Facility's Evaluation!

We went and got Mom's medical records including the psych evaluation at Yang Ming Hospital. The Social Worker at the facility we visited as a possibility for Mom's Long Term Care called me and unfortunately, Mom is considered a 'high maintenance' case. I knew that! Because she's mobile but with limited vision and hearing, she can be 'independent' and yet needs a great amount of assistance to complete most tasks. They want either elderly individuals more able to function independently or those who are less active and more wheelchair bound or bedridden. I'm finding out that the in-between individuals are not what these facilities want. I guess one thing that we can do is hire a Taiwanese caretaker for the time that we are away! That's a possibility. This person must be someone we know and very trustworthy. It will be quite expensive! We will continue to pray and seek the different options.

After going to the facility, Alan, Abby, and I went off and had lunch. Then we were on our way to look for a jacket for Abby when we passed this big sign "BROOKS", buy one get the second one for half price. Alan was kind enough to stop and I hopped off. Wow... I bought six pairs of shoes in under 15 minutes for 5785NT$, which is about 32US$ a pair! YIPPY! I'm 'running happy', even though I did not have time to go for a run and the weather was so nice and cool!

We got back just in time as Mom is back by 5:15. Abby went to do free tutoring and then a workout. She helps her coach with her English ability, free of charge.

After getting Mom to bed, Alan stayed home while I went off to tutor. Not for free! I need to make money for the shoes that I bought! God sustained me because I was super tired!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the verse from Wednesday's study! So encouraging!

Seek Him First!

Another Productive Day!

After Mom took off, I rode down to my friend's place and picked up more stuff to sort and give away. I was planning to go to Costco, but I asked Alan to do that instead. He had a meeting, but after his meeting, he went. Unfortunately, several of the items on my list was not on the shelves: ice cream, hash browns, French fries... just to name a few!

Alan had a meeting at school, but in the morning he got the hotel booked for London! YEAH!

I had my Bible study. Abby had a basketball game and Alan went to watch. They lost by two points and Alan said that they should have won!

The Bible study was great. I baked a lemon 'creation' as the theme of our conversation starter was on celebration. So, the top of the 'pie' was stacked with roasted marshmallows and we stuck candles on it. Hilarious! It took four people to get the candles lit and we sang, Happy Birthday. The students and I had so much fun! And it was very delicious.

We also talked about Nehemiah.

With Alan going to Costco, I went for a run... it was hot and I was slow.

Alan was home to pick Mom up. I came back and she was still finishing up her dinner.

I had tutoring tonight as the counseling session was changed to tomorrow night.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Two Bible Studies... Tutoring...

After Mom went off, I started preparing for my morning Bible study. Baked turkey dish and a salad. The ladies were perfectly on time and we had a wonderful study on Psalm 51 & Psalm 32. 

When the ladies left, I cleaned up and went for a run. It was warmer than I had expected!

I rushed back, had a quick shower, and started tutoring!

And as soon as that was finished, I was doing dinner prep for Mom. A turkey sandwich!

Abby had tutoring tonight and Alan wasn't home until after 8:30 as he has his evening class on Tuesdays! But his vacation has started as he has no class on Wednesday! YIPPY!

We watched Coda last night. It won for Best Picture! PG 13. I quite enjoyed the story line!

Tonight I had my evening Bible study via Zoom. All the ladies have had a busy week! I can totally relate. We are studying the book of Proverbs. 

With the warmer weather, I decided to ride over to pick up three more bags of stuff to sort through! I won't have time tomorrow or Thursday. I will go again on Friday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

My Happy Minutes Today!

 The rain was coming down... and after Mom went off to the Center, I got dressed and went for a run! That's my happy 'place'... running in the rain. I went 11km with such joy! I got back at 11am and quickly took a shower and Abby and I had lunch.

I had prayer time at 12:30!

Then at 2:15, I took off to the friend's house to meet up with those who were coming to pick up plants, but only one person showed up. Elaine did come over and I showed her a couple of items that I thought she should keep. 

I had to rush home in the rain and I barely made it back just as the van pulled into our complex. 

Abby came home and we talked about the Oscar... We want to watch the movie, Coda! And I can't believe they made a movie about Tammy Faye!

I skipped tap dancing as Mom was again NOT sleeping, even though I gave her the 'extra' pill. She was up early this morning, talking, talking, talking!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Smooth Day...

Mom was active, but we were able to keep her from wandering around too much. She was very into our worship service!

I ran errands while Alan stayed with Mom.

And it was a cold raining day.

I translated for the speaker.

Family Time tonight!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Mission of God is to restore mankind to His image!

That was one of the main points of the talk tonight!

Here are some more main points:

Pastor James 

The Missional Church

March 27, 2022

Passages:

Luke 4:16-21

Galatians 5:1

Matthew 28:18-20

 

1. Mission is not what you do, but who you are.
2. God’s mission is creation and redemption to restore us into His image in order for us to glorify His name.
3. The three freedom we have in Christ are: freedom of choice, freedom of creation, and freedom of self-confidence.
4. We are set free to help others to be free.
5. Don’t do the ‘repentance dance’.
6. The motivation behind freedom of choice is love (and we are to be responsible for our choices). The motivation behind freedom of creation is faith (to believe that God made us not as junk). The motivation behind the freedom of self-confidence is hope (that’s why God included the book of Revelation!)
7. Restoration of God’s image is also restoration of God’s authority.

Seek Him First!

 

Soochow School Anniversary, Marriage Builders & More...

The day flew by... Mom was up early. Alan was at Soochow School Anniversary and Abby was working as a statistician for some local basketball competition. She was going to be running in her departmental relay race, but it was cancelled due to the rain. 

I tried to go see one of the possible long term facilities, but the drive was too congested as it was along the same path as those who went to clean graves. Yes, April 5th is the Tomb Sweeping Holiday and people go early to clean their family gravesite. 

Abby was home at 3pm, so she stayed with Mom while I went for a run. I successfully completed 11km. I taped up my ankle!

We had our Marriage Builders tonight and Robert and Ariel were the only couple, which was actually perfect. Abby watched their kids and we had a 'double date'. I made turkey with gravy and potatoes and a huge salad. Alan wasn't hungry. We had a splendid time!

After they left, Abby had tutoring and I went over to pick up three more bags of stuff to sort! Wow... all the antique gadgets that I found! I also put together a tool box and a sewing kit. I will work on a first aid kit and a collection of stationary goods. Those will be put back into the house! When the furniture gets picked up, the house will be ready for renovation. Everything should be finished by April 7th!

The rain started to pour this evening! Glad I made it back before the down pour.

Alan went to bed early. I had a chance to chat with Isaiah. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Hearing this rain, God really protected me. I went out to pick up the bags of stuff without having a rain coat as I decided to ride Alan's scooter. I can't imagine if the down pour had started while I was out there. There are so many times that we forget to thank God for all the ways He protected us. I don't want to forget His goodness!

I'm reminded of the song, Think about the Lord, Think about His goodness... 

Seek Him First!

The Day Flew By...

I was so tired this morning... I did not go for a morning run. My ankle was not feeling well and I just wanted to sleep!

Alan and Abby came back and we went out for lunch at a new place where I had bought coupons. The sandwiches were very delicious. Then we went to the Elim Bookstore to buy things for Resurrection Sunday "Celebration" for our Soochow Bible Study! I had 600NT$ to spend. So, it was perfect.

Then Abby headed home while Alan and I went to my friend's place and picked up a bag of things to sort through and I also had to take pictures of other things to give away. That's what I did while Mom ate dinner. And tonight, the arm bands worked and she went to sleep quite quickly! I did not go for a run... wahhhhh... Abby iced my ankle!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Fatih works to sustain us through desperate days! Faith holds on and prevails. 

Hope finds its strength in helplessness and calmly waits for God.

I read those sentences and they were very encouraging.

Seek Him First!

A Horrible Mess...

 While tutoring last night, Mom peed in the room -- everywhere! It took more than an hour to get everything cleaned up and put her back to bed. She was up and active all the way until 10:30!

This morning, Mom went to the Center and I went to help out a sister. Then another sister treated me to steak and lobster with cheesecake and coffee. Amazing meal!

On the way back and I was on the scooter, I got my foot jammed and twisted it... again... the same foot. I was hoping to go for a run, but did a walk instead. I went to pick up Mom on foot as our neighbor was using the car. She got there earlier than expected. So, we drove home together. Mom will go to the Center again tomorrow.

Daily Lovely Insight:

As I mentioned earlier, I was helping out a sister... Her company bought an apartment. It was left to this gal as part of her inheritance from her grandparents. I am helping to clean and give things away, so that nothing is wasted. I opened one cabinet and it was filled with old photo albums. There must have been at least 50 photo albums plus a collection of at least 100 framed photos. The relatives have all come by and no one took these photo albums or framed photos. I opened a few and saw the smiles. I stacked up the frames. How sad! There were old documents. The grandparents ran a very successful business and were most likely very well off! And most relatives were more interested in things that were 'worth' something, not these pictures. I will bag them up and they will be in landfills... 

Seek Him First!

Mom at The Center... Even for a few hours!

Yes, Mom was back at the Center and moving around a lot! They wrote and said, she wasn't listening! She is suppose to walk around with the walker, but she didn't think she needed it! She will be going again tomorrow! YEAH!

Amy, the helper, came over for four hours and did a fabulous job of cleaning. She did all the ceiling fans. 

The Bible study had four more new students... and that room was so packed. I'm glad I baked a large pan of banana bread. It was all gone! I got home and soon it was time to pick Mom up. I wanted to take a nap... 

I had tutoring this evening... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

We looked at having a mission, using Nehemiah as the example! God helped him to finish the task, even with all the oppositions. 

Seek Him First!

Dentist & Day Care Evaluation!

 Mom had her teeth cleaned... and then was re-evaluated at the day care center... she passed... at least for a trial period this week. She passed meaning she was mobile enough without needing assistance. So tomorrow, five hours... Thursday, eight hours and Friday, eight hours... I have to drop her off and pick her up. And then we will see about next week!

Abby was home, so I again had a run. My legs didn't want to move even though the weather was beautiful.

I had tutoring this afternoon... then a free evening! YIPPY!

Alan was at school all day.

Abby had tutoring in the evening.

Mom said she was tired, but didn't go to sleep until 9:30. She was just blowing her nose and moving around in bed! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

It was an exhausting day... I'm so glad that the Lord opened the way for Mom to go back to the Center. That's a miracle. She was at that long term care place for 11 days and I went there 8 times. And it has taken 11 days to get her back to 'normal'. I can understand why the place 'drugged' her... they would have been exhausted trying to keep up with her. The places that accept more active individuals have a smaller ratio... maybe 1-3; whereas the places that take less active individuals have a 1:7 ratio. Those places with bed-ridden elderly individuals charge less and are more likely to have an available bed with less of a waiting list. These are all the things I've learned. I try not to worry about how I'll be able to take a month to go to Europe. Where will Mom be staying? Who will be taking care of her? I know that God has His hands in all these details!

Seek Him First!

Back to 'Active Mom'

Yes, Mom is back to 'normal'. She is walking well... and always has an appetite. Trying to keep her occupy was quite a task. She would say she wants to rest and in less than 5 minutes, she was up and walking. Yes, she was driving Abby and I crazy.

With Abby home, I had time to go for a quick run and also went to Costco.

This evening I had my tap class.

I did have time to do a load of laundry but not much else. Mom was way too active. 

Alan was at school. Abby had just two hours of class. And it is always nice to hear from Isaiah! His vacation has started and he is planning for a week-long trip to Spain.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Reading Psalm 23 this morning... 

David was a shepherd. 

Moses was a shepherd. 

Jacob was a shepherd. 

Joseph was a shepherd. 

Seek Him First!

Strange Sunday!

Mom was up at 4am, yelling out all of our names... and this went on for about 3 hours! Alan had to get up to close the window and then the door... We thought she'd stop, but she only got louder. Abby didn't hear a thing because she had her fan on. We were afraid that she was going to wake up the neighbors.

After my quiet time, I got her up and showered and she had her breakfast. I thought she was going to be active all morning, but she went back to bed and really slept! I also took a nap.

We went off to church at 2:10 and helped set up. Mom enjoyed the service.

Tonight: Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Summary of today's sermon based on John 4:39-42:

"For we have heard for ourselves"

1. Is your faith first hand?
2. Second-hand faith breeds callousness.
3. Without a first hand faith it is easy to dropout.
4. Ask Jesus to tarry a few days longer. He's willing.
5. Believe and know are two different things.
6. Have you heard for yourself?
7. Faith is when you don't have a perfect picture and yet you choose to believe.

Seek Him First!

Again at the Hospital...

Yes, Mom had another appointment... to look at her psych evaluation report and the doctor can prescribe the right kind of medication to balance Mom. I don't like 'drugging' her, but at least she won't be getting up at night!

I rushed home as we had a luncheon appointment and I was to bring a salad. Abby walked Mom over as she was babysitting the kids and Mom. Alan and I rode the scooter over and got there right at 12:30. We had Costco avocado rolls, Chinese cold noodles, salad, and roasted chicken. So good... It was a fun time.

I had promised Abby that I'd be home before 3:30 to 'relieve' her. And I ran home. It was hot, but a short run. I tidied up our friend's house and walked Mom home! She listened to the ancient Chinese poems and now has three memorized.

I took a shower and fixed Mom's dinner. 

When she went to bed, I rested... 

Abby had tutoring at 8pm and then we watched a movie.

Isaiah went to Birmingham as he won the drawing for a ticket to the international badminton tournament and the best player is there playing! He also had to drop off his computer... it needs a battery replacement, which isn't cheap in the UK, but what can we do... 

I was to have another psych evaluation next Thursday, but I will postpone that to 3/31. Alan and Abby will  have their spring break from 3/31 to 4/6. So we can go together. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

A new pair of shoes... So, today, we go over to our friend's house and outside their door was their recycling trash. Inside the box was a pair of nice slip on shoes. I'm picked them up, and they are my size. Very comfortable... and I have been wanting a pair of slip on shoes as the ones I have are so ready to be thrown out. But I didn't want to part with them. My friends said, "Go ahead and take them. They don't fit me well." I got home, put in my shoe inserts and PERFECT! If we didn't go over today, I would have never seen those shoes. If she didn't decide to toss them in the recycling, she would have never known that I wanted a pair of slip-ons. These are not coincidences... these are ways that God works in the details. 

God always provides. 

So, I will trust Him to provide the plane ticket and a place for my Mom.

Seek Him First!

Bad News...

Alan has been checking the flights... and it's not good. The cost has gone up and the Singapore Airlines flight to London is GONE! WAHHHH... that was only 837US$, now NO MORE! I should have bought even when I wasn't sure what would happen with Mom.

Speaking of Mom, she was driving us crazy today... Definitely more active and constantly wanting to eat. She kept going to sit at the dining room table and requesting us to feed her! She didn't want to watch Little House, but I did get her to listen to ancient Chinese poems for about 40 minutes!

I had time to go for a run as Alan and Abby were home! So grateful!

Alan had his early morning discipleship group and then went to school as one of the senior classes was going to get their pictures done.

Abby had a free morning... and she went to tutor at 3:00 and then went and joined friends for dinner at a very famous hot pot restaurant. Her phone is fixed.

And I worked at calling different places to see if there is a better long term care place for her. I will take her for another psych evaluation next Thursday and maybe they will have a bed for her. I called another Christian place... Mom is number 13 on their waiting list. I would still like to travel this summer... WHEN we find a suitable place, then I'll be able to hop on that plane! Pray for a suitable plane ticket!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Power of Stillness

Stillness ceases from "self", which is a temporary means to solve a problem through our limited view, wisdom, and ability. Stillness lets God provide the answer through His unfailing faithful love.

This is my summary of what I read today in my daily devotional. 

I like solitude and stillness. They do so much for my spirit. The devotional was from Mark 15:3, how Jesus remained silent and answered nothing. 

I thought it was a beautiful meditation during this season of Lent!

Seek Him First!

Psych Evaluation

It was another early morning... 

I took Mom to the hospital to get her psych evaluation. The last one was four years ago. There is some decline, but the doctor said that with her going to the day care center, she thinks it really helped! I agree! Four years ago, she got 12/20. This time, 11/20. Not bad!

Then we both got a 30 minute blind massage... but it wasn't very relaxing for me because I had to keep an eye on Mom. She wasn't cooperating. I was talking to the people there, and it turned out that there is a nice eating area down in B1 of the hospital. So we had our lunch there. Water dumplings and cream of corn soup. So delicious. There are a few stalls as well... I will have to go again.

I thought since it was only 11:45, and Mom seemed energetic, we went to Costco! It was quite crowded! I couldn't push the wheelchair and a cart, so I hooked a huge bag on the wheelchair and did my shopping that way. After checking out, one of the cashiers called someone to help me to the car! NICE!

I got home and before putting the groceries away, I got Mom to lay down in bed, thinking she was tired. With everything put away, I laid down and then I heard the sink water on. MOM WAS UP! WHAT??? So, I didn't have a nap! 

Abby came home. Bless her! She hung out with Mom while I went for a run. Before heading out, I put a load of laundry in. Yes, laundry has increased but not as bad as before.

Abby went to her basketball practice. Mom had dinner and went to bed.

I went to Carrefour to buy soy bean milk and found quite a lot of "Manager's Special" items. I should have brought my little trolley as carrying everything was quite heavy. Alan was at an overseers' meeting which started with a BBQ dinner. And they had steak!

I tried to book an appointment for our annual family portrait. Hopefully, we can do it on April 1st.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Oh... Happy St. Patrick's Day!

“Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.” 

― Saint Patrick

“Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.” 

― St. Patrick

Seek Him First!

Did Not Pass...

When we went down to the car, the mechanical car rotation device broke down. I couldn't 'call' the car up! I had to ask them to get a cab for us. We got there 15 minutes late. Mom did not pass their evaluation. I will bring her next week to try again! I took a cab back home!

But almost right after we got home, Mom started walking on her own. Why didn't she do that earlier when we were at the Center???

I started back with my Soochow Bible Study. I have four new students.

I came home and Amy was here to help clean.

I went for a run and it was too hot. My legs and my whole body felt like cement! Amy left. My student needed help. And I had tutoring this evening, plus praying with a gal. It was a long day!

Tomorrow, Mom has her psych evaluation!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lots Going On...

I cooked a quiche for my morning Bible study. The ladies also brought different things. What a treat! We finished Psalm 91 and will be moving on to Psalm 51 & 32!

Mom is getting very mobile... Even when she's in the wheelchair, she'll use her feet to move around. So, I have to put chairs around to prevent her from going all around the house! She did take a short nap and so did I. 

Alan and Abby were back by around 10:30 and Alan went off to school and Abby had practice. After the morning study, I cleaned up and finished the 'homework' for my evening study. I couldn't believe I was so behind!

Abby didn't have tutoring this evening, so she was home with Mom.

I went to pick up things and had my evening study.

I wanted to go for a run, but because I took a nap and I didn't want to leave Mom home alone (not knowing if she would have an energy surge and get up or something). Plus with the weather getting warmer, I'm not as excited about running outside... I will go tomorrow! Maybe early in the morning... when it is cooler!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 91:15

What a beautiful promise from God!

Seek Him First!

A Hectic Day!

Yes, it was a hectic day... trying to get my mom back on track... 

Mom needs assistance... which is good and bad... She can't remove her diapers... she can't get out of bed without assistance... So she is not wandering around the room or flushing the toilet... She needs constant supervision when she's in the shower. I'm feeding her less so I think her weight is returning to 'normal'. The bad part is that she can't go back to the Day Care Center unless she can be out of the wheelchair. I had a long talk with the Center. I will take Mom over there on Wednesday and get her evaluated. If they deem her 'manageable', they will let her go back. Please pray that God would let me have favor with the social workers there. On Thursday, Mom will go for the psych re-evaluation. Without medication, she's getting more 'active' again at night. I will have to see what is a good mix of medication.

Elaine came over at 3pm and we had time to catch up and pray together.

Tonight I had my Tap Dancing class, but I had to come home earlier as Alan and Abby went over to Linkou to help out a dear friend. Her husband has to get an operation and someone has to be with their kids.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I realize that God uses Catch 22 situations to bring about the miraculous. Joseph had to be sold into slavery in order to help the Israelites during the time of the long famine. Jesus had to go through the cross in order to reconcile us to a rightful relationship with God. So, during this time of a Catch 22 situation regarding my Mom, I am confident that God will bring His perfect will to be done!

Seek Him First!

 

Sharing at Glory English Ministry... then to House of Praise!

In the morning I shared from Psalm 91. Mom stayed home with Alan and Abby. They went to the park!

Then in the afternoon we were at House of Praise. Abby led the worship time and James spoke... on Who Gave Him Food?

It was a full-filling day... No tutoring... No Family Time... After Mom went to bed, I went for a walk!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are the highlights from Pastor James' message:

Who Gave Him Food?

 

1. Outline for today’s sermon: The Power of the Unspoken Word, The Nature of A Transferred Life, The Disparity in Perceived Priority, & The Often Displaced Opportunity
2. True passion comes with knowledge or else one will live a life with passion for nothing.
3. Leaving the water jar is like leaving your iPhone 13.
4. So often we can’t think outside of our own motivation and perspective.
5. We often ask God, why can’t I just move forward, why not now, why… 
6. God has a different purpose with a different core orientation.
7. Where is your passion? Are we moving from “GOOD” to GREAT? Don’t miss the opportunities for the greatest!

My message from Psalm 91:

God Most High/Almighty -- there is no one higher... He is our refuge, our shelter, our shield, our buckler, our fortress, our salvation... the One who rescues, who protects... from harms and trails... We are safe as we dwell and abide close to Him! 

Seek Him First!

Getting Use to Things...

Giving Mom a shower was an ordeal. She is way too heavy!

I slipped and God is healing me.

I walked Mom around as much as possible. The next thing is to get her to walk more independently. The good thing is that she can't get up on her own! She needs assistance.

I did go for a run, but it was way too hot... I only went 10k. 

I didn't have time for much else as I went this morning to get Mom to get a psych evaluation and maybe I can qualify for more assistance. But the evaluation can't be done on Saturday, so I made an appointment for Thursday! That took the whole morning!

In the evening, we had a short family time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God uses strong winds like His breath to go great things... I don't need to be afraid of the windy storm... maybe God is bringing the quail... maybe God is pulling back the Red Sea... maybe God is just waiting for me to invite Him to speak -- BE STILL... 

It was a difficult day... but God used it to speak to me about His Almighty Presence!

Seek Him First!

Another Day in Ilan... Mom Is Back...

It was a long day... We left early... and I had a long talk with the director. He can't really help Mom... so we decided that it is mutually beneficial for Mom to return home with us. But it is going to be exhausting as she is going to need a lot of assistance.

After we got back, I madly try to put everything away! We brought back four huge bags of things plus diapers!

Mom had dinner and I put her to bed.

We will see what to do this weekend as I have a lot to do, and no help available. Abby will be home on Sunday, so that will work. And we will have to drive to church on Sunday and see how Mom does!

Please pray... I know God is going to work... Next week's schedule is packed too... Amy, the helper, can come on Monday afternoon, but I have Bible study on Tuesday morning and evening and tutoring in between the two studies. My Soochow Study starts on Wednesday and Abby has class all day. Alan has a meeting at school, so again no one to care for Mom! So... it's going to be very interesting how the LORD is going to work out the schedule for this week! It is all unexpected to me, but not to Jesus!

I had to tutor tonight... It was fun as we were working on George Orwell's novel, 1984!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The verse from Matthew 6:34 has been on my mind a lot late!

God's word always speaks to my heart!

Seek Him First!

Another Day in Ilan!

I left by 8am and got to Ilan by 9am. Mom was having her shower. And I don't think they gave her that 'extra' pill, which I can't prove because I went to the local hospital and asked. No can do... the blood tests are all for 'illegal substance', not for particular prescription drugs.

I took Mom to the breakfast shop across the street and she had an appetite. Then I walked her around, trying to get her leg strength back. She is still very weak! She didn't have her lunch nap as I kept her busy. So, I am pretty sure she will sleep. Without the extra pills, she wanted to 'go home'. I don't think she likes it there! She didn't like Daoshen either.

I drove back and got home at 4:30! The traffic was a bit more congested! 

I finished my talk and the ppt and sent those off.

Alan had class and basketball and the same with Abby, although she has a very easy schedule this semester. 

In the evening after a little rest, I drove down to the DaAn area to pick up more stuff to give away. I could have gone earlier, but the traffic between 4-7pm is just bad around Taipei. 

And yes, it's not my ankle but the side of my foot that I 'twisted'. It's still painful... So, no running... I didn't even walk much!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God's methods are infinite in their variety, but His goal is always the same: to bring about victory in such a way that there can only be one explanation -- GOD DID IT!

I sure do need a GOD-LED VICTORY right about now!

Seek Him First!

A Long Run... A Twisted Ankle...

Well... I am sure that the facility is giving my Mom drugs to keep her sedated and asleep! I have to go again tomorrow to get proof. I will get Mom to have a blood test!

It was a hot day... and I went out for a run in the afternoon. I went for 15k and it was hot. So, as I was nearing home, I miss calculated the sidewalk and twisted my ankle at a turn. I'm praying for healing even as I type this post. Abby, the nurse, is forcing me to ice it.

For dinner, we had dear friends, the Spence, over. They first met around our dining room table some 14 years ago... and now they have two kids and are heading back to the States. What a delightful evening! I made turkey, potatoes, corn, salad, and dinner rolls. I even made a homemade salad dressing. Everything turned out so good!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am preparing for my Psalm 91 talk for this coming Sunday. I love how so many harms and trials are listed. It comforts me to know that God has everything COVERED. I can indeed rest under His care!

Seek Him First!

Went to Ilan AGAIN!

Yes, I was planning to go on Thursday, but today is Annie's birthday! So, I wanted to surprise her.

I got there at around 10:30 and Mom was already eating lunch!

I connected the iPad and my data... I don't have a lot of data, so the connection wasn't exactly great. But at least Annie got to see Mom... Annie said it was the best birthday present!

I cut Mom's toe nails and hair. It turned out really nice. Then I changed her into a nice outfit. It was so nice to see her dressed properly! 

By the time I left, she was back in bed. It was around 1:30. The Facility assured me that they are not giving her any sedatives. But she sleeps now from 6:00 to 6:00, then takes another 2-3 hour nap! What is going on???

Yes, we will for sure go on Friday... and I might go again on Thursday. I have to get my Sunday message finished! Pray for insights!

I got home and the weather was quite warm. I went out for a short run. I had a short run yesterday... Maybe I'll get a longer run in tomorrow. I don't plan to go to Ilan tomorrow!

I tutored from 4-5 and I was to have our Tuesday evening Bible study, but two gals messaged and so we postponed. We will have our study next Tuesday!

That worked out well as I had time to work on my talk! I also did a load of wash and started to cook for our guests who will be coming over tomorrow. I have the menu planned already.

We have heard from Mom Bea. She has moved to Alden's and there is much to get done!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today was the first time I went to see Mom and didn't cry! But on the way down our parking garage, I scratched the back door of our car along the wall of our garage at this one place where the turn is a bit sharp. That told me: my mind was elsewhere! I've lived in this complex for the past almost 19 years. I have always been very careful around that turn. But today, honestly, I don't know if I was too tired or just thinking about something else... and YIKES! It was bad enough that you can see the dent! At least the garage wall had a protective plastic piece, which I squashed! But the damage is done! I guess maybe I will have to get the whole car repainted at the end of this year. 

My mind was thinking about Psalm 91... The foundation of this beautiful psalm is a vital abiding relationship with our GOD MOST HIGH! And even in the midst of difficulties, I know HE HOLDS ON TO ME!

Seek Him First!

Rainy Day... Another Day in Ilan!

I had planned to go to Ilan and the LORD surprised me as our neighbor and sister in Christ offered to join me! It was raining here, so I wanted someone to go with me... Difficult to see in the rain!

But when we arrived in Ilan, NO RAIN!

I wanted to go on a main road instead of trying to wind through rice paddy roads. With Ariel there, she helped to give directions. It was an easy drive!

But it was difficult to see Mom. She had no energy at all! We tried to get her to stand up and interact with her! We used the CD player. Ariel massaged her feet with different oils. And we left at around 2pm and got home just in time for her to pick up her kids! I will go again on Thursday!

I dropped off more diapers and will bring more on Thursday! I will also go on Friday. I tried to pick up the medication, but they are not ready until Friday morning. Mom has a dentist appointment on Friday! 

I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for my Sunday message and tap dancing started this evening!

I hope to go for a run tomorrow and finish my talk notes by 4pm! I have tutoring and maybe Bible study!

Daily Lovely Insight:

A poem by B.J. Hoff

Lord, let me live one day at a time... my choices determined by Your will, my path illumined by Your light, my faith grounded in Your truth, my heart set on eternity!

Seek Him First!

Pastoral Couple "Installed"

I was up early... and got a lot done before church.

I had to buy more diapers which I will drop off tomorrow.

At church, another sister told me about her father... two weeks in the nursing home and he also lost the ability to walk or stand up. They decided to bring him home and now are looking for a full time helper. BUT, they might have to find someone 'illegal'... I can't do that as I cannot leave the country if I have a full time helper here! I have no idea what to do... But I know God has all this figured out already!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Isaiah 42:1-13

BEHOLD! Today we walked out to LOOK with God's heart around the area where God has planted us. And Abby and I noticed many things: 

Store names: UWOOD, iDO, House in the City, Love without Borders-Forming Unlimited Dreams

And we noticed NO CHURCHES ANYWHERE NEARBY. In our old place, there were four churches within a radius of one kilometer.

And we formally introduced James and Helen You as the pastoral couple after the service today! 

Exciting Time... James shared that THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT GOD WAS DOING! And that's the best. When we don't know, we lean more on God in trust and faith!

That was very encouraging to me because I have no idea what is going to happen with my mom at this new place. How can I get them to do better in their care? Be more personal and truly help her to gain her strength? They don't want elderly individuals who can walk. It's more work for them. It seems this is a prevalent situation! I will try to call and see if there is a better place, closer, that has a bed. 

Seek Him First!

Ilan Again... What A Long Day...

It was a long day... I got up early... and Abby was out as she was going to be one of the statistician for a whole day tournament. The pay is lousy... But she had said yes... 

Alan went to play tennis. I went for a quick run... I was hoping to go for a long one, but because Alan said he would be willing to drive, we wanted to head out to Ilan.

But the list of things to do before Ilan was long!

I had to pick up the health report, pick up Mom's clothes from Daoshen, drop off Abby's cell phone (which she left last night at the movie theater), and then head to Ilan!

We got there at 2:45 and Mom was up from her nap. BUT the 'morning nurse', who didn't know me, said that the government's covid rule is that I cannot take Mom out until 3/7. We were planning to take her out and walk around and go to dinner together! So, we walked her around the parking lot... and then I pushed her to the nearby library. I tried to call my siblings, but only James was around. I brought her back in and we sat together as she ate her dinner. I will go again on Monday or Tuesday and hopefully, I will take her to walk again at the library!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I appreciate so many people praying for me... it has not been an easy time... it's not easy seeing my mom getting old... and now, really declining... in one sense, I think the LORD answered my prayer... I said, either heal her mentally or take away some of her physical strength... and now, this is what it is like to see my mom without physical strength. I can only say, it is weird... and be careful for what you pray for!

Seek Him First!

Museum of Innovative Failures!

Failure is the mother of success... 

Dr. Samuel West, a psychologist, is the founder of this museum. And it is filled with innovative failures. It really was quite interesting as major companies spent major bucks to make major failures!

We had lunch first and then walked around the museum. 

We went to mail a package to Isaiah and then headed to Costco! It was packed in there. Abby had tutoring at 5pm and Alan and I came home. I put everything away and started to edit and prep my message.

Alan and Abby went to watch the new Batman movie with friends. It's a long one... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

"Sin is exalting oneself against the Creator, withholding the homage due to Him, and putting oneself in His place as the ultimate standard of reference in all life's decisions." J. I. Packer, God's Words

Seek Him First!

God Guidance System!

I drove to Ilan by myself... and I got there safely!

But it was difficult to see Mom... She was taking her nap when I got there. I was hoping to get there earlier, but the whole of Taiwan had a blackout for about 75 minutes! I couldn't get my car 'up' as it needs electricity to get the mechanism working. 

I finally left at 11:15 and I got there just before 12:30. She was already in bed... for her afternoon nap!

I used the time to decorate and organize her stuff. I was finished and she was still sleeping.

I got her up at 2pm and we went for a long walk. Actually, I pushed her in the wheelchair. I tried to ask her questions and get her to sing! She wasn't too interactive, but we were able to chat. I tried to reach my siblings, but no one was around. I got her back before dinner and I had to leave as I didn't want to drive in the dark!

God did it... I got on the freeway and arrived home at around 6:11! The traffic wasn't too bad and it wasn't too dark. 

I want to go again tomorrow... but I can't... so for sure I will go again next week on Friday as I got her a dental appointment. But I will see if I have time to go on my own. The director has not scheduled the psych evaluation. And I hope he gets her to do more physical exercises on a daily basis and mental activity as well. 

I put her hearing aids on and in one afternoon, she broke one of them. She detached the earbuds. I will see if I can get them fixed! I also have to pick up her health report and drop that off plus her medicine. So, it looks like March will be quite busy! I will be driving a lot... which is a big breakthrough for me. 

Since I was gone the whole day, I didn't have time to finish my talk notes or edit... Things are a bit behind. And even though the weather was so nice this evening, I didn't want to go out for a run... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

As I'm preparing for the prayer walk and a talk, I've been reading several things. One was about the book, 1,000 miles of miracles by Alfred Glover, a British missionary who served under the China Inland Missionary Society started by Hudson Taylor. You can get the entire book for free on a PDF file. During their flight to safety, they read Psalm 91 every day and God surely did protect them from harm! He lost his wife and one daughter before the flight when the Boxer Rebellion started in ShanXi. What an amazing testimony of God's constant presence. It was very encouraging for me as I know God sings over my Mom's bed every night! He is with her always... and He loves her more than I can ever love her! When I went there today, I prayed for all the elderly there... I pray that they would hear God calling them by name. I pray that the Lord would hold their hands and bring comfort and rest. I pray that those who work there will serve them with dignity and care! I know whoever is reading this, you are praying, too!

Seek Him First!

New Pastoral Couple!

When Alan and I were praying this morning, we realized that both of our moms have moved. Alan's Mom moved to live with Alden and my mom is now at Evergreen Nursing Facility. At least I didn't get any phone calls from them! I will go tomorrow. I did try to get Mom a dentist appointment, but the earliest will be March 11th. She also needs another psych evaluation, which I have to be present for. That has not yet been set. Daoshen called. They have my Mom's clothes and I need to go over to pick up sometime this week!

I did go for a run and then worked on cooking and preparing for my upcoming messages. I made baked ham, mashed potatoes, a corn dish and salad. I am not finished with the prep for my talks! The Overseers and the candidate for the pastoral couple were all coming over to our house for dinner and then proceeding with the signing of the contract. And yes, HOP has a new pastoral couple! Another new development in this season of 2022! God seems to be doing many new things this year!

Alan did buy the plane ticket for Abby! Annie paid for her ticket from London to LAX!

I still have to buy my ticket! I think I'll be going to London from August 25th to September 25th. We will see. How to afford a month away??? 

Daily Lovely Insight:

When following God, understanding His will can wait, but obedience cannot! We need to obey before we fully understand His way. Like the parting of the Red Sea, instead of analyzing its possibilities, the Israelites obeyed. The same thing happened in crossing the Jordan River! It is essential to OBEY instead of questioning God's way or asking God to let you know all the 'whys'. Too many people are stagnant because they are all standing by the "Jordan River" or on the other side of Jericho Wall, questioning God's methods, instead of following God with a devoted heart of obedience!

Seek Him First!

Not A Restful Day!

It was difficult to sleep last night... thinking and praying that Mom was doing well at the new place...

I lined the facility early and Mom had a good night... but then during the day, she was not doing well... there was no program... and they made her take a nap, meaning they actually have the habit of having everyone in bed for a nap! My mom was not tired! She tried to get out of bed on her own! And she is too active for them! I had to talk to the nurses and the director! He didn't get her into the day care program but he will try to do that tomorrow. Please pray during this 'adjustment period'. He will also order a psych evaluation, which I will have to be present. He will try to set the appointment up based on my available time! I also want to make an appointment for Mom to have her teeth cleaned at a dentist near the facility. I did not have time to set that up. I also realized that some of her outfits are still at Daoshen. So, I have to call them and ask what happened!

I cooked and had our Bible study this morning... then tutoring in the afternoon. I also went to transfer money for the facility and mail a package to Eddie. Then, I had to put in the prescription for Mom's meds. Hopefully, I will get the report for Mom's physical check up (I don't even remember what's her blood type!) and the meds by next Monday and go again next week to drop things off.

The plan is I will go this Thursday. I was going to have a meeting with the day care center, but I had a long conversation with them. They will keep my Mom's space open for two months! What a miracle! If things don't work out, I can bring my Mom back home and she can go back to the day care center! Please pray! The people at the day care center are so nice to me! They also recommended another place in Beitou which I called and they do have an available bed. It's way more expensive! It is run by Christians, but Mom might not fit in to their program. It's assisted living and Mom's dementia might be too advanced for their program! I cannot even visit. They are being extra cautious and will not receive any new applicants nor visitors. The earliest that they might open up is the end of April. 

I am preparing my talk notes for the prayer walk on March 6th and my sharing on March 13th. I don't think I can do more for this month... especially since I might have to go to Ilan or call the facility more often during this adjustment period! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

In the midst of all this, Deut. 30:20 encouraged my heart! God is the key to my life. I need to remember to focus on the things above... "And this too shall pass..." I think I am stressed as I don't even want to go for a run... That's not me... 

Seek Him First!