Carmen E. Richards

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Today I walked downtown to my favorite coffee (kohii) shop and ordered a chocolate croissant with my American Kohii-very delicious. Besides the chocolate on the inside of the flaky pastry, after the first bite the chocolate powder on the outside spread everywhere – even into my coffee….triple yumness!

Choc Cro Delight

I had 3000 yen burning a hole in my pocket and fortunately for me, I came across a 100 Yen Store. This is comparable to our $1 Store in the US. So, I bought a few things Dewayne and I desperately needed.

Items for Everyday

After about an hour in the store I had a basketful of necessary things. At the bottom far right of the picture you will notice the handy hair barrette. It has been very windy here in Yokosuka so, this will help keep my hair in order when I go out. Women here always appear in good order. The bamboo skewers and chopsticks were fun to buy and I can’t wait to use them for a recipe that seems to be very popular here in Japan, Chicken Balls on a skewer. More to come later….

I desperately needed knee high stockings to go under my boots. Here I see these cute little school girls in their uniforms, which remind me of the Catholic school uniforms we are familiar with in the States. But, I tell you, skirts here in Japan seem shorter than acceptable and you always see the girls with their short skirts and knee high stockings with loafers. I don’t know how they stand the cold.

I found a nice little tea pot for 100 Yen – just perfect for my evening ritual. Tea is very important here. I am going to a Tea Ceremony class soon to learn all the intricacies of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. I was in a Tea shop today and found lots of beautiful things but (sore wa watashi ni wa taka sugimasu) too expensive for me. The 100 Yen teapot, I discovered when reading the label, was Made in China…oh well, the Chinese are everywhere and so, I bought it anyway.

I found pencils, a sharpener, tape, scissors and sticky notes. All of these are useful for our learning the language, as I am sticking notes everywhere in the apartment in preparation for Japanese Language Classes next month, and for our entertainment – SUDOKU. Each evening I work at least one or two puzzles while Dewayne unwinds watching CNN–as if that were possible. Later we play Scrabble on the iPad and watch an episode or two of SHOGUN on DVD. Very helpful indeed.

Lastly, I have been a little sick this week. Haven’t gone out much but the next time I do, I want to be sure and respect the culture and environment so, I bought some hypoallergenic masks. Here in Japan people wear them out to keep others from becoming sick…it is very considerate of them really. I just hope they don’t make me stand out more than I already do.

WATCH THIS DEMONSTRATION VIDEO – The MaskClipped

Sayounara Loved Ones

With 3000 Yen in hand, I went grocery shopping.

Five blocks from our apartment is a large shopping mall with a beautiful local grocery store at its center.

We had nothing in the fridge, but Dewayne had bought us a George Foreman Grill at the  Navy base and we decided we would eat some of our meals at home so, I planned to cook. On the menu for tonight, hamburgers, salad and whatever else I could find.

When entering the grocery store in Japan, a shopper picks a cart or a small basket. The baskets are much greater in number as it seems Japanese people shop in small amounts on more occasions than Americans. I grabbed a basket and walked in – so far so good. I had a small list and even though I could not read the signs, I walked down each aisle to see what there was to see. Everything was very neat and colorful. Fortunately, Japanese use a lot of artwork on their items, so sometimes you can figure out what you are buying without really knowing how to read the label. ie: these sauces. A BBQ Marinade, Chinese Dressing and Soy Sauce. Kikomann is a large label here, but I picked La Choy because the bottle said LITE – I assumed that meant low sodium. The marinade label was Bull Dog – it looked and moved like BBQ so what the heck. It was good for our hamburgers.

Sauces Purchased by Sight

Next, I needed hamburger buns, perhaps some cheese and finally some mayonaise and vegetables.

There was a lot of bread at this store. Who knew the Japanese love bread as much as Cubans? They don’t serve it at every meal out, but they seem to sell a lot of it and they must consume it, but I haven’t quite figured out when or at which meal.

Anyway, I found some soft, round, wheat looking rolls. I actually found some hot dog buns and (hotodogu) in the meat area. Someone pointed them out to me already prepared and garnished, but I passed. When we opened the rolls at home, we were both surprised to find the butter already inside. They still worked great as buns for our burgers.

Bread Purchased by Sight

Already Buttered Bread for Heat and Serve!

The Japanese seem to have a thing for all things French. I noticed in the grocery store, French cheeses, bread and “Beurre PRESIDENT Gastronomique” – Butter. I recognized the brand from the time my mother took Katie and I to Paris. So of course, I bought the delicious French butter here in Japan. Julia Child would be proud.

Tempura To-Go

Tofu To-Go

I decided to purchase something that looked like yellow squash, some broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, raddichio and cabbage. Then I spent entirely too much time looking for something that resembled mayonaise and mustard. I failed there. Dewayne will have to buy those things at the base commissary.

At the checkout, I watched the lady in front of me go through the system. When it was my turn, I gave my usual Konichiwa greeting with a short bow. The checker began pulling my items from the basket and when she lifted the yellow squash out, she spilled out some commentary while holding the beautiful yellow vegetable up to me. I imagined she was saying the squash was very delicious and good for you. So, I smiled and simply replied HEI – meaning Yes. She transferred my groceries from the green basket to a red basket. She placed a couple of neatly, folded plastic bags in my basket and from watching the people in front of me, I learned to take the red basket to the table ahead and bag my own groceries. BTW, I did pay in YEN. That system is not to difficult to understand. 1000 Yen is approximately $10US – easy math for me. My basket full of groceries cost me $2100 Y and from it we made three dinners and several lunches.

I also bought something that looked like Peanut Butter and Orange Marmalade. The Peanut Butter included some honey – bonus – and the marmalade tasted superb. I enjoy it on toast each morning at the hotel as well. That is for another posting.

So speaking of POTS. We only have two – actually one pot and one frying pan, but we are making due. There is a rice cooker in our apartment and we are making use of it almost every night. We also have a toaster oven and an electric coffee maker and an electric teapot for hot water. There are exactly two forks, spoons and butter knives. There are two sets of dishes that include a coffee mug, a bowl, teacup, salad and dinner plate. There is one cutting board, knife, one ladle and one spatula. It is not much, but it is enough–exactly what we need to make meals work here. We have so much in America, we are used to having so much. Our way of life is such a striking contrast to almost everywhere else in the world. I feel humbled by our riches and I want to learn from the economy of this culture.

The most popular transportation in Japan!

I knew, from the time before coming to Japan, I would need a special stamp in my passport to complete my stay. The SOFA Stamp is given only to members of the military, civilian DOD workers and their families who will be in-country for longer than 90 days. That would be me.

I arrived at the Customs area at Narita Intl Airport later than everyone else because, I had to make a bathroom stop and frankly, being a little lost. When I arrived, I was the only person in line and a lone attendant sat amongst the rows of empty windows. It was such a large room and so stratling to be the only traveler in visibility, that I thought, I must have taken a wrong turn. But, a friendly attendant stepped up asking if I had the correct paperwork, which I did, and he led me to the one occupied window.

“I don’t have a visa, my husband is stationed here and we are going to immigration to get a SOFA Stamp next week,” I repeated the statement Dewayne had drilled into my head.

The agent reviewed my paperwork, which consisted of Dewayne’s orders and airline itinerary. Nowhere was my name mentioned in the paperwork. I agreed with how strange that seemed, but that was all I knew. Nearby, another man stood in a small glass cubicle. I noticed he had a police baton in his hand. I was slightly concerned, especially since the young man seemed rather frustrated and as confused as I was. I waited silently while he attempted to sort this out. Another agent walked past me and said something to the young man. Of course, I did not understand, but the next thing I knew, he stamped my passport and invited me to enter.

Going to the Yokohama Immigration Office (Yokohama Nyukokukanrijimusho)

Waiting at Starbucks w/my red umbrella and hat!

A week later, a DOD hospitality worker escorted Dewayne and I to the Immigration Office in Yokohama. It was the coldest day of the year. The wind howled mercilessly and even through my multiple layers of clothing, hat and scarf, I felt the cold attacking. Rain started falling and I pulled out my brand new, red, mini umbrella. What a joke that was. Not only was my coat becoming soaked, but the fragile, metal legs of the umbrella gave way and it was soon inside-out! Before boarding the first train, Dewayne, realized we did not have the proper paperwork. So I remained in the station, while the two guys went back, through the rain, for the documents.

On Train with HOT Starbucks in Hand!

After two trains and a bus ride, we arrived at the Immigration office and pulled a number to do some more waiting. Coincidentally, before leaving the US, I had recorded a bunch of different phrases into my iPhone using Google Translate, which for some reason does not work here. However, the starred items saved in my phone remained. One of those phrases is, “I need a SOFA Stamp please.” (Sofa no sutanpu wa, shite kudasai). I practiced while waiting for my number to be called.

At this point, Dewayne, who had been reviewing the paperwork, decided he wanted to take a look at my passport. I had checked it once to my disappointment with the plainness of the Japan Stamp. When Dewayne read the stamp, he recognized the familiar to him, SOFA Stamp. I had it. I don’t know how I got it, but I already had it. The entire trip was not even necessary. We confirmed this with our escort, who smiled and said, “Yes, this is a SOFA Stamp.” Were I Japanese, I’m sure I would have been more mortified than I was. Mostly, I felt stupid and perplexed as to why the customs attendant gave me the stamp without the proof of my name on any of the paperwork. I don’t know, but in that moment, I was very glad that God had intervened and given me my stamp before I needed it. Lesson for the traveling abroad training manual…always check the stamp in your passport!

Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA Stamp)

I vaguely remember, when coming to America as a young child, going to the Immigration Office in Florida. I remember receiving some sort of vaccination and being issued a green card, which attested to my legal residency. During high school years, I remember feeling embarrassed about having to show my green card for enrolling in classes or applying for a job. I think I just wanted to be normal, like everyone else. But, the fact was, I was not like everyone else and carrying that green card gave me access to live in America. The SOFA Stamp, Dewayne informed me, would ensure I was not detained and questioned at my departure from Japan. After the longer than 90-day limitation, the SOFA Stamp would guarantee my return to America.

Train Rider Works a Mini Crossword Puzzle

One of the other phrases I put into my iPhone was, (watashi wa, kurisuchandesu) “I am a Christian.” Japan is not a Christian nation, and I am not sure how I will break through the language barrier and the curtain of politeness and privacy to make friends. I know that as a Christian, I have the stamp of Christ upon me.

Ephesians 1:13-14  ”And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

The SOFA Stamp guarantees my stay in Japan and my return to America. The SEAL of God guarantees the inheritance and redemption of all believers as belonging to our God. Please pray that HIS stamp will be evident in my life and that I will be able to share about God’s glorious guarantee with those here in Japan who do not yet possess it.

Did I mention the twinkle lights outside our patio? I love them and our little garden patio. It may be dingy in the morning here in Yokusuka. We live in a semi dodgy part of town that doesn’t really open until dark, if you know what I mean? But at night the neon and twinkle lights are everywhere and transforms the neighborhood into something quite fetching. Don’t worry mom, there are not drug dealers or red light districts here. Its just a bunch of ethnic type bars, you know an Irish Pub, a British Pub, an American Bar etc. I guess the target customer are the sailors. Rather a sad thought. There are also local shops and a long strip mall that reminds me of Pike Place Market in Seattle. We bought some vegetables there the other night for our dinner. They were very fresh and delicious. The fruit here is also so delicious and bright colors. I’ve never seen such ORANGE cuties in California even.

I have figured out how to say I need a haircut and color in Japanese (HEA KATTO / HEA IRO). I am considering visiting one of the local shops here in the area instead of going to the navy base. The shops all look really modern and hip. The only thing I’m worried about is my HEA SUTAIRISUTO might get the wrong IRO (color) and get carried away with the HASAMI (scissors) and HEA BURASHI and I will wind up with a black top of straight, razor cut hair. But what they hea…it will grow back right?

So back to the room. When we come into our room, we use the key…ha ha…we use the key not only to unlock the front door, but also to turn-on the room. Yes, this room does not work without the key; and you have to leave the key in the on position while you are inside. This allows the electricity to work, which powers the heater, very important, and the lighting. I think the fridge stays operational at all times else we would have spoiled food. But anyway, it is interesting and solves what I am always nagging the kids about…having a hook where you always leave your keys so that they are never lost.

My favorite deputy, Woody, is holding my key!

In the morning, we open our front door to this other garden and the neon sign, which reminds us we are not in Kansas anymore!

Yesterday, I bought a hat. Today, at 6:30 a.m., while it was still dark and freezing cold, I walked to work with Dewayne. I call that dedication. Afterwards, I spent the rest of the day alone becoming acquainted with the Yokosuka Navy Base. Obviously, I can’t tell you much about it, and I can’t show you any pictures, but I will say, it is quite large. Let me explain…I took a city bus ride from one recreation center to another in order to obtain five free Zumba Class passes. The bus ride took 30 minutes in each direction. Just in case you are not getting the picture, from the main gate at which I enter to the post-office, library and gym that I visited today, it is a three-mile walk. My prospects for getting in better shape while living here are looking good.

How cold was it? It was so cold that if we would have had any moisture, I am sure it would have felt like the last scene in House of Flying Daggers. The wind stung and the waves reminded me of Hokusai’s famous WAVE painting-it has always been one of my favorite images and I hope to visit Mt. Fuji before I leave Japan…but not til spring!

Despite the pierce-through-three-layers-of-clothing cold, I did remove my new wool hat when I passed in and out of the Navy base main gate. Dewayne will be relieved to learn this. He sternly reminded me he had signed a document stating he would be held responsible for my behavior, and yesterday, I did not remove my hat. Okay, yes, I just wanted to see what would happen. Nothing did. I think because it was so frigid, and the military guards were themselves so covered up, that all I could see was their weeping eyes, they decided to show mercy and leave my head covering alone while they checked my documents.

I found the base to be a rather rusty, dingy and dirty place. I suppose that is consistent with its purpose, it is a naval base used for ship repair and restoration. Anyway, as I rode around in the bus, I could not help but feel grateful for Dewayne having endured over 30 years working in these dusty industrial environments. Last year, for example, I worked in a luxury office in San Juan Capistrano, without earthquakes, nuclear meltdowns or the threat of tsunamis and typhoons. I only felt guilty for a passing moment as I went by a big brown pit. That hole in the ground, I learned, was a dry dock. I had never seen one before. The ship which lay inside was all draped in tarps. It looked like a burial rather than a restorative operation. But then, I saw other ships in the water and they were “pretty” with fresh paint and flags. I even saw two subs flying Japanese Zero flags. The crew were in full dress and preparing for sea. That was a little freaky, but later, Dewayne reminded me, Japan is our ally. Whew!

I obtained my Zumba passes and also registered for library privileges. The base does not issue library cards, they only take the information of the party responsible for me, and the specific books I checked-out. Dewayne will probably be nervous about that, but I have thirty days to return the books and a week for the videos…can you guess what videos I checked out?

After the library, I visited the MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) Office where I received a monthly schedule of the classes they have for people like me who have nothing better to do. The classes include things like, cooking UDON (Vegetables Yosehabe) IKEBANA KOFU (Japanese Flower Arrangement) and SUMI-E (Japanese Calligraphy.) I can also sign up for Kimono Dressing, Tea Box Covering and Tea Ceremony. Did I mention I have to walk six plus miles to attend all of these classes on different days? Yeah, well there are two Starbucks stores on base. These were useful stops for in-between workouts and at the end of the day before the long trek home.BTW, am I ever glad I had a little coffee before the Zumba class.

I was really feeling the double-nickels today in the class of 25 twenty-somethings, who gyrated their hips, snaked and shaked other body parts that I seemed to have more of than they. I’ve never done so many jumping jacks in Zumba or in my life before. I was just glad we didn’t have to drop down and give the instructor 50. I thought it was supposed to be Samba and stuff – not double-time Meringue. I dripped like a squeezed lemon, but I finished the class and yes, I am going back later this week.

All over the base, I encountered many working Japanese people who ddi not speak English. However, they were friendly and helpful and I got by with my rudimentary knowledge of Japanese–thank you SHOGUN and THE LAST SAMURAI. Basically, I said, “ohayou gozaimas” and “arigato gozaimas” or just “gozaaaaiiiimas” for short. Good Morning very much, Thank You very much, or short version, very much. I never had to drop the WAKARIMASEN (I don’t understand) because it was all bowing, smiling and gozaaaiiimas. For me, the entire experience was all OMOSHIDOI…very much interesting indeed.

Jan 16, 2012 – Martin Luther King Day – Dewayne was off work, even in Japan, so we took a walking tour of the area. Talk about brrrr! It was freezing today, and even with a full head of hair, all the heat was escaping. So, on our walk through town, we came to a shopping mall and I bought a hat.

It looks French, but I got it in Yokosuka!

Dewayne already had a hat that he bought at the 100 Yen store before I arrived.

This is part of Verny Park – named after a French guy who did something special to get a park named after himself. I don’t know what he did, because the museum was closed. I will go back and find out what the story is, after the spring thaw!  In the spring/summer this waterfront park will be blooming with roses!

The tall white building with the interesting top, behind Dewayne in the distance, is the Mercure Hotel. D stayed there last year when the earthquake hit. This is the hotel which replied to my concerned email as follows: “I saw Richards going to his room earlier and he seemed well.”

While at the park, I had to go….rephrase, I had to squat not sit! This is very unlike the “toirreto” seat in our apartment, which is always warm, and is a pleasure to sit on every time. Seriously, if we had heated toilet seats in America, a lot of us would never abdicate the throne! Of course, the down side for us women is the problem of longer than usual lines at public facilities. This would never be a problem here!

This was taken with my iPad camera while we were inside a sweet little 50’s style restaurant. I was exploring for WIFI….”no ruck….”

Thankfully some things remain constant and familiar. At the local Starbucks, I ordered a Cafe Americano w/room—signifying how much room with my hands because I didn’t know the language. They understood me perfectly. However, the WIFI question remained a puzzler. I have since learned I need to ask for “waiaresu intaanetto saabisu” Wireless Internet Service – that is straight out of the Japanese phrase book.

As we hurried along through the expansive park, we found a sweet ride. Sadly we could not take it. This was a thing of beauty and was just sitting there unattended. In Japan, Dewayne informed me, if you leave anything, anywhere, chances are when you come back, it will be right where you left it. Japanese people don’t pick-up things or take things that do not belong to them. Further experimentation on this phenomenon shall be performed and reported at a later date, but I know this would make my daughter Katie very happy and save her on mounting replacement costs.

After a 90-day absence from posting, it is nice to be back and especially during Christmas time. I have not been writing, but I have been thinking, specifically about Christmas and the 25 days in December we count on to celebrate. But, what is it that makes Christmas worth celebrating? What is it that makes Christmas true?

I saw a roadside billboard which read, “Jesus is the only reason for the season.” It made me smile, because I felt a sudden freedom from the frenzy, which is sometimes forced upon us by the merchandizers of Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I like to shop to the bitter end. You might know that about me. I intentionally save something or someone, very special, to shop for on Christmas Eve; because I enjoy being out with the crowd in the bustle, seeing the decorated trees, the twinkling lights, greeting people and listening to the carolers. I think the world may be a much nicer and less lonely place during Christmas. People seem to connect more with others–even strangers. They smile, they hold doors open, they say Merry Christmas as they go on their way. It is actually quite nice–unless you are shopping on BLACK FRIDAY in Los Angeles, which I never do. Consider yourself forewarned. Anyway, as lovely as it is, even shopping on Christmas Eve is not what makes Christmas true. What makes Christmas true is what the billboard said–Jesus–the ONLY reason for the season.

Why do we even give gifts at Christmas? I thought the tradition was in honor of, and to commemorate, what God gave us–His only Son; and to reflect the actions of the Wise Men–bringing gifts to honor Jesus as Christ and King. Some would have us believe, this Christmas, we should give gifts in order to stimulate the economy. I say “NO” to that false notion. I want to give Christmas gifts for real, be they fewer and less costly, to honor Christ and remember you with the same love that God remembered all of creation with on that first Christmas. God the Father’s sacrificial LOVE gave us His only Son to live among us, to be one of us, to communicate with us His plan for redemption through HIMSELF, Jesus the Christ–our Savior and Messiah–the ultimate gift.

If you do not receive a Christmas gift from me this year, be it a necktie, a bottle of expensive perfume, a chia pet or rototiller, don’t take it personal. Consider this writing my gift to you, and know that I am celebrating you in my heart…and okay, yes, I am attempting to stimulate my own economy. However, rest assured, if you are reading this, I cherish your friendship and am thankful for your involvement in my life. Most of all, I thank God for giving us a reason to celebrate a true Christmas, this year and for all eternity to come, with each other and Christ our Savior.

If you do not personally know the ONLY true reason for celebrating this season, give yourself the ultimate gift, ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart and reveal Himself to you. Do as the shepherds did on that first Christmas night…come and behold Him, bow before Him and give Him the gift of yourself. He will really love it…I guarantee it…and you will receive so much more than you could ever lay down.

I trust you will have a true Christmas celebration, making Jesus the focal point of your life; giving HIM the gift of yourself and to others, whatever is appropriate…regardless of the economy…because “Jesus is the only reason for the season.”

Write a comment and let me know what makes Christmas true for you or answer the question; what have you been doing to celebrate Christmas this year? One thing I have been doing is listening to Christmas Songs by Karli & Caroline. Click the link, hit play and enjoy!

PRICELESS by Karli & Caroline

Christmas Songs

Have you ever seen a Kingfisher dive for fish?

You might recognize the Kingfisher by the familiar chirping mixed with squawking sound he makes when flying over the surface of the water. Often he will perch quiet and still on a high telephone wire or a tall post in close proximity to water. Then almost without notice, he will nose dive into the water—once, and come out with his prize.

I remember when my children attended Brownsville Elementary; we would always see this one fine Kingfisher sitting on the telephone wire as we drove by on the way to school. Sometimes, we would pull over to watch him a few minutes, and we were always so excited when he launched from the wire into the water.

Years after my children’s elementary school days, I am still captivated by the sight of the blue/grey Kingfisher. Today I heard the familiar squawking sound and watched him as he fluttered in circles, inches from the surface, and then pounced multiple times at different points. He kept hitting the water, but coming up empty. He flew a random pattern and I wondered if he had his eyes on a particularly fast and elusive fish. He continued hitting the water hard, and coming up wet, but with nothing to show for his trouble. Several times he returned to his post for a rest, and then repeated the pattern, complaining loudly as he went.

Immediately, the thought came of how often we humans proceed through life, fluttering around in random patterns, hitting some barrier which stops us from being productive or reaching a goal we have established for ourselves. Random living, doing whatever we want, following our own impulses and not following God’s plan for our lives, will leave us empty handed. Proverbs 16:25 says it best, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Compare that with Proverbs 16:17, “The HIGHWAY of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.”

Jesus might have been thinking of that upright highway when He said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it.”

People often think followers of Jesus are living limited, frustrated lives because—we choose to enter by the narrow gate; meaning we believe JESUS is the only way we can be made right with God and we choose to follow HIM along the difficult way—we take up our cross daily, to die to ourselves and deny our selfish impulses, to follow Christ as our example. To many people, it seems easier to travel on the broad way—just live for ourselves and do whatever we want, when we want, and take the gate which is wide open; follow or believe whatever new thing comes along or whatever everyone else in the world is doing and believing—just going with the flow. However, God is telling us that the wide gate and the broad road of self-centered living, will lead us to destruction.

The mystery of the narrow gate and the difficult way is that once we have chosen to navigate them, we find them to be the broad HIGHWAY of freedom. It is God’s highway, which leads us to depart from evil, which preserves our souls, and frees us from enslavement to our human nature. It is God’s highway that Jesus pointed to when He spoke to those who were converted and believed in Him from among those who originally came to persecute and kill Him. “If you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free…therefore if the Son of Man makes you free, you shall be free indeed.(John 8:31-36 NKJV).

God’s highway is the freedom road and reaching our final destination is guaranteed if we follow the road map of God’s word. …we shall know the truth and the truth shall make us free.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, my daughter Katie and I were in Spokane after our first overnight of a mother/daughter trip to the Grand Tetons. I called home to check on my sons Jesse, a high school senior and younger brother Taylor, in junior high. Jesse answered the phone and his agitated, high pitched voice drained my excitement. “Mom, are you seeing what’s happening on the news? A plane just crashed into the World Trade Center!”

My friends were not TV watchers, but we quickly dug-out and older television set. It was surreal to watch the events unfold on the scratchy screen. I remember seeing the second plane fly into the second tower. I don’t remember what time it was, but I think I was watching it live. Later, along with most Americans watching on television, I was immobilized, shocked by the awfulness. I felt like a morbid voyeur watching the horror of perishing thousands happening before my eyes. All I could think or say was “Oh God please, no…” and the rest of my prayers were wordless groans.

My husband was already at his government job when he heard the news. Immediately the terror alert rose to the highest level. Roads were closed leading into our cities. Barricades went up around strategic locations and schools were cancelled. We had always joked about living on Ground Zero, in the middle of a triangle of naval bases with nuclear equipment, including torpedoes, subs and carriers surrounding us. We knew our area could be on someone’s list as a possible first-strike, but it never felt more real or possible than in those first hours of 9/11.

All I could think about was my two boys alone at home and my husband closed off from them at work. I will never forget the visions I had of them all vanishing in an instant of nuclear light. I prayed. I wanted to come home, but my husband insisted we remain in Spokane.

For the next several days my daughter and I drove the streets of Spokane; they were lined with American flags. A surreal peace covered the city, and an intense sense of unity filled the air. I imagined these were the same feelings our parents felt after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Katie and I cancelled our trip to Wyoming, but took a day trip to Coeur d’Alene Lake. I painted a canvas of Katie, from behind, sitting in a beach chair, at the top of a hill overlooking the lake. Her pig tails moved in the breeze while an American flag flew on the pole behind her at half mast. I will never forget those moments of contrasting images and emotions. I didn’t know then, how much our world would change and that we would never again feel completely safe in our own environment. Ruthless evil forever changed our worldview. President Bush said it best in the State of the Union speech days later, “Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom.”

On the night of September 11, when I saw the remains of what once were the towers of  the World Trade Center, I was fully awake to the reality of danger and I felt very vulnerable. Later when President Bush with congressional leaders united to pray for our nation, and then on the steps of the capital sang God Bless America, I was hopeful, believing our nation was united, and in the future would be protected by our leaders.

Today, ten years later, I remember and pray for God’s comfort for the families who lost loved ones. I will never forget the innocent victims and survivors, or the courageous heroes of 9/11. I do not take for granted that my family remained safe, and I am forever grateful.

Finally, as I reflect on the current national leadership, I pray “Oh Lord, let them never forget the unity they displayed on that day, and that a kingdom divided against itself, cannot stand.” (Mark 3:24-NKJV)

Where were you when 9/11 happened? What were you doing? What do you remember? Share your thoughts and thanks for reading mine.

PHOTO ABOVE: From the Camera Planet Archive, a gift of Steve Rosenbaum and Pam Yoder 8:00 P.M. 9/11 Rescue operations continue throughout the night.  Thousands of construction professionals, first responders, and self-dispatched volunteers converge at ground zero to search for survivors, improvising bucket brigades to remove debris.

See more on the 9/11 Memorial Timeline http://timeline.national911memorial.org

Listen to or read the State of the Union speech made by President Bush. http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/index.html

I was cold this morning, so I climbed into my warm shower. I am not a fan of hot water or tubs, but this morning, after soaping and rinsing, warm was clearly not enough.

I turned the handle and hot water poured burning my back. It stung, and I remembered why I don’t like hot water.

However, as I remained under the flow, I felt the sting subside. Soon, the burn became a pleasant fire, warming my skin. My tense muscles relaxed. Steam filled the air, soothing my sinuses; so that even my breathing improved. Then I thought about the first time I reluctantly climbed into a Roman spa at Murrieta Hot Springs—and soon loved it. Who knew, hot water could feel so good?

***

In our culture, being in hot water is a negative thing. It means you’re in trouble!

“You’re in hot water mister,” the mom calls to her late arrival teen.

“You’re in hot water girl,” referring to one flirting with infidelity.

“You’re in hot water man; go see the boss.”

It is not a pleasant thing to be immersed in this world’s version of hot water. But sometimes, we are stupid or deceived, and we find ourselves climbing into the tub.

***

Have you climbed into this world’s trouble recently—are you in hot water today—or are you playing with fire, and loved ones are warning, “you’re gonna get burned.” In other words, are you making life-choices, for yourself, in your marriage, ministry or work that are damaging?

We are not truthful if we do not admit that at one point or another, we all make wrong choices. And then, after we have set fire to ourselves, our family, friends and co-workers, we smolder with regret, become paralyzed, and cannot find a way to stop.

***

In the Bible, water and fire seem to go together. Water is symbolic of God’s word and fire is symbolic of God’s Spirit. God’s voice is like the sound of many waters the prophet Ezekiel wrote. “Wash me and I will be whiter than snow,” King David said. God led His people from captivity by a pillar of fire. That same pillar kept the enemy at bay (Exodus 13-14). God spoke to Moses from the burning bush. When Jesus spoke to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, their hearts burned as He opened the scriptures, (Luke 24:13-32). Even unbelievers were affected by the words of Jesus (Luke 4:14-37). They were amazed, astonished and recognized His authority. In (Acts 2:22-37) when Peter makes his bold declaration, the listeners were cut to the heart, and said… “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” In these examples God’s spoken word brought direction, inspiration and conviction. The Divine word burned and stung; it brought cleansing, when it delivered what was needed to dispose the hearts of men to God.

How is your heart today? Douse it with a dose of water and fire. Allow God’s written word to cleanse and revive you (Psalm 119:25). Allow His voice and His Spirit to guide and direct you out of this world’s trouble, and into the healing waters of His will.

How will you recognize His will? Dive into the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to burn truth into you; to cleanse you from those things which are contrary to God’s word, and are ultimately not within the scope of God’s will for your life.

***

            Climb into God’s hot tub today; jump into His fire, and you will learn the secret wisdom of being cleansed from trouble and walking without being burned.