"In Three Years ... "

tháng 1 28, 2017 No comments

Bloom where you're planted!

What causes these simple words to evoke so much emotion in me? Why does my heart ache so much when I hear these words innocently spoken by our boys? Until recently, I've let these words slide through the cracks of conversation into the pool of emotions that cause them to be spoken. While Daryl and I are asking Father daily for His heart, His purpose, His life to give us direction ... our boys are thinking ... "In Three Years" ... life will return as we knew it. While it's good to remember life as we knew it, if we're constantly thinking about returning to PA, we will not live life to the fullest here in CR. Yesterday I suggested that we stop saying those words and think about what God wants to show us in this time. God in his faithfulness has brought us here for such a time as this. In the midst of a new life where most things are different ...we are thriving in the center of His will not merely surviving these three years! Hidden in the recesses of my heart is this quote ... "Bloom where you're planted." Although these words are not His inspired Word, Father has brought them to mind often when I felt unsettled with the place He chose to plant me. So today, as always, the Lover of my Soul brings these words of inspiration ...

I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

"The Eye of Water"

Life in the City ... This was a busy week ... no time for solitude except in the wee hours of the night! Last Sunday we enjoyed a family day at Ojo de Aguas ... swimming pools filled with a natural spring spilling out 359 liters of water a second – more than 5,000 gallons a minute. Daddy and the older boys braved the 'high jump' while Mama and Adam splashed in the shallow end! ... This week I walked to grocery shop with my little two wheeled cart in one hand and Jedidiah's hand in my other. He was my protector as we walked the streets of Heredia. Sweet company, supper, Rage, soccer, playing puppy with Dylan and hair cuts with the Vida220 team ... our mornings were filled with school, afternoons with more school and our evenings with conversation and study of this beautiful language! ... The boys are excited to start language study with Ligia ... they enjoyed a snack and learned 'things from the table.' As expected, Jedidiah made us laugh with his quick understanding and ability to say a few phrases! Micah is understanding a lot and what he doesn't know, Joseph quickly reminds him! ... Adam is saying new words everyday ... Blessed by Rosario's prayers again, receiving and giving "God bless you" with the lady at the bread store we frequent ... thanking God for Daryl's ability to fix things around the house ... and the highlight of the week ...

Entering ... The Volcano!

Today's adventure visiting the Poas Volcano! The boys were excited to wake up at 6:15 for a day of adventure. We bought bread to eat on the way. loaded Adventures in Odyssey CD's and set out through the winding hills of beautiful Costa Rican country side. Arriving at our destination did not disappoint. One massive crater surrounded by rock and barren landscape and another filled with rain water surrounded by a lush green Cloud Forrest.
Blessed by the warmth of the sun ... In awe of the clouds we could 'touch' ... Amazed at the handiwork of our Creator! Thank you Father for planting us in Costa Rica!

Praises
-Each of you who are holding our arms up for the Lord's Victory
-health and fresh fruit
-warmth of the city sun and refreshing breeze of the mountain
-we made a decission on table, chairs and veggie cart
-physical strength to walk ... and walk some more
-family time
-healing for Daryl's dad
-financial partners for the New Base

Standing above the clouds

Prayers
-the Vida220 teams coming home for a week of teaching
-relationships
-minds that retain language and tongues to speak it
-letting go of "in three years"
-the move to the New Base
-that we would bloom where God has planted us
-boldness to speak
-Lord, lead us!

Adam making friends
everywhere we go!

platform of decision!

Refreshing water ... hot day

my new veggie cart

Fresh Avocado ... delicious!

God's handiwork

such sweetness

Bloom ...

God's thumbprint!

Clean Floors and Satisfied Soul

tháng 1 21, 2017 No comments

Rosario's love ...
animals lined up on clean sheets!

Rosario comes every Thursday to clean my floors (and more) ...
however, this week her encouragement, affirmation, and hugs have satisfied my soul! I've often felt that a clean house brings much satisfaction and I get frustrated when the boys immediately make it dirty. However, Rosario's weekly visits have helped me relax about dirty floors ... if it get's dirty today, I know she's coming and it will be clean once again! Her servants heart as she cleans and words of encouragement before she leaves feels like a huge hug from Father. "God is protecting you, have faith He will take care of details ... He has called you here, I can see that ... Your family is special, God is looking on you ... He gives you wisdom and patience to teach your boys ... I pray for you and know God is watching over you!" Father has shared these sentiments from His heart with me three times from three 'random' people. Feeling so loved from these encounters and knowing we are in the center of His will ...

II Corinthians 4:7-9 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down , but not destroyed!" ... To God be the glory, shine through us Lord, not by my might but by Your Spirit Lord!

"Costco" Pizza!

Life in the City ... This week in city life our souls were satisfied as with the richest of foods ...Visiting, reconnecting and enjoying tortillas & cafe' with Ligia ... an enjoyable evening sharing supper with Pablo, Jessica, Margot, Samuel while Dylan and Adam played ... growing friendship with Rosario, your prayers are being answered regarding a "house helper" ... the treasure of finding Heredia Public Library and reading books ... morning cafe' shared with my Hubby and Father, feasting on His word, pouring out our hearts ... sharing real and raw emotions, being loved by intercessors and seeing negative attitudes change as they stand in the gap for us ... 80% on second Spanish Exam, so proud of my Hubby, love to see his courage speaking to people ... family movie night with Oreos and Milk ... trip to Price Smart (Costco) feeling very north american ... a cookout and game night at the Base with Heredia/Honduras Team ... filling our 2 wheeled Veggie Cart at Saturday Market with more God encounters as people just love to comment and bless our brood of Mighty Men ... story time in our hammock ... our tongues are adapting and loving Costa Rican cuisine: rice and beans, beans and rice, platinos, yucca, homemade corn tortillas, queso fresco (fresh cheese), fresh fruit and good coffee! ... And, feeling peace in our soul as we watched the Presidential Inauguration 'across the ocean' ...
God is Sovereign, His Reign Eternal, His Kingdom Unshakable!

Library Kids area,
an old train car!

Praises
- Financial Partners for the new Base, we're moving The Base in February!
- lots of conversation feeding our souls this week
- Ligia's Spanish lessons for the boys starting this week.
- Aaron, Ligia's 9 yr old grandson who needs friends too!
- Passing 2nd week of Spanish class
- Micah is understanding lots of Spanish

Prayers
- wisdom as I teach Jedi and help Joseph with History
- decision on which church to attend ... what is God's choice for us?
- boys to openly share their hearts with us
- friends for the boys
- a dining room table to meet our needs
- safety for our Family day tomorrow at, Ojo de Agua
http://www.billbeardcostarica.com/php/newsletter_notes.php?id_edicion=408
- Business Partners to fund sponsor specific areas of the new Base

Library ... Mom's definitely excited!

??? Found this beast in our garage this morning!
Thought it was dead, nope, just sleeping!
Approx 3 inches long!

Adam and puppy thanking Rosario for clean sheets!

Jedi making burgers with the guys!

The Front Door

tháng 1 15, 2017 No comments

Living in a secluded bubble in the midst of City Life ... Our cozy home feels safe, comfortable, inviting, peaceful and secure ... however, God continues to call us out the front door! If we choose to avoid the winds swirling around us we lose the opportunity to be strengthened and shaped by them, (like the Sedona Red Rock formations in Arizona) ... If we avoid the waves by 'staying on the shore' we miss the opportunity to hear, "Peace, be still!"

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Perhaps the good to which Paul referred was not the temporal blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity, but rather being conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus. I've been pondering this journey, being conformed to His image and can testify God is certainly working everything for our 'conforming to His image'.

Die to self, Live for Christ, Conformed to His image ... Walk out the front door, face the wind and waves, show the world Christs love!

Trying to blend in!

City Life ... Walking out our front door we attract lots of attention! Specifically because Adam waves, says "Hola" and gives lots of hugs to strangers! I'm teaching him to say "Dios te bendiga" which usually results in more admiration of this "precioso machito!" ... Yesterday en-route to market we met Luis, briefly shared our stories, prayed for him and moved on. Daniel, a 16 year old asking for money, we bought him food instead. And, a sweet woman at market who was very enamored with our boys. When Adam said, Dios te bendiga she exuberantly replied, "How wonderful we serve the same God and King of Kings!" ... We met our next door neighbors who kindly informed us why our electricity was out at 1:00 a.m. ... A 4 vehicle accident right outside out front door! Can't believe we slept through sirens, noise and hours of activity this caused! ... How does one cut the small patch of grass growing up through the bricks in our inner court yard? Why with a scissors of course! Not quite the same as home, however Micah found great joy in mowing the lawn here! ... We had guests for dinner Friday and Saturday night complete with hamburgers over the fire in our courtyard. We're thankful for a constant breeze that blew the smoke right on through the house! ... We purchased a 2 wheeled cart for our weekly jaunt to Market ... Walked to church this morning and we're once again overwhelmed by Father's affection and joy during worship ...I purchased a chicken and literally got the whole chicken, even a few feathers! ... Morning walks to purchase delicious sweet bread for breakfast ... Unfortunately we met our first cockroach ... Daryl passed his first Spanish test with flying colors (did I mention how proud I am of him!) ... Finding joy in City Life!

Language School ...
anyone want to study Spanish?

Mowing the Lawn

His Peace

We continue to ask God, "What do you want to do in our family life during this time?" Daryl and I read this quote this morning and it resonated loudly in our Spirits ... Every loss leaves a space that can be filled with God’s presence. We continue to ask God to fill our spaces of loss with more of HIM! We pray for a boldness in our boys to step out the front door, we pray for humility to put others first, we pray for unity and peace in our family interactions, we pray for a desire to build relationships and to not be selfish with 'our alone time', and ... we pray for the areas of loss each of you may be experiencing to be filled to overflowing with more of Fathers sweet presence!

Sweet reminder of God's promises

Praises

Health

Sunday morning worship times

Sunshine and blue skies

God's constant companionship

Cards from home

Safe arrival of our games among other things

Peaceful nights of sleep

School feels like normal routine once again

Prayers
Ears that hear the words correctly and a heart that understands
Electrician for the New Base
Wisdom on purchasing a vehicle: if, when and what
For our 4 Vida220 teams on outreach
Connections for the boys
Businesses to partner with Vidanet for the New Base
http://vidanetonline.org/sites/default/files/users/43/corporateincentive.pdf
**How can we pray for you?**

Phoebe loves us!

Delicious Granadilla

Gladys's wrap is enjoyed by all!

Our mailbox waiting for your notes!

Cheesy bread and chocolate donut ...
not quite like Weisers

Language study

Feeling loved!

Walking to Church

Ants, Ash, Agriculture and Anna

tháng 1 08, 2017 No comments

Transition ... we've traded the mud, dirt and wind, refreshing mountain stream, climbing trees, cool evenings and beautiful camp setting of our Base in San Josecito for City life in Heredia! We're now surrounded by tile floors, warm showers, gated houses, warmer weather, noisy streets and city life offering everything at our convenience. This new transition continues to call us closer to our Solid Rock on which we stand.

Farmers Market Bounty

In the last 36 hours we've discovered how much ANTS like our kitchen, ASH covered tile floors are fun to slide on (effects of an erupting volcano for the last 4 months), AGRICULTURE in abundance at the Saturday morning Farmers Market and ... ANNA, a sweet reminder that my actions and countenance do speak louder than words. She stopped me on the street and asked, "Are all 4 of these boys yours? ...(yes) What a blessing from God (absolutely)! ... Are you a Christian, (yes) I can tell! ... God bless you in your work for Him (and God bless you)!" It was a sweet reminder of Father's affection for me.

This morning I awoke feeling lonely ... not for lack of 'stuff' surrounding me and certainly not for lack of the boys needing my attention. I miss Jessica's laughter, Margot's stories and conversation, Adam and Dylan's boyish banter and the students affection and friendship. I feel very secluded in the bustling city and long for connection. In the midst of this transition, my soul is secure in the sweet peace of being in the center of God's will ... However, I long for Jesus in the flesh. This morning as Daryl and I shared coffee with Jesus this song was our declaration ... Good To Me by Craig Musseau.

I cry out for your hand of mercy to heal me. I am weak; I need your love to free me.
O Lord, my rock, my strength in weakness, come rescue me, O Lord. (Repeat)
You are my hope; your promise never fails me. And my desire is to follow you forever.
For you are good, for you are good, for you are good to me.
For you are good, for you are good, for you are good to me.

Life in the City
(This week, Life at the base transitioned to Life in the City)
Our week started with a day at La Cuenca doing a Kids Club, praying for people and playing futbol, saying good bye to the work team from Indiana and sending our Vida220 students to their outreach locations.
Let the City life commence! Grocery shopping at Pali and Mas por Menos ... didn't know Tomato soup comes in powder form! Wednesday 1/2 price meat specials, El Lugar (Home Depot), Kentucky Fried Chicken, Cosechas and Mus Mani (Fruit smoothie and bread store) right next to each other and just up the street from our house, A day of exploring the city, farmers market, central parks and people to interact with, warm, dry heat, family movie night, hanging my wash outside, inside my house, loving our outdoor living room, walking to language school, surrounded by neighbors that we don't see due to gated houses and high walls, and ... no roosters to wake us at 5:00 a.m.!

Praises
New Base http://vidanetonline.org/dream-center
Psalm 84 and celebrating God's goodness in church this morning
Warm showers and Fresh fruit
Mama made rice and beans (does not compare to Margot's!)
Health
Rosario to clean our house
Ligia to tutor the boys in Spanish
Daryl's ability to drive and find his way around these city streets
A gift of Netflix
Phoebe ... we're cat sitting!

Prayers
Electrician for the New Base
School starts tomorrow: Daryl, language study and Home school for the boys
Visiting churches and hearing God's choice for us
Wisdom on purchasing a vehicle: if, when and what
For our 4 Vida220 teams on outreach
Connections for the boys
Businesses to partner with Vidanet for the New Base http://vidanetonline.org/sites/default/files/users/43/corporateincentive.pdf
**How can we pray for you?**

Making friends in La Cuenca

Futbol in La Cuenca

Crusin' in "The Egg"

Fresh coconut milk

Green Dragon of Costa Rica

Lunch anyone?

Our Front door, more to come ...

Sabbath, My Soul Restored

tháng 1 01, 2017 No comments

For those of you who have ever seen or can imagine a child taking their first steps ... I share this God moment. I have always pictured God standing peacefully, arms outstretched, pleasant smile, full of love, at times laughing, and holding me close. Yesterday during devotions, He restored my soul ... Much like a Father or Mother encouraging their child to walk for the first time, there HE was ... Arms outstretched, hands beckoning, face full of anticipation and excitement, eyes twinkling with life and love, bending down to meet me and cheering me on ... "Come on sweet daughter, you can do this, one foot in front of the other, come on, I'm here to pick you up when you fall, I'm so proud of you, I know you can do this, come on, walk with Me, give me your hand, lets go, this is only the beginning!"

Beautiful CR

The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want, He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside quiet waters, HE RESTORES MY SOUL! ... After a busy week, today is truly a Sabbath. By 10:30 a.m. we were all awake, enjoying sweet bread, coffee, hot chocolate, fresh pineapple, sweetened condensed milk with crackers and talking about our Favorite things from 2016. The boys are currently reading, playing Legos, napping, and watching a video, Daryl is watching the Eagles beat the Cowboys, and ... I am here, sharing the precious God moments of our life in CR.

"Everyone Paints"

Life at the base ... We hosted a Vida Mission (VM) team from Indiana. We helped give leadership to this team as we worked at Pastor Pablo's church, painting, building a truss to remove the center pole in the church, evangelizing in the park, kids club, community suppers and sharing God's love with the community. We were excited to welcome the Vida220 students home from Christmas break. They spent some days praying and cleaning at the new base. We were all together last night for a time of celebration and worship before heading up the mountain to watch fire works exploding ALL over the city of San Jose' at midnight! My heart is so full and my soul restored ... if you can even imagine the emotion of worshiping with this family and being lead into the presence of our Holy Father by two gifted worship leaders ... Pablo, leading in Spanish and Daryl, leading in English, together! Adam slept soundly in my arms, the boys were on their faces before the Lord, receiving and boldly sharing words of encouragement, praying for healing and being prayed over ... it felt like a sweet taste of Heaven, every tongue and every nation declaring JESUS IS LORD!
God's presence so tangible ... Jesus's peace so sweet ... Holy Spirit's power penetrating!

I Give Thanks to You Lord ... Brian Thiessen

Jedidiah reading devotions to Adam

"You have shown me favor unending, You have given Your life for me.
And my heart knows of Your goodness, Your blood has covered me!

I will arise and give thanks to You Lord my God
And Your name I will bless with my whole heart
You have shown mercy. You have shown mercy to me
I will give thanks to You, Lord

You have poured out Your healing upon us,You have set the captives free
And we know it is not what we’ve done but by Your hand alone!

We will arise and give thanks to You Lord our God
And Your name we will bless with our whole heart
You have shown mercy, You have shown mercy to us
We give thanks to You, Lord!"

Praises
We officially have a New Base
Health
Safety, wisdom and grace during the VM week
Adam and Dylan playing every second of the day ... and being nixie together!
Joseph's heart open to the work of the Holy Spirit
Each of you that have supported us through prayer and finances
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow ... Feliz Ano Nuevo!

Prayers
We are moving to Heredia this week
Delynn and Gloria are moving to the new base
The teams go on Out Reach
Delynn, Gloria and Carmelinda will be in the states 3 weeks in January
Wisdom on purchasing a vehicle ... if, when and what
Financial Partners to sponsor the new base