Windy Day Faith

Today is a windy, windy day.  Things are blowing around outside.  Shudders and windows clatter in the assault.  I see dust in the air and who knows what else.  Then Dad says time to run.  I think, “I am sure the noise of the wind made it sound like he wants to run now.  It must be a mistake.”  But, alas, it is no mistake.  We are getting ready for a run or is it a fly?  We get all put together and open the door to a blast of cold air and off we go.  I am not sure about this.  Will I survive?  I have no idea, but Dad says let’s go so I go. 

Hmm ... kind of like walking by faith with Jesus day by day.  Danger is everywhere.  I can imagine such terrible things that could happen to me.  But Jesus says, “Come now and walk with me,” so I go.  That is the walk of faith.  Leave it to Jesus.  He knows best, so trust Him and obey!

I have lived in the same house for 31 years.  For the most part my neighbors are the same ones who were here when I came.  They have helped me and been good neighbors to me.  They are so special.  They care about me, and I care about them.  Now they are getting older and having health issues. It hurts my heart to see this because they have not taken the time to know Jesus.  They somehow think they can manage on their own.

Of course they cannot manage on their own.  Like me, their own resources are not enough.  They will never be enough.  I know Jesus who is more than enough. The problem is how to tell them about Jesus in a winsome way they can understand.  I feel compelled to share with them. I am here for the purpose of telling them.  How do I do that when I cannot speak?

God calls me to obedience.  He calls me to love them.  He calls me to believe He is enough even in this situation.  So I will trust God.  I will love them as God calls me to do.  I will trust God with the results.  I will expect to spend eternity with them!

Joy Overflowing Pain

I have been reflecting on our past short home assignment.  We were in many churches and found joy in worshiping with them.  This time, however one stands out to me in particular.  That is Grace Church, Salida Co.  We were not scheduled to be in this church because our time was so short.  But then, God had a different plan. Our last Sunday was in Salida because my dear Aunt Sheri moved to her heavenly home.  As you can imagine it was a difficult and emotional time.  I loved Aunt Sheri so much. 

Grace church set the tone for her Celebration of life on a Friday evening with truly    celebration worship music, reminding us about our hope and joy in Jesus.  On Sunday, however, I was tired and morose.  I did not want to face another service.  We arrived while the worship team was rehearsing.  My Mom wisely suggested we slip in and listen.  It was lifting my spirits.  Then Mom said I could stand and worship as they practiced, and I did.  I felt such joy as I let the music wash over me and carry away my moroseness.  I danced with all I had to that music.  It refreshed me and I felt I was able to let go and just focus on the Savior.  I was truly prepared for the worship service. The worship leaders thanked me for participating, but I should have been thanking them.  A difficult, sad day was turned to a joyous offering of praise for me that day.  I found that even in the bleakness of painful loss joy can flood my soul as I focus on worshiping Jesus.  Thank you Grace Church, Salida for allowing me to join my heart with you in joy amidst the pain.  It made Heaven seem more near and precious.

Psalm 30:11

You have turned my mourning into dancing…

Holiday Reflections

The Hills of Japan hope you all had a Merry Christmas.  We are thankful for each of you, our friends and family.

This year our Christmas also carried a portion of sadness as we missed our loved one, my cherished Aunt Sheri.  She went to reside in heaven in November, and the hurt has healed very little for us.  But this year I thought of a baby born and celebrated, but I see beyond that baby to a cross and then an empty tomb.  It is empty because a risen Savior needs no tomb any longer.  His coming, death and resurrection are the foundation of our hope and salvation.  He destroyed the power of death, so I can remember the separation from dear ones is only temporary.  We will rejoice together with them soon in eternity.  I can have joy and peace even in loss, for this is temporal.  Christmas gave us Emmanuel, God with us, even in loss and pain.  So we you hope you had a merry Christmas and a new year full of joy and peace because God is with us every step of the journey!

Thanks, Dad!

This week we honored fathers.  I want to take this opportunity to honor my dad who leads me daily to Jesus.  I get tired and lazy a lot, but my dad always pulls me back on track.  He does not let me just get by, but calls me higher.  I confess it sometimes makes me angry, but as I reflect on my life journey I see God always calling me higher.  My earthly dad is a reflection of my heavenly father.  I will never be a dad, but I will often have reason to interact in young lives.  I want to be known for calling them higher.  We have great potential so why settle for just getting by?  I want to aim for excellence and achieve it.  I want to use all God gave me to the fullest.  That will not only honor my earthly father, but my heavenly Father as well.

The Pit Falls of OLife

One minute I was on top of the horse. The next minute I was crumpled on the ground. How did it happen?  The horse is old and grumpy.  Riding has given me much joy, but that horse has been a great challenge.  I maybe let my concentration slip, and the horse was more irritated than usual.  My glasses flew off and I was blind because they were not on my face.  I found them and stood up but I was shaky.  My mom had me lie down while she cradled my head in her lap.  She was worried, I knew, but she remained upbeat.  My right leg was sore but I could move everything.  I was stunned.  I finally was allowed to get up and the horse was gone.  I wanted to ride.  My trainer knew that and called for a horse.  After many minutes a new horse came.  He was a good horse, but anxiety rose up within me.  My trainer recognized it and slowed the pace.  Mom was encouraging me.  The lesson ensued and I went to drink a bit of tea.

I had prayed to be a blessing at the stable that morning.  Was I a blessing?  I do not know, but I pray we were that morning.  I pray our love of Jesus was reflected in our faces and actions, even under pressure.  That is what God calls us to do.  Our obedience brings that blessing to us and others.

God protected me.  I do not have one bruise as a result.  I was sore for two days, and now I am fine.  I will be back in the saddle on Friday!

Ah, Spring Comth!

Spring in Japan means cherry blossoms.  The calendar may say spring, but it is not spring until the cherry blossoms emerge.  Sometimes they are early, sometimes later.  But always they signal spring. This signal of spring is fleeting.  Last week the cherry blossoms hit their peak.  The trees seemed heavy with blossoms that delicately fluttered in the breeze.  Here and there were delicate pink blossoms and an occasional deep pink blossomed tree. I was outside three days last week.  Wednesday I rode in the car under arches of cherry trees in full bloom, making a cherry blossom tunnel. Thursday I was volunteering at a daycare facility, and we played at a park surrounded by trees festooned in cherry blossoms.  Friday I went horseback riding among the blossoms.  The horse I rode is tall so astride the horse I was surrounded by blooms to peer through the flowers to see a clear blue sky.  What beauty!  What an Artist who planned and crafted it all. I cannot begin to take it in, much less express it. 

Now the bright green leaves are pushing the dainty pink flowers away to make their bold entrance.  This year’s signal of spring is passing away to make room for other glories.  This year’s spectacle has drawn to a close.  But I take heart, for next year’s production is already in the making.  I praise you, Lord, for letting me visit your private gallery.  I eagerly await the next showing.