Since we had a wedding, we brought large suitcases with attire needed for several events. Checking bags is an immediate expense.

HOWEVER, we saved $$$ on everything else.

Because the tourist travel time was in full swing we paid about $1,500 extra for our flights to Japan this time. Our 2023 November trip was a bargain ($1,000 rt/per person).

Hotel: in Kyoto: $90/ night for three people, in Osaka: $40/ night for 3 people.

Food: We chose to eat a restaurant meal once a day, usually Udon, Ramen, or Rice Bowl. Convenience store food filled us up otherwise.

Teas: Vending machines supplied us with black, green, and (my favorite) barley tea. Also, iced coffee was readily available.

Bread stores were everywhere. Street food was tasty and cheap. Ice cream treats were also available in vending machines in every train station.

Water was also readily available. We drank from the tap in our hotel, but it did taste a bit chlorine.

My personal favorites:

Onegari (spelling?) This is a hand held rice triangle filled with a bit of something, (salmon, tuna, egg, pickled plum) and wrapped in seaweed (nori). So satisfying! Tasty! Cheap. I make these at home now.

Barley Tea: I guess this is really Korean, but it was available everywhere. The perfect drink to re-hydrate. It just felt good to drink it, especially after walking 30 flights of stairs to the top of Osaka Castle! Cheri looked up how to make it and it doesn’t seem too hard. I intend to brew this at home this year.

Strawberry Cake: The cakes in Japan are simply luscious. Light, lightly sweetened, creamy, fruity. Pretty. Cake shops are around, so when you see a shop, get cake.

Bento: We only bought this once, at the Kyoto Station. It was satisfying, too. Nice little variety in a compact package.

Ramen: multiple ramen shops in every city. I usually went with the “basic” order, but I liked the vegetable ramen I got in Izumisano. I ordered fried chicken on the side for protein and that was SO HOT! You will burn your tongue if you aren’t careful.

Omurice: Didn’t order this this time, but it is also very satisfying. A rice omelette. I need to learn how to make this.

Okonomiyaki: vegetable pancakes, served on a hot grill at the table. Very good!

Dumplings: readily available many places, served with a sauce. Also satisfying.

Sandwiches: Got these conveniently at several places, (7/11) and they are so pretty and look like layered cake. The tomato was delicious.

None of these things were expensive. We were able to eat extremely reasonably, and healthfully.

The weather in Osake/Kyoto was HOT and HUMID! I would try to bring a bottle of water with me everywhere. I felt like I was in a Sauna perpetually. I know it can snow in this area, but the temperatures were quite warm at this time of year. We were grateful for temps in the 70’s and 80’s, but the humidity was incredible.

The climate is tropical, with palm trees and azaleas, lantana, roses (!) and many evergreens and deciduous trees. The Bay of Osaka, an ocean port, is protected, but influences the weather. Lots of rain. Everyone always had an umbrella. We got soaked.

We hung out soaked clothes in an open closet, or the shower room, with ventilation to dry them out. We did laundry at a coin laundry, very convenient, and used the gas dryers there to help get our things wearable more quickly.

If you aren’t used to Japanese bathrooms it may take a Google Translate application on your phone to be able to understand all the buttons. Keeping your body clean is on a whole different level for Japanese.

I never did use an Onsen, a communal bath. I never felt comfortable for that. Our own hotel room had lovely facilities for bathing. This must be mentioned, as it is part of the cultural experience.

Trains: Don’t be offended if people move away from you. Trains are sometimes so incredibly crowded! You hang from an overhead ring, swaying with the movement, trying to not touch anyone around you. ALWAYS wear proper deodorant. ALWAYS shower carefully. We foreigners smell different.

Eating garlic is a Japanese thing, BUT remember that it has extreme odor. Scents are both overwhelming and offensive at times. We cannot help how we naturally smell, but I always tried to go light on garlic and wear light perfume.

Snacks; You are not supposed to eat much in public, but be sure to not walk around while eating, at least. Sitting down is also frowned upon. I was always happy for a large boulder at a temple site, or an obvious bench, to rest on. When in doubt, follow the crowd, preferably someone Asian. Restaurants are everywhere, no tipping necessary, and you may stay comfortably.

In Kyoto, at a Ramen place, we went in after a group of American students and left before them. The place was tiny, so it lost revenue as the students took up space during a busy lunch hour. This was sort of embarrassing. Eat and leave during the lunch hour. Apparently the nightlife in Japan is where you socialize, not lunch. We aren’t big on nightlife, but we could hear it from our hotel room in Izumisano. It didn’t keep us from going to sleep, but it was ongoing, every night. Many places to eat close during the afternoon, but those that were open were often less busy then. We liked going to eat at those times.

Trial and Error shaped some of our comings and goings during our travels, but we never had a moment of despair. God always took care of us! Travel can be stressful as you navigate unknown places. We used Google Maps constantly. When they did not reflect the actual experience Ed made sure to take a photo and send it in to Google. Why not be helpful?

Walking everywhere, to the stations, to the subways, at the attractions, was a huge part of our trip. We took a taxi once, the airport limousine (a bus) twice. Taxis are expensive, but if you are coming to a city late (after a flight) and you have not been to your hotel yet, it is a great way to eliminate stress. When we used the taxi it was the first night, after flights from Minneapolis to Toronto, Narita Airport, then Osaka (not KIX), and the Airport bus to Kyoto. The taxi drove us just a mile or so, but with all of our luggage and pouring rain, it was a real help. The driver took us straight to the hotel. From then on we were able to travel more reasonably. Weary minds and bodies appreciated the extra help.

Perhaps in the next post I’ll write about the sites we visited and things we learned. I’m downloading my brain here!

I fell asleep at around 8 pm last night, woke around 10 pm, up until 4:30 am, slept until 9:00 am—up again, and functioned somewhat to vacuum and clean a bit.

Jet Lag.

It is “Let Down” time. Emotions are more raw, weariness sets in, introverts and self-analyzers remember ALL THE MISTAKES EVER MADE….

Laugh, here, please. I can honestly say that things like glances and expressions can factor into the psyche of someone who is over sensitive, like I am.

I need to self-talk my way off the edge.

Things that we remember may have zero impact on others. This is a Truth.

If a negative impact truly happened, and there is repercussion, we absolutely need to clear that up.

I value honesty.

Travel in another culture is fraught with dangers for the free-spirited Americans. As someone who has been in many different countries, and cultures, I can attest to some pretty painful experiences. I have made multiple mistakes, and I am still here…

But I am teachable.

This trip to Japan I quietly noticed several things. Impressions.

Almost everyone Japanese was wearing white, cream, black, tan, or gray. Exclude the kimonos. They are colorful. Most riding the trains were neutrally clothed.

Lots of lace, lots of sheer fabric. Young women. Covered, but revealing.

Very comfortable foot gear, thick soles, cushioning.

Dyed hair seems to be not as prevalent as it was two years ago. Or perhaps it is still more popular in Tokyo.

Periodically we saw cosplayers. Wow. They know how to put an outfit together! Generally they were friendlier to us, as well, a smile in return.

I am someone who smiles a lot. The only Japanese older women who smiled back at me were at church. That bunch was super sweet and welcoming.

We attended Bible Church in Osaka on May 31. It was only a few train stations north from our hotel, and we found it without any problem. The sermon was interpreted for us in English. It was lovely singing familiar hymns, hearing them in Japanese! Precious fellowship.

Christianity is a stark minority in Japan, unlike in Korea, or even China. The culture is so tight that it is truly challenging to introduce the message of salvation by grace alone.

The Jesuits tried to convert the country, a few centuries ago, but their message was not one of grace. Still, perhaps, their efforts widened the door for spiritual change.

I am the one extremely wary of the Illuminati, so I completely expect ulterior motives!

The True Church, a Bible believing body, is growing in parts of Japan. Less than one percent of the population is “Christian,” but that is still over 1,000,000 people.

Their light is significant!

Walking through Buddhist and Shinto temples and gardens can be peaceful, but I felt the dark spiritual oppression. I am a spiritual person. Monks on the streets had the most woebegone expressions. I do not understand those religions enough to say that those demeanors are part of the “faith.” Perhaps they are trying to repulse proselytization.

I am interested in people. The gardens and the structures are impressive and beautiful. I loved walking the meandering paths and over stone slab bridges. I always thrilled at seeing the herons and cranes, the large (huge!) koi in the ponds and moats.

But people are most interesting to me, and that is why I PRAY for them. I pray for the country of Japan.

So much of what they do as a culture is “right!”

Order, cleanliness, peaceful quiet, good food, unseen crime—I felt very safe there. We can analyze why Japan is such a pleasurable vacation spot. I am sure these things mentioned are all important reasons.

But there is more. Spiritual oppression is also noticeable.

These are my personal impressions, but I think others have noticed the same things.

Now, we went to Japan to attend a wedding. Our groom and bride are a very international Chinese couple, so the wedding experience was off-the-charts spectacular, and really not Japanese in the least. I will save that report for another post.

But the contrast is real.

“Japanese polite” is very comfortable, but one always wonders what is hidden.

Kyoto was filled with tourists from all over the world. There were fewer Americans than French, German, and other European visitors. My impression was that there were more non-Japanese in Kyoto than Japanese!

At least the streets and gardens, sights were that way. It is deservedly a prime tourist destination! I met a couple of women, one German, the other American, but living in Germany, and they had been touring for two weeks in Japan, but were about to spend a week in Kyoto alone.

Understandable.

I highly recommend a trip to Kyoto!

I do not expect to return to Japan. Travelling is in my budget, and takes priority over other things in my life (judge me how you will!) I want to see China before the Rapture, and, of course, a brief visit to Hawaii to check off my United States list of all 50 states visited.

If the Lord tarries I’d like to go to Puerto Rico, too.

Several people have recommended Bali as a destination for me.

Where I go I want to be light. I want to make connections. I want to spread the Gospel of peace!

Being an American in Japan was not conducive to much light spreading. I’ve tried to give my reasons. Still, there were moments of hope and joy, and many, many evidences of God’s presence.

I can only hope that this light of Christ was felt and seen.

Keep praying for your “Snatch List.”

Jesus is coming soon to get us.

MARANATHA!

It’s the middle of the night, and I am wide awake. Going over to Japan I was pretty pleased that we switched the time change without too much fanfare.

Ed and I are finding the switch-back difficult. Hunger hits at all the wrong times.

Since I’ve been intermittent fasting for about five years now I didn’t think I’d have an issue with hunger, but this trip has put me in a different zone altogether.

A trip to the airport happens this morning, Cheri is off to her Alaskan island. I will be wide awake for the early drive.

I have many thoughts about our trip, many impressions. There is a news story about a teenager from Alabama who is lost in Japan right now. I pray he is located. He left Kyoto on May 29, right while we were there.

I have thought about anxiety a lot. Separation from loved ones is my biggest thing to cause anxiety.

Brian died on a hike in New Hampshire. Nine miles. Appalachian Trail. Totally unexpected, sudden, shocking. My brother and his second wife died by the hand of a drunk driver. Totally unexpected, sudden, and shocking.

Death and separation like this is always traumatic.

Ed and Cherie chose a day to climb/hike a nearby mountain/hill (about 600 feet) while we were in Japan. I asked them to text me every few hours, just to keep connected.

They did.

At the airport I watched a drama unfold where two elderly grandparents were left with the luggage of their children and their grandchild. Boarding started, the grandparents were both in wheelchairs, their son (or daughter?) nowhere in sight.

After everyone else was on the plane the younger couple appeared. They actually acted miffed about being rushed onto the plane!

Drama. Human drama. I am sure this plays out over and over at airports and places of public tension where deadlines are met. I felt anxious whenever Cheri or Ed left me for period of time beyond my expectation.

Anxiety is normal, and God tells us to not be anxious.

I know this. Deeply.

When I feel anxious I start “gratitude mode.”

“Thank You, LORD!”

If I am able, I list all the things I’m grateful for. If I am desperate, I cry out in my spirit—“THANK YOU, LORD!”

Over and over, I cry out, and say it under my breath. His Spirit comforts me EVERY TIME!

I’m sure there are practitioners of Eastern thought that would explain this “mantra” of mine, and its effect on the body, but I know, deep in my heart, that it is only God.

I love to travel, but I must deal with the anxiety that comes with it for me. I can honestly say that God shows Himself to me greater during my travels, and this is such a joy in the end!

Taking Cheri to the airport this morning is not as anxious a prospect as it was last year. She has done this before. Yes, there are bears and other dangers on the island, but I feel strongly that she is in the Lord’s hands. I need not be anxious.

Fear is something a Believer need not have. The Bible says to not be fearful 365 times. I love quoting that little Scripture Knowledge fact. Who am I to be fearful?

Sun is rising and we need to get her suitcase into the truck.

Pray for that young man to be found in Japan.

Pray for Cheri on her summer work adventure.

Pray for me as I reset my buttons after the school year end and the spectacular trip.

God is simply so good. Whom shall I fear?

MARANATHA!!!

We arrived home last night after two weeks in Japan. The last time we were there was November of 2023, and we were mostly in Tokyo.

This time we attended a fabulous wedding in Kyoto, toured that lovely city for 5 days, then we moved to the Osaka area for the remainder of the trip.

We saw castles and beaches, shopping districts and gardens, temples and simple homey things.

We brushed with a typhoon, too.

God took care of us every single experience. We felt His presence constantly, even though for me, the spirit of Japan is rather dark.

So much beauty and order, yet there is a coldness. I could not escape that.

As this was our second journey to Japan we were more aware of the protocol. We behaved ourselves as best we could, remembering things like quiet talking, not eating in public, keeping to ourselves.

The Japanese are sick of tourists and foreigners. They are such a rigid culture, and other cultures tend to offend even unknowingly. Granted, there are some terrible examples of rude behavior by foreigners.

I made every effort to say my thanks (arigato!) with every human interaction.

It wasn’t our first “rodeo!”

We came home last night after a day and a half of travel. Things are so green and lush and our yard is desperately in need of mowing today. Grandma and the pets got through our absence fine.

I am so grateful to my brother and sister-in-law for traveling here to Minnesota to take care of Grandma for a week. Her accidental fall changed a few things.

Anyway, we are back to things being normal, right?

Memories of a beautiful event (the wedding!) and the trip are fresh in our minds and we will savor them for years to come.

I have such a grateful heart.

Cheri leaves for the North tomorrow, so today will be busy getting her off.

I am about to immerse myself in the Corgi Hollows Mentoring Program. I am hopeful that this will be of great help to young moms and educators. Goals!

Onward…!

And always, always looking for the return of the KING!

MARANATHA!

A couple of things.

My mom is quite old, and has been in fine health overall, yet over the past year her body has shown some age and decline.

Last night she fell, while cutting off tulip stems (the petals had fallen) and she hit her head hard enough to merit a trip to the urgent care doctor.

Yes, there was a small pea-sized spot of blood on her brain. She was taken to the hospital, and there she is as I write.

I ask you to pray for God’s hand to be on all of these things. There are many things to find out, to think about, to plan.

My mom’s main concern was how her situation would affect our upcoming trip to Japan. We are still planning.

Thank you for your consideration and your prayer!

The next few days will be a bit different from planned, but we KNOW God works ALL THINGS for GOOD, for them who love Him.

Love,

It is Mother’s Day, and a happy Mother’s Day to you moms.

God gave me a wonderful mother (and she is widely praised!), a wonderful mother-in-law (I am still blessed to have her in my life!). God gave me a daughter who is a wonderful mother, and two precious daughters-in law, both excellent mothers.

Can I be more blessed? I think not.

Cheri made a nettle cake. I love how she experiments with the “lilies of the field.” She decorated it with violets, and it was very tasty!

My son-in-law gave me a glass of Dandelion Blossom Tea. It was delicious!

Yesterday Ed took me out for coffee and cookies after a Hardware Store trip. We are putting in the garden. He insists on buying new seeds and not risking the 15 year old seeds I’ve had in the seed bin.

I am a risky gardener.

One of the best decisions I made after moving to this Corgi Hollows was to put in a “kitchen garden” right out the front door.

It beckons us daily, and is easy to care for. Some may say it is an eyesore, but I love it. Herbs thrive in the herb section, lettuces, lovage, and burnett reseed and grow in another section. The tomatos, cucumbers, zucchini, and squashes all take up the other portions. We’ve tried carrots and onions, various other vegetables. Perhaps the soil wasn’t exactly right, or the summer was too dry, too sunny…anyway, we stick to the basics these days.

Still, I am tempted by pretty seed packets. That is how I end up with a few that are almost ancient.

My oldest son brought his family out for a visit. I held my youngest grandchild. She is darling. The other two gave me a little jar of fru-fru French yogurt (so yummy!) and a small “frog” to hold wildflowers in the used jar. The frog has my granddaughter’s and grandson’s artwork on it—-she drew Corgis and strawberries on it for her “Omi,” my grandma name.

I am truly grateful and blessed for the love.

It is still chilly, so the blossoms are long-lived.

I heard from my Chinese son today bright and early. His wedding approaches quickly! The next few weeks will be flying by.

Psalm 23

the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want

He makes me lie down in green pastures

He leads me beside still waters

He restores my soul

Yay, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil

for Thou art with me

Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies

Thou anointest my head with oil

MY CUP RUNNETH OVER

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever

He who has ears, let him hear.

For so many years (my whole life) I’ve been interested in Bible prophecy. It requires knowing Scripture, identifying things that have already come to pass, and things to come.

It requires the time spent to watch current events, historical developments, and spiritual trends.

Generally we watch: Politics, Nature, Supernatural Interactions, and the Economy.

First and foremost we watch ISRAEL, as the Bible is all about Israel. Yes, it’s Christ Jesus’ story, HIStory, a Jewish man who lived two thousand years ago in Israel, WHO IS GOD INCARNATE.

Jesus is God, and that is the truth we must put our faith and trust in. He alone can save us from what is to come: death and destruction, hell and eternal fire.

The supernatural world is and always has been all around us, but as prophesied events start to unfold there will undoubtedly be interaction and manifestations on a global level.

So, tomorrow there may or may not be a type of disclosure about other-worldly interaction, but that is of little concern to the watchmen.

Watchmen have always expected the deception.

I do grieve, though.

As we approach the last days of earth as we know it (the thousand year millennial reign of Christ is nearing) I am saddened to see friends and family who have no clue about the huge deception coming. They have already been hoodwinked into being “woke” or liberal. Trump Derangement Syndrome blocks their reasonable abilities. They have swallowed the lies of the Evolutionists, the Frankfurt School Theologians and Philosophers, the Fabian Socialists, the current mainstream denominations and their inclusiveness. Marxist Socialism and Anti-Ice sentiment have clouded their thinking. They are globalists. They hate Israel. They hate the true God that created them. They have created a god in their own image and they gladly worship Him.

These things grieve me. I stick to being old fashioned and fundamental. I will read Scripture as it stands, English translation, (and German, and Spanish! I read the Chinese version at my Bible Study, I have a Turkish Bible. I have studied some Hebrew and Greek and looked at Scripture that way, too, in the past. I have dozens of translations and paraphrases on the shelves at Corgi Hollows!) and I will take it as literally and in context as possible.

There I stand.

What is about to happen in the world is all in context of Christ’s warning to the Jewish people.

Those of us who belong to Christ have a separate set of expectations: We are promised a precious verse. We are not appointed to wrath.

The coming war between evil and God will bring unparalleled destruction. The flood of Noah and the ark was beyond our imagination. What is coming is even more unbelievable!

Whose side are you on today?

Never has there been more division between Bible Believers and the World! It will get exponentially worse as family members will turn on each other, (as predicted) and life gets unbearable.

Brace yourselves! Those of us who identify as “watchmen” have been sounding the bell of warning for decades! We have been watching!

Get right with Jesus. Look for His coming! Believers have hope and joy in our future.

I do grieve for those I know and love that are riding the fence, haven’t repented of sin in their lives, and haven’t accepted Christ as Savior. I grieve for those that will be deceived by the evil one and his forces.

Are they saved?

I assume the Holy Spirit, the Restrainer, will hold His own chosen ones. I cannot be sure if they have truly submitted to Christ, so I just pray they will come out of the deception they believe, and fully place their faith in the way, the truth, and the life! Jesus is the only way to come to the Father.

When we stand before the throne of God we will answer for our lives. What a moment!

Did we follow Christ? Do we acknowledge that it is by grace alone that we are saved? Have we tried to honor and glorify God in all we do? Have we obeyed Christ’s commands? Did we believe deception?

Each of us may answer these questions. God will judge our deeds, our thoughts, our lives. Yes, we may be saved, but will God give us rewards? Will we reign with Him?

There are orders in heaven, orders in the supernatural realm, orders in the spiritual world. There are orders on earth.

Perhaps as things unfold in these last times we will recognize orders in a completely different way.

Last Saturday I saw the movie “the Story of Everything,” and the vastness of the universe is beyond my comprehension.

When I think of orders of magnitude I am stymied.

Orders.

Is your house in order?

Pentecost is coming. That feast is often associated with a Harpazo symbolism. May 24, 2026! Please come quickly, LORD JESUS! Come and fetch your bride, the church!

Are you saved? Are you waiting for the bridegroom with a lamp full of oil? Check out the parable of the 10 virgins in the New Testament.

MARANATHA!

This past week I got to see two films.

Yesterday I went with friends from my international Bible Study to see “The Story of Everything.” It is a Stephen Meyer film, and very well done. Years ago he helped produce a film called “Unlocking the Mysteries of Life,” and it was pivotal in leading several scholars to Christ.

I think this film has that potential as well. One cannot deny the evidence for a finely tuned universe, a finely tuned Earth, a finely tuned existence.

I strongly urge you to go, but go well-rested. The science is heady.

Also this week I saw a documentary/concert on film by a Japanese band that I was able to see in person last summer. “One OK Rock” is a band that’s been around for 20 years now. Taka, the singer, is an amazing talent. I don’t know how he can sing that way for over two hours. It is a performance of voice strength!

I am strangely touched by this band’s music, perhaps because it embodies a seeking soul that seems to understand the spiritual dangers of this world. As a believer in Christ I hear the cries that only Jesus can address.

So I am praying for them, all four band members.

They are on my snatch list.

Celebrating a marriage of an old friend today, on this beautiful May day. The third of May has always been an interesting day for me. Not a birthday, but significant. I always like to see what happens on this date each year.

The lovely month of May…

MARANATHA!

I listened to a cacophony of birdsong this morning. The baby house finches are getting louder by the day in the kitchen stove range vent. No worries, it is just a fan, and I am not running it for now.

Diligent parents deserve reward! These babies should be safe until they fledge out.

Every time I run water in my house I say, “Thank you, LORD!”

Why? Because my system worked all winter long, and it is spring now. I did not need to have the tanks pumped out for basic use. I am SO grateful! The prayers I asked for were answered! Thank you for praying!

This spring is a spring of gratefulness: new life, survival, ease.

If I keep all of the world news in perspective I can manage my heart and emotions pretty well.

Daily survival techniques: PRAYER, READING SCRIPTURE, UPLIFTING MUSIC

The world gets darker and darker, but I am looking at Jesus. I sense that He is returning to get us soon.

I pray, I ask the Lord, to be included in the Rapture (Harpazo) event. I know my great grandfather also prayed for that, but he passed away at a very old age in the 1980’s. We pray and desire, but ultimately we wait for God’s timing. And I can be grateful as I wait.

I am grateful for days without persecution, argument, for what I believe. I am grateful for the peace and joy that sits in my soul. It is there even on days that I feel like weeping.

The other day I had the urge to scream and cry about the loss in my life.

I have cried, but I have not screamed in grief.

I guess I have a type of acceptance of my circumstance.

I do understand that urge to let it go, cry it out, descend into agony.

I have grieved for my husband for six LONG years now. I have daily reminders of how he was my other half, and now that half is missing. I see my shortcomings and I worry, despite knowing that God is filling his role as my provider and protector.

Don’t mess with me. (smile) God has my back. Really.

I have had a few instances of being taken advantage of in my ignorance since my husband passed. Actually I pity the people that did it. They haven’t got a clue about the devastating consequences coming (or that came already.)

Don’t mess with God. He is just. Justice will roll down. I stand under His protective hand. There is no better place to be.

I connect with other widows through social media, and I can only say that I see God’s protection and help in their lives, too. Hardship, yes, but ultimately protection and guidance.

Don’t mess with us.

This isn’t defensiveness. This is simply a warning!

I am so grateful for God’s work and presence in my life.

Yes, I have those days of tears and pain. That is human loss. Grief is a thing.

The hope I have eclipses the darkness overall.

MARANATHA!

There is great temptation to move the potted plants outside right now, but May 15 is the safe day to do that, and that is 3 weeks away.

I plan to move the fish out tomorrow. I got a lovely large ceramic urn for them this summer. They are alive and well, despite being mostly ignored all winter downstairs.

I do not see the swans, nor the cranes, so I am assuming they are busy laying eggs and nesting.

Let’s see.

Frogs are singing in the heat.

Wood-ticks are around.

Yuki came in with one the other day.

What do you think of world events? Are we being played along?

Probably. These are times when we must have our feet planted firmly in spiritual truth. The house built on rock, not sand. I am just so grateful for my faith.

Elisabeth Elliot used to say that the old hymns may not be Scripture but they are lessons in theology. I agree. It is appropriate to sing these choruses in difficult times.

I just get so discouraged when I see little being done to right the wrongs of politicians and political mistakes. Political debacles. It seems we are powerless to fix anything.

I am talking about Minnesota, mostly. I shake my head daily.

God is still in charge, still on His throne, still able to make things better. He will be glorified, and persecution of us believers only serves to strengthen us. Take heart!

Be encouraged.

The persecuted church around the world is far stronger than the indolent church of the west.

I am preaching to myself. Buck up, Corgi!

I miss my Corgi.

I look forward to seeing all my pets in heaven. I just do.

MARANATHA!