, can you imagine if Father would answer as yours truly stated above? Instead of His preferred "A kind answer turns away wrath" ...

It's all in the asking ... Last week we watched the movie version of The Pilgrims Progress. Christian was told when he felt alone and when he needed direction he needed simply to ask. When Caleb, from the book I'm reading, wanted to heal someone he very simply asked of Father. As if one more reminder wasn't enough while perusing other's lives on FB, He chose to give me not one but two more examples to make the point clear ... "Ask of me," God. I get asked over a million questions a day and yet I don't even ask the Giver of life for what He's already prepared for me ... Wisdom, mercy, grace, rest, healing.  Can you say it with me, Hebrews 4:16, I have the right to come boldly before The Throne of grace to find mercy and grace in my time of need! 

And so, I'm asking ... complete healing for my back, complete healing for Adam's belly pain, complete healing for the lump on Micah's chest, for a supernatural love that goes deep in parenting Jedidiah, partners who believe in The Call on our lives to help finance our second term, light to dawn on our family and to be surrounded by joy in-explainable, Joseph and Jedidiah to love each other and speak life-giving words, for another El Nido a place to share my passion with, for miraculous healing on Daryl's soul, for our landlords to see Father and choose life with Him, our vehicle to be completely restored and in running order sooner than proposed, for those close to our hearts: salvation, jobs, provisions, housing, healing and peace in family strife, open doors at new churches to share the passion for ministry Father has placed on our hearts, Father, I ask for Your spirit to overwhelm me, let Your presence overtake my heart! ... What does The Giver of all good gifts want you to ask for?

More than you can ask or image ... He's The Giver ... Overwhelmed by His presence

Answers of Praise
A house and vehicle supplied for our home leave!
Healing for Daryl's ankle
Feeling favored
A marriage covenant built on Christ our Solid Rock
Friends supporting VidaNet's banquet
Loaned vehicles while ours is being repaired
Celebrating Kids day honoring our mighty men and thanking Father for all their questions!

Prayers
See above!
What can we boldly approach The Throne and ask on your behalf?

Life on the Mountain
Preparing, planning and teaching basic first aid to Co-op youth ... resting ... organizing details for our home leave ... resting ... Puzzles, games, movies ... resting ... School, study, routine ... resting and, boldly asking!

Showering me with his love and brightening my day ... 

Adam helping to build and clean Abuelita's house ...
He taught them English while they worked ...
He loves like Father ...

"What's for dinner?" ...
Coconut, Curry Chicken ...
From a friend in Cambodia!

Take a picture of us too!
They boldly ask multiple times a day ...

Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the Lord has been good to you!
Psalm 116:7

Favored

Basking in His favor ... 

This week I attended a "You Are Worthy" women's conference and I've been contemplating what it feels like to be favored. Wow, can you even imagine?  What does His favor look, feel and sound like? ... He's been reminding me ... Psalm 34:5, "Those who look to Him are radiant and their faces are never covered with shame! Can I even begin to grasp this favor?!  While we use the phrase, "Resting in the fact that His hand of favor is upon us," I've found myself pondering ... Where is His favor when things don't go as planned, if I look to worry instead of Him?  Does it leave or transfer to another He deems more holy or worthy? Is it always there and I only need to rest in it instead of seeking it? Does He still call me favored when I choose my way instead of His?

Last Sunday we ventured out on what was to be our last border run.  Two hours from home, our van started making a rather unsettling noise. As I reflected on the events of the day and whether or not His favor remains upon us, I've concluded ... it most certainly does! ... We felt His favor in the subtle prompting of our spirits to return to the town we just passed through where we had connections. Pulling into a Transit police station, we felt His favor in the fact that they knew what mechanic and which tow truck driver to call at 7:00 on a Sunday morning.  His favor was evident as we called our mechanic 2 hours away and she said they'll be waiting at the garage for our return. As we rode the 2+ hours home in our quiet van loaded atop the flat bed, we felt his protecting hand of favor.  Favor poured over us in the multiple small waterfalls by the roadside that cooled our overheated tow truck on the steep, curvy mountain trek.

It's not for me to question "God, why? If Your favor is upon us, why did this have to happen?" but rather ... "Father, as I look to you (radiant), let those around me see Your favor (never covered with shame)!" Perhaps Henry, Gustavo, Taylor, the Police and all those we met on our second border run, needed a second chance.  By His grace, possibly our words and actions during this trial wet their appetites and left them longing for the sweetness of His presence, fullness of His joy and tenderness of His compassionate love!  His favor came in the form of treasured companions to encourage, guide and help us on our way.

Look to Him ... YOU are favored ... Basking ...

Life on the Mountain
Learning the art of El Salvadorian Pupusa making - delicious! ... Hillsong concert ... Border run x 2, enjoying the company of  Evan and Manuelito ... The second one ending with a stop to ease our tense shoulders and weary bodies while relaxing in the Volcanic hot springs of Arenal volcano in La Fortuna! ... A two day "You Are Worthy" women's conference ... sharing life with the few staff that remain on base ... feeling the weariness in our physical bodies as we try to rest by quiet streams ...

Praises
Border run success
Family bonding in the hot springs
Words of life as we affirmed each others talents
Housing for our home leave is surrounded by Father's presence
Celebrating 18 years of wedded bliss (9-2-01)
His favor unending ... even when things don't go as planned.

Prayers
Details and decisions for our home leave
God to raise up financial partners for our second term, January 2020-December 2023 ... message us for details!
Father call the next generation of Vida220 students
To choose the freedom that comes with hope while feeling despair
Gloria, as she journeys with her father through illness and change
Our vehicle situation ... our van motor has died!

When gas station attendants become friends ...
You fellowship while learning to make Pupusas!

Hillsong with the youth group!

Yes, he rode it ... Yes, it's for sale ...
No, he didn't buy it!

Finding a cheap way to fly to the States!

Enjoying "The gardens of Lankester" with ladies from church

Adam flagging down help for our van troubles! 

Literally pushing Olaf onto the flat bed ...
Will this truck make it over the mountain pass? ...

Springs of refreshing to cool down the over heated motor of the tow truck!

Second Border run frog hunting ...

We made it ... Border crossed, passports stamped ...
time to relax and refresh in Arenal's
Volcanic hot springs!

Laughter is good for the soul ...

So proud of their new Futbol jerseys ...

Celebrating 18 years of us ... A night out!

Celebrating 18 years of us ...
Are we really old enough for that!?

Those who look to HIM are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame ... Favor

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?"