New Year, new hope.
So wow. Another year is over.
It's amazing how this year went, and how fast it went as well.
This time last year, I remember going to the movie theater to watch a movie that was just coming out. "The Imitation Game." I watched with Tim, and my brother Joel and sister Victoria, and best friend Deanna. It was one of my favorite times starting off the New Year with some of my favorite people.
Now, I am in a land I have dreamed of being in, for years and years. I'm with new friends, and my Tim of course. In the process of moving to another new location, the 3rd location I've moved to since I've come here. But it's been a really great journey so far. I arrived here with Tim on November 6th, not really sure what to expect, but completely excited of my longtime dream finally being realized.
In fact for all of us. (Joel, Victoria, and Deanna and Tim and I) have had a very eventful and dream-realizing past year. Deanna went back to college in Canada with friends, Victoria went back to London by faith, and came back just recently for a season. And Joel is ENGAGED to the woman of his dreams, Julia. It's amazing! And of course Tim has wanted, as much as I have, to be here in Japan. And here we are. :D
Waiting has definitely not been an easy thing, but I'm finding it to be very worth it.
For sure these past few months haven't always been easy, but I never expected it to be.
But the feeling of knowing that you are where you're supposed to be, nothing compares to that feeling.
It's amazing how God works out His plans in our lives at just the precise moments He knows is right. And if we just trust Him, we can really benefit from that truth.
Over these past two months though, I've realized I really can't be half-way with my walk with God, I need to be wholehearted. I need to desire Him more than anything, and really mean that and dive into His word more, and listen to Him when He speaks, and speak to Him more consistently. He has always been guiding and directing my paths, yet I so often forget how much He loves me, and cares so much for me to just pay attention to Him. Of course, He understands. But that's not the point. I need to be more dependant on Him, and treasure Him as my all.
If I think I can rescue or help anyone outside of God, I am meaningless in my pursuit. But it's when I find that God is my strength that everything is worth it. I'm so thankful for Him.
Even right now, as I sit here on a sofa chair in the middle of the YWAM TOKYO living room without barely a whisper of a sound in this quiet place. I know He is so present with me, and cheering me on. :) Thank You Jesus for being my Light and my guide this past years, and years past. Please continually guide me and direct me in this coming year. I want to desire You more than anything. Please be my everything. I need You more than anything. Thank You for all You have done, and will do. Thank You for Your immense and loving heart for this world. Help me seek to understand Your heart more deeply. In Your Precious and Holy Name. Amen.
あけましておめでとう (or Happy New Year!)
From Japan and my heart, Julianne
It's amazing how this year went, and how fast it went as well.
This time last year, I remember going to the movie theater to watch a movie that was just coming out. "The Imitation Game." I watched with Tim, and my brother Joel and sister Victoria, and best friend Deanna. It was one of my favorite times starting off the New Year with some of my favorite people.
Now, I am in a land I have dreamed of being in, for years and years. I'm with new friends, and my Tim of course. In the process of moving to another new location, the 3rd location I've moved to since I've come here. But it's been a really great journey so far. I arrived here with Tim on November 6th, not really sure what to expect, but completely excited of my longtime dream finally being realized.
In fact for all of us. (Joel, Victoria, and Deanna and Tim and I) have had a very eventful and dream-realizing past year. Deanna went back to college in Canada with friends, Victoria went back to London by faith, and came back just recently for a season. And Joel is ENGAGED to the woman of his dreams, Julia. It's amazing! And of course Tim has wanted, as much as I have, to be here in Japan. And here we are. :D
Waiting has definitely not been an easy thing, but I'm finding it to be very worth it.
For sure these past few months haven't always been easy, but I never expected it to be.
But the feeling of knowing that you are where you're supposed to be, nothing compares to that feeling.
It's amazing how God works out His plans in our lives at just the precise moments He knows is right. And if we just trust Him, we can really benefit from that truth.
Over these past two months though, I've realized I really can't be half-way with my walk with God, I need to be wholehearted. I need to desire Him more than anything, and really mean that and dive into His word more, and listen to Him when He speaks, and speak to Him more consistently. He has always been guiding and directing my paths, yet I so often forget how much He loves me, and cares so much for me to just pay attention to Him. Of course, He understands. But that's not the point. I need to be more dependant on Him, and treasure Him as my all.
If I think I can rescue or help anyone outside of God, I am meaningless in my pursuit. But it's when I find that God is my strength that everything is worth it. I'm so thankful for Him.
Even right now, as I sit here on a sofa chair in the middle of the YWAM TOKYO living room without barely a whisper of a sound in this quiet place. I know He is so present with me, and cheering me on. :) Thank You Jesus for being my Light and my guide this past years, and years past. Please continually guide me and direct me in this coming year. I want to desire You more than anything. Please be my everything. I need You more than anything. Thank You for all You have done, and will do. Thank You for Your immense and loving heart for this world. Help me seek to understand Your heart more deeply. In Your Precious and Holy Name. Amen.
あけましておめでとう (or Happy New Year!)
From Japan and my heart, Julianne