Mother' Day

 

Here we are again at Mother’s Day.  I have been blessed with the exactly best mom for me.  Some moms are really soft hearted, and find it hard to discipline their children.  Some moms are harsh or even abusive.  Some moms are too busy with other things to spend much time with their children.  My mom is none of those things.  She loves me so much; she is willing to discipline me when I need it.  She is kind and gentle.  She is super busy, but she makes time for me.  I really think she is super-mom!  She just refuses to give up on me.  She pushes me to grow. She prays with me.  She runs to my side during the night when I have bad dreams.  She tells me she is there, and loves me, and prays with me, brining me back to reality.  She is just amazing- tailor made for me by God.  She adopted me as a baby, and has been tenacious in her love for me since then.  I want to honor her this Mother’s Day.  In my heart I think every day should be Mother’s Day at our house.  I love you, Mom!

What you see is not always what you get.  A couple weeks ago when I went horse riding my regular horse had a leg injury.  The backup horse also had an injured leg.  I was assigned a horse I did not know.  It made me nervous!  I went with my mom and trainer to meet the horse.  He looked old and skinny and not very inviting.  The trainer kept telling us he was a famous horse.  He did not look famous!  He was friendly, and welcoming.  We got to the riding corral and I mounted him.  He was responsive and I easily adjusted to him.  After a bit the trainer said it was time to run.  She bent down to get her prod, but I kicked him and he took off.  He really ran.  He did not run far but he ran fast.  Underneath the old, skinny façade was a race horse.  When we got home Mom looked him on the internet.  He was famous, and had won several races. 

The Bible talks about this.   Man looks on the outside, but God sees what is inside.  I saw an old broken-down horse, but inside was a race horse, a winner even!  On the outside I look a mess, but inside I am a son of the living God, made in His image.
 

Cherry Blossoms

 

This is the time of year we see cherry blossoms in Japan.  Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms.  People like to eat a meal under the cherry blossoms.  This spring has been very rainy.  The rain seemed to come as soon as the cherry blossoms started.  Rain and cold weather make it uncomfortable to sit under the blossoms and do anything.  The other day, Mom and I went for our morning walk at our local park.  We were the only ones there. As we walked, we saw cherry trees in full bloom.  Delicate light pink blooms covered the trees.  Then we came upon a patch of beautiful daffodils all in full yellow radiance.  We circled the park four times for our own personal, private viewing of God’s splendor.  It was so uplifting.  I am reminded of Creator God who fashioned His creation with precision, and skill, and detail.  Why did He do that?  To declare His glory.  He also made me to declare His glory.  Lord, help me show forth Your glory so my world can know You!

Easter

 

This year on Easter Sunday we had a glorious celebration.  As a special treat the Gospel Hula team at our church did two beautiful numbers.  How glorious to see them portray the gospel message in visual form.  Then the gospel was preached in all its glory.  The final joy was to witness the baptism of two believers.  One man was about 80 years old.  He had several friends there who were also Christians to witness this.  The other man was young.  He is about 11 years old.  He grew up in the church and had his family there to witness this big event.  Each man gave his testimony of salvation, clearly spoken.  What rejoicing we had at church to see God at work in lives of all ages.  Thank you, Lord, for our redemption and the victory over death we celebrate at Easter.

I Love You Uncle George and Aunt Julie

     

                                                      

We have just concluded a visit with my Uncle George and Aunt Julie.  They came so I could meet my Aunt Julie.  It was such a great time.  I have known Uncle George most of my life.  We are old buddies.  Aunt Julie has recently married into our family.  She is a wonderful aunt and I grew to love her over the two weeks she was with us.  We had many fun experiences.  The experience we had that was not fun was saying good bye at the airport.  It is hard to live so far away from those we love, but I am glad that the God who has called us to live in Japan is never far away.  He is Emmanual - God with us.  Forever and ever, Amen!

Glasses

 

I have poor vision.  I must wear glasses.  I do not mind wearing them because they help me see.  The problem comes with the eye exam.  Because of my communication issues it is always difficult and stressful.  I have experienced a few really good technicians who work with me and help me get a good prescription.  I have also experienced some technicians who really did not care and think me incapable of cooperating.  So, when my dad said we were going to get my eyes checked, my stress level went to the roof like a fast elevator.  As we were going, we prayed that God would prepare the way.  And guess what?  He did!  The technician on duty was the guy I had before.  He has been promoted to head of the store.  He greeted me, looked me in the eye and spoke to me.  He confidently conducted the exam.  He watched carefully as I wrote the answers in my facilitated communication, so even before my mom said what I wrote, he knew the answer.  I can honestly say it was my best exam ever.  He helped me pick frames that were appropriate to my need yet pleasing to my eyes.  He insisted I pick up the glasses on a day he was there.  The prescription is much stronger than before, but he said he is sure it is better for me.  God provided this young man for me. He chatted with our family and felt like a friend.  He said come in often so I can adjust those frames and keep them in top condition.  I pray God will use me to show him Jesus.  “Mom, can we go see the glasses guy today?”

Change of Season

 

The change of seasons always is hard for me.  I find it hard to sleep and that does not set me up for a good day.  I want to moan and complain, but who is at fault?  God controls the seasons. So, do I have the audacity to complain to The God Almighty that He is not doing this to my liking?  I am afraid that sometimes I do just that.  As I read about the Israelites in the Old Testament, they did exactly that.  It usually got them in big trouble.  I guess I better find another way to cope.

I think first I need to cease fussing about and know God.  I need to know His character and realize I can trust Him.  Then I need to pray for His peace for this time.  Then I think I need to praise Him even if I cannot sleep, even if I am uncomfortable.  I may not sleep any better, but my heart will be lighter and have joy even if my eyes are tired.  It all comes down to trusting God who definitely knows what He is doing!