Rice and Beans of Life: March 2023

A 9 year old perspective ...

Making the choice to forgive is hard. So is being nine years old and going to bed the earliest. Perhaps Mama needed more grace and understanding. Not realizing the futbol game was almost over, I instructed my Bringer of Light to brush his teeth and march upward to bed, already a half hour late. "But I NEVER get to stay up late and I ALWAYS have to go to bed the earliest!" As he lashed out in anger and harsh words at the one in front of him, I stepped in to soften the blow. Grownup as he tried to be, his sleepy little red eyes couldn't hold the flood of tears at bay any longer. Not making excuses for either party's behavior, I began to refocus his attention, stroke his brow and speak life over him from Colossians 3 ... Adam is God’s chosen, holy and dearly loved, Adam chooses compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Adam forgives others as God forgave him and Adam doesn't hold hurt against them. Over all these good things, Adam puts on love ... like a cozy blanket.

His eyes were closed, his breathing relaxed and a blanket of peace enveloped him. I quietly waited thinking he was sinking into the downy abyss of peaceful sleep ... nope, just concentrating on my words! His eyes fluttered open, "Mama, how can I do that when I don't feel it? I HAVE to say I forgive even if I don't feel like it or I maybe might get a discipline." Oh my precious son, that is a great question!

In his victorious attempt to stay up later, I tucked him in with this sermonette. Ephesians 5:8 -10 says, You are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord. What pleases Jesus in this situation? "to forgive." Even when it's hard and you would rather stay angry, right? "I guess". Sometimes we need to make the choice (forgive), do the action (say I forgive you) and trust that our heart will follow. When we make that choice, our heart softens to the other person and Jesus smiles at us. If we choose to say no and not forgive, holding those hurt feelings like a prized possession, our grumpy attitude grows and we make other people around us unhappy too.

I'm convinced David spoke the words, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine (Goliath) that he should defy the armies of the living God?” before his heart was in agreement to the challenge that lay before him. He made the choice: to stand for God. He did the action: stood before Goliath (without doubt, quaking in his sandals!) His heart followed: he boldly spoke - "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, for this battle is the Lord’s!"

In the depth of this mighty nine year old's question, and the simplicity with which Father answered, I sensed the gentle nudge that I too needed to make the choice, do the action and believe my heart would follow. Let go of expectations that the world has piled on me (like Saul's armor), use the tools (stones) in my bag, and trust that He will guide us, satisfy our needs in a sun-scorched land, strengthen our frame, making us like a well-watered garden.

Once again, thinking he was settling into his dream world, I quietly turned to leave. "But Mama, just one more thing, can you tell me what the score is?" Yes my son, God: 1 and Satan: 0!

Make a choice ... Act and trust ... See the deliverance of the Lord

Life on the Mountain
We've hosted and hosted again. Isn't January - April to be a quiet time for the ministry?! Cheering our beloved EAGLES on in the Super Bowl. Enjoying the blessing of family and friends who travel to spend time sharing life with us. A new school year started in the midst of hosting and preparing for the next guests. Tree trimmers created quite a ruckus as they felled the mighty protectors around Vidanet. Lots of movement preparing our laundry/storage area for a remodel from a group of 20 that arrive today. Defining new family rhythms, reinitiating morning walk/processing time, weekly communication time with two of our mighty men, El Nido events and sweet baby snuggles, mentoring, discipling and lots of facts and figures in the midst of life. And, making the choice, doing the action and trusting our heart will follow.

Praises

Positive start to 4th and 9th grades

Joseph loves what he is studying

Micah's team, wisdom in unexpected teaching opportunities

Family and friends safe travel and connection

Choices that honor God

Prayers

Wisdom and clear direction for our future

Jedidiah to make choices that build our trust

Staff for specific roles that need filled

Planning for Vida Missions

Wisdom for Daryl with taxes

Housing in PA for 4 of us July 15, 21-23

I stand amazed at moms who daily mix children, long hair and school!
One week of pre-school brushing and ponytail whining and this became the
"Before" ...