Blankey

For those of you who didn't know, I have a Blankey. And not just any blankey, but my lifeline, comfort, body warmer, tear catcher, pancho, leg warmer, head rest, and constant traveling companion and passenger seat guest in my car for the last..well, since seventh grade - so for over fifteen years. For some reason, in the past three years or so I have grown even more attached to it... so far even that I have been taking him out of the house and putting him in my purse when I'm just running errands. He just brings me comfort wherever I am. Anyone who knows me well, knows about my love for Blankey. I know that may sound terrible and you can psycho analyze away if you want - but today I came home from Vegas and I realized I had left Blankey there.

I can't even tell you how sad I am. When I realized what I had done I couldn't stop crying...I still can't stop crying. I have lost the most important nonhuman thing in my life. I know we're supposed to be rejoicing in the New Year and celebrating with loved ones and friends but I can't even think about that. I lost Blankey today. I am so sad.

I found this picture of blankey and Grace.

Three Years in the Making

This past Saturday I officially graduated from APU. This is part of the team who helped to get me through. Thanks guys.

A Birthday Bash Delight!

Last night we celebrated Aimee's 30th birthday with her closest friends. It was a really amazing time of laughter, sharing, and lifting her up in who she is in Christ. I thank the Lord for the blessing of her.

The 5,5,5

5 girls, 5 desserts, and 5 hours later...

It was a great ending to such a fabulous weekend thanks to these great friends.

Love you guys.

A Foodie's Delight

We LOVE Downtown Seattle! Aim found a Pike Place Food Tour and this morning we had the best time learning and tasting all around Pike Place.

Oh, and just so you have an idea... it's freezing!

Changing Times

I can remember when people didn't have home computers.

It was only in high school that pagers became popular.

Cell phones and texting didn't hit until I was in college.

And today..lookie at us today...

Free In-flight Wifi on Virgin America!

Hello from somewhere over the Pacific...i think. =)

(Yes, I did lift my computer, turn it around, and take a photo.)

Awesome start to A's glorious birthday weekend extravaganza!

The Meaning of Advent

Today is December 1st - the beginning of advent.


"The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate."


Isn't that exciting? I woke up not thinking of the uniqueness of this special day. As each December day passes may the understanding of Christ's birth, and the life changing implications of His coming, become more real to you and I. 

A Trip to Hansen's

Here's a sneak peak at Linda's wedding cake!

Just about all of the invitations have been sent and the little details are coming together. =) It's so much fun following Aimee around as she plans Linda and Richard's wedding. Please pray for Linda, cancer has not been kind to her these last few weeks and she needs to gain some weight back. Thanks.

Moshi Moshi!

Meet Auntie Ruth.

Auntie Ruth is dad's younger sister. I hung out with her today at the Venice Thanksgiving Luncheon. Out of all my uncles and aunties, she's the one I talk to (and text) the most. She has taught me a lot about gentleness, patience, trying new things, sentimentality, quietness, faith, and our family. =) On this Thanksgiving weekend, I am so thankful to her for actually spending the time to, not only get to know the real me, but for intentionally investing in my life. Thanks Auntie!

The End of the Beginning.

Tuesday night was officially my last class as a graduate student at APU.

I didn't actually realize it until someone in the class mentioned it. It seemed so fitting that my last class was with my favorite teacher in the whole program, Frances. We celebrated the end of a tough quarter with dinner, dessert, presentations, evaluations, and  few words of congratulations and best wishes to those of us who are graduating in the fall.

I feel like the beginning wasn't so long ago. I still don't know where anything is on campus - or how to get an I.D. card, or where all the restrooms are. I've never attended a chapel, or been in all the buildings (in fact I can count on one hand the number of buildings I have been in). I feel like I am still learning and still in the process of discovering all the information out there. I do feel like I've learned more about me - and have a greater understanding of what I can offer to others. I have a peace. I feel secure in where I am and where I am headed. I cannot say that was the case three years ago. Three years ago I felt God call me to change my course in life, and now the beginning of that change is coming to a close.

People have asked me what I will do after I graduate - and I have nothing huge to say except I will continue what I'm doing and where I'm working. I still feel God has blessed me with the chance to work with Gary and for the conference. Where I'll end up...I really have no idea.

I can say that I feel so blessed to have been given the chance to go back to school. I am forever grateful to my parents who allowed me to move home, Randy for giving me a job, Josh for driving with me to school the first two weeks - and for editing all my papers, Melis for brainstorming ideas with me, Gary for the intellectual support, and the government for lending me so much money at such a low interest.

Looking forward to whatever comes next.

My teacher, Frances, is the small Chinese lady in the middle - and this is my class. Quite a load of characters I can say that. :)

Gardena?

I refuse to make this a food blog, but I just couldn't resist this one post about the BEST mochi found in SoCal. I headed down to Gardena (not commonly known for it's great neighborhoods, safe parks, or wealthy neighbors - although i do believe they boast about their local swap meet - but this little city can beat the nation in the best homemade Japanese food).

Mochi window display at Sakura-ya in Gardena.

My Miyabe is His Miyabe

This is my grandpa.
I know, I know...cute little Japanese man. =)

For work I have been visiting all of the churches in the conference spreading the word about emerging leaders. So far, I have been to Venice, Westlight, South Bay, Anaheim, One Voice, and Peninsula. What amazes me is that at every church, someone has come up to me and asked me if I am related to another Miyabe they know, John Miyabe. Everywhere I go, from the young churches, to the well established ones, there have been people who realize he is my grandpa and just have to come and tell me how much they appreciate him for what he's done. One man said grandpa was responsible for helping him to get a pastorate in Japan. Another women said he is the reason she found Christ. Another said they know one another from Shuyokai (Japanese summer camp). Another just said how much they appreciate him for all he did for their church.

I have known that Grandpa ran quite an extensive ministry within the Free Methodist church, but you never really know the full scope of his ministry by just talking to him. In fact, he never talks about it at all! But I can see the extent of his ministry through the people who just have to come and meet me because they are hopeful my Miyabe is his Miyabe. His legacy of devotion to the people, even during the years of internment, are quite far reaching. Maybe not in the worldy sense, but in the Kingdom sense. I know he has many crowns awaiting Him. Because of him I feel so proud to be a Miyabe...and hope that in some small way, I am carrying on such a rich legacy.

Linda Post III

Linda's wedding planner extraordinaire, Aimee, had to turn in Linda's contract for the reception site last Friday, so I tagged along. Honestly, the banquet manager there is so nice. We had gone to view the room a few weeks back and although it wasn't fit for my taste (think bright colored carpet mixed with circles and squares and lamp shades right out of the 80's), Linda loved it. And because she loved it, we loved it.

Anyhoo, when we were turning in the contract the banquet manager mentioned how this wedding seems different, more special and so I told her about all the blessings Linda has received starting with the dress and the whole David's Bridal thing and she got all emotional and told us that she actually waived the $1000.00 room charge without telling us - and that she usually never does that, but something about Linda really touched her.

You know, it's not really about the money (although it's the expression), it's more about the heart of these people. One person went up to her at church and told Linda she wanted to pay for her wedding dress. Can you imagine that?! Over and over again we have been blown away by the heart of the people. I'm sure that God has been moving people in this way. It is my hope, and I know Linda's too, that those who have blessed her, would also be over and abundantly showered with the realization of the Love of this God. He is the only one able to free us from our hurts, regrets, addictions, and pain - and to instill in us a peace and a freedom in who He has created us to be.

Linda Post II

I said in my first post about Linda to "stay tuned" because I was sure there was much more to come. Well, little did I know what the heck I was saying! On Wednesday, October 7th, I received the best ever facebook birthday message. The title said, "Your Blog Post about Linda" and it was from a stranger. This is what the message said (Mr. S.R. I hope it is okay for me to post this):

Julianna - I was truly touched by your post about Linda. I work at David's Bridal and would like to do something nice for Linda and her wedding. No publicity, no PR, nothing public! Linda's story is truly inspirational and I would like to make some gesture of thanks for letting us have taken some small part in her journey.

I was with A and Melis in Colorado so I immediately re-read the message aloud to them and within one minute went from shocked, to skeptical, to just call me Ms. Julianna "The Investigator"! After an extensive google search I discovered that this was not only legit, but it was seriously legit. After we realized this wasn't a joke, A, Melis and I all cried in the car as I re-read the message and then re-read the blog post to hear it from S.R.'s perspective. We couldn't believe that such kindness still existed in the corporate world. 

To make a long story short, the amazing people of David's Bridal have offered to pay for the flowers for Linda and Richard's wedding!! Such a blessing can only be chalked up to God. He is seriously working miracles for that girl. :) I've promised my new friends pics of the amazing day we had at David's Bridal so here are a few for you to all enjoy:

Perusing the aisle with our favorite consultant Lucy. Here Linda is describing the pant suit she thought might be appropriate. Lucy threw that idea out the window and put that girl in a dress! woot woot!

Dress #1 Lucy and Linda. See that guy in the background? He was part of the party next to us. By the time we had dress #2 on he was cheering her on.

Linda and I later that day. She was so excited we had to play dress up one more time... Thanks to Betty for the makeup, hair, and jewelry. We've never seen her so radiant, and glasses free. :p

I can't post any more pics because I can't give away the dress. But, for what it's worth, I do want to thank everyone at David's Bridal for playing such an important part in Linda's joy - and then for taking another unnecessary and totally generous step in reaching out to bless her even more. You guys rock.

From There to Here

Last night Aimee and I got the chance to go to the Heavenly Treasures Fundraising Boat Trip! It was quite fancy schmancy and we had fun getting all dressed up. It was neat to see how God has been moving and blessing them. Towards the end of the evening, after dinner, dessert, Bryan Clay, and bidding, David Gaulton got up to sing a closing song as the boat began to dock back at the Long Beach Harbor. His song was talking about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Just at that moment I looked out the window and I saw the Yard House sign. I can't quite explain what happened to me but tears filled my eyes...four years ago I was working there and headed towards a life of plenty of money but no substance. And now, four years later here I am on a fundraising boat trip for a Christian nonprofit, about to graduate, serving the Lord through the church, and singing about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. From there...to here. I can't believe it.

I thank God for plucking me from a life headed towards nothing and placing me in a life where everything is for the glory of the Lord. May I be a good steward of such grace.

(Left to right: Bryan Clay (Olympic Gold Medalist Decathalon) Aimee, Christina and Kiki (HT). This is Aimee winning the grand prize on the boat trip. :) Canada here we come!

Birthday Bests

 

1. Beard nets during our tour at Celestial Seasonings.

2. The old white man, who after having a five minute conversation in fluid English, asked us so nicely, "What country are ya'll from?" to which Aimee answered just as politely, "We're from the country of Los Angeles!" I laughed so loud, I just couldn't hold it in. Oh, rural America white people.

3. Sensitivity Antennas

4. The Bloody Good Chef's Salad and the Mahalo Sandwich from the awesome restaurant Dish. Oh, and how can I forget the best snickerdoodle cookie EVER, dense, soft and yet slighty crispy on the far edges YUM YUM - perfection.

5. Eating lunch in Chautauqua Park near Colorado University. It's just amazing to be sitting in a park surrounded by snow capped mountains and gentle squirrels (not to be confused with the l.a. kind of crazy assertive squirrels).

6. The yellow house on Pine and 11th.

7. Aimee's crazy driving (sorry blue car, we didn't mean to park THAT close).

8. Redstone Meadery Tour and Tasting - and the "I'm so Colorado" tour girl whose voice reminded me of the stoners from Venice.

9. Happy Hour at Brasserie Ten Ten! Gruyere and jamon crepes, hummus with grilled pitas, frittes with garlic aioli, brie & peaches with roasted garlic and crostini's all for a whopping $12!!! Eat your heart out Melis!

10. Altitude and everything that does to your digestive system.

11. Dutch apple, peanut butter chocolate, vegan pumpkin spice (yes, don't judge it was actually good), and red velvet with cream cheese frosting cupcakes from Boulder Baked.

12. Aimee & her Crack, and her amazing skill at getting us to and from places.

13. And the ultimate was my two favorite girls in the whole world singing happy birthday and sharing cupcakes with me. I just love them both so much.

Because of them and those of you who sent Bday wishes it truly was a Birthday Best. Thank you!

 

Linda

Many of you have heard the joyous news of the impending marriage of Linda Isbister and Richard Flach. To say we are excited is quite an understatement. Here's a recap on some of the best moments to date:

1. The News
I was late to bible study about a month ago. I decided to stop in anyway to say hi to everyone. It was truly divine intervention that made me stop by. It was over by the time I got there but Linda called me into the old library for an announcement. My heart dropped because, well with the cancer and all, you never know what news is to come. When she told me that Richard had asked her to marry him I screamed and then I cried. Yes, I actually screamed and yes, I actually cried after.

What people don't realize is that Linda has been asking God to provide her with a husband for over 30 years. Her heart's desire has been to love and be loved by a man. She has never been unconditionally romantically loved by a man. She has struggled with loneliness and self-worth. She has never been truly appreciated by a man for her outward and inward beauty, her spiritual gifts, her gentleness, her devotion to Jesus, and her heart for people.

God has promised to take care of those who love Him, and to provide them with the desires of their heart. Linda has an incurable cancer in the later stages of her life, and yet God chose this time to answer her prayers. I know that God heard her aching heart and knew just the man for her.

2. The Dress
Last Saturday, on a whim mom, linda, Aimee, Melissa, and I decided to head to David's Bridal in Torrance to see what's out there. When we walked in a few people in the entrance had the look of shock on their faces when she was the one to sit down and fill out the bridal paper work. Linda hasn't been treated very well by people, and although she didn't see them, Aimee and I did.

All of our fears washed away when we met, Lucy, our bridal consultant. She took one look at Linda and joyously took her under her wing. Linda was not only worried that they wouldn't have anything in her size, but she was concerned that people would think it was silly that someone of her age would be shopping for a wedding dress. Lucy, in her own unique way, gave Linda permission to enjoy the experience. She was amazing.

She tried on three dresses. By the time she was putting on her third dress, the entire shop knew Linda's story. No, this was not an anniversary party. Yes, this is her first marriage. Yes, she has cancer. The best part is that all the other brides there, and all their parties were so excited for Linda. Everyone, including the other consultants were rooting for her. And when she came out in the third dress we knew it was "the One".

I can't really explain the moment that happened right then. But Linda looked in the mirror and was silent for ten minutes. She just kept looking at herself. I asked her if she was okay and she said to me, in a way that was so in awe of what she saw, "I really do look beautiful, don't I?" She could barely believe it. It broke my heart. It was like she had never believed that she was that gorgeous until that moment.

Afterwards we celebrated at Coffee Bean and then headed to Henry and Betty's to show them the dress. We put everything on again and Betty did her hair and make up. Henry said later that watching Linda he realized it was the first time she has ever felt like she was worth it. And because of that gentle heart, Henry treated all of us to dinner, and celebrate we did!

Linda later told me that Saturday was one of the best days of her life. Nobody made fun of her - strangers were rejoicing with her, and she got to experience something she never thought she would ever get a chance to do.

I feel so lucky that I was privy to that moment. I praise God and thank Him for not only fulfilling the deepest desire of her heart - but for allowing her to feel whole as a beautiful woman of God.

3. Richard
There could not be a better match for Linda than Richard. He was scheduled to come visit Thanksgiving weekend, but that 'ole fool couldn't wait that long and surprised Linda by flying in last weekend. Aimee and I took Linda to pick him up at the airport and the first thing he did was give her a smack on the lips and a huge hug. Those big Texans! While we waited for his plane to arrive, Linda was so so nervous. We were sitting down by the exit doors and by the time he had arrived she had found herself standing by the entrance doors! :)

Richard lost his wife earlier this year. Linda and his wife, Judy, were best friends for a long time. Before Linda moved out here she lived with Richard and Judy for many years. Richard says that he has always had a brotherly love for Linda. But about a month ago he was talking with Linda on the phone and the Holy Spirit spoke to him and told him he loved Linda in a different way. And boy has he embraced that calling! The amount of declarations of love and cute nicknames I heard while he was here was sickening!! =) haha!

I know this is a long post - and I'm sorry as I know they can be cumbersome to read. But as the months leading to the wedding come upon us, I know I will have many more stories to add about Linda and Richard. Growing up in the church, I have seen many people fall in love and many people get married. But, by far, this is the greatest wedding I have ever witnessed because it is a story of hope, of faith, of God's provisions, and his ultimate care of those devoted to His glory.

So stay tuned!

oh yes, and P.S. I'm a bridesmaid!! woo hoo!

Our Celebration of 3.

This past Thursday was September 24th. According to the calendar, there is nothing significant about this day, but in my small world there is - Josh and I hit our three years of being "Josh and J".

The very first post for this blog was a nod to Josh and our one-year dating anniversary. As I re-read that blog I was struck with where we were then and the path we have taken till now. We are the same people, yet we are not the same. We've had our first fight...and a few to follow since then, we've cried together, laughed together, rolled our eyes at one another, and have learned to appreciate what the other appreciates. We have been through death and life, we have comforted and supported. We have gained weight and lost weight. We have exposed the side of us that we don't show to people - and yet in all that we still remain "Josh and J".

I often hear seasoned marrieds say that their love for the other person has changed, and yet deepened beyond what anyone could have imagined. I know Josh and I haven't even begun to experience that joy but I do know that I appreciate more today who he is as a person than I ever have before.

At Davey's wedding this past weekend, my cousin Stephen gave a phenomenal best man speech. One thing he shared that he has been learning in his married life is you can either give life to your spouse or take it from them. And as Josh has given me life, I too hope that he can say I have done the same for him.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

God is stirring something within me.

On the way to Kauai, Aimee was reading a book that kept making her tear up. She blazed through it so fast by an hour into our flight she handed it to me and said it was a must read. On the way home I opened it up - and it's changing my life. Not in the big, huge so obvious type of change - but the kind of change that starts from the inside and hopefully radiates out.

Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, wrote "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" to give a testimony to what God has been doing in his church and community. The Holy Spirit preached to me through his words.

This is what stuck out to me most(the following is mostly in quotes):
When we get serious about drawing on God's power, remarkable things will happen. Even if we grow listless and lukewarm, still Christ says to his followers: "Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice & opens the door, I will come and eat with him, and He with me. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" -Rev. 3:20-22

Although this message was addressed to the Laodicean Christians, whom Jesus had just finished scolding, for he was grieved by their lethargy - yet he still offered his renewing love and power. He always forgives.

It seems like what we are dealing with today is a lack of dependence on God's power. In revelation, the churches were mainly scolded for their lack of spiritual vitality, fervency and closeness to the Lord. I am in favor, as were the Apostles, of asking God to stretch out his hand and manifest himself.

The Apostles prayer for the church in the book of Acts says, "Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness!"

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline."

We just started The Apostle Project - an experiment of 12 people who are striving to be bold in their faith within their communities. The purpose is to change the way we're living so it focused not on what we have to do - but the people God puts in our lives as we do those things. We are reshaping our vision to be Kingdom focused. I can see now that it takes much more than a change in cultural norms, it takes the work of the Holy Spirit - and we get that through prayer. I am asking the Lord to discipline my prayer life and to reshape the desires of my heart. For I am restless to do more for Christ. And I now know that this is the answer.

Go Apostles go. I am praying!

Recap of the BEST WEEK EVER

A made the most profound statement in regards to our vaca last week:

"We're terrible travelers, and GREAT vacationers."

Case in point our tumultuous departure. If you live near LAX the "rules" that they set regarding the time of check in don't really apply to you. We all know that it is quite unnecessary to be there three hours before your plane is scheduled for take off.In fact, A and I have found that one hour and fifteen is usually the optimal arrival time needed in order to ensure check in (for all those who are lame-o and don't print online), bag check, security check, bathroom stop, and starbucks run.

What we didn't take into account for this trip was the inefficiency from our airline carrier, DELTA.

Now, I will not make this into a huge rant about the terrible service, inefficiency, outdated computer systems, rude personnel, and overall worst-airline-we-have-ever-traveled-on type of post, however I will say that when I turn around after pleading with the Delta lady (who was struggling with the power trip associated with the short person syndrome) to allow us to get to the security check since our plane had boarded ten minutes prior and they were shutting the gate, and then after her rude response turn and see my sister begin to cry... Well, I will say this - I am the younger and more (if not most) protective sister you will ever know and my inner fury knew no bounds. After being cleared by a gentle TSA man, A and I huffed it to the end of the entire terminal to barely make the closing door. Sweaty, crying (A),and infuriated (me) we took a deep breath and prayed our vaca would be much much sweeter.

With that said, I can honestly say that this was hands down, by far, the best vacation I have ever been on. Not only was Kauai relaxed, under-developed, completely friendly, beautiful, and removed, but t also had the three components that made our trip what we have dubbed "The Trip of a Lifetime":

1. Our Accommodations
A and I stayed at the Princeville Westin Ocean Resort Vacation Villa Hotel. I didn't quite know how good it was going to be when I booked it from Costco, but man did we score. Absolutely the most amazing five star ISLAND GEM I have ever experienced. Not only did we walk into a stone floor, granite countertops, full kitchen, two shower head shower, jet soaking tub, plush living room, complete with glass utensils and a normal sized fridge, dish washer, and washer and dryer, the softest two bath robes you can even dream about, and a complimentary umbrella in case of rain - but the grounds (two of the top rated golf courses in the world), restaurants, and staff were all five star. It made coming home after a day on the island a pleasure.

I am a self-diagnosed germophobe and not having to worry about wearing shoes in the hotel room or in the shower or stressing about the nasty comforter on the bed, etc. was so...freeing. A and I were relaxed and so so happy.

2. The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook
Our great friend Shin offered his rad Kauai guidebook when he heard we were headed there. We didn't realize how crucial this would be to our vacation success. There was no way that we would have experienced Java Kai, our Kayak/Hike/Zipline extraordinare tour, Ocean snorkeling trip, Hanalei, Anahole, Kapa'a, and every dive restaurant that we read was a real gem. Thank you Shin!

3. My Traveling Companion
I've said it before, but I'll say it again - there is no one greater to travel with than A. Maybe it's because we're sisters, but I think it's mostly because we're our mother's daughters. We are like-minded when it comes to what it means to relax, what makes it enjoyable, how much we're willing to spend, and how much we're willing to exert physically. She's truly just the best person in the world to go to the best place in the world with. I was the driver and she was the navigator - and it could not have been a better relationship. On top of that, she's the only one I can share a bed with and still be completely comfy. :) Love you A - thanks for the best week ever.

The mosquito bites, dealing with an early checkout, time crunching with Alamo, and rushing to and from the airport were nil...I can't even complain about it because anything negative was totally overshadowed by the awesomeness of our trip. It was so good, I'll even throw our rough start in there as well.

BEST WEEK EVER.

Just A Little Bit of Heaven

A and I are in Kauai having the time of our lives. When we return home I'll post more, but for now here's a few pics to wet your appetite.
The beach view of Waimea Canyon. A much better perspective than the mosquito infested walking, riding view. :)

On the way to a snorkeling adventure on the Na PAli Coast our Captain pulled the boat into a small tunnel. It was crazy!

A and I trying to not appear nervous before we zipline across an entire forest. yikers!

The sunset one night off of the Princeville Golf Course where we stayed. Uncapturable really.

The view from the short hike down to Secret Beach.

Gone Fish'in!

This past weekend I packed up and packed in with Josh's family for a last ditch summer fishing expedition.

Apparently the best smoked bacon sandwich restaurant in Bishop. :)


Look how close the deer got!


Pontoon on Gull Lake




Josh won the biggest catch of the week. :)






Love him.

Camp

This past week we served in the Middle High program for the PCJC Family Summer Camp. Meliss, A, and I have been working MH for quite a few years now, but this year was exceptional...exceptionally hard. So fitting that our theme was "SHINE".

To give you an idea of what we experienced - We began with 65 kids and 24 staff, and by the time the (Kev deemed) "Shine-flu" had swept through us, we had 30 kids and 12 staff. The epidemic of sickness was overwhelming.

But from the massive waves of fallen peeps, I saw amazingness Shine through the darkness. I saw Shin Furukawa fight through his sickness and step up to lead the games, run the cabin times, wash and fold tshirts, make two batches of spam musubi in one night, and take the mic when no one was there to do it. Amy Ige, who already had a challenging cabin - take on a few extras after other cabin leaders were sent home with the flu, and without one word of complaining. We lost our AV girl and two guys who just came up to camp for a Friday visit, Charlie and Kei, offered to run the entire AV techie stuff...knowing there was a chance they might get sick by being around the MH program. Melissa and Aimee, for being the best moms who aren't actually moms. I don't think there was one sick child who didn't feel loved and cared for by them. Tonya for her amazing "deanness" and Scott for stepping in as a cabin leader on Thursday, caring for Yuki, and for the devotional of the week-calling on people to Shine for one another as we lost staff person after staff person. Katsuya Omine, for after being woken up on Thursday morning and being asked to speak on the fly for the last two messages (since we lost our speaker), and with no hesitation saying YES...and for the record, his last message on Shining in the Darkness reverberates in my heart even today. Shine on Kats. For Reg, Andy, and Dr. Mark for paying to take care of every sick person around the clock from Wednesday till Saturday. Josh Komata, for his tender heart at not wanting to leave because he was sick. Mrs. Koshimizu, who offered to give us her humidifier every time she ran into me. for Noah, who exceeded my expectation with his servant's heart and amazing devotion to his kids. Robbie and Daniel, for splitting up and taking on the "lost boys". Grace Mendoza for fighting through the stomach pain and for committing to the girls who were still well. Ervin, for being asked to come to camp to lead worship, but for not only rockin the sets but also learning every kids name, being our official photographer, stepping in to lead small groups, eating with kids at meal times, cleaning up on the last night, and honestly just being the most amazing servant ever. Megan Yumori, for holding off the Shine Flu until the last day. To Shawn Arata, not that he dealt with the sickenss at all, but for taking on Daniel, Ray, and Yuji - that in itself was incredible. And to my Pat, for feeling sick and still taking care of unloading the buses, making sure people got home, transferring boxes into church, and for being so awesomely in control that Melis and I felt it was okay to run to urgent care for some meds. And to everyone else who did something that I didn't even know about.

I saw a tenacity and a heart to serve God's people that I didn't know existed. I am humbled by these people and so blessed to serve alongside such warriors, who shined so brightly in the darkness that there was light.

Shine On.

The Melissa Worship Pose

In honor of my worship buddy being gone this past Sunday, I did the "Melissa worship pose". Love ya girl.


Props to Kathy for the pic.

Shuyokai

I attended Shuyokai this year - the Japanese family camp. It was so fun! I really appreciated the fullness of life that I found there.

o, J.P.... you do Venice so proud.

here

Seasons

Life has a funny way of reminding you how precious it is.

We have struggled with this little ball, this little pion of a something that changes everything. We struggle with Linda and her ball, that nasty little ball. We are all exhausted; spent from worry and fear, and mostly sadness.

And through all of it, we have life. Oh, the joy of life.

To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Welcome to Our World

The following is the text conversation that occured today between Josh and I.

J Text 1: What did you think of the movie we saw [transformers]?

Josh Text 1: So the problem with the movie last night was that mann isn't a good director. He does good action scenes, but that's it. The knock on him is that there's never
Josh Text 2: a plot. So for this movie, he went overboard and included every single possible plot line - there was the wierd parent relationship with the 5 minute crying room
Josh Text 3: scene, the development of the relationship with megan fox where he leaves to go to college but they're still together, there was the stuff with his roomate, the
Josh Text 4: girl stalking him straight out of terminator, the college experience of animal house, the fight in the forest, him being captured and rescued for like an hour,
Josh Text 5: them finding tuturo as the old S7 guy - using the same lines from the butler char in that adam sandler movie, the american pride war scenes with the desperate
Josh Text 6: for a pay check tyrese, the random fight just so they could include twin black robots who looked like monkeys and couldn't read, and some huge back story
Josh Text 7: that got away from the whole "robots in disguise" theme where the transformers were actually grown and apparently need sun energy even though the autobots never
Josh Text 8: did. It was a movie that tried to be everything with everyone. Like why did Dwight need to be in it? And tyrese was a waste. it was 3 hours, but do you really
Josh Text 9: remember anything beyond the shooting and mann's obsession with megan fox's butt? I mean, it had a kissing scene where the camera panned around
Josh Text 10: 360 degrees for a cool 30 seconds. There were so many plot holes and instances where we just were supposed to believe "it happened".
Josh Text 11: It was the movie equivalent of verbal diarrhea from a 13 year old boy.
Josh Text 12: All in all though, I didn't hate it, and I would watch it again someday.

After ALL that, Josh says "and I would watch it again someday." That guy slays me.

My Mother

If you know my mother, you know that she and the ER have a close relationship. She probably goes and visits him once a month or so in search of some antibiotics or such. Recently she came to the conclusion that it is much easier to pay the $50 ER fee and to immediately receive all the necessary testing she desires, than to wait to schedule an appointment with her doc, who then schedules another appointment for the tests.

Monday night, while celebrating Father's Day she promptly informed us she would be heading to the ER after dinner to get some tests. Of course, this annoucement didn't send us into shock or fear. In fact, it barely phased us.

The depths of her mind know no boundaries, nor does her level of determination when she sets her mind to something. So unconventional and oddly enough, so impressive.

A Tidbit about NK

Since reading the net news about our recent troubles with NK I have been thinking endlessly about the possibilities of an attack from those crazy asians. Do not fear though, my wonderful friend (friend indeed) Shin laid my fears to rest with this text:

"Even if NK could successfully launch it, we would shoot it down. Not to be at the top of J's list of things to worry about."

Ah, the importance of friends at bringing a crazy mind to ease.

The Beginnings of Summer...

The start of summer began with a bang, and a few graduations along with it.

congrats to my favorite youngest miyabe cuz. He is something special.


Josh and his boys at Culver grad.

Oh Jason, you slay me kiddo.

Looking forward to the Mississippi Clan, camp, the annual Uyeda fishing trip, spending time with the tangs, and vaca with my one and only favorite travel necessity. o, summer o summer, i heart thee.

Happy Father's Day!

"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid."

Hebrews 13:5&6

Congrats Kylie!

Today Kylie graduated from High School. =)

I've been to my share of graduations and I must say this one was the best I've been to - The two soloists were amazing, the transitions smooth, the venue perfect (great seats and temp controlled), and the most important part...the speech was incredible. I actually teared.



Kylie looked beautiful...these are only half of the lei's that she was given. :) She is quite loved.


After the ceremony, on the way to lunch.


Josh and I with the graduate, in all her lei glory.