My Favorite Japanese Words

While listening to the people around me or while listening to TV programs, I regularly hear some interesting sounding Japanese words. 

Some time ago, I learned that these words have become increasingly popular in Japan. They are called onomatopoeias. 

Onomato  - What?

According to Taylor (2014), "Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which the sound of the word is used to deliberately echo or underline the meaning". They are, in other words, words that actually sound like the object, feeling or occurrence they are seeking to describe. 

Japanese Onomatopoeias 

If you're an English teacher in Japan, there are times when you say something that draws laughter from your students. Or you find them mimicking you. Sometimes I'm annoyed when it happens but then I catch myself doing the same thing when I hear the words below! Oops! LOL. For some reason they have a funny sound to them. 

Here are 10 of my favorite Japanese words: 

1. バラバラ (barabara) - I learned this one in the classroom. The kids or teachers often use it to mean things are scattered around. It might also be used if we're playing a game involving the use of cards and the cards need to be spread out on the table. 

2. ギリギリ (girigiri) - I was a few minutes late one morning and found myself using this one. The morning anxiety coupled with the fact that I had caught a cold, resulted in the morning being all rushed and confusing. The word indicated that, "I barely made it to work". 

3. ふわふわ (fuwafuwa) - I really like this one. It's winter time now so all the furry coats and fluffy blankets are out. If your new blanket is all soft and nice, this is the word to describe that feeling. 

4. ガラガラ (garagara) - I think I usually hear this one on the news. If there was an earthquake or landslide or explosion, people use it to describe a rattling sound they may have heard. 

5. パラパラ (parapara) - I hear this one on a rainy day. If it's raining lightly, this is the one to use to describe that. 

6. ピカピカ (pikapika) - I really like this one as well. It's Christmas time with lots of illumination around. In Jamaica, all the floors are clean and shiny with wax! LOL. The sparkling lights and shiny floors can be described using this one. 

7. ドンドン (dondon) - Who's that at the door? If you want to talk about the knocking on the door, this is the one to use. 

8. ワクワク (wakuwaku) - How exciting! If you use this one, you'll be sure to express how exciting something is/was. 

9. ニコニコ (nikoniko) - Can't stop smiling at the fact in a few days it'll be the holidays? Your smile can be expressed as nikoniko. 

10. ゴロゴロ (gorogoro) - I think I usually hear this one on the news as well. It's used to express a thundering sound. 

There are a whole lot more of these words, but these are the ones I've heard before and hear the most. 

If you're interested in knowing more about these words, you might like this post, http://www.tofugu.com/guides-old/japanese-onomatopoeia-guide/ 

バイバイ! Baibai! 

Reference

Taylor, R. (2014). Retrieved Monday December 8, 2014. http://www.humanities360.com/index.php/onomatopoeia-may-be-the-linguistic-remnant-of-the-beginnings-of-human-speech-1688/

Why Sit We Here Until We Die?

And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? (2 Kings 7:3, KJV).

 

I love the way that these men reasoned out their situation. It's like they said, "What have we to lose?" Where they were wasn't good. They were hungry. They could either enter the city and find some food; or not find any food and die there. Or they could stay where they were and die just the same. They had nothing to lose.

 

The fact that they went and found an abundance of food was amazing. But not only did they find food and eat until dem belly full, they found a whole 'eep of silver and gold and other things! It's so sweet, mi haffi chat likkle patwa! I love it!

 

Now just imagine. You are stuck in a situation. You either stay where you are and never come out of it, or you try something and see what happens. If what you tried didn't work, at least you can be comforted in knowing that you tried. But what if it worked? What if you don't need to stay in the rut that you are in? What if some gold and silver are awaiting you but you need only to take the first step?

 

What a waste it would have been if these men hadn't decided to move from where they were. What  a good thing they had said, "Why sit we here until we die?"

 

Nothing beats a try!

Make Your Wants/Thoughts Known To The Lord

A few days ago, a teacher asked me what it is that I am always writing. LOL. I told her that I write about my thoughts, dreams and other things. She told me that it is easy for her to talk about what she feels. I told her that it is easier for me to write my thoughts. I shared with her that expressing my thoughts verbally is something that I'm trying to work on. She said that she's often wondered what people truly feel - people who don't express themselves.

I thought about our conversation and said to myself, God must be saying the same thing, too. He must want to hear what I'm thinking. Of course, He knows all my thoughts, but He wants me to TALK to Him. I need to let my wants, desires and thoughts known to Him.

I have trouble expressing myself generally, and I take that same approach in my relationship with God. Some time ago, I was talking to the Lord asking Him what he wanted me to do with my life. I felt like He asked me, "What do you want to do?" I didn't really have an answer.

I think I'm getting better at it though. The first step in growing is recognizing that you have a problem and then taking steps to correct it. That's how we grow.

I still have to work hard at saying what's on my mind and letting God know (verbally) what it is that I'd like Him to do.

Perhaps you have the same problem. Perhaps, it comes from feeling as if there is no use in asking, God won't hear or answer. But that's not true. God does hear us when we pray. He hears every prayer and He sees every tear. He might not answer us the way in which we hoped, but the answer He provides will always be what is best for us.

Meet Norman Munroe: A Jamaican Entrepreneur in Japan

Hello, friends!

Here is another individual here in Japan who has launched a business here. He is our second guest in this newly added feature to my blog.

Welcome, Norman! Please tell us about yourself. 

My name is Norman Munroe and I’m from Chapelton, Clarendon. I’ve been living in Japan since 2003 having come here as an ALT on the JET Programme. I started cooking and messing about in the kitchen when I was a child and my mother encouraged it, so I pay tribute to her for that. My form teacher at school, Mr. Paul Reed, who was also our church organist, made an outstanding banana bread and was a pretty good cook himself and he was also a source of inspiration. Plus, I loved then and still love to watch cooking shows.


So you moved from playing around in the kitchen as a child to an actual business making money in the kitchen. Cool! How long have you been operating Sweet Jamaican Things?

I’ve been operating SJT for about three years now and I started doing this mostly at the prompting of former Jamaican Ambassador to Japan Claudia Barnes. On a couple of occasions I made some stuff for the Embassy, they loved it, and the Ambassador was quite surprised when I told her that I only did it as a hobby. She suggested that I think about turning it into a business and I took her up on the suggestion. 

SJT's Bread Pudding

Interesting. Your business idea came from someone taking interest in what you did. Tell us, how do you run your business?
I make Jamaican pastry to order and I sell them via my website, www.sweetjamaicanthings.com, and also my SJT Facebook page. I also occasionally go on the road and sell at festivals and other events. It is a one-man operation and sales are up and down. My busiest time of the year is Christmas when many Jamaicans want to get their hands on traditional Jamaican Christmas cake. Easter buns also sell fairly well, too. Among my other items are Jamaican favourites like sweet potato pudding, bread pudding and banana bread. I deliver all over Japan, via parcel delivery services.

SJT's Sweet Potato Pudding

Rum cake, anyone?

Sounds yummy! Any words for someone wanting to start a business here?

If someone is thinking of starting a business here, make sure you have drive, determination, patience and also the ability to innovate. All these, of course, plus the necessary capital and the assistance of Japanese speaking people who can assist you to tap into markets that you may not be aware of, as well as with things like translations etc. There is a market for Jamaican goods and if you can tap into it then so much the better.

Sweet Jamaican Things’ mission: “To provide the finest quality, authentic products to our customers, in good time, at a reasonable price.”

Thanks, Norman! You've also given me something to think about. What's next for you?

My dream is to see Jamaican sweet treats with my brand on them in pastry shops and supermarkets all across Japan and also further afield. That and also a successful chain of pastry and coffee shops, although that side of the food industry is particularly competitive.


Well, I hope you enjoyed meeting Norman. Do head on over to his page for Sweet Jamaican Things at, https://www.facebook.com/SweetJamaicanThings. いただきます！

Forget Not All Of His Benefits

Before going to bed one night, I picked up the Bible and randomly flipped the pages. Psalm 103 was the scripture I read. 

It was a reminder to bless the Lord. It was a reminder to not forget all His benefits. 

He forgives. He heals. He redeems. He extends mercy. He satisfies us with good things. 

While at work the next day, I tried to reflect on the good things that God has brought into my life. My journey here in Japan. My husband. Being able to help others. 

It helps to make a day less 'miserable' when one can reflect on past blessings. It's easy to forget them, especially in seemingly dark moments. But even dark moments seem not so dark when you can recall good things. 

This reflection was particularly good for me because I reflected on how I even got to Japan. I know it was of the Lord's doing. He made the way available and provided the finances through the generosity of family and friends. It was good for me to remember this because I have been feeling like I don't want to be here anymore. It can be overwhelmingly lonely. 

Remembering that it was God who took me here, gives me the confidence to know that He will keep me. It is an empowering feeling knowing that He is on your side and He is your sustainer. 

I was glad therefore, for the reminder to not forget all His benefits. 

Getting Unstuck

I think the process of getting unstuck has begun for me. I've moved to a new apartment and I'm so grateful and excited. 

My husband and I had been living in an old Japanese house. Yes, I can say that I've lived in a Japanese house! Through a very good Japanese friend of ours, who sadly is now deceased, we were able to meet the lady who was to become our friend and landlord. 

Throughout our time living in the house, however, I've seen some of the most hideous insects ever! I don't know how I managed for so long but it got to the point where I was terrified to be alone at home. 

And you know what's strange, I was afraid to move. When I decided that I was going to love myself enough to move away from something that was making me so uncomfortable, I was scared. 

Change and the unknown become scary when we've become so comfortable where we are. 

I wondered how we'd commute, I thought about the extra rent we'd have to pay (our rent was really, really cheap!), I thought about how our living space would be smaller and so on. 

But you know, now that we've moved, I look back at the experience and I'm able to see how we can get stuck in life. And we usually end up in a place where we stop growing because we get accustomed to our everyday routine. We fear interrupting this routine. We want to try something else, but we are afraid of the new things that'll be required. 

But guess what! Don't be afraid! Or better yet, go and do it afraid! Change is good and can help to refresh us. I am glad that I went ahead and did what I had to do although I was so scared. Even when I was supposed to make payment, I almost didn't. I stood outside the bank for a few minutes, afraid to go in. And even after all was said and done, I still felt afraid. Being inside our new place however, makes me so pleased. Everything is new and fresh.

Can you think of a change you can make in your life? A little something (or big one) to get you unstuck? I'm happy with the decision I've taken to make a change. I'm sure you'll be blessed too. 

Anxiety

You never really come to understand what other people are going through until you've dealt with it yourself. 

I've had problems with anxiety for as long as I can remember. I don't know why I'm only just trying to figure out what's going on with me. My internet searches have revealed to me just how 'common' a problem it is. I'm surprised at how many people struggle with anxiety daily. 

I'm hopeful that I can be set free from it. I don't like to be dependent on medications but I realize that of I need to take them I'll just have to. I'm also trying to accept me as I am, weaknesses and all. I've got lots of strengths too! So I'll celebrate those even as I accept those things I can't control. 

Who knows what my experience with anxiety can lead to. All things ultimately work together for good. 

Free E-Book and Apps That Pay You

Hello again, friends.

My friend just provided me with the link to a free ebook entitled, "Midas Touch. Why Some Entrepreneurs Get Rich and Others Don't", by Donald J. Trump and Robert T. Kiyosaki. The offer expires on September 28, so you need to act now. You may find it here: http://www.richdad.com/promotions/midas-touch-2014

I'm learning so much about the fact that there are so many ways to make money on the internet. I hope for the day that I'll be able to work from home! I'm doing my research and I'll share my finds with you.

Here are 15 apps that pay you, as found on the website, Bit Rebels. I have never tried any of these, but perhaps you have. If so, please share your experiences in the comments below. Thanks!

Meet Dean Jackson: A Jamaican Entrepreneur in Japan

Hi, friends!

As I stated in my most recent post, I'll be adding new things to my blog. I've had the idea for a little while now to chat with a few persons who are here in Japan and have launched a business here. Well, I've stopped procrastinating, and here's our first guest.

Welcome, Dean! Please tell us about yourself. My name is Dean Jackson. I'm 32 years old and I graduated from the University of Technology Jamaica with a major in Marketing and a minor in Human Resource Management. 

I've been living in Japan for the past 7 1/2 years teaching English and doing various endeavors from selling Jamaican T-shirts, Dj-ing, event promotion, phone case distribution and on the odd side,  wedding ministering ( don't ask , won't tell). I've always been involved in business. As a teenager, I can safely say my friends and I were the first to put sound system cassettes from parties and mix tapes  onto CDs in Jamaica and distribute them to cassette vendors in the Kingston area. Other things  I've sold include cell phones, cars , wrist bands, earrings, belly rings, candies and some things I can't even remember.

My problem was that I was too focused on making money and not doing what I liked and what had meaning to me.  My latest projects , Irie876.com® ( a Jamaican goods website, based in Japan, selling: seasonings, pepper sauces, ackee, soup mixes, snacks,  art, crafts, accessories etc  ) and IRIE iDRIN© ( a digital patois sticker collection now available for Line messenger)  have filled that void. 

How was your business idea birthed? - Irie876.com® all started from a painting I received from a friend just about two years ago. She was going to throw it out but decided to give it to me. The painting was one of those Ocho Rios craft market paintings with Rastafarians playing drums and singing. Another friend came to my house and saw the  painting and said "oh nice, you started selling Jamaican paintings" ( people who know me always know I'm selling something). I laughed and said "no , but that's a good idea". So I thought about it , wrote plans, discussed it with the same friend and decided that I'm going to start a website that sells Jamaican arts and craft. At that same time my job was going through a period of down time (contract rest /break time, one of those Japanese things) which entailed 3 months no work. So during the months before the down time I contacted a web and graphic designer and got the site built. During the down time, I planned a trip to Jamaica, went around to all these artiste and bought some of their work. While in Jamaica I got an inspired thought to buy a few Jamaican food products and accessories to sell on the site. Well, up to this day I haven't sold one painting ( except some smaller desk paintings) but the food and accessories are doing great. I have faith the right opportunity will appear for the crafts and paintings.

So you have LINE stickers out. Tell us about them. iRIE iDRIN© basically branched out from irie876.com®, I had made my designer create a few logos for 876 and decided to keep 2 of them (one is the logo on the site now and the other, a rasta character I named "iDrin". iDRIN was actually the sales rep for 876 for some time and was featured in various digital posters and adverts, I even got my brother (nivek productions) to animate him.  

One day I was looking at a message on "Line messenger" and the stickers I received and thought "wouldn't it be cool to have a Jamaican patois sticker set?" but I didn't think much of it. Then the idea kept on coming back to me now and then. One day I looked at the  iDRIN character on irie876's site  and thought,  "wow you are the perfect character for a Line sticker". So right then and there I started to think of the illustrations I wanted and wrote them down and drew a few. At this time there was no creators market where  individuals could sell stickers but I thought I'd just contact "Line" with my idea once it was finished and see if they would go into a contract or buy the illustrations from me.  A week after I got my ideas down on paper the creators market was announced. It was destiny. iRIE iDRIN©  was launched on September 2nd,  2014, and has gotten 1000 plus downloads in the three weeks since it's been up.

Interesting stuff! Any advice for others who'd like to start their own business? My advice to individuals that want to start a business (or are in business already) is to be open to ideas and opportunities by  being grateful about your situation now, because if you're not feeling grateful you can't see the opportunities around you.  Also take the first step in faith and every step after that, don't worry about not having enough money, time or know how. Do what you can do now to the best of your ability, and find people who can help you do the things you can't. Never doubt your abilities or the outcome. Use the power of visualization to create the outcomes you want in your mind first, have faith and prepare for the manifestation of that outcome and have fun. I  also recommend  having a group you can brain storm ideas with (mastermind) even if it's just one other person. The ideas and the support you will get through masterminding is priceless.

Thanks, Dean! All the best to you!

You may contact Dean from his website, or you may give him a call at +81-908-072-2409.

7 Ways to Make Money From Home

Hey!

I'm adding new things to my blog. Things that reflect my interests. :)

One of the things I'd like to do is to someday work from home. As I come across articles on the internet that talk about this, I'll share them here on my blog.

The article below from the Huffington Post website gives 6 ways that you can work from home.

I have a 7th one to add which you can find out more about here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/myglobcoffeebus/

Happy reading!

"These days more and more people are finding that they aren't limited to a single source of income. With all the unique money-making opportunities available, many people are finding that they can earn a few extra hundred dollars a month by thinking a little outside the box.

While all of the opportunities listed below are legitimate ways to make some money, it would probably be unrealistic to expect to make a full-time income from any of them individually.

So check them out and let us know in the comments which ones you like best and earn the most for you!

1. Get paid using your iPhone (or Android)

There seem to be many apps popping up that pay you to do simple tasks like taking a picture of a menu, or taking a picture of yourself drinking a Starbucks, or verifying that a road is closed -- you get the picture. Here are a few that I found:

• Juno Wallet
• Gigwalk
• CheckPoints
• WeReward "

Continue reading here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-lotich/6-legit-ways-to-make-mone_b_4638907.html

Please Don't Take Anything With You

Before takeoff on an airplane, there's usually a demonstration about some things, which include what to do in the event that there is a problem and you have to leave the aircraft. 

One of the things that you will be told is if you need to evacuate, please don't take anything with you. 

Isn't that interesting? All the things we treasure somehow, we are told to leave them behind. Why then do we trouble ourselves so with acquiring things? See, you can't take them with you when you die. And in the case of an emergency, you are being told to leave them behind. 

We are told in the Word of God that we shouldn't set our minds on the things that are on the earth, but rather on the things that are above. We are also told that while everything else will pass away, only the Word of God will remain. 

Please don't take anything with you. Perhaps you can think about this statement as you reflect on the fact that the things you have do not compare to the life you have. Things can and do improve your quality of life but they are not your life. 

Rhi-Keytta

What's Your Dream?

I think I haven't given myself the freedom to dream and desire something wonderful for my life. Stuck in a place of fear. I tend to suppress things I desire, instead of keeping them in my heart even as I try to enjoy the life I have now.

Let's say I have always wanted to go to Paris. I shouldn't have to shut the dream and desire away even if I think I can't afford it. I should be able to say, "one day", even if I know not when or if ever it will come to pass.

And so I feel like my life is dull and boring (and when I think about it, really is) because I don't dream. How can I stop suppressing my desires.

The fear of angering or disappointing God; of not being in His will. These are some factors that play into how I feel. I should be able to say (boldly), Lord this is what I would like. It's up to Him to say yes or no. But I should be bold enough to ask. But desire, desire, desire and expressing those desires is something I don't do.

I don't dream. Lord help me get unstuck.


Update:- I've been thinking that I shouldn't really say my life is boring. I have a lot of good things going on. I have a lot to be grateful for. I just think I've stopped expecting good things to come into my life. God wants to be good to us all you know. But He does expect us to be expecting it. So with that said, I don't have a boring life, I just need to become bolder in the desires and expectations I have for my life, of what God can do through me and for me ;)

Leave It Alone!

"Now therefore hearken unto their voice; howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them". 1 Samuel 8:9

I was reminded this week of the Israelites who had cried for a king, even though God was their King, and what that brought upon them. What is interesting is the fact that they were forewarned what would be the result of their decision; but they didn't care. 

How can I avoid such things in my own life? How can I avoid making some silly mistake and spending the rest of my life regretting what I did?

I suppose the comfort lies in the fact that God still helped them and was with them. Even if we make some dumb decisions, God is faithful enough to help us through them. I'd prefer, however, to not end up in that boat. I want to walk in such divine guidance that I never find myself in such a situation. 

How can that be achieved? Well, I believe that just like they were forewarned, God also lets us know what the end result of a certain decision might look like. As a matter of fact, I know that He does because I've experienced it. There have been times when I was contemplating a particular course of action and was able to gain discernment by seeing it in action in someone else's life. I was able to see that, hey this is a possible consequence from taking that course of action. 

There are other times when I just had a 'feeling'. I would have a prompting that if I should do so and so, it might result in so and so. It is better to be safe than sorry, and if the thing you'll lose will be greater than the thing you'll gain, I think you should leave it alone! 

There are times though when risk-taking is necessary, where you have to take a blind step of faith. But if you find that you're not having any peace about what you're doing or about what you want to do, that's wisdom speaking so you'd better leave it alone. 

It's OK To Not Be Sure

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thine ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

It's OK to not know what to do! When I don't, my Daddy knows. He's not short of ideas and ways to lead me in the path of my success. It's OK to not know what to do!

Sometimes you have an idea of what you'd like or your desired place, but you're unsure of the details. Maybe you've done some research and have become confused. But it's OK! God is behind the scenes working, fitting everything together.

Every step you make - sure or unsure - is somehow leading you to where you ought to be! A step may sometimes seem ridiculous and downright impossible but you never know! I'm sure you can think of some decision you made, of something you did that didn't make any sense to you, but it worked out anyway! 

It's not always necessary to be sure, I say. God is the only 'sure' that we need. He will lead us to the place that we need to be. 

Just Keep Moving

I think the most important things in life is to just keep moving. Even if you have to go slow. Even if everything doesn't get done like you hoped. It only matters to just keep moving.

If you're a single mom with kids, you might not be able to get all the plates washed up. But perhaps you were able to get the laundry all done and ensure that the kids were fed. Don't lament or beat yourself up about what you didn't get done. You got some things done. So you did make progress. Just keep moving.

Before you know it one week has gone by and another one has begun. It means you made it through the week gone by. You'll make it through this one, too. So just keep moving.

Picture taken from http://www.foxnews.com/us

You might be like this 91 year old, just being able to get your high school diploma. But he got it done. See, you must just keep moving.

If you keep on moving - no matter how small the steps or slow your pace - you'll get 'there', wherever 'there' is. It might be to see your kids all grown up, on their own and taking care of themselves. I think of my mother, she'll be retiring from the teaching profession soon. She has the privilege of seeing her four girls all grown up. She had kept on moving.

Don't try to be like anyone else. Only you know how much you can manage. Just do the best you can. Yes, just keep moving.

Lord Help Me Believe!

Caleb's faith was so amazing. He was full of faith when he and the other men went to spy out the promised land. He returned with a positive report. "Let us go up at once and possess it", he said. "For we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13: 30). Because he believed God, he was allowed to enter the promised land.

Image from minsmash.com

Now in Joshua 14, he went to Joshua to ask for the land that was promised him. He spoke so confidently as well, saying how he is as strong now as he was then (at the time he had gone to spy out the land). He's now 85 and he was 40 years old then.

But what is more is the fact that his faith was unchanged. Even though the land he was claiming wasn't free from troubles, he said he still believed that he could conquer it because the Lord was with him. "Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced. If so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said" (Joshua 14: 12).

When the Lord says it, it shall be so. But it can only be so if you're willing to believe it.

Lord help me believe!

Sadly, I haven't been believing for much; and I realized this recently. There's a level of vulnerability that comes with believing. What if I believe and I don't get what I want? What if I have to wait for long?

I've asked God to help me not let fear keep me from believing. And I encouraged myself by saying, "Don't bury your dreams because you're too scared to believe them, that they'll come to pass. Bring them back to the forefront of your mind".

Do you have some dreams that you've buried? If you've buried your dreams, it's time to dig 'em up!

Acceptance

I must accept and love myself as I am. I must accept my life the way it is. I must stop fighting and trying to figure out things or even to change stuff, and just accept things.

I am miserable and not living in peace and that is not right. And it happens with me trying to figure out and change things. Me trying to figure out why I feel so sick in the mornings. Me trying to figure out what to do. Me trying to figure out whether I should stay or go.

There are things that are out of our control, and that can be frustrating. But what if I can just go with the flow and work on what I can? Sometimes I feel so sick when I stand before the class. I still have to smile and pretend like everything is OK. But what if I don't pretend? What if I can just accept that I am not well and be true to what I'm feeling?

Perhaps it is due to the fact that in this job you're always expected to show a happy face. You're always expected to smile. And then you can't even really say what you feel. Your language ability can only cover the basics. How would I say, "you know I'm not feeling well, I feel dizzy, I feel weak."

I only felt encouraged one day after finishing my classes despite how I was feeling, when I thought to myself that, "you know, I've always had a problem with anxiety. I get sweaty hands if I'm doing some sort of business transaction or sometimes even during a class. So maybe this is just me. Thankfully, I've still been able to get things done. I still do well."

You know how the Bible says, His strength is made perfect in our weakness? Well, the more I think about what I've been able to accomplish and how far I've come despite some stuff, is the more I'm able to appreciate God's presence and power in my life. I just see how He's been helping me and encouraging me and blessing me. He's held my hand through it all. Thank You, Daddy.

So, yep this is me. I am a shy girl who is usually hidden behind the scenes, who usually prefers to be by herself. I don't usually make friends that easily nor do I have a large number of followers. I get anxious when I go out to work. But it's OK. I'm the beloved daughter of Jesus Christ.

I know that there are people everywhere who have to put on a brave, happy face even when they are secretly hurting and feeling pain. God sees you. You might not be able to change your situation. It might help to accept what is, acknowledge and be thankful of how far you've come despite the difficulties, and hope for better days. I do hope to not have anxious mornings, and sometimes I don't! But in the meantime, I want to stop beating up on myself and just embrace whatever comes while giving thanks.

Acceptance makes me less afraid of trying something new. I know that I can still move forward even if my anxious feelings are still there.

My God Sees Ahead

The Lord always makes a way available beforehand. 

In Luke 22, the Passover was to be held. The disciples were wondering where they would have it. Jesus told them that when they went into the city they'd see a certain man. They were to ask the man about a room for the Passover. Jesus said the man would show them a large, furnished room. When they went, it was as Jesus had said. 

God knows that we will have various needs and He has already made the way available. When it's the appointed time, you'll be led right to it. It's either already prepared or it's being prepared. 

Imagine if the disciples had asked Him and He had said, "I have no idea. What shall we do?" Or, "We'll have to look into that". He didn't even say, "Ah, let me think". No. He just had an immediate answer. 

And so the song says, "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer." He knows the thing that we need, and exactly where we need to go to find it. 

Psalm 35: Hope for the Persecuted, the Poor and the Needy

My mother used to make us say Psalm 35 and Psalm 91 almost every night. I know them both by heart now. LOL

Psalm 35 is a pretty powerful Psalm. If someone has wronged you, I mean like really wronged you, would you pray and say, "Let them be cofounded and put to shame that seek after my soul... Let them be as chaff before the wind and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery and let the angel of the Lord persecute them"? It's no wonder maybe we don't experience victory like we ought to. We don't know what's in the Word and so we don't know how to pray. 

There are times when we meet some exceptionally wicked people in our pathway. Remember Haman in the Bible? See how he hated Mordecai and the Jews and wanted them dead? Can you perhaps think of someone who has tried hard to get rid of you, lie on you or whatever the case might be? When I think of what happened to Haman in the end, I can see how some of what is written in the Psalm were fulfilled in his life. Destruction did come upon him unawares; and the net that he had hid caught him; and into the destruction he fell! Go and read the book of Esther in the Bible if you don't know the story. See how wickedness is repaid. 

The verse in Psalm 35 I found myself reflecting on the most though is this, "Lord who is like unto thee, which deliveredst the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?" v. 10. When you have no strength or power of your own, the Lord becomes your strength and fights for you! It is a fact that the poor and needy are usually the ones to be used and abused and oppressed. But God sees it. He sees it and He will deliver. 

Psalm 35 is a nice Psalm to visit if you're in a place where you're being afflicted. Pray it if you're bold enough to do so! 

All Things Together For My Good

Hi! I've not written a post in quite a while now. How have you been?

I've been a bit preoccupied with my new coffee business - networking and the like. I have a business page now. I've also created a group where persons can interact with me and others, learn more about the products and learn how to start their own coffee business. It has been an interesting experience and I've been learning a lot of things. 

The new school year has already begun. The new school year in Japan begins in April. With the start of each school year, I have to face new sets of challenges. New beginnings are like that right? Each year I am placed in new schools. I have new relationships to form as I meet new teachers and students. There are changes everywhere. 

As I thought about the many changes, I gave thanks for the fact that God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. When everything and everyone around me changes, He remains constant and true. Though people around me come and go, He is always there!

Honestly, sometimes I wish that I didn't have to move around so much. It would be untrue to say that it's easy. But God has given me the strength to do it. I've been doing it for the past six years! God has been good to me! 

There have been many challenges, many annoyances and bad experiences. There are times I've cried and felt bitter and angry. But God. But God! 

I am being filled with new hope everyday - hope for a bright future. No experience is ever wasted you know. Everything is working together for my good. 

Yes. Not everything is good but God is good. He will bring it all together for my good. Yay! 

Please visit my business page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rhikeyttahibaato

Also, if you're thinking about starting your own coffee business, you're welcome to join my group and learn more - https://www.facebook.com/groups/myglobcoffeebus/

Be blessed!

** Images taken from the internet.

Wait Out Your Wilderness

Do you find yourself in a wilderness every now and then?

I mean do you find yourself in an undesirable situation every now and then? What is your usual reaction to such situations? Do you complain? Do you get angry and frustrated? Do you quit?

Did you realize that at some point in time we all must encounter a wilderness? And did you know that how long you stay there is largely dependent on your attitude? Someone has used the phrase, "praise and get raised; complain and remain". You can praise your way out of a negative situation and get raised up out of it. Or you can complain away and remain where you are, and remain there longer than is necessary. 

God took the Israelites out of Egypt to take them to a place of unbelievably great things. A journey that was supposed to take a few days took them many, many years. If you read the account for yourself, you'll see how they complained, rebelled and spoke negatively. In fact, the very negative words they spoke came to pass! Do you realize how much power the words you speak have? 

No one likes to experience discomfort. But sometimes these are the experiences that God uses to teach us, to try us and to do us good in the ultimate end. We must be willing to wait out these wildernesses, and try to do it with a positive attitude. 

Don't Settle

When you're out in the public's eye, you're going to have to expect criticism. When you're destined for something big, it's going to mean going against the norm. 'Normal' just will not cut it if you're going to do extraordinary things. And 'normal' people won't get it. 

Only those who are themselves destined for the extraordinary will get it. They'll understand your outside-the-box thinking, reasoning and action. They'll be the ones to encourage you. 

But you know what, if God has called you out from among them (the normal and ordinary), you will live an unfulfilled life if you do not respond to that call. You'll get up wondering everyday, 'what if'. 

So listen to me: stop wondering and start doing. Go out and do what's been on your heart to do. Go out and make that difference. Go out and become that great thing that God has called you to be! 

Don't settle when you know God is calling you higher. Don't settle because you're afraid of losing friends. 

Ease Your Network Marketing Fears

Are you turned off by network marketing?

Many people are; and even I am too. The way it's often presented can be a turn off to anyone. 

But let me ask you this - Have you ever considered having your own business? Have you ever desired having another stream of income? If you have, a network marketing company can get your foot in through the door. 

With a purchase of a business kit, the business becomes yours. That's an important mindset to have. It's no longer about 'them' but it's now all about you. You now have a business. You will have to work it so it can work for you. The income you earn will depend largely on the effort you put in. 

Get to know the products; get to know the needs of your customers; do some research if you are new to sales; and observe what successful persons in the business have done and are doing. 

The next thing I want to ask you is - What's wrong with sharing an opportunity with someone who could also benefit? If you found a great product, wouldn't you tell your friends? If someone was looking for a job and you knew a company that was hiring, wouldn't you tell him/her about it? 

Well you're doing the same thing as a network marketer. You're sharing information with others who could also benefit. You're sharing an opportunity that is working for you. 

Network marketing in itself is not a bad thing. You are essentially marketing a product that you believe in; you are sharing a viable opportunity with those you meet. 

Ain't nothing wrong with that! ;)


(Connect with me on Facebook here!)

Meditate Your Way to Success

The devil never had an original idea. 

Meditation is not a bad thing. God told Joshua to meditate on His words day and night; and so would he make his way prosperous and so would he enjoy good success. 

As someone who is learning to develop positive thoughts about herself, I am meditating on the fact that God's thoughts towards me are precious! I am thinking about admirable people in the Bible like Abigail. She was wise and of a beautiful countenance. 

As someone who has entered the world of business/entrepreneurship, I am meditating on men like Solomon and Uzziah who were wealthy. I am thinking about people like Joseph. He was prudent in business. I am meditating on the fact that God gave me the power to create wealth!

Since I've been given that power, I need to know how to tap into it. I'm therefore looking at the lives of successful people in our world today. I'm reading business magazines. I'm thinking that if they could do it, I can do it too!

Meditation is a good thing. Let's fix our minds on how we can contribute to the world we live in. Let's fix our minds on God's awesome love for us. Let's fix our minds on good things. If we're going to be thinking anyway, let it be positive. 

Isn't it better to think some outrageously amazing thoughts about our lives being blessed and our lives being a blessing, than to think about dire circumstances and situations that drain our joy? 

I set this day before you life and death; choose life. 

Don't Be A Crippled Christian: Set Your Hand To Something

You see different types of leaders in the Bible. There are those who just went ahead and did things (used their intellect); and those who received specific instructions on what to do directly from God. 

I was reading about Joseph for example, and how he handled the situation when the people ran out of food (Genesis 47: 14 - 26). And then on the other hand are men like Moses and Joshua who God gave specific instructions on what to do. For example, in Joshua 6 when Gold told Joshua that he was to take Jericho and how he was to do it. 

As far as I understand, I can either go ahead and decide that I am going to take a specific course of action; or I can receive specific instructions from God. I can also accept both. But essentially, I am 'free' to go ahead and do what I think is best in a given situation. 

I think this discovery answers my question about why is it that Christians seem to always be worried about being out of the will of God; whereas unbelievers go out and are unsuccessful.  

Christians become crippled by waiting to hear an audible voice from God, or a word from a prophet. Unbelievers don't believe in God so they don't feel a need to 'wait around' to hear anything. 

I was personally encouraged when I read about Uzziah and how the Bible says that as long as he sought God, He made him prosper (2 Chronicles 26: 5). That's all there is to it. You don't need to sit and wait around for a voice from heaven. Do what's in your heart to do. God promised that He would command the blessing upon all that you set your hand to (Deuteronomy 28: 8). 

So set your hand to something and see what happens! 

A New Beginning

Before you move forward with your life and into your destiny, it is important to address any issues that might be lurking around from your past.

It is important because if you don't address them, you might not be able to move forward successfully. You might have fears or whatever that are there because of things you experienced in your childhood. 

To take hold of your marvelous future, acknowledge them and take a stand to not let them rule your life any longer. Rebuke them in the name of Jesus. And remember and say this out loud:

Everything that happened which was meant to harm me, the Lord has used to bless me. 

Say it and receive it by faith. 

I am in a new place now in my life. Old things have passed away and behold all things are new (2 Corinthians 5: 17). I have started my very own business. I am humbled and grateful for this turn that my life has taken. I know that this step of faith has become possible only because my mind is now in a different place than it was. 

I'd be happy if you could take a look at my site. The opportunities are endless. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. 

My website is: rhikeytta.organogold.com
Also, connect with me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/rhikeyttahibaato

God bless. 

Change Your Thoughts: Change Your Life

"You can't speak what you haven't visualized."

Another statement that the Lord placed in my heart. 

When I opened my diary this morning, I saw that on June 13 I wrote that I need help with my words - with making confessions. I wrote that I had learned a lot  through various teachings and individuals about the subject. I asked God to help me do what I'd been learning. 

But I really couldn't say what I wasn't visualizing. I wasn't visualizing myself in positive situations, so the words couldn't really line up. I was speaking what I was visualizing. Or even if I didn't speak it (the negative), I couldn't say the positive because the negative imagery was still there. It's like even if I tried saying the positive thing, and God knows I've tried and have been trying, it just felt like I really wasn't making progress. 

The Lord opened my eyes recently one night before I fell asleep that I couldn't feel happy because I was always thinking about sad things. And so, now I have been working on thinking about happy things. And now since my mind is thinking about nice things, I am finding it easier to say nice things. 

If someone is sick and he can visualize himself as being well, he can begin to speak his healing into being. Even if he doesn't get well, I believe that just thinking about the possibility can give him comfort from the way he's feeling at the moment. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity (Proverbs 18: 14). 

If you're in a job that's not so wonderful and you can visualize yourself being in a nicer job, you can begin to speak that nicer job into being. And then even if it never happens, you'd have been so busy thinking happy thoughts that you'd forget about your miserable situation. You could even decide to find some happy thoughts about the not so wonderful situation, and begin to give thanks, which will also boost your mood. 

But you've got to flip the script and find/create those happy thoughts. 

Happy thoughts will produce a happy life. And when you're happy, you'll speak and do happy things. And when you speak and do happy things for yourself and others, you'll continue the cycle of a happy life!

Before attempting anything though, please ask God to help you. You can read and listen to every advice there is out there, read what the Bible has to say and still not see any results. You just won't get it. Little by little, I see how God has allowed me to finally get it. And once you've got it, you can begin to do it. I couldn't do it because I hadn't gotten it. I have now and I hope you can too. Go ahead and ask God to help you change your life and change your thoughts. 

**** Note that it's important to understand other factors, such as the use of medications, that can affect you. I was taking a particular product that I think was affecting me negatively. I recently stopped taking the product and I am feeling a difference in my body. So before you beat up on yourself, it's useful to consider if meds you're taking could be interfering with your mood. Just thought I'd put that out there :)

Faith Is A Choice

"If I can feel like I'm not doing well, why not feel like I am?"

I was reading the textbook in a class this week and that's the thought I had. 

And indeed, instead of thinking badly about my performance, why not think positively? Isn't it the same thing? If I can think one way, then I can also think the other way. If I can think the negative thing, then I can equally think the positive thing. If I can feel afraid, then I can also feel brave. You see what I'm saying? 

I. Can. Think. The. Other. Way. Too! 

If something bad can happen, something good can too. So instead of thinking the negative, I might as well think the positive thing! Faith is a choice!

"The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him; but the desire of the righteous shall be granted" (Proverbs 10: 24).

Let's get some healthy desires rolling ;). 

Be Good To Yourself

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul (Proverbs 11: 17). 

Twenty-three days have gone out of the new year! 

My post today is about being good to yourself. Perhaps for you it comes easy but for me it has been a learning process. 

If I went into a store I would always be looking out for the cheapest thing. Now of course that isn't a problem in itself. The problem lies with me being so cheap that even if I could afford the pricier item, which I actually liked more and would enjoy more, I wouldn't buy it. I didn't think that I am worth the extra. 

I have come a far way though. These days I try to purposely go for the thing that I'd enjoy the most; I try to aim for the best. I am fortunate to have my husband who has served as a great example of being good to yourself. He has no problem with buying something that is nice so long as he can afford it. 

Recently, he bought us two watches. I won't lie, it was hard for me to digest the price (LOL). But he wanted to bless himself and bless me. What is interesting is after he bought them, the one I had wearing stopped working! I was going to church one Sunday, went to pick up the new one but changed my mind and put on the old one, and it almost caused me to miss the bus! Luckily hubby had been checking the time on his phone and realized it was much later than I had thought. I had no choice now but to wear the new one. And somehow I feel like God wanted me to and so He arranged for the other one to stop working. He wants me to love me. God wants you to love yourself! 

I've been a bit annoyed and uncomfortable at the lack of central heating here. I decided that instead of complaining, I'm taking matters into my own hands! I got an idea about how to be good to myself and have a more comfortable living space. I don't really like having to lock up in one room which is basically what you have to do here in the winter. I decided to put a heater in the hall area of the house. That way I can open the living room door if I want to, and even if I decide to close it, when I have to leave the room the cold won't just slap me in the face. 

Here's how it looks: 

Same area where the heater is. 

This is where we have camped since winter began. We no longer sleep upstairs in our bed but got out the futon we have. I can leave this door open because the area in the pic above has a heater. 

Happy winter, guys!!

Rhi-Keytta's Musings: Salt Up Di Ting

Rhi-Keytta's Musings: Salt Up Di Ting: Ye are the salt of the earth ( Matthew 5: 13 ) These days I am on a quest to think and ponder on happy things. Unnu pray fi mi deh :) ...

Salt Up Di Ting

Ye are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5: 13)

These days I am on a quest to think and ponder on happy things. Unnu pray fi mi deh :)

I was eating fish for dinner one evening. Hubby had prepared it. No salt had been added to the pot. Even though we knew that he hadn't put any salt on it, we decided to eat it as is (other seasonings had been added so it was 'eatable').

We had the same thing for dinner the next evening. This time I added some salt to mine. Mi seh di fish sweet so til! I could taste the awesomeness of the food man! My husband is a great cook. Hehehehe.

I thought about the big difference that the added salt made to the food. The fish was so delicious but the wonderful flavor only came to life when I added salt to it.

We who are believers in Christ ought to have that same effect. We are supposed to bring life to the place where we are at. Our workplaces should be different because we are there. 

Are you making a difference where you are?

Have a blessed week :)

Thankful

Yesterday as I stood in one of my classes, I was thinking about how awesome my life is.

What on earth am I doing in Japan? Imagine, students calling me "sensei". Who would have thought that I would be in a place like this. Traveling to other countries. I've been to the Philippines - me and my baby. I've been to South Korea - me and my baby. We have visas for places that we never thought we'd have.

I look at the students and I think about how I was once their age. I was once a student. Amazing. 

The Lord knew the plans He had for me. He knows the plans He has for our lives.  

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29: 11)

Be Nice

You don't fight fire with fire; you fight fire with water. 

When you're angry and when you've been wronged, your first line of defense is to fire back. Right? But what if firing back is not the appropriate thing to do or only adds to the problem? 

I felt very wronged by someone recently. Man was I piping mad. I felt like punching something. I asked God to help me calm down. I said, "God please help me". And you know what? The response I received was, "Be nice". I smiled. やっぱり. (It's no surprise). It's no surprise that God would expect that.

Seems pretty unfair though that God would expect you to be nice when you are not being treated nicely. But it's kinda His way of doing things. I guess on a practical level, if you think about it, it does make sense. If one person is shouting and the other person responds by shouting, then what you have is a shouting competition. If a fire is raging and you add fire to the fire, you're gonna get more fire. To put out the fire, you'll need water. 

Being nice when all you want to do is fight back is a challenge. Although it might not seem fair, being nice as a service to the Lord will not go unrewarded. 

明けましておめでとうございます！Happy New Year！