Rice and Beans of Life: March 2026

These youngin's celebrated their
25th "glad I met you day!"

I've been slowing down. Possibly due to age, but I'm not old enough for that! However in my
younger years, these were common scenarios ... Walking the boys to school at a brisk exercise pace while 4 year old Jedidiah jogged to keep up. While pushing a pregnant mama in a wheelchair over carpeted flooring, one needed a speedy momentum at a steady pace to roll easier. To avoid a possible meltdown while cruising through Walmart or Goodwill with 3 little ones playing garbage truck off the side of the cart, an efficient pace was of utmost importance. Moving to CR, God has allowed me to be physically slowed while driving due to traffic, potholes and narrow roads with big buses. A Pura Vida lifestyle necessitates a slower pace, casually enjoying a daily cafecito, taking time to ask about ones family before discussing business, walking at a slower pace and accepting the gift of Latin time.

I've been contemplating the Spiritual discipline of slowing. Not your usual spiritual discipline but one that has caused me to, well, slow down and ponder! My mind has been in need of a traffic stop with police officers to stop its speeding. It's one thing to slow down your overall pace of life by walking slower, driving slower, or to simply mosey along as if you have no place to be - like a Sunday afternoon drive. However, due to the transition that is upon us, my mind has felt like a speed train on its way to multiple destinations, never arriving at one before it diverts in another direction. And so, I've been attempting to practice "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" (by John Mark Comer).

"Quietness and trust. Living from a center of abiding."

This quote has become the sign post (traffic stop) reminding my mind to slow down. Quietness is a state of being with a calm, free from inner turmoil, mindset. Trust is essentially relying on God's faithfulness rather than one's own understanding or strength. Contemplating these two encourages my mind to think "pura vida" to slow down in the hustle of daily life. Quietness and trust is letting go of the need to control situations that govern my daily routine and focusing on abiding ... think walking casually and calmly through green pastures by quiet streams with Jesus while the weed eater buzzes next door, the kids are yelling over the music, messages summoning my response, he's not understanding math and we had to leave the house 10 minutes ago! Jesus, teach me to abide.

Can I quiet my mind in the routine of the day while the packing/purging/selling list is always in my subconscious? Do I trust Father, who knows every hair on my head, with the details of this transition? Can I slow down enough to patiently respond to that question, this need, one more urgent dilemma and the expected late starting of the event? Can I smile when the lines are long or when adversity slows my pace? When the Spirit interrupts my agenda, when sickness stops my physical movement, when uncertainty clouds my thinking ... Can I breathe in quietness and trust while slowing my pace to reflect His character? Jesus, teach me to abide.

Abiding with Jesus, slowing my pace, looking and listening for where He leads.

Life on the Mountain

Filled up February - hosting, exploring and sharing life with multiple friends from PA; Tis the season for weddings, 2 done, 2 more to go before summer! The sweet gift of seeing her grow up and become a Mrs.; connecting hearts with EMM retreat, staff retreat, and Honduras staff; Snuggling Eva, Amanda, Cruz and hugs from Rowan to fill my "Mama Jen" heart; Driving out of the clouds and into the sunshine is something everyone needs to experience; a weekend visit sharing life with Jedidiah; sickness, rest and healing; feasting and friendship with those who we have history with; Job posting of our current positions and Father's faithfulness; packing, purging and regifting has begun as people offer to take bags to PA for us; the joy of processing life with the dear women He's entrusted me with and seeing them choose Jesus first; And through it all, practicing the spiritual discipline of slowing as we learn to live from a center of abiding with Jesus.

Praise

Finance position filled

Healing from the flu

Everyone working together for a beautiful wedding celebration

Celebrating our 25th "Glad I met you day"

Every 50 lb bag arrived in PA with "no problemo"

Tuesday afternoon prayers answered!

Prayer

A good used car, washer, dryer (more needs to come)

Students as they come back for mid outreach break - working through conflict resolution?

Jen's medical mission trip to Honduras in June

Trust through transition