Rice and Beans of Life: April 2020

Happy 2nd Spiritual birthday!

We celebrated Adam's spiritual birthday, he is 2, spiritually. His simple acceptance of what Jesus did for him is so inviting. In reality, all of his life is a childlike faith, he's six. He left a happy birthday message for a school friend and ended it with a jovial, "I hope the corona virus doesn't get you!" When playing tag with the other two amigos, the "IT" person has the corona virus, don't let them sneeze on you. In a recent episode of The Chosen, Jesus asked a little boy his name. Before the boy could even respond, Adam quipped, "That can't be Jesus because He know's ALL of our names!"

Although Adam doesn't understand the magnitude of what the corona virus is doing nor does he understand the depth of the decision he made to ask Jesus into his heart two years ago, he is compelled to trust because of a childlike faith. To feel compelled: to feel that you must do something, because it is the right thing to do. In a sense, he feels compelled to trust us as parents (and has no care of the corona virus) because we take care of him and he felt compelled to give his heart to Jesus because somewhere in the recesses of his childlike faith, he felt it was the right thing to do.

These days are a mix of emotions. I fluctuate between: agreeing with Adam that it's better to have a simple childlike faith and know that I can rest without a care in the world because Dad will take care of me. And ... This deep intense longing of Psalm 63 where I cry out desperately for Father's sweet presence to invade the desert of fear and uncertainty that leaves my soul parched. In light of all this ... I've been contemplating 2 Corinthians 5:14 "For Christs love compels us ..." As I was reading, the illumination of this phrase blinded all else around it and I was seemingly swept up in a simple childlike faith again. The need to figure out the future, summarize the past, and the hours of contemplating the effects of the dreaded corona virus of present suddenly paled in the presence of this statement. I felt compelled to 'turn away' and curl up against His chest, breath deep the fragrance of His love and listen to the beat of His heart. "What is His love compelling me to do?" ... As I mentally checked off the list: Love Him, seek first His kingdom, share His saving grace that all may know, hide His word in my heart, leave behind the comforts of home, walk across the lawn, minister to those in need, give my time generously to my family instead of seeking a break in activity, morning exercises to take care of His temple ... He touched my lips and quieted my mental banter. While all this is well and good, the intensity of His love was compelling me to simply trust again. To open my fists, let go of the control to which I was clinging and the need to ensure everyone is doing ok as we weather this storm. Perhaps both in a simple childlike way and a desperate clinging ... I chose to trust and focus on The One who compels me to look to Him. I'm curious, how is Father's love compelling you?

Childlike trust ... Refocusing my focus ... Compelled by His love

Life on the Mountain
Wow, where to begin ... I imagine we're living similar lives even though oceans apart! School at home, the occasional outing to the grocery store, Daryl taught via a zoom call to the Honduras base, lots of family days, evenings, nights, games, puzzles, seemingly endless 'summer' play for Adam and his buddies, Sound of music and a plethora of other movies, snippets of life-giving time with the Helmuths, Adam's first sleepover, late nights and early morning routine not mixing well, late night jokes & laughter with M & J, Cakes by Jedidiah, spike ball, tag, Adventures in Odyssey, abcya.com, nitro type to see who is the speediest typer, Haircuts for the compound, neighborly bonding because we're all here all the time and practicing being generous with love, joy, patience, kindness and goodness!

Praises
Health
Neighbors to share life with
Thankful for Santi and Mati to occupy Adam's days
School work to occupy our time

Prayers
Micah's future plans. He is planning on doing his senor year in the states.
To give generously to one another
Sensitivity to know what Father wants with this time
Patience to listen, love and give each other space to be alone
**how can we pray for you?