Stuff That Matters in Life

Katy’s Weblog

I bought this book a while back after listening to them on a podcast. The practical ways they helped couples work through ordinary struggles made a lot of sense. I finally got around to reading it.

I usually give a book to couples getting married. I am now going to give them this book.

While I read this book geared for engaged and newly married couples in order to give me insight to mentor young couples, I found that much of the advice still applies to me after 35 years of marriage. There are always areas to grow in.

The authors are husband and wife, Christian marriage counselors. This book is not expressly Christian, no Bible passages.  But the principles are definitely based on a Christian worldview.

The 2nd chapter on unspoken rules and unconscious roles is worth the price of the book.

This book was recommended by a missionary friend. She said I don’t have to read the chapters in order. Each chapter describes how God is moving among the Muslims in different regions of the world to bring them to Jesus.

I only read one chapter, not the whole book. So this does not count as my book for the month. But I am documenting the one chapter for my own reference.

I chose to read chapter 4 first: the Indo-Malaysia room.

Indonesia has the largest population of Muslim in the world. Is there any hope that they can be saved?

One of the greatest recurring motivations for Muslims coming to Christ is a rejection of the militant expression of Islam itself – Page 56

I learned a lot about the history of Indonesia, the occupation by the Dutch, the fight for freedom and power from political parties, and the massive bloodshed a such a small nation.

Malaysia remains the country where draconian restrictions continue to prevent Malays from turning from Islam to any other faith. Page 56

May God move with power to save more Muslims.

 

At home

Filed under 2020by Joyful

The best thing about not going to physical church for Sunday worship is I can relax and enjoy worship at home with my husband and daughter. That doesn’t happen when I am in Children Ministry at the physical church. Even though the online worship is not the same as being together with the church, the worship experience is still nurturing to my soul. This is a call for me to seek out worship when we go back. I used to go to evening service at another church, but I’ve not found a church with a good evening service on Saturday night. I’m usually too tired after the morning to attend a Sunday evening service.

I really value people who think outside the box, seek out new ideas, and are not resistant to change. In this time of a changing world, I appreciate more than ever people who can anticipate the future. I wish I am good at that. I can only ask the questions and want to do things differently, but I have no answers. I think those who truly study the stock market trends are good at that.

When this safe at home order is over and we go back to church, I hope that our church will be different. I hope we would cut the fluff and focus on the main thing. But see, I don’t have any answers. I don’t know what the fluff is, and I don’t want how we should be different.

A bright spot

Filed under 2020by Joyful

Amidst the COVID-19 distress, I met a nice neighbor up the street with a 3rd grade girl. She and her dad were in their front yard playing while I was taking my daily walk. They were probably desperate for conversation with the outside world. Under normal circumstances, we would’ve waved and move on. But they engaged me with “How are you?” So of course I had to stop walking to answer, one question led to another, exchanged names, and I said she would really like coming to Awana at our church when we reopen. I pray that God will move their hearts to the gospel.

Read more of “A bright spot”

Risk

Filed under 2020by Joyful

Being a missionary in the jungles of Africa is risky.

Going to the market in COVID-19 pandemic is risky.

I think it’s a dishonor to the missionaries to use the word “risky” in both situations.

I really like online meet ups. Makes relationships so much more accessible, more efficient, and depth of sharing is the same if not better. You cut to the chase without the in-person chit chat to warm up, etc. etc. But when the option of in-person is available, it seems somehow insincere to do online with those without distance barrier. I would never think of webcamming someone 5 miles away, but now I do. And it’s great.

So much good is coming out of COVID-19. Most of all, I am praying for a spiritual revival of turning to God from idols of materialism and self-sufficiency. And that’s including myself in that prayer too.

 

 

I failed.

I want to hospitable but I’m not.

I am too concerned for my own safety.

I’m not willing to go above and beyond.

I did not help a friend.

But God is good.

Another member of the Body of Christ helped. Christ’s name is glorified.

I see God at work in accomplishing His work. I missed the blessing, but I did received the blessing of praying for this friend and seeing that prayer answered by God through someone else.

Lesson learned: It’s not about me. I can trust God to get His work done with or without me. It’s my lost if I don’t participate.