Rice and Beans of Life: "Look At Me"

It was the normal verbiage I used to get my wee ones attention. In essence, I needed their eyes "locked in" on mine for assurance they heard said request and were moving in the direction of obedience. Occasionally there was the hands-on approach of moving their shoulders towards the direction of obedience. Sometimes I held their chin, making them repeat my request while looking at me. And if needed, there was full contact - hold their hand, walk them through the motion - when there wasn't any hint of conscious choice displayed to obey. Even now, with the maturity of my hearing, I find myself saying, "Can you look at me when you're talking?"

Rambling through my mind recently is this process of obedience. Obedience starts with stopping to listen (coffee with Jesus). Obedience involves trusting the person asking for it (I need my Shepherd). Obedience is a choice (ignore or acknowledge the voice speaking), one that behooves us to ... well, to obey. There is something simple about looking at, giving attention to, for the purpose of obedience. Obedience seems to be my unofficial word for this season.

The simplicity of obedience, when I am walking in a holy fear, (think deeply, completely in awe, every ounce of my being absorbed by His awesomeness), becomes second nature. While the "I wanna do it my way-stubborn-toddleresk-stance" of disobedience, leaves us flailing with anger in a cornered timeout ... even as an adult. However, as I'm learning to take His easy yoke, I learn from Him and obedience happens before He even pulls in the other direction. Occasionally He must square my shoulders and face me toward obedience. At times He tenderly cups my chin as I repeat His request to settle it deep in my soul. And quite frequently I sense my hand in His, as He walks with me, redirecting my gaze toward the next step in obedience.

Jesus said, "Follow Me" - do as He did, does and will do - obedience. Here's the challenge to consider ... Follow Me - obey - not just in visible, prideful, nose-held-high situations when "mom is looking", but Follow Me - obey - when nobody is watching in the simplicity in my thoughts (no one will know if I do/don't), facial expressions (I see that eye-roll), holding my tongue (I am right!) or speaking the truth in love (pray with me for them).

"Leave the outcomes to Me, follow Me wherever I lead, concentrate on keeping in step with Me."

Where might He be asking you to walk in obedience?

Life on the Mountain

Lots of Christmas festivities enlightened the season with joy, El Nido snuggles to warm our heart, white elephant gifts filled our souls with laughter, and then all the planning and partying was done. The students left for break, our boys came home and we were a family of 6 once again in CR! We took time to bask in the beauty of sunsets, rested in His peace in the hammock, played Minecraft and games, puzzled and stayed up late talking, increased our food budget for the month (4 adult sized boys eat more than I remember!), lots of friend get-togethers, Current Frisbee Theorists reunion, a minor cycle accident, church with friends, one more game of Rook and celebrated the gift of Emmanuel. Our students returned and after 2 beautiful, full of life weeks together, three boys flew to the States. Joseph and Jedidiah back to work, school and normal life, Micah to Rosedale Bible college for their 6 week winter term. Our house is quieter once again, routine has returned and we are looking at HIM as we choose to obey.

Praises

Boys arrived and returned without problems

Family time was full of life

Direction in relationships

Protection and healing for Micah's knee

Peace in our souls as we walk in obedience

Prayers

Connections for Micah as he studies at RBC

As we transition out of our roles at VN and move to PA

Healing for Jen's back

Visas for Oriana and Elba to return to Vida220 for outreach

Direction and wisdom for homeschool