Christmas Worship

I was up early and went out for my run at 8:30. It was still nice and cool... I love it!

I was home and got busy with putting things together for this evening's event. I then went to Costco to get apple juice as I found out that we didn't order any beverages. So, I wanted to make hot apple cider. It was a hit! I also made fruit tea... and we had coffee with egg nog liquor. 

Back to my day... I was home and rested for about 45 minutes before I headed off to church. Our assistant and I went over the web page to see how we can revamp it. We got a lot done. I also got the crock pot started and set up the tables.

People came to help and the place looked so festive. The food was delivered and it was so delicious... We started at 6:30 and I shared my brief message and we had time of prayer and worship. Dinner was at around 7:40 and people just hung around until about 9:30! After cleaning up, we finally got home at 11:30. We stayed longer to talk to people!

Pray for our service tomorrow... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Costco Date!

I was up early and went out for my run after Isaiah and Alan took off... Our neighbors are giving me so much stuff... I got a huge box of belly dancing costumes, CDs... I sorted and posted things to give away.

Alan and I went out for lunch and then ventured over to Costco. We spent about 12,000NT$! I am buying things for three 'events'... 12/24 at our complex, 12/28 Love Cafe and 12/31 Watch Night Service! Exciting! But pray for this Sunday 12/21... this last sermon... I'm claiming Ephesians 4:29!

I had tutoring at 4:30. But since it was raining, I didn't bring my cell phone and they were again NO SHOW. I charged them for the hour! I was home by 6:30! And it was so nice and relaxing.

We had dinner at home and watched House.

Then a lady came over to look at belly dancing outfits at 10:30. She took almost everything! I saved some for another person which will pick up tomorrow.

We have a busy weekend... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Much Needed PR Day

I enjoy getting up early... It feels so refreshing... But now that the weather is not blaring hot, I can go out for my run after Alan and Isaiah leave.

I put in a load of laundry... made burgers for dinner and then went for my run after checking the recycling and a lady came to pick up clothes.

The run was fun... and after a quick shower, I sat myself on the sofa and read. I'm almost finished with this simple devotional style book for Moms... In it there were three or four great recipes that I will try.

At 2pm, I turned on the WiFi and sent off the notes for 12/20, 12/24 and 12/31. I also received a note from our ministry assistant: the message this Sunday was going to be on Christmas, but that's not what his ppt has... It's going to be interesting... his last message... it seems to be filled with his 'agenda'... Please pray! Isaiah is translating!

I also looked for flights to Germany and the price was what I had wanted... but the layover was longer than I had seen... I don't mind the carry on only requirement as I don't plan to bring much... but the long layover?!?!?! Are they going to put me up in a hotel for free? That's the unknown... I wouldn't mind going out to see Abu Dhabi... Anyhow, I'm still praying before I hit 'select'.

I booked Ms. Hsieh for 5:30 and I had a Christmas gift for her. I had shared some corn nuts with her and it turned out that she loves them. She had ordered some for herself online, but they were not tasty. So, I went and bought some at the foreign food store, which I know she will like.

I was home by 8pm and Alan came home at 9 and Isaiah came home by 10pm. They had cheeseburgers... I bought the buns on the way home from Ms. Hsieh! YUMMY!

I read some more essays and made comments. 

The day flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

 

Seek Him First!

A More Relaxing Wednesday!

I was up early... and didn't go out for my run until 11:30 as I didn't have my Soochow Bible study. I helped with recycling and there were things to give away.

I got back from my run and the afternoon flew by. I dropped off things and went to tutor at 3:00 and got back home by 6pm after stopping to get soybean milk and milk and bread. 

Dinner was already cooking... Mexican! And Isaiah and Fenny came back for dinner... 

We had the HOP Elders Meeting and I didn't join it until it was just those who are serving together for 2026. I didn't want to be online with those who have been less than kind... 

Tomorrow is my PR Day. YIPPY!

I did take the time to edit my new student's essays. I'm going to try to do that every day for these next few days until I finish commenting on all her application essays and see her on Monday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

LONG Update from Alan...

Alan's Highlights of 2025

January-February: 

Taiwan Prison Ministry Party;  Went to the International Prison in Taoyuan with Jonathan Brantingham and his son, Aaron. They had flown from the States for the events. There were about 30 0ther people and it's the "Belated" Christmas Party: an opportunity to bring some cheer, hope, and love to the prisoners.

Stateside trip: Visited with my Mom & brothers and Lovely’s sister’s family.  Great time spent with my mom going out to eat and playing games.  I also had the opportunity to go to two SDSU Basketball games with one of my brothers.

March:

Abby's visit to the States: Lovely joined her and together they went down to see Grandma Bea and stayed with my brother's family. I was in charge of caring for Lovely's Mom.

April:

Abby in Taiwan: Lovely and Abigail arrived in Taipei and we had the whole family together for two weeks.   We had a great time together, but it felt like time flew by way too fast. Lovely and I celebrated our 38th Anniversary and had our Annual Family Portraits done.

May:

HOP Retreat:  We had our annual HOP Retreat in Ilan and it was a great time of fellowship and experiencing God’s creation.  The following week was our Annual Soochow English Department International Cultural Excellence in English week. It was a very busy week as I helped to MC most of the events.

The Passing of Mom Regina: May 7th, in her sleep on a Wednesday morning. I was busy at school with the ICEE Week and got the call from Isaiah as I was just settling into my office chair to get things ready for that morning's ICEE Events.  It was such a shock. The cremation happened on Saturday, May 10th.

MRI for My Right Hip: Over the past three months my hip was bothering me more. I found out that the joint cartilage had worn thin at certain places and there was some unevenness. The cause is related to my favoring my left knee. The knee problems began with a torn ACL which was never repaired and over time with playing sports. My right hip started to compensate for this. I guess the conclusion is: I am beginning to feel my age more and more.

June: 

Baptism Service at Waishwangsyi: Three youths from HOP celebrated by getting baptized. It was a joy as the dads of two of the kids are from my discipleship group. 

July-August:

Stateside Trip: It was the first time that all three of us went to the States. Isaiah had two weeks. Lovely had three weeks and I had a much longer time as I stayed until mid-September. We brought Mom Regina's ashes and had a graveside service on July 19th. Mom Regina's ashes are now where Daddy George is buried. We went down to San Diego and spent time with my Mom. Isaiah and I and the cousins and uncle went to a Padres Game.

September-December:

The Start of Soochow University: I have a nice schedule this year. And besides that, church has been 'eventful'. Because of issues related to doctrinal belief as well as leadership style with our pastor and some of our leadership, the Pastor put in his resignation and will be starting a new Church at the beginning of 2026.  A portion of the congregation will be going with him to start this "new" church in Taipei.   It has been a stressful and emotionally draining period for me as well as Lovely and other leaders.  HOP will continue but with a smaller congregation. 

Overall, it has been a very eventful 2025 with highs and lows. Through it all, God is in control. I feel that my relationship with Lovely has grown stronger through this difficult time whether with the loss of Lovely’s Mom or the difficulties at HOP (our home church for over 22 years or so).  I have also decided that in 2026 after completing the new constitution for HOP that I will be taking a break from being an Elder. I want to make sure that there will be someone to step into the position and that the church is stable and moving forward before I step down. Lovely and I enjoy and celebrate growing older together and we look forward to taking more trips as a couple. Isaiah has a girlfriend and might be married in a year or two or three and Abigail seems to love being a missionary. We are in some ways "empty nesters" (even though Isaiah lives at home, which we love!).

In 2026, I hope to start a new discipleship group with a few men from HOP. I do plan on going to the US for five weeks this summer. Isaiah will join me for two weeks as we will go to the location of another tennis Grand Slam: US Open in New York. We've been to Australian Open and Wimbledon. This leaves just the French Open as the only Grand Slam Event that we have not gone to.  I also will continue to teach part-time at Soochow University and help out with various events that the English Department puts on during the year.  Please pray for my health and especially my right hip and my left knee to be structurally sound and pain-free. 

My verse for 2026:

Jeremiah 29:11--

For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I was up early... and went out to run at 8am... after Isaiah and Alan took off... I came back and took a super fast shower and grabbed the food and took off to church. I had time to set up and heat up the food! We had only five ladies as one was traveling and another had a doctor's appointment. We are finished with Ephesians! I scootered over to New Life Church as they had a Christmas Flea Market to raise money for Hualien. I bought stuff... donating 500NT$. I was home and worked on getting things ready for the different upcoming programs! Tutoring was at 7pm and Family Time at 9pm!

Seek Him First!

A Cleaning Monday!

I was up early... as the boys were up for the game that started at 2am. Yes, the Chargers won!

I went out to run at 8:30 after Isaiah and Alan went off to work.

I was home and after a quick shower, I got everything ready and went off to Danhsui. I had planned to go today to tidy up everything. The friend moved out... and a group of 8 people stayed there for only one night. So, I needed to go in to check everything and to see the Management Company of the complex to get the payment slip for the management fees for next year! I pay the whole year in one payment!

I like that little apartment. I started by spraying the bathroom toilet, sink and shower... then went and folded all the bedding and put back the blankets on the beds... I then worked on the sofa and kitchen and the balcony. I was finished by 2:45. I did stop to eat... but I didn't bring enough water! 

The ride there and back was great... I was home by 3:40 and put the chicken in the crock pot. We had plenty of leftovers but I cooked for tomorrow's ladies Bible study!

I had prayer time at 4:30 and that was finished by 5:45!

Free evening... We will have Family Time tomorrow evening as Isaiah had basketball tonight!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday!!!

I was up early... and I checked and found a place to donate blood...

So, at 9:30, I took off and got there and they were still setting things up. They gave away three gifts and I was finished by 10:50 and went to church for the Young Adults Fellowship. It was a great time of sharing! I was thinking that I'd have time to go home, but I ended up talking to people and setting up for our afternoon service. I did go out to get a few errands done! YEAH!

I had to translate for the afternoon service and God gave me the strength!

Dinner was sandwiches and salad... yummy! And we were home by 8pm.

I had prayer time at 9pm and then Isaiah helped me sealed the box that will be picked up tomorrow. 

What a day! The week is going to be a busy one!

Oh... as for church... it is getting 'ridiculous' (that's the only word I can think of to describe what is happening). Those are causing all the chaos are now sending invites to those in our congregation to their service which is going to be at the same time. Several people came up to me and asked as they were confused... Is House of Praise changing location? Are we not having our service on January 11th? Please pray!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Isaiah's Year in Review

From Isaiah (Not his best friend, AI):

I can’t believe how fast 2025 has flown by.  2024 was a blur as I started my first 'official' full-time job at Nanshan Life Insurance. (I was in the MA Program, starting in July of 2023 and moved into my full time position in 2024!) But wasn't that just yesterday? 

So, here is my recap for 2025:

There are three main aspects that I want to focus on: my job, my relationships, and lastly my personal goals. 

First off, I have been at Nanshan for two and a half years already. I was originally working for the Claims Department, but have continue to be at the Customer Service Project Department - Claims Division for nearly two years now. Working on projects regarding digital platforms and streamlining processes, I have learned so much, way beyond my imagination. If you were to ask me three years ago about writing codes for automating processes or help plan for Apps and Websites, let alone working for a Life Insurance Company, I would have thought you were crazy. And my answer to that invitation would surely have been a big fat NO. So, it is truly amazing that I am doing what I'm doing. One of the reasons that I've stayed is because of the relationships that I have built with my colleagues, especially those with whom I have grown pretty close to from the Management Association Program. Even though we don't see each other that often anymore, the occasional hang outs really are cherish able. 

Now about my relationships... I have been dating Fenny for around a year and a half, and a big answer to prayer is that she has professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior! Those who are curious about when the ring is going to be purchased or when I will pop the question, I guess I can only say that it is time to put one of the fruits of the Spirit into practice: Patience. As for church relationships, how can I describe them? I guess I'd have to say that those relationships have been quite the roller coaster this year. The bright spot in all this is that I have been very involved in the Young Adult Ministry. Although there has been a few rough spots, I know that in this upcoming year, the Lord's will will be done, and He will continue to guide this ministry. 

Finally, as for my personal goals... I had set a couple of personal goals last year. One of the big goals was to maybe buy a house this year. Through God's help, this happened in mid-November. I am so grateful for God's divine provision and how faithful He has been. Dad & Mom matched what I had saved up so that I had enough for a down payment. I had to take out a loan for 8 million NT$. The apartment is on the 3rd floor of an old apartment building, meaning there is no elevator. It has three bedrooms and two baths. All the bedrooms are quite small. I did qualify for the Young People's Government Sponsored low interest loan, so that's another praise. Escrow should close by the beginning of 2026!

Another 'goal'/'dream' was to go to a Twice Concert, which I thought might have to be overseas since Twice had not been able to come to Taiwan.  But God fulfilled this dream as Twice came to Taiwan in November to Kaohsiung. I was able to purchase a ticket for about 8000NT$. I had an absolute blast! I hope to go again in March of 2026 as they are scheduled for another visit.  

Now comes my prayer request for 2026. I pray that I will make wise decisions in regards to financial stewardship. I will be officially in debt with the need to pay a monthly mortgage payment for the apartment that I purchased. The loan is for 30 year! I pray that I will make more of an effort to lose weight as I wasn't very consistent in that respect for 2025. I pray that I will have a chance to continue to be recognized at my job for the work that I do. Hopefully, I will receive another substantial New Year Bonus in February! Lastly, I pray that the Young Adult Ministry at House of Praise will be a place where peers can grow spiritually and bond as a family in Christ. 

The theme of this upcoming year I think will be…Faithful. And the verse that I want to focus on is Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) -- 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Daily Lovely Insight:

I was up early and went out for my run... I finished this week with 63.63. Annie said I should have done 64.64... So, I will try for 65.65 next year!

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis. I took a shower and finished packing the box. I then started working on the different events for House of Praise: the Year-End Service on Sunday 12/28, the Saturday Christmas Special on 12/21 as well as the songs for Caroling at our complex on 12/24. We had plenty of food, so no need to cook. After lunch, I scooter to SanChong, hoping to donate blood. Unfortunately, there were 40 people in front of me and I didn't have time to wait around. I will have to do that maybe next week. I will check where I can go... I scootered back home and rested!

This evening we had the Ladies' Bible Study Potluck! FUN! Isaiah went out with Fenny. He got a $2000 gift certificate to be used at a Department Store for a story that he submitted about elderly care! I hope to get a copy and translate it and share it with you all!

Seek Him First!

Lovely's Year In Review!

I was up early and decided to run 12.12! Why not?

I was home and after a shower, I started to pack the box that will be shipped to the Philippines... I also went to the traditional market to buy Chinese Romaine Lettuce and veggies! Alan came home at around the same time I did. He got ready and we went to Yehliu for lunch. I wanted to go to the Yehliu GeoPark as a remembrance of Mom... 

First, let me write my personal 'newsletter' for 2025.

This has been a tremendous year... this time last year, I had no idea what God was going to carry me through. As you recall, it was one of the most difficult years in 2024 as I was on the board of our complex and the care of Mom weighed heavy upon my shoulders.

The verse the LORD gave me was Mark 4:39. I will copy and paste the exact picture/scripture I had in my post from last year:

This verse has been extremely meaningful as the wind, the storm of life, belted me this year. I went to the States at the end of March, and Abby joined me... We spent our time in San Diego as I didn't know when I'd have a chance to visit with Mom Bea. The day after I arrived, Judy had a Celebration of Life for her dad: Bill Jones. I was blessed to attend that Service! Abby returned with me to Taiwan and she stayed for 17 days and what a joyous time that was. We again had our Family Portrait done.

Then on the morning of May 7th, my Mom passed in her sleep... shocking... for the next four days, my life was spinning. The cremation happened on Saturday, the 10th. My brother James flew over from Malaysia. Everything was in a blur... Plans were made for Isaiah, Alan and I to go back to the States in July with the ashes and we would have a graveside service. My brother Eddie joined us and the Service was held on July 19th. I came back to Taiwan on August 10th. Isaiah returned a week earlier and Alan stayed until September! 

And on the morning of August 16th, I had a conversation with our pastor which led to havoc and turmoil. As things progressed, the pastor decided to resign by December 31st, taking a five month paid Sabbatical, which brought the church into a state of chaos. Again, Mark 4:39 was what God sang over me. I won't go into all the details, but in my 50 years of being a follower of Jesus, I have never experienced what has happened in these past four months!

Even in the midst of 'grieving', the Lord has brought comfort and surprises. My Bible studies gals and the Soochow students... A trip to Nepal to see Abby... House hunting with Isaiah (and you can read his newsletter tomorrow to know more about that...)... Our God is faithful... He is my Refuge and He speaks calm in the midst of the chaos. He speaks peace in the midst of upheaval and conflicts. He indeed silences and calms the storms.

What does 2026 look like? What is the verse that the Lord has put upon my heart for this upcoming year?

Abby will be back for a month: from March 8th to April 8th. And of course, we will do another Family Portrait!

I plan to travel to Heidelberg: most likely from May 5th to May 19th. I'm still praying and looking for the best price for the round trip ticket.

House of Praise will continue... but perhaps with only half of the number of people. I will be more involved as a Deaconess and perhaps be a board member. I hope that House of Praise will also be involved in a missions trip this year: maybe to Nepal or Cambodia!

I hope to work on tossing and cleaning and sorting and organizing. 

I will continue to run, but will not be joining any races. Maybe the year I turn 70! I hope to do another ultra in another country!

I might be getting a few more students... and perhaps letting go of a few students! MOE asked me to go back, but I have committed to being at Soochow on Wednesdays and they couldn't work around that. They needed me on Wednesday!

I don't plan on traveling to the States!

So, here are my prayer requests:

1. For God to build up HOP and to spark the hearts of those in our congregation to maybe partner with another church on a missions trip!

2. For God to give me insights and strength as I lead or speak or help others.

3. For God to reveal truth in the midst of lies.

4. For God to plan the trips in the New Year!

5. For God to provide job opportunities either tutoring or speaking.

My verse for 2026 is:

John 15:16 (2025-2026)

What a powerful verse! To know that I am chosen. I am ordained. I am to go and bear fruit. I am to ask in Jesus' name. And I trust that God the Father will answer!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Alan and I had lunch in Yehliu and then went to the GeoPark. It was windy but I quite enjoyed it. We drove back through the mountain and I had ordered pizza for dinner! Isaiah came home and we just had a simple supper at home. Alan and I were too full. Tomorrow night, we have a ladies' Bible study potluck. So, I'm planning to make a main dish and a dessert! 

Overall, it was a wonderful birthday... 

Seek Him First!

A Low-Key Sabbath Day

I was up early... but didn't go out for my run until 9:30. The weather was warm... and sunny... 10K... finished.

Alan and Isaiah had already left for work... and I had the house to myself!

I made some delicious coffee and had my brunch/lunch after a shower... And I trimmed my hair... NICE!

The afternoon was spent on the sofa, reading... I alternated between several books... and I also dozed on and off.

At around 3:30, I turned on my WiFi and bought coupons at a restaurant in Yehliu. Yes, that's the plan for tomorrow... head out towards Yehliu for the day!

At 4:20, I headed out... I had to drop off some CDs to a friend... check on my MRT cards... get money to pay for the coupons... and then I had an oil massage... 

I was home by 8pm... and Alan was home at 9pm and Isaiah walked in soon after that... We watched two episodes of House while eating dinner!

It was just a very nice low-key Sabbath!

I do need to start working on several things next week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Last Soochow Bible Study... For This Semester!

I was up early and started cooking... I wanted to make a chicken shepherd's pie and a dessert!

I did go down to check the recycling as this new janitor just don't seem to know how to sort things! Anyhow, the people from the recycling truck always like to see me... we work well together.

After that was done, I went out for my run... and it was hot! But I finished my 10K and came home for a quick shower. I layered the shepherd's pie and finished making the dessert. I realized that I had too many things to bring, so I cancelled tutoring. I was feeling tired... and it was great that I cancelled as the kids all wanted to stay around and chat after our 'mini' party!

I have so enjoyed this group of students!

I got home and put everything away... and was so glad that I cancelled my tutoring as I didn't get home until 5:10!

No meeting tonight... Fenny came over for dinner... and I had prayer time at 9pm.

The day flew by... I didn't work on more file tossing... I realized that I should just wait until I go 'home' and my kids or Alan can toss everything as they won't have any emotional attachment to my first class of students at Castelar where I did my student teaching and then landed my first full time job... That sure was an easy decision!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Trying to Toss Files... Not Successful!

I was up NOT early... I really slept in... I guess I didn't take a nap yesterday and was quite exhausted! It felt so good... 

Alan was home at 9am... as the game started at 9:15: Chargers Against the Eagles! I didn't know that the Eagles were the Super Bowl Champs last year... Anyhow, I worked on sorting through files while Alan sat in the living room to watch. And like the title: I was not successful... the key was TOSS... I didn't toss anything! I did reorganize and that was great. 

While working on that, I also cooked two different dishes in the crock pot. The first one was a beef stew, which turned out very very delicious! The second one, which is still cooking, is a Mexican chicken dish! I'm sure that's going to be nice too... I'm cooking quite a bit because now that Fenny is living in Neihu, I invited to come over for dinner whenever she has time. And Isaiah also packs his lunch, so we have lots of food in the fridge! YUMMY!

At 12:40, I went out for my run. Delightful... 10K... not too fast... easy pace... weather was great.

And Chargers won... it was a great game according to Alan and Isaiah!

I resumed my cleaning and sorting... while listening to another CD: Luminate, a Christian band. Their songs are quite nice!

The complex management director called: a neighbor has a bag of bedding to give away. Do I want them? I went and looked and the stuff was nice. It turned out that a bed and breakfast lodging closed and gifted our neighbor with tons of bedding items. I sorted and called for a box and will give away the stuff!

I must say... it was quite nice to have a day without any appointments and just do some much needed time consuming tasks. I need to set aside days like this more often! To tackle the files alone will need many days! I can toss other people's files, but it's so hard when I have to do files of my own notes and papers! I'm going to set this task for the year 2026!

At 7pm, I had tutoring for an hour... that flew by... and the day drew to a close!

By the way, the chicken dish turned out very yummy... even without sour cream!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Tackled A Huge Task!

I was up early and did go out for my 10K... the weather was perfect!

I got home, took a shower and put in a load of laundry as I didn't get to that yesterday! 

Alan and Isaiah took off for work... and I was off to meet a dear friend. It's our usual monthly prayer and share time. And again, she prepared a feast for me!

I came home and started the task for the day: organizing all the CDs in the house! You can't believe how many we have! The dining room table was stacked up so high... I grouped everything first and then took out the CD player to listen to some of the CDs to check them out! After over three hours, I finally started to put them back to the different racks! I was hoping to finish before 6pm, but I did not!

I pushed everything to one side of the dining room table and had dinner! We had our first in person prayer meeting tonight! We have not had this for many many many years... what a joy!

We used YouTube for a worship song and then we shared verses before praying together. The hour flew by.

Fenny came and we dropped off the last of her stuff at the old house and she will be sleeping there starting tonight. Isaiah had to go to the office, so Alan dropped me off before going there. It was sprinkling, so Alan didn't want him to be riding his scooter. Plus, it got quite cold.

I came home to check on the meat and to finish up with the CDs... YEAH! Tomorrow, I'm going to try to tackle another big task: getting rid of some files and sorting through some stationery goods. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The 7th of the Month!

I was up early and went back to bed and napped until 9am. Then it was time to get things ready as I had decided to go to the morning service and then hang around before attending a prayer and worship time for a sister who will be undergoing a cancer operation.

So... the Taipei International Church started at 10:30 and it was a wonderful service. Dior, a gal from YWAM, is back from the Philippines, which means she got her work visa to be at TIC as a professional coordinator, serving at the church. The church was beautifully decorated and the message was on Hope, the Advent of Christ. And of course, as it was the first Sunday of the month, we had communion, which was beautifully done!

Alan came... so that was nice. And I met several new people. After the service, he left and I stayed to organize the books in the church library. I donated 7 books and got 7 more books, which I will give away! I then headed to get money to pay a few bills and then found out that the Dazhi Carrefour closed on 11/30. SAD! I went to PXMart instead and sat there to have lunch before heading out the house of the host of the prayer and worship time. I got there right on time. 

The songs sung were beautiful and we just read Scriptures and prayed. 

I walked one of the gals to the MRT Station before walking back to my scooter and getting home. 

Alan walked in 15 minutes after I did.

I had stayed down at the recycling area, cleaning and sorting, as the janitor is off today!

Isaiah came back from his trip quite late.

The week has started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

New Hot Pot Place!

I was up early and did go for a run after Isaiah and Fenny left for their trip to WuLin. Alan went to play tennis.

We set to leave the house at 10:30 to help a couple to get to the HSR with all their stuff. They are the ones living in the Danhsui House! We also wanted to treat them to lunch, so we stopped at a Hot Pot Place that we've been wanting to try and it did not disappoint! Absolutely delicious but we weren't able to enjoy all the food since we had to rush to the HSR.

I was able to go with them to the platform and help them get on the HSR before coming back up and waited for Alan to pick me up. We were going to go to the Travel Expo but we went around several times and could not find parking. So, we headed home. We did not get home until after 4:30. 

We had a nice free evening and I was too full to eat!

How did the day fly by so quickly?

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Quite A Date Day!

I was up early and now that the weather is cooler, I can go back to sleep and run later in the morning. So, I went and ran 10K at 8:50! 

Alan and I had wanted to head out at around 10:15. We had a lot of do... We went to the church to pick up the plants. We then went to Coco and bought the drinks and then to a Cantonese Restaurant and bought lunch. We headed to the old house. I cleaned while Alan ate. Then he measured the back to make sure the dryer would fit. I also got two check ins and two carry ons to give way. 

We were back in our car, heading home. It was already 2pm. He went to drop off the suitcases while I went to meet up for prayer and then tutoring!

The dryer delivery was done at around 5pm and then Alan went to pick up the last load of Fenny's stuff and then dropped everything off at the old house. They all came over for dinner. I had made mashed potatoes and chicken curry!

At 9pm, we had family time!

The weekend has started and if it's anything like today, it's going to be a busy one!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sabbath: A Delight!

 I was up early... and I just wake up now... I love it. I didn't go out for my run... No rush... It's my Sabbath!

Alan and Isaiah took off and I settled on the sofa to read, Heaven, Chapters 16-17! And I then ate a great breakfast... with freshly brewed coffee. The couple who came last night gifted me with more flavored Starbucks coffee pods... WOW... I was back on the sofa reading... and I also worked on putting things away.

At 12:45, I got all the chairs up and started the iRobot and got ready for my run. I ran 11K and after a quick shower, I sat and checked my emails and read some more!

At 5pm, I went and checked the recycling before going to my two hour massage! WOW!

I was home and made some hamburger patties for dinner. I ate a salad and watched the Rookie. Alan came home and had two cheeseburgers and we had the chance to talk with Abby. She is thinking about going for seminary in São Paulo.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

God's Sustaining Strength!

I was up early and went out for my run after I got the recycling cleared and the truck came to take everything. The reason was the janitor was gone and the day time security guard did nothing!

I ran 12KM because I missed 2KM yesterday! I got home, took a quick shower, ate lunch and took off. I wanted to be at school by 12:30 as the flea market was going on. I gave out money to my students and then shopped. I spent 210NT$. 

The study was great... five students! And then I was off to tutor. The weather got cold and riding back home was chilly!

Alan was home and yes, he bought his tickets last night. He's going to the states from August 4th to September 11th. He also got Isaiah's tickets. YIPPY! His ticket was only 816US$! ROUND TRIP!

At 7pm, the couple came over and we had a great time going through some 'issues' to help build their marriage relationship. When they left, I cleaned up the kitchen and did a load of laundry!

Yes, it was great to head off to bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Almost Triple Bible Study Day!

It's true... 

I was up super early... I like it... It's so nice and quiet. But I didn't go out for a run until it was 8:30, which meant I only had time to run for 8KM. It was already quite warm.

I rushed off to my Bible study, forgetting the food in the fridge. So on the way, I bought these veggie buns and soybean milk. I had brought empty containers to return to church, so that worked out perfectly.

Six gals came... And it was a great time of sharing. I always enjoy our study. We also had our new booklet ready! They turned out beautifully!

I was on my way home by 2pm and stopped at the post office to deposit the money as Annie sent money to Nepal. What a waste of time that was trying to do it through the bank here in Taiwan!

We still have plenty of food, so no need to cook. But I had to bake for my Bible study tomorrow. And I will have to be at Soochow early as the church has their annual flea market event.

I was going to have my Tuesday evening Bible study at 7pm and scooter home at 8:30 as I had somehow scheduled my online Bible study to be at 9pm. BUT the gal who was set to lead tonight couldn't make it. So we cancelled and I tutored at 7pm. At 9pm, I had my online Bible. So, it was ALMOST A TRIPLE BIBLE STUDY DAY! 

Both Alan and I were hunting for cheap tickets. So far I haven't purchased anything. Maybe tomorrow... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

WHAT A MONDAY?

I was up early as I knew that Alan and Isaiah were going to be up by 5am. So, I was up before 4am! NICE!

I didn't go for a run until everyone left for their work.

I took down the clothes and just had a leisurely morning, leaving at 9:30 for my run! After getting home, I decided to trim my hair. NICE!

Then at 12:48, I headed out... I had several things that I was hoping to get done. I had a box to mail to Corenne's granddaughter, Genesis. But first, I wanted to donate money to Nepal. I stopped at the bank and found out that I needed my ID card. So off I went to pick that up and went back to the bank. Three hours later, the money still was not transferred. I left and went and mailed the box. I was home by around 4:50 and put together a salad as I was really hungry!

Isaiah had basketball.

Alan came home and we watched the Rookie together.

I blogged, checked emails and worked on church stuff!

The day flew by... 

Keep praying for the church situation.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!