Snippets of Sabbath Rest

Sunny Saturday morning breakfast ...
sharing the peace of my Hiding place!

I bought groceries today ... alone.  It was most delightful at 8:00 a.m., the store was empty, there were no lines and it was quiet.  I bought myself a mocha frappe in the refrigerated section and relished the time to browse, think and process ... alone.  I found myself contemplating life, the current pandemic we're living through, gluten free products, the future and schooling of my Mighty men, which pina smelled the sweetest, the lack of chocolate chips on their shelves, Micah moving to the states, and my gray hair and maturing body ... I had a few pleasant interactions with masked personnel and embraced the wetness in my eyes as I remembered the days of sharing an unmasked smile with many of them.

Daryl had started school at home with the boys so I didn't have to rush. Remembering I had two more stops in my morning out, I finished my meandering up and down the aisles and peacefully completed my purchases.  I awoke this morning with a giddy awareness that I was going to have time alone today.  Albeit, in a grocery store and at the lab, the giddy anticipation in my mind equated to sabbath rest! Desperate times call for desperate measures : )  My need for Sabbath rest comes and goes like the waves of the ocean. Currently, my need is ginormously great! ... Is that even a word? ...

In a house filled 24 x 7 with the masculine activity of 4 Mighty men, 2 neighbor boys and 1 handsome hubby, a daily school schedule from 8-3, and peaceful evenings where everyone desires to share their need to be heard, Sabbath rest (a.k.a. time alone) is a precious commodity.  While I long for, desire and clearly see the necessity of Sabbath rest, I find myself scoffing and laughing in the face of its taunting due to said house inhabitants.  Most teaching I've received on the necessity of this precious companion have been from persons not in my stage of life.  And ... most persons I've encouraged to partake in this necessity, have been in a stage of life different than my own.  Quite clearly, I've received and given this challenge because I understand it's utmost importance for not just surviving but thriving in this life!  Today, this is what HE taught me about Sabbath rest ...

I mentally meandered back to the aisles of the grocery store as I entered the sacredness of my Hiding Place.  My shoulders sagged a bit as I realized the second chair for Jesus has been relocated.  As I contemplated going to look for it I sensed He was present with or without His chair.  The precious moments that followed felt much like the Sabbath rest I encountered while perusing the pina and pepino.  He stood behind me and began to massage my shoulders and whispered, "I know ... "  He saw each burden I carried, I didn't even have to mention them.  He knew my need and desire for Sabbath rest as He gently reminded me it may look different than I've been taught or have taught others.  He opened my eyes to the snippets of Sabbath rest, like alone time in the grocery aisles, that He plans during my days full of activity.  While not negating the need for extended Sabbath rest, He reassured me that He sees, He knows, and that as I abide in Him, my days can be filled with moments of Sabbath rest.  Are you longing for time alone? Do you need the comfort of His hands massaging your shoulders? ... He's waiting for us to be still and know.

Sabbath rest in the veggie aisle ... Sweetest presence I know ... Be still and know

Life on the Mountain
Sharing Jesus and life with friends at Casa VidaNet ... Sweet newborn snuggles ... Feeling close to those we live close to ... Family time ... learning how to create space and alone time ... rainy afternoon movies and "forcing" M & J to stay up late with mom ... the joy of afternoon coffee and staying for dinner ... Friends who love our boys, spend time with them and invite the presence of their creativity ... feeling cared for and connected through a zoom call with the leadership team ... sharing life and Jesus with you all ... Finding snippets of Sabbath rest for my soul!

Praises
Health and provision
Educating at home feels like a routine
Fellowship and finding life with youth group
Time to grocery shop alone
Peace as we walk Jesus' perfect plan for our lives

Prayers
CR borders remain closed through June, affecting travel for Vida220
Finances for VidaNet, most of our summer teams have canceled
Micah's preparation for his senior year in the States
Healing for Mati, Meli, Nellie's mom and sibling, and in family relationships of dear friends
Our neighbors salvation, that they would hear His voice
Father, show us how to find Sabbath rest during this time

Adam's Monster Art creation

French toast, cinnamon honey butter, fresh strawberries!  ...
Yes, we'll make it again next Saturday!

 

"Like Son like Father" ...
Yes, I can make your hair like Adams! : ) 

He's too cool for school! ...
The joy's of educating at home! 

More Mohawks for one and all! 

Precious gift of Father ...
The fruit of "my labor" ... not really mine! 
I had the privilege of laboring with her Mama! 

Micah completed the Kairos course ... An interactive course on World Christian Mission ...
Keeping himself busy during quarantine!

Casa VidaNet staff who facilitated and completed
the Kairos course ...  

Sweet peace ... Sabbath rest ... Be still and know! 

He Hears Me

My days are full!  I've been contemplating the idea of self quarantining for a few days to regain my sanity!  Educating at home, in Spanish, using zoom classes and utilizing the school's curriculum has left this Mama Teacher wondering if I can have a vacation day and call for a substitute tomorrow.  On top of it all, I'm learning common greetings and how to count to 10 in Mandarin.  While I am truly thankful for zoom and teachers that desire to stay connected to their student's education, tech all day has left me 'teched out' ... This is fatal when tech and I have never really had an affectionate relationship to begin with!  

For at least 3 weeks now I've been missing and longing for the sacredness of this time with you all.  I know, blogging doesn't sound intimately personal, however ... when I carve out time to share my heart, my shoulders relax, my burdens fade into the corners and I see things from a more positive perspective.  A few weeks ago I heard Father singing over me and it was the loveliest of sounds ... "I am chosen, I am forgiven, I am healed, I am free!"  Adam was quietly laying on our bed as I was being sung over so I asked if he heard Jesus singing over him.  He waited for a few seconds and said, "He's just singing my name!"  

Today as I sat quietly in my Hiding Place I cried, "Jesus, I need to hear your song again, I need Your strength for these days, I need inspiration from Your banqueting table to carry me through this day until I can retreat to the sanctity of this place in 24 hours!"  And this is what He said ...

“I the Lord am your rock, your fortress and your deliverer; I AM God your rock, in whom you take refuge, I am your shield and the horn of your salvation. I am your stronghold, your refuge and your savior— [and so ... ] I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. [and get this ...] From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears!! 

[Then...] “He reached down from on high and took hold of ME; he drew me out of deep waters ... He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delights in me! [and HE said ... ] "I am the Lord, your lamp; it is I who turns your darkness into light. With My help, you can advance against a troop and scale these walls.  [And therefore I declared ... ] “As for you my God, YOUR way is perfect: YOUR word is flawless; YOU shield all who take refuge in You. It is YOU who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. It is YOU who makes my feet like the feet of a deer to stand on the heights.  YOU train my hands for battle and YOU give me Your shield of victory! ... (Paraphrased from 2 Samuel 22)

As I was savoring the serenity of these moments I was joined by the youngest of my Mighty Men.  I gathered him into my arms for a hug as Father had just done to me, faced the sun peaking through the clouds and marched out of my Hiding Place ready to scale the wall! 

Can you hear Him? ... What is He singing over you? ... He hears your voice! 

Praises

Boys that make breakfast

Morning walks Daryl

Evenings at home

Radio theater and audio books

Coloring with sharpies and being creative

Jedi and Dad playing guitar

Baking adventures

Health

Prayers

Peace in our hearts while waiting

Peace and patience as we educate at home

Wisdom for summer plans

Micah's future school plans

To speak and show His love to our neighbors 

To choose love, joy, patience and self control

To have a spirit that hears His song

Life on the Mountain ... In photo form!

Dalgona Coffee (whipped coffee)  ... a delicious afternoon treat!

Adam making Saturday morning cleaning fun!

50 and Fabulous! ... April 22, celebrating Daryl!

"Walking into" their FIRST day of COLLEGE! ...
Free online program for Gen Ed's through Sophia!

Entertaining Declan!  

He's at it again! ... This time he had "professional" help ...
Chocolate Oreo cheesecake cake!

Saturday haircuts, Wii and puzzles with friends ...
Shhhhhhh ... breaking quarantine rules for our own sanity!

Mama's Day and McDonalds drive through ice cream and fries ...
They know the way to this Mama's heart! 

Silly one! ... their reward for standing and smiling nicely!

Some days you need to sit outside, drink hot chocolate and
eat Ritz crackers for class time! 

Yes, these are donuts ...
Yes, he made them ...
Yes, he's being creative! 

The 3 Amigos, they never seem to tire of each other's energy and company!  ...
The blessings of living behind the big black gate! ...
This and being together is their spacious place! 

A Compelling Sentiment

Happy 2nd Spiritual birthday!

We celebrated Adam's spiritual birthday, he is 2, spiritually.  His simple acceptance of what Jesus did for him is so inviting.  In reality, all of his life is a childlike faith, he's six.  He left a happy birthday message for a school friend and ended it with a jovial, "I hope the corona virus doesn't get you!"  When playing tag with the other two amigos, the "IT" person has the corona virus, don't let them sneeze on you.  In a recent episode of The Chosen, Jesus asked a little boy his name.  Before the boy could even respond, Adam quipped, "That can't be Jesus because He know's ALL of our names!"

Although Adam doesn't understand the magnitude of what the corona virus is doing nor does he understand the depth of the decision he made to ask Jesus into his heart two years ago, he is compelled to trust because of a childlike faith.  To feel compelled: to feel that you must do something, because it is the right thing to do.  In a sense, he feels compelled to trust us as parents (and has no care of the corona virus) because we take care of him and he felt compelled to give his heart to Jesus because somewhere in the recesses of his childlike faith, he felt it was the right thing to do.

These days are a mix of emotions.  I fluctuate between: agreeing with Adam that it's better to have a simple childlike faith and know that I can rest without a care in the world because Dad will take care of me.  And ... This deep intense longing of Psalm 63 where I cry out desperately for Father's sweet presence to invade the desert of fear and uncertainty that leaves my soul parched.   In light of all this ... I've been contemplating 2 Corinthians 5:14 "For Christs love compels us ..." As I was reading, the illumination of this phrase blinded all else around it and I was seemingly swept up in a simple childlike faith again.   The need to figure out the future, summarize the past, and the hours of contemplating the effects of the dreaded corona virus of present suddenly paled in the presence of this statement.  I felt compelled to 'turn away' and curl up against His chest, breath deep the fragrance of His love and listen to the beat of His heart.  "What is His love compelling me to do?" ...  As I mentally checked off the list:  Love Him, seek first His kingdom, share His saving grace that all may know, hide His word in my heart, leave behind the comforts of home, walk across the lawn, minister to those in need, give my time generously to my family instead of seeking a break in activity, morning exercises to take care of His temple ... He touched my lips and quieted my mental banter.  While all this is well and good, the intensity of His love was compelling me to simply trust again.  To open my fists, let go of the control to which I was clinging and the need to ensure everyone is doing ok as we weather this storm.  Perhaps both in a simple childlike way and a desperate clinging ... I chose to trust and focus on The One who compels me to look to Him.  I'm curious, how is Father's love compelling you?

Childlike trust ... Refocusing my focus ... Compelled by His love 

Life on the Mountain
Wow, where to begin ... I imagine we're living similar lives even though oceans apart!  School at home, the occasional outing to the grocery store, Daryl taught via a zoom call to the Honduras base, lots of family days, evenings, nights, games, puzzles, seemingly endless 'summer' play for Adam and his buddies, Sound of music and a plethora of other movies, snippets of life-giving time with the Helmuths, Adam's first sleepover, late nights and early morning routine not mixing well, late night jokes & laughter with M & J, Cakes by Jedidiah, spike ball, tag, Adventures in Odyssey, abcya.com, nitro type to see who is the speediest typer,  Haircuts for the compound, neighborly bonding because we're all here all the time and practicing being generous with love, joy, patience, kindness and goodness!

Praises
Health
Neighbors to share life with
Thankful for Santi and Mati to occupy Adam's days
School work to occupy our time

Prayers
Micah's future plans.  He is planning on doing his senor year in the states.
To give generously to one another
Sensitivity to know what Father wants with this time
Patience to listen, love and give each other space to be alone
**how can we pray for you?

English class ...
Some days you just need to lounge during the school day! 

Music Class.... 

                                              Art Class...

Quiet art time to decompress from the stress of the day! 

                                        Phys Ed class ...

                                  and for the youngers!

Candle light lunch ... 

NO, don't tell the 10 kids the food is ready! ... 

Sweet fellowship to feed our souls!

Jenga challenge

Shhhhh, don't tell ...
They needed some fellowship while practicing social distancing!

No words ... we simply love this crew!

Our house ... hours of creative play! 

He spent the night in our sink ...

Mom, I need a haircut!

Back porch haircuts ... sharing life

Did you sleep? ... Yes for a little!

Listening to Adventures in Odyssey and painting Easter Eggs ... 

Painted Easter eggs! 

Entertainment ... 

Chocolate cheesecake with oreo crust ...
one of his many quarantine cakes!

Quarantine life ... Thankful for friends to share coffee with!

When Your words came, I ate (drank) them;
they are my joy and my heart's delight!
Jeremiah 15:16

Attention!

I've been struck by how many items have the name Corona.

Four Crowns

I'll spare you the mental list I've been drumming up at 3 a.m.  A crown/corona is something that surrounds, halo like. These four items are a simple representation of the coronas competing for my attention on a daily basis.  The oil represents cooking and household duties, the pineapple represents food and is included simply because we eat it everyday, my silver crown ring I've worn for years as a sweet reminder that I wear a princess crown because my Father is The King and, the obvious, COVID-19 (Corona Virus).  If there were some form of a crown to represent homeschooling, that would be pictured as well ... perhaps in this representation, I should have used a picture of Corona, the alcoholic beverage! ... Oh for the love, seriously, the substance has never crossed my lips!

The question Father is asking me this week is plain and simple ... What Crown/Corona is getting the majority of my attention?  If the Ring was the chosen attention getter, it would indicate my ability to  "Cast all my care on Him for He is caring for me."  ... Sadly, the Oil has not received much of my attention as I grumble and complain because things are never put back where they belong, this bathroom smells atrocious and could this floor possibly look any dirtier? ... The Pina, is getting a lot of my attention, and would indicate the obsession and the feeling that I need to stockpile and plan a months worth of grocery shopping for the home front and ministry ... If the covid-19 is getting the majority of my attention, I would be living in fear and completely neglecting the aforementioned crowns.  As I testified last blog, I am social distancing from fear.  That's not to say I haven't been enticed by it's flattery to partake in the depths of it's unknown.  Anxiety levels have been high but God's grace has been higher!  

I was reminded today in a message from Adam's teacher ... 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of of power, love and sound mind (self-discipline).  Could this possibly say ... "For I will not give obsessive, compulsive attention to the corona virus but rather I will give attention to The Ring, The Pina and The Oil" ... Of course He's chuckling, can you see Him? He is the One who has given me this creative, imaginative mind and HE is the One who has told me that "I speak with wisdom and faithful instruction is on my tongue" ... Hear my heart, the challenge is to give attention where attention is due. 

Aligning my crowns ... Listening for His voice ... Where is my attention? 

Life on the Mountain

Doing our best to stay home ... quarantined with 12 other people behind the big black gate ... Joseph got his cast off ... school work checked off ... puzzles, irritable attitudes, games, short tempers, movies, unkind words, walks and learning how to give complete attention the most important Corona. This is what life is made of ...

Praises

Joseph's arm is healing and no surgery needed

Friday afternoon came and school assignments were all checked off

We are healthy

God ordained conversation with our neighbors, He loves them SO much and He is touching their hearts

Our residency paperwork was submitted before things began closing

Prayers

Continue to pray for a miracle in our neighbors marriage, there have been attempts to bring healing

Wisdom on how much to interact with outside

To know a balance in how to spend our time

Maintaining routine when we're out of routine 

To teach these little neighbor boys Jesus' love and that it would spread to their families

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 ... Giving attention to The Crown

What to do with left over ice cream? ...
Make brownies and invite the neighbors!

Yes we did! ... We made a homemade mask ...
We needed bigger rubber bands to avoid having Monkey ears! 

No, we're not robbing the hospital ...
Just taking precautionary measures! 

The moment of liberty ...
No more excuses for dish duty!



Hard at work ... He is doing an amazing job and being very disciplined to get his work done!

If only all the work was this easy ... 

"Mama, how much more homework do I have?"

Yes it's green, yes it's a smoothie,
NO it's not for children's consumption! : ) ...
Trying a new detox strategy for joint stiffness!

Phys Ed warm up exercises ... the fun is yet to come!
Baby shark do do do do do do ...

Quarantine breakfast of champions ...
When everyone sleeps in on Saturday morning,
Mama makes tortillas! 

It feels a bit like Christmas ... Wish we had more puzzles!

Fried chicken, candle light and a quiet house ...
Thanks again Liz, Manu and Declan for inviting the boys over!

Sunday night family night ...
Awaiting snacks and The Chosen episode #1 ...
Dinner and a movie