Spring in Fukuoka!

Psalm 96:11-13 (NIV)

¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

¹² let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

¹³ they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.

The cherry trees are blooming all around our area. They came out early this year as we were experiencing 70 F weather, but the past week has dropped even with frost at night. So the opening of the blossoms have slowed down considerably. Today was the first day of reduced fares on Japanese expressways. From Friday midnight through Sunday midnight people can travel between any two locations for just Yen 1,000. You have to understand, for example, the fee for 600 miles between Fukuoka and Tokyo normally costs more than US $250 or Yen 25,000. This is a part of the Japanese economic stimulus package.

Today being Saturday, I made a brief foray to the discount supermarket to pick up some food. I wish you could join us on a busy Saturday shopping trip. Everyone uses shopping baskets that have handles. These baskets fit into various size shopping carts. Compared to the USA these are tiny. The store aisles are very narrow and Saturday mornings there is barely room to pass. It used to be something I dreaded frequently sitting in the car while Sharon bravely faced the crowds alone. Now I don't even mind going in alone. Sometime ago I wrote about God helping us to see people through His Eyes. I think that is working for me. I enjoy the contact (literally) and being with the rushing people. Often I am prompted by the Holy Spirit to breath a brief "Drive By Prayer" for the people I pass by.

I also stopped by the newly remodeled local grocery store that is about 2 miles from our house. Every Saturday they have an early morning "Farmers' Market". That is another interesting experience rubbing shoulders with the area's elderly who arrive with their hand-pulled shopping bags on wheels. I promise to get some photos of these soon. There are tables set up in front of the store stacked up with fresh vegetables and fruits. It is a very friendly and sociable atmosphere and opportunity to purchase some healthy and cheap veggies while greeting the area people.

Spring is in the air! New life is emerging after the long cold dry winter season. I believe this is true in the Kingdom of God and in the world today. There are still many reports of the dire condition of the economy. There are still rumors of war. Japan just deployed missile carriers and missile defense units because of the upcoming ballistic missile launch from North Korea. It is a little unnerving to know that a missile is going to launched over your territory. The true nature and purpose of this action is still unknown to the outside world.

God is still in control. He created this world and all that is in it. If created nature speaks forth His Glory how much more should we do so as His children. I believe it is time to begin planning this year's gardens and fields to be planted in God's Kingdom. In Genesis 8:22 God promised that as long as the earth endures that seedtime and harvest will never cease.

May God bless you as you enjoy His Blessings and Favor in this planting season!

Dan Corbett

"Reaching One Among Millions"