A Lasting Purpose

Those of you who are reading this and have a wonderful place to call home, understand that after a long trip you get tired of traveling and want to get back home to your own space. I have a home that moves with me everywhere, and wherever he is that is where I call home. My husband is here to stay even though states, jobs, and temporary homes may pass by so quickly. And again we are facing yet another job layoff in a few weeks ,but I am sure that God will provide us another job and another 'home", but that doesn't stop the ache of leaving another church family and the longing to have a space of our own again. Sometimes I wonder how long I can go on moving from place to place like this, and then the Lord quickly reminds me that this world was not His home , He traveled many  a place and did not call one place his own, He sacrificed everything for the ones he loved, and His temporary home was not filled with love for Him. There is so much more that I should be thankful for instead of feeling sorry for myself . One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalms 68:19 "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation . Selah". One of our ladies Bible study topics last night was "Fulfilling our Purpose". What is my purpose? What is yours? I will tell you what it is not, it is not a high paying job, a perfect dream home, a top of the line car, or a fatty retirement. God tells us our purpose is to bear fruit in (John 15:1-8) he also tells us that age doesn't matter, young or old we are never finished with His command (Psalm 92:13-14). So are you fulfilling your purpose with the right spirit ? (Gal 5:22-23)

Dear, Japan Your Soda is Yummy

So I recently introduced myself to a new store, and I have to say that I may be addicted. My love for this place stems from yearning to travel and learn new things about other countries, as well as an overdose of watching the travel channel on TV. This blog was inspired by Courtney one of my best friends who has recently been stationed overseas in Japan with her husband and baby boy. Just how does my friend fit into this post you may ask? Well then , I will be pleased to tell you what I found in World Market, my new favorite place to shop  that made me miss and think of my beautiful friend. While perusing the aisles I happened upon a whole collection of foods, snacks, and beverages from Japan. I was thrilled with my discovery so I dragged my husband to said aisle and started loading his arms with multiple items.  My husband was more concerned with the lack of ability to read Japanese labels than thrilled with the possibility of trying something new, as I was. Of course there is a English sticker label on the back of the package, but my darling husband only looks at pictures on the front......I failed to inform him of this most crucial element simply for my pleasure. Yes, I am a horrible woman to him, but I made it up to him in the German Chocolates section where he literally looked like a big kid in a candy store. One of our purchases was a quite fruity and not too bubbly type of soda called Ramune. Shirakiku Ramune drink comes in a ton of flavors, we chose Pineapple and Lychee flavored drinks, we both preferred the Pineapple because Lychee was a tad too bitter. The awesome part about this drink is the way the glass bottle is sealed , there is no cap because the opening of the bottle is sealed with a clear glass marble. The marble is held in place by the pressure of the carbonation, and to open the bottle the drink comes with a device to press down on the marble until the pressure is released, and then the marble falls into the specially designed neck of the bottle. When you release the marble there is loud pop and as the marble plops into the drink there is a most awesome display of bubbles in the bottle neck. I had no clue that a beverage could be so much fun. PS. Courtney have fun with all the new experiences in Japan , after all if I can have a thrilling time with a simple foreign soda I'm sure you can have even more fun living there.  Love, Laura