the Vine

Today, I'm heading back to work for the first time since SEND training. I decided earlier this week that every Friday night shift, whatever I make is going to go into my account for Japan. I spent yesterday evening making pins to wear. I feel creative--you'd be surprised just how hard it is to find ways to make buttons! I thought there were kits, but alas, neither Michaels nor JoAnn's sold them. So I bought three small pieces of wood and some safety pins. Surprisingly enough, they turned out pretty well! One is a Japanese flag, the other says "Ask me about Japan!" I thought that might be a good way to start conversation and share specifically what I'm doing with some of my regulars, especially.

My roommates and I are doing Beth Moore's study on the fruits of the spirit. This morning, the lesson started with John 15--the passage about the Vine and the branches. This passage has come up several times in the past few weeks and each time it strikes a different chord in me. Today, it was in conjunction with finding joy in the Lord. By remaining in Him and obeying His commands, our joy is made complete. Beth lists several things that could pull us away from joy in the Lord and as I read, I marked a dot by each item I could see myself potentially falling into once I reach Japan. By the end of the list, I had a dot by each of the five items. Rereading it, I realized that these are each items we had discussed this week in training. Here they were, pulled together.

So, here is where I need initial prayer. That once I am overseas, I would remain in the Vine. That my joy would be complete in Him as I remain in His word and obey His commands. Of course, please pray for support, as well. I'm currently working on my first letter and since this is my first ever letter asking for support, I feel like I'm bumbling through it. Pray that God would speak through me in what I write.

Thank you for your support and excitement! Encouragement is always needed.
I love you :)