1.23.06 - first snow

so this is the first time i've lived somewhere where it snows, and boy did it snow on saturday! last week was exhausting... it wears me out just thinking about it. i'll write more later, but i just wanted to share a song that God put on my heart last week in the midst of all the crazyness. blessings . . .

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come and be
matt brouwer

come and be, wash over me
open my heart to you alone
when I am weak, you meet my needs
finish the work you started here

and i lift my life to you now
i raise my voice to sing your praise
i will follow your commands

find me here calm my fear
strengthening hope inside my heart
teach me Lord to know your word
let it be alive in me, alive in me

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1.16.06 - running the race

yesterday during bible study, we read an article about "running the race". i started thinking about a lot of things, like what does "running the race" look like? how do we "finish well"? how do we keep from being content in "running sprints"? what stage in "the race" am i at right now? how can i better train to "run" more effectively?

i'm finally starting to understand some of the purposes and reasons why God has brought me out here. it's been a process of patience and faith for me to seek after God, and figure out what He wants to teach me. it runs a whole lot deeper than having "good experiences". there's still a lot of things that i have to learn and put into practice, but more and more, i'm seeing how God's timing is truely perfect.

i'm learning that training to "run the race" is just as important as "running the race" itself. it's a lifestyle... training and disciplining yourself in order "run" more effectively, efficiently, and purposefully. if you try to run a marathon w/o properly preparing yourself and training for it, you'll only get so far. in the same way, in order for me to effectively minister to others, i need to prepare and train myself accordingly.

wow, it's both humbling and exciting knowing that i still have so much to learn.

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nothing compares - third day

i've heard all the stories
i've seen all the signs
witnessed all the glory. yeah
tasted all that's fine

nothing compares
to the greatness of knowing you, lord
nothing compares
to the greatness of knowing you, lord

i see all the people
wasting all their time
building up their riches
for a life that's fine

i find myself just living for today
'cause i don't know what
tomorrow's gonna bring
so no matter if i rise or fall
i'll never be alone, oh no

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1.06.06 - akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!

happy new year everyone! new years is the big holiday here in japan. it was nice having a week off from work. it was also nice having tami come and visit! i'll get some pics up soon, but here are a few highlights:

waiting 2 hours in line at tsukiji (the main fish market in tokyo) for the freshest, tastiest, melt-in-your-mouth sushi we've ever had. ootoro, chutoro, kuroebi, uni, maguro, mmmmmmm....

riding one of the world's tallest ferris wheels, visitng the "japanese statue of liberty", and the "streets of venice" in odaiba.

ringing in the new year with the crusade stinters... korean bbq, tokyo tower, roppongi hills, crepes, and a new year's toast with starbucks!

new hope's new year's service at narimasu. complete with yummy ozoni, cute kids, and a dog.

visiting the imperial palace, and getting to see the emperor and his family. he only makes 2 public appearances a year where people are allowed into the palace grounds.

"oh my gosh, this is what it's like to find clothes that fit!"... tami finding out that clothes in japan fit her like a glove. it's like she's found the promise land.

and, of course, good eats with good friends... sushi, jangara ramen,yakitori, korean bbq, okonomiyaki, ebi-fry curry, chanko nabe, tonkatsu, and various breads, pastries, cakes, cream puffs, desserts, and goodies.

so far, this year has kicked of in style. i feel so privilaged to be here, and i can't wait to see what God has in store for me this year. blessings to you and your families this new year! i miss you all!

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it's your kindness lord
that leads us to repentance
your favor lord, is our desire
it's your beauty lord
that makes us stand in silence
your love
your love
is better than life

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