Vacation Is About To Start!

After such a hectic day, I tried to take the time today to rest... 

So, this morning, after Mom took off, I just did a load of laundry and ran a few errands, including getting books from the library. Then I came home to rest.

I went for a run... from home to the Regent! Alan rode the scooter. We had booked a room there as it was a great rate... including breakfast! Alan and I used the spa facility before I took home to get Mom. Alan and Isaiah had dinner with our friends. They booked at a Korean BBQ place... super delicious! Abby and I had tutoring... So, after Mom went to bed, I took off!

I went over to the hotel after I finished. They had a poolside movie night! And our friends brought all kinds of snacks and drinks.

At 11pm, I rushed home. Yes, I stayed home with Mom while Alan and the kids enjoyed staying at the Regent! The breakfast alone is usually 900NT$. So, with three breakfasts... the room was only 900NT$! For fun... why not? Next weekend, we are thinking of going off... but what to do with Mom? She can't stay at a hotel... because if she's there, I can't sleep at all! She will keep getting up! And I don't want to give her a sleeping pill as I know what happened last time when we tried that! NIGHTMARE!!!!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God's abiding presence... that's something to reflect on... as often as possible. In all the daily tasks, in your down moments, in your hectic moments, in the happy moments... and the not so happy moments... To realize that God is present! I think living in that reality should and will change our lives!

Seek Him First!

Go, Go, Go...

It was one of those extremely busy days... 

After Mom left, I got the food together for our Bible study. It was another great session on the Intimidating Tongue. We looked at the story of David and Goliath. 

After getting back home, I made a loaf of raisin bread... meaning I got it ready to rise! I then rushed off to tutor! When I got back, I went for a quick run. As soon as I got back, I had only 5 minutes to get Mom's dinner in the microwave and the oven preheated.

Mom enjoyed the dinner. While she was eating, I hopped into the shower and put the bread in the oven to bake! I had to teach this evening! And I wanted to bring something freshly baked for the students.

When Mom went to bed, I took off. The students enjoyed the bread tremendously! 

Students sent me their essays to look over... And there were so many other 'little' things to do... I had to calculate the grades for my NSB class. Next Monday will be their last class! I am also reading through the major revisions from my student's dissertation. That's over 200 pages... Tomorrow starts the long weekend and I have to send out the worship focus for Sunday. I also wanted to plan a fun day trip...something that Mom can enjoy. Maybe hang gliding in Wanli!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Goliath taunted David with an intimidating invitation... "Come here...and I'll be using your flesh to feed the birds of the air..." But David's response comes from a faith in a big God! He listed all that Goliath had. He saw those weapons that Goliath was bringing. He saw Goliath size. He heard Goliath threats. But what Goliath failed to see was the God behind David! The LORD will deliver you, Goliath, into my hands. And so, in the midst of all my days, the LORD continually reminds me -- IT IS I WHO WORKS ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO MY BEAUTIFUL PLAN AND TIMING! 

Seek Him First!

Teacher's Day

The kids and Alan had the day off... 

Isaiah and Alan were up early to watch the Chargers' game. They lost!

I went for a run in the rain... and then met up with Abby for a nice hair wash!

Then I had to rush to the DMV. I couldn't get what I needed done finished!

I rode back and took a nap as I had to teach in the evening at NSB, so no tap dancing tonight!

The class went well and I was back by 10pm. I have class again tomorrow. Then my last class will be on Monday, 10/5. I will go back to tap dancing after that!

Abby went for her workout and Isaiah had his tutoring. It was a wonderful day... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Paul closed his letters with this... and it's a beautiful prayer. The grace, the love and the fellowship... Of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Throughout the day, I find God very present with me. Today, running in the rain, I saw three strangers who waved at me... the rain lightly landed on my face... the wind blowing ever so softly... as my feet hit the pavement, splashing water here and there... The skies was overcast, but my heart was singing!

Seek Him First!

 

Very Wet Day!

 I rode out in the rain as I had to tutor. It was a very productive two hours. Yes, it rained the whole day... and the temperature dropped!

I came home and cut Mom's hair and gave her lunch!

She was hyper all night... 

Then it was time for church!

I spoke on The Elements of Encouragement!

1. humility

2. patience

3. practice

4. wisdom

5. fear of the LORD

We had a newcomer -- Zola, from Mongolia. And we celebrated Janet's birthday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

In the midst of our hardship and suffering, God has hopeful thoughts towards us. He invites us into His presence and He affirms to us that He is very present when we pray. Jeremiah 29:11-13 speaks these truths!

Seek Him First!

A Very Productive Day!

It's a makeup work day, so Mom went to the Elderly Center.

The kids, Alan and I planned a whole day of activities... I made reservation at a curry restaurant. In the morning, Alan and Isaiah played tennis and basketball. I went for a run. I ran 33.1 MILES this week! I ran 6:06:59, just a little over 6 hours! I am not back to my usual 'speed'... but I do feel a lot better!

The soup curry was delicious. Then we went to buy drinks before heading to the educational fair. Isaiah and Abby both talked to several 'counselors' from about 10 different schools. One was interesting -- Singapore International. The classes are held in Singapore, but the professors and diploma are from different schools. Isaiah was looking at the University of Birmingham in the UK for Masters of Global Business Management. It's a one year program right in Singapore, which is only 4.5 hours away via flying. The cost... about 800,000NT$ plus room and board, which would be about 800US$ per month, which would be additional 10,000US$. 

After that, I had to rush home for Mom while they went shopping for basketball shoes. We had wanted to go together... but... That's the limitation of caring for my mom. We can't be 'free' to go and travel or do things! 

They found some great shoes with some great discount! The deal is: we pay 50US$ and the rest they pay. So, they each had to give me 30US$. They found them at the Nike Store!

We had family time this evening. None of us was feeling hungry, so I just cut up some fruit and veggies.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Big events are happening in Washington DC... Prayer March, The Return and the Viewing of R.B.G.... I am praying... Isaiah 45:8 spoke to my heart... We need to ask the LORD to pour out His righteousness like rain upon the States... and for salvation and righteousness to sprout up together. God has had His arms around this nation and I know He wants to bring continual fruitfulness!

Seek Him First!

It's Cooler!

Oh, you can't believe how comfortable it felt today... Overcast... sprinkled on and off... 

I did go for a morning jog... and then Alan and I went out for lunch. I had seen a new restaurant opening up not far from our place. We found it and Alan was delighted as they serve Cantonese friend noodles... the thin crispy noodles. In fact, there are three new restaurants in our area, so we will try all of them... 

We came back home after lunch as Isaiah wanted me to mail a package for him. He sold two of his books from last semester. He also bought second hand books for this semester. So, off we went again to the post office! 

Alan wanted to buy Bubble milk tea and some dessert... and I wanted to look at Carrefour... Any Greek yogurt on special? 

We got back and Abby came home soon after. She finished her internship early. A friend dropped by to talk... and I had to edit a press release... 

Isaiah had class and then went to dinner with Vikki's family!

Abby went for workout and Alan decided to go to the workout room at school.

Mom enjoyed her dinner and went off to bed. She has her elderly program tomorrow. I think I'll cut her hair on Sunday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Soochow's motto is Unto A Full Grown Man. Today, I found the verse this is based on.

Ephesians 4:13

This says, "Unto a perfect man". Other version says, "To a mature man". And I found one that says, "Unto a full-grown man." I'm going to start praying this verse for Soochow! I pray that those who attend the school will find faith in Jesus and grow in the stature of the fullness of Christ!

Seek Him First!

 

Feasting, Tutoring and Counseling -- A Day Late!

Wednesday -- 9/23 

A dear sister in Christ treats me to the most amazing restaurant... And again, she made reservation for a restaurant on the third floor of a 5-star hotel that serves duck! I don't know how much our meal was, but I am sure it was expensive! We were the only patrons in the whole restaurant! This is the hotel where the president had her inauguration dinner!

I had gone to Carrefour and bought several things as I had parked my scooter there. I don't want to get another ticket. Yes, I got a parking ticket. I thought if I squeezed in and my scooter 'hit' the line, I'd be ok. Nope! 600NT$ or 20US$. I don't want to do that again!

I rushed home, put everything away and Mom for sure had dinner as I took home the leftover from lunch!

I had tutoring at 5pm, so I had to get everything set up before leaving at 4:30. We are going through the Odyssey! 

After I got home, I squeezed in a quick run before counseling this evening. This couple is not doing well. Please do remember them in your prayers.

Thursday -- 9/24

I forgot to press POST yesterday... So... I decided to add what happened today...

The weather has cooled down... what a praise! In fact, this morning, I heard jets and helicopters. Could be the rehearsal for the 10/10 parade?

I had a relaxing morning... cleaning out a box of paper goods, which had become a breeding ground for silver fish... Disgusting! I went for a run just before noon time as I had tutoring all afternoon. I had to also get the rice cooking and the meal prepared as I knew I would have no time for that later.

Mom came home and enjoyed her meal... 

The kids and Alan were all at school. The rain did start... In fact, the weather forecast is reporting rain for the next several days!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This verse just especially spoke to me this morning... To experience the Love of Christ... the Love that is too great to understand fully... 

Seek Him First! 

Traditional Market & Evening Bible Study

Since my afternoon tutoring cancelled, that gave me time to go shop at the traditional market. You never know what you will find as the stalls change from one day to the next. Like today, I didn't find grapes and zucchinis... but the onions were on sale and I found a stall that sells vegetarian goodies... I then went to Carrefour to see what Manager's Special they might have. PX Mart has bread. Carrefour has yogurt and cheese slices... I only buy when they are on Manager's Special! That's 50% Off! 

I came back and put everything away. I also peeled the pomelo to bring to my evening Bible study!

Then it was cleaning time... yes, another load of laundry!

I went for a quick run, rushed to shower as Mom was due back... At Carrefour, I had bought some prepared liver for her. She liked it so much the last time I got some.

After Mom was in bed, I scootered off to my Study. 

Today was the start of the 50hr of continuous prayer. Actually, the church where we meet started the 21 day of fasting from 9/7 to 9/27. I didn't join, but I got the list of their prayer concerns. I do want to stop by at the Prayer Tower before the 27th.

Alan had his evening class, and Abby went for a workout at World Gym. Isaiah came home after his class at the downtown campus.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I have started to pray and look towards 2021. Each year around November I set goals and ask the Lord for a verse of Focus for the New Year. And this year, I'll be doing that on November 17th. Since it's already September 22nd, I have started to pray! I find that the verse or passage that the Lord has given me has always been very appropriate! In case you've forgotten, this year's passage was: Psalm 115:14-15. It has been encouraging even with Covid-19. The Lord indeed has continued to bless us. Like today, I get a call from Soochow University, English Department Head Assistant. She informed me that the school will be hosting a luncheon as part of the 120 School Anniversary. English Department has one table reserved for 'honored guests' and Alan and I are invited. It's at a very fancy restaurant less than 10 minutes from our home. What a blessing... I'm sure I'll have lots of leftovers to bring home! This year I also got a new part time job as a copy writer. I get to work from home and the pay is excellent! Oh... We also paid off our house loan and are now debt free. We had planned to redo our kitchen, but we had our bathrooms and kitchen redone! God's promises never fail... because God is and always will be faithful to His word! 

Seek Him First!

A Day of Prep!

The Lord knew I needed a day like today... 

Time to finish up a worksheet... write up a few tips for the student who is trying to finish up her dissertation revisions... get my 9/27 talk notes and ppt finished... do another load of laundry... change Mom's bedding... clean her bathroom... 

Yes... It was a good day... 

In the afternoon, I went out for a run... Just in time before Mom was home.

Tonight I had my tap class. I was supposed to start back with my NSB class, but they had to push things back until next Monday. So, I will have class two nights next week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 111:10 is one of many verses I used for my talk this coming Sunday. Elements of Encouragement. If we use our own mindset to encourage others, what we say might not be received as encouragement. But when we walk in humility, obedience, and in tune with God through a holy reverence of Him, then the words that come out of our mouth will be filled with encouragement that lifts the downcast spirit of others. We will receive from God the words that will benefit our listeners. 

Seek Him First!

Walking in the Down Pour!

Early this morning the rain started. I love running in the rain, but since it was Sunday, I went for a walk. I picked up Isaiah's book from 7/11 and bought milk at PX Mart.

When I came home, the kids and Mom were still asleep!

The crew was up... and Isaiah went out with Vikki. Abby went to a basketball game. Mom watched Little House. I napped!

Church was at 2:30... as we go early.

I had to translate at the last minute... 

Dinner was great... and we were home by 8pm.

Isaiah had tutoring this evening. Abby went for her workout. We watched a bit of TV. The week is starting all too soon!

Daily Lovely Insight:

From our mouth, we can complain or we can encourage. So, let's use our mouth to encourage others. Build others up! The Thessalonian church was a result of Paul's second missionary journey. Paul wrote to this congregation with joy and confidence, encouraging them to stand against attacks and doubts and to mature in their faith. From the report Paul received from Timothy, the church that was planted there had grown. They were a church that practiced encouragement and building up of one another!

Seek Him First!

 

Marriage Builders Outing

What a fun day!

At around 2pm, we took off to the Mustard Seed Holy Land Park. Mom had to walk around... and it was hot. But it was good to get her to walk a bit as we had a huge dinner afterwards. The food was so good! We even went and got dessert. And when I asked, she kept saying she was still hungry.

We got home at around 8:30!

Mom went to bed and we watched TV and relaxed.

I spent time preparing for my message next Sunday. The Elements of Encouragement! Please remember to pray for me.

I forgot to mention that early this morning, I actually went out for a 10km run! I did it in 68 minutes! This is great as I'm still in the 'recovery mode'.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Zechariah 2:8 -- We prayed for the Jews today while sitting in a model of a synagogue with a scroll opened. And this promise came to mind... We are all the apple of His eye! He cares for us and watches over us! You can count on that!

Seek Him First!

Already Friday?

This is the end of the first week of school... ALREADY!

I had to finish the press release this morning before going out with Alan and Abby for brunch!

Abby had a meeting at school and Alan went with her. I had to run errands -- mailed a letter, transferred money, bought groceries, paid bills, dropped off things... 

Then Alan, Abby and I met up at the massage place... 90 minutes of bliss.

We rushed home as I had to prepare Mom's meal and also my tutoring in the evening. It was cooler, but no time for a run... 

Tutoring went LONG... 

And then it was Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17. He came seeking for an answer -- what must I do to inherit eternal life? Now, this question might seems innocent enough, but deep down in this man's heart, he wasn't sure about his eternal security. Why was this astounding? In that culture, if you are rich, it meant you are blessed. So even though he was rich and blessed, he was unsure about his eternal destination. And thus, this whole dialogue between Jesus and this Rich Young Ruler becomes very intriguing. By telling him the 'laws', Jesus already knew what he would answer. And sure enough, he says, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." So, he was rich, which meant he was blessed and in his own eyes, he was in right standing with God, having observed all the laws. Still, he was insecure... Jesus responded by saying - sell everything, give to the poor and come follow me. It was an invitation for a relationship. And through that, eternal life comes. John 17:3 says,

Seek Him First!

 

Short Rest & Short Run!

 I don't know how the days seem to speed by so quickly!

I went out to buy groceries after the kids, Alan and Mom took off! We had no chips and I had made guacamole. We were running short on other items, such as milk!

After putting everything away, I took a short 'nap'... and then headed out for a short run! It was too hot to run... so short was good!

Tutoring started at 2pm and went all the way to 9:30pm. Please continue to pray for the student I'm helping as we work on the major revisions for her dissertation! 

In between, I got Mom her dinner. When she went off to bed, I took off for my last two hours of tutoring!

Isaiah, Abby and Alan were all at school with their different 'practice'. Alan was home first. When I came back at 10:15, Isaiah and Abby weren't home yet. Isaiah walked in next from tennis practice. I was busy on the computer, editing a press release for my copy writer part time job, which I love! 

When we turned off the wi-fi, I started working on my talk notes for Sunday, 9/27! Yes, I finally headed off to bed at 12:30!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This is a question the Lord posed to me as I had a lot to do today. He gave me Jesus, what would he not give me? 

I asked for wisdom and He gave me wisdom, in generous portions. In addition, He gave me strength. He sustained me. He gave me efficiency and favor!

Seek Him First!

Like A Sauna!

 As usual, it was an early morning... 

Isaiah and Alan did not have to rush off, so they watched the Padres game. I had errands to run... and bought things to drop off for my friend. She got out of the hospital today! But her hemoglobin count is still low, so she needs to beef up her iron! I bought her lots of high iron food!

I got back and fixed things up and waited for her message. I did a load of laundry... and then rested.

It started to rain and I got a message. She was home, so I took off and dropped things off! Then I went for a quick run as I had to get back for tutoring... Please pray for the gal who is trying to finish her dissertation! She gets too anxious and when the depression hits, she can't operate!

Mom was back and I had to quickly end our tutoring session! We will meet again tomorrow!

I had dinner ready for Mom. While we were having dinner, Alan came home. He had a meeting at Soochow!

Isaiah has a free day on Wednesday, but he went to school to meet up with Vikki. Abby had classes and then went to World Gym before going to tutor! That's her only job right now. She is hoping to find one more student!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I needed this verse today... I will trust and will not be afraid! 

This afternoon, the rain started and most people don't like going out. But I love it. The rain didn't last long... so when I went out for my short run, it actually felt like a sauna! The Lord God is my strength and my song! I felt so blessed. A sister bought a book for me... and when I bought the food for my dear sister who just got out of the hospital, I bought extra for Mom and I. Most people can't stand liver, but I love it! And so did Mom... 

So, what's the insight? When God is our Salvation, and we set our eyes on Him, not on the world, the fear will vanish! And rising from within, a song and a strength... 

Seek Him First!

 

Another Long Day!

The day started early.

For Bible study, I prepared ham and cheese sandwiches plus French fries and onion rings and fruit! It was yummy. We also had a wonderful time to sharing, praying and looking at God's word!

We didn't end until almost 1:30 and I rushed home to get my tutoring gears ready. I was off by 2pm. The boy has much improved. Please pray for him. He participated!

I stopped at the library to renew my library card before rushing home. I was also going to stop at the supermarket to buy a battery and other grocery items but I was feeling so tired!

I got home, put things down and took a nap.

I woke up when the phone rang... Yes, Mom was about to get back. I had about 20 minutes... it felt so refreshing! I had her dinner ready... so I popped it into the microwave and picked Mom up!

I did a load of laundry and put away my tutoring things, which Mom was having dinner!

Isaiah came home... then Abby... Alan had evening class, so he didn't get back until 8:30.

Daily Lovely Insight:


In Bible study we talked about speaking with more tact and yet knowing when we need to be brutally honest! One of the verses we discuss was Col. 4:6. Our words need to be gracious, seasoned with salt! What does that mean? Salt has many uses... It can be used to deodorize. help your sore throat, flavor food, and even to help remove stain! Of course, it can also be used to help healing. With all those benefits of salt, God's word tells us to season our words with salt and add graciousness, too! What does that mean to you? How can we apply that verse in our lives? What can we do to make our words be as effective as salt and at the same time, filled with the flavor of grace?

Seek Him First!

Tremendously Busy Day!

The Lord is renewing my strength!

The 'boys' were up early for the Chargers game, which they won... So, I got up for my time with Jesus and then went for a short run. I did 3.47 miles and came home to take a quick shower.

Mom was up... OF COURSE!

I got her ready and the van was soon downstairs!

Abby was the first to leave for school.

Then Alan took off... Before Isaiah left, we took a picture together. It's the first day of his last year of university! WAHHHHHHHHH...

Daily Lovely Insight:


I post this verse as I just love knowing that the life that I now live, I live by faith and through the power of the crucified and risen Christ!

Seek Him First!

Really Tired...

The tiredness hit today...

I was up and had time with Jesus and checked with my friend and went back to sleep... Mom was also exhausted... I was praising God... So, we all slept in.

The thunder shower came... and we all went to church. Abby drove!

The sermon was from I Thes. 5:11! And one of the key points was to be patient when we encourage others. Often times, when we are trying to be an encouraging person, the other person sees it as 'pressure'... so we need to be patient... give the other person some time... perhaps they will finally come around and see your words as encouraging!

The dinner was delicious...

We came home and I had so many things to put away, plus the kids and Alan got ready for school. I asked the kids to clean out the books from last semester.

I did a load of clothes... and went to the store to buy a few groceries...

Daily Lovely Insight:


Soochow has flooded again due to the heavy down pour last night... So, this morning I ran Psalm 57 and it reminded me to take refuge under the shadow of His wings... I will take refuge... till the storms of destruction pass by... Thank you Jesus!

Seek Him First!