Saturday, August 27, 2005
Random
What would great men like Paul or John the Baptist...better yet, Jesus himself...answer to the question 'what's your idea of an ideal church-planting strategy?'.
Lessons from a mountain
As I made my way up Mt. Fuji a few weeks ago God gave me a picture of my journey through life. I've been thinking about it today as I wonder about life.
At the beginning of the climb I was so excited and ready to conquer the mountain. Energy, desire, motivation, and will power were all very present. I actually felt the guide was moving way too slow! I sometimes wanted to say: 'see ya dude, I'm outta here, I can move much faster than this'. But in a Japanese tour group that would've been absolutely unheard of, and after some consideration I knew that he held his job for a reason. So I stayed in line and followed.
I found that I impressed myself with my endurance and energy level. I was doing great, until I realized I wasn't all that far from where I started. "No big deal," I thought, "I'm at cloud level now! How cool is that?!". A tiny bit discouraged, but I kept following.
Somewhere along the way I realized that the energy and motivation had run away. At this point it was becoming more work than fun, and I'd rather have fun. I started telling myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other and not pay attention to those who were whizzing by me. It was frustrating because I couldn't see anything below cloud level. I wanted to see how far I had climbed! But I couldn't, so I just kept following.
Then the darkness came and I had nothing left but will power to keep going. Not only was it hard work, it sometimes became downright scary not being able to see but a few feet in front or behind. I knew my guide was up there somewhere because I could see the fluorescent light on his back-pack. I kept following.
Then all of a sudden the clouds cleared and behind me I could see all the way down to the bright city lights! I stopped in amazement to look around and see where I had come from. Now I was thankful for being blinded by the earlier clouds. Had I been able to see that entire journey I would've been so frightened at the height. Now I felt a little exhiliration, now I was actually getting somewhere. So I gladly kept following.
For a while I thought I was nearing the top so I marched on with renewed enthusiasm. Grateful for my guide's light, and grateful for those clouds rolling in again to blind me from the height. I was sorely disappointed however, when the place I thought to be the top turned out not to be. I couldn`t even see the summit! Yet, at just the right time, the clouds dissipated again to reveal the long road I had already travelled. So I figured, just as I couldn`t always see the details of where I had come from, it might also be best not to see all the details of where I was going, lest it be too scary. I resolved to keep following and enjoy the cool air (a wonderful relief from the Tokyo heat).
Little by little; one step at a time; and following the light from my guide, I finally stood on the summit! And in my mind I thought, `Wow, this is amazing! I made it! This is by far the most exciting thing I have ever done!` As I made that last step my guide was actually there saying (in Japanese), `Congratulations, good work. You did it.` Crossing that finish line was worth all the effort. I had a unique and special view of a breath-taking sunrise.
`I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.` ~Philippians 3:14~
At the beginning of the climb I was so excited and ready to conquer the mountain. Energy, desire, motivation, and will power were all very present. I actually felt the guide was moving way too slow! I sometimes wanted to say: 'see ya dude, I'm outta here, I can move much faster than this'. But in a Japanese tour group that would've been absolutely unheard of, and after some consideration I knew that he held his job for a reason. So I stayed in line and followed.
I found that I impressed myself with my endurance and energy level. I was doing great, until I realized I wasn't all that far from where I started. "No big deal," I thought, "I'm at cloud level now! How cool is that?!". A tiny bit discouraged, but I kept following.
Somewhere along the way I realized that the energy and motivation had run away. At this point it was becoming more work than fun, and I'd rather have fun. I started telling myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other and not pay attention to those who were whizzing by me. It was frustrating because I couldn't see anything below cloud level. I wanted to see how far I had climbed! But I couldn't, so I just kept following.
Then the darkness came and I had nothing left but will power to keep going. Not only was it hard work, it sometimes became downright scary not being able to see but a few feet in front or behind. I knew my guide was up there somewhere because I could see the fluorescent light on his back-pack. I kept following.
Then all of a sudden the clouds cleared and behind me I could see all the way down to the bright city lights! I stopped in amazement to look around and see where I had come from. Now I was thankful for being blinded by the earlier clouds. Had I been able to see that entire journey I would've been so frightened at the height. Now I felt a little exhiliration, now I was actually getting somewhere. So I gladly kept following.
For a while I thought I was nearing the top so I marched on with renewed enthusiasm. Grateful for my guide's light, and grateful for those clouds rolling in again to blind me from the height. I was sorely disappointed however, when the place I thought to be the top turned out not to be. I couldn`t even see the summit! Yet, at just the right time, the clouds dissipated again to reveal the long road I had already travelled. So I figured, just as I couldn`t always see the details of where I had come from, it might also be best not to see all the details of where I was going, lest it be too scary. I resolved to keep following and enjoy the cool air (a wonderful relief from the Tokyo heat).
Little by little; one step at a time; and following the light from my guide, I finally stood on the summit! And in my mind I thought, `Wow, this is amazing! I made it! This is by far the most exciting thing I have ever done!` As I made that last step my guide was actually there saying (in Japanese), `Congratulations, good work. You did it.` Crossing that finish line was worth all the effort. I had a unique and special view of a breath-taking sunrise.
`I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.` ~Philippians 3:14~
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Back to School
Why is it always hard to get back into the routine of classes once you`ve been on vacation? It`s just one of those `yuck` feelings if you ask me, even if I am a missionary :-)
What else have I been up to since Natalie and Hollie left? I had lunch with one of my Starbucks friends again, Tomiko. This time her daughter and two grandsons, and another lady and her son were all there as well. We had a really good time, and in true Japanese fashion they sent me home with enough food to last me a week. I hung out with Noriko on Friday night, lots of fun. Spent some time with the MacDonald family over the weekend, more fun. Was pretty sick Saturday night and some on Sunday, not so much fun. MIGHT get to make a trip to Costco on Friday, always fun!
That`s it for now though. Life is fairly calm I suppose.
Oh, I`ve received a couple of emails from Haruna. She loves Ohio and has made several new friends. She`s even visited Niagara Falls and she`s looking forward to arriving in Canada. No mention of church or anything related though. Please continue praying for her.
What else have I been up to since Natalie and Hollie left? I had lunch with one of my Starbucks friends again, Tomiko. This time her daughter and two grandsons, and another lady and her son were all there as well. We had a really good time, and in true Japanese fashion they sent me home with enough food to last me a week. I hung out with Noriko on Friday night, lots of fun. Spent some time with the MacDonald family over the weekend, more fun. Was pretty sick Saturday night and some on Sunday, not so much fun. MIGHT get to make a trip to Costco on Friday, always fun!
That`s it for now though. Life is fairly calm I suppose.
Oh, I`ve received a couple of emails from Haruna. She loves Ohio and has made several new friends. She`s even visited Niagara Falls and she`s looking forward to arriving in Canada. No mention of church or anything related though. Please continue praying for her.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
MT. FUJI!
Ok, so we left my house at 6am on Monday morning, met up with our tour group, left Tokyo on a bus and arrived at station 5 of Mt. Fuji around lunch time. There are either 8 or 9 stations on the way to the top, the vast majority of people start climbing from station 5 though. From station 5 to the summit is 6.3 kilometers, which is somewhere around 4.5 miles I think (I'm not good at math). Station 5 is at 2,305 meters above sea level; the summit is at 3,776 meters (or 12,836 feet).
It took us 9 hours to reach the summit, which unfortunately is longer than normal. But we were in a group of 42 people, including children and some elderly people, so I guess it couldn't be helped. Hollie and I are positive we could've done it quicker than that on our own, but we're glad we went in a group since we were novices. It was such a challenge! I never imagined how rocky and steep it would actually get, or how unattractive the mountain is. We did surprisingly well with the air pressure change as we climbed. The higher we got I noticed that it made me a little dizzy sometimes (definitely not a good thing on those rocks!).
It was humorous to us being the only three foreigners in a group of 42 :-) Life is never mundane here. We stayed a few hours at a lodge on the 8th station to sleep and eat a little. I wish I had more pictures of our accomodations for you! 42 people slept in a space about as big as my parents living room. The set-up was kind of like bunk-beds, except very hard ones since we are in Japan. You were sleeping next to strangers in a very tight space, so making yourself comfortable was a little difficult.
It was extremely crowded so when we neared the summit you could look behind and see a trail of flashlights reaching behind you. We had a great view of the surrounding city lights at night. When we finally reached the top I'd say there were several hundred people waiting for the sunrise. It finally came through and it was absolutely beautiful. I would've loved to stay up there all alone for a few hours.
The descent, believe it or not, was the most difficult part. The trails were nothing but steep, slippery rock and gravel and it took a lot of effort to stay on your feet. You definitely didn't want to venture too near the edge either. As we went lower the view got even more amazing. It took us 4 hours to get back to station 5. We had a good time climbing, but we were thrilled to be finished and get cleaned up.
Now for some pictures:
Natalie, me, Hollie near the beginning of our journey. We look a little more tired in the pictures once we reach the summit :-)
The picture can't really capture it, but maybe you can see some of what we climbed.
Natalie and Hollie forging ahead.
Natalie and me in the clouds.
Our 'we made it' picture.
Obviously, the sunrise.
Natalie, Hollie, our guide, and me. (Can you imagine having his job? No thanks.)
Don't be deceived by the picture...the descent was hard!
That's Mt. Fuji in a nutshell. We're definitely glad we had the experience. It was totally worth the effort!
It took us 9 hours to reach the summit, which unfortunately is longer than normal. But we were in a group of 42 people, including children and some elderly people, so I guess it couldn't be helped. Hollie and I are positive we could've done it quicker than that on our own, but we're glad we went in a group since we were novices. It was such a challenge! I never imagined how rocky and steep it would actually get, or how unattractive the mountain is. We did surprisingly well with the air pressure change as we climbed. The higher we got I noticed that it made me a little dizzy sometimes (definitely not a good thing on those rocks!).
It was humorous to us being the only three foreigners in a group of 42 :-) Life is never mundane here. We stayed a few hours at a lodge on the 8th station to sleep and eat a little. I wish I had more pictures of our accomodations for you! 42 people slept in a space about as big as my parents living room. The set-up was kind of like bunk-beds, except very hard ones since we are in Japan. You were sleeping next to strangers in a very tight space, so making yourself comfortable was a little difficult.
It was extremely crowded so when we neared the summit you could look behind and see a trail of flashlights reaching behind you. We had a great view of the surrounding city lights at night. When we finally reached the top I'd say there were several hundred people waiting for the sunrise. It finally came through and it was absolutely beautiful. I would've loved to stay up there all alone for a few hours.
The descent, believe it or not, was the most difficult part. The trails were nothing but steep, slippery rock and gravel and it took a lot of effort to stay on your feet. You definitely didn't want to venture too near the edge either. As we went lower the view got even more amazing. It took us 4 hours to get back to station 5. We had a good time climbing, but we were thrilled to be finished and get cleaned up.
Now for some pictures:
Natalie, me, Hollie near the beginning of our journey. We look a little more tired in the pictures once we reach the summit :-)
The picture can't really capture it, but maybe you can see some of what we climbed.
Natalie and Hollie forging ahead.
Natalie and me in the clouds.
Our 'we made it' picture.
Obviously, the sunrise.
Natalie, Hollie, our guide, and me. (Can you imagine having his job? No thanks.)
Don't be deceived by the picture...the descent was hard!
That's Mt. Fuji in a nutshell. We're definitely glad we had the experience. It was totally worth the effort!
Friends
Before I share my Mt. Fuji pictures I want to show you some of my friends here. I've mentioned Noriko on here several times already but have never had a picture of her. I finally got one while my sister and Hollie (Hubbard) were here visiting. Noriko and her mom, Naomi, showed us a great souvenir shop and had coffee with us. They're wonderfully sweet ladies!
Me, Noriko, and Naomi
98% of you have heard a whole lot about Mika. She is up in Hokkaido of course but I still keep in regular contact with her. I miss her quite a lot. She was in the Tokyo area for a few days visiting her boyfriend, Kenta, so we all had dinner together. This was the first time Hollie and I had ever met Kenta (who is not a believer). We had a great time and were very proud to see Mika initiate prayer before our meal. Continue praying for her of course.
Me, Hollie, Natalie, Mika, and Kenta
Me, Noriko, and Naomi
98% of you have heard a whole lot about Mika. She is up in Hokkaido of course but I still keep in regular contact with her. I miss her quite a lot. She was in the Tokyo area for a few days visiting her boyfriend, Kenta, so we all had dinner together. This was the first time Hollie and I had ever met Kenta (who is not a believer). We had a great time and were very proud to see Mika initiate prayer before our meal. Continue praying for her of course.
Me, Hollie, Natalie, Mika, and Kenta
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
It's coming
I've had some emails asking about Mt. Fuji pictures. They're coming soon :-) I'll have it all updated on here before long I hope. I'll have some other pictures as well of Natalie and Hollie's visit. We've had a great time and it will be really sad for me to see them go.
In the meantime, here's one picture for you:
Natalie, me, and Hollie before we started climbing. We still felt energetic!
In the meantime, here's one picture for you:
Natalie, me, and Hollie before we started climbing. We still felt energetic!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Twenty-six years
'My cup overflows with blessings.'
I listened today as my friend Tomiko told my life story to her son and I thought 'wow, that's a fun life!'. I've seen my own troubles and felt plenty of heartache, but the great things far outweigh the not-so-great. Bear with me as I get a little nostalgic and remember the countless blessings God's given me along the way...
My birth certificate clearly says Ferkessedougou, Ivory Coast, West Africa. Yet I spent 95% of my formative years running around as a seemingly true French person. But I am indeed American according to my passport and part of my heart. I've seen the beauty of the Alpes; tasted authentic Belgian waffles; seen Holland in Tulip season; visited the home of Corrie Ten Boom; eaten bratwurst sausage on a rainy day in Germany; breathed the clean air of Geneva, Switzerland; walked the halls of castles like Versailles (and so many others) previously inhabited by Kings, Queens, Dukes, and Duchesses; seen Franco's grave in Spain; witnessed more than enough bull fights and runs; played a game called 'red rover' on the rock of Gibraltar; walked down the Champs Elysees at Christmas time; eaten some not so delicious food while sitting next to Big Ben; seen the history of the Roman bath in Bath, England; witnessed the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; seen U2 in concert!; walked the grounds of Oxford University; got my ears pierced in Spain; walked along the beaches of Normandy and felt the eeriness left by graves and empty German bunkers; spent some time in the emergency room of a hospital on Jersey Island (between France and England); walked the streets of beautiful cobblestone roads in Brittany; eaten the best smelly cheese in the world!; I've been lost in Spanish mountains with siblings and cousins for four hours and lived to tell about it; I've ridden down the crookedest road in San Francisco; eaten the best cheesecake, pizza, and hot dogs in the world in Chicago; lived in Nashvegas, music capital of the south; eaten the best fried okra you could ever eat cooked by my Granny; survived a scary incident involving a frozen lake that proved to be not quite frozen; walked along the Plaza Mayor in Madrid; been to zoos in three different countries; lived on four continents; seen a Penguin parade in northern Japan; snowboarded down an Olympic mountain in Japan (graceful or not, I made it); walked my way through a sunflower maze; seen the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, Sea of Ohotsk, Meditarranean Ocean, the English Channel, and probably some other body of water I'm forgetting; been to Disneyland Japan and Universal Studios Japan; stepped in century old Shrines and Temples where the effects of Satan can still be felt; spent time in the country and yet also lived in a city of 29 million people; drove three hours from Nashville to Knoxville with my eyes dialated just to see a basketball game; learned a few languages; made friends around the globe; made countless special memories with family and friends; sat in worship services on a Sunday morning in six different countries; and I'm about to climb Mt. Fuji, one of the world's most famous mountains; and the list goes on and on and on...as if that weren't already long enough, huh?
All that in only twenty-six years! I am sitting here with a smile stretching from ear to ear, in total amazement at the places God's showed me and the experiences He's allowed me to have. Not even allowed me to have....WANTED me to have. And all the sad and heart-wrenching experiences were part of His plan too, and trust me, there've been plenty. But God is good ALL THE TIME, and ALL THE TIME God is good.
I've shared with you so many of my blessings, but those are mine. I am so grateful that God is personal, and individual when it comes to His children. He's given YOU your own blessings and experiences! You've done things and been places and eaten things I've never dreamed of! Take some time to 'count your blessings one by one'. You might find that once you start, you can't stop.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." ~Psalm 136:1
I listened today as my friend Tomiko told my life story to her son and I thought 'wow, that's a fun life!'. I've seen my own troubles and felt plenty of heartache, but the great things far outweigh the not-so-great. Bear with me as I get a little nostalgic and remember the countless blessings God's given me along the way...
My birth certificate clearly says Ferkessedougou, Ivory Coast, West Africa. Yet I spent 95% of my formative years running around as a seemingly true French person. But I am indeed American according to my passport and part of my heart. I've seen the beauty of the Alpes; tasted authentic Belgian waffles; seen Holland in Tulip season; visited the home of Corrie Ten Boom; eaten bratwurst sausage on a rainy day in Germany; breathed the clean air of Geneva, Switzerland; walked the halls of castles like Versailles (and so many others) previously inhabited by Kings, Queens, Dukes, and Duchesses; seen Franco's grave in Spain; witnessed more than enough bull fights and runs; played a game called 'red rover' on the rock of Gibraltar; walked down the Champs Elysees at Christmas time; eaten some not so delicious food while sitting next to Big Ben; seen the history of the Roman bath in Bath, England; witnessed the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; seen U2 in concert!; walked the grounds of Oxford University; got my ears pierced in Spain; walked along the beaches of Normandy and felt the eeriness left by graves and empty German bunkers; spent some time in the emergency room of a hospital on Jersey Island (between France and England); walked the streets of beautiful cobblestone roads in Brittany; eaten the best smelly cheese in the world!; I've been lost in Spanish mountains with siblings and cousins for four hours and lived to tell about it; I've ridden down the crookedest road in San Francisco; eaten the best cheesecake, pizza, and hot dogs in the world in Chicago; lived in Nashvegas, music capital of the south; eaten the best fried okra you could ever eat cooked by my Granny; survived a scary incident involving a frozen lake that proved to be not quite frozen; walked along the Plaza Mayor in Madrid; been to zoos in three different countries; lived on four continents; seen a Penguin parade in northern Japan; snowboarded down an Olympic mountain in Japan (graceful or not, I made it); walked my way through a sunflower maze; seen the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, Sea of Ohotsk, Meditarranean Ocean, the English Channel, and probably some other body of water I'm forgetting; been to Disneyland Japan and Universal Studios Japan; stepped in century old Shrines and Temples where the effects of Satan can still be felt; spent time in the country and yet also lived in a city of 29 million people; drove three hours from Nashville to Knoxville with my eyes dialated just to see a basketball game; learned a few languages; made friends around the globe; made countless special memories with family and friends; sat in worship services on a Sunday morning in six different countries; and I'm about to climb Mt. Fuji, one of the world's most famous mountains; and the list goes on and on and on...as if that weren't already long enough, huh?
All that in only twenty-six years! I am sitting here with a smile stretching from ear to ear, in total amazement at the places God's showed me and the experiences He's allowed me to have. Not even allowed me to have....WANTED me to have. And all the sad and heart-wrenching experiences were part of His plan too, and trust me, there've been plenty. But God is good ALL THE TIME, and ALL THE TIME God is good.
I've shared with you so many of my blessings, but those are mine. I am so grateful that God is personal, and individual when it comes to His children. He's given YOU your own blessings and experiences! You've done things and been places and eaten things I've never dreamed of! Take some time to 'count your blessings one by one'. You might find that once you start, you can't stop.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." ~Psalm 136:1
Starbucks friends
Most of you know how much I love Starbucks, and coming to Japan hasn't changed that a bit. It's a great place for me to temporarily escape the demands of life. It's also proven to be a good place to meet people. A couple of months ago I was reading when these two sweet looking ladies came and sat at the table next to me. I might not have noticed them except that they were obviously watching me with huge smiles on their faces. So I smiled back and said hello, and the story goes from there I suppose. We enjoyed an hour long visit and made plans to get together again. Since then Junko and Tomiko have taken me out for Italian food and invited me into their homes.
I've just returned this afternoon from having a delicious lunch with them at Tomiko's house. They asked if I like music, to which I replied 'of course!', and the next thing I knew we were listening to an entire CD of gospel music and classic hymns! Songs like "Amazing Grace", "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and the "Doxology". I was sitting there trying to take it all in...think of it...a follower of Christ come to Japan for reasons beyond even her own understanding, doing such a normal thing as eating lunch, with two ladies who have never heard the message of Christ, and He was there. And they hadn't a clue, yet.
Top row: Tomiko and Junko. Bottom row: Ryou and myself.
Ryou is Tomiko's nephew and he is hilarious! He's only six years old but I think he should be a comedian on tv someday. You're not gonna believe this...he tape recorded the entire time (about 4 hours) just so he could hear me talk later!
I've just returned this afternoon from having a delicious lunch with them at Tomiko's house. They asked if I like music, to which I replied 'of course!', and the next thing I knew we were listening to an entire CD of gospel music and classic hymns! Songs like "Amazing Grace", "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and the "Doxology". I was sitting there trying to take it all in...think of it...a follower of Christ come to Japan for reasons beyond even her own understanding, doing such a normal thing as eating lunch, with two ladies who have never heard the message of Christ, and He was there. And they hadn't a clue, yet.
Top row: Tomiko and Junko. Bottom row: Ryou and myself.
Ryou is Tomiko's nephew and he is hilarious! He's only six years old but I think he should be a comedian on tv someday. You're not gonna believe this...he tape recorded the entire time (about 4 hours) just so he could hear me talk later!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Completely random word! Thank you Mary Poppins.
Memo to all North Americans (especially those of you from the southern United States)...should you ever find yourself in Japan and in need of something from 'back home', run to your nearest KFC restaurant. KFC is probably the only place in Japan where you can hear true blue country music. It's an odd feeling to leave the streets of Japan and enter a semi-western world of fast-food and good 'ole boys and girls singin' about their lost loves and a tractor. Yeehaw.
P.S: we had another earthquake today! I was actually standing in my kitchen for this one and it made me kind of dizzy. They're kind of exciting (unless they don't stop).
Memo to all North Americans (especially those of you from the southern United States)...should you ever find yourself in Japan and in need of something from 'back home', run to your nearest KFC restaurant. KFC is probably the only place in Japan where you can hear true blue country music. It's an odd feeling to leave the streets of Japan and enter a semi-western world of fast-food and good 'ole boys and girls singin' about their lost loves and a tractor. Yeehaw.
P.S: we had another earthquake today! I was actually standing in my kitchen for this one and it made me kind of dizzy. They're kind of exciting (unless they don't stop).
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Haruna
Yesterday I helped Haruna shop for gifts to take to people she will meet in Canada. We had a nice time and even ate some donuts :-)
(By the way, the 'r' in Japanese sounds like a mix between and 'l' and 'd', a little closer to 'l', for future reference).
I have been praying that the Lord would bring Christian people into Haruna's life while she's overseas, and specifically that her host families would be. Today Haruna told me she just found out that her host family in Ohio (she will be there for one month meeting other students before heading up to Canada) are Christians!! Her host mother is the church secretary at the church where she and about twenty other foreign exchange students will be studying and preparing for this next year!! Praise the Lord once again for answered prayer and God's perfect plan!!! (I love exclamation marks...yes, I admit it) Haruna is looking forward to taking her new bilingual Bible with her as well. God is working and creating something new in this precious girl. With His power it's only a matter of time.
(By the way, the 'r' in Japanese sounds like a mix between and 'l' and 'd', a little closer to 'l', for future reference).
I have been praying that the Lord would bring Christian people into Haruna's life while she's overseas, and specifically that her host families would be. Today Haruna told me she just found out that her host family in Ohio (she will be there for one month meeting other students before heading up to Canada) are Christians!! Her host mother is the church secretary at the church where she and about twenty other foreign exchange students will be studying and preparing for this next year!! Praise the Lord once again for answered prayer and God's perfect plan!!! (I love exclamation marks...yes, I admit it) Haruna is looking forward to taking her new bilingual Bible with her as well. God is working and creating something new in this precious girl. With His power it's only a matter of time.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
'Treasure of Jesus'
A song written by Steven Curtis Chapman that's been on my mind lately...(based on Matthew 6:21, 13:44, and Philippians 3:7-9)
'What can I do, how can I live
To show my world the treasure of Jesus
What will it take, what could I give
So they can know the treasure He is
If I can sing, let my songs be full of His glory
If I can speak, let my words be full of His grace
And if I should live or die
Let me be found pursuing this prize
The One that alone satisfies
The treasure of Jesus'
'What can I do, how can I live
To show my world the treasure of Jesus
What will it take, what could I give
So they can know the treasure He is
If I can sing, let my songs be full of His glory
If I can speak, let my words be full of His grace
And if I should live or die
Let me be found pursuing this prize
The One that alone satisfies
The treasure of Jesus'
Monday, July 25, 2005
Fireworks
This evening marked the last outing that Haruna, Maichi, Katie MacDonald, Pastor Kojima and myself would have together for a long time, maybe forever. We went to a yakiniku buffet restaurant for dinner. This is where you pick your own meat, veggies, sea creatures, etc. (all raw) and cook them yourself at your table. It's quite yummy!
Haruna, Maichi, Katie, and me at the restaurant.
After dinner we had decided to do some fireworks because Maichi loves them so much. Pastor Kojima had the idea to go next to a river for this excursion. When we arrived at the place where the river should've been we found nothing but muddy over-grown weeds and plants. So we opted for the neighboring softball/soccer field (which is what the sign on this picture indicates).
Haha! Right as the picture was about to be taken my sparkler died and I screamed! Not sure why I screamed, but I did ;-)
Me and Haruna :-)
Me and the girls. You can actually see all of our fireworks, we worked really hard on that!
(Seven days until my sister arrives in Japan for a ten day visit!!!!!!)
Haruna, Maichi, Katie, and me at the restaurant.
After dinner we had decided to do some fireworks because Maichi loves them so much. Pastor Kojima had the idea to go next to a river for this excursion. When we arrived at the place where the river should've been we found nothing but muddy over-grown weeds and plants. So we opted for the neighboring softball/soccer field (which is what the sign on this picture indicates).
Haha! Right as the picture was about to be taken my sparkler died and I screamed! Not sure why I screamed, but I did ;-)
Me and Haruna :-)
Me and the girls. You can actually see all of our fireworks, we worked really hard on that!
(Seven days until my sister arrives in Japan for a ten day visit!!!!!!)
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Shakin' it up
We had an earthquake today, that's always something to talk about. I didn't realize what was happening because I was riding my bike and a big truck had just driven past me. So I just thought it was the truck, it's really common here to feel the road shake a good bit due to traffic. When I got home though I thought either we had an earthquake or there was a ghost in my apartment :-) It had knocked over a vase and some books and things. It even moved a picture frame about five inches. That's pretty cool. Tokyo's still waiting for the 'big one' though, and isn't California as well? If it were to happen sometime in the next twelve months I don't think my parents would be too happy.
Oh, this has nothing to do with anything, but (Mom, can I tell a story?) I wanted to go sky-diving with a friend a couple years ago so I asked my parents if they'd pay for part of it as a birthday present. I was on the phone with Dad as he asked my Mom, then Dad said to me 'your mom says she refuses to pay for you to die'. It's funny if you know my parents I guess :-) I love them! Oh yeah, the urge is gone now, there's no way I'm ever jumping out of an airplane or any other flying object.
On a serious note, for those who might not appreciate the previous anecdote. I met with my friend Noriko today for Bible study. I'm sorry I don't have a picture. I meant to take one but I got caught up in conversation and it slipped my mind. We did a basic study of the authority of the Bible; the purposes of it; how to know God's Word; and the benefits of knowing and applying God's Word to our lives. I had some great people praying for us during that time and I trust that the Holy Spirit is doing a work in Noriko's heart that will bear fruit in the future. I do believe that the Holy Spirit allowed us to skim some issues that are of particular importance for Noriko. There's so much more to be done, but I was reminded today that this is just the first building block. Please pray for Noriko, for myself, and for other missionaries/ church members as we continue to build relationships with her and watch God work. Pray specifically that great trust and a feeling of safety could be established. And for wisdom and the Holy Spirit's direction and moving on all ends. A million of the world's best Bible studies won't amount to anything without God's power being poured out.
Oh, this has nothing to do with anything, but (Mom, can I tell a story?) I wanted to go sky-diving with a friend a couple years ago so I asked my parents if they'd pay for part of it as a birthday present. I was on the phone with Dad as he asked my Mom, then Dad said to me 'your mom says she refuses to pay for you to die'. It's funny if you know my parents I guess :-) I love them! Oh yeah, the urge is gone now, there's no way I'm ever jumping out of an airplane or any other flying object.
On a serious note, for those who might not appreciate the previous anecdote. I met with my friend Noriko today for Bible study. I'm sorry I don't have a picture. I meant to take one but I got caught up in conversation and it slipped my mind. We did a basic study of the authority of the Bible; the purposes of it; how to know God's Word; and the benefits of knowing and applying God's Word to our lives. I had some great people praying for us during that time and I trust that the Holy Spirit is doing a work in Noriko's heart that will bear fruit in the future. I do believe that the Holy Spirit allowed us to skim some issues that are of particular importance for Noriko. There's so much more to be done, but I was reminded today that this is just the first building block. Please pray for Noriko, for myself, and for other missionaries/ church members as we continue to build relationships with her and watch God work. Pray specifically that great trust and a feeling of safety could be established. And for wisdom and the Holy Spirit's direction and moving on all ends. A million of the world's best Bible studies won't amount to anything without God's power being poured out.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
A Fairytale Kingdom?
I am currently going through a Beth Moore Bible study called "Living Beyond Yourself". It's been very challenging and profitable. She spoke about something the other day that has stuck with me. She had recently had a book signing just for children where all the kids came dressed up as princesses and knights. It seemed that they were in their natural element, as though they were born to be dressed up. She said that, as children, we all at some point dream of castles and kingdoms and such. But then we grow up, life happens and our spirit is dampened. Her suggestion was that there really is a Kingdom, with a King and his perfect court, and the Evil Invader who tries continually to break down the walls of the Kingdom.
I loved that! Maybe it's just because I'm a dreamer, I don't know. But there really is a Kingdom, however you choose to look at it. We were all meant to be a part of that Kingdom, and God has chosen his children to be princesses and knights. That makes me feel special, doesn't it you? If God has called me His princess then surely I ought to act as royalty, don't you think? Yes.
But slow down before you ask for that silver platter! Beth Moore said it perfectly: "Royalty knows in its heart that it's royalty, because the King said so. So royalty is free to be a humble servant to others until the day it receives its own crown."
However you choose to look at God's Kingdom though, all the court's people bow before Him.
I loved that! Maybe it's just because I'm a dreamer, I don't know. But there really is a Kingdom, however you choose to look at it. We were all meant to be a part of that Kingdom, and God has chosen his children to be princesses and knights. That makes me feel special, doesn't it you? If God has called me His princess then surely I ought to act as royalty, don't you think? Yes.
But slow down before you ask for that silver platter! Beth Moore said it perfectly: "Royalty knows in its heart that it's royalty, because the King said so. So royalty is free to be a humble servant to others until the day it receives its own crown."
However you choose to look at God's Kingdom though, all the court's people bow before Him.
A Fun Week
Ok, I was starting to slip there. It's been nearly seven days since my last update and we just can't have that. Here's what happened this week (well, not really everything 'cause I don't think you need to hear about every detail of my life, right?).
Wednesday was a great day because I got to go to the airport and welcome the MacDonald family. I love being at the airport, especially when there's the excitement of saying hello to teammates and friends. The Mac's have six people in their family: Donnie and Ruth, and their kids, Katie, Evan, Amy, and Caroline. I've had a blast with them already. We went bowling yesterday but I unfortunately had no willpower to try. I managed to get two gutter balls in a row! (I'm not usually that bad, I promise) Please pray for their family as they are desperately searching for a house to move into near the Good News Church.
The Mac's and me at Narita airport. Why do they look so tired? You'd think they'd just flown halfway around the world. ;-)
Oh, the trip to the airport is another story. It's like going on a road trip! It took us three hours to drive there...on the expressway. I left my house at 10am and got home at 6:30pm.
Left to right: Haruna, Katie MacDonald, Maichi, and me.
This was Friday night at my apartment. God's been working and Haruna and Maichi want to seriously study the Bible. So we did! We started a bilingual Bible study for non-believers. We want to meet a couple more times before the girls head off to their homestays in Canada and America. Please pray for spiritual understanding for Haruna and Maichi. I've learned that, especially in a country like Japan, non-believers will never understand deeper than the historical facts about Christ unless the Holy Spirit moves miraculously to remove the fog from their spiritual eyes.
Wednesday was a great day because I got to go to the airport and welcome the MacDonald family. I love being at the airport, especially when there's the excitement of saying hello to teammates and friends. The Mac's have six people in their family: Donnie and Ruth, and their kids, Katie, Evan, Amy, and Caroline. I've had a blast with them already. We went bowling yesterday but I unfortunately had no willpower to try. I managed to get two gutter balls in a row! (I'm not usually that bad, I promise) Please pray for their family as they are desperately searching for a house to move into near the Good News Church.
The Mac's and me at Narita airport. Why do they look so tired? You'd think they'd just flown halfway around the world. ;-)
Oh, the trip to the airport is another story. It's like going on a road trip! It took us three hours to drive there...on the expressway. I left my house at 10am and got home at 6:30pm.
Left to right: Haruna, Katie MacDonald, Maichi, and me.
This was Friday night at my apartment. God's been working and Haruna and Maichi want to seriously study the Bible. So we did! We started a bilingual Bible study for non-believers. We want to meet a couple more times before the girls head off to their homestays in Canada and America. Please pray for spiritual understanding for Haruna and Maichi. I've learned that, especially in a country like Japan, non-believers will never understand deeper than the historical facts about Christ unless the Holy Spirit moves miraculously to remove the fog from their spiritual eyes.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Balance and more
David Potete, the pastor of my church in Chicago, has a saying that`s become rather famous at Northwest FWB Church. `The hardest thing to achieve in the Christian life is balance`.
I cannot tell you how many times I`ve heard those words. And I have to say, as life goes on I am more and more convinced of the accuracy of that phrase. I don`t want to expand on this really, but think about it for a bit and you`ll see. There`s only one area of life where we are allowed complete addiction and eccentricity, but we`re usually too busy with con-artists to notice the Real Deal.
Different subject...this morning in English class we were learning different terms for reconciliation. One of my students read this in her dictionary: `to come to a peaceful agreement.` They immediately preferred this expression because, as they would say in Japanese, it has a good image or picture. I told them I preferred `reconciliation` because it`s short and to the point. We are so different, Western and Asian. I am just learning about their thinking patterns, so I don`t really know what I`m saying to be quite frank. But it`s very interesting to me. For example, before I left Hokkaido a friend of mine made a small but beautiful arrangement of flowers for me. She arranged them according to her mental `picture` of me, my personality, etc. I don`t think my mind has ever had a picture of someone other than their phsyical appearance. And I may think that someone is kind or generous, but I don`t create an image of that in my head. Isn`t that amazing? I am reading a book right now called `Geography of thought: why Asians and Westerners think differently and why`. It`s a difficult book but completely fascinating, we`ll see what I can glean from it.
I cannot tell you how many times I`ve heard those words. And I have to say, as life goes on I am more and more convinced of the accuracy of that phrase. I don`t want to expand on this really, but think about it for a bit and you`ll see. There`s only one area of life where we are allowed complete addiction and eccentricity, but we`re usually too busy with con-artists to notice the Real Deal.
Different subject...this morning in English class we were learning different terms for reconciliation. One of my students read this in her dictionary: `to come to a peaceful agreement.` They immediately preferred this expression because, as they would say in Japanese, it has a good image or picture. I told them I preferred `reconciliation` because it`s short and to the point. We are so different, Western and Asian. I am just learning about their thinking patterns, so I don`t really know what I`m saying to be quite frank. But it`s very interesting to me. For example, before I left Hokkaido a friend of mine made a small but beautiful arrangement of flowers for me. She arranged them according to her mental `picture` of me, my personality, etc. I don`t think my mind has ever had a picture of someone other than their phsyical appearance. And I may think that someone is kind or generous, but I don`t create an image of that in my head. Isn`t that amazing? I am reading a book right now called `Geography of thought: why Asians and Westerners think differently and why`. It`s a difficult book but completely fascinating, we`ll see what I can glean from it.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Zerubbabel
The title is in honor of my sister, who has been sending me randomly titled emails :-) I love her and she's funny!
Monday is by far the longest day of my week. I leave my house at about 9:20am and walk back through my front door around 9:15pm. Don't worry, I am not actually teaching the whole time! The church I go to on Monday is too far for me to come home in between my four classes. So I hang out all day. It's a long day to be sure, but it usually ends up being the most enjoyable. It certainly was tonight...
Yesterday I spoke with Haruna and she said she really wants to study the Bible. So tonight before class we looked at a bilingual Bible study that Pastor Kojima suggested. We only have one month before she leaves, but we are going to meet together next Friday (the 15th) to start this study!! We want to attempt to meet three or four times before she leaves. My prayer and hope is that during this time the Holy Spirit will teach her the importance of personal Bible study and equip her with basic concepts to carry it out. Please pray! Pray also that Maichi will want to join us!
Me, Maichi, and Haruna
Here are some extra pictures, just because.
Ah yes, crowds. This is at Harajuku train station (some of you may recognize that name as an American pop star now has a song about this very neighborhood). What would normally be a two minute walk from the train to the exit took over 30 minutes that day. From what we could tell there was no reason other than a big crowd! I'm surprised no one fell of the platform.
This is around the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, back in April during cherry blossom season.
Monday is by far the longest day of my week. I leave my house at about 9:20am and walk back through my front door around 9:15pm. Don't worry, I am not actually teaching the whole time! The church I go to on Monday is too far for me to come home in between my four classes. So I hang out all day. It's a long day to be sure, but it usually ends up being the most enjoyable. It certainly was tonight...
Yesterday I spoke with Haruna and she said she really wants to study the Bible. So tonight before class we looked at a bilingual Bible study that Pastor Kojima suggested. We only have one month before she leaves, but we are going to meet together next Friday (the 15th) to start this study!! We want to attempt to meet three or four times before she leaves. My prayer and hope is that during this time the Holy Spirit will teach her the importance of personal Bible study and equip her with basic concepts to carry it out. Please pray! Pray also that Maichi will want to join us!
Me, Maichi, and Haruna
Here are some extra pictures, just because.
Ah yes, crowds. This is at Harajuku train station (some of you may recognize that name as an American pop star now has a song about this very neighborhood). What would normally be a two minute walk from the train to the exit took over 30 minutes that day. From what we could tell there was no reason other than a big crowd! I'm surprised no one fell of the platform.
This is around the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, back in April during cherry blossom season.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Rain rain, go away
Rain rain, go away, come again some other day? Is that how it goes? Is there anything more to that rhyme anyway? I don`t think I`ve heard it if there is. Could someone please enlighten me?
It is really raining today! The road to the church I am at today was flooded, with no other options for entry. So I had to walk through at least three inches of water to get here. Well, it was only for a few yards, but that doesn`t much matter...my pants are still soaked!
There isn`t much happening to tell you about I`m afraid. I`ve been thinking about my friend Haruna, who will be leaving for Canada at the end of this month, and Maichi, who will go to Florida for one month in August. I was talking to Haruna yesterday and we realized that I will be back in America when she returns to Japan next year. I don`t know what came over me, but I started crying. Sometimes I just have to think...Lord, what is your plan in all this? What good can I do in just four months of interaction with this young girl? What`s the point of me being in Tokyo for one year? I can`t do anything in such a short amount of time. Actually, the truth is, who`s to say I could accomplish anything in twenty years time?
As I read the above sentences again, I notice a lot of `I` and `me`. And the Holy Spirit flips the switch to illuminate the writing on the wall...only God, through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, will accomplish even the smallest thing on earth.
`But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.` Matthew 6:33-34
I usually hear or read this verse in the context of material possessions or one`s own future, but I think it also applies in my case today. Worrying about the future of those to whom I minister. It may seem like a `spiritual` thing on the surface, but what is the underlying current of such thinking? Though my desire for their salvation is most sincere, is there not also a desire for my own importance? I want my life to count for something, right? This is tricky, isn`t it?
`But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.` Philippians 3:7-8
Knowing Him. There is my focus, my desire that must be daily renewed. In a relationship with Him alone can I bear fruit that lasts, and live a life that truly counts.
It is really raining today! The road to the church I am at today was flooded, with no other options for entry. So I had to walk through at least three inches of water to get here. Well, it was only for a few yards, but that doesn`t much matter...my pants are still soaked!
There isn`t much happening to tell you about I`m afraid. I`ve been thinking about my friend Haruna, who will be leaving for Canada at the end of this month, and Maichi, who will go to Florida for one month in August. I was talking to Haruna yesterday and we realized that I will be back in America when she returns to Japan next year. I don`t know what came over me, but I started crying. Sometimes I just have to think...Lord, what is your plan in all this? What good can I do in just four months of interaction with this young girl? What`s the point of me being in Tokyo for one year? I can`t do anything in such a short amount of time. Actually, the truth is, who`s to say I could accomplish anything in twenty years time?
As I read the above sentences again, I notice a lot of `I` and `me`. And the Holy Spirit flips the switch to illuminate the writing on the wall...only God, through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, will accomplish even the smallest thing on earth.
`But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.` Matthew 6:33-34
I usually hear or read this verse in the context of material possessions or one`s own future, but I think it also applies in my case today. Worrying about the future of those to whom I minister. It may seem like a `spiritual` thing on the surface, but what is the underlying current of such thinking? Though my desire for their salvation is most sincere, is there not also a desire for my own importance? I want my life to count for something, right? This is tricky, isn`t it?
`But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.` Philippians 3:7-8
Knowing Him. There is my focus, my desire that must be daily renewed. In a relationship with Him alone can I bear fruit that lasts, and live a life that truly counts.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
"Sunny days...chasing the clouds away"
Sunny days, that's just a metaphor for today cause it actually rained hard all day. Sometimes you just have a really good day that helps to chase away a few clouds. Today was one of them. One of those days that stands out above the others in a particular month, or week, or year.
I got to talk to my mom for a long time and that was really nice. Right after that the phone rang and it was one of my best friends calling with the news that she and her husband are expecting their first child :-) (This is a record year for pregnancies and births in my circle of friends!) I got some quality Japanese studying in and then went to see a really funny movie with a friend from church. And, on top of all that, it was a few degrees cooler than yesterday! Hallelujah! I had some really good coffee today too.
"I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need." ~Psalm 138:1-3
Happy Wednesday everyone!
I got to talk to my mom for a long time and that was really nice. Right after that the phone rang and it was one of my best friends calling with the news that she and her husband are expecting their first child :-) (This is a record year for pregnancies and births in my circle of friends!) I got some quality Japanese studying in and then went to see a really funny movie with a friend from church. And, on top of all that, it was a few degrees cooler than yesterday! Hallelujah! I had some really good coffee today too.
"I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need." ~Psalm 138:1-3
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Uh...
I saw "Star Wars: Episode 3" yesterday. Anyone else seen it yet? I imagine there are plenty of positive answers to that question. I was getting pretty worried about fifteen minutes into the movie thinking "is it going to be this cheesy the whole time?" There were some seriously disappointing parts, and I'm not even an expert. It turned around some eventually, and I was glad I saw it. You just shouldn't miss one in an epic series such as Star Wars, right? I kept hoping George Lucas would suddenly change the plot (subsequently erasing all his previous work) and protect Anakin from the Dark Side. It was certainly the first time I ever felt sympathy for Darth Vader.
I think this is the first time I've written anything without mentioning Japan. I'm still here though, have no fear. But the fact is, missionaries live their own lives too apart from regular ministry work. I'm learning that you have to take time for yourself away from the busyness of ministry, no matter how much you enjoy it. It's only healthy, and Biblical I might add.
A little more personal...I've been a little homesick today. The good thing about homesickness is that eventually it goes away. I think it serves a good purpose though. When I feel homesick I start to look at pictures, which brings back memories, and though I may miss people the memories that I have bring a smile to my face and remind me how much the Lord has blessed me.
In light of that...to Mom and Dad, Natalie, Tim and Katrina, all my other family members, all my Chicago crew, my Hokkaido team, my wonderful friends in TN, GA, AR, IN, and NC (you know who you are)...I LOVE YOU.
I think this is the first time I've written anything without mentioning Japan. I'm still here though, have no fear. But the fact is, missionaries live their own lives too apart from regular ministry work. I'm learning that you have to take time for yourself away from the busyness of ministry, no matter how much you enjoy it. It's only healthy, and Biblical I might add.
A little more personal...I've been a little homesick today. The good thing about homesickness is that eventually it goes away. I think it serves a good purpose though. When I feel homesick I start to look at pictures, which brings back memories, and though I may miss people the memories that I have bring a smile to my face and remind me how much the Lord has blessed me.
In light of that...to Mom and Dad, Natalie, Tim and Katrina, all my other family members, all my Chicago crew, my Hokkaido team, my wonderful friends in TN, GA, AR, IN, and NC (you know who you are)...I LOVE YOU.
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