A Different Way of Looking at Fall

Many of you have told us just how beautiful the fall colors have been this year in the states. Some have asked what fall is like here in Costa Rica. Below are some of the fall colors that we are enjoying.

The brillance of RED


The hue of MAROON

The splendor of YELLOW


The variation of FUSCHIA




The brightness of ORANGE



The delicate touch of PINK (yeah, I know it's not a fall color but it is so pretty, I just had to add it too)


And who would think that there could be blooming, in the FALL, right outside our door on the ledge of the porch these African Violets?



Color - a gift from God to display His handiwork! Happy Fall wherever you are.

There are weeks...

There are weeks and then there are WEEKS! Well, last week was one of THOSE WEEKS for me. My mind was filled to overflowing and it began to come out my eyes. I got to the point that I didn't think that anything I said made sense, that I couldn't say even one sentence without errors. But thanks so much for praying for us. It is because of your prayers that we can survive those weeks and get to the other side victoriously.

Usually every week we have to present a Bible study plus other presentations in our conversation classes. Week before last, we had 2 Bible studies on male Bible characters and then last week, we had 2 on female Bible characters. Each one takes anywhere from 5 to 10 hours to prepare for about 20 minutes of presentation in class. Add that preparation to the mountains of review/homework in grammar and the constant introduction/review in daily classwork and just daily life. And the realization that the others in the class are seemingly flying through the day, understanding and speaking with ease. So thanks for praying! It is ONLY through moment by moment prayer and LOTS of study that we survive. When we look back and see from where we have come we are AMAZED. We realize too, our trail doesn't have to keep up with anyone else's however, it can be overwhelming at times...and last week was. Well, enough of that but just wanted you to realize just how much we depend on your prayers, especially to carry us through the times we can't walk. Thanks.

But isn't God good?! In preparing my second Bible study last week, God spoke. Martha was a disciple of Jesus who had opened her home for Jesus to come and teach. In Jewish culture it was her duty to take care of the needs of those in her home and they just kept coming. She had opened her home because she was a disciple and she wanted to hear what Jesus had to say but now was feeling "abrumada" or overwhelmed at all there was to do. Cultural demands and her own expectations of what she had to do overwhelmed her and caused resentment. So she went to Jesus. I love the fact that she didn't confront Mary because Mary's not helping really wasn't her problem. Her problem was within her spirit. Listen to what she said..."Don't you care that...?" And what did Jesus say? "Martha, Martha, you are disturbed and confused about many things. But only one thing is necessary and Mary has chosen the better part, that which will not be taken away." He called her by name. He calmed her inner restlessness, the fears, the self-doubts, the self-imposed expectations. He knew her heart and her desires. He reminded her of why she had opened her home for that which will not be taken away. I don't see Jesus' response as a rebuke to Martha but rather a reclarification of the life of a disciple. And so when I felt isolated and alone I could run to Jesus and say...Don't you care?! Then Jesus called me by my name; He calmed my restlessness; He exposed my self-imposed expectations; He reminded me of my heart's desire; He reminded me of that which will not be taken away; He reminded me of the life of a disciple. Now isn't God good to speak in the middle of assignments?!

Hope your week is filled with reminders of God's goodness!

Update on Stephen's Electoral Results...

Stephen ran an excellent race against an incombent who has been in office for many years. Although he didn't win the district seat on the city council, he came in second with 24% of the votes. Way to go, Son, we are so proud of you!

It is in Your embrace...

Do you ever struggle with self worth? Do you ever think that everyone is passing by you on the road of ministry? on the road to learning Spanish? May you find comfort and hope in the following...

Today I come close. I feel You and I can't resist.
I go running to Your open arms for me.
And I am a child again, innocent through You.
That child has found in Your arms, the Father that there is in You.

It is in Your embrace, my Lord, where finally I know who I am.
In the miracle of Your love - that has given me identity.
It is in the embrace, my Jesus, that I remember that cross
Where You went to die with open arms for me.

The past was erased with red ink (your blood). You loved me;
With Your wound You healed my pain.
And I am a child again, innocent through You.
That child has found in Your arms the Father that there is in You.

It is in Your embrace where is my peace.
It is in Your embrace where is my home.