God Is Good!

I was up and it was just so hot... So, I rode the scooter down near the park and ran 8km.

It was difficult... the heat is tremendous!

I came back and took a shower and Isaiah took off.

Alan had gone to play tennis. He got back at around 10am and went to school to finish off his grades.

I went and did the recycling and kept the janitor on track. But I don't think he did much... Unless you're there, he just hides himself somewhere and gets on his cell phone!

Anyhow... I worked on my talk notes as I have three talks for the month of July! And increase in tutoring and the start of MOE!

I left at 1pm to run a few errands... yeah!

I had tutoring at 2pm and that went fast.

My 4:30 tutoring cancelled... so I had prayer time at 4pm.

That finished at 5pm and I spent the time to blog and check emails... and finished up inserting all the pictures into the album. Now, I need to write 'captions'... I love flipping through the pages...

At 6:30, I left for my evening Bible study. I have my morning Bible study at church tomorrow morning!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Back Home...

I was up early and had time with Jesus... and just hung around... Breakfast was at 8:30 and it was another delicious meal... 

We packed up and put our luggage out and went back to the restaurant to have our service. It was a beautiful simple service... 

We were all heading out by 12noon... 

Alan, Isaiah and I hiked up this hill... the rest of the group went to shop for ginger or fruit or peanuts... 

We found a nice restaurant on top of the hill and just sat and had a drink and hung out... before we took off back down and headed home.

The traffic wasn't too bad and we were home by 4:15.

I went down to the recycling and it was an absolute mess... 

I got more stuff to give away... We definitely have people moving out... 

I got back home and Alan made tuna fish and had a simple dinner with Isaiah.

I unpacked and just relaxed.

I went and picked up the rest of the pictures and finished the albums... now, I just need to write some comments... I hope to do that before the end of August!

The week looks to be a busy one...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Retreat & More...

I was up but missed the time to go run... So, I decided to run when we got to our retreat site!

I checked the recycling... and packed up stuff for people to pick up. And I'm happy to say that everything was picked up!

Alan went and played tennis... Isaiah did not! Alan came back early so that he can go to Costco and PXMart to buy snacks and drinks... 

At 12:15, we left for the retreat site with Isaiah driving. The traffic was not bad... amazing... and we got to Southern Miaoli by around 2:40 and walked around. We had stinky tofu and fried onion cakes and then checked in.

This is the ultimate GLAMPING... there are 10 campers and 20 tents... and the tents are luxurious... with AC and all the amenities... the bathrooms are outside of the tent... but you get your own bathroom. The campers have bathrooms. There are nice areas to sit and look out... Afternoon tea was delicious... and I went for a run... It wasn't so hot, but I had to run hills... I'm totally out of shape for running hills. I did only 8KM... finishing the week with 50KM... THANK YOU JESUS.

The dinner was amazing... TRULY AMAZING... and then at 8:15, we had our program. Worship led by Michael and then I did the short fun program. This retreat is called the 31:3 Retreat... Jeremiah 31:3.

The evening flew by... and even midnight snack was provided... 

I had taken a shower after my run... so, the rest of the evening was quite relaxing!

Tomorrow... breakfast at 8am!

And we won't be having our afternoon service. We will have our service in the morning... at the camp site!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Baptism & Holiday...

I was up and went out... and it was so hot... blaring hot... I was sweating through my eyeballs...

I was home and checked on the recycling and took a shower.

Alan and Isaiah had gone to play tennis and I had planned on using the morning to get my photos organized for the third time... I had to redo again and again to get the photos in the right order and in the right book. I will get another 27 pictures made and I'll be finished...

Alan and Isaiah were home and after a simple lunch, we rested and headed out.

Baptism service at the river area near Alan's school... Wow... it was great. The weather was hot... and a lot of people showed up! It was a wonderful family time!

Alan, Isaiah and I stayed until 3:30 and went to have an early dinner... and we were so glad we did... we had parking and no wait at this great buffet hot pot place! It was about 10US$ per person... and we stayed until 6:10. Yes, there's a time limit!

We were completely stuffed... We got home at 7pm and we had prayer time at 8:45 and family time at 9pm. Then when I went down to check the recycling... wow... again, so much stuff that I posted to give away. People will be coming to pick up!

Tomorrow is the start of our retreat!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

I Truly Rested!

I was up and it was HOT... I can't imagine the next three months of this heat...

I ran my 8KM... barely... 

Isaiah and Alan took off for work and I made myself a cabbage salad for breakfast... YEAH!

Then it was reading and resting... seriously!

The morning went by so quickly.

I did run the washing machine on 'cleaning' mode... with baking soda and vinegar!

I put away a few things and yes, threw out a few things... and baked a delicious banana chocolate oatmeal bread! WOW... I had some with coffee...

Before the rain, I went and did some complex cleaning and then I left at 4:30 to pick up more pictures and a library book for Isaiah. I got to tutoring at 5:40 and went long again... 

I rushed home as prayer time was at 8:45.

Alan was already home... He had final oral exams that went long, so he didn't go play basketball.

After the prayer time, I had Bible study from 9-10pm!

Tomorrow is a holiday... YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Long Wednesday

 I was up and out... and I had set the day to start training our complex janitor!

At 7:30, I went down and got the cart organized.

At 8am, we started... I walked him through his duty schedule... He had no idea... He tried to say he knew, but when I asked him, he never gave the right answers.

At 9:10, the recycling people came and we got everything into the truck!

Every half an hour, I would supervise what he was supposed to be doing... 

At 10:45, I had to go off to tutor... and when I came back at 1pm, I got him working... albeit very slowly!

I had to leave again at 3:00 and the rain had started! I made it safely and I was even early. The session went long... in fact, all my sessions went long today.

The rain had stopped, so I went and picked up the photos.

I was home with only five minutes to spare. I picked up what I needed for the next tutoring session and took off...

That hour went long as well... and I was finally home at 7:30!

I started to put the pictures into an album and realized that I had more pictures that need to be done... I think there are about another 100 pictures... WOW... I sent those off... and will most likely pick them up tomorrow...

Prayer time at 8:45 and when that was finished, I was ready for bed...

Oh... big news: 

Eddie's son, Nicolas, had a daughter: Aurora... so he is now a GRANDFATHER!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Blood Donation and More...

I was up early and with no rain, I was out and ran my 8KM.

After a shower, I put together more items that I had gathered for Annie. I put them into an empty suitcase. The stuff is multiplying!

I went and ate breakfast as they always ask... the people at the blood donation truck. And I don't lie... I weigh myself and I eat a good breakfast.

I was off and the first to be in line and donated blood. The gifts: tea bags, coffee coupon, a pair of socks, and a nice bag! Then I went and bought veggies at PXMart and the next place was at the photo studio. I got 122 pictures printed! 30US$! I have an empty album, so after I pick them up on Wednesday, I will start putting them into the album I've set aside!

I was home and it was already 12:30. I had a massage appointment at 1:15. I gathered things for tutoring and things to drop off at church and I was off again! 

The 90 minute massage was superb... and I rushed over, stopping to buy stinky tofu, to church!

Tutoring went well... and I was home by 6pm! 

The recycling needed work... tomorrow everything should be picked up!

I ate the stinky tofu with sauerkraut... YUMMY! That was my treat for dinner...

I was so tired... prayer time at 8:45.

Tomorrow... another full day of tutoring!

Oh the rain did come... and that helped to cool down the day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

AC Repair & More...

I was up early and did go out for my 8KM... and the rain is leaving... the heat will be starting... I am very sad! 

I started the crock pot after a shower... Mexican meat... I think it's going to be very delicious. I also started the iRobot going and posted more things to give away.

I took off at 9:50, first getting the recycling cleaned up!

Today was my once a month meeting with a dear sister. She always prepares a feast...and today was the same! 

I had to rush off at 12:45 as the AC guy was set to come at 1:30. He was 10 minutes late... which worked out perfectly!

I had to pull things out of our living room cabinet as the electrical panel is in there... He turned off the main switch and got started with the AC coolant... and tested the two units. They are fixed... He left and I got started with my prep for tutoring!

I left and checked the recycling and got to tutoring early... YIPPY! The hour and a half flew by... We had a mini party with snacks and drinks. Their complex has a 'coffee shop' with everything free... they will even make pancakes or waffles for you... or freshly brewed coffee... I had a Coca Cola... and I brought some snacks... 

I was home and Alan walked in soon after... He had dinner. I was too full with the snacks that I had while tutoring...

This evening, we had in person prayer time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

A Very Long Sunday

I was up early and knew that it would be a long day...

Even with no run, the day went on and on and on...

First, there was the Young Adults Fellowship... only three people! Very disappointing... but I just trust God with this...

And then I walked to our old house as I had picked up the remote and wanted to try it. Perfect... the AC unit in the living room works!

I ran back to church as tutoring was at 2pm. That went well... and when that was finished, I had the Love Cafe set up... and service started soon after that...

Alan spoke and Isaiah translated... 

For Love Feast, we had tong-tzi. Since people just brought them home, we were cleaning up by 7pm! I was home by 7:30 and the recycling was... well... it was what it was... More stuff to post to give away!

The lady had come to pick up three huge bags of bedding while we were at church. And another guy came to get pots and pans... one more lady came at 9:30 to pick up another pile... I had one no show... exercise stuff... I'll post those items again!

I tested a small sewing machine and it works great... I will keep that as it's lighter and easier to get out than the old ones that I have...

I also tested these plate warmer... quite interesting.

Alan was in bed by 8pm and I had prayer time at 9pm. I was in bed soon after that... 

There is forecast for rain... yippee!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Free Saturday? Sort Of...

I was up and did run my usual 8KM... No rain... partly cloudy... warmer than the day before...

After a shower, I went down and there were things to give away from the recycling pile... LOTS OF THINGS... 

I then called the AC guy and he will be coming on Monday afternoon... 

Alan headed out for Soochow's graduation ceremony... and I headed out to trim a friend's hair... She prepared a scrumptious lunch for me... 

I stayed until 4pm and drove home... And there were more things left for me to give away... One guy already came to pick up a huge bag... and another guy came and picked up two more bags... I tested several things, including a mite vacuum for sofas and mattresses and a sewing machine... a mini one... Which I think I will keep... if it works.

I went and picked up Isaiah's books that he reserved at the local library and I also paid a bill and bought some bread... 

The rest of the evening was spent at home... So nice!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

AC Unit Installed...

I was up and just so happy to see the clouds...

The run was warm as it did not rain... nor did it drizzle... but it was pleasantly cloudy! No turtle... but lots of birds... they just mowed this huge patch of lawn and the birds were enjoying a feast!

I was home and after a shower, went down to put things for pick up... two computer cases and a remote control car! They were promptly picked up!

Alan and I had a nice brunch and didn't do much more... the AC guys were to come at 3pm to the old house. It was good to nap... 

He went to the old house and I went to tutor at 4pm! And only one kid needed tutoring, so I was home early.

Alan had sent photos... it's a very nice AC unit! YEAH!

We had dinner together... he bought KFC... 

Prayer at 8:45 and I spent the rest of the evening packing up things to give away! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

I Love PR Days!

I was up and it was fairly cool... at least it was cloudy. I ran my usual 8KM. And, thank you Annie for asking: I will run longer when the weather gets cooler... like in November! Now, I just try to run 50KM a week!

I was back and Isaiah and Alan took off... and I ate my breakfast... not as scrumptious as in Germany or Switzerland... 

I put a load of clothes in the washer and it was finished in 25 minutes. Most of it went into the dryer and the rest I hung up!

I plopped myself on the sofa and read... and dozed off...

At 12:30, I went and ran errands, which took longer than I expected! I wasn't back until 2pm. But I got everything done and bought!

I had lunch and ate two Milky Way bars for fun... 

The rest of the afternoon went by nicely... and at 5pm I headed out for tutoring. The weather was brilliant... At church, I cleaned up the games that we had left, put away things, including the coffee pot that I brought home to clean... and tutoring went well... of course, we went late again, so I didn't get home until almost 8PM.

I had time to put things away before prayer time started at 8:45. And then Family Time at 9:30.

I love PR Days!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Full Day of Tutoring...

I was up and yes, I went out... it was cool... sprinkling... and I didn't see anyone out there... not even a turtle... but about half way through, one of our House of Praise brothers was out there... so running with him helped me to run faster! YEAH!

On the way back up our little hill, I saw Isaiah and Alan riding down. They both left quite early... Alan went to the gym and Isaiah was heading to work!

I took a shower and ate a nice breakfast and then went down for the recycling... And another miracle: they were able to take everything! 

I was back up and prepped and headed out for tutoring. I was planning to run a few errands, but instead, I just came home for lunch and a nap! YEAH!

At 3, I headed out again... the hour flew by... This student is ready for first grade!

I was home by 5:30 and switched my stuff and headed out again... Tutoring at 6pm!

I was so glad to be home!

Prayer time at 8:45... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bible Study & Tutoring...

I was up and went out... ran my 8KM... it was a light drizzle and wonderfully overcast! Lots of puddles and one turtle and lots of birds and snails... It was a delightful run!

After a shower, I had no time to rest as I had Bible study at 10am and I try to go early... I had to time it in order to avoid the downpour. 

We only had four people... and the two people who were going to get online didn't... One was busy with her baby and I'm not sure what happened to the other gal... 

I stayed at church as I had tutoring at 3:30. So, I went out and walked around and bought fruit and hot dog buns... YEAH! It wasn't raining too badly, so it was quite pleasant to walk around!

The tutoring went well... and I was home by 5:30! 

And... I had a free evening... Well... sort of... 

Prayer time at 8:45 and I was ready for bed... But I had to look over the prep for tomorrow's tutoring!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Productive Day!

I was up and even though it was not raining, it was still overcast! I ran 8KM.

After a shower, I got started with the tasks for today!

I wanted to look for some pictures that Abby wanted... which meant pulling out two entire shelves of photo albums!

I also had two boxes to mail and I had to go while it wasn't raining. One box went to Taichung and the other one to Germany. It took less than an hour!

I came home and made two phone calls: One to the AC guy for our house and one to the AC company for our old house! Two units at our new house are having problems and we just got them less than two years ago! Our old house needs a new window unit!

When that was all done, I had lunch... leftover ramen! So delicious... 

Then I prepped and took off to tutor... in the down pour!

I was home and got ready for my next tutoring session and left in the down pour!

Both tutoring sessions went well... and I was home by 6:45! I went late for both sessions!

I still had all the picture albums to sort and put back. Yes, I found the pictures that Abby wanted... 

I was so glad that I had 'nothing' this evening...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

No Rain=Hot, Hot, Hot

I was up early and it was nice as I knew I had certain things to get done...

It was a very productive morning... and I made a cake in the rice cooker.

A thunderstorm started and I waited to leave the house... and God was good... It wasn't too bad when I left!

Someone set up the Love Cafe and I had to translate for the message and it was a great message!

The service was fantastic! I think next year each elder should share 8 times!!!!! 

I was home and the recycling was a mess... after getting that done, there was an entire box of new stuff to give away. I posted it on Buy Nothing and someone came to pick it up... YEAH!

Alan, Isaiah and I also finished packing up the box! Wow... what a labor of love!

I prayed with a sister at 9:30 and the day was done...

Tomorrow... rain is forecast... YIPPY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Washer Picked Up, Box Packed... Time to Rest!

I was up early... but didn't go out for my run until 9am. And it was still so pleasant... And for the next 11 days, there is forecast for rain!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, Jesus!

I took a shower and called the appliance store... and talked to the owner about what is to be done for our old house... Window style AC unit... about 1000US$... Panasonic... 

I then put the compact washer downstairs and headed off to tutor! I always check the recycling before I go... 

The hour flew by... and we went longer... and I stopped at the supermarket to pick up a few things. 

Alan and Isaiah were up and eating lunch!

I joined them... it was nice to sit and chat...

At 2pm, the lady came to pick up the washer... and I finished packing the box that's going to be picked up on Monday for the Philippines! YIPPY!

Yes, I have continued to give or toss one thing a day... This is so great... I wonder why I didn't start sooner!

Isaiah took off to see Fenny and Alan and I had a nice afternoon and evening!

We had no appointments or events! We decided to go to PXMart to look for a remote and a hose... there were so many people... we didn't find what we wanted, but we bought lots of food goodies... so, when we got home, we had a nice dinner together.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

God Worked!

It's raining... and will be raining for the next 11 days! YIPPY!

I was up early but I didn't go out for my run until about 8:45!

I ran my usual 8KM... slowly and carefully as I didn't want to slip!

After a shower, Alan and I took off to see a second hand stove that was for sale. And it was perfect... exactly what I had been praying for! And the price: 800US$! We bought it. And they delivered it this afternoon!

And right next to the store was a new steak place... so Alan and I had lunch there... they had a buffet bar for soup, bread, drinks and dessert! It was about 10US$ per person! 

We scootered home and Alan headed out to the old house after I went and got the money to pay for the stove. I went to tutor... and the two hours went by fairly quickly. 

I then scootered to this ramen place and a friend, Alan, Isaiah and Fenny all met up there... I treated everyone! It's a new kind of ramen shop where it's all self served and opens 24hours! Very interesting concept. And that was also about 10US$ per person!

Alan and I missed the prayer time at 8:45. We got home at 9:30.

The rain is still coming down hard!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A REST-FILLED PR DAY!

I was up early but again very unmotivated to go out for a run as I could tell that it was HOT!

I was back... completing 8KM, I took a shower and Alan and Isaiah left for work.

I had another cup of coffee and my breakfast and brought out two books to read.

That was interspersed with a chore and a nap...

At 12, I made myself a salad and then went down to pack more things into the box. It's almost finished! I also did another load of laundry!

At 3pm, I left to run errands and the rain started... the wait at the bank was long, but I paid the overdue land/property tax. It was in the mailbox at our old house... But the Lord is good... I didn't have to pay any penalty on it!

I blogged for House of Praise and then reorganized a corner in Abby's room as someone is coming on Saturday to pick up the mini washing machine that I had... YEAH!

I continue on my goal: give or toss something each day... It's going well...So far, you can't see a big difference, but I can see the 'results' a year from now!

I had tutoring at 5:30... and the downpour continued as I scootered over to church! I had to hide my bag of teaching materials! In fact, it looks like rain for this week and the next! The temperature didn't drop... just the rain...

Alan and Isaiah went to play basketball and we were all home... but no family time as Abby is on her way to Rio for an outreach event! We will have to make it next week!

I had prayer time at 8:45... and then... I made instant noodles for dinner! YUMMY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Yet Another Long Day!

I was up early...And ran my 8km... and you guessed it: NOT PLEASANT!

I was back and after a shower, brought more stuff down to pack. The car is now emptied!

I then went and helped with the recycling... EVERYTHING was taken... amazing!

And I have continued with my give away one goal... I posted things and they were picked up by this afternoon!

I had tutoring at 11am and he requested 90 minutes... so after we finished, I headed to the old house. Alan was already there and we started moving the furniture. We have friends who are going to stay there... We also want to change the AC units and buy a new stove... I think we're looking at spending about 5,000US$ for everything.

I had to rush off at 3pm as I had tutoring at 3:40! That went well... and I was back at home by 5:35. I ate a quick hot dog and went off to tutor at 5:50! That house went well, too... 

I was tired... but the day had not ended.

Online study at 8pm and I jumped off for prayer time at 8:45.

The rest of the evening flew by... I did a load of laundry, looked for AC units and a stove for our old house, and cleaned up the house a bit... With this summer heat, we're getting more tiny cockroaches...

TOMORROW... PR DAY... YEAH! I do have to finish packing the box and tutor... oh... and pay a few bills... but really... I'm going to take the day to rest!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Day That Went On and On and On...

I was up early... and had my 8K run... not pleasant... way too hot!

After a shower, I started packing the box! I hope I can get everything in... We shall see...

Then Alan and I took off to meet up with friends who are here from Australia. The lunch was delicious and the time was sweet...

We had to rush off at 2pm as I had tutoring at 3:30.

So... I took a Power Nap and went off... And made it right at 3:30!

At 5:15, I had an online counseling session... before going to Bible study. And I made it through the traffic and was there early. So I stopped at a 7/11 and bought a hot dog. I had been wanting to try their hot dog. It was quite good... 

The study went well... and we set up our next few meetings... I didn't make it for the church prayer time at 8:45! I might not make it tomorrow as I have my online study. We shall see...

I was home at 10:30 and checked the recycling.

Blogged... and tidies up the house... and went to bed at 11:30.

What will it be like tomorrow?

Yes... you know the answer!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What? It's June Already!

I was up and went out and the LORD blessed... It was cloudy... That really helped!

I ran 8K and was home to shower and get ready for the day!

Counseling at 11am...

Picking up stuff for donation at 3pm...

Tutoring at 4:30pm...

Church meeting at 7pm... 

It was not a 'pleasant' day... it was absolutely exhausting...

Tomorrow is going to be the same... Ditto for Wednesday...

I guess June is starting on turbo speed...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!