Double Bible Studies...

This morning I did another load of clothes... I have to do the laundry more often because they can't sit out in the balcony without attracting little 'flies'... the sweat and the heat... the smell is also pungent... So, almost every other day, I'm doing a small load...

Then Alan was heading out to get the smog check, but he couldn't find the registration paper! He came back up, sweating... So, I went down and with God's help, I found it. A miracle! He took off and I was a little late to my morning Bible study! We talked about the cynical tongue!

I got back at 1:30 and our neighbor's nephew, came over. We went out for a run. He went 8km and I went for my usual 10km.

After a quick shower, he came over to hang out a bit...

Alan had his overseer's meeting and I had my Bible study. Abby came home early as she finished her last test for her sophomore year. Please pray that she scored really well... she needs a high score to pull up her midterm score!

With Abby home, I left early as I had to search for one more gift for that couple... Alan gives me these assignments... This is the last one... He wants two basketball key chains. They are super cheap on line, but I'd have to order 100 of them for free shipping! I don't need or want that many... So far, I haven't found them.

Daily Lovely Insight:

One of the great points from the Trustworthy Bible study about Solomon was that when he built the temple, he should have taken down all the high places. Instead, later on in life, all the foreign women he loved, lured him away from a wholehearted devotion to God. So, perhaps we have left a few high places in our lives? Places that we trust more than God? Things we have held on to? What are our own high places? "When we let the high places stand, we are inviting temptation to captivate our hearts."

Seek Him First!

So Much To Do...

After Mom went off, Abby and I were off to get her health report done for her Driver's Ed. She is enrolled in the later class because she can't make it for the tests on 8/5-8/6. The place was quite packed... so she had to wait... We then dropped off her report and I headed home. She got her scooter tuned up...

Lunch was simple... fried chicken and rice! The student who passed her oral defense gave me a box of egg custard tarts... I had to have one... So yummy.

I was waiting for rain, but it never came... it worked out well as I got on the computer to order gifts for Alan's students who are getting married on July 11th. I also got a file to review for this company. I tried to call about getting our car smog checked, plus ordering boxes to pack for donations to the Philippines. And soon, Mom was home!

After getting her settled, I went for a run. It was 7pm and no sun, but still quite warm!

I did go for a walk with my neighbor and we prayed together.

Isaiah came home from his tutoring job and worked out! It was a tough workout!

Abby went for her run. She's been running fairly consistently for the past six weeks! And it has helped with her weight!

Alan was at school all day... He's trying to finish all his grades!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Yesterday Winston also mentioned about making choices... That God continually highlights that in His word. The choices we make affect our lives. I had spoken on that same theme. The insignificant choices are often quite important... And small steps of disobedience will open the door that often can't be closed. God's love compels us to consider those seemingly inconsequential decisions in light of His truth. Put on the whole armor of God. Stand strong in His might and walk in the path of righteousness! What's your choice? As for me (and my household), I will serve the LORD!

Seek Him First!

AC Is On & Happy Birthday to My Brother, James!

What a day... Yes, it's James' 63rd birthday!

I rode the bike this morning before Mom got up to pay a bill and get a few things!

Alan called his mom... and the kids were feeling relaxed as school is sort of 'out'...

We went early to church, which is our usual!

I translated for the speaker and it was a great message!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Winston spoke on Joshua 24: 14-28. It was a moving message. One of the key details was the place of Joshua's 'graduation' speech. It was at Shechem between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. Joshua offered the Israelites a choice -- worship God or worship idols. And Shechem means shoulder or back. God wants us to stand on His shoulders and look. From His perspective, choose the mountain of blessings, Mt. Gerizim. Love God. Love His words. See His blessings. Winston also shared about Hudson Taylor. It was a movie about his life that inspired me to serve the Lord as an overseas missionary. I thought I'd be going to China. Two of the Taylor's family mottoes are: Joshua 24:15, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." and Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Hudson Taylor believed that if you are concerned about the things on God's heart, God will be concerned about the things on your heart. It was an inspiring message.

Seek Him First!

Another Great Day...

Mom slept longer... so after my quiet time, I was able to go back to bed...

The morning went by so quickly... I did contact a gym to see if I can get a free month... We shall see! I don't want to pay to join! And if the weather is overcast, I would rather run in the rain and outdoors!

By 2:10, we were out the door as Mom and Abby had their massage. Alan and I had to go and buy a new shower head plus things at Costco.

We made it just in time to meet up with Abby and Mom again...

Soon, it was dinner time...

I had a lot of cleaning up to do... And it was so hot that we caved in and turned on the AC!

Isaiah was out with Vikki.

We had family time tonight... after Isaiah got home.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I find that God's word is powerful... It holds such truth... simple and yet profound!

John 13:35 speaks of how the world will know that we are Jesus' disciples... by our love for one another!

How can that be lived out each day?

That's a good question...

I need Jesus to show me!


Seek Him First!

Helping Out...

Abby had her senior send off and it became a family affair as we all chipped in to help her out...

She needed a baby pool... she needed buckets... and they were going to have the party at school, but it's a long weekend. They can't go to a classroom... so the party was here! We had the living room set up. I set out snacks... And Alan drove her to the park so that they can set up the games... I rode her scooter there and then ran home and then went for a real run...

The thundershower came and it was so dark and stormy... I totally loved it...

My legs can go when it rains... and when it's windy...

At the river park, the dragon boat races had just finished...

We needed to be out of the house, so I booked a massage for Isaiah and Mom. I was off for a run...

And we all went out to dinner...

After dinner, we did a few errands and came home just as they were heading out to dinner.

Abby said the party was a great success.

We watched TV this evening... and yes, I did a walk with my neighbor.

Daily Lovely Insight:


I praise the Lord because He is my rock, my loving ally, my fortress, my tower (my refuge), my rescuer, my shield. I take refuge in Him. Or as it says in John 15:5, I abide in Him. How wonderful when I do...

Seek Him First!

Vacation Has Started...

With the kids and Alan home, it was a very relaxing day.

Mom watched Little House after talking to Kurtis. And it was a really funny conversation. First, Mom couldn't remember who her favorite grandchild was. So, when Kurtis asked, she said, Isaiah. Then when Kurtis asked about finding a girlfriend, Mom told him to go to church and not to rush things.

I went for a run and a bike ride... Fantastic... During the run, it rained!

Abby was mad at work trying to put together the Senior Send-Off Party for tomorrow. The jackets she ordered had to be returned because they misspelled == BASKETBALL!

Isaiah had a friendship match. He played six sets!

Later on in the evening, I went out to look for things for Alan. He wanted to give gifts at his students' wedding on July 11th. I'm so glad he told me now, so that I can scooter around to look for things.

I did walk with my upstairs neighbor... and we also prayed together.

Daily Lovely Insight:


After all the Lord brings about, a total transformation, this is the next verse... again, it seems like a repeat of transformation... waste and desolations are repeated... and the verses are: build, raise up, repair... What was once a waste and a desolation are now build up, raise up and repair... Only God can do this... The old is gone, the new has come... that's what happens when we have a relationship with God through Jesus... Praise the LORD. That's why we have hope...

Seek Him First!

The Start of the Four Day Weekend... The Start of Summer Vacation!

Good news... Abby got an 81.5 on her accounting test... And Isaiah got two semester scores -- Business English 95 and Financial Management 92! Today was Alan's last day for this school year. The kids still have class next week... not every day, but two out of five days. Abby actually has one more BIG test on Tuesday!

Isaiah and I went to the Driver's Ed School and they are formally enrolled. Isaiah will take classes from July 5th until the test date which will be August 5-6th. Abby won't start her classes until July 25th and take her test on August 24-25th. So... by the end of August, they should both have their driver's license.

I rested this afternoon. I did not go out for a run. Last night, my stomach was so upset. I think I should not be running in the heat. I did go and visit that workout place, but I decided NO... Showers are not free. Lockers are not free. I will try to get up early, have time with God and go early for a run!

I tutored via skype and it was another great session. Then counseling from 8-10:30. Please do pray for this couple that we are counseling. Just lift them up to the Lord.

Daily Lovely Insight:


Isaiah 61:3, I don't know how God can bestow on people a crown of beauty instead of ashes or oil of joy instead of mourning or garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I don't understand how... but I know He can. That's what this couple needs to experience. That's what the world needs to experience.

Seek Him First!

The Angels Rejoiced!

Alpha and Alice, Alan's students, prayed to receive Jesus! At the end of the pre-marital counseling time, Alan asked and they said OK. So, I led them in the 'sinner's prayer'. Please pray that they will daily experience God. They are going down to Tainan to register at the housing office and I know that as their parents are not yet believers, they will most likely go to a temple to ask for blessings. Alan will be doing their wedding ceremony on July 11th. He is asking Isaiah and Abby and another friend from church to bless them with a special Christian song.

I was going to visit the gym, but as I rode out today, the clouds came. So, I parked the bike back and took off for a run. It wasn't overcast the whole way, but I made it. If it's overcast with a wind, I can run. I just sweat a lot...

I took a nap... after such a long day, it felt so good to sit and read and take a nap.

Alan had his last day of class for this school year.  Abby still has a few more exams, same with Isaiah. His last exams will be tomorrow! And he will be basically finished with his junior year of college! I can't believe it! He is already selecting classes for his senior year!

Great news... My student passed her oral defense! The time we spent together helped her... even though the questions weren't the same, she was able to communicate confidence and answer clearly. Praise the Lord.

Daily Lovely Insight:

With God all things are possible... that's all I want to write!

Seek Him First!

Sweltering Hot... Melting Hot... Sizzling Hot...

I don't know how it can get any hotter... but it has... After June 21st, I think the heat just went up by two notches...

I searched for a gym that would do monthly membership with a treadmill because I don't think I can run in this heat. I tried to... and again... WOW... that's all I can say... I found one. It has only one treadmill. 35US$ a month! But it has all the machines! Abby found another one -- People Fitness. It's a little bit farther but only 20US$ a month with 8 treadmills. I'm going to check it out tomorrow! It's a 7 minute bike ride! YIPPY!

I rode Abby's scooter to get her speedometer fixed and got gas. Then headed to Costco to get hot dog buns. I stopped to get a meat bun and a bottle of ice coffee and it was time for tutoring.

I haven't seen this student for over a month, so it was great to catch up. The time went by way too fast!

I had to rush home in the traffic as Mom was due to be back at 5:10. I got a message at 5pm that they were running late. What an answer to prayer. I got home just five minutes before they showed up! Those precious five minutes gave me time to get Mom's dinner ready!

I had dinner prep for Alan's students who were coming over for pre-marital counseling. I was feeling so exhausted. I think it was the heat.

I also had a skype conversation to pray with the gal who is way too nervous about her upcoming oral defense... and then walked with my upstairs neighbor and prayed together. She needs the fellowship.

It was a long day...

Alan was at school. Abby had an exam. Isaiah had an exam and this evening he went to tutor!

This evening, we turned on the AC! With guests here, we broke down!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The book of hymns has been very inspirational. Today I read about the song, Just as I am... The author of that song was hesitating about receiving Jesus. While contemplating about waiting, God spoke to her heart, inviting her to come just as she was... She didn't need to wait until she was perfect or had figured everything out. She just needed to come. I think that's a message suitable for many people. Instead of wondering and waiting, they should hear God's gentle knocking and surrender their lives to Jesus. I shared with Alan's students that the best decision in their lives is NOT who they will marry, but to receive Jesus. Please pray for them.

Seek Him First!

Accounting Test Is FINISHED!

It was a tremendously fast day...

Both kids were up by 9am to study.

Mom was also up early... as usual...

I did a load of laundry, put away clothes and worked on the article. I emailed it off... So hopefully, they approve!

The kids were out by 12:15 to head to school...

And I cut Alan's hair, swept and mopped. Then I proceeded to test a fan and had to take it down to the recycling!

We headed to church by 2:30 and helped to set up...

The message was related to Father's Day and we handed out gifts and prayed for all the Dads.

I was privileged to do the closing prayer for all the men in our congregation that they would rise up and stand in the gap and take up the authority they have through Jesus!

The kids came home first and we ate at church.

Daily Lovely Insight:

The message today was from Genesis 50: 14-21, after Jacob passed away and the brothers came to make sure that Joseph didn't take revenge or hold a grudge against them... Joseph wept... And the speaker said he wept because he thought they knew that he had forgiven them completely. He felt sad that they didn't know that he loved them, that for the past 17 years, they thought perhaps he held the past against them. And so, it is with our Abba Father. He forgives. It is finished. We are no longer slaves. We are heirs. We are children of God. The blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all unrighteousness. We are free because Jesus set us free. Don't let the devil stand to accuse us. Let us live as children of God!

Seek Him First!

A Day of Work...

Because of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, it was a work day today. Then next weekend will be a four day weekend!

Mom went to her program and that gave me time to 'work' too. I had a media release to write... and of course, Alan and I went over the talk for this evening's couples' group, via skype or line chat.

I did a load of laundry... and in just a few hours, everything was dried!

At 2:30, I braved the heat to go out for a run. It was death! I barely made it home. I had to stop to get water which I proceeded to pour all over me. Then filled up my bottle again and drank it.

I also went out to buy fruit and gifts for the couples' contest.

Mom was home by 5:10.

The kids had to study all day as the big accounting test is tomorrow. PLEASE PRAY!

It was so stifling hot... How I wanted to turn on the A/C... but we are trying to champion through until July!

I took out all the fans that have been stored... so that we each have a fan parked in front of us. And Mom has two in her room! Does it help? Well... it spins the hot air around...

Couples group was great. We focused on listening...

I did go for a walk with my upstairs neighbor at 8pm...

The day again went by too fast.

Daily Lovely Insight:

A new message has been stirring in my heart... stewardship... when we see that word, we think about how we manage our time or money in light of who God is and who we are in Christ. But besides time and money, I think believers have neglected to be godly stewards of their heart and mind. They have allowed the world to influence them and lure them away from a passionate devotion and commitment to God. I see this in the way they set their priorities or the way they talk. Jesus said... It's not what goes into a man, but what comes out of him. From the overflow of his heart... from the overflow of his thoughts... I want to be more aware of being a faithful steward in all areas of my life.

Seek Him First!

Never Enough Time...

What a "date"...

Alan and I left early as we had an appointment at 4pm.

We had first wanted to see if there was a line for blood donation... and since it was a long line, we went for breakfast... I had found coupons for a breakfast shop near Nanhu Senior High School. While there, two of Alan's students walked in. They are now working at a real estate company right near the breakfast shop. We hung out and talked with them.

We had to get going as I wanted to mail a letter and get butter at Costco. No line at the Post Office. And it was a fast shopping trip at Costco.

While riding back with our milk, I saw a sign at the Brooks "Run Happy" Headquarters in Neihu. They were having a 'sample' sale. Alan was so nice and swung around so that I can go and "look". I was on my last pair of running shoes and when I walked in, I couldn't believe it. There was a long table with women's sample running shoes all in size 8.5, which is exactly my size. The first pair was marked down by 50% and if you buy a second pair, it would be an extra 50% off. If I spend more than 150US$, I get an extra 20US$ off. So, my looking turned into a SHOPPING SPREE. I bought seven pairs of the best 200US$ running shoes for only 250US$. Yes, you read that correctly. I bought seven pairs for a little more than ONE pair of shoes. It was amazing. And since we had milk, Alan went home after dropping me off at the blood donation mobile. There was no line!

I walked home! And on the way, I bought a drink. It was so hot!

I got back and had just a few minutes to rest and it was time for our appointment.

After the appointment, Mom was home and I had her dinner ready. Alan supervised as I went to Carrefour to buy more popsicles!

I had tutoring at 6:30 and I got back just one minute before the start of our tutoring session. I also got another 'writing' assignment! It is due by Monday morning! It's been quite enjoyable to write and get paid for it!

Tonight we had Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Proverbs 17:10

Another translation says, "A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding, than a hundred blows into a fool." Usually 39 blows are the limit for by the 40th, the individual might die. Thus, I thought, this verse means you can beat a fool until he dies and he still would not come to his senses. But for a person with understanding, simply a word of correction will turn him around.

Seek Him First!