The last time a wrote a lengthy post ( I know it’s been a while! ), we talked about our house being open for missionaries and guests from abroad. And it’s been so fun the whole year! Pastors and their families coming over is something my family is always looking forward to. Being a  Pastor's kid gives you this kind of privilege to cherish. ;)



But of course, good things also come with a special kind of challenge. And I believe these challenges are specially custom-made for each of us. I, particularly, know that God wants me to change something in my attitude. I know he wants to kill every hint of *princess complex* in me.


Like today, the guest  that we’re housing in my room for two months now needs to extend for another 6 months (people usually stay for a week at most). I would be lying if I would tell you "Ah, that's nothing". Because secretly, I wanted to cry (Crybaby over such little thing, eh? LOL) For two months, all of my things are in the hallway, and sometimes I sleep in the sofa. And it gets really hard at times. Sacrifice is really hard. 

But sacrifice is not sacrifice if it wouldn’t require you to give a part that would hurt you if you do. And I guess this is something Jesus wants me to learn. I’ve never been good in this. I sacrifice for ministry or work, sometimes extravagantly, but there are I things I save for myself, things I have put boundaries around and call my own. And I’m having a hard time giving them up~like that room. And to love, I know I must learn not to have a "hold" on these things and be willing to give them up if necessary.



In heaven I know the Lord prepares good rooms. I may lose my room here in on earth but I know in heaven I will have a good place to stay in. So I choose to look at things eternal. ^^


Sometimes I feel ashamed that I also feel this “hurt” when it’s only just a room. Some people even give their own lives. But we all learn in a different pace do we? ;) 

Before, Jesus taught me to give apples from my tree. Now, He’s teaching me to give my branches. And sometimes even though that hurts, I know that when the test is done, I will come out with a better attitude and polished heart.

And I’ll finally learn what sacrifice is all about.

How many giving trees have there been in my life? How many released part of themselves so I might grow, so I might accomplish my goals, find wholeness and satisfaction and reach beyond the tiny, limited playground of my childhood? So, so many…

Now I, like the tree, have grown up. Now it`s my turn to give and some of that hurts. Apples, branches, sometimes the trunk.

– Growing Strong In The Seasons of Life

Anyway, when Jesus was born, he didn't have a room, did he? :D

Good morning!

I woke up very early today because the whole family is leaving,
except me. :) My sisters and my parents, they’re all busy on Saturday morning. But I’m alone with nothing to do, and since the other things I need do (meeting, church, etc.) are all scheduled in the afternoon, the house is mine for the rest of the morning. hahaha


At first I felt a little sad about me being “home alone” on Saturday morning. I don’t like an empty house. ^^ I’m used hearing laughter over breakfast, spending time with the family. But I’m finding the quietness fun now. I’ve actually got “me time” which is not easy for me to have during busy weeks. I can spend my morning talking with the Lord in prayer mountain-like silence and in the comfort of my own home. It’s refreshing! And now I’m looking forward to this, even if I have to wake up early to bolt the door. LOL

Anyway, how are you? How are you spending this weekend? Hope you all have an awesome time!  And don’t forget to spend time with Jesus!

How have you been doing guys?

The past week has been so much fun and busy in our home. Have I told you before that we’ve opened our house to missionaries and pastors from our home church in Japan? Yup, so every couple of months we’ve got friendly visitors staying with us and every single time we’ve got new lessons and  stories to share.



I’m not gonna say entertaining pastors is easy-peasy (‘Cause you have to be excellent in cooking and cleaning and all that. LOL) but it’s sooooo much fun and there’s so much joy in your heart, it overflows! And the wisdom and the friendship we gain from the loving, caring wise men of God we entertain in our house is priceless! I guess I’ve learned really important lessons of faith and love from little chats with my Dad’s pastor friends and it's really a humbling experience everytime.




I’m also learning so much from my parents during these times of “entertaining”, as they open our home to men of God. I learned that opening your house also means opening your heart. Serving. Following and obeying God. Being Christ-like. It’s our family’s part in serving and I’m humbled and honored to do such thing.


Last Sunday, in church, our guest pastor asked, “What do you have in your house (that you can offer to God)?”. It’s funny to think my parents would say “Oh, our whole house…You can stay in our house”. And I remembered the Shulamite woman who offered Elijah a room and  who offered him something to eat.


Sometimes, I think we don’t live a normal life (LOL), but at the end of the day, the things that you learn and the greater opportunities to love and care and serve are few of the best things a person can have in this life. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to love and serve great men of God. Because when I serve them, I’m also serving Jesus.

How about you? What do you have in your house that you can offer to God?