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.