Dragons

Today I got my first piece of mail since arriving in Japan! It was a drawing from my nephew Domi-his Momma wrote that it was a very important and he wanted sent right away :-) It sure made my day, I now have a fabulous picture of a fire-breathing dragon above my work desk...
Speaking of fire, I ran across this in my reading in the morning and the words have stayed with me throughout the day:
"Et in meditatione mea exardescit ignis" - "And un my meditation a fire shall flame up" Thats why you go to prayer: to become a blaze, a living flame giving heat and light.-Josemaria Escriva

On another topic entirely, I spent my evening packing up a box for Christmas to be sent home to the family. I had so much fun with it all, almost too much fun because the most challenging part was closing the box! I confess I couldn't resist turning on Dean Martin Christmas carols, turning up the AC and making some hot coco...felt a little crazy till I took that first sip of pepperminty chocolate, a night well spent.

Thanksgiving....and Advent

Even though its long gone Thanksgiving is still on my mind. Maybe its just because I'm putting off the singing of Christmas carols and the stringing of lights,or it could be because of the unorthodox way that we celebrated the day this year, but I like to think its because I have so much to be thankful for. I wont bore you by expressing gratitude for each single thing but this year especially I'm thankful for computers, being far away from the folks at home the magic of internet helps me stay connected. I'm also incredibly grateful for all the lovely people Ive met since moving here, I have been well taken care of and looked out for since landing on this island. There are a thousand other things but those are the the top rated this year.
Seems like its incredibly early this year but its Advent already! Today I ran across a set of daily scripture readings for the season, this mornings was grand:
Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him with all speech and all knowledge--even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you--so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ;who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Well, the lights are up downtown-gorgeous displays, Christmas carols are pouring out of every store...and its 75-80 degrees! Makes for lovely weather but I'm having a bit of difficulty wrapping my mind around the fact that it truly is the beginning of winter and Christmastide. Still I suppose snow really doesn't make the season now does it?