Miracle of the Moment

Recently, particularly since moving to Japan, I have had the opportunity to spend more time with my siblings; especially my sister, Grace. We have a wonderful time together! She's five years old, and we enjoy snuggling, talking, sharing a room, and memorizing Bible verses together. Recently, I have started teaching her letters, sounds, The Pledge of Allegiance, drama/ memorizing, Bible stories, more Bible verses, and other things. It has been so much fun! However, the other morning while we were whispering in my air-mattress bed, I realized something that I had thought of before but never really considered. There will be a day, in fact, one fast approaching, that Grace will no longer want me to tuck her into bed at night. The day is coming, all too soon, when I won't be able to teach her Bible stories every afternoon, or hold her hand while walking to the store, or walk into our bedroom to hear her laughing. Soon the day is coming when Titus won't be yelling in the next room or forgetting yet again what a particular letter is. Someday, even, Matthew will not want to have a slumber party in my room with candy and Adventures in Odyssey.

How do I pause this time machine called life? I think of God's sovereignty, and how it is by His mercy and grace alone that I am able to take another breath. He gives us our every breath, and with every breath events in our lives are changing. I said to my mom just yesterday, "Isn't it funny how life changes?" I was reflecting over our recent move, and how I would never have imagined it just over three months ago. How could things change so quickly?!? But the funny thing is, that, although I don't like to admit it, it is not just during the times of obvious change such as during a move, an illness, or a tragedy that things are changing. Life is changing every minute!

This is what I have been trying to learn the last few days. Every moment is a miracle. A memory. A gift. I am reminded of the words of someone very wise who once said, "The past is history, the future is a mystery, but right now is a gift. That's why they call it the present." And most of all, the words of David in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

This moment is a miracle. A gift. A remarkable present. Each day is numbered. Those things are all factual, unable to be changed, and out of my control. But I can be in control of something. Will I have a heart of wisdom?

And the adventures in Japan begin!

Hi all! So sorry I haven't posted in so long. We've been kind of busy since we've been in Japan! But I've decided that I need to record some of my 'adventures,' if they can be classified as such, lest I forget them and *gasp* lose them forever!! Anyway, the day that we came here, or night, I should say, was a LONG day. The flight was long. We were tired and jet-legged. It was a huge change. But, coming here was an experience in itself! Directly before getting our luggage, we had to go through a security check where some men took my parents fingerprints and a 'mug shot' of sorts. While we were waiting for said so-called security check, there were instructions playing in the back ground of what to do. Basically, there was a recording of somebody telling you that you needed in look into the lens when they took your picture and place your index fingers on the pad. Standing there with no one in front of us in line waiting for the men to tell us when they were ready makes one wonder "Why are they playing these instructions?" "Why do the security guards not know the instructions themselves?" "Why am I here?" "Why didn't I put on make up and do my hair more properly this morning?" "Why did I put on mis-matching shoes when I left?" etc, etc. Okay, maybe the last three questions don't apply so much, but you get the idea.

Then something amazing happened. Something epic. Something awesome, thrilling, exciting, and, dare I say, miraculous. For just as Mom and Dad were finished getting their finger-prints and 'mug shots' taken, and Mom was compelling me to step forward, the instructions took a surprising and much-needed turn from boringggggggggggg to FABULOUS! I quote:

"Failure to comply with the guard's requests and cooperate by having one's fingerprint or picture taken may result in being denied entrance into Japan."

I cast a hopeful look at Dad. He shook his head, and I went back to my melancholy state of frustration. I have to admit I was still tempted. Then something horrible happened. We realized that only Mother and Father needed the mug shot and fingerprint taken. I guess they weren't too consumed by the concern that the rest of us had criminal records or something. I suppose Ishould be glad for the fact that any temptation to get denied entrance was taken away... but still, I can't help but feeling that it was RATHER rude of him to not even give me a chance to get denied. *wink, wink*

Well, so continue the adventures in Japan! Or I guess they're just beginning. Hum. Whatever. But, just in case anyone is thinking by my narration here they I am bitter for being in Japan, I just want to let you know that I'm not! I've had a couple hard days, true. Okay, several hard days. But I'm just trying to trust the Lord and remember that He has a plan. And of course trying to remember that if I live my life for Him then everything else will fall into place. Or, as Jesus said it so much better, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

What can I do but give Him everything?

"Ten-year-old Hyun Joo was different. Few North Korean children know about God. But Hyun Joo believed in God and trusted Him. Hun Joo’s parents were Christians. They shared their faith with their daughter even though they knew they might be punished if officials found out. The country’s leaders want to people to honor them, not God. Hyun Joo’s parents wanted her to know about Jesus, in spite of the obstacles. They prayed that God would use her to change North Korea. One day, Hyun Joo’s aunt, Mrs. Kim, came to her home for a visit. But the house was empty. The family had vanished. A friend later told Mrs. Kim what had happened. Hyun Joo’s teacher at school had asked her, “how did you get such a good grade on your test today?” “By God’s grace,” Hyun Joo answered. The teacher was angry. She dragged Hyun Joo out of the classroom. Then her family disappeared. No doubt the government took them away. No one has heard from them since. Inspired by reading about North Koreans like Hyun Joo, a church made up of about forty neighborhood kids in St. Marc, Haiti, decided to help North Koreans are very poor, often sick, and do not always have clean drinking water or enough food. The Haitian believers understood what it was like to be without. They, too, lived in poverty. But the teacher explained that North Koreans have additional obstacles. They can not go to church when they want to, or own a Bible, or learn about Jesus. The Haitian children said they would be very afraid if they did not have God to help them. When the teacher told them how VOM launches Scripture balloons into North Korea, the Haitian children offered to help. One little boy handed the teacher a Haitian dollar, worth twenty cents in the U.S. Other children gave what little they had to send to OM to help North Koreans learn about God. Even though the children had their own problems to overcome, they felt excited to help North Korean children who suffer from the greatest tragedy of all-- being without Jesus. 'We as Haitians need to be more thankful,' said one."

As I read this story in the Voice of the Martyrs newsletter, tears came to my eyes almost immediately. Having been to Haiti (the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere) this September, I saw first hand what I had been told by many people before: the beautiful country of Haiti has so much poverty. However, these Haitian children, although themselves overwhelmed by many needs, gave their resources in order to help the people of North Korea. So often I even forget to pray and give faithfully for the persecuted church. Even though I have been blessed beyond measure, have all of my needs completely fulfilled, have been saved by a holy GOD, have a wonderful family and friends, and much more (believe me the list could go on and on and on), I so often forget to do so many things. I could share the gospel with people I meet more. I could take advantage of more opportunities to give, I could pray more faithfully, I could give more to the persecuted church (just like the children in Haiti, who probably had next to nothing). The point is this: I COULD DO SO MUCH MORE FOR GOD'S KINGDOM!

The above story made me realize just how guilty I am of not doing all I can. After all, God has given me the greatest gift, salvation! (Plus many more gifts!). What can I do but give Him back everything that He first gave me? Isn't this the very least that He deserves?

I just wanted to share a little bit of what God's been teaching me lately... God has some very wonderful ways of humbling me! Whether it's through a ten-year-old girl in North Korea that I've never met, or some little school children in Haiti (again whom I've never met!) But the main thing I wanted to say is this: would you be in prayer for me? Would you pray that I would serve God more, give Him more... give Him my everything? I would really appreciate it! And it would be my joy to pray for you, too, if you have any prayer requests. Thanks guys!!!

"...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded..." Luke 12:48

Tournament!

Saturday was our the first tournament I've been to this year for speech. I competed in Apologetics (questions about the Bible) and Impromptu (you have two minutes to prepare a five-minute speech on one of three words/quotes that you draw). For my dear friend Haley, this was her first tournament. We had so much fun together, and hanging out in between rounds with Liana, Jessica, Grace, Sophia, Hannah, and others. It was a huge blessing to be able to pray together, encourage each other, watch other speeches, and catch up with others and see what God has been doing in their lives. And of course, competing in Impromptu for the first time (excluding speech camp :) was a real adventure, too!
To start off the day, Jessica, Liana, Haley, and I all practiced speeches for each other. Then it was time for impromptu. The first round of impromptu I spoke on the quote "Where there is room in the heart, there is always room in the house." That was very fun! Then I watched Haley give her impromptu on "Two people cannot long be friends who cannot forgive each other's faults." She did a great job and you wouldn't be able to believe this was her first year of speech. Then we had apologetics... Haley spoke first on "The meaning and significance of Jesus' claim that He is the 'Son of Man.'" Then I spoke on "The meaning and significance of Jesus' claim that He was the 'Son of God.'" That, too, was fun!

Then we had lunch, talked with Liana, Jess, Hannah, and Gracie, and just had fun! Then, back to speaking... more impromptu. I spoke on the word "trust." This was not nearly as good. I didn't do a very good job, but, God had a plan, of course. Then Haley spoke on "Risks" and then another friend, Catherine, spoke on "Reputation." It was fun to watch them, too! Then, finally, it was time for our last speeches for apologetics. I spoke on "The meaning and significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God." Then, Haley spoke on the same topic in a different room, and our friend Grace spoke on "Provide evidence for the historical existence of Jesus." It was wonderful to watch them both, I can learn a lot from them!

That was the end of our speaking day, so Haley and I headed upstairs to watch Grace and Sophia's second duo round!!!!!!! It was AMAZING, just to let you know. Probably the best duo I've ever seen. Ever. It was so funny. Haley and I were laughing soooooooo hard. It was on the piece "Drama on the High Seas," and it was so good.

Then, Haley and I went back to the sanctuary for the awards ceremony. I ended up getting third in apologetics-- To God be the glory!-- and I had a number of friends who placed in different events. Grace go 2nd in Individual interp., and Grace and Sophia got 1st in their duo (of course!) Also, Sophia got 2nd in Apologetics, and placed in her Persuasive and I think in Individual interp, too!! She's amazing! All in all, it was an amazing day!

If you would like to hear about the tourny from my friend Hannah's point of view (plus see an absolutely ridiculous picture of me) here's the link: http://xian-na.blogspot.com/2009/11/tournament-pictures.html

If you want to hear Haley's experience, here's the link to her blog: http://bigsisteroffour.blogspot.com/2009/11/tournament.html

And if you'd like to know Sophia's opinion on wearing hose to the tournament: http://lereticentdragon.blogspot.com/2009/11/tournament-attire.html

Well, that's pretty much it! God gave everyone a wonderful day at the tournament, I think! And I'm so glad that there were so many people there desiring to share God's word with others.

Grace,
Rachel

On the balcony in Haiti!

So the story behind this picture... the Infimel vitamin company donated vitamins to us to give to GLA, so we were taking pictures of the kids with them. I love this one cause it looks like they're all under interrogation!

This little one is so skinny-- I'm sure you can see from the picture, but his legs were also very thin! He was adorable and had the cutest personality!

Sitting in the Bumbo seat

She was ticklish!

Oh, she was such a sweetheart.

One day after VBS this summer...

This summer my dear friend Haley and myself put on a VBS at my Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Ken's house. After one day of fun-filled VBS, I went back with Haley to her house and goofed around with her and her brother, Curtis. Anyway, we had a good time and I was laughing so hard looking at these pictures tonight. So for your enjoyment... here they are.







Oh my. I have but one pardon for my facial expression: no one is perfect. Yep, that's the best I can come up with...

I love the look on Curtis's face! AND... Haley, trying to wink and put up two fingers at the same time. She's so talented!

Oh my word. This is so my favorite. We're a mighty gloomy looking bunch, are we not?!?

God's Perfect Plans

This post really has nothing to do with me or my family and it isn't even something that I've written. But, I was reading this today and God touched my heart with several things from this story. Please read it; it challenged me and I hope you can learn from it too.

Roger Simms had just left the military and was anxious to take his uniform off once and for all. He was hitchhiking home, and his heavy duffel bag made the trip even more arduous than normal. Flashing his thumb to an oncoming car, he had just about given up hope when he saw the taillights flash on a shiny, black, expensive car, so new that it had a temporary license in the back window... hardly the kind of car that would stop for a hitchhiker. But to his amazement, the car stopped and the passenger door opened. He ran toward the car, placed his duffel carefully in the back, and slid into the leather-covered front seat. He was greeted by the friendly smile of a handsome older gentleman with distinguished gray hair and a deep tan.
“Hello, son. Are you on leave or are you going home for good?”
“I just got out of the army, and I’m going home for the first time in several years,” answered Roger.
“Well, you’re in luck in if you’re going to Chicago.”
“Not quite that far,” said Roger, “but my home is on the way.
Do you live there, mister?”
“Yes, I have a business there.”

And with that, they were on their way. After giving each other brief life histories, and talking about everything under the sun, Roger (who was a Christian) felt a strong compulsion to witness to the gentleman about Christ. But witnessing to an older, wealthy businessman who obviously had everything he should ever want was a scary prospect indeed. Roger kept putting if off, but as he neared his destination, he realized that it was now or never.
“Mr. Hanover,” began Roger, “I would like to talk to you about something very important.” He then proceeded to explain the way of salvation, ultimately asking Mr. Hanover if he would like to receive Christ as his Savior. To Roger’s astonishment, the high car pulled over to the side of the road; Roger thought for a moment that Mr. Hanover was about to throw him out. Then a strange and wonderful thing happened: the businessman began to cry while affirming that he did in fact want to accept Christ into his heart. He thanked Roger for talking to him, saying that “This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.” He then dropped Roger at his house and traveled on toward Chicago.
Five years went by, and Roger Simms married, had a child, and started a business of his own. One day, while packing for a business trip to Chicago, he came across a small, gold-embossed business card which Mr. Hanover had given him years earlier.
When Roger arrived in Chicago, he looked up Hanover Enterprises, and found it downtown in a very tall and important-looking building. The receptionist told him that it would be impossible to see Mr. Hanover, but that if he was on old friend, he should be able to see Mrs. Hanover. A little disappointed, he was led into a posh office where an elegant looking woman was sitting at a huge oak desk.
She extended her hand, “You knew my husband?”
Roger explained how Mr. Hanover had been kind enough to give him a ride home.
A look of interest passed across her face. “Can you tell what date that was?” “Sure,” said Roger, “It was May 7th, five years ago, the day I was discharged from the army.”
Roger hesitated. Should he mention giving his witness? Had it been a source of contention between the two, which resulted in a marital breakup or separation? But once again, he felt the prompting of the Lord. “Mrs. Hanover, I must tell you, your husband accepted the Lord into his heart that day. I explained the gospel message to him, and he pulled to the side of the road and wept, and then he prayed a prayer for salvation.”
Suddenly she began to sob uncontrollably. After several minutes, she regained enough control to explain what had happened: “I grew up in a Christian home, but my husband did not. I had prayed for my husband’s salvation for many years, and I believed God would save him. But just after he let you out of his car, on May 7th, he was killed in a horrible head-on collision. He never arrived home. I thought God had not kept His promise, and I stopped living for the Lord five years ago.”
The truth is, friends, Mrs. Hanover quit, but God didn’t! She failed to realize that as the great eternal God, He does ever watch over His Word to perform it.


I really want you to be able to draw your own conclusions from the story, and to let God speak to your heart. But I just wanted to write a couple things about what God placed on my heart from reading this: first of all, it reminded me how fleeting is this life. This life is so temporary; there are few guarantees. But there is one guarantee: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) The second thing that this story abruptly reminded me is the same thing that Mr. Simms realized right before Mr. Hanover dropped him off. He realized that if he wanted to share the gospel, it was "now or never." So often I forget this. So often I'm content to just to wait to share the gospel with people. But aren't we commanded to "go"? Aren't we commanded to try to reach people now, with the time God has given us? This is a big challenge and something I was thankful to be reminded of. The final thing that I learned from this story is how God's plans are perfect, because He is perfect. Mrs. Hanover quit on God, but God never failed to keep His promises. God is awesome!! I hope that this story touched you as much as it did me. God bless you, friends.