In Honor of Kyoko Sakaguchi

I just returned from attending Kyoko Sakaguchi's funeral. For those of you who don't know her, she was a member of Venice church since its founding days, and someone who helped to raise me.

Dad asked me to give a eulogy. I stubbornly refused and volunteered for any other duty, one not so public. Aimee did it instead, and what an amazing job she did. It was touching, personal, well-spoken, and focused on Christ. I knew I wouldn't have been able to hold it together. But I do have many fond memories of her. If I were to speak this is what I would have said:

I can remember playing in her house. I can still see her changing Tom's bandages everyday when he was sick. I remember eating lunch together and afterwards we would be sent to play so she could watch her favorite tv show 'Days of our Lives". I remember her smell and her gentle spirit. I remember our excitement when Tom came home and he would allow us to ride on the lift on the back of his truck, with Kyoko watching from the front door. I remember the chuckle she always had after every sentence. I remember her giving our family a wake-up call when we had accidently slept in for sunrise service. I remember the cover she had on the couch and "Tom's chair" that I loved because it swiveled and rocked.

But most of all, when I think of Kyoko, I see a life lived in dedication and faithful service to Christ. She was humble and selfless. Thinking back I can't remember her ever complaining about anything. She was dedicated to my father and was always supportive of his leadership in the church. I appreciate her for that. As I write this today I wish I was more eloquent and better able to express how much she meant to me. But this is all I have; my love and a peace within knowing she is in heaven, rejoicing with Christ, free of pain, and reunited with Tom.

May her legacy of love to our Father carry on, and may her witness bring those who knew her to Christ.

I love you Kyoko.

Hello Oprah.

In order to know the Truth, believe in the Truth, and stand up for the Truth, you have to know what isn't the Truth.

On My Mind

So I've been berated by my two fans for not updating. Here's a brief synopsis of..well, everything:

1. Olympics - I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics. Aimee and I grew up watching Bob Costas and cheering for the Americans. I love being patriotic. This year was no exception as my patriotism/ultra competitiveness tuned in to NBC for as much Olympic coverage I could make myself stay up for. The great moments for me were the obvious wins from Lukin and Phelps, and more. But this year, several aspects of the Games grated me and here they are:

A. The Chinese. My perspective of China as host of the Games is summed up in the story of the girl from the opening games who was replaced because she was ugly. The emphasis for the Chinese was obviously on perception. But what of the underbelly? Shooting chemicals into clouds to change the weather, restricting traffic prior to the opening ceremony to reduce emissions, the questionable age of the gymnasts, etc. There was no doubt awe over the vision and execution of the opening ceremony, as well as beauty in the newly constructed Olympic arenas ( I mean, the Cube was amazing). But at what sacrifice?

B. Note to NBC: You can't call something live when I've already heard the results.

2. Between work, school, other work, Josh, church, and family I'm barely getting enough air. To balance that though, I've never been so sure that this is where God wants me.

3. I have the notion in my head that I want to compete in a mini-triathalon (no people, I am not jumping on the Jennifer Lopez fan bandwagon. I was planning on it before her). But I've realized that I need to learn how to swim through the deep end of a pool and not feel like I'm drowning in order to take this seriously. So, I've taken up swimming. I still don't know if I can do it. We'll see. Sidenote: if anyone knows how to swim the backstroke in a straight line, I would appreciate a helpful tip.

4. There's nothing more hilarious than being in an Ethics class with a bunch of Christians who are trying to not be the stereotypical Christian. I wonder sometimes, as I'm sitting there, if the Christian culture is trying sooo hard to be secular cool, that we've lost the beauty of being a Christ follower. What are we called to do in this life? "Here is the conclusion of the matter, Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12: 13

5. I just finished a financial biblical study from Crown Financial Ministries. It was amazing. It gives you a whole new perspective on money and the purpose of it. It also helps you to budget, prioritize, get out of debt, and live free. If you need this, go to www.crown.org to see how you can get a study going. If you're local to Venice Church, Marion Yumori is jotting down interested parties for her next class. It's only 10 ppl max per class so get your name on that list!

6. For those of you who are aware of the impending loss of my right arm... Josh is currently working in a lab that is producing new technology for prosthetic limbs. Coincidence?? I think not.

7. I read an article by J. Lee Grady about the Florida movement with Todd Bentley. I was so impressed that I will scan it in when I can and post it. Stay tuned.

Join Me

I work for Dr. Randy Yumori. His wife, Marion Yumori was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer last year and since has been going through many different types of treatments. Last week she shared her testimony at S-Factor (Venice church women's group). It's quite long, but worth it. If you ever wonder what faith should really look like, listen to this.

http://download.yousendit.com/08822C447F4B3C2F


God is so amazing, isn't He? Please join me in praying for healing for Marion. I'll keep you updated.

Dance

Some of the most emotional pieces of art are found in dance. Last night mom and I were watching "So You Think You Can Dance" and it was funny and entertaining until this performance. I was moved.

Meet Katee and Joshua.

May 16, 2006

Josh graduated!
Knowing the countless hours he spent studying and/or working on some project or another, I know how hard he worked to get here. Sidenote: It was hot. And if you know Josh, he HATES hot. It's the one thing that can truly put him in a bad mood. :) He hung in there though.

He was up to his eyes in leis. It was hilarious and a bit much. :) He's got a lot of love from his fam in hawaii.

I feel lucky that I was able to celebrate with him.


As for seasons...It seems surreal that the season of undergrad has ended for him. He has lots of plans to work and go back to school... but for now we can celebrate the past four years and where God has brought him.

For many, it seems like the transition from school to work is daunting. Finding a job...finding the right job is frustrating. But Josh, and the many others in the same season of life can hold to the promises from God, "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 a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11

After Moses died, Joshua must have felt a huge overwhelming responsibility of caring for the Israelites. In the face of such impossibilities, God encouraged Joshua and said, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Just as God took care of his servant Joshua, so too, He will take care of each of you. Remember, His plans, His timing, His life.

Family Nuptials

Why is it that the only time we visit distant relatives is when a marriage or death occurs?

This past weekend the four Miyabe's packed up and flew Southeast into Pensacola, FL. for our cousin Jereme's wedding. It was more of a Willis family reunion as all cousins ( + girlfriends) auntie's and uncle's came out in support. It was fun, quick, and beautiful. Here are a few highlights:

Welcome to the South...Read what's happening on the 24th closely.

Flounders and Family!

My favorite. What would I do without her?

Private beach. Only grannies and their grandbabies were there. It was great.

Jereme and TK's wedding

It was short and tiring, but completely worth it. Note to self: Never have a beach wedding... :p

Finally, something Bill and I agree on

Okay, last Bill Simmons quote before I stop forever:

On Thursday, I broke my longstanding "Never drive to Anaheim for any reason" rule to catch four first-round games with my friend Lewis. Anaheim might only be 35 miles from L.A., but it usually takes between two and five hours to get there thanks to a hideous deathtrap called the "5," the interstate everyone is forced to take from Los Angeles when you're driving to Disneyland, Angels games, Ducks games, Commerce Casino or the Center of Hell. You couldn't even call it "traffic" on the I-5. It's more like a meandering, overheated crawl, only with the remnants of major accidents every two or three miles and the added bonus that a truck might just decide to drive over your car. Remember the abandoned, bomb-infested highway that Snake Plissken navigated at the end of "Escape From New York"? That highway was less dangerous and more scenic than the I-5. I hate the I-5. Have I mentioned that I hate the I-5?

Hope you're having a hoot about this. If you live off the 5, I'm sorry. Not sorry for the comment, but sorry because you live off the 5.