Rice and Beans of Life: April 2025

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Our upcoming transition was overwhelming. The list of 'need to do' was glaring and I was squinting ~ closing my eyes ~ in avoidance. The emotions with this transition had my heart frozen in its tracks. He had a multitude of "ideas, what abouts and look at these" and yours truly was feeling inadequate for the task of releasing 'just one more'.

This Ones leaving is rocking our boat. It will greatly change the dynamics of our family. We will routinely live at home with ONE son under our roof, and one who comes home weekends. My Mama's heart has been all over the spectrum of emotions. Excitement - for the adventure that awaits him; Grief - for our impending loss; Anxious uncertainty - wondering if he is ready (he has proven that he is!); Peaceful certainty - God is answering prayers and providing the way; Joy - he knows the necessity & desires a daily life with Jesus; Nostalgia - google photos reminds me daily of my chubby-cheeked, blond-haired cherub that he was; Pride - he is taking initiative and setting himself up for success; Longing - to hold tightly to this mini-me a bit longer; and finally, Admiration - his exuberance for life and worship of our Creator is anointed, not because of any effort of his own, but because Father has anointed him!

As I aimlessly perused the rack of secondhand items, wondering if this would be the last treasure hunt with this one, a t-shirt quote caught my eye. Immediately it was planted, taking root in my soul and seemed to be on random repeat beckoning my full attention. "Focus on what's in front of you and what's in front of you will come into focus." As I turned it over to Father's wisdom and waited for His holy revelation, you'll never guess the sanctified answer He prompted in my spirit ... Make a spreadsheet! When transition is upon us, there's no better way to make sense of our thoughts, lists, agendas and 'don't forgets,' then to put it all on a spreadsheet. If I may, let's liken it to a spiritual discipline. A spreadsheet in a sense allows one to release 'all data' into Father's capable hands without anxious worry. And so with peaceful anticipation, on February 10, 2025, we made a spreadsheet for "Jedidiah's move to PA". Rather than focusing on the big overwhelming picture, said spreadsheet allows us to focus on one thing at a time, checking it off as Father provides. Simply stated, as we focus on what's in front of us - Jedidiah's transition - what's in front of us - the beautiful transformation of this Tender heart - comes into focus. What are you focusing on and what does Father want to bring into focus?

Focus on releasing ... He is our faithful Provider ... Sanctified spreadsheets!

Life on the Mountain

March was full of ... welcoming home, pouring into, resolving conflict, meeting the parents, providing rest for our dear leaders and students and sending them out again. After nearly 2 weeks with them, we sent them back to outreach and welcomed 2 Vida Missions teams to share life with. In the midst of the VM outreach week, we retreated for the weekend with our Central American EMM team enjoying reconnections and snuggles from sweet Eva. We sent the VM teams home in time to host a local youth group and refocus on school. In the midst of this, normal life continued to happen ... tax prep, doctoring students, leaders and ourselves, planning and purchasing, mentoring through life experiences and relishing time with our boys in present and via video calls. March promised to be a whirlwind and we are feeling the physical effects of said whirlwind! As we turn our focus to Father, He is faithful in providing rest and bringing into focus the fellowship and practices that brings life to our souls.

Praises

Doctor Carla's wisdom and friendship

Adam (and mom) are learning a lot

Father's faithful provision for Jedidiah's move

Sweet fellowship with Branch church

AMCA youth leaders

Friends who know us and care about the details

Prayers

Job for Jedidiah

Vehicle for Joseph

The transition of Jedidiah's move

Wisdom for our aging bodies