A Very Long Sunday!

Yes... it was a very long day... 

I was up early but didn't go out to walk. I wanted to get things ready as I was going to put a crock pot of ground chicken to make a chicken meat loaf for the Love Feast tonight.

I then decided to pack up things for donation as a neighbor moved and gifted me with lots of things! I also went and took a nap.

But at 8:45, I headed out! I dropped the stuff off at church and started the crock pot. I then headed over to our old house and Isaiah met me there. I had asked him to help me with getting all the furniture into place and stack up what I'd wanted to give away!

We worked so hard for an hour or so and got everything done. We were sweating so much!

He went back home and I went to buy veggies and fruit and to stop at the Toyota Dealership to pick up a battery pack!

We then went and tried to start the car... no can do... I called the Toyota people but because it's a Sunday, they couldn't send anyone over. It's free!

I put all the stuff away and packed up things to bring to church. I had to take a shower... and we took off at 2:20. I stopped to return the battery pack and got to church to help with set up! 

Tonight was testimony time... and it was great!

I stayed to chat and didn't get home until 8:15. Isaiah took Fenny home!

At 9pm, I had prayer time and I was so ready for bed when that was finished!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Long Saturday!

I was up early and ran my 10K. I spent a bit more time with Jesus this morning... trying to speak calm and peace to my heart and mind. The run was good!

I was home and after a shower, I baked for the Women's Event!

I rested a bit and headed out.

Isaiah was still in bed!

I dropped off some props to a dear sister and then went to church to set up! 

We had 13 ladies and one gentleman who came to help with the set up of the hook-up to do the movie! Everything worked perfectly! The questions, the lunch, the popcorn and the movie and the sharing time!

After that event, I had asked a brother if he wanted to meet to pray together and he said YES! He actually came early and we spent time praying together and when that was finished, I headed home!

I had to put things away... and Isaiah said that Fenny and her sister, Cathy, are coming over and can I make dinner?!?!?! I wasn't expecting this... So... I got tilapia out and a can of clam chowder soup and put that in the oven and made a salad. I was so tired... I had to close my eyes for 5 minutes!

We played Rummique after dinner... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's Friday!

I was up early... and went for my 10K and I had to really push myself. The heat is getting a bit unbearable even at 4:30 in the morning!

I was home and after a shower, I took a nap! So nice...

Isaiah took off and I went out too. I stopped to buy a bottle of Coca Cola and soybean milk. I was there early to set up and the time flew by. We had 'brunch' for our break and made grilled cheese or grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. We had so much fun! I had them help me bring everything out to my scooter and one of the students took a picture of me on my scooter. I had two other bags hanging off on the other side!

I was home and cleaned up and put things away and was about to take a nap when Alan called. I turned on the WiFi and we talked for about an hour! So nice...

Since it was already like 3pm, I decided to stay home instead of going to the old house to move furniture and see what I can give away. It was nice just to be home! I didn't have to bake... I didn't have to prep for class.

I watched another episode of the Rookie on Netflix. I got Netflix because of my dear friend and sister in Christ... remember: she came over on Monday to set up my lap top so that I can watch the movie, Jesus Revolution, in preparation for tomorrow's Women's Event!

This evening, I was invited to dinner at the house of one of our church couples. They bought a new place right nearby, and they made water dumplings for me... WOW!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I just keep reciting this verse... The storm in my mind... Christ says: Peace, be still!

Seek Him First!

It's Thursday!

I can't believe it's Thursday already! Wow...

I was up early and ran slow... but steady and finished my 10K. Today... it felt difficult to move. The heat was different... 

I took a shower and took a nap and ate breakfast!

Isaiah was up and out and I left, checking the recycling area and then going to the local supermarket before going to school.

I had time to set up and get things started!

The three hours flew by... I made cheesy corn bread and they really liked it! I should have put more shredded cheese in the bread! And more butter on top!

I was home by 1:15, as I stopped again at the supermarket to buy more lettuce. I had chicken rice for lunch! Very yummy!

Then I prepped for tomorrow, but I didn't need to bake as we're going to have grilled ham and cheese sandwiches tomorrow... and the extension program will order bubble milk tea from 50Lan! I will also bring chips! It's our last class!

I had made a massage appointment for 3pm. But first I stopped at our old house to pick up the keys and to see what the place looks like... I also went to church to pick up these nice paper containers for our class and I dropped off some packages of tissues! 

This evening I had Bible study at 8:30. I was so ready for bed at 10pm.

Tomorrow is my last day of the TOEFL class! Wow...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Busy Wednesday!

I was up early and out for my 10K... and I realized that this week will all be BUSY... 

I was home and after a shower, I ate two dragon fruits for breakfast, messaged people, and took a nap.

Isaiah was up and out and I took off right after him. I checked the recycling as pick up was today! And everything was taken... and it looks so nice and clean! YEAH!

I set up and made coffee, and wrote the plans for today and the kids arrived.

The three hours flew by and they enjoyed the brownie cups with frosting!

I got home about 1pm and put things away before having instant noodles with meatballs for lunch! Very yummy! For dinner, I will have my salad! 

I started to bake for tomorrow and finished watching the Jesus Revolution movie!

This afternoon, I went to meet this guy that I had helped when he moved back to the States. He had asked me to keep his wedding photo as he couldn't take it. And now, he's back in Taiwan and can bring it with him! We met up at our old apartment as that's where I had stored it! I was thinking: has it been 10 years? It has only been four years!

After the hand-off, I went over to church and got the place set up for Saturday's Women's Event and then I went over to Costco. I got 24-packets of Kirkland tissue, sliced cheese, sliced ham, tilapia and Thai shrimp (that was on sale!). I got everything loaded on my scooter!

I was home and put everything away and had my salad for dinner! It was already 5:30! 

Isaiah came home at 7pm and we worked on the car battery! It didn't work... I might have to go and get a battery pack from the Toyota Dealership and work on it some more tomorrow night...

How did the day go by so quickly?

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the verse the Lord gave me last November for 2025. How I'm clinging on to Jesus?!?!?!?!

Seek Him First!

 

The Busy Tuesday!

I was up early and out and ran my usual 10K.

I was back and after a quick shower, I messaged people and ate breakfast! YUMMY!

I took a nap... and got Isaiah up and out and I headed out!

I was again early... and had time to set up!

The kids' motivation is waning... it's difficult to stay focused for so long. But they enjoyed the break and the goodies. 

I got home and ate lunch and had a nice chat with Alan before I started to bake for tomorrow. Brownie cups with extra chocolate chips.

The afternoon sped by... Wow... I took a nap because, tonight I had my Tuesday evening Bible study at 7pm.

Tomorrow... I will have to make a quick trip to Costco to get sliced cheese, bread and ham slices for Friday's 'snack'. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Sabbath Rest!

I was up, a bit later than usual... and went out for my 10K at 4:40.

I was back and took a shower. I then unpacked the carry on suitcase that my friends brought back for me. It had only 7 kilos of things, so not too bad to put away. I then filled it up with things that I will try to sell for money... I'm saving up now for my trip in May! One pair, for example, is a Roger Vivier black patent leather Tromptee buckle embellished shoes: 23,000NT$. If I can get just 10,000NT$... that would be amazing... because all her shoes are around that price range!

Isaiah was up and out and I sat down to have toast and butter and tea for breakfast. It was absolutely perfect!

I finished my Revelation study. I read. I baked. I talked to Alan. I had a delicious lunch of salad and cold noodles with avocado!

A sweet sister came over at 2:30 to set my computer up with Netflix so that I can watch Jesus Revolution, which is the movie for the women's event this Saturday. We talked and prayed together and after she left at 5pm, I had prayer time with another sister.

I set the iRobot to work and blogged. I didn't feel like eating dinner tonight.

I was hoping that Isaiah would be home early so that we can go down to jump-start the car. But when he got home, I was too tired. The dear sister who came over brought their extra jumbo car jumping battery. I am charging it up... so maybe tomorrow night or Wednesday night I will try to jumpstart the car with Isaiah. We have to get it started and drive it over to the Toyota dealer... 

I was just too tried to do that tonight!

I am asking God to act on my behalf with certain issues that are happening at church! Please pray!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

What A Sunday!

I was up early and went out for a walk up and down the hill. It was nice... 

I was home and took a shower and messaged people.

By 9:30, I was out... and went down to drive the car... only to find that the car is DEAD! Absolutely DEAD!

So, I had to regroup and take the scooter!

I was at the Young Adults Fellowship and all my students joined... It was a fantastic time. 

After the Fellowship, they took the bus and I took my scooter and met them at Costco. But they changed the rule... only two extra people for one card. RIDICULOUS! Anyhow, I took two people in and then took the rest of the group to RTMart. And they ended up liking that place better. I scootered back to Church and got there by 3:15. Wonderful May, the new gal that I trained up to do Love Cafe, had everything ready! Delightful!

I shared the message: Forgive One Another!

Lots of people responded as they needed to move in obedience to God and forgive. 

I came home and our dear friend, Wenting, left three HUGE bags of clothes! I am so blessed! I separated the items and have them bagged up to give away!

I also had prayer time with a gal... We pray every Sunday! Even while I was in the States!

Tomorrow is my Sabbath. YIPPY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

It might sound like God's forgiveness is 'conditional', but what it really means is if we choose not to forgive others, we have not fully embraced and received the forgiveness from God. For if we have, then we would extend forgiveness to others!

Seek Him First!

Voting Day

I was up early and so glad to be out finishing my 10K before it got hot!

I came home and showered and finished up the notes and the ppt! I also sent some discussion questions for next week's Lunch & Movie Women's Event. Kathryn and I are working on that as well as the Prayer Ride on 9/13. She decide on the route and I arrange the prayer foci. And while I was running, I felt that we should focus on Ephesians 1-3 and for our last prayer bike we will focus on Ephesians 4-6. 

I did take a nap! And at 9:30, I went out to get fruit and veggies and to vote. Should Taiwan restart the Third Nuclear Power Plant!?!?!?! Personally, they should have never shut it down because alternative power was not in place. Anyhow, I was home by 11am.

Isaiah and I had planned to go look at some possible properties. We decided not to call the agents but to ride around these interesting areas where we saw apartments for sale and think about the areas. There is an apartment for sale right in this neighborhood. Isaiah went and left his number to see if the owner would contact him directly.

We left at 1:45 and went to Nangang and DaAn. I must share an interesting thing that happened on the way to Nangang. 

I noticed that my gas was low, so I felt the Lord leading me to this particular gas station. And right in front of me another motorcyclist with two kids had finished getting gas. But the attendants seemed to be flustered. It turned out that he didn't bring his wallet and couldn't pay. I took out money and paid for him. It was just a little 5US$. It was no big deal... but he was very appreciative. I thought how wonderful that I heeded the Lord's leading and stopped there to get gas!

So, I was on my way again... and I got so lost. I missed a turn and went up to the hills behind Nangang. I finally turned around and retraced my route. Isaiah was like "Mom, what happened to you?" The apartment is tucked behind this area with very few busses. It's nice and quiet, but not so convenient. As we headed off to the next place, Isaiah told me to follow him and I'm so glad I did. We went up and around another hilly trail and the whole place was covered with tombs! (Today is the start of the lunar 'Ghost Month'!) Isaiah and I had a great ride. But I would have been so lost if I wasn't following him. We dropped down into the Taipei 101 area and the apartment was right near the crematorium! Hilarious!

We stopped for some bubble milk tea and looked at the area. Again, it was a very old apartment complex but a lot more conveniently located. It's probably a 7 minute walk to the MRT station and a 15 minute scooter ride to work for Isaiah. The listed price is a bit high, so we will pray before we contact the owner! Yes, it's for sale by owner, so we might be able to save some money, not having to pay the agent's fees! It was already 3:30. Isaiah went to meet up with Fenny and I headed back to Neihu! YEAH! I stopped at a store to look for these shopping bags for my TOEFL students. I found one of the kinds that they wanted. I got three of them. And while I was in there, I thought I'd call Ms. Hsieh to see if she was free and she was! So, I scootered over there and got a 90 minute massage! YEAH! It was absolutely luxurious! I came home at around 7pm and took another shower!

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day so it was nice to be home. I worked on my Revelation study! We will have our last session this coming Thursday night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's Friday!

I had the usual morning routine... but last night my stomach was feeling upset and this morning I had diarrhea. I thought I wasn't going to be able to go out... but after taking two natural Japanese stomach pills, I felt fine. In fact, I ran faster! I guess there was no extra stomach content!

I took a shower and rested. 

I got Isaiah up and he took off and I took off soon after.

I was early to class and set up and made coffee. The three hours flew by!

I was home by 1:15 and had a salad for lunch! YUMMY!

The afternoon flew by as I had notes and ppt to finish up and I took a nap! Splendid! Yes, I had the AC on!

Isaiah and I met at the Miramar Burger King for dinner!

Oh, I found out that James Dobson passed away... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Not My Sabbath Day!

The usual morning routine... 

I headed out to Soochow and class went well... again!

I didn't get home until 1:20! But I had started cooking lunch in the rice cooker before leaving for work. So, when I got home, everything was ready. I made rice with three eggs and a packet of ground chicken. YUMMY! I had a huge plate of it!

I put everything away and prepped for tomorrow. But I didn't have to bake as we're having PB&J sandwiches tomorrow. Next week: grilled cheese sandwich!

I was going to take a nap, but Alan was up, so we had time to chat!

Then I got a call from Ming Chuan. Can I take the MOE Wednesday job? The teacher quit as she got married! What??? I was just there in June and July! I had to say no since I had already told Soochow that I'll be doing the Bible study on Wednesday afternoon for this upcoming school year! They were very sad that they didn't let me know earlier!

I was thinking about going for a massage, but decided just to stay home and finish my talk notes and PPT. 

I can't believe it's already Thursday!

Isaiah had basketball practice tonight after work!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Routine...

Up early... Out for my run... Home... Shower... Prep... Or today I cleaned two of my dresser drawers. 

Isaiah was up and out and I went out after him... 

I checked the recycling and there were so nice stuff that I brought back home after I got back from class.

The class went well... I hope they are enjoying it.

And this afternoon, on the way back, I stopped to buy eggs, bread, and milk! The bread is for Friday as I'm getting the kids to make their own PB&J sandwiches for snack time! I am also going to bring my coffee maker so we can have freshly made coffee... ha, ha, ha... We are like having fun! And hopefully, they are learning a lot!

After getting everything put away, I ate lunch first! Then I started baking the banana raisin apple sauce cake!

Oh before leaving this morning, I set the iRobot going... so when I got home, the floor was nice and clean!

 I took a nap once the cake was out of the oven and when I got up, it was time to go down to get the stuff that I will test and if things are ok, give away! I also prep for the rest of the week and worked on my talk and ppt.

Tonight I had counseling with a couple from church. So, I couldn't go to bed until 10pm!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

TOEFL Class Started!

I am daily grateful when God wakes me up at or around 3am. It's truly amazing!

I had time with Jesus and messaged a few people and went off for my usual 10K. I am enjoying the time to think and pray!

I was home and took a quick shower, messaged some more people and took my nap. I was up and I still had time, so I worked on my talk before waking Isaiah up.

He left and 10 minutes later, I left. 

It was an easy ride to school and I found the classroom and unloaded everything. Then I parked my scooter and walked back.

The students are so wonderful! Their English is not great, but we had a great time! I baked banana bread with these green cookie pieces that I put in there since I wanted it to look special. And I also brought coffee packets and tea bags. I told them our schedule: we go from 9 to 10:30 and take a break at 10:30. Then at 10:50,  we continue until 12noon. I went over time... And I need to be better about that. Because they only have one hour for lunch, they start back at 1:10 and it's three hours of reading and writing and it's so tough to stay awake. I don't know how they are going to do it!

I came home and started baking and prepping for tomorrow! I made a chocolate chips banana cake. Tomorrow I think I'll try an apple sauce banana bread... Oh... I forgot to mention that I invited them to our Sunday Young Adults Fellowship and I was so shocked that one by one they responded and said YES! I think by the end of today, all 11 of them will come! Please remember to pray for them. Last year, the students were really touched by God. I pray that this group will have a similar experience! 

I was so glad that I didn't have anything tonight. 

I worked on my talk and the PPT for Sunday and went to bed early!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This morning as the warm up activity, I had the students talk about FIVE FAVORITES... and I mentioned Heidelberg! In the midst of a very busy morning, it was nice to think about this wonderful enchanting town!

Seek Him First!

Monday Sabbath!

I was up at 3am and I just keep rejoicing that God is waking me up!

I did go out for my 10K jog and I love spending that time in prayer and sermon prep as I go over things in my head.

I was back and ready for a shower.

I set today as my Sabbath because I will be teaching all week... for these next two weeks. The Intensive TOEFL class at Soochow University. I have 10 students from Japan and one assistant. It is a lot of work!

So... this morning, I had a nice breakfast. I got Isaiah up and he left. I then settled to read. At 12noon, I headed out to run a few errands, including dropping off 7 mugs at the church and a large bag of donation to this guy at the traditional market. He takes things, no questions asked, and sells them for money! I think that's the way he makes a living! I also dropped off books for donation at the library and came home.

I made a delicious lunch and decided to read some more. I also reorganized my entire talk for this Sunday. Very interesting! Please pray for my sermon prep!

At 5pm, I baked for tomorrow's class! Banana bread! It made the house smell so good!

Isaiah came home at 7pm. We had lots for him to eat for his dinner. I had a salad!

And yes, I have continued in my dialogue with our pastor. Keep praying... Alan and I want to preserve love and unity while ensuring Biblical truth and practices!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Early Sunday

Yes, I was up early and decided to go for a walk up the hill behind our house after my time with Jesus... 

It was very nice!

I was home and messaged people via LINE... I'm having a serious dialogue about certain issues with our current pastor at House of Praise. We agree to disagree, but perhaps it's time to move on for Alan and I. 

I had a conversation with Alan about my thoughts and feelings after lunch as I didn't turn the WiFi on until 12:30 when he called!

This morning I was reading and getting my last lesson on the book of Revelation done. That's the group of ladies I had dinner with last night! Starting in September, both of my non-House of Praise Bible study groups will be going through the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. That will be quite nice. Of course, I still have my Tuesday morning group and my Soochow English Bible study. I also took a nice nap! That's what I try to do: get up at 3am and go for a nap at around 6:30 for an hour or so!

At around 2pm, Isaiah and I got ready to head off to church and it was blistering hot outside. Before leaving, I realized that I forgot to hit publish for my blog yesterday! Glad I looked...

I shared at our service and we had many newcomers. It was great! And many who have been away for the summer came back! 

The Language of Jesus: Serve One Another!

Isaiah took Fenny home and I came back!

I had prayer time with a sister at 9pm. I was so ready for bed... The week has started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Different Kind of Saturday

I was up early and again went out for my 10K... finishing the week with 60K! This morning was not as bad... 

I took a shower and rested and gathered things to drop off at church and I wanted to see if the Victornox carry on can be repaired.

I had a meeting with our pastor at 8am and we had a two hour discussion. He is looking at next year and wanted me on the Sunday Service team with a title as minister. And we got talking about partaking of the Lord's Supper! We have different views. I think it's for believers, which to me means for those who have made a decision to confess with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord. He thinks Christ through grace invites all who are interested to come to the table and partake of the Lord's Supper. I will be taking the time to pray and seek the Lord.

I went to the luggage fixer guy and he nor his friend can do the tears on the carry on Victornox. I then went to the library and donated books before coming home and sewing the luggage myself! It turned out pretty nice!

Isaiah went to tennis but people were already leaving and so he went for a workout. He joined a gym that only cost when you go. It's like 1NT$ per minute! He did give the tennis racket to Bruce! Yeah!

We sat and talked some and then he took a quick nap and a shower and was off to meet up with James. I think James wants to talk to him about leading the Young Adults "Service". That's another area in which we don't see eye to eye, pastor James and I. I think you grow a ministry before you hire someone. He is not thinking of hiring Isaiah but to invite someone new to be on the ministry team. I will find out from Isaiah what was talked about. He went to meet up with Fenny.

I took a nice long nap after Isaiah took off and then worked on my talk for tomorrow! I then headed out as one of my Bible study groups was meeting up for dinner! I was so full from lunch that I brought a container to take home the leftovers! It was an early dinner so I was able to get home by 8:30. I got on YouTube and learned a few phrases in Nepali. My brain is not as sharp as before or else it's a very difficult language!

Overall... it was a very different kind of Saturday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Prep Friday!

I was up, but not at 2am... I got up at 3am! And that will be my usual time until Alan comes back.

I ran my 10K and came home for my shower. It always feels so good to take a shower as I'm completely drenched in sweat.

At around 6:30, I usually go back for a nap... until I get Isaiah up and he takes off. I then enjoy my breakfast!

It was hot outside, but at around 9:30, I headed out to get veggies and fruit and just see what's at the traditional market! I ended up spending about 500NT$! Not bad for all that I got...

I was home and had two apples (which I had just purchased) and various kinds of tofu (yes, I bought these  also at the traditional market!)

And I went and took another nap! YEAH!

I finally turned on the WiFi and received an email from a student who is here from the States. I've been trying to contact him. He finally responded to my email. He was on his way to the National Palace Museum and we decided to meet up at the Mall after he finishes! We sat and chatted at the Food Court in B1! I brought him a Bible and a study guide and a Four Spiritual Laws Booklet! He left tonight to head back to his home in China.

I came back and worked on TOEFL and Sermon prep! I changed a few things for my sermon and prepped for all of next week's TOEFL class. It's a lot of work!

Isaiah had dinner out, celebrating one of the coworker' birthday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Having A PR Day!

Getting up super early is becoming the norm... I am hoping to keep this going... 

I ran my 10k after time with Jesus and took a quick shower. I did touch up the back of my hair and Isaiah said that it looks better. With this shorter hair style, it's fast and easy to wash my hair!

I finished up the new study! I had only two more days to write! I messaged Alan who was watching the Padres game. Yes, Padres won!

Isaiah got up and left for work. I had my breakfast: half a sandwich with a lot of pickles. I'm so glad I brought that bottle of bread and butter chips back. It's 2kilos! I wanted to bring a bottle of the dill whole pickle from Smart & Final but that's like 5 kilos! I know Alan won't have the room to bring one back... darn it! I don't think there will be any of the bread and butter chips left by the time he gets home! I'm totally serious!

I sat on the sofa and read... and then at 11am, I turned on the WiFi and I had two things I wanted to do:

1. Buy the ticket to Nepal.

2. But two more pairs of running shoes.

And yes, both are done!

I was looking, and looking, and looking for the cheapest flight and I finally went straight to Thai Lion Air. I got extra luggage and round trip for Nov. 4 to Nov. 11: 700US$! YEAH!

Then I looked for running shoes: Brooks Caldera 6, Women's size 8.5! Unfortunately, I could not find any excellent deals: 100US$/pair! I hit PURCHASE!

I had booked a massage for 3pm. And off I went, stopping at church to drop things off and going to a convenience store to pay a bill!

I came home and ate a salad with cheese, avocado and raisins. So delicious!

Tonight, I had my Revelations Bible study on line!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Getting Things Done!

It was nice to get up early and I went out for my run before the sunrise... There is supposedly a typhoon coming through, so there was a drizzle but the temperature was still quite warm.

I was drenched by the time I came home.

After a quick shower, I went down to the recycling to check and found that they had stacked three bags of trash in the recycling area. I also saw a fan that I could easily fix and use. 

I started working on my talk notes as well as prepping for my TOEFL class.

Isaiah got up and went to work.

I ate a nice breakfast!

Alan is in San Diego and they went out for dinner at Jimmy's!

I finally turn on the WiFi at 11am.

After lunch, I took a nap... YIPPY!

I worked on the new study that my women's Bible study will be doing. Angela and I are putting it together. I worked on reading the book, Heaven and I'm ahead now. I worked on 8/24 talk notes on the Language of Jesus: Forgive One Another! And while I was working on these things, I sent the iRobot to vacuum the house! I will send the iRobot to mop later tonight.

I don't have counseling this evening as the couple has a zoom meeting for church stuff. YEAH!

Isaiah had basketball... so I had the house all to myself. What a delight!

And yes, I went to bed early... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Another Productive Day!

I really enjoy getting up early... 

I went out for my run and came back and touched up on my hair before taking a shower... hopefully, I made some improvements...

Then I started working on my talk... and the PPT!

I had to wake Isaiah up and he was off to work. I think he was late... 

I put away the photo albums and paper stuff that I had brought back and ate a nice breakfast! Romaine lettuce with guacamole that I made. I bought the avocados and lettuce yesterday!

I finished my Revelation homework. There were lots of questions. We have only two more chapters and we're finished with another study! This Thursday night we will meet up online and discuss!

The morning flew by! And I took a nap at 12:30 and slept for three hours! Wow... so refreshing.

I turned on the WiFi and downloaded my emails and worked more on my PPT, adding pictures.

This evening I had my Tuesday evening study on Heaven!

Isaiah went out for dinner!

Tomorrow, I hope to finish the talk notes and PPT and start my prep on my upcoming TOEFL class!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Back in Taipei!

Well... I was going to post on Sunday, but I decided to turn off the WiFi as it was on for the entire time that we were gone... it felt good to be 'disconnected'. 

I arrived back at 4:40am on Sunday, August 10th. The flight was quite nice. I did not watch any movies... I But I did eat both meals and even got up to get some mid-flight snacks! A sandwich and some crackers. I tried to walk around at least three to four times during the flight. During the meals, I watched these simple 30 minute TV shows about home design or cooking!

Going through customs was fast. I decided to pause and have my quiet time there at the airport! When I came down, my luggage were already off the carousel. My bags were not checked and I was off to catch the bus. The 5:50 bus was not a direct bus, but I decided to take it instead of waiting for the 6:30 bus. 

I was at SongShan Airport by 6:55 and took a taxi straight home instead of taking the MRT and then trying to get a taxi. I was home by 7:20! The taxi was 265NT$! That's about 9.50US$! Totally worth it!

I lugged all the pieces upstairs and started unpacking! Isaiah was asleep... 

He left at 10:30 for the Young Adult Fellowship which was at our old apartment. So I asked him to bring two luggage back as we store them there! I've got three more luggage to drop off over there later on this week!

I continued to sort and put things away.

He was back at 1:20 and I had already taken a shower and decided to nap before going to church. On the way to church, I stopped to get money and paid all the bills!

I had to translate... and I was feeling foggy... I asked a few people to pray and as soon as I stepped on stage, my mind was absolutely clear! The message was on Establishing A Holy Culture of God's Presence!

We had Love Feast and scootered home!

I kept the WiFi off and went to bed at 8:30! Hence, I did not blog!

And I got up at 1:50am, Monday! 

I had my quiet time and then went out for a run at 4:50 before sunrise at 5:25.  It was much nicer... but still quite warm!

Before taking a shower, I decided to trim my hair... Well... the back needs a bit more touching up... I'll do that tomorrow! I went off to update all the bank books and got gas for my scooter. Isaiah got up and took off for work. I ate breakfast and then left to meet up with Elaine. I had brought things back from the States for her!

She prepared some delicious fruit and toast and we had a great lunch. At 2pm, I had to go as I wanted to stop at the bank for Abby. Her bank wanted some information before the money can go into her account. I got that sorted plus I had to pay about 15US$ for the two transactions!

I then went to see a space that might be a possible event venue for August 30th. 2500NT$ per hour... 

When that was done, I headed to the supermarket to buy some veggies and I got home before the rain! 

The rest of the evening was spent on completing my Bible study homework on Revelation and my talk for Sunday. I will need to work on it some more and complete the ppt file as well. Isaiah is translating for me so no hurry on giving him my talk notes.

I hope to be in bed again at around 9pm and be up at 2am! I like being up early. I hope to do that every day until Alan returns from the States.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

One Last Day!

I was up early and after getting a few things done, I went out for my last 10K along my usual Torrance route!

I came home and took a shower and Annie came over. I walked through with her what I had done and what she will need to do: give away blankets, clear and sort through one cabinet, dust...

Alan and KR went golfing and came back and had brunch over at Annie's house.

I did a load of laundry and then we went out to Aldi to buy a few items to bring back to Taiwan. I am over my allotted weight limit... It's going to be a miracle... Or else Alan will be taking a few things back with him at the airport and bring back in September... I will leave him another photo album!

Annie wanted me to run the dish washer even though we didn't use many dishes since we were always over there to eat. It's such a cute dishwasher... small and new! I ran that, which took 90 minutes!

We had dinner at Annie's, finishing leftovers and she made cream of mushroom soup for me. We came back to the Condo to pack up the last few things and we were off to the airport. I needed to be there by 9:35 as my flight departs at 12:35am!

I will not be blogging on Saturday as I'll be crossing the International Dateline!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Fun Day with Friends...

I was up early and after my quiet time, I decided not to run as we were headed to the beach. And sure enough, I did my run at Redondo Beach. It was so nice... I ran faster... smelling the ocean air... 

Friends from Taiwan came over as KR was giving surfing lessons for another friend. It was just so nice to hangout at the beach. 

At 11:30, we packed up and Alan and I headed to Classic Burgers to buy lunch for everyone. The place has changed owners and we noticed that eating out is no longer inexpensive! But it was so great to order a bunch of different combinations and we brought everything back to Annie's and had a feast!

KR went to play pickle ball at 1pm. Zoe and Abby had to go for paddle boarding with Abby's swim friends and we took our friends over to the Condo. We gave them a tour and they decided to chill. Alan went to the pool and I worked on repacking the carry on because they don't have an extra check-in bag. They can only carry it back to Taipei as a carry on, meaning I can only have 7 kilos not 23 kilos... ha, ha, ha... Out came the books and the pickles... ha, ha, ha... I will have to leave more items here! But at least the carry on suitcase will be back in Taiwan!

I went and got Alan out of the pool and we went to Costco. I had a return for Annie and Alan went and bought the items for tonight's dinner!

When we got back to the Condo, everyone was fast asleep! At 4:45, we got everyone up for pickle ball at 5pm. We reserved the court. John, Kathryn and Lucas have never played... so it was a lot of fun to get them on the court. In fact, Lucas tried surfing for the first time and he is a fast learner. He was able to stand up!

For dinner, we had a full table of 12 people! David, Tiffany and Paul drove over from Riverside! John, Kathryn and Lucas stayed. Corinna, Kurtis' girlfriend, also came over... it was just such a fun fabulous evening. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Visiting People Day!

I was up early and after time with Jesus, I went out for my 10K run!

Alan and I had set to leave the Condo at 11am to visit with Hailey. We wanted to stop at Costco closer to her place to get gas and buy some goodies!

So... off we went and right near Costco was a Dollar Tree, so I picked up a few things, including some hot dogs... YIPPY!

We got to Hailey's place at around 1:30 and Pam came over. We had a marvelous time! It was our first time to meet Adam and Eloise, the baby! She's so cute... 

We ate and talked... Adam and Hailey are in the process of making a very big decision: to move or not to move to Missouri. He has been offered an associate pastor position at the church he attended while in high school. 

We left at around 5:30 and drove through the Palisades and then on to the 405 back to the Condo. The drive wasn't bad at all... just a bit of congestion on and off!

Alan watched the Padres game and I reorganized the luggage because our dear friends who are coming over tomorrow can take the carry on back for me packed full with albums and books! YIPPY! I couldn't get that small of a suitcase to be 23kilos but it's pretty close... maybe 20kilos! There was no room to fit three more kilos of stuff!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Productive Tuesday!

I was up early and had time with Jesus... and went out for my run at 8:50 and getting back home by 10 and started working!

Alan came home and I got him to help me out. We redid both of the closets so that I can start stacking up the boxes of all the photo albums that are going to stay here. While he helped to move things, I packed up all the other items that were in the cabinets in the sitting room!

The house at one point looked like a mess... but as we started getting the boxes back into the closets... a sense of clarity set in and I was able to 'see'! 

At around 11:45, I took a quick shower as we were to meet Annie and KR at the Y for lunch. 

For 4$, it was quite a nice meal. And we met a couple who spoke Mandarin. He's from Taiwan and she is from Hong Kong! They both graduated from the Taipei Medical University! 

After lunch we came back over here and I continued to work. Now things were much easy to deal with. I started packing things into the suitcases and they were up to the weight capacity very quickly! I will not be able to take everything back. And I hope a friend can bring back a suitcase of stuff for me... I will ask them on Thursday!

At 3;30, I actually sat down to start putting pictures into the empty pages of two albums. At 5:20, we went over to Annie's. Alan went to buy dinner at FatBurger. I had a nice large salad.

We then came back over and I watched the movie, Fly Me to the Moon, while Alan watched the Padres game. They won... 

What a productive Tuesday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!