Where I'm From Wednesday

Where I'm from, a family outing in spring means dressing up to match your sister and the cherry blossoms, and going for a walk in the park.

Where I'm From Wednesday

Where I'm from, cherry blossoms line the ocean inlets, and fishing boats go out every day for a catch.

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Where I'm From Wednesday

Where I'm from, there is a park with cherry blossoms and a castle on the hill.

Where I'm From Wednesday

I'm from a place where the copious shoreline and dramatic tidal distances provide lots of opportunity for several generations of families to dig clams for their evening meal. Japan may be industrialized, and the wealthiest country in Asia, but the old traditions live on.

Where I'm From Wednesday

I'm from a place where the department stores have rides and games on the top floor (or on the roof!), and you can ride around the circle on a bullet train, sitting on Daddy's lap.

Where I'm From Wednesday

I seem to be addicted to blog series. My wordless weekends are pretty well neglected. Nonetheless, I am always thinking up new ones.

I had a remarkable childhood. Wonderful, really. I want to share my roots with you. Every Wednesday (Lord-willing) I hope to post a picture of something special (or normal, if you're looking at it from my perspective) about where I'm from. I'm looking forward to it. I hope you are too.

Reconciled to God

I think Christmas time in America is ironic. (It's ironic in Japan, too, but that's another story entirely...) In a day and age when it's not "PC" to be a Christian, when nativity scenes on government property are banned, and shop employees are instructed to use the innocuous "Happy Holidays," there is one strongly Christian part of Christmas that seems to have escaped the religious police...Christmas music. I was at the mall last Sunday for a final foray into the madness, and all the stores had "O Holy Night" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" mixed in with "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Baby."

Christmas music is possibly my favorite piece of the puzzle that makes up this most wonderful time of the year. The season doesn't truly feel like Christmas until my favorite CD, "An Evening in December," gets dug out of storage and put into a CD player. But...I'm also guilty of being mindless about the gems that are Christmas carols. It's so easy to get caught up in Christmassy feelings when singing in church or at home, that I forget to listen to the familiar words coming out of my ownmouth.

Hark! The herald angels sing!
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth & Mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled

What marvelous words! What a marvelous truth! Christmas time has been all about marveling ever since the beginning. Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the magi, Anna and Simeon were the first to marvel at this gift, Immanuel, God with us. This Christmas, I too am marveling at God with us...God and sinners reconciled.