The Big But ~ Baby Care Love

Family bowling day

The mention of this word alone brings a camaraderie like no other in our testosterone filled residence. Ornery smiles light up their faces with the commencement of unimaginable bodily noises as this word alone evokes and endless string of jokes about that body part ... The big BUT ... However, that butt is not the but I'm endeavoring to draw your attention to. Lest ye be alarmed, let me explain ... I'm not joining ranks with said testosterone clad humanity I've been called to mother. The but I'm referring to is the one David declared countless times in the Psalms. Now that I've regained my dignity in your eyes, let's continue ...

Two weeks ago I was challenged to write out two pages of "buts" from the Psalm. In more dignified terms it's seeing the positive outcome in a somewhat negative situation. As I pour out my heart to Father with "this and that and this again or that again" I was challenged to follow these 'outpourings' up with a "but" ... A but is, something Father is or does for me. I've been challenged to read a Psalm a day and look at buts!

BUT ... The Lord watches over the way of the righteous (1:6) ... You are a shield around me, You bestow glory on me and lift up my head (3:3) ... The Lord will hear when I call to Him (4:3) ... You give ear to my words, consider my sighing, listen to my cry for help and You hear my voice (5:1-3) ... You accept my prayer (6:9) ... You are my shield and You save the upright in heart (7:10) ... You are a refuge and stronghold in times of trouble, You have never forsaken those who seek You (9:9-10) ... You see trouble and grief and take it to hand, You hear the desire of the afflicted, You encourage them and listen to their cry (10:14, 17). Be encouraged fellow warriors, these are just the first 10 chapters! It's challenging to be a Mary when there's work to be done BUT, I need His word to be a lamp for my feet, a light on my path!

Looking at buts ... Life for my soul ... Giggling Mom of boys!

Life on the Mountain

Decisions, decisions, decisions ... Another ER visit for Adam, fractured radial head (elbow) needing a sling for two weeks or until the pain stops, Counseling appointments, dentist appointments, hair cuts, labeling and covering all school supplies, a new Co-op semester, Bowling and Smash Burger fun, super bowl party, basking in a life giving work team week, destruction and construction in multiple areas of Casa VidaNet, A new school year WITHOUT tears, opening a new El Nido, sharing life and praying for families in La Cuenca, a life giving day out with the team, finding time on the rocking chairs and looking at buts!

Prayers
Byron's mom (Jasmine) had a brain aneurysm, join us in praying for a miracle
A soulmate for Jedidiah
Patience and understanding as Dona Alba and I work together
Communication, honesty and grace as we embark on counseling for our family
Finances for VidaNet
El Nido: a new director for Heredia center, the start of a new center at Casa VidaNet
As God grows VidaNet, prayers to discern what to grab hold of and what to let go

Praises
Adam's arm healed and no sling for the start school
Seeing Father move mountains around the world in the lives of friends
Insight from the Holy Spirit
Community, relationship and challenge with a ministry family we love
Heart connections that bring life to our soul
The joy of hearing Adam translate for the work team