Stuff That Matters in Life

Katy’s Weblog

Sundays are best

Filed under 2019by Joyful

If I was not a Christian, I would miss out on the life of the church. The church is a big part of a Christian’s life. Church should not be the only thing in a Christian’s life, but it is a big part. Church may look different in different cultures, but the love and unity would be the same.

I am blessed to be a part of our church community where we experience love and unity, This is especially evident in our young married couples group where we serve as mentors. The couples are so loving, open, and fun. They mentor me as much as I mentor them. We met today and it was very encouraging.

We only got 45 minutes of Perspectives class today because we had to leave for the group. I want to read my homework, but my mind is full. I think taking a shower and having some quiet time with God would be a good way to end this joyful day of Sabbath.

 

Uttering a few words of prayer doesn’t seem like much. Even if it was heartfelt, passionate, deep, long – whatever “good” prayer looks like, do those words make a difference?

The obvious answer from any devoted Christian is yes. But why? How do words I say translate into changes in real life?

Logically speaking, prayer doesn’t make much sense. It may make us feel better, it may relief some stress, etc. but it doesn’t make sense that saying some words to God can do anything in the material world.

I read this in Truth78 today and it made sense:

Bottom line—prayer matters! . . . It matters because God is pleased to accomplish His unstoppable purposes through the prayers of His people. 

In a mysterious way, God himself provided a way in which He would use our words said to him to accomplish his purposes.

If you were to ask someone for a favor, especially someone in high authority, you would be wise to prepare a nice speech. But with prayer to the Creator of heaven and earth, it matters not how you say it, who it’s said by, all ages, all language, any form – amazing how prayer works!

We take it too lightly.

ughhh, the floral wire I bought was cheaper at Michaels and I wouldn’t have had to wait for it to be shipped! I love both Amazon and Michaels, but now I love Michaels more. Especially because they gave me a $5 off coupon, which I used today.

Went kumquat picking with Elliot and Nancy, and then dinner. Good time hanging out and talking. Learned about Andrew Yang and Milton Friedman from Elliot.

The day is too short. I want to read my Perspectives.

Hospitality

Filed under 2019by Joyful

I’m not good with details. I don’t like to plan things. I used to do ok with it, but now I get stressed out planning things.

But I want to invite people to my house, I want to be hospitable because the Bible says so. It’s a way invite people in to build relationship and a better environment for conversation than a restaurant.

I invited a few people over for dinner after Perspectives class tonight. I decided dinner doesn’t have to be fancy, my house doesn’t have to be perfect, my plates and cups don’t have to match. That’s just pride for me if those externals look great. I don’t want my deficiency in details hinder me from exercising hospitality.

We had great sharing, telling each other what God has done and is doing in our lives. And that’s all that matters.

I was able to attend worship service today and left it to the very wonderful volunteers to run Children Worship. It is still hard for me to focus because I’m looking around to see who is there, who I need to talk to, thinking about what I need to do after. I’m working on getting back to the heart of worship – it’s all about Jesus.

Project completed

Filed under 2019by Joyful

I feel accomplished today.

I made a wreath that I’ve been wanting to do for a while. Walked up the street to a corner house with a cypress bush I’ve been eyeing. In broad daylight I cut some branches. It’s a big bush, on a corner slope, I’m sure no one cares. Crafting the wreath was fun, I enjoyed working on it while listening to a Family Life podcast on marriage with Crawford Loritts.

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Awana Grand Prix

Filed under 2019by Joyful

Another great Awana night. What makes it good are the volunteers. They not only get the job done, but does it with enthusiasm, joy, going the extra mile. And the true test of a dedicated volunteer is that they would do it again, and again and this team does! I am blessed to be a part of this team.

Worked at home today, but it’s not comfortable because the dining table and chair is not ergonomically set up for working on my laptop. I like my office at church with a big window.

 

 

 

Wokeness

Filed under 2019by Joyful

I’ve not heard of this term of being “woke” or “wokeness” until I read this. Very well written. It makes me want to cry.

I’ve been feeling “off” the last couple days. Yesterday, I couldn’t remember my routine for going to prayer meeting – something I go to every Wednesday. What time do I normally…

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Prayer life

Filed under 2019by Joyful

From yesterday, 2/13/2019

It was my turn to share in staff devo today. I shared about what I learned in Perspectives about prayer as an act of spiritual violence. Prayer pushes back the spirit of darkness and the devil’s work on earth.

I felt a bit hypocritical talking about prayer because I am not one of those who prays for a couple hours a day. My hero is George Mueller who is known for his prayer life. I shared about prayer not because I’m good at it. It was a lesson in Perspectives that spoke to me because I was convicted of my own weakness in prayer.

Staff meeting today was another interesting one. I’m thankful for the open honest discussion.