Rice and Beans of Life: My Blankie

Wrapped in His embrace ...

Sometime about 30 years ago, I made myself a soft, blue plaid flannel robe. As evening would fall, I'd wrap myself in it's warmth and feel the security of it's soft fibers. And, as I wearily clambered out of bed on frosty mornings, my trusty blue plaid flannel robe was the first thing I'd reach for. Over the years this robe would at times be substituted with a favorite shirt, sweatshirt or my Dad's robe. However, it hung faithfully on the hook behind my bedroom door waiting for me to turn my love and affection back to it once again. When I found the one my soul longs for (a.k.a Daryl), my blue plaid flannel robe moved with me to Landisville and then to Akron all the while providing the same warmth and security in it's feathery fibers. During the night, this robe wrapped me in it's warmth as I sat and nursed my wee ones. Early mornings, it dried my tears as I poured out my heart sharing coffee with Jesus. As all earthly things eventually come to an end, my precious robe was becoming tattered and thread bare. For memory's sake, I kept holding on to it and despaired in our parting. Until ... that glorious day at Goodwill when my eyes beheld the radiant warmth and velvety softness of the pale blue bundle that I was quite certain was hanging there just for me. Behold ... my warn and tattered blue plaid flannel robe was officially being rendered inactive. Without debate, I knew this new robe was a treasure from the Giver of all gifts. It took it's rightful place on the hook behind my bedroom door like a sentry awaiting it's duty. Whether being summoned in wee hours of night, or beckoned from my dream state by the morning light this robe wrapped me in it's tenderness as faithfully as did it's predecessor. The plushness of it's velvety softness was of no compare. However, for the sake of practicality and the shear plumpness of this pale blue treasure, it did not make the cut in our move to CR. Although I debated our parting and questioned my loyalties, I knew there was not an inch of space in our 18 itemized pieces of luggage for my beloved robe. In the past 11 months of life in CR, I've thought often of my comforting companion and have even longed for it's security and warmth. When the sun descends and the coolness of evening cloaks the earth up on this mountain, or in the freshness of morning when I share coffee with Jesus, I've often desired to snuggle up in the love of my blue robe. I've contemplated the frivolous purchase of one such treasure, but could never give in to this guilty pleasure as it seemed unnecessary and ... I have friends who can't even afford rice and beans. And then, in all the great, mighty and awesome things God is doing through VidaNet and throughout the world ... He cared enough to send me a blankie! Why would she think of 'throwing in a blanket or two at the last minute' for a weekend in CR? Why? Because HE knew this week I needed the sweetness of this blanket's embrace, HE knew those silly, frivolous desires of my human heart, longing for the comfort and warmth of my robe and HE chose to love me this way. Last weekend was the celebration of our New Base Dedication and one of our guests felt lead to give this plush, velvety soft blanket to me as a gift. Oh, she had no idea how much this gift would me to me ... but He knew! Can you see Him, tossing His head back and laughing in delight? ... This week my world seemed a bit off balance, I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world in my shoulders ... And then, in the simplicity of the way He loves me, he gave me a blankie!

His good and perfect gifts ... Rest in His embrace ... Simplicity of His love

Life on the Mountain

Big news for the week, Jedidiah is attending a bilingual school ... this boy had too much energy for home school! ... Leading worship when Spanish seemed to flow as easily as English, it's definitely a God thing ... Dentist visit ... Doctor visits with some students ... Daryl had opportunity to teach on quiet times ... Friday night photo scavenger hunt at the mall with the Vida220 students, "You ask, you're a Gringa and they will always say yes to you!" ...Driving to the English library, getting 'lost' and finding our way ... Mama killed two spiders! ... More opportunities to share the Story of His Glory with the Price Smart cashier, who is this Gringa that buys all this food each week?

Praises

Angels surrounding our vehicle and Holy Spirit guidance

Saturday - Sunday Sabbath

Holy Spirit lead teaching and worship

Unity in leadership

Luis's back healed

Prayers

Discernment on who to send to school and who to home school

Laura and Daniella, freedom in Jesus

El Nido Cafecito this Saturday

Healing for Roxy

Health for students