progress or process

thought processing is a lot harder than word processing.

where do i begin?

autumn colors

autumn has taught me that true beauty is brought forth in preparation against impending storms.

what colors will my return entail?

i would like to sit here and ponder

reality check

what's left:

travel with robert

ramen

goodbyes

osaka, kyoto, nara

korea (barring world war III)

tokyo one last time

find a plane home

half of my belongings are packed in a bag. i've been in a single room since last week. 16 of my 20 units of grades have come in. bank account running low. still surviving.

don't want this dream to end...

Time Waits for No One

It's raining the coldest rain i've ever felt outside. The heater's cranked on max, the speaker's are playing meaningful music, and I guess it's finally time for a proper update.

It's ironic because I finally get a break from the storm of a schedule because of the storm outside my window canceled a night practice I was supposed to have for Soul Run. Of course the first thing I did with my free time was to grab some ramen for my starving stomach. Nothing beats a hot bowl of ramen in the freezing rain.

Biking back in the rain after ramen, as the broth started to warm up the rest of my body, a heavy thought dawned on me. There's only 2.5 more weeks of school here in Japan. As quickly as it came, this once in a lifetime experience is almost over...already. It's gone by so quickly that I haven't even given myself a proper chance to soak it all in yet.

The next 2.5 weeks are probably not going to give me that chance either. School has been so crazy. You take a 10 week quarter that already goes by too fast and try to squeeze in a cultural and language experience somewhere in the mix, and the result is a serious lack of time.

But even along the all too quick journey, I can say that I've met some truly amazing people, seen a lot of new things, and of course, eaten some awesome ramen. I just hope that when this is all said and done, I can look back and say that i was able to learn a great deal about myself through tit all.

Only 2.5 weeks before the start of a different adventure. Until then, it's pedal to the metal.

Oh and i'll try to take more pictures of people rather than things...or food...

(photo credit: Jordan Williams)

Blisters and Coffee

Longest week ever...

waiting for the sunshine.

wait it's only thursday?!

blarg

Road to Somewhere

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a tie to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

So what time is it now? I've been lacking in self reflection and just passing time like it'll last forever. But forever is only two more months...

Convictions

Convictions are a funny thing.

You receive it, you chew on it, you act on it, then you tuck it away in a safe nook in your heart only to forget it. And then when you least want it to come back, it knocks, quietly at first, the soft taps asking you to remember it. The taps become thuds and then a crash as it jolt you awake from a disillusion that you've quickly called your reality. You see it as an unwelcome guest in its rude entrance, but as the dust settles, you recognize your old friend.

ひさしぶりですね？

Hisashiburidesune?

Reflections

"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."

Proverbs 27:19

It is not what is portrayed on the outside that defines who I am but rather the inner goings of my heart. Lord let my heart not be moved away from you, that its reflection will shine only you.

Peace and Love

There was a giant rain storm that came out of nowhere today. And when the rain came, I was on my baby blue bike, looking for my first meal of the day after being officially certified as an alien by the Japanese government.

I think the rain was symbolically reminding us that summer is over. It's been a record heatwave here in Japan, with temperatures in the 90's in September when its usually supposed to be cool. .

Or maybe the rain was saying welcome to Japan, for reals now. Somewhere in the last few weeks, I almost forgot that I was here to be a student. But now things are finally starting to get settled here. Today marked the end of the first full week of classes, and my schedule is starting to solidify too as i've decided on what activities and clubs to join here at ICU.

I have Japanese language every morning for 2.5 hours, and two 4 hour classes on mondays and thursdays. Tuesdays are basketball practice with the basketball circle (the less intense version of a club), Wednesdays are Soul Run practice (festival dance found here), and fridays are soccer practice with another circle. Saturdays are mandatory excursion dates with one of our classes and Sunday is a day of church and rest.

I feel a little anxious as i've somehow managed to pack my schedule...again...but the sound of the rain on my window brings me a little ease. I'm now a part of the system of structure.

I end with something completely unrelated to the rest of this post. Yesterday American WWII P.O.W.s visited our history class and gave some testimonies on their survival of the Bataan Death March. They talked about forgiveness and why they choose to forgive when such wrong was committed to them. They said forgiveness is not an obligation but a choice of sacrifice. A cancellation of a debt not by the debtor but by the creditor. The same kind of forgiveness that Christ gave to us. And in an attempt to seek the same heart of Christ, they forgive.

Peace and Love,

~Calvin

Welcome to the Real World

Day and night. Light and dark. Black and white. It's easy to see the contrasts between two apparently polar opposites. It's easy to draw the line between the two. But what about when things aren't so polar opposites? When black and white are actually shades of gray?

I've been learning a lot about my personal beliefs and values as they've been and are in the process of being tested. Learning is always a painful process, but one I believe is always beneficial...it's just hard to immediately see that.

I've been learning about wisdom through Proverbs and the Gospel through John. If anyone said that walking the walk is easy, then they've been walking down the wrong road. But there is help when you ask in His name.

The ambiguity of this post reflects the unfinished thought processes in my mind. When they've been refined, then I will share with more concrete...ness.

But then again...things don't always have to be black and white...

P.S. Apparently Ghibli Studio Museum is in my city. Yahoo!

Truth or Dare

Today I attended a funeral service for a man who passed away from stroke complications. He was 56 and healthy, until he had his stroke. He then passed away in less than a week.

For people who live here in Japan, this place is their reality. They must live it daily.

And for me, the truth is that three months is quite a short time, nothing like a lifetime. I’m still a visitor.

But I’m glad to have been part of the sobering reality of life even just a few days into my stay here in Japan. It’s a reminder that not only is everyday a battle against the struggles of living, but also a struggle against time and what I have come here to do.

Tomorrow I head off to school and away from the sanctuaries of Shinkoiwa church. In the short two and a half days that I have spent here, I have already been prepared and reminded of what I am heading off into; a warzone under the guise of a Christian university.

I go with the understanding that now more than ever, I need to not just maintain, but seek further a relationship with Christ. I need to be intentional with my every action and words, and I need to keep in mind that the hourglass has already been put in motion.

P.S. two updates in two days is a record…this is a result of free time, not a pattern.

P.P.S. Did you know you can drag my turtles to their food so you don't have to wait for them to

swim there?

P.P.P.S. I never thought I would be eating dinner rolls so soon…PTL ETB

Beginnings and...?

Walking through the streets of Japan (Shinkoiwa to be exact), I can't help but notice the prevalence of culture. They say America is the land of many cultures, a melting pot of all sorts of people. I say America is a land that has many cultures and in its greed to fully embrace it all, has lost culture.

Here in Japan, where there is one predominant people group (the Japanese...duh...) culture and its effects are seen and felt in its full force. There is a lifestyle here of constant movement, of doing. Yet even in all the bustle, there is a culture of eerie peace, because it is a non-intrusive bustle. A "you do what you have to do and i'll do what i have to do" kind of mindset that sets people off to themselves. And in that sense, it's kind of intimidating.

I had small group with some Japanese church members today and they were sharing just how this dominant culture really intimidates the Japanese Christians to really speak out on their faith in fear of being judged; in stepping out of the boundaries of mutual respect and treading into the territories of infringement; of imposing ones ideas on another.

And so, there really is an understanding of stepping out in boldness for Christ here because the dichotomy between living for Christ and everything else thats not living for Christ is so blatant. Because stepping out for Christ is also stepping on the boundaries of culture.

But that's exactly what Christ taught his disciples to do. To be emboldened to the point that they must hate their mother or father in perspective to the amount they love Christ.

I share my testimony in sunday service tomorrow and go to my school campus on monday. Please join me in prayer as I strive to be above conformity and even culture, seeking as Christ taught us how to seek.

owari~

P.S. please feed my turtles

hisashiburidesu

Dear Blog,

I'm sorry it's been such a while. It's been quite the summer to say the least.

Tomorrow I move on to a new chapter of my life. Sitting in this empty room, my voice echoes back at me, letting me know that this might very well be the last time i sit in a place i've called home for so long. But i move on with faith and confidence.

For I have learned the beginnings what it means to love and be loved. I have learned what it means to seek things beyond ourself. There is definitely more than meets to eye, and many times, more than what our minds can comprehend.

But in these upcoming months, i pray for just a little bit more of what we call understanding. of life, love, and vision.

And rather than see you at the finish line, i hope you can be there with me along the way this time. a little less poetic and a little more intentional. and so until then,

sayonara~

ef

i realized i didn't ever post an update.

ill post something...soon...

more than just exploding fireworks...

update!

http://japhana.blogspot.com/

junbi desuka?

is being ready a state of being or a state of mind?

or is it something else entirely?

how do you measure the success of preparation?

Leaving for Japan tomorrow.

Definitely much more in my heart going into the country and the trip this time around.

But Lord, let not my heart be led by expectations but visions of you.

Let my output be love and may love be my guide.

Note to self, but intentional, stay reflective, and update this when you come back.

I'm not flying solo this time around.

Thanks readers!

i...

i believe goodbyes are temporary, therefore i do not like goodbyes. i prefer to "see you later"

i have come to accept change and i am ready for a new adventure

i wish i knew how to communicate the words of my heart through the words of my lips

closure part II

jesus party complete.

i have found closure for at least one aspect of my year. (year being school year)

now to greater things?

closure

I need to find closure.

not just to this year but to all things I do.

I think i have the tendency (or is it a habit) to come out of the block sprinting and then flame out towards the end.

I've really been thinking about this and it seems sadly true to any ministry, relationship, project, , goal, plan, etc that i've committed to.

What is the root of this problem?

I must find closure to this predicament too...

But on a lighter note, i finish my last final (is that redundant?) tom morning.

i don't think i've ever been more excited for a quarter to be over.

pedal to the metal

I'm running out of gas so close to the finish.

Or is its close proximity just a delusion?

Lord I need some inspiration.

"Everybody falls sometimes

You gotta find the strength to rise

From the ashes and make a new beginning

Anyone can feel the ache

You think it’s more than you can take

But you’re stronger, stronger than you know

And don’t you give up now

The sun will soon be shining

You gotta face the clouds

To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesn’t ever end

Even when the sky is falling

I’ve seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard

Impossible is not a word

It’s just a reason for someone not to try

Everybody’s scared to death

You may decide to take that step

Out on the water

But it’ll be all right

Life is so much more

Than what your eyes are seeing

You will find your way

If you keep believing

Overcome the odds

When you don’t have a chance

(That’s what faith can do)

When the world says you can’t

It will tell you that it can"

I think...

I think...

-im going to make a list because i might not be able to write a post on one coherent topic

-this is my first post this quarter (the last two were eh...posts)

-i actually believe i'm 20 now. it took a week and a half to sink in...

-i'm finally getting the hang of my schedule on week 8

-there is suddenly no more time for anything, time where did you go?

-this gloomy weather can "stick its head between its legs and kiss its own arse"

-im behind in meal swipes. im averaging two meals a day...

-a part of my mind is missing. i keep losing things...

-i need a break. i would like to go to Japan like...tomorrow.

-this post is about done.

-this post is done.

untitled

you would think i would have something to blog about by now.

tick tock tick tock goes the sound of the clock?

do you just ever have those days when you want to forget who you are and be someone different?

not out of envy or of spite. but out of curiosity. out of the want for something different.

or those days when you just want to forget what you have to do, extend time, and chase something. do something. make something. but you don't know what. you stare at your hands, at your feet, you look around. you wish and you wish and time just ticks and it ticks...

running the race: marathon ponderisms

So today I ran the Los Angeles Marathon. It was an epic 26.2 miles that was grueling to say the least. In its physical aspect, I ran (my first marathon) with the goal of running under 5:30 (hours and minutes mind you). I came in at a time of 4:58 which was most definitely under my goal, but it was something that definitely leaves room for improvement. I was running a 4:15 pace until both quadriceps gave out at mile 12/26 (a result of my pride driven want to play basketball the night before at march madness, needless to say i payed the price dearly. lesson learned? for every action there is a fitting consequence). the rest of the race? a mix of jogging until my quads could no longer keep up, walk, stretch, rinse, recycle, repeat.

But this post is not about the physicality of the marathon. 26.2 miles least is quite a bit of time for thinking. reflecting. understanding. etc. and i came across many apparent understandings and realizations that i wanted to just jot down and share some in its entirety, some in brevity. For if i were to go into every little detail that went through my mind during the entire marathon (and even post-marathon), this would probably turn into a legitimate chapterized book, which is definitely a far cry from a simple blog post.

So i begin. One thing i really came to notice and appreciate during the race was the notion of community. It was a beautiful thing seeing the entire city of Los Angeles come together to support both the runners as well as many of the foundations the runners represented. In their own time and sacrifice, many people labored in serving water, gatorade, and many hundreds more followed the course of the race cheering. It was quite a spectacle that just words cannot fully ascribe.

In another aspect of community, i would most definitely not have gotten through the marathon without the support of the community of runners who'm committed to run with me. we prepared together, ran together, struggled together, and in the end, came out victorious together.

In the third aspect of community, i came to the reinforcement upon the conclusion of the value of the church community. Because this marathon was on a sunday, i had the unfortunate distinction of missing church, and in that, i felt a part of my week was definitely missing. I missed the community of believers coming together under one roof to worship, to seek guidance in scripture, and even breaking bread together. it's true they say that you come to appreciate much more what you are without.

But in the absence of my Sunday norm, I did get to spend many a quality miles with the Lord. I listened to an appropriately themed sermon by John MacArthur about "running the race" from Hebrews 12:1-4, i had some quality miles of silent prayer, and definitely some miles listening and singing praises to God, albeit in a much different way then the sunday norm. But it was those miles that ended up passing by much more quickly and joyously. While many struggled in the late miles of 20-24, i plugged in those earplugs, cranked up the volume, and sang my praises to God, and in this moment, the throbbing pain in my legs were dispelled.

Not to say the marathon was not a struggle. It was definitely the most grueling physical activity i have performed thus far, and i believe ive had my fair share of physical challenges (hiking mt. whitney, soccer hell week, stem physical...er...nvm.) And i believe that it was only by the grace of God that i was able to finish. And i say that in full humility and acceptance of the understanding of just how weak i am. in more ways than one, this race broke me. It showed me on my own, i am not as strong as i make myself out to be. our bodies can only handle so much. and when we fail, we are shown just how strong God is. "apart from me you can do nothing." it rings so much more true now. there were many a moments during the race i just looked up and said, Lord, i cant go on on my own feet anymore. i submit myself to full dependence on you.

One other thing i wanted to share was about the issue of passion. During the race i saw all sorts of different kinds of people running the race. And there were some crazy people. a group of runners dressed like elvis, a bunch of cross dressers, people running for cancer, fallen relatives, anything you can think of, people ran for it. and they did it so passionately. its amusing to see their diligence but in a way, it almost made me sad. that these thousands upon thousands of people would gruel a race so demanding for but a false idol to put it in a strong sense. now what if we could turn that passion towards Christ? how amazing would that be...

and secondly, where is the Christian passion that burns just as strong? why cant we show our passion for Christ in just as passionate of a manner? I saw this one guy running with the bible lifted high talking to bystanders about the gospel and it was really encouraging. but that was just one of the 100,000 racers this year.

as for whether ill run the marathon ever again, i think in my aching pain right now i would reflexively say no. but ask me in a week, and ill probably have to think about it. i think if i do ever run a marathon again, i want to run it for a purpose greater than just to prove to myself that i can do it. this was like the "wetting your toes" experience and the next time, i want to go full out. but not for myself but for the one i live for; Christ. If the opportunity arises and the circumstances approve, then i guess its time to lace those shoes.

i had a couple more points of reflection but i think ill leave it at here for now.

ill call them my marathon ponderisms. tidbits of my brain. fuel for yours.

think about it. think think about it.

mmm...brain juices...

i just finished watching definitely, maybe.

upon completion, i was flustered at my...frustration.

as i brushed my teeth, i pondered this frustration and came to a realization, or rather, a conclusion to a loose end of a thought thats been nagging at me for quite a bit now.

with each passing move that i watch, i have come to realize more and more just how much i rather dislike movies. not all movies mind you, i still have my fair share of favorites, but quite a bit more than few. more so in recent movies than ever. and the reason for my disdain is quite simple actually. movies are always trying to make me think and feel a certain way. and the "good" movies are supposedly successful because they succeed in making you think or feel that certain way.

but what if im quite happy or rather quite set on the way that i would like to feel or think and i dont like it when a movie comes along and says that i have to feel or think a certain way. now let me stop being general and become more specific. chick-flicks; definitely, maybe. They portray a reflection of the American culture of love. or what it should be. what happens when it goes wrong. how to fix it. how to find true love. the list goes on.

but as i watch these love-saturated movies that used to once enthrall me into a whimsical state of either a. depression b. wishful thinking or c. a combination of a and b, i am reminded of just how foolish this mindset of love really is. I am reminded of a greater love and how foolish it is to seek "true" love in the hearts of people. because it is all to apparent, even for many of these characters in these movies just how fickle love can be when we chase after our feelings or "what feels right."

and its not just love. i can apply this to other aspects of our society/culture captures in these 2 hour sequences. And the more i watch, the more i feel disdain for what this world really stands for and the more i understand what it means to be "not of this world."

but back to movies. and myself. i understand now why i enjoy thoughtless action movies or fantasy movies now. They're not trying to depict the normalcy of this world and make us feel or think a certain way about inherent values or aspects of "our" world. Instead these movies are honest in their outlining that what is to follow is purely fantasy and therefore non-applicable. so all thats left is just fun. and fun is definitely more enjoyable. its entertainment! and isn't that what a movie is categorized in its basics to begin with? thought-provoking is just a cover for hogwash brainwash.

but like in all things, there can be greater purpose. i guess movies can be a means (or an excuse) of social gatherings. except when tickets start costing $12.50 a pop. then these social gatherings can wait a couple weeks for the price drop or even a couple months and into my living room. it's not like the storyline of the movie is going to change in its delay and transition.

somehow this post turned very scattered. it started out much more coherent in my mind but deviated. much like a pointless movie. it's been a while since i've let my brain juices soak in a matter like this. i need to get back into the habit and mindset of thoughtful reflection.

does this mean more posts?

definitely...

maybe.

dattebayo

i don't remember being this excited since finishing the one pound bag of haribo gummy bears way back when.

God has some amazing things planned for Japan and STEM this year.

believe it.

(cryptic naruto references.)

PS I HAVE FISH NOW! THANKS STEPH DK :)

Feed them gummy bears only ok?

Marchisms

"Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?"

Now I replace Simon with myself. And how appropriately so,

"Calvin, son of John, do you truly love me?"

John 21. This passage has been brought to my attention three times in the last...three days. Jesus asks His apostle Simon Peter this three times. Jesus is asking me this three times.

How gentle yet piercing are the Lord's reminders. He doesn't grab us and shake us yelling "LOVE ME OR ELSE..." but He sits us aside after preparing breakfast and inviting them "Come and have breakfast" (v. 12). He asks us the first time, and in our eagerness we say "YES Lord!" He asks us again, unchanging in calm demeanor or voice. We say "Yes, YOU know that I love you." He asks us once more, telling us to look deep into our own selves. And then we begin to wonder; I begin to wonder.

He said "feed my lambs," "take care of my sheep," "feed my sheep."

In my foolish pride, have I been neglecting the ministry around me? Have I been justifying my love for the Lord with the notion that I am going on missions this summer? Have I forgotten the mission field is not just a far off place but the very land and people around us as well?

In my foolish apathy, have I been loving the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind?

Have I become like these disciples, whom after there own commissioning in the last supper and then the very crucification of their Lord Jesus, returned back to their old jobs of fishing?

Have I been blessed and given the vision to see the battlefield around me after a summer in Japan and yet, have I reverted back to the same lifestyle as I have lived before?

In my foolish blindness, have I been turning away from the very power that gives us power?

Have I become like these disciples, whom in their own power try to fish but to no avail?

Have I forgotten that it is only in and through Jesus that we can do all work? The Lord says "throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some," and to no surprise, a haul of 153 fish is brought in.

Oh Lord, I have prayed for a passage a month to keep close to my heart. And in your loving faithfulness you have consistently provided. John 21.

"Calvin, son of John, do you truly love me?"

That will be my constant reflection for March.

just enough.

I am being taught about the strength to be found in weakness.

Each day I grow weaker, pushing the boundaries and the limits of my physicality.

Never in my life have I felt so exhausted at the end of each day.

But with the coming of each new morning, I am given strength which is not my own.

Strength that can only come when I am weak, humbled, and broken.

I pray, "give me this day my daily bread," but not too much that I may become prideful and dependent on my own strength, but just enough to get me through the day. Just enough.

Wretched man that i am

To deceive one's own heart is the most dangerous of things.

To learn of this deception is the most painful of things.

I'm not exactly sure where to start or where to end. I've hit backspace half a dozen times...make that a dozen.

I knew I was in a war. A war between my flesh and my heart. My heart longing to be with God and my flesh longing for the things of this world. But I thought that by the power of the spirit that my flesh was under control. I thought I was actually in a place where my flesh was actually longing for God as well. But sin manifests itself in ways that you don't even realize. And I guess I failed to see the ways sin was manifesting itself within me because I was in a state of spiritual content. Call it apathy but I thought I was truly fighting. I guess I left my flank open.

But I read Romans 7:

"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do no want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but the sin that dwells within me.

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members . Wretch man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin."

I read this and I can only shake my head in full agreement. I understand. Wretched man that I am. I prayed for dependence solely on God last week. And He broke me to a place where that only one I can depend on is Him. I just need to look up.

But it's so hard. so very hard...

Look out, not down

To love You even in the desert place.

Because it's not even a desert; just a sandbox.

thanksgiving in january

i actually reflected what im about to share in my handwritten journal but i thought it worth sharing so ill post it up here as well. it's a reflection on the verse 1 thessalonians 5:16-18, a verse that i've adopted as my theme verse for my sophomore year back in september. i was recently reminded of it again after failing to keep it close to my heart and in reminder, i decided to really go deep into it and analyze it so that i can keep it closer to my heart than i have.

the verse as you might be familiar with is:

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

"so the basics of the verse are outlined as joy, prayer, and thanks. why these three? joy shows the understanding of the gospel. prayer shows acknowledgement and reliance on a higher power (God), and thankfulness is the understanding of both joy and prayer and putting it into perspective and action. and these are to be done again in all circumstances. but why?

well on top of the last part of the verse 'for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus,' these should be natural things that are overflow from our own hearts. Joy in all circumstances shows understanding that we are basing our attitude and outlook not on circumstances or emotions, but on a solid truth that does not change. that way when emotions and circumstances do change, our attitude of joy does not because the truth is constant.

prayer in all circumstances acknowledges that in all things, we are called to work in correspondence with the Spirit and not of our own power. in this understanding, we will be moved to constant prayer.

as for thankfulness in all circumstances (good and bad), this is the complete understanding of Romans 8:28. "that we know in all things God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his name." when we know that there is providence and not coincidence, we will approach everything with gratitude, even when it seems to be a circumstance working against us or setting us up for failure.

these three things combined, joy, prayer, and thankfulness, is a judge of spiritual condition. (i got this from John Macarthur's outline on this passage). because these three things spring from within our soul, and all will be present when our soul is in tune with the spirit and not dependent on things like "church attendance, emotions, circumstances, money..."

as for the final part, v. 18 is a mandate to us as Christians. it's a mandate that directly correlates to every other mandate in the bible. to approach things with the understanding of the gospel (thankfulness), the love of Christ (joy), and the helping of the spirit (prayer).

and with that ill conclude this short snippet from my morning reflection. the rest was a list of things to be thankful for. and it was quite an exhaustive list. humbling.

it was thanksgiving in january today