Well, I finally am getting around to making a blog entry—sorry for the long period of silence. Our trip to America was very full as usual, but a blessing on many accounts—faith, family, friends, and finds!
First of all, faith. When we left Japan, I felt like I was going home for a furlough—a need for a kind of spiritual refreshment and revitalization to prepare for what God has for our future as far as the church responsibilities and life in general. We received much good spiritual counsel from dear brethren in America for which we are very thankful. One specific encouragement was in the area of our personal devotions. The most important devotion being the personal time that we spend one-on-one with God in prayer and in His Word. Yes, couple devotions and family devotions and church devotions are important, but what is most important is our own relationship with God. I have been trying one method of personal devotions that was suggested to us—immersing myself in a chapter in the Bible and reading the same chapter every day for several days—even a week. Granted, I started with Philippians 4 which is jam packed with thought provoking verses, but I have found this type of devotion to be an amazing illustration of how God’s Word can be new every time we read it. Anyway, I did indeed receive the spiritual encouragement that I needed, but also was faced with the stresses of being in such a different culture and social situation. One little thing is that I am not tense at all when Akihiro preaches in Japan, but his sermons in America are far from a relaxing experience for me. Everybody keeps telling me it gets better, but for now, I guess I am thanking God for this crazy Japanese language and for our small family of believers here in Japan. People often look at me kinda strange when I say that I am ready to go home to Japan after being in the U.S. for awhile. It is very difficult to explain, and perhaps I have tried after other visits home. I felt it when I got back to Japan—a certain peace that this is where God wants me right now. Even my mom said that, yes, she enjoyed our stay, but knows that God wants us here in Japan for now.
Will write more later and post some pictures—am busy making squash casserole, pecan pie, and apple bread for our Thanksgiving gathering tomorrow.