Jeremiah 32:41

"I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul."

As a teacher, my heart gets weary sometimes. Worrying about a child's growth, wondering if they're safe at home, hoping their parents spend at least a little more time with them, listening to their concerns and troubles, giving full attention to their distress, and even caring for their injuries. From riding the ambulance several times to counseling suicidal students, none of it was easy. Actually, it's painful at times. My basic rule is once my student, always my student. Many teachers might agree that we often wonder... if that one student is doing okay now.

As an older sister to other younger sisters or brothers in Christ, I often try to speak meekly, gently, and with grace. It's really hard sometimes seeing some of them making the same mistakes I did, but I still want to be there for them. I also want to do my best to bless them, especially those who are still in school or haven't start working yet. I was once told that if God has placed me in a place to give, I should give the best I can.

As a new small group leader, I'm learning that I am now responsible for each members' spiritual health, help seek or exhort his or her gifts and talents, bless them appropriately when they have needs, give up personal time to pray, and spend time to prepare for each gathering. Other times I must make difficult decisions or be a peacemaker and not a peacekeeper. All sorts of new challenges I did not foresee.

As a worship leader, I try my best to share God's heart, get out of the way, humble myself, push aside my musical pride, bring out the best from each worship team member, pray for each members’ musical gift, select prayerfully from His Word the appropriate songs, prayer, and Bible verses to share. Taking responsibility when things do not go smoothly is another humbling experience.

The rejoicing from Jeremiah 32 comes with a heavy burden, but it is absolutely worth it.
Planting and giving in faithfulness is not the easiest thing for me, but thankfully, the Spirit is taking care of that. Honestly, God has changed my heart so much in these past 6 years. I'd never imagine myself leading worship nor a small group. And with all my heart and soul, I am extremely thankful for where God has planted me. The people that are blessing me and in return I try to bless them back.

This passage hit me harder than I expected today. I'm deeply amazed by how Christ mentored, counseled, healed, gave, and did so many wonders to bless those he crossed paths with when he walked the earth. May I continue to give and serve based on Christ's modeling of servant leadership.

Prayers, thoughts, updates for December 22, 2018:

-  Praises for new small group and for God to continue stretching us during our meetings
-  Praises for an amazing first ANF Church retreat
-  Pray for me to humble myself more and give better to my colleagues, students, friends, and leaders
-  Pray that I can continue to show Christ's love through teaching, music, and serving in Nagoya

Thanks friends :)

Psalms 100:5

"For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."

God indeed has been very good lately. His steadfast love is shown in ways I didn't expect.

When I got back to Japan 2 months ago, it's been one wave after another.
Some good, some challenging, some unexpected.

Good stuff:
     - I'm taking two Japanese private lessons a week, 3-4 hours each (N2 level is no joke!)
     - Church is overflowing with babies and college students, signs of a healthy church :)
     - There's a group of friends in my neighborhood and it's so encouraging to have friends nearby

Challenging stuff:
     - I was able to participate in a disaster relief volunteer group (details will be on a separate blog)
     - saying farewell/see you later to a dear friend
     - attended a jam session to improve my drumset and piano skills

Unexpected stuff:
     - failed my Japanese drivers test because I didn't memorize the path :/
     - translating at events and being put in uncomfortable situations
     - teaching beginners swing dance lessons and feeling super nervous the whole time




Last week, I finally had a chance to slow down a little and do some fun things! Thankful for God's provision of nature...I was able to explore yet another awesome section of Nakasendo with my hiking friend/guide. This time we started from Nagiso and trekked 5-6 hours to Nojiri. It was packed with gorgeous valleys, mountains, forest bathing, country side homes, farms, and sounds of bear bells, cicadas, and river streams. What's more?  My favorite... bamboo forest.

Other excitements include a spontaneous Night Zoo trip!
Two music teachers and two 2nd/3rd grade teachers.
Two successors and two predecessors.
Very thankful to have these ladies in Nagoya :)

Prayers, thoughts, updates for August 19, 2018:

-  Praises for good friends in the neighborhood, I finally know why God placed me in this apartment
-  Praises for translation opportunities at church, swing dance, and at work
-  Praises for two successful adoptions for two families at ANF, my church
-  Pray for good studying habits in preparation for the JLPT N2 test this December
-  Pray for my friend with mental illness who struggles with depression and self-esteem; please pray for confidence to rise in her heart, and also for her to find a job that fits her abilities
-  Pray for this potential neighborhood fellowship that could turn out to be a great weekly home group

Thanks friends :)

Proverbs 27:17

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

God sends me many wonderful people. I am forever thankful for that.
Some of them are meant to share joy, some grieving, and others struggles.
With so many that have come and go, here are some highlights of those who have sharpened me.

ATM: sharing similar struggles in life and able to empathize with one another, being able to encourage each other through many trials, she doesn't hide her fears and openly shares her sins, doors are continuously opened for accountability, we like to go on interesting ATMICQ winter adventures, Ally inspires me to keep my faith strong in prayers

House Church Leader Mary: led me through many internal healing process, asked all the right questions in meekness, willing to do cheap stay-cations, she was not afraid to speak words that might sting a little, I learned how to present firm loving words to others when necessary

Birthday Buddy: from many laundry days during Blue Stars 09 to eating fruits and drinking juice, watching each other take higher steps throughout our career paths, recognizing each other's new phase in life, enjoying #runandtravel as much as me, I learn so much from Alex's endless kindness towards others

Steph eonni: putting the best detail into every card and gift, her care and love for others inspires me to be more thoughtful of people around me, and her ability to encourage me through prayerful letters brought comfort at times I needed them most

Matt Matt: with an outgoing personality (yes, surprisingly more outgoing than me), he has the ability to say hi to just about anyone he bumps into, his openness about his personal struggles have encouraged many to not be shameful about their own sins, I have gained much courage about facing my own sins thanks to him

Buckeye R: not knowing we were in the same room 12 years ago, serving in the same city and church, her gift of hospitality knows no boundaries, I learn so much about how to care for others through all her actions, God shows me how He works through different people by displaying Rachel's ministry in Japan








Of course there are many more who have greatly contributed to my life, and I will share about them through other stories later on.  :)

Prayers, thoughts, updates for May 26, 2018:

-  Praises and pray for all the people mentioned above and how they have changed me
-  Praises for my university friend in which we've been praying for; she decided to follow Christ!
-  Pray for this new believer as she will continue to face many trials as a Christian in Japan.
-  Pray for my Japanese friend with mental illness who struggles with depression and self-esteem; please pray for confidence to rise in her heart, and also for her to have the courage to apply what her counselors have recommended 

2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

First 10k

Running is one of the new things I started while I was in Hong Kong 2013-2015.

I can't say I love it, but it's becoming something I don't mind.

B-day/Color Run

From training for a Disney 5K, to accidentally over trained for a 10k....I pushed my limits to the Yodogawa half after moving to Japan.

Yodogawa 2015

Late 2015, I signed up for a full. --------Terrible idea. 

Train during January through March?  Nope. Too cold. 

Needless to say, without training...I went to Itabashi, ran half way, and FAILED.  

I tried again... This time I was more serious about training. I ran between July through November. I really didn't think I could make it under 7 hours... 

But thank God, I finished the Kanazawa full in 6 1/2 hours! 

Then I got prideful... and signed up for the 6 hour limit Full in Chiba.....Between the new job change and many new commitments, and just not running for 4-5 months....

---------FAILED---------

God has blessed me for many years with extremely good health. Just like His grace, I keep taking it for granted. I sign up, train, pass, sign up, don't train, fail, etc.....Similar to these marathons....my faith as well... I pray, I worship, I try, I forget to pray, I get hopeless, I get tired, I crash, etc.

God has truly taught me persistence, courage, and discipline through the process of running. Nonetheless, I'm starting to get the idea. God's not only showing me the time gates, He places important people to cheer me on along the way. He sets up booths of refreshments for when I get thirsty or hungry. He has paths marked along the way (which may require studying beforehand). He has an abundant amount of eternal joy at the end.... the removal of ALL the tiredness and weariness throughout the well-fought race. 

Thus...I tried again and God helped me finish #nagoyawomens2018

(the necklace turned out rather cute ^^)

Prayers, thoughts, updates for April 29, 2018:

-  Praises for God's blessed good health
-  Pray for continued and strengthened faith through the experience of running

1 Peter 4:10

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.''

I remember a pastor once said... "if God has gifted you with a skill, then you better do it well."
Work on those skills, perfect them, practice them, and keep developing it to better serve His Kingdom. That sermon really got to me.

It has almost been a year since I participated in a conducting workshop at the University of Michigan. I was surrounded by amazing educators, skillful musicians, and some really incredible conductors. The whole week we were encouraged to let vulnerability bring availability.

Learning loads.

At the workshop, I discovered many bad habits. A lot. So much. Terrible. Habits.
....and I'm glad I did. How else will I get better???  :)  I also had the opportunity to catch up with some friends from IU, make new friends, and finally walk on the campus that I wanted to attend since high school.

 

Overall, a huge blessing from receiving rides, random meals, to staying at nice hotels...I'm so grateful that God made it so clear for me to continue this passion of mine. Through this experience of receiving so much, it had taught me to give more.

Prayers, thoughts, updates for April 26, 2018:

-  Praises for a fruitful and encouraging professional development
-  Pray for continued opportunities and a humble heart always to make room for growth
-  Pray for people in Japan who might not recognize their gifts and talents yet; for them to acknowledge and embrace his/her God-given gift