I have heard this expression for many years. Today in searching for the phrase I learned this is the title of a song written in 2003 and sung by a "Punk Rock Band" in the USA. The lyrics are quite interesting as the writer seems to be searching for someone. He questions his life and the direction he is heading in. Obviously, he is referring to someone he loves. As I read those words I realized we could easily put God into the picture. So many searching for something, someone and they just don't know what will fill that void.
The plan was to restart the Japan Prayer Network Lite Bytes on June 1st, but many other things got in the way. For 10 months - Sept 07 through July 08 a daily journal/blog was posted on the JPN web site. It took some effort to keep it up on a daily basis. (Past Lite Bytes) I did, though enjoy it thoroughly! It seems that many others enjoyed the posts also since many months were read over 2,000 times each. So, by the Grace of God, I take up the proverbial pen again.
I searched for similar daily Internet journals, but found few to none. Many write blogs that are carefully crafted and written in somewhat of a protected manner. Some deal with a specific subject in which that writer is an expert. I used to write an article/blog every 3 days or so on the JPN site. Those were not a personal journal. The journal is much more personal in nature. I felt very exposed or vulnerable. At one point I considered making them available only to those who registered on the JPN web site. I am not sure how the Lite Bytes have helped anyone. There were truly "bad" days. I spoke openly of what was taking place on those days. There were days of victory along with some funny and comical things which transpired. Anyhow, here goes again!
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Kinda quiet melancholic day. Sharon is making preparations for return to the USA again due to her father's illness. This is three times in less than two years. In 40 years of ministry in Asia we rarely had to make special trips back due to family circumstances. It was amazing how God took care of us and our families. Once we had a three day church convention in Japan. We then flew to Korea for another three day convention. At the close of the Korea meeting we flew to the USA and arrived just in time to take part in Sharon's grandfather's funeral. I made it to the states three days before my mother's death. I was able to spend the last night alone with her in a coma. I talked to her, prayed for her, read the Bible and sang to her. Finally I told her if she was tired and wanted to go home with the Lord that I would agree with her. She quietly went home to be with the Lord just a few hours later. We just "happened" to be in the states for weddings, funerals, college football games. We have found the promise of Mark 10:29-30 to be true. We have left our houses, brothers, sisters, children, mothers and fathers for the sake of the Gospel. God has taken care of us and those we had to leave behind. I have no regrets in that aspect.
It is a serious issue to contemplate the death of a parent. We remember the good times and the comfort received from them. To be honest, there are also painful and negative memories too. We need to be sure that we have forgiven all those who have hurt us. That includes those who should be near and dear, but have instead caused pain. It also is important for us to ask forgiveness from those who have been hurt and harmed by us. I had a step uncle who was physically abusive to me. I admit at one time hating him very much. As a youth I learned how to strike back with words. My vocabulary was much better than his and my verbal jabs found their mark causing him emotional pain which he could not deal with. He died while we lived here. There was never an opportunity for total closure. Several years ago I had a very realistic dream. I was a young teenager in the dream and asked him to forgive me for the pain I caused him with my unkind biting words. That was only a dream, but it helped give me closure.
This journey of Sharon's comes at a time of great personal financial testing. God made the way for her ticket with frequent flyer miles of a close relative. PTL! I pray God bless them greatly for giving up the miles for her ticket. A close friend in Japan gave a nice personal offering to help Sharon with some of her initial expenses when she arrives. Another friend in the USA is giving up a van for her to drive for free. Each one who is showing kindness at a time like this will reap a reward from their Heavenly Father. There are also those who are praying faithfully and powerfully for God to intercede in each aspect of the journey. Thank you and God bless you each one!
Lord willing, I hope to write some on a daily basis. This should be a better presentation than on the JPN site which does not have a good archive function like blogspot offers. Feel free to comment or contact us through the JPN site Contact Us.
May God bless you and your loved ones richly!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
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