keepthefaithbaby

A Christian reflects on life, news, etc.

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Protecting the Apple Trees

In Chihuahua, Mexico on our recent trip, we drove through the apple orchard region. I was interested to note that there were special nets installed to protect the apple trees from hail, some already spread out, others ready to be spread upon warning. Later that day, we realized it was the right season, when rain and hail fell. There were also heaters near groups of trees, which we learned were lit at times when a frost could destroy the early blossoms or fruit.
It made me think of how we need to take extra measures to protect children, and baby Christians too, from those things that could harm them unnecessarily when they aren't able to protect themselves.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

The Dakotas, Southwest... and Copper Canyon


















What do all those places have in common? Well, I was reminded of the Badlands of North Dakota, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and the canyons of Colorado and Utah, as Cuco and I visited the Copper Canyon area in Chihuahua, Mexico as part of our 25th anniversary celebration. (Thanks to my brother-in-law Steve Noyes for the horizontal photo of the canyon).

My hubby and I just had an all-too-short trip to the area, which we learned really has 20 canyons, which all together are 4 times bigger than the Grand Canyon, which I havent seen. Even around the Creel area, the spot from which one can take tours to canyons and nearby areas of interest, though not in sight of a canyon, there are neat rock formations and spots to hike to. Bulging towers, balancing rocks, formations like mushrooms, frogs and elephants are a mild description of what we enjoyed. Deep deep canyons, though we did not see the one that is 1 km and a half deep. Pine forests, though all too heavily logged in much of the area.
Nature reflects God's greatness in an amazing way! We enjoyed numerous areas with no other tourists in sight, it being low season- a large lake, an impressive waterfall (though due to dry season the volume of water was much reduced) that involved 250 steps down and then up again, visits to various rock formations, etc.

Then a fantastic train trip to the tropical coast, with over 80 tunnels, through more virgin areas of the mountains, where Tarahumara Indians live.

Two very different ethnic groups are part of the scene in the state of Chihuahua. The predominating native group is that of the Tarahumara Indians (who prefer to call themselves Rarámuri, those of the light feet, being great runners) live in the hills. They have high rounded cheekbones as a rule. Some make their homes in caves; some in the canyon, where they use ladders to climb up to the rim.
The men in more isolated areas wear a sort of loincloth, but in the area where we went they have no specially different costume, except sometimes their special wrap sandals. The women seem to be everywhere selling their crafts (including some neat little baskets woven of pine needles); they wear layers of brightly colored skirts with rows of ruffles and trim, and bright bandannas as kerchiefs.
Then there are the Mennonites, who emigrated from Canada in the 1930’s and still speak their German dialect. Though I had pictured the men wearing overalls and the women dark dresses (as they probably still in some areas), the ones we saw at the Divisadero canyon lookout were not as old-fashioned in appearance. The boys and men could probably have been mistaken by some as American tourists, in jeans and caps. The girls and women wore long dresses in a variety of colors, modern materials, often pastel flowers, often combined with tennis shoes and baseball caps. They were all fair, especially blonde. We hear that in their “camps” little by little some changes have occurred as to the degree of modernization allowed.
Two different groups, and certainly which frequently generate opposing reactions. The Indians are poor, dark, in general the brunt of prejudice in Mexico (much as they are a “tourist attraction” in Chihuahua). The Mennonites are well off, fair (preferred even in this country where dark skins predominate) and admired, much as they are considered somewhat “strange”. They are known for their cheeses and furniture.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

check out my poems

Enter www.faithwriters.com and do a search for work by Margie Hord. Comments welcome! Most of my English poems are here.

Sex and the Christian

Sex and the Christian
I have been reading the first chapters of Proverbs and it hit me how it contrasts two feminine symbols, one being wisdom calling out to the simple/ immature to seek her, and the other being an adulterous woman calling out the the simple/ immature in order to trap them! It occurred to me that nowadays one fears more for young people as singles, and worries less about women whose husbands are away. In that culture, I imagine single women were SO off limits, so under the watch of their family, that they weren’t the “dangerous item”.
Proverbs (or the rest of the Bible?) never warns women about being seduced by men, that I recall. Again, they were so “protected” that they probably didn’t have much chance!
Today the opportunities for both sexes are so great that one might say much more is required in terms of seeking to avoid temptation. The church, parents, singles… and Christians in general need much wisdom!

Aztec cycles: 52 years

2005: My 52nd year
For the Aztecs, time came in cycles of 52 years, and at the end of that cycle the world could end. They had to “light the new fire” to start again.
I can’t say there was any dramatic rebirth for me this 52nd year of my life, though the previous year meant a new identity for me as a grandmother! However, having my two children get married this year meant new identities for them, and for me and Cuco to some extent. It was the final (?) flight from the nest that sets us as a couple off on another stage our lives.
It is a good idea to light a new fire in terms of my aspirations in life, my faith and more.
P.S. I wrote this last year, so now am a year older.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

look around you

Have you ever felt you're "running on automatic"? All too often I think I do that. Do what you have to do next, run down that mental or even written list, do what has to be done or what you always do (plan classes, throw a meal together, go to church...) and forget those higher purposes God has for your life! Today a student came to me, looking anemic and weak, to explain why she is behind in assignments and missed class. Over the weekend she had a miscarriage; she hadn't known she was pregnant. Her parents don't know... "The emotional pain is probably greater than the physical pain". I could not say much because of the place we were in... or was it because I'm a coward? But i gave her more time.
Then later in the day I talked to a friend to whom I am not a very good friend. I haven't called in ages. I knew her mom had cancer and she might have. That and her husband maybe having something, and a dozen other things have turned her life upside down. I listened, I responded, but I did not really have "the right words". Should I visit her? She is not sure she believes in God; am I afraid to say he love her even if she doesn't understand what is happening and I don't either?
I learned that another "friend" is recuperating from a minor intervention. Will I make time to visit her, or will I keep running on automatic?
Help me, help us, to truly LOVE, listen, take time to be with people, listen to God's voice as he calls out through people and situations around me/us!

Friday, June 24, 2005

does anyone care?

A group of us are planning a Christian workshop tomorrow re radio and internet use. 4 people have paid. a few more have said they plan to come. we have no sure number to order meals. We wonder if expenses will be covered. One speaker had to cancel this evening. Sometimes I wonder if this matters, if it is worth it, when so few act interested or make the effort to come. Should we continue? In God's work and even in other areas of service one often hears "even one person helped makes it worth while". Yet to what extent should one ask whether there are other areas where one's efforts would be better spent?
I wonder what speakers think when they work so hard to prepare a presentation and a handful of people show up.
Yes, Scripture teaches us to keep sowing, keep praying, keep plodding. The mustard seeds grow into trees. May the Lord water my mustard seed and those of people who attend and say "I want to do that" (internet evangelism, radio via internet, etc.) and leave more convinced than ever.
Margie