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