Choose Life Part III

John 10:10 quotes Jesus as saying, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full".

God continues to teach me about choosing life, in all its' fullness. It seems like it's continually the same message, but somehow it goes deeper into my heart each time.

It takes great courage to choose life because engaging in life is so risky. God created us for adventure, but of course along with adventure comes danger. It certainly feels at times like it's easier to shut down and hide from all of the "life" that comes our way, but God uses every one of the circumstances of our lives to draw us closer to Him and to teach us about His own goodness. If we choose to not face life each day, we are choosing to shut Him out. And I think that is just like choosing death instead of choosing "life to the full".

What an adventure and risk it has been to continue to build the Pizza Factory. In this current economic environment, it has to be risky to spend the money we are spending on this project, but somehow I don't feel afraid. If you knew me better you would think this was no small miracle. I tend to like security and settledness (not sure that's a real word, but it expresses my thoughts at this moment). This process we're in right now is far from being secure and being settled, in the world's view. But I have to admit it's kinda fun. Oh my, am I beginning to like adventure??

I'm going to post the current pic of the project so you can see where we're at. It's moving along. Thank you God for stretching me and teaching me about your provision while I experience "life to the full". Amen

Wow, Japan!!

I returned from a wonderful 9 days in Japan this week, visiting my daughter and son-in-law in Yokosuka. Not only did I get to see my daughter for the first time since she found out she was expecting (Yeah!!) but I also got to speak at a women's weekend retreat for the PWOC group from the Yokosuka Navy base.

What a wonderful time of fun and fellowship at the retreat at Lake Yamanaka, which is a huge lake that lies at the base of Mt. Fuji. We arrived to find about an inch of snow on the ground!! You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting. All I can say after spending the weekend seeking and serving God is that He is very great and He is very good. His love and graciousness and mercy was evident in the beautiful ladies that were there that weekend. I love watching His precious daughters worship Him and bless Him by their desires to know Him more and to draw closer to Him. I came away so full!

Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Your Kingdom moving in the earth. You are very great and you are very good!!

Japan, Again!!

Well, this Saturday I fly to Japan, not only to visit my daughter, Kelly and son-in-law but also to speak at a weekend retreat with Kelly's Christian women's group. I'm very excited about going. This will be my third time I've gone to Japan and I truly love the country and the people.

Our building project is coming along nicely also, as you can see from the recent pic. It's amazing how much goes into building a restaurant. It's no where near as complicated as people are to build, I suppose, so it's no wonder we take so long to grow into mature Christians. I sure wish I would arrive, though. The process is very long and at times hard. I guess God knows that we're worth it, so I guess I'll just surrender to the process and enjoy the ride! More when I get home from Japan.

By faith...

This morning I was reading in Hebrews 11 and came across verse 11 that says..."By faith Abraham, even though he was past age -and Sarah herself was barren- was enabled to become a father because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise." God had promised Abraham that he would have as many children as the stars in the sky and even though it was physically impossible for that to happen, Abraham believed God. God then credited that to Abraham as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)

As I was thinking about and journaling my thoughts about verse 11, God changed the verse to say, "By faith Karen, even though..."

Wow! I thought of the promises that I have felt God giving me and how even though they seemed impossible at the time, God had brought them about. I also thought of the promises I am still waiting to be realized and some that are being built right now.

Put your name in that sentence and add your "impossibility". By faith, God wants to give us everything that He has promised us in His word. And don't think you have to do everything perfectly, Abraham sure didn't. He made a lot of mistakes. God is the faithful one, let's live like we believe Him!

Looking Ahead!

So sorry I haven't written in so long. It's amazing how much time and effort goes into building a building. You would think that I am nailing each nail myself, but of course I'm not. We are so excited that things are progressing nicely. Of course, we have lots of challenges and decisions to make in the days ahead, but the time is so exciting.

This morning in my Bible I was reading in Hebrews and came across one of my favorite passages, Hebrews 11:26 and 27, which talks about our being willing to endure anything as we look ahead to our reward. I know this isn't exactly what the writer of Hebrews was talking about here, but God's Word is living and active and so He reminded me how long we have been dreaming of this project and how long it has taken to come to fruition. How the battles we've fought and the victories we've received will be but nothing compared to the finished work and the reward. Thank you God for your encouragement and faithfulness!

Check out the pic of the progress we are making on the project.

Building Project

Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote last. I knew that building a restaurant would be challenging, but I had no idea how many decisions concerning the building, along with choices of finishes and equipment that would have to be made. My husband and I both feel like we are being schooled in this new area of construction. I hope we make the grade!!

God continues to remind me that, regardless of the current economic condition of our country, and the challenges that so many face, that we have much to be thankful for. In this week of Thanksgiving, I just want to thank Him for everything He has given us. Above all, His grace is sufficient! Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Groundbreaking!!

Well, the big event finally happened today. We broke ground on the restaurant that my husband and I have been working on for over two years. It seemed so surreal that it would finally be happening. My husband was super excited about the event, while I felt somewhat overwhelmed, wondering, in this economy, if we were a little daft.

Because we both have felt confident that the Lord has called us into this project, we continue to move forward, trusting that if He leads us somewhere, He will provide for that place. Our expected build time is ten months.

I thank God for all of the battles He has fought for us over this project and that He showed Himself faithful and trustworthy. We have learned so much about Him and His ways and ourselves (not always good) and know that the adventure will continue. I know the days ahead will be challenging and there will be more battles to be fought, but we know whom we can trust.

Thanks to everyone who has fought along side of us for this project. He has heard and answered!!