Relationship with Routine

Celebrating our Routine Dad

Next week I'm going on vacation ... and Routine is not invited! I'm afraid this may be the breaking point in our relationship ... However, time will tell what happens after a brief separation to evaluate what we both really want.  I have never felt more stuck in a relationship than I do at present, my relationship with Routine that is.  It has been three months and I've found myself in the "this is getting old" part of the relationship and I'm trying to figure out if I need to try something different to spice it up, break up with it or stay the course for peace of mind even though I'm not feeling satisfied or happy.  Don't get me wrong, Routine is good to me, it truly can help one feel comfort, peace, joy and satisfaction.   However, if ones relationship with Routine is not life-giving, feels 'old' and status quo, one can quickly feel suffocated by Routine's affection and attention.

In reality, I love Routine, but I love Routine that changes!  My soulmate thrives on routine and my Mighty Men need routine, preferably one that they're aware of even as it's changing.  When we are faced with a sudden halt and about face change in routine, it takes a bit to reestablish.  We have reestablished a new routine since March 17th., it feels stable, normal, we know what to expect and ... I found myself wanting a change.  I can see you cringing, my "stable, routine is good, no need for change" dear ones whom I need and love in my life.  I wish it was as simple as changing the furniture change (I still see you cringing), that would be easy !  No, I'm talking about change of perspective change, the not so easy kind.  

My Hiding Place has a visitor, a spider.  Every afternoon it rains and every morning said visitor has to rebuild his house.  I watch, almost daily, as he circles around and around from spoke to spoke until he reaches the center, creating a new habitation.  As I've watched this daily routine, I've come to believe that spiders don't have feelings.  If they did and could process the sheer absurdity of this "every-single-day routine", I'm quite certain, they would go insane. 

The profound point of this blog is not "do spiders even know they do the same thing every single day" or  "how to spice up my relationship with Routine" ... No, the heart of the matter is my need for 'A heavenly perspective'.  Weather you are feeling stuck in, thriving in, wanting to break out of, or resting in the peace thereof ... Without a heavenly perspective, routine is just ... routine.  "But in my heart, I have set apart Christ as Lord .,. He has come that we may have life and have it to the full!" I Peter 3:15, John 10:10.  Instead of looking at the routine of routine, choosing His perspective (give thanks in all circumstances) in said routine, fills me with HOPE!  His perspective is always life-giving and inadvertently gives life to Those whose educational needs have necessitated said relationship with Routine.

His perspective ... Spicing up routine ... Choosing to be grateful

Life on the Mountain

Grateful for the gifts He's given us (Praises) ... Noises in nature, the beauty of raindrops on everything, campfires with friends, the grandeur of thunder rumbling though the mountains, granola and peanut butter, candle light snuggles and movie with Adam, rice and beans, Jedi's creativity in writing, laughter with neighbors, teachers who strive to make learning fun, late night heart to hearts with M & J, technology to keep us connected, the gift of hearing a new Mama's heart, free college courses, the gift of another year of life for our Bringer of light, incredibly blessed to celebrate our earthly fathers, a youth group who knows, loves and feeds our mighty men, a date night, and a God who loves to spice up my routine! 

Prayers

Micah's plans to fly to the states August 6th for his senior year

A strong wifi connection to do a virtual Karios course with our 6 teams throughout CA

Borders to open up so I can fly with Micah

Healing from stomach bug symptoms
Safe and life giving vacation next week
Joseph & Jedi's relationship and as they process Micah leaving CR

To honor God with our perspective in routine

He insisted that the mask was vital to a zoom call! ...
how long till the newness wears off. 

Saturday morning delight ... can time slow down?!

They have a song, now they just need a band name ...

Oh these boys ...
Enjoying a mask free outing to the mall ...
Masks will be obligatory starting 6/27!

This box sat on our front porch for "too long"
in some persons eyes ...
However, it provided hours of creative and imaginative
play for the three amigos! 

"Getting his house in order" ...
checking off his tasks (organizing the library)
before he leaves CR

Micah's "Rona Hair" ...
Some would say "Mom is refusing to cut it" ...
Mom would say ...
"It looks so amazingly cool, just let it grow a little more!"  

This boy's creative ideas with recycling and hot glue ...
it's a Robot!

Celebrating Dad ...
Surprise, surprise ...
Campbell's Chunky New England Clam Chowder!  

Apple pie and ice cream ...
Celebrating this Tender Hearts spiritual birthday!

Birthday Smores ...
you have to be creative during rainy season!  

Happy 7th Adam! ...
"best gift ever" ...
He is showing his new watch to EVERYONE!

Homemade Cheezits ... This one is creative in the kitchen! 

Pizza and Netflix for the boys ...
 Steak, ribs and cheese cake for Los Padres! ...
The sweetness of date night ...
Sharing our woes of routine and
Choosing a heavenly perspective! 

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