Rice and Beans of Life: Favored

Basking in His favor ...

This week I attended a "You Are Worthy" women's conference and I've been contemplating what it feels like to be favored. Wow, can you even imagine? What does His favor look, feel and sound like? ... He's been reminding me ... Psalm 34:5, "Those who look to Him are radiant and their faces are never covered with shame! Can I even begin to grasp this favor?! While we use the phrase, "Resting in the fact that His hand of favor is upon us," I've found myself pondering ... Where is His favor when things don't go as planned, if I look to worry instead of Him? Does it leave or transfer to another He deems more holy or worthy? Is it always there and I only need to rest in it instead of seeking it? Does He still call me favored when I choose my way instead of His?

Last Sunday we ventured out on what was to be our last border run. Two hours from home, our van started making a rather unsettling noise. As I reflected on the events of the day and whether or not His favor remains upon us, I've concluded ... it most certainly does! ... We felt His favor in the subtle prompting of our spirits to return to the town we just passed through where we had connections. Pulling into a Transit police station, we felt His favor in the fact that they knew what mechanic and which tow truck driver to call at 7:00 on a Sunday morning. His favor was evident as we called our mechanic 2 hours away and she said they'll be waiting at the garage for our return. As we rode the 2+ hours home in our quiet van loaded atop the flat bed, we felt his protecting hand of favor. Favor poured over us in the multiple small waterfalls by the roadside that cooled our overheated tow truck on the steep, curvy mountain trek.

It's not for me to question "God, why? If Your favor is upon us, why did this have to happen?" but rather ... "Father, as I look to you (radiant), let those around me see Your favor (never covered with shame)!" Perhaps Henry, Gustavo, Taylor, the Police and all those we met on our second border run, needed a second chance. By His grace, possibly our words and actions during this trial wet their appetites and left them longing for the sweetness of His presence, fullness of His joy and tenderness of His compassionate love! His favor came in the form of treasured companions to encourage, guide and help us on our way.

Look to Him ... YOU are favored ... Basking ...

Life on the Mountain
Learning the art of El Salvadorian Pupusa making - delicious! ... Hillsong concert ... Border run x 2, enjoying the company of Evan and Manuelito ... The second one ending with a stop to ease our tense shoulders and weary bodies while relaxing in the Volcanic hot springs of Arenal volcano in La Fortuna! ... A two day "You Are Worthy" women's conference ... sharing life with the few staff that remain on base ... feeling the weariness in our physical bodies as we try to rest by quiet streams ...

Praises
Border run success
Family bonding in the hot springs
Words of life as we affirmed each others talents
Housing for our home leave is surrounded by Father's presence
Celebrating 18 years of wedded bliss (9-2-01)
His favor unending ... even when things don't go as planned.

Prayers
Details and decisions for our home leave
God to raise up financial partners for our second term, January 2020-December 2023 ... message us for details!
Father call the next generation of Vida220 students
To choose the freedom that comes with hope while feeling despair
Gloria, as she journeys with her father through illness and change
Our vehicle situation ... our van motor has died!