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"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." I'm a 25 year old girl trying to figure out life in regards to ministry, career, and relationships and striving to glorify God in everything.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Please Keep Amal in your prayers

Please keep my friend Amal in your prayers as she is going through an extremely hard time right now. She's going back to Tunisia, Africa tomorrow to be with her family because her mom is in a coma. There is a possibility that she will not be coming back to Masters because she may have the responsibilty of taking care of her siblings, but also because her life is being threatened. This is so hard to even imagine, but God is in control. I'd share with you the whole story but its not mine to tell. Basically she's had an extremely hard year but she is an amazing girl and has grown so much! I have come to really admire her even though I don't know her extremely well. She is the one who said God is God and God is Good and that's SO true.

EDIT: she went but I wanted to make this a separate post because its important and it deserves attention

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Christimas Concerts are here!

So we are in our second night of the annual Christmas Concerts. Last night went really well but we still have about 7 more concerts to do. Please keep everyone who's sick right now in your prayers as there are many! Amazingly (by God's amazing grace) I have not been sick since the beginning of the semester which is a really big thing considering last year I wasn't sick about 1 week out of the whole entire school year... :) I love Masters....just thought I'd share that! "God is God and God is Good".

Monday, November 20, 2006

*~miss you~*

Put down your paper plate
Come to the table made
Deep blue china
Found on the table by the wine
So fineWell it brings out flavor
Like You bring out color in life
Oh, I miss You soThe feel of forever
Oh, that taste I knowIt hurts to remember

Unfortunately high
Ironically dissatisfied

I miss you
I miss you
I miss you

Oh, I miss you so
The feel of forever Oh, that taste I know
It hurts to rememberI had a fleeting thought this morning
And I mentioned You today
It breaks my heart just to know You in part
And not to be with You where You are

Oh, I miss you so The feel of forever
Oh, that taste I know It hurts to remember
Oh, I miss you soThe feel of forever
Oh, that taste I know

Friday, August 04, 2006

HOME!

I'm HOME!!

It was so good to see everyone last night! Its so good to be home but I miss my new friends in Japan! It was so good to see all that God did over there. I recommend everyone going on at least one over seas trip to get out of America for awhile.

I'll post more later....so much to do!

Sunday, July 30, 2006

FIREWORKS!

Yesterday was the big fireworks show at Showa Park. Let me tell you....it was the best fireworks show I've ever seen! It was an hour or so long! The only problem was there was a huge tree that covered like half of the fireworks so we only saw the really tall ones but it was still pretty sweet!
I got to wear my Yukata which was a pain because it kept coming undone in certain areas and Hitomi kept having to adjust it. I was probably thought scandalous compared to the other Japanese girls. (Don't worry, nothing showed but still....uggh!) So here are some pics!


OOOOOOOOOOOO
AHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Us sporting our Yukatas! Mrs. Hosokawa, Hitomi and Yuri

Yukiko!


Ayumi and I

Sweet!

Yuri!!

We had an awesome time! Showa park is gorgeous! I can't wait to go back....I saw pictures of it in December and it was amazing!

I'll be home soon and then you can see the rest of my pics!

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

I can't think of a title....i guess "REALLY LONG" works

So I finished Isaiah and now I'm going through Jeremiah. Good book...only its a little hard to understand.

I have set some goals for this next (school) year and I found some verses for a little incentive.
Here are a few of them: (You can just read whats in bold if you don't have time...which I'm pretty sure you don't) Enjoy!

1. Time management:

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 6:3-11


Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:4


Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for it is light that makes everything visible.
This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5: 11-16


Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (except Jesus of course)
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Sorry, this is a long one

"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15


.....Ouch

2. Health....especially when it comes to my food choices:

"Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
Haggai 1:5-6 (maybe not the best verse for this but I thought it fit)

3. Be discerning and responsible

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Galatians 6:9-10

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14

"I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart..."
1 Kings 3:12a

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 3:21-27

4. Stay in the Word daily:
Psalm 119
(You can go read it....its LOOOOONG)

And this passage is great for motivation to complete all my goals:

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect;

the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the LORD?
And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
You broaden the path beneath me,

so that my ankles do not turn.
Psalm 18:28-36
Again....sorry its so long. Thanks to all of you who actually read through it.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

A few prayer requests

Hey everyone,

This weekend we are going to the Oktama Bible Challet (the english camp) for four days. Bruce and Laura said that this session is one of the most difficult sessions because the majority of the kids have never heard about Jesus and none of them speak english. We are faced with a little bit of difficulty however God will use it! Please keep them in your prayers. Also, Yoshie is going to speak 6 times while we're there and yesterday she wasn't exactly prepared. She has been really busy with work and being our interpreter etc...so she's a little stressed and worn out (all the time keeping a smile on her face!!) We love her!.

VBS is next week from tuesday to saturday and so far we have two kids signed up. Sensei says that usually a bunch of kids sign up at the last minute...please pray that they do! and for our team that we would keep up our energy level as this will be our busiest week with English lessons and VBS everyday. We're excited and a bit nervous. Starting tuesday it will be our last week of ministry. Please pray that we would keep strong until the end. Us girls are getting a little homesick (again) but we know we'll be home very soon! I can't wait to see you guys!!!

My students Mr. and Mrs. Sato are finished with the classes. I talked to Mrs. Sato about getting them a Bible but she said they had one and she was going to read it...She sounded really excited. I had a chance to talk to both of them about this weekend and our purpose for going to the camp and they asked many questions about Christianity. Please keep them in your prayers... that they really would read the Bible they have and that God would bring someone into their lives to help them with their questions. They were so fun to talk to!!!

God has provided so much over the past 4 weeks and has worked in the hearts of our students. To Him be the glory!

"but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Some good verses....

Isaiah 30:18

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!"

Isaiah 33:2, 6

"O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the FEAR of the Lord is the KEY to this treasure."

I like the book of Isaiah...

Thoughts for the Day

Isaiah 29:13 says, "The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men."

Am I like these people when I come before God? Do I mindlessly "worship" Him? When I pray, do I remember that I'm before the Most High God? or are my prayers empty routine? At church do I come to fellowship and learn or do I sit through the service, bored and waiting until its over so I can go have fun afterwards?

I'm not sure this is exactly what the passage meant but that's what it made me think about.

....next thought...

I bet most of life's problems could be boiled down to a lack of trust and contentment. If we would stop and enjoy the moment we're in right now and remember that this is where God has us, we could have so much more. Instead we're just waiting for the next big thing to happen, living life from event to event.

I know from when I was a kid I couldn't wait until my next birthday. When I turned 13 I would start planning my 14th birthday party.....that day. I couldn't wait until I got into high school; then the end of my freshman year I couldn't wait until I graduated. Then I couldn't wait to get to Romania and when I got there I couldn't wait to get home and start college. Now I'm going into my sophomore year and I can't wait to get to IBEX...and then graduate...and then move on to whatever God has for me. I need to stop and trust God that this is what He has for me right now and be content...not settle...but be content and enjoy this moment. He never promised another.

James 4:13-15

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Child Of God

Today at the prayer meeting there were Koreans, Japanese, and Americans. It was really cool to hear prayer in all three languages. Even though I didn't understand...God did.

Anyway,
One of the missionaries shared a song with us called "Child of God" and as he read the words I really felt like crying...then he played the song on his computer...that didn't help lol but I didn't cry...

I just wanted share these words...it is such a beautiful song.

"With every breath, with every thought
From what is seen to the deepest part
I offer all that I've come to be
To know Your love fathering me

Father You're all I need
My soul's sufficiancy
My strength when I am weak
The love that carries me
Your arms enfold me
Till I am only a child of God

With every step on this journey's walk
And wisdom's songs that the soul has sought
I give myself unreservedly
To know Your love fathering me"

So far on this trip the one thing that keeps coming back to me is that God is all I need. That's so easy to say but SO hard to actually believe. When its so easy to find comfort in other things whether it be music, food, friends, the internet...I can find comfort in so many things other than Him but when it comes down to only being able to truly put my trust in Him I fail most everytime.

Lots to learn....

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

MOSHI MOSHI!!! (said in a high voice when answering the phone)

Hehe...I like how they say that.
All is well here in Japan! Three weeks are almost up and we have so much going on for the rest of our time here. Tomorrow we're teaching a ladies group how to make tacos, saturday we have an ice cream party and Gospel Night (Hitomi and I are singing as well as the rest of the youth group and Team Japan is going to do Be Thou My Vision in Japanese....prayer is needed! lol we don't have the best voices). Then on Monday we have a sport day...i think we're gonna play kickball. Next friday through monday we go to OBC. I just met Mrs. Harris and her husband (they work at the camp) and they are so sweet! I can't wait. Then the last full week we have VBS, English Lessons and a Farewell lunch on Sunday. Monday (the 31st) through Wednesday the 2nd of August is our debrief period and then we come home. I'm thinking these last three weeks are gonna go pretty fast. Hope we can keep up with it all. Thanks for all your prayers! God has been working here.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Check it out!

Hey all,
Go check out our Team site...Mark has been updating.

teamjapan06.blogspot.com

some pics are there too!

Saturday, July 08, 2006

A little encouragement....

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."
Psalm 105:4

"You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek, You are my all in all.
Seeking you as a precious jewel, Lord to give up I'd be a fool, You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name.
Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name.
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame, rising again I bless Your name, You are my all in all,
When I fall down you pick me up, when I am dry You fill my cup, You are my all in all.
Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name.
Jesus, Lamb of God, Worhty is Your name."

"Hungry, I come to you for I know, You satisfy.
I am empty but I know your love, does not run dry.
So I wait, for you; So I wait, for you.
I'm falling on my knees, offering all of me, Jesus you're all this heart is living for.
Broken I run to you for your arms, are open wide; I am weary but I know your touch, restores my life. So I wait, for you; So I wait, for you."

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forgot all His benefits." Psalm 103:2

How Great Is our God???

Friday, July 07, 2006

So as I mentioned before, last monday we went to Karaoke and I took some pictures so I thought I'd share them!

This is me: (bet you wouldn't have guessed!)This is Albert....really concentrating on his song...whatever it was:


This is Mark...he was singing........a true Japanese song:We also sang some disney favorites...like Hakuna Matata:

This is Tomo...she and I sang Part of That World from "The Little Mermaid":We had such a fun day that day.....we might go again tomorrow....we have a "free" day every Monday. SO...the English Lessons are going really well. Every student is giving good reparts.

Two of my students give me gifts each class period..I was so surprised:


YUMMY!! So we're going to lunch now...they really want to go so I gotta scoot....I'll post again soon!

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

A Woman Who is A Christian

I've been reading this book called "Designing A Lifestyle That Pleases God" by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock. Its pretty convicting and I wanted to share a little part out of it. (this is just a summary)

This refers to a Wise Woman

The first thing was "an acrostic for the word Christian to look at day-to-day living:
Christ: The significance of the question is, does she just know about Christ, or does she know Him as her Lord and Savior?
Holy: Do we fill our minds with thoughts that will challenge us to live a holy lifestyle?
Reputation: Do I purpose to cultivate a reputation that invites others to imitate me as I imitate Christ?
Integrity: Am I a person of integrity?
Scriptures: Do I live like I believe them?
Theme of Titus 2:4-5: Am I willing to learn these skills and then teach others?
Inquire (or ask): Do I ask with a humble heart that is truly desirous of my heavenly Father's will?
Abstain: Do I abstain from every form of evil?
Nothing: Nothing is impossible with God; Do I trust God or lean on my own understanding?

When I read over these I found that my answer to most of the questions was no. This challenged me to start living in a way so that I could answer these questions with yes.

The other thing I wanted to share was "The Character of A Woman Who is A Christian"

If I speak to other woman about their scriptural roles and responsibilities but lack the motivation to integrate the teaching into my life, I am arrogant (James 2:22-25)

And though I know about the woman of the Bible and believe myself to be a devoted Christian but fail to emulate their model, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 10:11)

If I pursue Christian ministry and stay up all night preparing a theologically correct Bible Study but fail to develop the gentle and quiet spirit that is precious to my heavenly Father, my efforts are in vain (1 Peter 3:4)

A woman who is a Christian is gracious (Proverbs 11:16) even when others are not

She believes that the verbal picture of God's ideal woman painted in Proverbs 31:10-31 is as relevant today as the day it was written and seeks to emulate her qualities

A woman who is a Christian gleans insight from the knowledge of God's Word and seeks to become a Wise Woman (Proverbs 2:17-21)

She takes seriously the mandate of Titus 2:3-5 and intentionally acquires godly Christian role models and seeks to be one to those younger in the faith.

As for professional contacts, ultimately they will diminish in importance; as for speaking opportunities, they will be presented and the content eventually forgotten; as for strategic social events, they will occur and the memories will fade; but the woman who is a Christian prepares to face God's plan for her future WITH CONFIDENCE (Proverbs 31:25)

So, both the Christian Woman and the woman is a Christian abide in the Christian community; however, the woman who is a Christian cultivates a lifestyle that clearly displays that her values and character align with the Word of God.

I've got a lot to live up to. I challenge you (reader) to do the same! Hope this was encouraging :)

Monday, July 03, 2006

Fun times!

So yesterday was our "day off" so we went to Shibuya. We had lunch (I wasn't hungry so I had a really good mango/vanilla/chocolate thing...sooo good) and then we went to purikura (print club). Basically it was a bunch of piture booths. For those of you who have been here before you know what I'm talking about. Anyway, it was SO fun...we're gonna do it again here in Tachikawa. We also did Karaoke. Yesterday was a great day. I can't wait to show ya'll the pictures! Today we are doing lessons again and so far so good. We have 17 students alone today. Tomorrow we don't have many but the weeks are pretty filled. I'm kinda sad that I'm missing the 4th of July. But we're having a big thing on July 29. Should be fun! Well....I have a lesson in 10 minutes so I'll post a little more later. Oh I taught my host family how to play Egyptian War or whatever you want to call it: the game with many names. We had so much fun. I also played speed with Hitomi. So fun. Hitomi and I are going to do "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" on Gospel night. She'll play guitar and I'll play piano and we'll both sing. We're really excited about that. Well....until later.....God Bless and have a great 4th of July!

Sunday, July 02, 2006

A Good Verse:

"...acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work." 1 Chronicles 28:9-10

A couple random things....

So i was listening to my iPod today and a song came on called "One Day at a Time" by Jeremy Camp and I thought it was very applicable to me this summer; not all of it but most of it. So i wanted to share it: Whats in bold is what I liked a lot.

One day at a time I will walk this road I've traveled so far
One day at a time well I know I will carry on
One day at a time I can see you took my life this far
One day at a time I will take this faith along
All this hope I breathe is given by the hand that carries me
Until I'm complete and I'll take all I will
To understand this plan you have for me, for me
I've been shut up shut down held out held down
In ways I never knew I would
But I can feel your fullness in my life
Well I've been burned out broken torn out torn down
In ways I never knew I would
But I can feel your fullness in my life
One day at a time I will take these words you've given me
One day at a time I will rest in knowing you
One day at a time I will share this gift you've given me
One day at a time I will walk these valleys through
All I know is that I see how much my heart
Is longing to be cradled by your side
And I'll give all I can to one day soon
Be held by your hand, by your hand
In all these things I will press on
I'll be with you I know it wont be long

And then here are a couple verses that I really liked today:

Its kind of long so here's the reference for the first one:
2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Psalm 37:23-24:
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

James 1:2-4:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Psalm 8:
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with honor. You made him ruler over the works of YOUR hands; you put EVERYTHING under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is yo ur name in all the earth."

I didn't realize that time was such a blessing until I came here. I've read more in the past week than I ever have in one year; and I don't think I'm exaggerating much.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Good News

Today Yoshie told us that this year has been the best year for English Lessons that she can remember. We put out between 500 and 700 flyers and so far we've received 6 replies. She said that a long time ago (to tell would be to show her age so I won't say how long) she put out 1,000 flyers and only got one reply so this was pretty good news :). The lessons are going well so far. We have only gotten good replies from the students. God is really working here.

Random thoughts:

Yesterday I was listening to a song called Even When by Seven Places (really good song) and part of it really stuck out to me so I thought I'd share it:

"Its not about how I feel, Lord I am here for you cause you are here for me, this is what I was made to do. I exist for you."

Today I finished a book by Francine Rivers called "Unshaken" a story of Ruth and Boaz. (Its now my favorite book.) Anyway, at the end there's a little bible study and one question was "What life changing events have you experienced? As I pondered the question...yes I do ponder sometimes :)....I thought about all the things in the past that have brought me to this point in my life....here in Japan. The one thing that I can think of that brought me to a transition in my life was my view on missions. Up until that point I had my mind set on being a wife and mother and that was it. I didn't what other plans could come up, if that wasn't part of my plans then I wouldn't do them, especially missions. (Most of you have heard this before but what's better than being able to read it? :-p) So in 2003 the opportunity to go on a missions trip came. I was in a new bible study at church for teens (not "youth group" but Teen Bible Study) and the leader had a big emphasis on living your life for God no matter what He had you do. I was scared to death of the thought of giving over control of my life (as if I had any to begin with right?). This trip was in the following December and I prayed a lot about it. I figured it was only a week and I could just see what would happen. So I went, and my life changed. One week. Sometimes it doesn't take very long for God to show you things...so after I got home I decided I wanted to go to Romania. (I was kind of exaggerating...I mean Romania? Come on..lets be serious) So a couple years go by and I had been in this "Teen Bible Study" (now called Youth Group....go figure) and an opportunity came up to go to Romania....I was surprised and half scared that I would have to go since I had made a big deal about it years before and up until it came...i'm a big talker. So....summer of 2005 came and I went to Romania....God has slowly worked on me and changed my heart for missions over the years. Now I still am a little scared at the idea but so much more open to it than I used to be thanks to my mom, youth leader, and of course God. So....all that to say...in a very round about way I guess I was just trying to say thank you to everyone who has supported me in my life....you all know who you are :)...it would take an hour or more to name all of you....(i don't have that kind of time and I'm sure neither do you.) My mom especially. You have never let me down! I love you! So....yeah.....hope this made sense...i need to help someone so i'll post some more later. God Bless!

Friday, June 30, 2006

Resolved:

So last night I was reading Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions and a couple really hit me so I thought I'd share them with you.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory and to my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, withthout any consideration of the time, whether now or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how ever so many and how ever so great.

2. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die

3. Resolved, to examine carefully and constantly what that one thing in me is that causes me in the least to doubt the love of God; and so direct all my forces against it.

4. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of them.

5. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.

6. Resolved, never henceforward till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but to act entirely and altogether as God's...

7. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye (ooo hard): and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family--Ok family....I'm gonna need help with this one.

8. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a temper that is good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving, and sincere; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so.

9. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence and with the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interst in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respection this to repent of.

10. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live if they were to live their lives over again. Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.

11. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in Him, and consecrate myself wholly to Him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.

ALMOST DONE....

12. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, that this, with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to Him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, hopes, desires, and everything, and every circumstance...

13. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God and to implore needed help.

14. Resolved, always to do that which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.

That's a lot to live up to ...... but I'll do my best to do these with a cheerful attitude. Any help will be much appreciated. God Bless
More to come later....computer still broken....I need to figure out whats wrong with it.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Lessons Learned so Far

Lesson # 1
Never say you don't like something until you know for sure that you don't like it.
On Saturday we went out for tempura. The menu was interesting (i couldn't read anything so I had to order just by looking at the pictures) I had shrimp, egg plant and green beans. It was actually pretty good. The food has been pretty good. We had salmon twice at the Tanokura's house. Not my favorite but eatable. :)

Lesson # 2
If all else fails, nod and smile nod and smile...oh and bow a lot.....(Thanks Mrs. Robison!)

Lesson # 3
This is the hardest by far to remember:
Home is where the heart is. Let me explain. I've been very homesick lately as most of you know but I know everything is ok. People keep reminding me that I'm not alone and that I with Family, not blood family, but family that's even closer because we are the church. I seem to keep forgetting that.

You know those stupid quiz things that ask like your interests and heroes and whatever else? Well I always put God in those areas. But I'm quickly finding that it must not be true. I mean yes God is my hero but if I truly believed that then I wouldn't feel so alone or sad. I'm starting to believe that and live like He is. Its hard but its also the only way I'm going to get through these next 5 weeks. The first week is the hardest (I hope) and its over.

My mom always tells me to think of Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Step one: TRUST
Step two: ACKNOWLEDGE
Step three: Enjoy!!

I know I keep saying I'll post pictures so Let me dig up a few:


This is the church sign....

This is the food I've had so far:

Tempura


Udon (SP?)

At the Takahashi's (sorry I still don't know how to spell it):

The first night we had this quiche thing with salad and steak. Maki made it and it was sooo good. The second night we had:

Tacos! Maki is a REALLY good cook :)

Well the picture won't load so I'm not sure what to do...anyway...
Everything is coming along great. I don't want to show too many pictures cause I want to surprise you guys with the slideshow at church...

Hope you enjoyed this post. More to come later.

God Bless!

Friday, June 23, 2006

First couple days....

So this is our second official day and its pretty cool so far. I spent the first night at the Tonokura's last night. That was interesting...not in a bad way of course :) None of them speak very good english but its so cool that they're trying! They all are so sweet! Yesterday for lunch we went to a Curry house. It actually (to my surprise) was very good. Today we went to a Tempura place and again was pretty tasty. I had shrimp, eggplant and green beans with pasta stuff and some barley tea.....I'm kinda liking this Japanese food :) So today we went over the english lessons and are kinda hanging out until 2 when two ladies are coming for a lesson with Mrs. Takahashi and we're going to watch. Mrs. Tonokura is one of the ladies. She wants to learn more english so she can talk to me (she's so sweet). Tomorrow we have church and a welcome lunch. Matt, Kai and I are going to teach Sunday School. Monday we're going to the Emporer's Palace and to a Buhddist Shrine thing....interesting. Yoshiet said the Shinto and Buhddist people are ok with every religion but they don't choose Christianity because we are so exclusive only believing in one true God. It is so sad to see so many people here without Christ. Out of 1,000 people only 4 profess Christ but only 2 go to a Bible believing church. I'll post some pictures later...i'm not on my computer right now. So english lessons start on Tuesday. I get to "teach" Mrs. Hatomi and Tomo (both are fluent in english they just want practice) and then I have one student with I think two children who is a beginner. Its going to be a fun trip! I'll post another update as soon as something else exciting happens. Feel free to leave comments....Japanese kids are soooooo cute! love you guys!!!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

We Made It!

Hey everyone....sorry this is gonna be a short post....

We're here and now its time for orientation to begin so I'll post soon but we're safe and sound!
God Bless

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

The Day Before Take Off

Well we finished our shopping and now all we can do is wait. Wait for everything God is going to do in our lives in the next 6 weeks; wait for all the mistakes we will make and all the success hopefully to come; wait to see lives changed and God up close and personal; but first wait for our take off. I've held all my feelings inside for the past month and I've tried to just trust God to take all the fear, worry, anxiety, and stress away and fill me with peace....and unsurprisingly that's exactly what He has done. He never fails to give me that peace when I need it the most. Yes I'm scared...to death....but I know for a fact that God is with me wherever I go and that even though I am scared and even though I'm going to an unknown place for a long time, He is still guiding my every step and knows exactly what is going to happen down to the next move I make. I am so extremely excited about all the things that we are going to be doing. Matt told me today that I might (most likely) be a camp counselor for the 4 days at the english camp. I was SO happy! Just pray that works out and that I can be a real example for the kids I'll be with. Both Beth and I are nervous about the flight because of motion sickness and a little worried about not being able to stay at the same houses but its going to work out and we are going to learn a lot from it. I just want to before I say goodbye, thank all of you who have never stopped praying for me from the first time I mentioned Japan and who have done everything in your power to help me get to this point. You know who you are and I love you guys! I can't wait to see what God is going to do in my life and in the lives of my team members and also in your lives while I'm gone! HE IS FAITHFUL!!!
God Bless! Have an awesome summer and don't forget to pray :)

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Magic Mountain

This was by far one of the most stressless day of my life. Is stressless a word? Now it is...
It started out by meeting Sara and her sister Emily and her friend Jen at In-N-Out to carpool up to Six Flags. When we got there it was hot but beautiful and we had high hopes for the day.

We got the gate and headed to Goliath. We expected to wait for about an hour because it was already about 12 pm and all the rollercoaster-addicts were already there...minus four...us of course. So we get to the line and NO ONE IS THERE!!! We walked through the entire line in less than 5 minutes then we got the top and there was about a 2 minute wait. Then the fun comes. As we're going up Sara commands me to keep my hands up through the whole ride. That's where I draw the line....NOT!! She held my hands up and at first I thought my life was over...but then it was fun. So since the line was so short we went on again!Another 5 minute wait and we have the thrill of a lifetime... again. This was the beginning to a perfect day. After Goliath we went over to Colossus. There was quite a wait for that but we figured since we just got on two rides in less than 15 minutes it was well worth the wait. We hit Scream, Batman twice, Riddler's Revenge, Ninja, Viper twice, and X. Sara never let us forgot how good that day was because of the constant reminder of her last trip where she only rode 4 rides the whole day. We got 11 rides in 6 hours.

That was the end to the perfect day.
Here's a couple of pictures of the rides we got on....


Look at the drop on that!!!

My new least favorite ride...it was SOOOO jerky I got a headache.

This one was fun....but we went on it twice in a row and we paid dearly for it...headaches all around...we took a small break after this one
Oh Yeah!!!

The classic....just plain fun....
What could be better??

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Japan Mission Trip

From June 21 to August 3 the six of us will be heading out to Japan to work in the church in Tachikawa. I will try to get a weekly update here with photos and hopefully many prayer requests and praises. Check back every Saturday and see how the ministry is going and how God is working in our lives and theirs. Have a great summer! Updates to come!

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Summer Break

.....summer break......
so far its pretty unlively....but in a month it'll get going especially bcuz of Japan!!! SO excited...a little scared but mostly excited. So yeah.....I've got music practice tonight, Bible Study tomorrow night, College Group on Friday, and Ultimate Frisbee at my friend's 16th birthday party....its gonna be sweet! I haven't played in forever.....fun times ahead....

Thursday, May 11, 2006

AMAZING


WOW....
There are few words that adequately express the whirlwind that just passed me by (aka: my Freshman year of College)
Last semester I learned the importance of knowing that God is here but not always feeling His presence. Countless times I felt alone and so insignificant but I had to keep telling myself that God is here with me. God's comfort is so incredible and we are so undeserving of it; yet He chooses to bestow it upon us. Can I just say that I would not have gotten through this year without it?! Psalms has become my top 5 favorite books of the Bible; after Philippians, James, John, and Romans. I've learned so much about living
for God and not just half way but wholeheartedly. God is SO amazing and is so deserving of all our thanks, and praise, and everything in us. This may seem cliche but when you see His works in your life and see what He does it just comes naturally. The thing I learned this semester..sadly just this past week is that I am incapable of doing anything on my own strength. I don't know why it didn't hit me sooner but unfortuneately it didn't and now i must suffer the consequences, however because of God's strength I had an awesome week,

the finals went pretty well, they are now over (except one small on tomorrow morning...uh...today) and I have been able to spend some time with friends and it has been wonderful.
My roommate left tonight. Her side of the room is sad...depressing...empty. I guess its good. Time to move on. We'll still be friends but it'll never be the same. I'm never going to be able to have this time back but I am definitely grateful for what I learned from her and for what God is doing in her life. It was an awesome experience and I'm so blessed to have had experienced it. Now God is moving both of us in different directions and its going to be great!

This post has been brought to you by the scatterbrained Caitlin...until next time

Friday, May 05, 2006

The End of Freshman Year 2005/2006

I just finished my last official class in my Freshman year. We had dorm chapel today and heard different girls talk about this past year and what they've learned and struggled with etc. It was so humbling I guess to see that I am not the only with problems and people may be so happy on the outside but struggling so much on the inside. Girls have gone through so much this past year it makes my struggles look miniscule. I still thank God for what He has brought me through with family struggles and personal struggles. I just can't believe how much I have grown in my Faith and trust in God (that's not to stay by any means that I have it down now). I'm overwhelmed at how much I've learned in this one year. I can't imagine what God is going to teach me in the next 3 or 4 years. I don't even want to go there yet. I want to reflect on what He has taught thus far and just thank Him for He is Good! I'd love to share with you sometime what I have learned. Finals week is quickly approaching and this is going to be a week of stress but God is Good, God is Faithful and God is worthy to be praised!!!!!!!!!!!!

LAST FMP

Wow...
Last night was the last FMP class of the semester. We went over the travel aspect such as safety, health, packing, stuff like that. Team time was fun too cause we just got down to business and prayed and figured who'd be in charge of what as in supplies...when it gets down to this point you know you're going. I can't believe God has given me this opportunity to go to Japan after He already gave me the opportunity to go to Romania last summer. God has opened so many doors and led me down different paths that I never thought I'd even consider. He has really shown me His love, mercy, and grace and is showing me bit by bit what His will is for me and I can honestly say right now...I am so happy and at peace about so many things in my life. Last night I had a really good time just reading certain passages and each one just showed me different attributes of God and reiterates His faithfulness and sovereignty. I can't believe He has brought me so far.

FMP Retreat

So in February we went on a weekend retreat with our mission's class and we had to set up our camp, cook our own food with minimal supplies, hike and do a "team bonding" thing for two hours and then we had a council time with our individual teams where we went around in a circle and pointed out all the things we saw in other people that we thought should change. That was hard cause I don't like pointing out people's problems...i mean i do it but its not always right to do that. It was good though cause we all saw things that we all agreed should be worked on in each of us so it wasn't like certain people were ganging up on others. I think that really helped our team cause now we're pretty close. Its awesome! I have to admit I was a little scared about it but God has really blessed our team with unity and a closeness that's comfortable. THANK YOU LORD!
I LOVE TEAM JAPAN 2006!

Thursday, May 04, 2006

FMP April 20- Missionary Panel

Today we had four missionaries come in and Tatlock questioned them about their ministry and advice that they had for short term missions--it was really quite interesting. Good to hear from their perspective.
Things like travel, food, housing etc. is really harder than it looks to us. They have to worry about finding places for teams to stay anywhere from 1-8 weeks in a summer. I think many times I forget to thank them for all their hard work...I mean I thank them for what I see them do, but I never realized how much work is put into the before and after. They have to arrange all that stuff and then they have to clean up and unfortuneately fix any problems that the team may have created. Sometimes we don't realize that what we think is helping could many times really be making their job harder and even compromise their ministry. Its so important that we listen to the missionary and make sure that what we are doing isn't going to cause problems because we are not only representing americans but more importantly representing God and if the people see us messing around they sometimes get the wrong ideas about the missionaries who are living with them. The worst thing a team could do is get the full time missionary in trouble. I guess what all this is really about it being a helper and making sure that we don't take for granted all that goes on because there are people who are working much harder than you and me to allow us to be able to go to that country and hopefully be of service to them. did any of this make sense?
Hope so...

Photography

Today (April 13 2006 class) was a fun. We got to talk about photography and how to make memories with good pictures and essentially how to tell someone about your trip and capture all the aspects instead of just how fun it was.
The basics were:

1 General purposes for missions trip photography
  • Documenting what happened
  • Remembering your friends
  • Creating images for art

2. Two lists of specific photos to take

  • General conference (event) photos
  • Basic missions trip photos

3. What to do with the photos

  • Slide show for church or Bible Study
  • Web albums for people to see
  • Banners for websites and promo material
  • Small book to review with friends

There's more about how to take good pictures, what kind of camera to use etc but I've seem to run out of time and I must go....if you really want to know...post and maybe I'll share my secrets :-p jk...they're not mine.

Practical Training in Speech

Today we split up the teams and each of us went to a different mini seminar to learn about different aspects of the trips we will go on. Because we will most likely get an opportunity to share our testimony I went to a seminar about speaking. Betty Price came in to speak to us (LOVE HER!!) and gave us some handy tips about how to speak and make it about God and not about you basically.

The three main points were (I'm not going to go into all of it cause for 1 you're probably too interested and 2 there's a lot):

1. Your Character and Your Heart- The greatest impact of your speaking coms from who you are and your heart
2. Organization- Learn to put material in the form of an outline and to speak from a concise outline
3. Verbal Presentation and Communication ability- Be very prayerful about how God would use you to impact your audience so that they respond to God's truth that you are sharing.

I'm a very fearful person when it comes to speaking in public or in a large group but when I stop and remember that I'm not doing it so that they audience will like me or approve of me but that i'm speaking God's truth to them its much easier to do it.

FMP Definition of Culture

Culture is something we all have. There are many different cultures in America but there also numerous cultures outside America (I know shocking huh???)

1. Four components of culture

Economics: How do we produce and trade goods?


  • People
  • Time
  • Materials

Religious: How do we explain the unexplainable?


  • Beliefs Acts 2:5-13
  • Practices Acts 17:19-23

Social: How do we preserve our cultural identity?

  • Marriage and Family
  • Education Acts 16:25-34

Social Control: How do we organize ourselves?

Rules:
  • Reciprocity, Punishment Acts 4:1-22

Relationships

  • Logic, shame, guilt Acts 21:27-36

2. Cross-cultural communication

Verbal

  • High form
  • Low Form

Language mirrors culture
Language is arbitrary

This probably doesn't make much sense but just remember to acknowledge the differences of our culture and respect other cultures because although we think so, ITS NOT ABOUT US!

I haven't been too incredibly diligent in my journaling as I said I would.
Anyway I'm just going to give a summary of the classes that impacted me and what we learned and some of the things we've had to read.

Starting with the very first class:

He went over the support raising including how to write a support letter (which my opinion is the worst part)....i hate asking for money. But I did it and now its over with and Praise God for that!

We had to make a donor list complete with addresses of people you don't even know who for some strange reason know everything about you. I was blessed to be able to send it to a select few who supported me last summer so I actually knew who I was asking. The major key though to support raising is trusting God that if you are meant to go..He will provide some way for it to happen. So....with all that said, here's a lesson from Paul:

Gifts from the Philippians to Paul:
In Thessalonica (Philippians 4:16)
In Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:8-9)
In Rome (Philippians 4:18)

The following observations from Philippians 4:10-20:

Paul was content (4:10-13)
The Philippians shared with Paul in ministry (4:14-16)
Paul sought blessing for the Philippians (4:17-20)
The Philippians gave to God (4:18, 20)
God will meet your need (4:19)

We need to be content with what we are given not wanting more because like I said, God will provide for you.
We like the Philippians should share ministry whether that means actually going out on the mission field or being partners in prayer.
We should be thankful for the support of our family and friends and pray for them.
We should remember that ultimately we are giving to God and helping those whom we support to be obedient to God.
And the most important thing that has been said over and over....GOD will meet your needs not people. God uses people to help you but do not depend on yourself of others to be your primary support. Only God can do this.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

A Study of Psalm 103 (NIV)

Of David.

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones
who do his bidding, who obey his word.
Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Monday, April 24, 2006

I FIGURED IT OUT!! YAY!

Ok so...i just figured out how to post again...so here goes...
I didn't know how I would bring up this account ever again so I just created a new one...and I actually like that one better (the layout is sleeker)...anyway..i miss journaling online...so...i think i'm gonna do it again. we'll see. well g2g I have lots to do..... God bless

Monday, February 06, 2006

FMP Journal

Yes....you're right...ANOTHER webiste...I know I'm a nerd
This one is actually going to be for my journal for FMP (Foreign Missions Prep). We are required to journal our feelings, fears, hopes, what we've learned/hope to learn, etc. from now until the end of our trip. So far we've only had two classes but soon we'll be getting into it and soon you will be able to see what its like to prepare for a summer missions trip. Until then....