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.