Luke 14:11

"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

ANF Church retreat 2019

My pride tends to block my view of things I don't want to acknowledge. I also often take things for granted and I don't spend enough time appreciating them. During those times, I'm grateful that God plants people in my life to display Luke 14:11. The following ladies have each made an impact in my life and I'd like to use this space to lift them up.

Miyako did my make up for a party ^^

I believe Miyako gave me the most memorable first encounter. The development of our friendship started with the basic "let's go see a movie". We decided to watch Silence, which was not easy to discuss given my level of Japanese at that time. Not only so, right before the movie, I discovered that she was getting baptized the following day. After the movie, we headed for the train station, but I was still a bit overwhelmed by the situation. Suddenly, as we said our goodbyes in the middle of the sidewalk (with hundreds of people surrounding us)...she asked me to pray for her. I was so humbled by her act of submitting to God and not caring about appearances.

We've had several amazing but hard conversations (which tends to happen randomly in the middle of the street...). She's not afraid to ask sensitive questions that others are not willing to ask. Her prayer requests usually demonstrate her humility asking for the Holy Spirit to guide her ways. There is so much beauty packed in her desire to know God.

with Masami on a lift

Again, due to my terrible Japanese language skills, the first two years of my acquaintance with Masami was a blur. However, we definitely hit it off dancing to a mediocre rock band at a hanami event (cherry blossom viewing). Although she possesses many skills and talents, I've always been impressed by how she never boasts in any of them.

Masami Sensei

We started leading a women's group together this year and it has been such a pleasure. As we prepare for each session, she pours out her heart by sharing her weaknesses and struggles. Listening to her genuine humility brings me to a reality of the need to recognize my own sins.

taken from Yoriko's birthday

My friendship with Yoriko deepened much more recently and undeniably led by the Holy Spirit. Truthfully speaking...her speech is incredibly fast!!! As a matter of fact, I purposely listened to podcasts twice as fast in order to understand her. Making that effort was totally worth it!

at Meiji-mura

We had a moment last year where we were both experiencing the pain of disappointment. At that point, we encouraged and reminded each other that we have hope in Christ. Instead of showing off, she uses her gifts and talents to bless those in God's kingdom during her personal time. I don't think I can say the same thing for myself....

Extremely thankful for these ladies <3 

Prayers, thoughts, updates for May 16, 2020:

-  Praises for technology! Church, small group, and women's ministry is still meeting online  :)
-  Retaking Japanese test in Dec., prayers for motivation to study would be great!!!
-  Asking the Holy Spirit to guide me and help me become a prayerful woman
-  Work is going well...huge improvement in my Mandarin and pinyin skills....but would like more opportunities to use Japanese....
-  Pray for more opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ during COVID-19