Rice and Beans of Life: Masculine Sights, Smells and Sounds

Ice cream with a buddy

Sometimes I wonder why God filled my quiver with Mighty Men. Is it because He knows I don't appreciate the color pink? ... Did He think I would be intrigued by the sights, smells and sounds that emerge from these masculine forms that habitate our household? ... Perhaps He knew I'd have enough tears for our household or that our boys would need a place to freely share theirs ... Just maybe, He helps me minister more effectively to women without extra female hormones being shared at home ... Is it possible, that in raising our boys He is teaching me how to love, respect and care for the men that accompany the women I minister to? ... Lord knows He's given me the uncanny ability to help an expectant father or those of the male persona relax in an uncomfortable situation surrounding female body parts ... My hubby and Co. have been witness to the fact when "birth or body talk" starts happening, I hold nothing back ... Is it conceivable that, He knew I would work with women, minister to women and teach women so in His mercy, He spared me the drama of raising Princesses in our castle? ... Considering the feminine side of life, the 5 weeks we spent with our niece Jeanessa in our house left me longing expectantly for the day we will have 4 "daughters" in our family ... in His perfect timing. Nevertheless, for His divine purpose, He has chosen me to live a life encompassed by mud, dirt, lizards, Kamikaze death stunts, loud noises, laughter at bodily functions, warrior like love and ... He has chosen me to be the Mama of Males.

John 1:16 "From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another!"

This week I was pondering all the testosterone that has graced our household over these past few months ... The last two weeks in August our evenings were filled with laughter, sweet conversation and Wii as we shared cena with 6-10 extra guys who stayed to work at the base. This past week our table was filled with 3 more as our male Staff returned for Vida220. Our little neighbor buddy, Andres, joined us for ice cream and pretzel supper tonight. And, Adam's little playmates, Dylan, Andres and Mati continue to bring life to our house.

Wealthy in love ... Testosterone in abundance ... His princess I am

Praises
-The privilege of raising our boys in a place surrounded by mighty men (and women) who are challenged to lay down their lives for Christ ...
-Plenty of food and a table big enough for more
-Sista time chatting with girlfriends in PA and Morocco
-Daryl's heart seems lighter
-Play date for Jedidiah
-Micah's boldness in going to a new youth group
-Sweetest date time with Jedidiah, he thrives on 'one-on-one' time
-Soccer team for Jedidiah
-Lego Ninjago movie in English
-El Nido Cafecito ... blessing the women

Prayers
-Vida220 starts next Sunday
-Unity in staff, leaders and students
-Communication for Daryl and I ... feeling the anointing of your prayers!
-Daryl - Psalm 36:8, "That he may feast on the abundance of Your house Lord as you give him drink from your river of delights." ... feeling the persistance of your prayers!
-Safety as work on the Base continues
-Healthy and timely birth of Liz and Manu's baby
-Connecting with the women of El nido
-EMM friends visiting this week
-Patience and persistence for Daryl as he helps to wrap up the fiscal year
-Help us choose a name for the new Base https://poll.fbapp.io/names-for-the-vidanet-base