And then there was one…

Last night after Bible study, my suegra and my aunt came over for a little bit.  My suegra went over to look at the fish and exclaimed, “Oh!  Que paso?!”  I went over to see that one of the fish, affectionately known as Bebe was on his side near the bottom of the bowl.  It was confirmed  that he had passed away.  So down the great white bowl he went. 

The reason for his death is still undetermined.  I’m sticking with the story that he was sick when we bought him and it was only a matter of time.  I have nothing of the guilt for his passing. 

My apron…

I love the gal.

We first meet a few days before I moved back to Mexico. I had been on the hunt for a good apron, but had yet to find one. She was bright and cheerful looking, and I smiled the first time I saw her. We met at the clearance rack too, so that made her even more beautiful.

She comes in handy for all sorts of things…

* a towel when needed.

* a conversation starter with the neighborhood women. “Where on earth did you get your apron?! You don’t see anything like that around here.” Aprons are all the rage for housewives here….especially the ones over 50 like most of my neighbors. Mine is unique with a pretty flower and everything.

* She keeps me dry while washing dishes or doing laundry.

* And she keeps my clothes clean while cooking. [If you have ever seen me cook, you know it’s a must!] Never mind that I don’t remember to put her on till after I have made a mess of myself.

* When not in use elsewhere, she adds color to the entryway.

* And it is always fun to see what’s in her pocket at the end of the day.

{Edit: I am using this post from the past to link up to The Little Pink House for “Apron Week at the Little Pink House”}

Breakfast.

 

A mango close to it’s last day.  A  yellow apple.  Juice from an orange. 

I had some fresh fruit that was not-quite-so-fresh any more, but still not bad.  I needed to use it all up, so I put it in the blender, set it on a low setting to make a chunky orangemangoapplesauce.   

Today’s Dinner

Roast with chipotle salsa on top of tostados with lettuce.  Creamed corn soup topped with fried tortilla strips.  And mandarin water to wash it down.  

Little things say “You are loved”

Like this beautiful drawing of myself done by my six-year-old-cousin. 

A Monday.

 Yesterday, Rafa was sent by his work to run errands in Xalapa, the capital city of our state, which is about an hour away.  Xalapa is much larger than out little town of 30, 000 people, is full of arts, hills, street vendors, parks, architecture, and because of its lower altitude, spring is in full force there already.  Rafa was told to accomplish the errands and then enjoy the day.  I was told I could tag along too :) 

So after breakfast we set off on our bus.   After a few hours, a few taxis, and several miles of walking, we accomplished the task at hand, and then enjoyed the rest of the day as told.  By that time it was late afternoon, so we got something to eat, decided on a movie to see, ran a few personal errands, and spent the rest of the time window shopping and talking.  We got to the bus station that evening to discover that it would be an hour and a half before the next bus would leave.  So we set out on foot again, not really knowing where we were going.  We came  upon a little café, so we ordered our favorite [cold] beverages and waited out our time there. 

We ended up back home around 10:30 tired and content.  My vote is that Rafa should be the errand boy all the time!

Treasure.

 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:21

I wrote this verse out on a card the other day.  When Rafa saw it, he said, “Hey, isn’t the other way around?!  That where your heart is, that’s where your treasure will be?” 

Many times we interpret this verse that way.  That your resources,  go where your heart is, but in fact it’s the other way around.  Your heart goes where your resources are.  In how I spend my time, what I prioritize, what I choose to think about,  where I put my money and my talents, leads and changes my heart. 

Our hearts are tricky, deceitful, and change often.  The hearts that belong to Christ are a work in process, but we  can choose where we lead our heart. 

It has been said, “You are what you have been becoming.” 

And its true.  What I invest in today will have its fruit, good or nasty, tomorrow.

So I ask myself, where is my treasure?