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!