Stuff That Matters in Life

Katy’s Weblog

I borrow this book from HL since I’m interested in the evolution of the Asian American church. I’ve read online articles by DJ Chuang and generally like to read his insights.

I skimmed through this book because I don’t really want or need the details. I have many other books I want to read. And since I am generally familiar with Chuang’s material, I didn’t need to read it in detail again.

The book is basically what I thought it would be. The insights are centered mostly around Asian American churches in California. I grew up in the generation when Asian Americans churches were emerging so I know most of the back stories of churches he talks about. It’s interesting to see what I experienced put on paper by someone else.

If you don’t know much about Asian American churches, this is a good one to read.

 

My son had been talking about living on a farm and recommended this book. After reading it, I want to live on a farm too!

I don’t have cable TV so I’ve not seen Fixer Upper. I love the book – read it in 3 days while other books are waiting in a stack. God worked in their lives in amazing ways. It encourages me that young couples like this put God and family as top values to live by. It also encourages me to go do something crazy – not sure what yet, but I definitely want to re-do my yard now.

I am talking to a friend about where she plays tennis, I’d like to join her.

“What do you wear to play?” she asks.

“T-shirt and shorts, is that ok?” Why does she want to know what I wear??

Then I hear a vibrate noise and I check my phone – but it’s not my phone, no one is calling me.

My friend leaves, annoyed that I checked my phone while talking to her.

Where is that vibrating coming from?

I check my pager – yeah I know, I have a pager, in my pocket. It’s not buzzing.

I check other devices I have, no buzzing on any of them.

Next thing you know, I’m back home in bed and my husband says, “Check the massage bed control.” Nope, massage bed is not on. Wait, I have a massage bed?

Husband says, “Check your alarm.” Oh, my alarm is going off…I’m suppose to wake up…

Ah…time to wake up! LOL

Interesting how reality gets incorporated into a dream.

This book is under the J section of the library – for Juvenile. My friend used this historical fiction in homeschooling her sons. I read it to consider using the book to teach English in Taiwan.

The historical setting is in the days of Jesus. These are a few short conversations between the main characters and Jesus, and I think they are in line with what Jesus might have said. I wouldn’t say it’s heretical to put those words in Jesus’ mouth for the sake of a fictional story.

The story gave me some insight into the Jews’ experience of oppression under the Romans and the hatred they live with daily. I understand more about the Zealots. It even helped me understand more about the ministry of Jesus.

However, I don’t think I can use the book to teach English in Taiwan. It’s too hard to explain all the context with someone with zero background in Christianity and low level English.

 

 

The subtitle is “Hopeful reflections on the challenges of parenting children with special needs.”

Recently we’ve had a couple more families with autistic children come to our church. I am glad God find us worthy to care for His special children.

I read this book to better understand the families. The authors have two autistic…

Read more of “The Life We Never Expected by Andrew and Rachel Wilson”

Part 9 TW STM

Filed under Taiwanby Joyful

Leaving tomorrow night for Taiwan!

I’ve been wanting to do this for about the last 10 years and now the time has come.

What I’ve learned so far:

God indeed is sufficient if I look for him. My tendency is to look for answers anywhere but God. When I ask him to help, he can be found.

I have a lot of biases that I need to overcome. Expectations of people and circumstances need to be relaxed

I need to lighten and laugh more overall. I’ve gotten too serious lately.

That’s it for now! Godspeed!