Monday, September 8, 2008

thankful

I am sooooooo thankful for:

my new dentist : )
the simple joy of riding my bike around Placentia and Fullerton
the family I'm living with
having a mattress now
Cal State Fullerton students
as cliche as it sounds, friends and family
friends in Japan, even though I get really sad sometimes and miss them!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

100%

I am finally 100% ready to go to work at Cal State Fullerton! I'm not quite sure if I want to cry or dance, because I'm so happy! God is so faithful and has blessed me through so many people!!!

I was just reminded how this victory is completely from God! Jeremiah is preparing for his last concert directing FREE, and he taught them that "the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31). "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:56)

Please pray to thank God for all He has done...something in your life, creating FREE, raising all of my support. The list of victories is endless

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

journal (first month in Tokyo)

September 20, 2007 Day 1. On the plane-maybe worse than Russia, but worth it. Nice to be with the team! Still can't believe I didn't cry at the airport-what a blessed morning!

September 22, 2007 ...It's strange how I can't read the remote for the AC and could barely use the shower. We'll get it with some help though...

September 27, 2007 Today was awesome-finally talked to dad...blessed to be with teammates & other Americans. Plus ate no Japanese food today :) Bugs continue to torment. Will work on that.

September 29, 2007 ...Revelation 2 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer" Also, at the end of Mark, Jesus declares that the followers will drink poison and not even die from that. I'm protected here in Tokyo!

September 30, 2007 ...Great day w/ Chris and Shyla in Shibuya...my little socks I got at the 315 yen store are tight! And I got bugspray & haven't had Japanese food in 3 whole days!

October 1, 2007 I'm tired-it's late-I started learning Japanese & prayed for 4 hrs today.

October 3, 2007 ..."live as though your life is at stake, and the enemy is waiting to outwit you." Matt 10:16

October 8, 2007 Great BBQ & Seahawks game! Gave me victory! Set me free! This minute! I have been set free! Should I do the gospel choir Lord?

October 15, 2007 ...I sang in the choir! That's one thing I never thought I'd do. We'll see...It's so exciting to get emails from students! (Haruna, Keiko, Yuka)...

October 16, 2007 There is freedom w/ the resurrection...

October 17, 2007 Just love.

October 20, 2007 It was a blessed day...I miss football more than I thought I would. This is better, but SC & Bubbs & Misha mean a lot to me!...Remember, one day at a time, pray for your requests, pray & be content

Sunday, July 27, 2008

a white stone

I can learn so much from older people. They have many years of stories and lessons to share. I love it! I was just talking to an 88-year-old man from my church. He reminded me that we can do nothing on our own. We had a great discussion about the importance of trusting in God!

The really beautiful thing is that I can also learn so much from being with young people. At vacation Bible school this past week, we learned about God's power. The lesson that stuck in my mind the most was "God gives us the power to be brave!"

I've also really been enjoying learning from other women. I have some great close friends who love Jesus, plus a solid women's Bible study. Last week, our leader gave each of us a white stone. Historically, a white stone has been given as a symbol that you are not guilty, you were victorious in battle, or as a symbol of friendship. The Bible also talks about this white stone (Revelation 2:17). The ones we got at Bible study had a word written in gold, and mine said Trust. The night before I had talked with my dear friend about how everything in life really comes down to trusting Jesus. Once again, I love it!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Saturday, July 5, 2008

by Irina


instead of the kids' crossword puzzle at church

Saturday, June 28, 2008

joy

"A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." Proverbs 17:22

"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33