We spent much of the last night of the year with Eric’s family, amazed at the continued popularity of homemade fire crackers and fire works even since they have become mostly illegal.

We had the privilege of starting 2012 by sharing about God’s work in Japan.  We spoke this morning at West Oahu Christian Church.  I was pretty emotional. We showed the congregation the Healing Hands video made about Ishinomaki – we hadn’t seen it for a long time.   The reality of the situation in Tohoku  hit both of us hard again.  And with the new year starting, our upcoming March move feels pretty imminent.

I shared a verse that  Eric’s mom shared with us last night.  She had read it yesterday morning and felt like the Lord wanted it for us.  It is Deuteronomy 11:12 – “It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.”

This verse is so beautiful;  how good it is to be reminded of God’s continued care for Tohoku, for the people of Ishinomaki, for our family.  That from the beginning of each year through its end, God does not cease to show His love.  What a wonderful reminder for January first.