Hallelujah Party

In my opinion, Taiwan has been strongly influenced by America in several negative ways. One of the ways is related to the way holidays are celebrated.  For example, in the month of December, the shops promote a rampant spirit of consumerism and the images of Santa Claus are everywhere. Another is related to Halloween. You will see Halloween decorations in restaurants and shops. Halloween costumes are also being sold and many of the English language schools not to mention English departments of universities would hold parties and celebrations.  Personally, I do not like exalting the celebration of death and ghosts and goblins or the promotion of Santa Claus for Christmas.

So, last night a dear sister in Christ from the States emailed and told me about their church and the Hallelujah Party that they are sponsoring. The church is expecting more than 1000 youths and young adults.  They set up booths all over the church grounds and have planned activities. It's like a Fall Fair and all are invited.

What a marvelous idea!

So, I googled and found out about Hallelujah Party --

Many churches plan a hallelujah party for youngsters in the community as an alternative to Halloween-themed events. Instead of a night about scary monsters and goblins, the party can share a hopeful message in a safe environment without skipping out on the fun. These parties often feature games and activities with prizes so that children do not feel as though they're missing out by not partaking in Halloween-themed events in the community.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_8341261_ideas-christian-childrens-hallelujah-parties.html


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Time to Rest

I did not go out of the house today until 5:40 when I went to take Abby to her cram school. We were planning to go for a run workout as her school anniversary is coming up and their class will be competing in the big relay race against all the other classes.

BUT, instead of the training session, I had a TWO HOUR LONG NAP!!

I could not get up... or rather, I did not want to get up... I was glued to our living room sofa.

What a nice restful day!


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Shopping and Good-byes

The Women's Fast Pitch Softball Team

Shopping Day

This was the last day for the team.  We had planned on just spending about 4 hours on shopping and then going to do some quick sightseeing. But by 12 noon, we knew that 4 hours would not be enough. So, 6 hours later, they finally had spent all their pocket money and had to head back to Christ's College to pack. I am not sure how they were able to bring back some 60 pounds of chocolates... 

It was hard to say goodbye to them. They love being here. And I enjoyed getting to know them. One thing about these gals is that they all have such a servant's heart.  You never have to ask them to help. They seem to look for opportunities to serve others.  I really appreciate them.

My daughter has 'friend' them on FB, so I am looking forward to hearing from them and finding out how they were able to get all the goodies back to Ilo Ilo.

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I Need Some Rest!

These days are going by way too fast.



On Monday Abby and I went to watch the softball games and then I had Bible study that night.

Today was a day of running around, catching up on housework and meeting with people.  I still have lots to do.

Tomorrow I will be taking the softball team to go shopping on their last day before they are to take off to head back to the Philippines. So, no time to rest on Wednesday!

I was hoping to have a day to prep for the talk I am to share on Sunday.  I have all the 'notes' in my head but I need to sit down and get everything into the computer and then put together my ppt file.

I am trusting God to lead me through.

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Cupcake Creation

With the softball team here, I had to call a lot of coaches to arrange to have some friendship competitions.  For the game on Saturday, the coach recorded the pitching for improvement teaching purposes. The coaches from the Philippines wanted a copy of the recording. So, today I went over to pick up the DVDs.  I couldn't go empty handed, so I baked apple raisin date cupcakes for Dr. Lin, the head coach.

Fresh out of the oven -- so delicious!

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Sunday Special Children's Service

At House of Praise, every October Alan has been in charge of the Children's Service. It's a time for the kids in the church to serve whether it be taking the offering or leading parts of the worship in songs.  And Alan spends a tremendous amount of time in preparation for the service.  It started because in Samoa they have what is called "White Sunday", so Alan thought it would be fun to start something similar to it here in Taiwan.



It was decided that Children's Day would be on the last Sunday in October because so many people here in Taiwan has gotten into celebrating Halloween, which was something we didn't want the kids at church to get involved with.

Since we had the fast pitch softball team with us last night, we also had a special love feast afterwards.

It was nice to have the kids freely roaming around and for Alan to have a Sunday school lesson right in the service.  Afterwards, the gals from the softball team sat around and played with the kids or sang together. It was beautiful to see.  And the food also turned out beautifully.

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Softball and Bethel Worship

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Never A Dull Moment

This whole weekend I knew was going to be busy.

Today I started with going to COSTCO.  I went early so I avoided the crowd. I also rode my scooter so I avoided the parking.

After putting things away and getting done with emails and phone calls, I went to Soochow to pick up Gay who wanted to get her hair done. She and her husband have been here a month. They also had some "leftovers" to give us. Wow... I was so blessed with all that they "left" for us to have -- a bag of frozen blueberries, expensive chips, glass lock-lock containers, salsa, soy bean milk and a fabulous smelling laundry detergent (which I am trying out right now).  I guess I feel especially blessed because everything they bought was things that I would put on my 'splurge' list.  I think God knew and just totally splurge on me, his daughter!! I felt so special.

Ray and Gay are Founders of the Summit Seekers

After dropping her off and making sure the hair stylist knew what to do, I rushed home, changed clothes, got on my scooter and rode to the River Park.  I had to run to the fields where the softball game would be played.  I got there in about 40 minutes.  The game didn't start until 4:30.   


Picture of the CPU Team from another tournament

I watched for about 20 minutes and I had to get back to pick up Abby. The run back was much faster! But still I was late. I did get to see Gay at the hair salon and her hair turned out just beautifully!

After sending her off in a taxi, I rushed home. Abby was already home. We got ready for our dinner at Linda and Campbell's house.  Linda's mom cooked up a feast. I stuffed myself silly.  Before going to her house, I had to stop at the Green Market to pick up a few items. I knew I would not have time after we finished dinner.

The clothes will be finished in a few minute. And I'm ready to go to bed.  It will be another early morning tomorrow and a whole day out with the softball team!


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Waste Not, Want Not

Food Waste Fiascos

				Food Waste Fiascos Join in on the Food Waste Fiasco in your city! Coming to New York City and Burlington!
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My sister sent this link to me.  We are very similar in that way.  We both do not like the waste that we see around us.  It is just not being a good steward of all that God has given us.  

For me, I have found several supermarkets that have special mark-down items.  I go there for my bread and milk and juice. Everything is 50% off. I also have found several fruit shops that I can get bananas and apples for a great price. Again, mark down because they are smashed or brown but perfect for baking. I peel everything and put them in plastic containers and store in the freezer. Now, I have lots of great fruit for baking. I also have tubs of fruit for smoothie. My sister is the same way. Her frig and freezer are both loaded with 'cast-off' fruits for making smoothies.  Just the other night, I went to our local supermarket at 10p.m. And the produce guy was THROWING AWAY three trash bags full of veggies and fruits. I asked if I can have everything for free, but he said NO. So, I asked how much he would give me for the apples. I walked away with 20 apples for like 3US$. I also got TWO HUGE avocados for 2US$. I must go back again at night just before closing time.

I look at the link and I see all that delicious bread and goodies.  Now I wonder if I should go to the dumpsters of these local supermarkets and see what I can find. The only problem is, here in Taiwan there are cockroaches, big brown disgusting ones that fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Okay... forget the dumpsters in Taiwan. I think I will just go before closing time and see what I can "buy" from the "Produce Man".

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