27 September 2010

Letter to God



.

T
here she stood in a corner, trying hard to tidy up her emotions, but her tears were not controllable.





Sometimes, happiness is like one's favorite blueberry pie. It's not good enough unless everyone has a portion to partake, and finishes with a thankful smile. What good is it with only me having the entire pie? But sometimes, as much as I desire to share it, it's not happening.




Nobody is at fault. And God, I'm not going to question You cos it's written "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9



But surely Father, You understand our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them, right?



And I don't want to forget to thank You, for our portion, big or small, in good times and bad. Thank you for never forsaking us.



As for "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15, I totally get You. But Lord, if it's not too much to ask, may Your compassion falls upon the couple and brings on a miracle. Surely, nothing is impossible with You. Amen.



21 September 2010

Heart in the sky





I caught a heart-cloud the other day! Yup, the day when I was out without my camera. Grr..



But Bear did capture this one for me in Summer. ;)

Photobucket



Photobucket



Photobucket



Photobucket




16 September 2010

外構工事開始 in Autumn



.
I
t's finally happening! Grin.



Photobucket


First, it's Autumn. We're finally freed from the grilling Summer!


Second, the landscaping and exterior works started yesterday! It had to be delayed this long as since we've missed Spring, we'll have to seize Autumn the second best season for implants.


Before work commenced, I gathered some tall piles of beautiful pebbles strewn across the land, too good to be discarded in my opinion. Sweated hard for them, only to receive a cold shower from Bear who had intention of acquiring new pebbles from stores. Well, I could only agree with Bear after studying the piles later - the pebbles were generally soiled after being stacked upon each other and washing them out would mean another round of hard work.


So the pebbles would have to go ultimately, but I wasn't sorry for too long. It started pouring non-stop 3 hours after excavation yesterday. Precisely what we were hoping as it will soften and nourish the soil, thus enhancing the work. And also, the pebbles were getting themselves a good wash. ;)


I've checked the piles this morning and spreaded them out even. The fellas are now looking polished new. =)


So the pebbles are staying after all. Chuckle.


Tomorrow onwards will be a span of promised sunshine. God is good, all the time. And His goodness always timely. =)



14 September 2010

People Get Ready



.
H
ere in Japan, though we only get to watch American Idol fairly later than the world, believe me that I am deep down grateful. For it's better than not catching the top notch entertainment we look forward to most in the entire year!



And bless my favorite contestant of S9, Crystal Bowersox who performed 'People get ready' yesterday. I was moved to tears even before I saw her cry. How could I in my living years not know this beautiful song? I'm just so glad that I get to hear it first time with Bowersox's assuring delivery.







People get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

People get ready for the train to Jordan
It's picking up passengers from coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em
There's hope for all among those loved the most.

There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there's no hiding place against the Kingdom's throne

So people get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord




All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'. Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.

And thank you for keeping the A.I. S9 result to yourself. ;)

09 September 2010

Summer + Sunflowers



.
S
ummer in Japan has lingered longer than should this year, burning amok and causing quite a depressing harvest.
Bear's friend who owns an apple plantation shakes head at the subnormal dip of temperature, for it's not helping the apples glow red and bright.



Photobucket


So, for
farmers who decided better to nourish their fields with Sunflowers than to do a regular plot, I'm really happy for them; and for another reason : This Summer is sure bursting with Sunflowers.


Photobucket


For weeks we've been surrounded by beds of them, dominating from field to field in loud yellow. This sweltering season is definitely more bearable with these darlings around. =)


Photobucket




Photobucket




Photobucket


And here's Bear, who've just 'rescued' a trampled sunflower to an upright stance ~ Definitely one of the kindest guys I've known my life... His gentle soul a blessing to have beside.



Photobucket


Praying... that Lord our God of abundant grace and mercy, will always shine His face upon us like the glorious Sunflowers... Amen.




The Lord bless you

and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6 : 24-26



Blessed weekend!

向日葵が

Photobucket


いっぱい。。。 =)

03 September 2010

Remembering NDP 2010



.
E
fficiency has surely degenerated with years, or have I ever owned one anyway. What could have taken me 2 weeks to make things right at home? Is it age? Or the sloth growing in me.
=(


But I've made a big check after having weeded the place clean today! And remembering National Day Parade here for it's part of what the recent trip about. ;)



Photobucket




Photobucket




......................Photobucket




.....................Photobucket
.


Neat. Neat. Neat.

Photobucket



The Red Lions parachutists. This is the only guy in the parade who won't get a dress down for lowering the National flag to the ground.


Photobucket



Fellow commanders of Bro D. I've received one of those mini flags as souvenier. =D


Photobucket




Photobucket


And watching the fireworks, while listening to 'Home' with sis.

01 September 2010

The Serenity Prayer



.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.


-Reinhold Niebuhr


Because it's easy to forget.