In the Line of Fire

Tonight I was reading an essay by John Eldredge. He wrote about those times in which we feel like God is silent. Why does he not hear our cry to take us out of the line of fire? As Eldredge writes, that's not where we are in The Story right now. In fact, we are promised to find ourselves in the line of fire. Jesus told us clearly that the thief comes to steal and to kill and to destroy. So, why are we so surprised when he actually steals and kills and destroys?

I'm studying the book of Daniel right now. In chapter eight it speaks of the enemy as the master of intrigue. The original word used here has to do with loosening or tightening knots. Right now, our enemy is the master at tightening the knots in our lives. But, we do have the promise that one day we will find ourselves in the point in The Story in which the Master at Loosening Knots will win the day.

Five Minute Residency Renewal!

Do you remember the hours and hours and days and days that I have spent at Immigration, trying to get my residency in Costa Rica? My last appointment was amazingly easy compared to previous years, but this year's experience takes the cake!

I was due this month for my annual visa renewal. But, our agenda is so full that I was totally dreading taking a day off to wait in line for a appointment. So, on a whim one evening I did some web research and came up with a toll number to call for appointments. I decided to give the number a try the next morning. After just one ring, a polite young man answered, identifying himself as "Alejandro, from the Department of Migration." I explained to him my desire for an appointment for residency visa renewal. He asked my name and ID number and put me on hold. After about a three minute hold, he returned to tell me that I have an appointment for June 24th, 2010.

"2010?!?" I replied. Yes, indeed. 2010. I told him that I'd heard that they were giving appointments just one to two months in advance.

Alejandro replied that if I wanted to go to the offices and wait in line for an appointment, I could get one within two weeks. But, my residency would remain valid until the 2010 appointment if I preferred.

I said to him, "Well, it only seems to make sense to not go, wait in line, and have to go through all the red tape of renewal when I can just go in 2010 and have a valid visa for another year meanwhile."

He said it was totally the most logical option. When he told me I would have a confirmation email shortly, I held my breath. Previously with Immigration, they refused to give any kind of documentation to prove that something was in process.

Within the hour I had a confirmation email. AMAZING! Thank You, Lord! (And thank you, too, Alejandro!)

Don't Steal the Orchid!

Tulio, our gardener, brought me a valuable orchid. After doing my best to give it occasional water and plenty of sunshine, it finally bloomed! It is an unusual, but lovely flower. He says that when it finishes blooming he needs to put it on a tree that is not easily seen by the public. Otherwise it will be stolen right away, because people around here know how rare and valuable it is.