151128 Thank you for those who pray for me

Winter greens.

I just spent an hour and a half on the phone with a friend from church. I'm not sure if I can call her a friend - probably more of an acquaintance. When I was serving in preschool department, she was one of the kids' mom and that's how I got to know her. Her older child graduated from preschool, but now her younger child is in the department. Well, I stopped serving in preschool so I don't have much opportunity to see her. However, she's probably one of the few parents that I know and sometime talk to outside church. She used to work at a gallery before she had children, and since I'm interested in working in that field, we have a mutual interest. About a year ago, we went on a gallery tour together with a couple of her ex-coworkers. This summer, she was also one of the sponsors who financially but also prayerfully supported me for Cambodia missions. And today, she helped me with my resume and cover letter for a gallery position that I'm interested in applying for.

I appreciate all her help and time tonight. It was past 11PM when we hung up the phone. But what I appreciated also was her prayer for me. After we had finished talking about the job application, she offered to pray for me. 99% of the time that I talk to a friend, and when they offer to pray for me, it usually means later in their own time. And it's vice versa. When I offer to pray for someone, I always pray for them later when I get home, or when I hang up if I'm on the phone. I'm very positive that I've never prayed for anyone over the phone, until last week. Mr. K and I started to spend time in prayer for each other. We have prayed for one another on our own, but we don't get to pray for each other in person that often. When we were on the phone last week, talking about praying, we thought it would be good to start that they - on the phone. I felt awkward at first, since I've never prayed over the phone before, but as he started and led, it got easier for me as well. When we met up this week, we took some time to pray for each other and other things on our prayer list, such as Mexico and Cambodia.

Anyways, back to today's story. When my friend said she'd pray for me, I thought she meant later after we hung up. But she said she'd pray now. I was surprised at her answer, but I was also thankful for her initiation and boldness. It's always good to know that someone is praying for me and that in itself is encouraging. However, it's also good to hear someone praying for me. When I hear someone pray for me, I sense that they understand me and the situation I'm in, and I'm more encouraged by it.

I used to hate praying out loud as a child. I'd always ask my mom to write a congregational prayer for me whenever it was my turn to pray on Sunday worship. Not that I love praying out loud now, but I think I became more comfortable at it and understand the importance of praying for people in front of them. As much as I find prayer encouraging, that friend will also find it encouraging too.

no.224 131210 Thank you for the prayer time

Candy canes!

While I was waiting for my mom in the car for her appointment, I had a great opportunity to pray out loud. I like praying aloud when I'm alone. It's just that there aren't that many times where I am alone at home so I would usually whisper or just pray in my head before going to bed. At first, I was singing along to my Hillsong playlist. And then it got me thinking about something, which then converted to time of prayer. As I prayed, God gave me a thanksgiving heart towards something that happened a while ago. It's something that happened years ago between my friend and I, and I always questioned why and felt bitter towards that broken relationship. He was one of my closest friends so when something bad happened to our relationship, it gave me a hard time. I would say it's mended now, at least that's what I like to think. But I recently realized that I'm actually very thankful for that experience my friend and I had. When it initially happened, I seriously couldn't believe that it had happened. And it seemed like both of us went the wrong way ever since our broken relationship. When he shared his story earlier this year, it seemed like he wasn't the only one off track during the time we didn't talk. However, when I look at where I am and where he is now, I can only praise God and be grateful for what had happened. We both grew spiritually, and I'm so proud of him on what he's doing at this very moment. During my prayer time today, I was surprised to find these words come out from my mouth. I prayed to God "it was worth all the struggles, for not only how much I have grown, but also how much my friend has grown."

There are always struggles in our life. I don't understand why it's happening and I tend to question God why such a heartbreaking, troublesome event is going on in my life. It might be hard at the moment, and I may not understand what in the world is going on. However, I know my God is sovereign and He is omniscient. As long as He knows what's going on, that's all that matters. I know I will be scared and worried about the unclear visions in my life, but I must leave everything in God's hand. Even if I go through another hardship, I know that God will be with me and He will help me get through it. I know He won't give me the problem if it's something that I can't handle it. And once I get through it with God's help, I will be one step closer to being like Jesus and I know this will put a smile on God's face.

It's totally random but I feel like sharing this song with you - "This Gift" by 98 Degrees. It's so 90s and it's so cheesy. You'll know what I mean when you watch the video. Still, it's one of my favourite Christmas songs! Enjoy:)