Recently I was privileged to host esteemed international guests at my home with Cheri and Ed. Ed came back to help out for the weekends. (I miss him, but I’m so glad he likes his new place!)

The guests from Canada are special friends, and while the husband attended a conference, the wife and I had a blast “doing” the Twin Cities.

We shopped and went to an impromptu concert, shopped, went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, shopped, ate out—, shopped….

We went to church, too, and briefly visited the aforementioned conference.

We met with other like-minded individuals working together to spread light in a dark world.

My friend and I shopped, as I said. We visited the Minnetonka General Store, which is a lovely store full of gift items. It is always fun to shop there.

I saw a barrel full of sock monkeys and I decided to pass on a fantastic memory and tradition to my four grandchildren, so I shelled out the $$ and got four monkeys.

My Grandma Bessie was the one who made those Grand Sweepstakes State Fair Winner Crocheted Bedspreads. I’ve shown those before. She made 22 of them and they took her a year to make each one. She totally deserved winning the Grand Prize at the State Fair.

In her spare time she made other things…including sock monkeys, and I have two sock monkeys from those days so long ago. Grandma passed away in the early 1970’s. I was quite young, but I remember her well. I still treasure these stuffed toys she made.

Part of the fun was my two older brother’s imaginative play-acting/puppeteer abilities using these two monkeys. One monkey was extremely mischievous, bordering malicious. His face was full of personality. “Monkey” would regularly pinch me. Hard.

“Mary” was the benign sweet personality. Her face reflected that too. A few stitches and a character was established.

I cannot describe the hilarity those two stuffed animals produced. Our mom would ban them from road trips, but inevitably they would sneak their way into the car, resulting in periodic banning from the back seat.

Remembering these times brings a chuckle even today.

I miss my husband, my brother, and my dad. I picture them up in heaven together. If they have coffee time up there there would be much laughter and joy.

Blessings.

Perhaps we will all be together for that Bridal Feast soon. Ready for the Rapture!

MARANATHA!

And oh, how the times fly!

Since our trip to Japan I’ve been extremely busy with my two jobs, visitors, trips, and events. It has been good. I just don’t have the time to write as formerly.

I have had funerals and losses, but in light of the total picture I am trudging ahead. My house has needed major work. Life’s necessities have drained me with decisions needing to be made, all exhausting. But….

I have joined the worship team at my church every Sunday, so that is quite the commitment. I attend my Bible Study, learning Chinese more and more, loving the fellowship with these new friends. Getting involved in these (mostly student’s) lives is a joy and a privilege.

One of my 2024 words was health. I had been neglecting my strength training (cross-fit) due to a busy schedule. I was convicted about losing my strength and health, so last week I committed to being faithful to my schedule at the gym! My gym people were so welcoming (and not judgmental!) at my return.

All these things going on, and now it is a break from school—hence time to jot down an update.

Last weekend I briefly stopped by the conference of pagans that is held in our city. Over 1,000 witches come to the cities to hold this meeting. I have a friend who attends these to keep everyone informed about the trends in the pagan community, as well as to share Truth with the attendees.

This year he had a team with him, all of them found opportunities to converse and witness during the conference.

I was glad to observe for myself, not attending any workshops, but I walked through the vendor area. I nodded at the druids.

Having attended the M.A.C.H.E. conference for many years (Minnesota Home Schooling Conference) I saw so many similarities! Satan is such an imitator. There was also a distinctly “Renaissance Fair” feeling. Lovely people selling lovely things. Pretty, shiny things like jewelry and crystals, garments and artwork.

My friend, Carl, reminded me that Satan is already defeated. My recent re-reading of Ephesians, and Watchman Nee’s book “Sit, Walk, Stand,” gave me the framework of the true spiritual situation. Satan may buffet and attack, but he is defeated. We stand in the strength of the Holy Spirit and He is the Victor!

Hallelujah. Praise to One Who set me free.

I had no conversations, but those that did reported that so many pagans are former Lutherans, Catholics, Baptists—-former “Christians.”

As the church we should be aware that so many people in our congregations are “at risk.” They are spiritually unstable and still seeking.

They are finding meaning in anything but the convictions the Holy Spirit is prompting. They run from truth.

As believers in the Word of God we are called to forsake our sin, to be filled with the Spirit, and to obey His Word. This is a hard calling. Many cannot make that decision to follow Christ whole-heartedly. So much sacrifice of self. It’s too hard.

They choose the easy route of self-satisfaction and the normal human condition of lostness.

The eternal consequences are unthinkable.

Are you praying for dear ones to be snatched up to Jesus?

The Lord has never been silent about the things to come. As we study His Word we become acquainted with prophecies and we can watch for events to unfold as predicted. We watch the signs.

Signs are all around us now.

One sign of significance is the upcoming eclipse. Isn’t it interesting that its path crosses several municipalities named “Ninevah?” Watchers watch. Watchers notice stuff like this. It’s always interesting to someone who studies Scripture to find patterns and signs. We all know the significance of these things.

Scoffers will scoff. There will always be those who over interpret the signs and seek to predict things more than Scripture has. It’s to be expected. Satan loves to use these false interpretations to discredit the clear patterns. Nothing is a coincidence. God had these signs planned from the beginning.

Watchmen watch. They notice things. They are looking up, anticipating the soon return of their glorious Lord and loved-one. Who else can be that One so loved and longed for?

Jesus. Come quickly.
MARANATHA!

All is well at Corgi Hollows. Today the basement floor is dry. It wasn’t two days ago.

Monday I have contractors coming to reroute the septic system, replace my basement floor and bath/shower, the sink, and put in a floor drain. Huge project.

I may seek basement water-proofers here soon. Water is still pouring in every time it rains, every time snow melts off the roof. Cherie is an expert watervac user.

But all is well.

My great God is giving me the hugs I so crave.

I know He is caring for me.

I know He is revealing the steps I should take in my vulnerability, my fragility.

Today is sunshine and warm.

Ed is almost completely moved out. He is living across town, and of course I miss him, but I am thrilled he has found such a great place to live. He is three minutes from his church, on the east side of the River like his job in St Paul, and has plenty of space for his “junk.”

Smile. He has an active brain and a good will. He always wants to help others learn skills—mostly tech related. He has a vast supply of tech stuff. To me it is junk.

He has that gene of being a genius techie like his father.

I took a day off of school today to prep the basement more for the project next week.

My three words of 2024, balance, boundaries, and health, have been great goals for me. The “b” words have prevailed these first two months. I haven’t had time for health yet, just busy getting out of depression and doldrums.

I am thankful to see a change in my mental state. I’ve gained 15 pounds, which I hate, but I can slowly work that off as I begin my swimming and gym regiment again. Dogs are begging for more time too. Out to the hay field we go. This unusual snowless winter has been great for running in the field.

Intermittent fasting is still my modus operandi, and it works well for me. I’ve almost completely abandoned cooking, but because I love Japanese food now I am still cooking rice and fish when I do cook. Instant pot rice is perfect!

I am looking into getting my visa to visit Hong Kong this year. I am ready to see my Chinese “son,” and try out my language skills. I’m learning Mandarin, but I think I will be able to manage a bit in a Cantonese environment.

Exciting. We all need something to look forward to as we wait for Christ’s return on this old earth.

If I happen to intersect with the news I can see that the world is on a fast track to the end. Thankfully my little quiet life goes on relatively unchanged. I love my students, my job meeting people at the hotel, my quiet Corgi Hollows.

Mom and I have settled into the state of widowhood. We keep an eye on each other.

All is well.

As soon as I get things reorganized and spring-cleaned I will start on my reading again. I have the greatest list of books on prayer—a new one written by a relative (given to me from my father-in-law) about prayer in the Middle Ages. It looks fascinating! (Thanks, Paul!)

My Chinese fellowship group is just wonderful. I love being with them, learning about their lives, celebrating life events with them. I love listening to them and making out words and phrases, understanding their language. It has been a huge blessing.

I am enjoying being a part of the worship team at my church, too. I am so thankful they let me participate. I’ve given up singing in choirs. I just have such a heavy heart when I think about doing that without Brian. That was our thing, our date night every week. I have run from choral music since his death.

I guess that is a battle I need to fight. At least I was able to listen to Christmas music this past year. Triggers are real. Grief can hit you anytime, anywhere, but triggers are always hard to deal with. For me, it is that sort of music, as much as I have loved it.

It’s getting better.

All is well.

Meanwhile I keep praying for new contacts and friends in Asia.

A new life.

A new interest.

All, as we anticipate the dawning of the new age. Rapture first! I’m ready.

There is a big prophecy conference in Orlando, Florida, this weekend. It’s online if you want to participate. I might try to hear some of it, if I can get my house ready for next week’s stuff. The line-up of speakers is absolutely stellar.

Just passing on the word about where to “get bread,” one beggar to another.

As I’ve been studying through the Bible with Village School of the Bible this year I have learned so much. As I leave my depression I have new thoughts about faith and our heavenly Father.

Blog posts may deal with faith more again in the near future. Not promising this, but I’m leaning toward it. Thoughts.

Maranatha!

Yesterday was my oldest brother’s birthday. He would have been 67. Some days I cannot believe he is no longer here.

He and his wife were killed by a drunk driver in California four years ago. The taxi driver and the drunk were also killed.

I just hate to see his birthday slip by unacknowledged. I know many people think of him, the tragedy, the waste.

And the grief that extends to his whole family—that is painful still.

Just remember.

And don’t drink. Alcohol is so damaging, so unnecessary. I’ve lived my whole life without it–so I know. Look at all the lives lost to the addiction of alcohol.

Some medications cost about $100/pill or dose. In know this. I was a caregiver for a bit the last few years. My thyroid meds (which I weaned myself off of) weren’t that expensive, but some eye meds I used for my dad were pricey, like that.

Wintertime, about February, in Minnesota, can be a trial of spirit.

(This year not so much! We have no snow to speak of!)

Usually we have gray skies and deep snow, sub zero temps and few hours of sunlight. Yes, days are getting longer, but we are far from the summer solstice still in June.

I have learned to stare at pictures of turquoise waters and white beaches—you know those calendar photos from the dollar store? It’s therapy.

Since my husband’s death I have taken steps to actually see the sunshine, get some warmth and vitamin D this time of year.

My friend, also my bridesmaid over 30 years ago, the one who literally brought Brian and me together—we have renewed our friendship and decided to meet up in Florida in January.

I snapped up a deal from Sun Country for $97/roundtrip, Minneapolis to Orlando. Expedia offered me a great deal on hotel, too, no more than “my” hotel charges here. This is medication cost, in my opinion.

My friend and I spent two full days soaking up the sun at the hotel. No sightseeing, just relaxed catching up.

Balm to my soul, medicine for my spirit.

Our friendship goes way back. My uncle and aunt, and her parents were all missionaries in Africa. They had a connection which extended to me. When she and I both found ourselves at Wheaton College as freshmen we immediately linked up. We were both in Germany at the same time, too.

She raised six kids, (including triplets!) and I raised five. This was understandably a distraction from our friendship, but we kept in touch.

It is delightful to reconnect.

I am so blessed by our friendship, our time together, and the past couple of respite days.

I feel I can survive February AND March.

God is good.

This new year has started out for me with four funerals. Each one has been a blessing in its own way, but this post is not about funerals.

I head to school in moments, but I wanted to drop by here quickly and check in. It’s been awhile.

I guess I’ve been contemplative.

I can’t stand that word any more because of all the “woke” spiritual connotations, but it works here.

Our language matters.

I am seeking balance in my single life.

I am setting boundaries in my relationships.

I am prioritizing health because I can be more effective when I am healthy.

Those are my resolutions, my words for 2024.

For 2023 the words were beauty and love and peace. Wonderful words. I needed a year of reflection and healing.

I need to get back on my horse (so to speak) and in the saddle, and off to the races again.

Off to school…

MARANATHA!

I’m opening Christmas cards this morning. They are gifts from you to me. Thank you!

I am encouraged by your news, your sweet photos, your additions to family, and your faith. Bless you in 2024!

This will be a sort of Christmas letter to you. I work later today, at the hotel, and Cherie is working this morning. Ed is helping Grandma with washing dishes from last night’s Smorgasbord with Joe and his family.

My granddaughter and grandson blessed me last night—they are incredibly sweet and fun to be with!

I get to see my eldest grandson tomorrow.

It is the first time ever that I have been alone on Christmas day. But I know I am blessed. Things happen and you must accept them. It takes time to do so.

I have Corwyn and Yukichan here to keep me company. The cats have been in and out, in and out on this brown Christmas. Do you know how warm it is here? Amazing. We’ve had a warm December!

I am thankful. I haven’t had to plow, to shovel, to worry about icy roads!

My fire is on, and I am brewing tea in a beautiful mug that my brother and sister-in-law in New York got me for Christmas. My niece gave me some raspberry cookies, and I think I will splurge with them for breakfast.

Cookies for breakfast. I am a fan.

We had the traditional Smorgasbord last night: meatballs, potato sausage, rice pudding, Christmas cookies.

I got a visit from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law from Iowa last week, too, which was an extra boost! I hope to get down to Iowa to visit Brian’s family this week if weather cooperates.

Yesterday I received beautiful renditions of “Silent Night” from my Chinese friends. I was touched.

My sprained foot/ankle colored my week of preparation. I am much better, but the pain is still there and it frustrates me that I can’t take the dogs out for a walk.

My lack of exercise since our trip to Japan is lamentable. Must make some serious New Year’s resolutions!

Two of my cousins have passed away recently. This is always sobering. This year one of my aunts, and my last uncle passed. A distant relative who was a great friend to my mom and a real true supporter of Corgi Hollows passed away this fall, too. Sadness for my mom and me. Another relative passed two days ago. I am trying to accept this new era of my life. We all must face it as we approach old age.

I am blessed that my mom is in great health. I can see that she is gracefully slowing down. I am so blessed that Ed and Cherie are here with me, helping with things she needs.

Such a blessing!

Thanks for stopping by this Christmas. I felt that many of you did via cards and greetings. I am grateful for your friendship, your love, your support.

Count your blessings. Name them, one by one. See what the Lord has done!

MARANATHA!

I’m listening to a Chinese artist these days, Mao Bu Yi, who has a pretty, soft voice with sweet songs. This blog post title is one of his prettiest songs. It’s about growing old and relationship.

Songs help me learn the language. It is hard to find particular songs without knowing some of the characters in the title. It is sleuthing at its best for a language learner like myself.

The Christmas/birthday season is upon Corgi Hollows. Cherie and I have been decorating, culling decorations that we haven’t used for awhile, finding the essence of our memories in others.

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, this end of year holiday serves as a time marker. I have a little notebook with a Christmas Chickadee on the cover that I keep as a Christmas journal. I only write about the Christmas in it, whatever I can remember, menus, gift ideas, gifts received (I have such a bad memory about that!)

I haven’t sent Christmas cards in so long. I love getting them, but the tribulations of the past few years have thwarted my own sending.

Tribulations.

I fell carrying Christmas stuff last week and badly sprained my foot/ankle. I couldn’t walk for a day, but a little boot really did the trick for helping me get mobile. I’m supposed to be “off it” for a week at least.

I still hurt.

Falling at age 60 is not falling at age 30. I got a taste of what the end of my life may be like, alone with the dogs and cats. My pups were immediately on top of me…concerned? !

That is why I pray for the Rapture!

Then on Sunday night the downstairs once again flooded with water. I have battled water in this house since we moved in. Cherie said yesterday, “Let’s just build a swimming pool downstairs, Mom.”

I was able to get a plumber to come and help us yesterday afternoon. It’s actually a major problem which requires tearing up the concrete floor and replacing corroded iron pipe.

We’re looking at major.

Tribulations.

Right now the downstairs bathroom will be out of commission until this summer when more excavating can occur.

I guess it had to happen?

Sometimes you wonder. I am at the mercy of the experts. I have no clue how to deal with things like this, so I’m ripe for being taken advantage of.

I have trust issues to begin with. Dealing with “professionals” who are also strangers is somewhat uncomfortable for me.

I cherish the friends that have helped me, particularly with past water problems, and the water heater which broke the same week Brian left us. Such wonderful friends came and helped me with these tribulations. Also my septic system.

I will always be grateful for that help that horrible time after Brian passed away. Great is your reward in heaven!

Since we have an older house I should expect maintenance issues. In Japan they must rebuild stuff every 40 years, says Ed. Earthquake regulations require constant monitoring of buildings housing millions of apartments and offices.

This house is about 70 years old. I guess major repair is to be expected. Regardless of earthquakes. Minnesota is the most geologically stable land on earth. We have blizzards and tornadoes.

I’m thankful I can run next door to use the facilities while Corgi Hollows undergoes major repair. What a blessing! Count your blessings!

Also, here in Minnesota it is a very warm winter. It’s easy to be outside and get around. No snow yet. Another blessing for me, though of course everyone seems to want a White Christmas!

It’s the season of gift giving. What can I give you? I can only assure you that God is sovereign. God won’t leave you even though things are HARD. Because of my own Job-like experiences I have been gifted with this knowledge on a deeper level. Even when you question Him, feel frustrated with His plan for you, weep, the underlying truth is that He cares for you.

Jesus is Lord. He is the Christ. God is love. God provides. God is a Father to His children, a husband to the widow, the faithful one who does not leave us alone. He will never leave nor forsake us believers.

Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep waiting and watching.

MARANATHA

Cherie and I have checked our notes a few times, and even if she is 20-something and I am 60-something we both had some discord about our schedule in Japan. The days are in danger of becoming a blur with stark impressions and moments of clarity.

At least we have those!

I left off at the day we were to go to Kyoto, but I wanted to mention that we walked into the Ginza area to see the high-end shops on Tuesday, too.

We found a book store that had a display of Tasha Tudor stuff! I guess she is (rightfully!) popular in Japan! She is the reason I love corgis!

Wednesday morning we got up really early and subwayed to Tokyo Station, found the bullet train to Kyoto and began quite the adventure.

We were offered picture perfect views of a snow-clad Mount Fuji from the train. It was even blushing in morning sun. This is a moment of clarity I will keep in my mind.

There is nothing like seeing something in person that you have seen photos of all your life. Remember those “viewmasters” we had in the 60’s ? (Perhaps before that….) We had one disc with shots of Mount Fuji. This is also a memory of clarity for me.

Arriving at Kyoto presented a challenging mission: find a temple garden that had been recommended by our savvy friend. There are dozens (hundreds?) of temples and gardens in this historical city. It was formerly the imperial capital of Japan, before Tokyo. The architecture and the setting of this town is quite mesmerizing.

We purchased day passes on the Kyoto transportation: unlimited bus and subway for the day. It seemed to be the way to go with our limited time there. We bussed to the Nanzen ji temple, spent a couple of hours walking around the extensive grounds. There are several gardens in that area.

After that we found a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that served both udon and rice bowl—delicious and inexpensive. It was on a back alley, far from the crowds.

On to the subway, off to the old Imperial Palace.

This, for me, was a highlight of the trip. Such a beautiful garden, gorgeous buildings, and a nice shop to buy souvenirs. Such kind people!

Cherie wanted to find a “real” tea shop, so we searched for such a place on Google and made our way there. After walking all day, up and down hill (Kyoto is nestled between mountains) I conked out and waited patiently on a street while Ed and Cherie found the tea shop. That was their adventure.

My feet were ACHING after this day.

I ate something called “omurice” at the train station in Kyoto before we caught our train back to Tokyo. This is a combo of omelette and rice—fixed Japanese style.

It’s good.

The cake at this place was just delicious. Kiln-baked—caramel, whipped cream, soft—-!

The ride back to Tokyo was in the dark. Only flashes of light were seen on occasion.

Surprise! Nine o’clock at night Tokyo is ALIVE with young people! I couldn’t believe the masses of people at Tokyo station that evening!

We were exhausted, so we subwayed home to Shiomi, Koto and slept well that night.

Thursday: still tired and foot sore, we took the subway to the bay area, a large park on the bay. There are several sights and attractions at this spot: an aquarium, a historical structure that is like a massive piece of art with the history of the area archived, a large Ferris wheel, and a few gardens and bird sanctuary.

This garden was also enticing. It seemed so private. Only a large crow joined us in this space.

Friday we made it back to Shibuya area for some more shopping and a ramen stop. After that we took the subway to the Hama Detached Palace Garden which was built by a Shogun long ago.

We enjoyed tea and a Japanese sweet with ceremony in the “floating tea house.” Ulysses S. Grant was entertained at this place once.

Quiet peace and beauty amidst the skyscrapers of Tokyo…a delightful surprise.

Ed stood next to an aloe that dwarfed him in the garden here. Tokyo is surprisingly tropical! Surprising to me, at least. Things can grow all year long.

We made an executive decision to walk back from the palace garden that evening. Wow.

Through the fish market area, over multiples of bridges (Tokyo must be like Venice!) and finally back to our hotel after seeing stunning views of the night cityscapes. We could see Tokyo Tower, the Sky Tree, and, of course, many skyscrapers all lit in colorful lights.

Many Christmas lights were glowing as well.

Tired, but we had enough energy to pack everything for the journey home the next day.

Because of our bargain-basement air fare we flew back through Montreal and Chicago on our way to Minneapolis. We knew it would be a long trip, and it was. We left for Narita airport at 1:00 pm from our hotel, after a luscious buffet breakfast there.

We took a taxi to Tokyo Station, an express bus to Narita Airport from there.

After checking in we had quite the wait for our flight to Montreal. More time to try a few Japanese foods.

With a nine-hour layover in Chicago we had chatted about driving home, but it really wasn’t bad spending the night at O’hare.

We were back in Minneapolis before 9 am!

Would we go back to Japan?

Can’t wait!

Some impressions of Japan, for me: people. People, people, people!!! Business people! Suits (“salarymen”) and women, uniform fashion—golden tan wool coats, touches of lime green. black, navy, white shirts and blouses.

People well-groomed and well-heeled, polite (to a fault!) and reserved.

Icy professionals, strong and capable women.

Friendly restaurant employees.

“Arigato ogesimus” –it rang out like lines from a play. People seemed to be performing a grand production.

The air was crisp and cool. It was fall. Flowers were still in bloom many places. We had beautiful weather. It only rained one morning.

Clock-like efficiency, hoards of moving people, small children dressed in darling little uniforms.

Clean.

Delicious food.

Politeness.

In all our time there we never connected with a Japanese person personally. No conversations or sharing of our lives. I did talk to a German woman at the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo, and we connected.

It seems awesome that in a city of 37 million people one foreigner couldn’t meet one native and share a bit about life.

I was told that people are shy.

I was impressed by the loneliness.

Perhaps I imagined this? It was just an impression.

Still, I felt a peacefulness there, even if it wasn’t spiritual. I know there is spiritual darkness in Japan: only 1 million Christians among 130 million population.

That is darkness.

There is something awesome about Japan.

They do life well—efficiently, effectively, productively, cleanly.

I can see that they think they are fine without God.

Pray for Japan.