A few weeks back, I wrote about the water emergency up here at the farm... that one of the springs is dry, and the other barely dripping, and it hasn't been raining that much, and the reserve water we had disappeared...
I also wrote about how, a few years back in a terrible drought, our farm was the only one around here that still had water -- and it was miraculous, especially when we learned that one of the biggest reserve tanks had a crack in it. Yet we never had to buy water; Jehovah Jireh, who caused water to burst forth from a rock in a Middle Eastern desert, also did a water miracle on a Colombian mountain. God confirming himself as sovereign provider!
When our director left for a trip at the end of May, he measured the reserve and told us we had approximately 120 square meters of water: 3 months' worth. We've been careful. We've been praying for rain. We've been trusting God.
On Saturday (over 5 weeks after he checked the tank) I went up to measure the water. It appears that we now have MORE water than before he left!!! The springs are still not flowing like they should, and there haven't been any heavy rains, yet... the water hasn't diminished. It has, in fact, been multiplied!!!
And THAT, my friends, is a miracle.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Self-defense
Not defending my viewpoint, my actions, or myself... it's so difficult for me.
I'm sure I'm not alone.
Comparing myself ... to you, or that guy over there, or the lady in the grocery store... comparing myself doesn't help, doesn't change the problem, doesn't calm arguments.
A gentle word turns away anger. But...
In order to give a gentle word, my anger and self-defense must first be deflected, right?
Admitting our short-comings takes away their power over us. Just like giving sin it's name takes it out of hiding and begins to weaken the death-grip.
I have a problem with always wanting to be right. And with defending myself in that right-ness.
The thing is, it isn't my "rightness" -- but my self-defense -- that is all wrong. My approach is only self-serving, self-covering, self-justifying.
And recognizing that my rightness, or my approach to it, is resoundingly wrong... is not enough.
Recognition of the problem is important, but it can't end there.
For a while, I have correctly recognized false beliefs -- for example, "If someone doesn't recognize or admit that I'm right, or that I'm doing x,y or z well, correctly, the best way possible... then my value is lessened. Therefore, I must defend myself tooth and nail, in order to defend my worth." That's a lie, but I bought into it -- but recognizing the false belief isn't all it takes to be free!
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “ If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
In John 8:31-32 there are three distinct steps to being FREE (from the lies I've believed):
1. believe in Jesus
2. continue in his Word
3. know the Truth, and be free
I've only been walking half-way through this process, so it's no wonder that I haven't felt "free indeed." I believe in Jesus, I read and study the Word, and I often recognize my problems, but I haven't combated them with the Truth found in the Word, committed that Word-Truth to heart, and applied it on a daily basis.
So, someone doesn't appreciate my brilliance and right-ness? Someone doesn't value all that I do or say as I wish they would? Someone doesn't respect me? That doesn't take away my inherent, God-breathed identity and worth. And I can back it up with this Word-Truth:
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ... and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith...
(Phil. 3:7-9)
And for each false belief that's been keeping me from living in the freedom Jesus came to give... there is a Word-Truth that the Holy Spirit wants to give me. It's time to say "no" to my self-defense, and "yes" to this Truth. It's time to make a habit of reciting it to myself in the moments I feel attacked, or want to attack others.
I'm sure I'm not alone.
Comparing myself ... to you, or that guy over there, or the lady in the grocery store... comparing myself doesn't help, doesn't change the problem, doesn't calm arguments.
A gentle word turns away anger. But...
In order to give a gentle word, my anger and self-defense must first be deflected, right?
Admitting our short-comings takes away their power over us. Just like giving sin it's name takes it out of hiding and begins to weaken the death-grip.
I have a problem with always wanting to be right. And with defending myself in that right-ness.
The thing is, it isn't my "rightness" -- but my self-defense -- that is all wrong. My approach is only self-serving, self-covering, self-justifying.
And recognizing that my rightness, or my approach to it, is resoundingly wrong... is not enough.
Recognition of the problem is important, but it can't end there.
For a while, I have correctly recognized false beliefs -- for example, "If someone doesn't recognize or admit that I'm right, or that I'm doing x,y or z well, correctly, the best way possible... then my value is lessened. Therefore, I must defend myself tooth and nail, in order to defend my worth." That's a lie, but I bought into it -- but recognizing the false belief isn't all it takes to be free!
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “ If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
In John 8:31-32 there are three distinct steps to being FREE (from the lies I've believed):
1. believe in Jesus
2. continue in his Word
3. know the Truth, and be free
I've only been walking half-way through this process, so it's no wonder that I haven't felt "free indeed." I believe in Jesus, I read and study the Word, and I often recognize my problems, but I haven't combated them with the Truth found in the Word, committed that Word-Truth to heart, and applied it on a daily basis.
So, someone doesn't appreciate my brilliance and right-ness? Someone doesn't value all that I do or say as I wish they would? Someone doesn't respect me? That doesn't take away my inherent, God-breathed identity and worth. And I can back it up with this Word-Truth:
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ... and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith...
(Phil. 3:7-9)
And for each false belief that's been keeping me from living in the freedom Jesus came to give... there is a Word-Truth that the Holy Spirit wants to give me. It's time to say "no" to my self-defense, and "yes" to this Truth. It's time to make a habit of reciting it to myself in the moments I feel attacked, or want to attack others.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
no more long-distance!
Julio is living here in La Calera now. It's really great to have him closeby, to see each other every day, to be able to call each other without using up all of our minutes! Also, it's a bit surreal... after so long of being long-distance, we're finally in what could be considered a "normal" relationship!
The weird thing is, the other times he was here visiting, it was short-term and he was on vacation. Nowadays, though, he lives and works here; he has a schedule and so we're having to learn to be in a "normal" relationship in that sense, too.
It's always a balance, huh? When you're apart, the calls and emails might be spaced further apart, but somehow you manage to dedicate your full attention to them. When you're in the same geographical location, time is and must be divided between a variety of valuable endeavors: you may get more face-time, but it's less undivided.
But it's all good!
The weird thing is, the other times he was here visiting, it was short-term and he was on vacation. Nowadays, though, he lives and works here; he has a schedule and so we're having to learn to be in a "normal" relationship in that sense, too.
It's always a balance, huh? When you're apart, the calls and emails might be spaced further apart, but somehow you manage to dedicate your full attention to them. When you're in the same geographical location, time is and must be divided between a variety of valuable endeavors: you may get more face-time, but it's less undivided.
But it's all good!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
refuge
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord: apart from you I have no good thing."
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.
Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup (you are my portion); you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have falled for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence (in your presence is fullness of joy), with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16.
Not the one I was looking for today, but definitely something I needed to read. To let soak in. To receive.
"Apart from you I have no good thing." not one. not my friends, not my family, not my fiance, not the kids, not this ministry and vision, not even the sun to warm me... apart from Jesus, nothing is good. with Jesus, even the struggles lead to something good. beauty for ashes. gladness for mourning. laughter for tears. life for death.
You are my portion. and you are enough. more than enough. sufficient. abundant. overflowing. never-running-out.
The boundary lines have fallen for in in pleasant places. Surely I have a delightful inheritance. and not by chance. surely you, oh God, have chosen an inheritance that is delightful, and boundary lines that are pleasant for me. your will and your plans are not only perfect and good, but also pleasing and agreeable.
I will praise the Lord!
I will not be shaken
my heart is glad
my tongue rejoices
my body also will rest secure
...for in you I take refuge
in your presence is fullness of joy.
His presence IS the blessing. I need to receive what's already mine: fullness of joy, security, stability, peace, every good thing, the assurance that God holds the outcome in his hands, and that even as he allows difficulties, it is to work them into a beautiful redemption in our lives.
I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord: apart from you I have no good thing."
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.
Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup (you are my portion); you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have falled for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence (in your presence is fullness of joy), with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16.
Not the one I was looking for today, but definitely something I needed to read. To let soak in. To receive.
"Apart from you I have no good thing." not one. not my friends, not my family, not my fiance, not the kids, not this ministry and vision, not even the sun to warm me... apart from Jesus, nothing is good. with Jesus, even the struggles lead to something good. beauty for ashes. gladness for mourning. laughter for tears. life for death.
You are my portion. and you are enough. more than enough. sufficient. abundant. overflowing. never-running-out.
The boundary lines have fallen for in in pleasant places. Surely I have a delightful inheritance. and not by chance. surely you, oh God, have chosen an inheritance that is delightful, and boundary lines that are pleasant for me. your will and your plans are not only perfect and good, but also pleasing and agreeable.
I will praise the Lord!
I will not be shaken
my heart is glad
my tongue rejoices
my body also will rest secure
...for in you I take refuge
in your presence is fullness of joy.
His presence IS the blessing. I need to receive what's already mine: fullness of joy, security, stability, peace, every good thing, the assurance that God holds the outcome in his hands, and that even as he allows difficulties, it is to work them into a beautiful redemption in our lives.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
photo journal of the past month in La Calera
 |
| My broccoli plants went to flower. The day before I cut them to bring inside, I saw a humming bird drinking from these delicate blossoms. |
 |
| I went horseback riding with Annika and her friend, Justina. I live in a beautiful place! |
 |
| Sunday was a cinnamon rolls kind of day! |
 |
| TabbyCat thinks she owns my room. Here she is, lazing about in my dirty clothes bag. |
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| Today is my birthday! I received sunshine, as well as two dozen sunflowers from Julio! |
Friday, May 25, 2012
Water
Here at the finca (farm), we don't have public water service. We exclusively use rainwater and springwater for all of our bathing, dishwashing, toilet-flushing, clotheswashing, and animal-watering needs. For drinking and cooking purposes, we have large water bottles (think: the water cooler at the office) that we refill in the city weekly.
Thanks to La Niña weather phenomenon, we had way more than enough water in our numerous, enormous, underground cisterns and above-ground tanks. Our director (and neighbor) told us we were free to take long showers, flush the toilet even if it's just "yellow" (instead of "letting it mellow"), not have to save our shower water for flushing, not have to use water from the rain barrels to wash clothes... in fact, we needed more space in the cisterns to hold all that water!
Last week, he went up to check on a cistern that he had left filling from overflow from another tank. Somehow the water is disappearing, even though he didn't find any leaks. Now, instead of our overflowing supply, it looks like we only have less than three months' supply of water!
So now, we need to be very conservative with our shower and dish water; not using as much, and reusing it for flushing purposes. And, as much as we like sun, we need rain. We also need to find out if there is a leak, and fix it!
Two and a half years ago, when I first came up to live at the farm, there was a drought. I'm talking severe dry spell. All the neighbors were periodically buying truckloads of water to fill their tanks. It wasn't raining, and the springs weren't flowing. This went on for a few months. We had to be good stewards of the little water we had, but even as frugal as we were (only washing clothes in the city, for example, and taking bucket-baths), there was no way we could still have water, because on top of the climatic situation, we discovered that the cistern was cracked.
Yet, we never ran out of water. I learned to trust God as faithful provider of water. (Jehovah Jireh H20?)
So now, it's time to conserve and be wise. But it's also time to trust; not to worry!
Thanks to La Niña weather phenomenon, we had way more than enough water in our numerous, enormous, underground cisterns and above-ground tanks. Our director (and neighbor) told us we were free to take long showers, flush the toilet even if it's just "yellow" (instead of "letting it mellow"), not have to save our shower water for flushing, not have to use water from the rain barrels to wash clothes... in fact, we needed more space in the cisterns to hold all that water!
Last week, he went up to check on a cistern that he had left filling from overflow from another tank. Somehow the water is disappearing, even though he didn't find any leaks. Now, instead of our overflowing supply, it looks like we only have less than three months' supply of water!
So now, we need to be very conservative with our shower and dish water; not using as much, and reusing it for flushing purposes. And, as much as we like sun, we need rain. We also need to find out if there is a leak, and fix it!
Two and a half years ago, when I first came up to live at the farm, there was a drought. I'm talking severe dry spell. All the neighbors were periodically buying truckloads of water to fill their tanks. It wasn't raining, and the springs weren't flowing. This went on for a few months. We had to be good stewards of the little water we had, but even as frugal as we were (only washing clothes in the city, for example, and taking bucket-baths), there was no way we could still have water, because on top of the climatic situation, we discovered that the cistern was cracked.
Yet, we never ran out of water. I learned to trust God as faithful provider of water. (Jehovah Jireh H20?)
So now, it's time to conserve and be wise. But it's also time to trust; not to worry!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
soul encasements
My friends, Sara and Stephen, recently had a beautiful baby girl. She's amazing, and they are enthralled new parents. When Ingie and I went to visit them, I was amazed at how relaxed this first-time mom and dad are! We had a really great visit, including delicious chicken and veggie stir-fry with pasta (made by yours truly), Crepes and Waffles limited edition choco-mint ice cream (yum!), and laughter to the point of tears.
Stephen said something that really amazed me. He commented that his view of sexuality has been transformed now that he's a father. Sara's words as Zoe quietly nursed, "We had sex and SHE is the result," gave a tangible, breath-filled, example of this miracle, complete with ten tiny, perfect toes.
"Yeah, I mean, it's this thing that we take so lightly, but... it creates soul encasements."
And when we treat sex and sexuality as a matter of little consequence, then we treat the lives that are created as unimportant as well.
My fiancé is preparing to help lead a weekend workshop/conference about sexuality at his church. There are so many myths and unanswered questions and untouched topics, especially within the Christian church, that we tend toward sexual disorders or, at the very least, not enjoying our sexuality to the full extent that God designed and intended it for! So, even we who walk in relationship with the creator (and inventor of sex and sexuality) are tricked into looking the other way, trying to ignore something so vital, or understand it via others' theories. We can't keep ignoring our sexuality, church. Nor can we let Sex reign as god. Sexuality and spirituality are intertwined. It creates soul encasements...
If we're concerned with souls, why are we doing so much damage -- and letting damage be done -- with this twisted sexuality?
Stephen said something that really amazed me. He commented that his view of sexuality has been transformed now that he's a father. Sara's words as Zoe quietly nursed, "We had sex and SHE is the result," gave a tangible, breath-filled, example of this miracle, complete with ten tiny, perfect toes.
"Yeah, I mean, it's this thing that we take so lightly, but... it creates soul encasements."
And when we treat sex and sexuality as a matter of little consequence, then we treat the lives that are created as unimportant as well.
My fiancé is preparing to help lead a weekend workshop/conference about sexuality at his church. There are so many myths and unanswered questions and untouched topics, especially within the Christian church, that we tend toward sexual disorders or, at the very least, not enjoying our sexuality to the full extent that God designed and intended it for! So, even we who walk in relationship with the creator (and inventor of sex and sexuality) are tricked into looking the other way, trying to ignore something so vital, or understand it via others' theories. We can't keep ignoring our sexuality, church. Nor can we let Sex reign as god. Sexuality and spirituality are intertwined. It creates soul encasements...
If we're concerned with souls, why are we doing so much damage -- and letting damage be done -- with this twisted sexuality?
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