Salgate ... Go out!

Celebrating Dad!

"You are not done here yet!"  I heard it as clear as the neighbors boom-booming base that has interrupted my Sabbath.  I actually heard it twice.  The first night I questioned if it was for me and the next night, there was not doubt, He was speaking to me.  

But Father, I am weary, I don't care if "we're not done here" I can't do one more thing!  I need a reset.  I need a refocus.  I need a rest ... the kind My Cave, (The Cave) from nearly 2 years ago, provided for me.  

As I sat dwelling on the solitude of My cave, filling my spirit with praise music from a pastor friend, the worship ended and he started speaking about the miracles Elijah saw/preformed in 1Kings.  I was ready to forward past the sermon to the next set of songs when I realized ... this is the story I just read to Adam AND, he may be referencing the passage about "MY" cave!  Yup ... he did.  

In summary ... Elijah saw 'all these miracles' then he fled in fear of Jezebel and hid in a cave!  He even cried out to God, "Let me die!" (aka take me away from all this, I'm done!).  God's response ... Imagine the annoyed mother tone one might take when discovering your child is hiding in the closet eating a whole bag of peanut butter cups.  "What are you doing here Elijah?!"  Blah blah, blah blah, blah blah, blah blah (hiding in fear and worry after I saw Your miracles) Elijah whined.  Father simply said, "Go out! ... Go out and stand on the mountain in the Presence of God!" 

Then, He tenderly whispered to my spirit, "This doesn't mean do anything except to be in My Presence ... you've seen miracles, you've felt my hand upon you, now leave this desert of anxious worry and despair, step out of the comfort of the cave and daily make the decision to be in My Presence."  You see, in His goodness, He wants to restore me/us because ... 'we're not done here yet'.   Rest is coming, but more importantly, His Presence is here.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, (not the problems), delight in, commit to and be still in His Presence. 

"Good God Almighty, I hope You'll find me praising Your name no matter what comes!" 

Life on the Mountain

Feeling the cloud starting to lift ... Lots to celebrate: Dad's day, 8 years of life with Adam and 9 years of eternal life for Jedidiah ... Teaching Adam what his name "Bringer of Light" means and being challenged to do the same ... A week of exams ending in 2 weeks of vacation feeling hopeful for the return of in present classes ... Lots of Vida Missions activity, airport runs and sickness.  Thankful for 12 negative Covid tests! ... Half of our 6 are in the states, looking forward to the return of 2 of them! ... Birthday parties, play dates and sharing life with our community ... Choosing thankfulness brings light and focuses us on being in His presence.   

Praise

Sisters who care and desire healing with us

Seeing light in Adam's soul

Jedidiah's companionship

I boldly disposed of 4 spiders and a large centipede in the span of 24 hours ... missing my mighty men! 

A sabbath retreat

God ordained meeting, walls coming down

Safe flights and Daryl's time with our two oldest MM in the States

Prayer

Home leave housing and timing 

School options for our boys - virtual school is not working well

Readjusting to be a family of 5

Renewed vision

Inner healing from a year of grief, we are weary

God to ordain our steps 

Choose joy and gratitude

Go out in His Presence! 

Yes he ate it all ...
 Yes it was his supper ...
and Yes, he did sleep that night!

Kai is happy that 'Uncle Daryl' finally held him : ) 

Celebrating our Bringer of Light! 

"YES Mom, please let him smash my face in the cake?!"

Precious friends to help Adam celebrate ...
His faithfulness, NEVER runs out!

"I could get used to this!"

God's favor is on this one ...
Thankful for summer employment ...

Tee time with the guys ...
My heart is happy! 

How many hours did they spend here? ...
Lego creativity knows no bounds of time!

All creatures great and ...
thankful this one is small! 

Psalm 118:24 

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.

Little Black Dress

His faithfulness ...

Every gal needs one.  I'm not talking the simple/elegant cocktail dress that is reserved for "that" occasion . I mean a versatile, "can dress me up or wear me to a summer picnic" little number.  I've had a few in my lifetime and unashamedly, I can very specifically remember each one ... I know, forehead slap, right ... But that's just how important this particular material possession has been to me!  

Each one, for all intended purposes, needed to serve well through: weight gain or loss, life-bearing belly present or deflating, summer heat or sweater accompanied winter, be perfectly paired with flip flops or boots, and could be adorned with dangly antique gold, simple pearls, or colorful stones depending on my current mood.  Finding the absolute perfect little black dress was like finding treasure of pure gold.  Seriously, there was such elation upon finding each of these regal garments over my lifetime.  Recently, I laid to rest the current token one without having a replacement in hand.  It had far surpassed its years of glory and its $6.99 price tag had served my earthly physique well ... probably 2 years to many!

Least you be concerned with my focus on said earthly treasures, rest assured, He's laughing with me at this post.  You see, HE knows what my heart longs, even faints, for.  While this earthen treasure has captured my eye, I sensed this 'symbol' was a reminder of His faithfulness. Seriously, while He's asking me to let Him hold all the seemingly monstrous mountains of trouble, hardship, sadness and strife, He cares enough to place this unexpected treasure along the road in my valley.  While serving Him, as I discovered said treasure, a giggle of excitement erupted from my heart.  His simple reminder came as a tender whisper ... "My child, you need to laugh again.  Don't miss the joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."

For some, reminders of His faithfulness comes in the form of a heart shaped rock, a cross shaped stick, a flower hidden beneath the dead twigs, an obedient choice from ones cherub or a perfectly painted sunset.  And now, for those who are reading this and laughing with me, reminders of His faithfulness may just come in the form of a little black dress.  

The following morning, His promise adorned my soul much better than said treasure adorned my body ... Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity (and a little black dress), she can laugh at the days to come."  He knows this promise is the desire of my heart, it's how HE created me ... I just needed the reminder.  I'm curious, how is He reminding you of His faithfulness? 

Green in my soul ... Black dress on my body ... Father, help me laugh again! 

Life on the Mountain

Micah was home for 3 weeks and returned to PA to graduate from high school.  Joseph is stateside for a month and has his driving permit.  Jedidiah is cooking supper weekly and more if I have the patience to let him invade the kitchen.  Adam will be 8 in a few days and is loving his adventures with Gabe! Daryl and I are finding treasures that remind us of Father's faithfulness while walking through the valley ... (Look up, remember!).  We're in the midst of hosting our 2nd Vida Missions team and feel blessed to receive their energy and joy for life!  May brought an all time high of Covid cases here and driving restrictions are implemented again.  Lots to learn as we choose to reflect on His faithfulness instead of donning the weight of the world.  And, learning to laugh again ...

Praises

His faithfulness NEVER runs out

Heartfelt communication with my soulmate

Glimpses of renewed vision

His gentle reminder, "we're not finished here yet." 

Lives impacted through teaching and drama

Prayers

Home leave housing and timing 

School options for our boys - virtual school is not working well

Renewed vision

Inner healing from a year of grief, we are weary

God to ordain our steps 

Choose joy and gratitude

Stand tall Mighty Men! 

Still in shock ...
wishing I could experience this first hand!

MTO breakfast!

The longest his hair has ever been ...
6 months and counting! 

Put that boy to work ...
He willingly said yes to scrubbing a greasy floor! 

Vida Missions bringing us life and laughter

Taking us to the foot of the cross ... 

Partners in adventure ...
water boy companions!

Micah's graduation gift ...
Joseph was along to celebrate ...
Rocket launch, lots of Space to explore, Florida heat ...
Young at heart grandparents! 

Left over night has never looked so plentiful ...
Missing our two oldest Mighty Men! 

Come to Me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest 

... rest for your souls as you focus on My faithfulness! 

Look Up

I have a stiff neck.  The left side of my neck has been affected for "?" too long.  I could use a good,

Taking time to Look Up ... 

chiropractic manipulation!  My tense shoulders and sore neck too often give way to a migraine.  I feel the knot and don't remember it not hurting.  This annoyance has caused me to realize that the only place my neck feels "normal", no pain, is looking down while reading, writing, doing food prep or at my phone.  Wow! ... 

While nestled in my hiding place, assessing the pain, I looked high above - up.  I realized how out of practice my neck felt in this position.  Like a gentle breeze, I felt the tender tip of my chin and "look up" whispered in my spirit.  The lesson ensued ... "Stop looking down, around, or elsewhere and focus your gaze upward.   Look up, towards Me, your Trustworthy Provider, Life Sustainer, The One who sees, cares and knows what He's doing.  Look up, breath deep, bask in My presence."  I'm quite certain, if I can put into practice this daily, habit forming process, I will soon have the dorsal muscles of my neck in tip top, upward looking shape!  

Loss could be my theme since March 2020.  However, I'm choosing trust.  Loss indicates a pruning, purging, and plucking that is characteristically for my benefit.  As I begin stretching my neck upward (signifying trust), I envision looking above the cloud covered plateau of my foggy headed, focused on worry, mindset.  Assuredly, things are radiantly clear, there's a freshness, and I can breath!   

Therefore, fix your thoughts on Jesus.  

Hebrews 3:1

Life on the Mountain and Praises

Most exciting news, we are setting a table of six once again!  Micah is home for 3 weeks and we are relishing every minute we have with him! ... Covid is rearing it's ugly head in CR once again and we are living under restrictions for the month of May.  SO thankful school will remain in person 3 days a week in spite of these restrictions ... Thankful to welcome the Nofziger family, share the leadership load and meet in person with this amazing leadership team ... they have hit the ground running! ... We've had some hard good byes and the tears flow easily thinking of them ... Celebrating lots of April/May birthdays at Casa VidaNet ... Youth group has regrouped, feeling blessed they have started up again! ... God's provision of an interim Vida Missions director, thankful for obedient hearts! ... Preparing Casa VidaNet for a wedding that needed to be reduced to 1/3 of the original guest list.  Thankful we can still celebrate! ... The gift of Jon and Dawn, receiving date nights, beach weekends, a safe place to process and unload our burdens and their insight and Godly wisdom ... Sun filled mornings, afternoon rain showers and exercising my upward gaze. 

Prayers

Planning for Vida Missions teams in the midst of Covid

Legal issues, many bullet points under this one

Vida220, God's call for the students, leaders, and a director

This weekends weddings

God leading for an intercessory team for VidaNet

God, help us Look Up!

The deliciousness of Donde Adrian ...
Our new favorite burger joint!  

The Nofziger family ...
 Loved, treasured and we can't thank God enough for them!

Celebrating this life because
Jesus cleaned out his heart and lives there!

Paperwork completely submitted for residency ...
now we wait for the official documents! 

Proud owner of this treasure! 

Celebrating another year of life ...
Yup, it's Auntie Anne's in Costa Rica! 

"No, Jesus can't die!  He already did and then rose again! 
Let me show you where" ...
Adam's bible study!

Micah's graduation capstone speech ...
thankful for family to surround him! 

In his happy place ... 

Going to the beach in more ways than one ...

Refreshing their souls ...

Mom's helper reward ... He never asks! 

My Mama's heart is full ... 

Isaiah 41:13 

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you; Do not fear, I will help you!"

Washing Machine Whirl

Listening to His melody ... 

In that one, amazing moment of complete silence, I became keenly aware of all the noise around me. One doesn't have to be skilled in rocket science to know the truth of that statement.  The constant buzz, humm, whirl, chirp, chatter, breeze, drip, drop and dog are so ... well, constant.  So constant in fact that I don't even realize the barrier it builds to truly hearing.  This whirl (white noise) fills our lives every single moment and we are accustomed to living with it.  And, not until the electric goes out and I have that one, amazing moment do I truly realize, I'm not hearing.  

The same holds true to That relationship, The One that really matters.  The constant weight, burden, fear, uncertainty, anxiety (a.k.a. whirl) creates a barrier to truly hearing the heart beat of my being ... Father's sweet voice.  I know He desires to quiet me with His love, to rejoice over me with singing.  However, the struggle to truly hear His melody through the constant aforementioned physical or spiritual whirl, leaves me throwing my hands up in surrender ... sweet Jesus! 

My hiding place ... I usually walk hand in hand with Jesus, surrounded by wild flowers, the sun is just perfect and the breeze an even more saintly accompaniment.  Today, as my hiding place invites my blank stared presence, as I numbly try to listen, the whirl is present, the worship has started.  My minds eye pictures it differently today ... He is carrying me.  I cling to His neck, the tears flow both physically and spiritually, and the sweetest melody starts to pour over me ... His melody.  The anointed plucking of ... a banjo.  I know right, couldn't He use a more soothing instrument or melodic voice?  The truth of the matter is, my weary soul was longing for His sweet presence and as the tears flowed ruining my makeup ... His anointing love, through a banjo, flowed over me. 

The constant whirl makes it challenging to hear my next thought.  However, He promises, "Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest!"  He may have used the pause in our electric to get my attention.  However, He doesn't say get away from the whirl, He simply says, "Come".  And when my soul obeys in spite of the whirl ... there is an inexplicable stillness, a breathless silence, the whirl fades and He speaks.  "What whirl is silencing the sound of His sweet melody for you?"  

He carries me ... He sings over me ... He uses the whirl  

Life on the Mountain

These weeks feel surmised by late night meetings and early morning awakenings from our youngest mighty man; A beautiful mountain to hike and friends to hike it with;  The directors house was cleaned by a host of angels from Oregon and CR;  Enjoying ice cream and laughter with these angels;  A successful week of exams for J & A;  Grading 4 months worth of 10th grade;  Afternoon rains, clear nights, stargazing;  Listening to a sisters heart and sharing mine;  Joseph working diligently to finish his year before Micah returns;  Birthday pool party, Haircuts and meatball subs were huge highlights of our week;  And ... trying to listen in spite of the whirl. 

Praises

Angels who clean, organize and reconfigure furniture 

Land borders open, this makes for easier travel

Dr Carla's care of Adam and free medicine

Camaraderie in our leadership team, sharing the load

Friends who listen again and again

He speaks to our heart and sings over our weary soul

Those coming 

Prayers

Those traveling

Healing for our family, colds, ear infections, allergic reactions

Our physical, emotional and mental health ... ask Father for specifics : ) 

Wisdom and direction for Vida Missions Teams

Transition with our new directors

Father's call to Vida220

"Let me see redemption win, Let me know the struggle ends ..."

To hear His melody in the midst of the whirl. 

Slow and steady ... buckle up boys! 

He couldn't wait for spring like weather! 

Angels from Oregon

PVM floats to celebrate a days work

Three historical icons ...
Jesse James, Albert Einstein, Christopher Columbus ... 
Make your Mamas proud boys! 

The 3rd cross ... a view worth hiking for! 

Feeling safe at home! 

"I'm running away" ... 
At least he remembered his deodorant and kitty!  

Sunday morning smiles and eggs ... 

"You can feel secure even in the midst of cataclysmic changes,
through your awareness of MY continual presence."
(Sarah Young, Jesus Calling)

Nestled

Breath of life ... Nestled

We are in the midst of a torment.  Physically, the wind is literally swirling with seeming gale force strength, threatening to topple even the tallest tree with deep roots.  I've even questioned how our tin roofs can possibly remain attached.  Emotionally, the toll of this torment has ravaged us to the depths of our soul, threatening (albeit not succeeding) to strip away our peace as the tin on our roofs, attempting to upend our banqueting table with its feast of promises that He has nourished us with since long past.  Spiritually, the gale force winds have thrown their heart and soul into taking our eyes off the Maker of these winds.  The lies pelt like rain, "where is the hope for tomorrow ... I'm not sure it really will be ok ... YOU have seriously called us here for this?"  

I've come to this hiding place feeling bashed, battered and blubbering.  He tenderly wipes my tear stained cheek, tips my chin toward Him, I'm pretty sure there was an eye roll on His part as once again ... He's asked me to choose trust.  To choose, "the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something" ... specifically Him.  

In my minds eye, I stand on the precipice of this cliff, arms spread wide, the sun on my face. In reality, I'm tucked in the yellow corner of my hiding place as the winds whip around me.  I'm safe.  I'm nestled against, I'm rooting deep, I'm feasting on and ... trying to choose trust.  The peace that ensues is the cushion of calm at the center of my being, that place I've nestle into that enables me laugh in the face of my tormentor.  Yes, there is bright hope for tomorrow. Yes, it really will be ok.  Yes, He has called us here for this ... 

1Chronicles 16:11 

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."  Not just when the storm rages, it's a daily resting in His radiant presence.    

The peace of the hiding place ... The storm rages ... The choice to trust.

Life on the Mountain ...

School is currently 2/3 at school and 1/3 zoom at home.  Last night's sentiment is felt by all, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually look forward to going to school tomorrow!"  AMEN son! The fact there are 4 new girls in his class might be of slight significance! ... Cleaning out and preparing a house for our new directors ... Sunday's sabbath rest ... Heart felt conversations with staff ... breathing in the sweetness of sharing life briefly with El Nido Mama's (Covid protocol slightly enforced, hugs permitted, snuggles welcomed) ... The boldness to investigate new possibilities for banking ... Hand shaken, homemade ice cream ... Video calls with Micah ... Sharing the culture of Costa Rica with his school class ... Dreaming with our boys about their futures ... and ... Choosing to walk forward in trust when the temptation to curl up and cry feels more inviting.  

Praise

Physical protection, health and strength

Mental fortitude - we know where it comes from!

Hearts willing to open up and share their pain

Restructured family devotions

Friends near and far who desire life for us

Sharing life with the Ebersols, a highlight for all

Grief is a journey, it comes in parts not all at once

Those moments when His spirit floods mine and a song comes forth

Peace as we trust

Prayer 

The Transition - there's a huge weight in those words

To find the missing pouch

Nofzigers as they come to VN to learn, love and lead

Peace in Joseph's heart, for future plans, for hope

Miracles of healing for Richie, Johnny, Nathan

Restful sleep, healthy bodies and peace over our minds

God's increase over Vida Missions teams and Vida220 students

To choose trust

Putting his energy to good use!

Trying his hand at homemade bread ... success!

Dig in ... delicious Cas mousse.

Then came, they played, they worked ...
Our lives are fuller because of their Love for Father ...
The spontaneity of their visit was a gift from Father.

A cherished visit with Dylan and Don Samuel ...

Plant sitting ... my heart is SO happy!

Yup ... it's dead. 
Really God, you don't need to keep
crossing my path to get over my fear! 

Those we love to share life with ...
His good gifts to us!

While this laughter was happening ...

This was happening.

Here's to Us.

He calls me ... 

Feasting on this promise ... 

Exodus 33:14
My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.