New family tradition, Culture Night, swinging, Mother's Day CR

Last night we started a new family tradition of making our own pizzas. Each of us got our own 'slate' or crust and we put our own toppings on. It was super fun and they tasted delicious!!

In other family news, a couple of weeks ago, Calvary Chapel had a Culture Night with a visiting mission team. These nights are always so fun and the fellowship between church members is so encouraging. Generally, the visiting mission team will share with the congregation using their gifts and members from the church will share as well.

This time our kids wanted to share a song. So they practiced TobyMac's A City on our Knees. I unfortunately did not get video, but here I did get a photo.

Isabelle worked really hard on two dramas with two of her friends and one of the friends mom, who is one of my friends :)

And, recently the kids took down the hammock swing and fashioned their own swing out of the rope and a few blankets to make it more comfy...

And finally here is a picture of the Mother's Day Tea at Calvary Chapel as well as breakfast on the beach on Mother's Day (celebrated in Costa Rica on August 15th).

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Monday was Mother's Day here in Costa Rica. Last Saturday, Calvary Chapel hosted a Mother's Day tea. There were many ways in which the Lord spoke to me that day, but one way was during the teaching. Rebecca taught on hearing the voice of God. One thing stood out to me - sometimes we see what appear to be closed doors in our lives...that are really wide open.

Take the example of Sarah, who at more than 90 years old had her first child. She herself felt the Lord had not kept his promise to her and took matters into her own hands, believing that the door to having children had long been closed. Yet, God in his perfect timing, opened Sarah's closed womb and blessed her with a child- in doing so fulfilled his promise to her and to Abraham.

Sarah's ability to bear children seems like a an impossibility. End of story. Until the Lord shows us that His ways are not our own and His timing is perfect.

The Lord reminded me to continue seeking Him and praying to him for the desires of our hearts, for the burdens of the fallen world around me, and for the visions he has given us to be fulfilled.

That was Saturday...

Then came Monday...and the week began and the world pulled and life happened and stress mounted...and I forgot this ever-important Truth of our Great God.

That He is faithful. He never leaves us. He never forgets his promises or His people.

As spiritual attacks mounted this week, I felt I had hit a wall- a door so closed that nothing could open it.

And Wednesday came and I became Chicken Little and thought the sky all around me was falling down...

What the enemy meant to be devasting, the Lord meant to be rejuvenating.

Our God is So good. Our God is So Great!

The Lord used special people in our lives to encourage us this week, but mostly He used His Word and His Spirit to lift us up, to carry us, to sustain us, and to change our hearts back to beign focused on Him.

Often in ministry, I am making the assumption here that this is true for others as well as it is for us, the weight of the burdens, struggles, and bondage of others weigh heavy. It can become a habit to try and carry that weight ourselves instead of giving it over completely to the One who came to take away all our burdens- Jesus Christ.

Also common, are times of discourgement. Times when it seems that doors are closing all around you. Maybe the church doesn't seem to be growing. Maybe the church is full but the people inside are merely filling the pews, failing to daily make a difference for Christ in the world. Maybe day after day, you see those you've come to love around you continue in their sin. Maybe the abuse, neglect, injustice done to children becomes more than you can bear.

Those, too, are times when the one and only single thing that can carry us through is remember where our hope, strength, joy, and peace come from- God himself in the form of the Holy Spirit living in side of us.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

God is so good and His Word is a precious gift. It is the ointment for our wounds. The living water for our thirsty souls. It is the light for our path.

And His great gift to us is His Spirit living inside of each of us who believe in Him. His very Spirit counsels us, carries us, empowers us, fills us with hope, peace, joy and a supernatural strength.

Yesterday, several women leaders in calvary Chapel met with the specific purpose of praying for the church and for each other's needs. A good friend shared from the Word. She read from Philippians and the Lord reminded us as He had her that we are not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, we are to present our petitions to God. And then, the God of hope will give a sweet peace that passes all understanding- we will no longer feel the anxiety that previously existed in our hearts...instead in it's place will be a peace so sweet our hearts and minds will rest in it. Our thoughts will then be focused right where they need to be - on Him.

Why do we forget? Why are we such a stiff-necked people?

The Lord was with us yesterday in that tiny prayer circle. The rains came down hard, we could barely here each other despite being merely inches apart. Lightening struck close and thunder crashed loudly. But the power of the Holy Spirit remained stronger than anything, filling each of us with hope, joy, peace, and His strength.

It seems that our tiny family were not the only ones to face attacks this week, as we've since heard of many others in this area experiencing more of the same. We have friends in Guatemala experiencing deep trials at this time.

The Lord is making it clear in these days of uncertain economy, disease, death, disaster...The days are evil. The days a re short.

He is coming back soon.

We could choose to become anxious. We could choose to worry.

But we need to be a people preparing ourselves for Him. We need to be preparing for the return of our King. We need to be as a bride, preparing for her groom.

Because isn't that what we are awaiting? The Banquet of all banquets...the Wedding between the bride  (Jesus's church) and the Bridegroom- Christ himself...

We are people of hope, we are a chosen people, yet often we appear no different than the world, the fallen, the pagans.

My pray today is that my life be one of hope, peace, joy, strength and one of grace. That all who see me may know of the Redeemer, may see His Spirit living in me.

When Matt and I moved here from the city two years ago, the Lord clearly gave us the vision of His church growing and mutliplying and this place being known for His glory. He clearly spoke to us about certain specific people in this community, as well as others growing to be like the cedars, firmly planted for His glory.

This week, I heard testimony of these same visions in the lives of others. The Lord clearly speaking to others in this same exact way.

We beleived this promise from the Lord before we even movevd here. We still belive it.

This week, however, our faith wavered.

We minister to children every day who some would call 'at-risk.' Truth be told, they are at risk. Every day they grow closer and closer to being sucked into a life filled with drugs, prostitution, alchoholism, and worse.

Studying the culture, you'll begin to learn that it is of utmost importance to make thigns look good- especially the appearance of faith- but it really doesn't matter what you really think, feel, or how you live your life when no one sees.

These kids live at risk, that is for sure. But maybe the greatest danger these kids face is growing up luke-warm to the person of God, to Christ in their lives, and being oblivious to the Power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word in their lives.

Every day is a challenge in this ministry.

After much time studying God's Word with friends, they still live in obvious sin- and it wears on our hearts. We ache for them to change their hearts and surrender their whole lives to God.

After a year of ministry with the kids of PFK and Bible Club, we see fruit. In our flesh, we desire more. We forget God's promise to us and we begin to doubt and begin to let our thoughts wonder to why? Why don't we see more fruit yet...we begin to doubt God's perfect timeline.

Yet, this week, in His loving faithfulness, the Lord reminded us both of His goodness.

The Parable of the Sower teaches us about the differences in the soil in which we sow the seed of Truth. Only 1/4 of the seed took root in the parable. But the seed (the Word of God) was good each time. The seed was not the problem- it remains good, ripe, ready to grow...

I am so thankful for this reminder that the gospel seed is good all the time. I am so thankful for the reminder also from 1 Kings 18 of the power of persistent prayer. During a great drought, Elijah persisted in his faith that God would send rain. After sending his servant to look for rain seven times, his servant came back and reported of one small cloud in the sky the size of a man's hand. The servant saw a small little cloud and believed it to be nothing. Elijah having trusted and believed in the Lord's faithfulness even before he prayed, did pray, and believed God would answer. Elijah knew that God would bring the rain, even if only from a cloud the size of a man's hand.

And the rain came. As did the power of the Lord on Elijah.

God is so good. What we see, present day, is this small cloud...just like Elijah's servant saw...maybe ours is the size of a child's hand...heeheehee. But still a cloud, none-the-less. The answer to pray. We see small fruit. Small changes. In a handful of the kids we minister to.

Jesus picked twelve of the thousands upon thousands he ministered to. Twelve men. Ordinary...yet extraordinary in the purpose God had for them. We believe in their example. We believe.

Thankfully the Lord has prepared our hearts and strengthened us be His Spirit this week. We are now focused on preparing for rain, beliving in His promise and so very thankful for His work here in Villarreal.

Multitudes on Monday

Today is Mother's Day in this land we now call home.

Saturday, we had a Mother's Day Tea for the ladies of the church. It was a wonderful morning spent with many ladies form the church as well as several 'invitadas,' or ladies from the community, several who did not know the Lord. All of the ladies participated and enjoyed themselves. It was a special time shared by all.

Last night at church, Pastor Phil honored all the mother's in the congregation and prayed for them.

Today is a national holiday. Schools are closed for the day and many businesses are closed as well for the day- which means many are off work today!

Mother's are surely celebrated and appreciated.

Today, Matt and the kids took me to breakfast at our favorite restaurant- Nougui's (KNOW-geaz). We spent most of the morning on the beach. It was a fantastic way to spend the morning.

Even though this day is not Mother's Day in the States, we still celebrate holidays like this one here as well as from our own country.

And so, today, I think of my mom...and my heart hurts a little as I'm not with her. It's been a tough time being back this time from the States. So many little things unfinished; so much to pray for we learned while back.

And...I just miss my mom. I guess there is a time as a child when you learn that your paretns get older as you get older and at some point you really begin to see their finiteness. That point is here for me...i realize just how very short the days are and I know very well what I miss by living the life we live- the life the Lord has called us to.

Thankfully, the Lord has given me great joy and purpose in serving Him here. My place is here and I am thankful.

Today, on this special day for mother's, I give thanks...

#'s 1528 - 1540
- family game night
- seeing youth (muchachos) serve the ladies of the church (Ethan asking to serve)
- Sunday mornings for resting and playing games...thankful for Latin American evening church services
- xooking for church
- the pain in my heart that comes from being away from my mom- eucharisteo- because I have a mom who I loves and who loves me
- a restful nights sleep\- [hoto albums documenting our life
- the privielege of being a mother
- the ift of children
- that in Costa Rica, Mother's Day is a national holiday where school is out and businesses close and employees are given the day off!
- planning visits with family and friends
- Salvation in Jesus
- that I am saved by grace, through faith in You, Jesus

Multitudes on Monday (on Tuesday)

Today I sit and am so thankful for the work of the Lord in my life. I am so thankful for the community of faith- around the world. Thank You Jesus, for your shed blood. Thank You, Fatherm for sending Your Son.

#'s 1451 - 1465
- having real heart-toheart with Gabriela, Cindy, and Dayana- Thank You Jesus for this breakthrough
- the tropical sounds I've grown so used to hearing- howler monkeys, certain tropical birds, parrots
- hummingbirds
- butterlfies
- seeing how our kids love others
- the cool way You bring together Your family, Lord
- speaking Your Truth into the lives of children
- Ellie and Fannie coming to church with Gabriela, Neysi, Dayana, Eddy and Gustavo
- having the problem of not enough space and not enough chairs in the church
- a community of believers, all imperfect, all being transformed
- for the shed blood of Christ
- for my salvation, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ
- because when I call, You hear me
- because You came when I called, and rescued me
- because You've given me hope and the promise - security- forever with You in eternity

"What do you miss most?"

Often when we are asked the question,

"What do you miss most from the United States?"

And always my respons is, "FAMILY."

Usually the person responds with, "well, of course. but...what else?"

And so I pause to ponder...

Four years ago I could quickly list off several restaurants or food items that we just didn't have or couldn't find here.

Three years ago, I probably still would have rattled off a couple food places as well as Walmart and Target.

Last year, I rejoiced when we ate Chick-Fil-A for the first time while in the States!

And the truth is that there are still certain places we like to go when back in the States. There are certain cravings that we each have from time to time. But, honestly, the longings have begun to wear off for things like that. It is still nice to go back and visit the places we love...but one thing I've noticed is the longing for more places and things like this -

Cousins. Together, impromptu picnics on the bright green grass. Family farm. Red euipment settled in its spot next to shining golden wheat, brilliant against that bright green grass. Under the oak tree. That same oak tree standing there for the almost 15 years I've known the McClain family.

Moments like those are what I miss most. Colors like these are so very fond to me. Places like this one are what make me feel at home. Allow me to relax and forget about everything.

Comfortable, familiar. Never-changing.

This lane. Driven on so many times. Instantly slows me. Gravel cracks and shifts under the tires. Now used by grandpa and grandkids; uncle and nephew.

Sweet times like this. Those are what I miss most. Places so familiar, so comfortable. Those are what my heart aches for. If I never had Chick-Fil-A again, but could have my fill of this place...my heart would be filled with joy.

Multitudes on Monday

We've settled back into the laid back life that we've grown to love. The suitcases are pur away, new clothes put away, things back in their places...I sat down to reflect this morning on all that God has done in the past month- His great goodness...and read through almost 20 pages of testimony to the great things He has done!

I did not blog while we were in the States. It was a decision to rest and be still and bask in His goodness. To savor the moments of each day. And today, as I read back through them, they all came flooding back. That is the real beauty of keeping this journal of thanks- the testimony and permanent record of God's blessings in my life.

So, I feel compelled to share with you from our time in the States- not the whole record, but a glimpse. My prayer is that you will see Jesus in each entry, each record of blessing in my life, each "loveprint" as my friend Sarah calls them.

Testimony of God's gifts taken from #1044 - #1384
- walking into Tim and Sue's at 1:30 in the morning and feeling instantly at home
- seeing my mom for the first time in over a year
- seeing the kids pick up with grandparents as if no time has passed
- the first Samantha hug
- seeing Samantha take the time to explain punctuation to Audrey
- early morning on the lake; watching the day come alive
- reading that Michaela found a way to wear out Gustavo
- Justine's emails
- Thak You Jesus for PFK interns
- seeing the ministry continue in our absense
- Sue's hospitality
- meeting with friends you haven't seen in over a year- and feeling like you just saw them last week (Ron and Carol)
-fun family time at the farm with Rog and Sue and Mark and Angyl
- wrestling with rog and mark
- seeing Mark spend time with Ethan
- Tim and Sue- 42 years of marriage
- talking with Jenny
-big, round waffles (Tyler)
- playing Euchre until 1:30 am with Chris and Amy
- Arni's junior salad with garlic bread
- red-breasted robins
- seeing all the grandkids huggin my dad and seeing his smile
- the generous giving of God's people
- carpet between my toes
- celebrating freedom
- adoption
- speaking Spanish at a little country church (Hickory Grove) in Indiana
- getting to know Zoey again
- pool time at the McCarty's
- feeling so at home at Aunt Sandy's
- Tuesday morning ladies Bible Study
- loving my friend who has lost her husband (Sharon)
- peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies
- Tanner taking Ethan to the movies with Emma and Zoey
- the blessing of older ladies who love and guide me
- remembering Naomi through Zoey
-spending time with Aunt Sandy
- getting to know Emma
- Ethan and Rob together again
- comforting Samantha
- pruney little girls after hours in the pool
- despite my ugly-offending sin, You offer me saving grace through faith in Jesus
- Ken and Sandy Meyer
- Sandy riding her bike with her Daisy dog in the basket
- being with Mom, Sam and Samantha at the lake
- the Caress family, Kevin and Telene, Aly, Jojo and Serena
- Jojo Caress hugs
- shopping with Telene- unexpected huge blessings
- Aly Caress with big plans for her life- thank You Jesus
- family shopping day
- Mike and Katrina Jenkins
- Your grace and mercy in a cruel world
- Marco Polo
- edifying conversations with good friends
- water sparkling in the sunshine, so bright my eyes are blinded for a second- reminding me of the brightness of Your glory, Jesus
- Your Word, changing me to be more like You and enabling me to flee from sin
- a day on the lake in a boat
- turtle doves- "whooawhoo-whooo"
- Marco Polo with Sam
- marshmellow faces
- Wilbur coming to visit
- peace, quiet, and relaxation
- pop-in plastic-cased lead pencils (think 3rd grade)
- fir, maple, oak trees mixed together - all green, all God
- mother-daughter talks; side-by-side and in person
- help from my brother-in-law
- life on a lake
- Steph's chili
- encouragement from people I've only 'met' through emails, letters, and phone calls (Kathie Shoemaker)
- En Secreto in the park in Terre Haute
- the call to pray fervently for a sister in Christ
- El Jaripeo
- late nights with Tim and Sue
- Costa Rican breakfast at FEPC
- the Butchko girls taking the time to come and share with us and encourage us
- having time to talk with Steph
- seeing Audrey with Andrew
- the way the cut hay shines golden bright against the green rows of corn
- seeing Ethan have so much fun with FEPC youth
- family history
- falling right back in a routine with friends who are really family- Doug and Karen
- Indiana sweet corn
- being in the kitchen with other women
- a home full of people who love and care for us and partner with us in ministry
- swimming in Aunt Paula's pool again after all these years
- reminiscing with family
- the way You God weave together hearts of friends who've come together through Your work in us
- Audrey's 7th birthday
- King's Island
- time with Rog and Sue
- Audrey's face coming off the water slide
- Audrey being able to ride the Beast
- Izzy's joyful scream down the slide
- Ethan riding the Diamondback
- Froggie- the pillow pet
- a night alone with Matthew
- Matt's sense and awareness of danger
- Sue W. being so helpful
- singing "This is the day!" on Audrey's birthday with Sue W.
- Caleb and Tyler's love for Ethan
- Ethan's patience with younger kids
- having a blreakdown and my mom being there to comfort me, hold me and let me cry on her shoulder
- Leah B's hugs
- Sharon Druley hugs
- Samantha Fern White
- hearing of God's mighty provision and seeing how He chooses to bless others so that they can then bless others
- hot water showers
- good gallo pinto breakfast the first day back in Costa Rica
- answered prayer of keeping Matt alert and giving him quick reflexes right when he needed them
- helpful airport workers- answered prayer
- our moms getting home safely from Chicago- answered prayer
- pulling up to our house and seeing our dogs for the first time
- immediate settling back in to the laid back pace of life here
- finding notes from Michaela all over the house
- Bible Club the first day back- 42 kids - Praise You Jesus!!
- Cindy's amazing smile and awesome hugs- her clinging to me
- Gustavo's kiss on the cheek, welcoming me back
- first Sunday back at Calvary Chapel




Thank You Jesus for Your presencce and blessings in my life!

Still here...

Hello again...seems like a long time since I was here...but sometimes life demands that you put away the computer and just live and enjoy and see and smell and listen...and all of those things and more I've been doing while we were in the US on furlough. It was a sweet, refreshing time. We are back in Costa Rica now, settling back into this slow-paced life we've grown to love. I'll be posting soon and re-joining the Multitudes on Mondays...but for the past few weeks I've just needed to be still and silent.

Sure hope you understand...

Have a blessed day.

Multitudes on Monday

Well, time has flown by and we leave for the US in two days!!! Normally I am a planner and I start about thee weeks before we leave for the US with my packing lists, gift lists, and preparation. However, this year, life is a little more busy than usual...so I started EVERYTHING last week. YIKES! Today, I have last minute things to do and...uhh...oh yeah- PACKING! Hahaha... no biggie there.

So, this trip back, like every year, I reflect on how good God is to allow us to go back and visit each year. He has always provided for our needs...and our desires to go back and visit family and friends. But also, every year, what happens is this time of refelction on all that God has done over the year. Mainly, how my heart grows more and more attached to Costa Rica and her people, as each year passes.

Last year, we felt such a connection to our friends and church here that it was hard to leave. Circumstances being what they were last year, we were unsure of our future in Costa Rica at that time. So our hearts were sad as we  left, not sure of a permanent return.

This year, however, our hearts are burdened with a feeling that is very new. We've wrestled all week with this dread of leaving loved ones- those here with whom God has uniquely knitted our hearts. For the first time in four years, I feel like I am truly leaving my home...but in a strange sense...to visit what is also home.

This feeling is not new- the one where I feel so at home in Costa Rica that to leave brings sadness, mixed with the feeling of not quite fitting in at our US home, yet feeling that intense desire to see family and friends.

But this time, in these days, it is a different song my heart sings. It is the song of a love so great for the place and people God has placed us that it is painful, scary, and just plain difficult to leave. Even knowing where we are going. Even rejoicing in the blessing of this trip- that pain is there, gripping me. All week long I've been on the brink of tears, wrestling with this in my heart. Almost not wanting it to be there, as if I have become a traitor of sorts. Yet, in the same moment, a sweet feeling of peace washes over me as I realize that my heart is God's home and I am at home only when I am residing with Him. I realized last night during worship what a sweet time in my life this is, to have been given this love. My heart seeps joy and for that, today I am thankful!

So today, I continue to give thanks to the God who is the giver of all good things.

#'s 1025 - 1037
- for the way my heart breaks to leave this land, even if only for a month
-for thoes here who are like family, who in the very sense of the word are
-for those who place hands on us and pray
-for worship in English
-for Marvin Mefford's beautiful voice and how it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it
-singing praises to my King
-being broken with gratitude, joy and praise
-love for You, Jesus
-being able to say, "See you Thursday!" to my parents
-being loved
-girly birthday parties
-the joy of friendship
-the beauty of restoration

July Prayer Letter

Below you'll find the test to our July Pryer letter. If you'd like to receive these updates through email please leave a comment and your email address and we'll add you to the list!

“Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions.” 1 Peter 3:8 The Message

Potter’s Field Kids (Las Manos del Alfarero)

June has been an encouraging month for us, both in ministry and in our family. We ended the second book in Bible Club and again were so pleased at the hard work and dedication of the kids who completed their books, including several of the 4-6 year olds. We also saw a breakthrough in the English class, as we have finally seen recognition and retention. Several kids gave short presentations at Parent’s Night this month in English and it was very encouraging for us all! And, we are seeing fruit from the months of studying Genesis in both the Potter’s Field Kids and in Bible Club. We wrapped things up last week with an overall review and it was super encouraging to hear how much the PFK kids have retained. Please pray for our teammate, Victor, and our three interns, Michaela, Justine, and Natalie, as they run the ministry while we are in the States. Potter’s Field Kids will continue to run on an adjusted schedule and Bible Club will continue as normal. Please pray for Natalie and Michaela, as they take over the English class and Justine as she takes over the cooking and becomes the official photographer. Pray for these precious kids while we are away. Our hearts are heavy as we leave for this visit to be away from those who’ve become our family here. We are so thankful for Victor, Pastor Phil and Rebecca, the ladies of the church who faithfully help each week, and the PFK interns that the ministry will continue in our absence. Praise God for His provision!

 

We are so very thankful for Potter’s Field Ranch and PF Ministries and the HUGE support they are for the ministry here, both in the form of financial support as well as sending awesome young people who are seriously committed to obediently serving Jesus. One of these ladies is Michaela Schwarz. She is serving her second term with us and is a blessing to all those who know her. The Lord has done a truly amazing work in her life and we’d like for you to join us in praying for her and for His continued work in her life. The following is her testimony of God’s mercy, grace and love in her life. “Though I was raised in a Christian home and I called myself a Christian all of my life, my words were contrary to my actions. I was around 12 when I started becoming rebellious, which grew worse as I got older.  In high school, I started going to youth group and really liked the church, though I was still a different person at home and with my friends than at church.  But after some huge problems in my family came up, I lost any desire to follow God.  I started cutting, starving myself and started getting into drugs.   I soon became extremely weak and sick.  After being rushed to the ER by my parents, I was sent to a rehabilitation center.  I got kicked out after only being there for a few hours, but after a week in the hospital was allowed back in. After spending 3 months there, I left and started back up all the things that I was doing before.  It wasn’t until the youth pastor of the church I had attended sat me down and told me some really hard things.  He and his wife explained to me where my choices were leading and showed me the life and freedom that is found in Christ alone. I finally broke down and ran into the arms of the Father who had been calling me to him for so long.  God put a passion for children and missions on my heart and almost exactly a year out of rehab I was heading off to Potter’s Field Ministries in Northern Montana. It’s amazing who God chooses to use for His glory!  Now I’m working with the ministry full time and am growing in His abundant grace every day, ready to follow wherever He leads.  Hebrews 12:1-3”

 

We are so thankful the Lord has provided for this visit to the States! Please pray for us as we spend much needed time with family this year, as well as several supporting churches. Pray for a special night of sharing in July (see next page for more). Please pray that all we do and say be glorifying to Jesus and that His great work here in Costa Rica be made known there. Please pray for the PFK kids as they reach the half-way mark in school– pray they find the courage to keep studying. Pray for those who lack loving, caring homes. Please pray for those who suffer from neglect. Please pray for Pastor Phil and Calvary Chapel Church. We are thankful for those God has allowed us to serve with over the years. Please pray for fellow missionaries serving in San Jose, the Kuzdas family. Pray also for the Droke’s here in Guanacaste, as they make disciples and shepherd new believers in a poor, spiritually dark area called Matapalo. Praise God for the opportunity to study God’s Word (in English!) with Ron and Meredith, while our kids get to have P.E.-pool time!

Multitudes on Monday (on Tuesday)

Due to a power outage in our neighborhood yesterday, I couldn't post...

However today I am in awe of our heavenly Father, His goodness, His grace, His mercy, His deep and wide love for me.

When I started this journey about six months ago, I wondered about how long it might take to record 1000 gifts...1000 seems like such a big number. Yet, when I ponder the scriptures that talk about the number of grains of sand and the number of stars in the sky...the number 1000 is so very small.

Yet, today marks for me the passage of 1000 gifts...time passes by and I've marked down, made a rememberance marker of God's glorious works in these past 6 months...thank You Jesus for this journey that will never stop...of giving thanks, receiving grace, be filled with joy!

#'s 986- 1004
-floaty ring toss with Justine and Michaela
-seeing fruit in the PFK kids- they have retained what we've been studying
-"Yo quiero nadar en el rio de Dios!"
-Corey doing dishes
-watching Little House as a family
-reading of Your work, Lord, in the lives of young women
-seeing how influential one man can be in a community- God please open Alvaro's  heart to You
-answered prayer-renewed strength and spirit in Michaela
-another restful night sleep
-hearing the girls play quietly early in the morning
-good morning kisses from matthew
-good morning smiles form Ethan
-Isabelle making her bed
-having a yard full of grass
-the amazing, caring, and beautiful way You created man and gave him dominion over the earth
-that You enjoyed watching Adam name all the animals
-that You are Creator of all things, yet You love me so deeply
-thankful that the fkea bites I have are a reminder of those who've suffered excruxiatingly more than I for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of the name above all names- Jesus...

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Happy Father's Day!

To my hubby...

...Wo's a great Daddy to our three blessings...

...as well as acting father to so many other precious blessings...

I love you!

To my Dad...

To my little brother...

And to my Daddy-in-love...

And to so many others...Happy Father's day!

Let it rain...

Every once in awhile a kid just needs to be a kid...

Partnering with Potter's Field Kids allows us the opportunity to share the gospel, make disciples, teach kids English, feed hungry kids, tutor them...and, sometimes-

just let them be kids :)

A fantastic time was had tonight by all...in a tiny little town...in a sweet little church...on a muddy dirt road...as the rain fell down...Laughter rang out as if the church bells were ringing...

Thank You Jesus, for such a sweet time with  group of precious kids!

PS: I got soaked, too...one of the girls pulled me in...it's just that nobody got a picture of me :)

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

Sunday, we celebrated 36 years of life of Matt. We started the day as we always do on a birthday in our family, waking up the birthday boy and singing "This is the day...!" and also of course, "Happy Birthday!" Then the kids gave him the cards they gave him and some chocolate and I gave him his present that I successfully kept a secret, thanks to the help of Natalie, Justine and Michaela!

We went to breakfast at our favorite restaurant in Tamarindo...because breakfast on the beach has become a family birthday tradition...and visited some friends in tamarindo also...Saturday, we spent the day at Playa Conchal with another family and Justine and Natalie. It was a great day, except for the Portugues Man of War stings at the very end. Thankfully everyone is ok :)

Here are some pictures of the weekend...

Portuguese Man of War sting...

OUCH!

"This is the day! This is the day! That the Lord has made! We will rejoice! We will rejoice! And be glad in it! And be glad in it! "

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Audrey's card

Ethan's card

Family photo after breakfast on the beach...PS: the girls are not drinking Imperial- those are just the to-go cups the restaurant has...

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Multitudes On Monday (on Tuesday)

Being broken...why does getting there have to be such a mess?

If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding and if you look for it as if for silver and search for it as if for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:3-6

This week has been a boiling point of sorts...that has left me broken before my King...weeks of stress piling up combined with strange sicknesses, Portuguese Man of War stings, car troubles, and an evening in the emergency clinic...just about did me in...But in this world, we will have trouble...and I am thankful that My King, Jesus, is bigger than he that lives in this world...Thanks be to God for HIS strength...for HIS understanding...and that from HIM all blessings flow!

#'s 865-879 in a never-ending list of YOUR good gifts...
-Victor's heart
-the gift of interns
-learning of Your work in the lives of young women
-how You weave our lives together in such cool ways
-the bond we have through Christ
-matthew McClain <3
-doggies
-fish in the ocean
-rice with veggies, black beans, and filet of fish
-Genesis = beginnings
-imaginative play
-sisterly love
-my pajama pants
-mornings cool enough to drink my chai tea without sweating and to stay in my PJ's for as long as I want! :)
-ice cold water

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Multitudes on Monday

As I sit and listen to the rain, I am deeply thankful for the life God has planned for me. I am deeply thankful for the little I have to complain about. I am deeply thankful for the family I have. I am deeply thankful for the friends he has brought into my life. I am deeply thankful for HIM.

May you today bask in His goodness and stop for a moment and give thanks to Him.

#'s 781 - 795

- manta rays (sting rays) floating by us in the ocean
-the stingray shuffle
-fish flapping around in and out of the ocean
-Ethan snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean Puerto Viejo) as if it was as normal as the sun rising and setting
-Eden, Ezekiel, Elijah, Audrey, Isabelle playing all day together, happily, and without a care in the world...except those sting rays...
-sand soup!
-french toast
-sushi
-date night
-a heavenly Father who relentlessly pursued me and rescued me, paid an incredible ransom for me, showers me daily with grace, mercy and love
- girl game night
-rainy days
-the incredible  intricacies of God and His creation
-that He is I AM...and I am so not...
-that we literally have no words to describe Him- He is indescribable

Brooke's babblings...

"Babbling Brooke"...that's what he used to call me...

I used to be in band in junior high and high school. I remember in 6th grade I tried out for the flute and the clarinet. My band teacher told me he needed me in the drum section, as it was painfully obvious I was tone deaf...  :)  so, began my drumming career. I played the snare drum, and actually really enjoyed it. I liked playing the different traps and being able to keep the beat for the rest of the band was kinda exhilerating. I learned to play bass and cymbals as well, and in high school even played set in the pep band. It was really quite fun. And probably theraputic in many ways, to be able to pound out frustrations on an inanimate object. Wait...I mean...yeah...

I played through my junior year and in my senior year I dropped out completely of band. Why? For a long time I chalked it up to just not having 'enough time.' That's always a good excuse, right?

Well, the truth is, even then, I wasn't really a quitter. I've always been kinda type-A when it comes to finishing a task...until of course, I became a mother and then I just had to learn to walk away and forget it until the baby stopped screaming or supper was prepared or the spilled cereal was cleaned up, etc.

But, back to high school band....so, the real truth is- I quit band because I was so scared that year. I was running away from God, despite His clear calling and persuing me. I was running away because that year I suffered great loss. Three people in my life died tragically that year. It was too much too bear for me.

One of them was my favorite teacher, my band teacher, Mr. Fred Albro. The one who discovered my tone-deafness...

His death rocked me to my core. I saw him every single day at school. He teased me relentlessly. ALWAYS. He pushed me farther then I'd ever been pushed to succeed. But he allowed me the opportunity and gave me the encouragement I needed to step out and do what I was most afraid to do- play that big drum set in front of all those people at all those basketball games. I still think I didn't know what I was doing, but he always encouraged me. To this day, I can see his face. See his smile. I remember the time he threw the eraser at me...and almost hit me...

Two other friends of mine also died that year- one from leukemia and one in a car accident.

But the death of Mr. Albro was by far the most painful and most difficult and the reason I couldn't be in band again. I couldn't even set foot in the band room. And I didn't again until after I graduated.

After those three deaths in a matter of mere months, I ran from the relentless pursuit of God. I don't know what was going on in my head, but I didn't want to hear the voice of God, yet I for sure wanted Him to hear me. I wanted him to know how angry all of this had made me. I wanted him to know how hard all of it was. I wanted him to know how badly I hurt inside. How I felt like at any moment I might crack and fall to pieces and never be able to be put back together again. But, I wouldn't let myself crack, Instead, I tried to quietly and slowly destroy the life He'd given me. I didn't go off the deep end, I truly believe because the Lord showed me great favor and grace, but I tried in several ways to make myself punish for my rebellion, which I clearly knew was wrong...

Praise God, He was relentless, His love for me never changed and I ran into His arms several years later and He has held me tight ever since.

But that fear, that self-perceived need to be punished still shows its ugly head. Just as in the Garden of Eden, when the crafty, cunning serpent so easily deceived Eve, his same tactics work on me, even today.

I've been thinking of those days in my life recently. I look back and wonder how my parents survived those years. I wonder if they really even knew the depths of my hurt. I really don't think anyone did. Yet, God my Father did. He knew each one personally, because you see, he had already felt each one on the cross. I just didn't know that then. I just didn't understand how safe His arms were. I just didn't want to think about the price He had paid for my sins. I couldn't fathom that He had taken that punishment that I knew I so rightly deserved.

I think I've mostly been remembering those days recently because I see in Ethan more and more some of my traits...that is soooo scary, by the way. Seeing yourself in these precious babes God gives us to train and care for. One thing I see is that he has rythym and is always tapping out the beat to the song playing or to the one we are singing or just to the one in his head. He loves the drums and I often catch him in the storage room at church practicing on the drum set there. So, that is pretty cool- seeing him develop a shared interst of mine. Then there are things, like sin struggles, faith struggles that are not so cool to see in my not-so-little man. Just this week, he shared with me how hard it is for him to understand how he can just all out talk with God. Like, how is he supposed to talk with him like he and I talk? He struggles with how to change out of the practice of acting on his own desires as opposed to acting out of what He knows is God's desire for him. He shared with me his frustrations that night- "I accepted Jesus, then got baptized...now what?"

Good questions. Little man-boy. Mama. Two completely different people. Same struggles.

This call to make disciples rests so heavy on my heart. And the thing is- I don't even have to walk out the front door to do it. God has given me these three little people to make disciples. What a privilege. What a weight.

So that night, I wanted to run.

How Lord, do I train this little man-boy. He is growing so fast. And I mess up so terribly every day with him. This world pulls at him. He seeks you, but my example speaks louder than anything I can ever speak to him.

And, God in his mercy and grace speaks to me. He speaks for me.

⁷ Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
⁸ When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
⁹ Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
¹⁰ When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the LORD will take care of me. 
Psalm 27:7-10

'For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you" Deuteronomy 4:31

So, God in His infinite wisdom has used this week to remind me of His awesome power. He has used this week to remind me of who He is. He has reminded me again of my first love- Him; of the gift of marriage- Matt; of the blessing of children- Ethan, Isabelle, and Audrey; and of His call on my life.

I started reading the book, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I'm only on chapter one, but even in the first few pages of the introduction I was caught up in great worship and drawn into a sweet embrace with my heavenly Father I've not quite expereinced before in a book other than the Bible itself. I've been journaling like crazy and there's some real uncomfortable-ness happening in my heart...in a good, Potter-molding-the-clay way.

I've been a Christian about thirteen years now and this week, a simple few moments with my sweet son and some awesome moments with my Great God have brought me back to those years long ago and caused me to revisit those moments when I began tackling all the Big Questions in life. And it is such a good thing. It is so good to revisit that time before you surrendered your life to Jesus. It is so good to go back to the Cross, with Him, be there in that moment, when He breathed your name.

Never let God become so common that He becomes familiar and lacks awe.

He is the I AM. He dweels in unapproachable light; He is the Glorious One, yet He comes near to us, draws us to Him, left that light to enter the darkness of this world and took every single sin upon Him. He is on one knee, asking each one of us for our hand in marriage. Eternal bliss lies in wait. Will you reach out. Will you give Him Your hand. Will you enter into matrimony with Your Almighty?

He is HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! Perfect, set-apart. There is nothing that can compare to Him. No words can describe Him. He reached down in love, succumbed to death,  to give us life. To give me life.

Today I read through 1 Peter 1.
I must: prepare my mind (Romans 12:1-2 and take every thought captive), be self-controlled (Galatians 5:22, Proverbs 15:1), set my hope freely on the grace given me by Jesus.

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us..."
 A.W. Tozer

Then, there's this song that keeps me running. Straight to Him. Maybe it will with you, too.
http://youtu.be/FJ2_Gg6ka-k