A Much Needed "Sabbath"

What a SPLENDID day!

Yes, I got up early and went out for a steamy 10k run!

And when I got Mom up, I figured out what she was doing. So, I tightened her right hand restrainer. She almost got her diaper off AGAIN! She is very naughty!

After she went off, I used the morning to rest and read! Did not touch my cell phone or gadgets... Wonderfully refreshing!

Alan went off to his office for the last time... He wanted to take some pictures! Isaiah was at work. I had the house all to myself!

I snacked and had my coffee. Whenever I felt tired, I just napped! At 3:30, I HAD to head out! I rode the bike to the scooter shop. They got my scooter back and it will cost 2000 to fix, that's in addition to the 1000 I paid for a new battery! It will be ready tomorrow afternoon! 

I went to WGE and had my 20 minutes. Then I went to a fried goods shop. I had a coupon and order fries and Chinese fried stuff. YUMMY! I came home and feasted before Mom got back! Fries with mayonnaise! What a treat! And did I mention... with the AC on?!?!?!?!

Mom was home and I had dinner ready! I do that before I started my Sabbath!

This evening I had my Bible study at 8:30. I was able to stay up because of the refreshing rest I had today! Thank you Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The more I read Ezekiel, the more powerful this book becomes... 

Seek Him First!

Super Splendid Last MOE Day!

Don't ge the wrong... I'm sad to be leaving my students... I love teaching... 

The day started the usual way... getting up early and going out for a run and yes, it was hot! I am so looking forward to cooler days... perhaps in another month!

I made dinner and did a load of wash and got Mom up.

Alan was back by 8:10, so I rode his scooter to work. I was at the office by 9:00!

I had an article to edit. And I thought I'd have a free day to delete photos from my phone... but actually, I had no free time. Students came to say good bye and dropped off gifts! Annie, too bad you're not here. I got the most splendid famous pineapple cakes! Several boxes of different brands. I will be enjoying them... 

I went down to Room 313 and chatted with them!

At 3pm, David, my old colleague, came by and stayed until 6pm, when I left the office! WOW... But even for those three hours, the Deputy Minister came by and gave me a gift. Our supervisor came by and gave me a gift and made a DVD of my time at the MOE for me! WOW... I was so surprised. They did enjoy my desserts and will miss that. So, I promised that I'll come by sometimes and drop off a dessert for them! And yes, I made fruit cake and it was completely gone!

I was going to stop by at WGE but I had so much stuff on my scooter that I decided to just come home. I was also hoping to chat with Abby, but she was too tired. So maybe tomorrow night... 

I got Mom off to bed, put away everything and went to bed by 9:30. 

It wasn't easy to say goodbye to those at the MOE, but I promised them that if my current situation changes, I will be back!

Overall, it was a splendid day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

When people called Jesus, Rabbi, they were referring to him as their teacher! And he was definitely someone who touched the lives of others. And perhaps, that's one reason why I love to teach!

Seek Him First!

Splendid Double Study Tuesday!

I was up and able to be out by 4:57! It was still hot... but I was back by 6:07!

I took a shower and started to prepare the meal for my Bible study gals! Then I got Mom up and out. She was so energetic last night! I will have to secure the hand braces a bit better tonight! I won't describe what I saw when I went into her room!

I went out and bought more romaine lettuce and drinks and stopped at WGE for 20 minutes. I was home and the gals were already here! Alan was home, so that was great.

We had only six gals. One gal will be dropping out since she found a full time job. Two other gals have kids and school has not started. So, they had to be home with the kids. One more gal had a meeting at work, so she couldn't come! We will have our study again next week. So, they all should be able to attend. School starts back tomorrow!

After they left and I got the kitchen cleaned up, I baked for MOE. Yes, tomorrow will be my last day! I made a kind of 'fruit cake'. It sure smells good! I blended up fruit and added raisins and a dash of maple flavoring and lots of brown sugar! Maybe Alan or Isaiah will try a piece tonight!

I then took a short nap before Mom got home as I had Bible study this evening! Since I'm getting up so early, by 9pm, I fade! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

For the woman at the well to have had five husbands, was that a reference to the Israelites when they were resettled in Samaria as they worshipped the LORD and also other gods? Supposedly, there were five different gods mentioned in II Kings 17:24-41! 

Seek Him First!

Splendid Monday...

Can I just keep using to describe each day of this week? It is the last few days of August! Splendid!

Before I go into talking about my day, I have been thinking, praying and researching about possible runs! Insane! I know! What led me to this is that my Tuesday evening Bible study gals were talking about having an outing to Jiaoxi. One of the gals found a marathon run and sent the link in our group. She proposed a schedule. They will hike starting at 9am and I can do the run starting at 6am. I'm like... how SPLENDID! The run is on a Saturday. The only hesitation is... yes you got it -- the care of my mom! I'd have to stay overnight as the run is about an hour and a half drive from Taipei! That run is on December 2nd. So... I thought... hey, I wonder if I can do another run on a Saturday also in December... I found nothing. But... there's a longer run on January 6th, also on a Saturday. It's an ultra... up and down YangMing Mountain. Very scenic run, 63k. It's actually 63.4k. (If it was 63.3k, I would have signed up immediately!) I have until 9/30 to decide. January 6th is doable as that's only a 20 minute scooter ride from our house and that starts at 5:30! Alan can help get my mom up and I should be home by 3pm!

OK... back to my day.

I was up early and made it out for my run by 5:03! Tomorrow, I'm going for 5:00! It was very hot even that early in the morning! I think that's going to be the situation for the next few weeks! The temperature isn't going down! I was back and after a shower, I sat and started working on my three talks for September. Here's the schedule:

September 16 -- Discipleship Training

September 17 -- Prayer Walk

September 24 -- The Two Unnamed Women from John 4 & John 8

And for the last three months of 2023, I will only be speaking once a month! Next year's schedule has not come out yet!

I got Mom up and out and sat back down. Then I got a message from my afternoon student -- she had to cancel. She wasn't feeling well! That gave me time to rest. And that's what I did! I took a long nap! SPLENDID!

I did go to WGE and then came home to work more on my talks. Alan was at school setting up his office. He has taken over an entire area... ha, ha, ha... 

Isaiah was at work and the company had their big 'baibai' for ghost month, but he wasn't forced to join it!

Tap starts next week... So, I had a free evening. SPLENDID! God really gave me an amazing day. Oh... Not only did my student cancel, the gal I usually pray with was out of town. So, she messaged me and asked to change to next week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Splendid Sunday!

Yes, I was up early and went to WGE and did my treadmill walk and short workout. This time, I gave myself 5 minutes in the sauna and took a shower before heading home.

I got Mom up... the sheet did not need to be changed! YIPPY!

Oatmeal and brown sugar for breakfast, fruit and snacks for lunch.

We were out the door by 2:30.

But... I saw a message about a store that was having a special sale on running items. So, I went over there and bought a pair of Saucony. I'm not sure how they will be... I'll see... They were 70US$!

I set up the snack table... Kids love the snacks I bring! And the drinks I make... 

I shared from John 4:34 today! I really think God knows Asians... My food... It is a beautiful reminder as we partake of the meals each day... Are we really making doing the will of God like food that nourishes our body in every way???

I got home and could not for the life of me recall what I said. I thought I missed all these points... But according to Alan and Isaiah, I did say those points. It was really weird, like I had an out of body experience. My body was there but someone else was speaking!

I got Mom to bed and put things away. I didn't want to sleep too late as the day will always begin very early!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Splendid Saturday!

It wasn't splendid because of the weather... I went out by 5:25 and it was already hot!

It was splendid because after I got back, I went out on my scooter and got the errands done before I got Mom up!

I cut Mom's hair before she got her shower. She had oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar for breakfast!

I did a load and changed her sheet. Then I proceeded to clean out the back balcony and turned on the AC in the living room. This way, I can sit in the living room every so often to cool off! 

Mom had a sandwich and chips for lunch and then fruit for her 3pm snack. The helper came! I instructed her on things and I went to get Mom's meds refilled! Well... my scooter's battery died. I had to push the scooter for about 1.5km in the heat!

Alan and Isaiah went and had a massage.

After that was done, and the guy couldn't use my MasterCard, so he took only 500NT$ and I'll go back on Monday to give him the other 500NT$. Nice guy! That's why I pushed it to this guy. He's my regular scooter check up guy!

I then went to Carrefour and got discounted drinks and bread. The Carrefour has a nice reading area and I brought my books. There was no one else around, so I sat down and read for almost two hours! With AC! At 6:05, I went and got fruit and went to the dumpling place. I ordered and waited for Alan and Isaiah. What a feast we had for only 460NT$! (That's about 15US$) And we ate super well... 

I scootered back to the mechanics and they were closed already. 

We got home and Mom was in bed! YEAH!

I hope I will get extra hours of help with the government subsidy for this coming year. Maybe 80 times for 2024! That would be so awesome. I will find out in December! Then when Alan is gone (from January 11th to February 19th), I will get help every Saturday afternoon from 3-7pm!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am trying to get to this point!

Seek Him First!

Shredding Paper!

Yes, it's Friday Date, but this morning, I got up early, went for my run, and then came home to start to get rid of more files! I got out the shredder and set things up. I pulled out about 10 files and shred old bills for about an hour and then rushed to get Mom up and out.

After she left, I continued. I shredded two huge boxes worth of stuff. And then I started on the cards and address files!

Before I could finish, we went out. It was so hot so we decided to take the car. 

We went to a mall and had Cantonese food! YUMMY!

We were home by 3pm and I continued. I FINISHED! There are more files to go through, but most of them don't have things that need shredding!

I went out to get one more wheel for this box container that I'm trying to revive, since Alan was home. I also made a quick stop to WGE.

When I got back, Alan took off. He was meeting Isaiah for evening tennis at the park.

Tonight, I had a nice quiet evening after Mom went to bed!

The weekend has started! That's means, no day care center for Mom... I'll be busy! But I did ask for help from 3-7 tomorrow! I'm using up all the hours I have with the Government! I had to 'save' them, and now that I know the schedule for the rest of the year, I can start using them up!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Much Needed PR Day!

Even though I didn't go to bed until 10:15 or so, I was up early... I am always so thankful as the Lord wakes me up each morning... 

I was out and ran my 10k. It was hot... even though it was early!

I put in a load of laundry and then took a shower. I got Mom up and ready and out.

Then I tried to get things done so that I can have my PR Day. The things included mailing letters, checking on getting small wheels for a cart, paying a few bills, and looking to see what's on special at Carrefour. 

I was back at 9:45 and Alan was back. So, we prayed together. He went to the office to finish cleaning up the last of his stuff. There was supposed to be basketball at 4pm, but no one came. So he went to the old house to drop off the last of his stuff. YEAH!

I settled myself down and read. I'm reading quite a few books... I had eaten brunch with Alan, so I was not hungry. I didn't feel sleepy... It was just nice to sit and read... 

At 4pm, just before the rain came, I went to WGE. I had to... Although I would have been happy just to sit and read more. But Mom is always very on time, coming back from the Center.

I had dinner ready for her!

This evening, I had Bible study at 8:30pm. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Last 60 MOE! (Minutes of English)

What a day... 

I was up early and ran and came home to get dinner going in the crock pot before getting Mom up.

Alan was home by 8:03, so I left for the "Office". I was there by 8:43!

I used the morning to write cards for the students! I had brought souvenirs for them. I wanted to share how life is a journey and we've spent this past year traveling together. And they'd take a souvenir as a reminder of our journey. I invited them to keep in touch with me and to consider John 3:16.

The class was so great. The topic was Current Events & Future Predictions. It was very sad to say goodbye. They all wanted me to be back. I can't believe the enthusiasm from them!

I had Office Hours and then I ate lunch! I wrote another "review email" to them, which is what I do every Wednesday! And then I had an article to edit. It was approved with my changes, so I spent the rest of the afternoon, just looking at the news and YouTube videos! YIPPY! God sustained me as I had no time to rest!

I was out of the Office by 5:46 and headed to WGE. The rain had stopped!

I was home and we had a counseling session with a couple in crisis! Alan had started with them and the dinner in the crock pot was delicious! I cleared the table, tidied things up and put Mom to bed. The counseling continued until 9pm and I drove them home as Alan had a debriefing meeting with the summer missions people! I was so exhausted, driving... But the counseling continued in the car, so that was good!

I was home by 9:45 and in bed by 10:15! I didn't even turn on my computer!

Isaiah had work and got his haircut at a new place -- the Holy Barber! He looks great!

Daily Lovely Insight:

It's amazing to think that last year at this time, I was frantically getting things ready to go to London and then to Europe! Was it only a year ago??? I looked over my journal and it was delightful to read again! I'd love to be there...Maybe in another few years...

Seek Him First!

A Paperwork Discarding Day!

Yes... that was on the job list for today!

I got up before 4am. Super happy about that! And I was out the door by 5:20. I did my usual 10k and then came home to shower. I pulled out all the paperwork that I wanted to sort through and baked. Chocolate peanut butter puff pastries for MOE tomorrow.

While those were baking, I got Mom up and ready and off!

Then the morning was spent, discarding, filing, sorting through paperwork! I also prepped my study for this coming Soochow University English Bible study. I will meet with the kids on Wednesday from 1-3 and then have tutoring at 4pm. Alan will be home to take care of Mom. Yes, no more MOE! My Bible study will start in October, but tutoring will start the second week of September!

After lunch, I took a nap as I will be off to my evening Bible study, and I expect it will be a late night. Then the rain started and I went out to WGE and to make copies for the materials that I will use for the Bible study.

The downpour was tremendous, so I didn't go and buy soy bean milk... or shop. I decided just to come home!

Mom was home promptly at 5:09 as the rain stopped.

Alan was at school all day, moving the rest of his stuff into his new cubicle and setting it up before school starts up.

Isaiah was at work all day. He had to register for a test that's on September 9th. Please do remember to pray for him.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Below is a letter written by Lizzie Atwater to her family before she and 10 others were killed during the Boxer Rebellion in Shanxi China!

Dear ones, I long for a sight of your dear faces, but I fear we
shall not meet on earth. I am preparing for the end very quietly and calmly. The Lord is wonderfully near, and He will not fail me. I was very restless and excited while there seemed
a chance of life, but God has taken away that feeling, and now I just pray for grace to meet the terrible end bravely. The pain will soon be over, and oh the sweetness of the welcome above! My little baby will go with me. I think God will give it to me in heaven and my dear mother will be so glad to see us. I cannot imagine the Savior’s welcome. Oh, that will compensate for all these days of suspense. Dear ones, live near to God and cling less closely to earth. There is no other way by which we can receive that peace from God which passeth understanding. I must keep calm and still these hours. I do not regret coming to China.

On August 15, 1900, soldiers took Atwater and ten others away from the relative safety of a nearby town and hacked them to death with their swords, tossing the bodies into a pit.

Seek Him First!

My Usual Monday!

I was up early... and out... Ran my 10k and no rain... SAD! But the Lord provided a breeze!

I was home and showered and got Mom up and out.

Then it was time to just sit and work on my next few talks. Here's a list:

8/27 -- My food is to do the will of him who sent me... John 4:34

9/16 -- Discipleship Training -- Transparency and Accountability

9/17 -- The Two Unnamed Women in John -- John 4 & John 8 (The Samaritan Woman and the Adulterous Woman)

10/22 -- The Two Named Women in John (I haven't decided to do Mary & Mary or Martha & Mary)

Now, I speak once in November and one more time in December! 

I got quite a bit done and ate lunch. I left at 12:30 for a quick workout and then bought bananas before I had to tutor at 2pm. I went at 1:45 as I had to leave by 3:10. Elaine was coming over to my house at 3:30. I got home right at 3:30 and saw Alan on the first floor packing up the boxes. WOW... 

Elaine came at 3:45.

Mom was home promptly at 5:09. I had dinner ready.

Elaine and I prayed and she left at 7pm

I didn't get Mom to bed until 7:45.

Then it was time to do another load, a small load, as she peed in her pants at the Day Care Center, plus the sheet from Sunday morning and all the clothes. I poured Downey, but the smell is getting bad!

I also had to go down to write the address on the boxes and to stuff more stuff! The boxes will be picked up tomorrow!

I was so ready to go to bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are some thoughts on the Two Unnamed Women:

Jesus alone fills our void.

Jesus is not fazed by our past.

Jesus restores us so that we can go and sin no more.

 Seek Him First!

ALAN IS HOME!

I was up early but no run... I did make a quick stop at WGE.

It was Mom care and another load of laundry. Yes, I had to change the sheet because the helper did not put the diaper on properly! She's super nice and very attentive to Mom. I will have to show her next time.

And it was pouring rain. Jenny came to pick Mom and I up. Isaiah rode his scooter. Alan came with our friends who have returned from the Philippines. In fact, his plane landed at 12:50. It was so nice to see him!

I again made a special drink for everyone. And there were snacks from the Philippines! Banana chips and Ube dessert. 

The message didn't go long, so we were home by 6pm! NICE!

Alan had dinner and then unpacked!

This week is going to be quite busy... I know... so what else is new!

Oh, when the thunderstorm started this afternoon, I wanted to be outside, running in that downpour!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Had Help Again!

I was up early and the weather was COOL... Thank you, Jesus!

I ran my 10 and again hit my weekly goal -- 61K. My goal is 60!

I started with housework and got Mom up. I scrubbed the floor and cleaned the bathrooms. And then I found a dust pan from the recycling, which was the perfect size to get things from the back balcony. Our AC units 'shed' so there are pieces that need to be swept up. And upstairs remodeled and changed their units and there were junk from that!

Mom enjoyed her meals.

At 3pm, the Helper came and so did my counseling person! We sat in the living room while Mom and the Helper were in the dining room! Marvelous! It was a new person, but she was much better! 

Counseling finished at 4:40 and I was off as I had a massage appointment at 5pm. Two hours of blissful (and painful) relaxing massage!

Isaiah had gone to play tennis with his coach from Soochow University. They had booked an indoor court, so the rain didn't affect their play!

I was back at 7:10 and the Helper was still here. NICE! I got to talk to her and she's a Christian but she's not really attending church. I invited her to come to ours! And please pray for her mom. She had a bad scooter accident and now can't walk!

The rest of the evening was very relaxing!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Endless List

Unlike yesterday, today was packed.

Ran my 10k.

And started again in another area of the study. YEAH!

Then I put a load in and got Mom up and out!

At 9:30, I talked to Abby for an hour... It was good to catch up! 

She went to bed, and I ate lunch! I then went off to mail a package and go to WGE. Again, it was only 20 minutes as I had to rush back to drive to pick up donation stuff.

Yes, the car is now packed full. I'm not moving anything out. So, this weekend, I'm arranging rides for Mom and Alan! I ordered the boxes which will be delivered on Monday and picked up on Tuesday. This guy went out of business and he has a whole warehouse of pants and skirts and sewing machines and fabric. You can't imagine how much there was! I took seven boxes of stuff!

I drove back safely even though I couldn't see out the back at all!

Tonight, I had dinner with some of my old colleagues from Ming Chuan. Isaiah had dinner with friends from the UK. I met up with them at a restaurant right in Neihu after Mom went to bed. It was nice to see them. 

Update on Alan: He is vacationing... big time! They went to a buffet luncheon place... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

John Sung was a Chinese evangelist who studied in the States. He returned to preach the Gospel in China. 

Sung was quoted as defining faith as "watching God work while on your knees".

Seek Him First!

Another PR Day!

I look forward to Thursdays, which I have set as my PR Day! 

So... I was up early and out by 5:20. I wanted to be out earlier... Oh well... Did my 10k and came home. I took a shower and got the clothes off the line and put things away. Then, it was Mom care. And I had to change the bedding... While running, I was thinking what or how I will spend the day... I wanted to put the books in our study in a better ways. And Alan had brought back these plastic folders and notebooks. Mom left and I started. By 10am, I was finished! Yeah!

I sat down and had a nice breakfast and read until 11:30. I made myself a spinach and chicken salad for lunch and took a nap! At 2pm, I read some more and finished one book. I also took the time to make Mom's dinner and swept the floor. At 4pm, just when I was going to head out to WGE, one of the individuals who wanted a bike was downstairs. So, after showing them where the bike was and how to get to the bike shop, I was on my scooter. Yes, it was another fast workout.

I was home by 4:59!

Mom was back at 5:09! 

I made pizza for Isaiah and I. And I also made these puff pastries filled with bananas, chocolate and peanut butter! He was the guinea pig. The pizza was half with spinach and half with chicken.

Update: This morning was Alan's last day of ministry. They are now headed to a small resort place for some R & R! They will be flying back on Sunday! Here is another picture:

Daily Lovely Insight: 

Seek Him First!

It's Another MOE Day!

I was up before 4am... YIPPY! And I went out at 5:07! NICE!

Finished my 10K and my shower and got Mom up.

Isaiah went to the Nanshan Office right here in Neihu, so he was able to take Mom down. Thus, I was able to leave at 8am. I stopped at WGE for 15 minutes and then as I headed to the MOE Office, the rain came down! I had to stop under a bridge to get everything covered on my scooter!

I was at the Office by 9:05! I used the morning to prep for my next few talks at House of Praise! YIPPY! And I had brought a book to read. At 12:30, I had class and then Office Hours from 2-4. I was out by 4:31 and again, barely made it home!

Mom was back and enjoyed her dinner!

Isaiah had another internal test to take, so he didn't get back until 9pm.

It was a nice relaxing evening as I didn't have tutoring and tomorrow is my PR Day! YIPPY!

Update on Alan:

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

It's A MOE Tuesday!

Yes, you read that correctly... They needed help as the Tuesday person wanted to take a vacation! So, I 'subbed' for him!

I was up early... and had my 10k run. Then it was a quick shower before getting Mom up and out. I was there by 9:10! The van didn't come until 8:30!

The day flew by. There was no lunch hour class, but I had Office Hour. And... wow... one gal lost her mom last August and her mom is a believer and so is she. So, I sat and prayed with and for her... and she was shedding many many tears! She is having a difficult time working at the MOE, but she promised her mom, because her mom used to work at a nearby bank. And they were planning to come to work together. Now, her Mom isn't here, but since she promised, she doesn't feel as if she can quit. I will continue to encourage her.

At 2:10, I scooter over to a nearby Carrefour and bought eggs and sweet potatoes. I was back by 2:40!

At 4:30, I left the office and was home just minutes before Mom was back. I only had time to put her dinner in the microwave!

While she ate, I baked. 

After she went to bed, I cleaned up the kitchen, made my lunch for tomorrow, and went to bed early. I was exhausted and I have another MOE Day!!!!

I didn't go buy soybean milk. I didn't go to WGE. I couldn't even keep my eyes open while typing my blog!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Lost in Time...

I am grateful as the Lord wakes me up each morning... I look and it's usually 3:57 or 4:01 or something like that... 

After my time with Jesus, I went out for my usual 10k run. My legs were slow today... 

Then I came home and baked... Orange passion fruit pound cake. It was so yummy. And then I put in a load of laundry. I splurge on Downey... oh... that is so worth it. A cup of that and the clothes smell so good. I put a cup in the laundry basket... oh... no more urine smell. What a wonderful discovery! 

I got Mom up and out and started to work! I ate a great breakfast, including a slice of the pound cake. After lunch, I took a nap. I had my watch on, but I didn't notice that while charging, it must have stopped. When I got up, it said, "1:05." I was stunned... I only rested for 30 minutes... but it was actually 1:40! An hour had passed. I got everything and headed out the door. Tutoring at 2pm. I made it and God provided a perfect parking space! I didn't end until 3:40. I rushed to WGE to stay only 15 minutes and went to look for sweet potatoes. I have a recipe that I wanted to try. I looked and I was out of time. So, homeward bound... I got Mom's food in the microwave and the phone rang. Mom was back!

This evening, I packed a box to the Philippines... And moved the last of the bikes. Hopefully, I can give those away.

Update on Alan:

Today, Monday, August 14th, they went and visited the mayor and the prison and the warden and then spoke at two churches.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

A Calmer Sunday

I didn't have double speaking today... I only had to translate this afternoon.

But this heat gives me a headache... I drink lots of water, but it's unbearable. And yes, I have the AC on.

I went and rode the bike to World Gym and walked the treadmill. I was there for 90 minutes and I came home. I was up early... but not as early as 4am! YEAH!

And I got Mom up and she had her meals and I just rested! I didn't disassemble the fans to wash and clean them. I didn't do a load of laundry. I just rested!

We were at church at 2:30 and set up Love Cafe!

The message was about allowing God to use our creativity to change the chaos around us to something very good!

We were home by 6:45 and I put everything away and got Mom to bed.

Then I had friends who came to pick up the bike and to return the car. 

By 9:30, I was so ready to go to bed. I cancelled the walk and talk time with this sister! I'm glad I did!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Had Help!

I was up early... even though I was very tired since Isaiah didn't get home until 3am. Out with his co-workers!

I came home and then went to WGE and took a shower and had a quick workout before going to Carrefour to see what was on Manager's Special! Yeah... They had exactly what I needed for Sunday's Love Cafe! Amazing! I'm making Mint Julep, non-alcoholic kind!

I was home and Mom care!

Isaiah was still sleeping so, I had Mom set up at the dining room table, eating breakfast. I walked one bike down! I like this bike. It has a front basket and a back rack. And it even has a middle carrier. But the guy said, the inner tube might need to be changed. We will see. That would be about 10US$! I rode home and Mom had finished her breakfast.

I did a load because yes... you guessed it... And she listened to Chinese poetry!

I worked on my talk notes for August 27th. FINISHED IT!

Then after lunch, two gals came over to pick up three bikes! YEAH! 

At 3pm, the helper came. I have a helper coming for the next two Saturdays as well... just four hours. But man, what a difference that makes, especially since Alan is not home. And in October, because we have a retreat, I have reserved help for the long weekend! The helper won't be staying overnight and the maximum number of hours is 8/day!

I went to run errands, such as buy bananas. And I had a two hour massage with Ms. Hsieh! Then I made a quick trip to Costco. It was so crowded. I thought I'd be able to go in and out... I was rushing to get home by 7:30 as Abby said she could chat for 10 minutes. I was home, but the chat didn't happen! I didn't need to rush. I was going to get myself a Mickey D. cheeseburger and fries... I should have... Next time...

Isaiah was home by 8:20. 

I was hoping to talk to Alan but he was out to dinner! Maybe tomorrow!

I went to bed early... as I'll be up early again tomorrow... no run on Sunday and I won't be speaking at GEM. But I have Mom care and I will be translating for the speaker!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

No Date with Alan...

Since I knew Alan was in the Philippines, I arranged meeting up with others for today.

I went for a run and it was exhausting... The heat just kills... I did my 10k... 

And this morning, I decided to cut my own hair. NICE! I will trim it a bit more tomorrow!

Then it was Mom care. The sheet was not wet! The diapers were... 

I tidied everything up and left to see a friend's new house. It's being remodeled! God led us to meet a neighbor who is a believer and we talked to find out more about the building. I will go again to prayer walk the area.

Then it was lunch with Claire, my dear friend and sister, who always blesses me with the most exquisite meals and snacks. We went to Mayfull, the 6-star hotel and had another feast! I was so stuff... No dinner for me.

I went to WGE for 15 minutes and headed home. I was going to walk another bike down, but I was way too tired. I fell asleep on the sofa. It was so great to have a nap! The bikes can wait.

Mom was back... 

Isaiah had dinner out with his co-workers. 

I had the evening free... well, not really free. Claire had two boxes of stuff ready for me to pick up. So, I drove over and got everything. I ordered a box to be shipped to the Philippines. The box will be delivered on Monday. I'll get that packed up and the company will pick it up on Tuesday. 

Alan's Update:

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another "Sabbath"

I was supposed to have my Sabbath last Thursday, but the typhoon hit and the mayor announced a typhoon day. No Day Care for Mom...

So, I was truly looking forward to this day.

I woke up early and went out and it was hot... no wind and melting, even though I was out at 5:20.

While running into the park, I saw an iPhone 13 on the road. I picked it up and set it on a ledge inside the park, and prayed as I ran -- please let the owner come back as I'm running out! Otherwise I would have to run with it back home!

Sure enough, as I'm heading to the gate, finishing up my run, I saw two young men, looking around the entrance. They were very happy when I got the phone off the ledge and gave it to one of the kids. I told them that I had prayed that they'd be here. He said he was praying too... But I doubt that he knew Jesus!

I was home and took a shower and started a load of laundry. Isaiah took off for work. And I got Mom up! I had to change the bedding again. I wrote a note to the Day Care Center -- please don't give my Mom so much water!

After she took off, while I was downstairs, I took a look at the bikes. The two I had wanted were taken by the 12th floor. Darn it! I pushed the ones that might be good outside the gate of our complex. I'll have to see if I have time on Friday to push one or two down and see if they are any good! 

I was back upstairs and hung up the clothes and put away what was on the line and sat down for a nice leisurely breakfast! Then I spent the morning on my two Bible studies... absolutely delightful. I made myself my favorite lunch of tofu with spinach. I rested after lunch as I didn't get to bed until 10:20 last night. I was up talking to Alan!

I did Mom's bed and organized the top bunk with all the stuff animals. Then I plopped myself on the sofa and read!

The rain started... and it was a downpour. I was planning to go out to take pictures of the bikes and go to WGE, but decided to just stay home!

Mom was back... and I had dinner ready! She's back to her normal eating speed!

I walked one of the bikes down to see if it can be fixed. It was raining, but I enjoyed the rain!

And the rest of the evening was spent on my next talk! That's another reason why I slept late last night. I got started and just couldn't stop! I will speak again on August 27th from John 4:34!

Daily Lovely Insight

This afternoon I was reading a book by Eugene H. Peterson, Living the Resurrection. He mentioned two resurrection meals -- dinner with Cleopas and friend after walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus and then the breakfast at the Sea of Galilee. The reason why that struck me was the text that I'm working on for my talk: My food is to do the will of Him who sent me... Jesus provides true nourishment! Somehow, Cleopas recognized Jesus when he, who was the guest, took the bread, blessed and broke it, acting as the host, that their eyes were opened and they recognized him. And in John 21:12, Jesus' invitation for the disciples (7 of them) to come and have breakfast just touches my heart. I can imagine Jesus inviting me to have breakfast with him, to have a meal with him. He indeed spreads a feast before me every day!

Seek Him First!

Another MOE Day... But Without Alan!

I was up early... and out... and running and getting errands done and stopping at WGE. Yes... And I was back before 7am!

I got Mom off and I was off... And I arrived at the office by 9:10! YEAH!

I had already prepped for my next few weeks so I was able to kick back a bit.

My lunch hour class is always great! Today's discussion was Famous Chefs and Restaurants!

Then I had office hours!

I left at 4:31 and got home just in time! The phone rang just as I was getting Mom's dinner out of the microwave! SERIOUSLY!

While Mom ate, I had to redo her bed... yes... you guessed it! I had the AC on, Annie and Pam! FULL BLAST!

After Mom went to bed, I worked on Abby's bed and also with the AC on!

Update about Alan: He has a new favorite dessert... and they are eating so well. Let me include a picture:

Here is a picture of the whole team:

Daily Lovely Insight:

Chapter 20 didn't start so well for the prophet, Jeremiah. When the chief officer heard Jeremiah's prophesy, he beat him up and put him in the stocks. And then you read Jeremiah 20:11. I was just sharing about people who have suffered... 

Seek Him First!