I Hit My Running Goal!

 I'm trying to start training... So this week's goal was to run 33 miles! And I did it! 33.66! I have to work up to running 60 miles in one week... so that I can run 60 miles in a DAY! You read that correctly!

The day started early, as usual! I cut Mom's hair and then she had her breakfast and talked with James and Annie. Then while she watched Little House, I went down to continue my sorting and organizing and cleaning of the guard booth. I'm almost finished!

I came up and got lunch ready! Then it was time for Mom and Abby to head off to their massage. I had stuff to drop off for donation. Alan drove and dropped them off, then we went to drop off donation. I then went for my run!

I rushed home and showered and then met up with Mom, to take her for a walk.

Abby went for her workout. Isaiah worked on his card for Vikki. 

After Mom went to bed, we went out for Family Time! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

It's the end of October... Tomorrow is the month of "thanksgiving'. I decided to jump the gun and give thanks!

Seek Him First!

Repeat of Last Friday!

For our date, Alan and I did the exact same thing as last week. Except this week, I had to send him to Costco without me. I had to tutor! I found out that she was in the emergency room just two days ago, having her appendix removed! YIKES!

Alan helped with Mom... and I got back at 5:30! 

I didn't go for a run, but a walk to get some errands done! The weather was nice, but I just didn't want to sweat and have to take a shower. We also decided to have family time on Saturday... so we watched TV.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I'm having problems uploading pictures for my blog... In fact, I'm having problems with this old lap top. Things can disappear without any warning! Today, I received news of a friend from Pepperdine who was in Heidelberg the same time I was passed away after a four year fight against cancer. She was doing very well, but earlier this year, it came back with a vengence. A few months ago, we heard she was in hospice. On Tuesday, a gal from our Bible study also asked for prayer for the family of one of her classmates, who passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. All this to say, God knows when we would be going home... and until the day that He calls us back, the words of Paul ring fresh in my heart: "To live is Christ, to die is gain!"

Seek Him First!

A Productive Day!

I'm so thankful as it was a very productive day!

After Mom left, it was doing another load of laundry and cooking chicken in the air fryer. Then I worked on putting away fans into our living room closet -- every item is like a puzzle. You have to get it just right! With such limited storage space, it's an art. I'm trying to figure out where to store my extra towels... or maybe I'll give some away! 

I then had to read and prepare for my afternoon tutoring sessions. 

When I finished, I ate a quick lunch and dashed off for a quick run!

Tutoring started at 1:30! Then at 4pm and then again at 7:30!

In between, I checked my emails, prepared Mom's dinner and swept!

Isaiah decided not to go to tennis practice. Abby had her basketball practice and Alan had his staff basketball night.

Alan and I got home around the same time and Abby returned home soon after. We watched TV together... 

I can't believe tomorrow is Friday! 

Daily Lovely Insights:

Whenever I find things in our B1 'recycling' that I can fix or use, I know that the Lord is using me to help provide for someone else or He is providing for me before I even know I have a need. For example, the fan in Mom's room is not the traditional one with the round fan blades. Mom has a bad habit of forcing the fan head to turn away from her. Thus, she has broken several of our fans. So, I found this fan that has the blades inside... and just the other day, I found another fan that you can add water and cool down the room. I think this is going to be very useful for next summer. I don't see the need now, but God does. He indeed is faithful!

Seek Him First!

 

Another Warm Day!

I took the time to rest this morning after baking for the Bible study. I made a persimmons pudding bread. SO DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought 7 persimmons. Cleaned and pureed! Bread flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla, raisins, eggs, mixed with the puree... baked! WOW! Fabulous! Abby saved a piece because she knew it would be all gone, and it was!

The study was great. We looked at Luke 19: 1-10! God's unconditional acceptance.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Nothing can help heal a heart that is in need of acceptance except the unconditional love of Jesus! That's why even with his wealth and position and background, Zacchaeus did all he could to see Jesus! And Jesus invited himself into Zacchaeus' house and brought salvation. 

Seek Him First!

 

Short Run... Long Day!

Today our Bible study met at Amy's house. She just bought the place... SO NICE! I would have painted the walls in different colors... and they have not put up any pictures because they don't like putting holes in the walls... my point is -- it's your home. Customize it! I also would do the furniture in a different way. Everything was pushed against the wall!

I rushed home from Bible study and got ready to head out to tutor. The session was great... I rushed back and had only 45 minutes for a quick run. The weather was nice... and after yesterday's run, I think my legs were happy that they had to only go for 45 minutes. I rushed home and got Mom's dinner -- leftovers from the Bible study lunch! Yummy!

After Mom went to bed, I rushed off again to tutor! We worked on a character analysis!

When I got home, everyone was home!

Isaiah had a list of schools that we narrowed down -- graduate school! None in the US or Canada! And he will have to take the IELTS! He also asked for advice about the application for a possible paid internship during Chinese New Year and then for next semester. That would be fantastic! I hope he gets it!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Our morning study looked at the judgmental tongue. And we realized that God wants us to exhort, admonish, but not judge or condemn. So, what's the difference? Exhort and admonish are for the good of the other person and bring life, whereas judging and condemning bring death as we become 'god' and are passing a sentence upon the person. With the moral decline that we see around us, we are to warn, to reprove, but only God can judge. It doesn't mean to keep our mouth shut when we see immorality. But it does mean we are to speak with love and humility. And we need to be in prayer and in tune with God, always following His lead. 

Seek Him First!

 

A Longer Nap Would Have Been Nice...

I was quite excited about my 'free' day... I wanted to sit and do nothing... 

But the day didn't work out exactly like that... 

First, I started to prep for my talk on Sunday... and I got so interested in the research that the morning flew by. Then I changed Mom's bedding and did another load of clothes! After lunch, I went to the post office and mailed a package and went for a run!

By the time I got home, it was already 4:15! I took a shower, put things into the crock pot for my Bible study tomorrow and got Mom's dinner ready. The phone rang and Mom was home.

No tap dancing tonight... So, I used the time to work more on the talk!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Jericho was heavily fortified with massive walls. No one went in or out and since it had a natural water supply and the harvest was just reaped, they had no problem to be locked up for a while! So, it was something for God to tell Joshua to 'see'. All Joshua saw was the massive walls and he knew that Jericho was famous for its army filled with mighty warriors. In my research, Jericho was the place where Jesus healed Bartimaeus and brought salvation to Zacchaeus. I also watched several videos about excavations of Jericho. Very interesting... God continually wants us to trust him. And He says to us now -- SEE!

Seek Him First!

  

A Productive Sunday

I did a load of laundry as I knew Abby would be home with more laundry... And then I went to pick trash... but I was careful not to do too much! Still I gathered two bags of trash in less than 30 minutes. I found bread at the local market on sale... and then scooter home. Mom was up and after her shower, she ate and watched Little House. I took a nap!

Isaiah had gone to meet up with Vikki and Abby was heading back from her volunteer camp. She went to the wrong train station... and missed her train. But she caught the next one!

We were at church by 2:40. It was a wonderful children's day service!

We had Family Time after Mom went to bed... and then watched one episode of the Blacklist. 

To back up about last night... I rode 75 minutes to join my friend's 60th birthday party. On the way back home after the party, I knew I'd get lost, so at different stop lights, I'd ask the person next to me. At this one light, I asked a guy who probably chews beetle nuts as he pretty much has lost most of his front teeth and his lips had this orange coloring. He said, "Follow me." Well... he zoomed off and then at the next light, as I pulled up next to him, he said, "Oh... I will ride slower." I don't know him at all, but I said a quick prayer and trusted him. And he led me straight to the right bridge and told me that he will not be going on the bridge and veered off! I was praising God because after crossing the bridge, I was back in Taipei and familiar with where I was. I got home in about 55 minutes!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Yesterday I shared II Tim. 4:17. Today, I should go back to II Tim. 3:17.

God's word is to help us to be complete so that we can be equipped for every good work. Isn't that a wonderful promise?

Seek Him First!

A Very Fast Day!

 Mom was up... and wandering around... but then went back to sleep. So I went for a run... I ran only three days this week -- one hour, two hours, and today, 90 minutes!

Mom had her massage... And I continued to help clean the guard booth... I still have about two hours of work... At least... 

I also had a trunk full of donations to drop off... 

This evening, I rode to join a friend's 60th party!

When I got back, I watched TV with Isaiah!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Words from Paul... and if you know the persecution he suffered, you'd understand the beauty of these words from his mouth! II Timothy was the last book he wrote before he died... 

Seek Him First!

A Nice Kind of Busy!

Alan and I had our morning prayer time and he went to his discipleship meeting. When he came back, we had our devotional time and then took off to run errands. I had a box to mail for Abby and he dropped off containers for me at a friend's house.

We met up again and took the scooter to a steak house... and then had a nice pressure point massage! We finished by 2:45 and headed to Costco. It was very busy there, but we had o

ur list... Alan was trying to find candy canes, but they weren't in yet! We bought a few items plus a pumpkin pie and headed home on the scooter! Thankfully, no rain!

We got home and had time to put everything away and Mom was back... 

Abby came back to pack and Alan dropped her off at the MRT Station!

After Mom went to bed, I went for a run!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Baruch ben Neriah, the scribe who wrote down what Jeremiah dictated, is very interesting. He spent his time listening to Jeremiah's prophecies and writing them down... What was said was not heeded... and his scribe was even cut up and burned! These are the words of Jeremiah to Baruch from Jeremiah 45:

Jeremiah said this to Baruch: 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ 4 But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. 5 Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’”

What do you think if the Lord told someone to tell you these words?

Seek Him First!

 

Much Better!

Oh... today was a much better day in terms of NOT running and rushing... 

First, let me tell you about the complex meeting last night. We had our annual complex meeting on Saturday, which as you might recall, was FOUR plus hours long. It was chaotic and messy. At the end of that meeting, we elected our new board... but something was not right. And last night we had to discuss what went wrong. Someone put a name on the list that was not there previously and she said, "Oh, I was thinking of our complex. We need a few of the old members to be on the new board." WRONG! That voided the whole election and as a result, after a heated discussion, which ended at 10:15pm, we will have another complex meeting! A new board will have to be elected at that time! All previous votes and results are voided!

So... today, after Mom went off, I did a load of laundry, took out the things Abby needed for her weekend service trip to Chiayi and then went for a run! Since I didn't run yesterday, I decided to go for two hours! The weather was beautiful... and the LORD blessed me with sprinkling light rain just towards the end of my run! I am blessed!

I came home and started dinner prep and took a shower. I had tutoring at 1pm... when that ended, Abby surprised me by coming home! Her afternoon class cancelled! She still had evening basketball practice. I had tutoring at 4-5 and Mom was home just seconds after I finished tutoring!

This evening, I dropped off containers for a friend and started cleaning the guard station!

Alan was home by 9pm and the kids came home later... Isaiah had tennis practice as it wasn't raining!

Daily Lovely Insight:

My talk on 11/1 is entitled: A Different Kind of Blindness based on Joshua 6: 1-7 and II Kings 6: 8-23. If you have time, read the passages... and let me know your insight! 

The theme for the month of November is: Dare to See! 

Here is a comment from the Cambridge Bible Commentary:

See, I have given... Compare for a similar expression Joshua 11:6. As Israel had stood on the shores of the Red Sea and seen “the salvation of God,” so now they were themselves to adopt no warlike measures for the capture of the city, everything was to be done for them, not by them: the victory when achieved was to be one, “into which no feeling of pride or self-exaltation could enter.”

Another comment from the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary:

See, I have given into thine hand Jericho—The language intimates that a purpose already formed was about to be carried into immediate execution; and that, although the king and inhabitants of Jericho were fierce and experienced warriors, who would make a stout and determined resistance, the Lord promised a certain and easy victory over them.

Seek Him First!

 

What Can I Say...

I was again running, running, running... 

I had to bake something for my afternoon Bible study and meet up with a friend who is trying to figure out her ministry while she's here in Taiwan. I also had to pay the cell phone bills... 

While the cake was baking, I started making dinner and my neighbor surprised me with some dinner items she bought at the local market. Perfect!

The cake was finished and I rushed off to pay the bills and made it to the appointment right on time.

I had lunch with her and then scootered off to my Bible study. An old student returned from China and came out of quarantine. She came late and wanted to talk. On the way home, I bought milk and eggs. I had just enough time to put things away, prepare Mom's dinner and rushed off to tutor!

I finished tutoring at 6 and rushed home! I wanted to go for a run, but no time... because by the time Mom went to bed, I had the complex meeting... I will talk about that tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

In our Bible study, we discussed how to take pleasure or delight in the word of God as Psalm 119: 16!

As we shared, they all realized how they 'delight' in looking at their social media... and a light turned on! If they would realize more the love relationship God has towards them, they too would delight in God's work and not neglect His precepts and His ways!

Seek Him First!

Yes... As Busy As Yesterday!

I thought I'd have a nice restful day as my tutoring cancelled... but that's not the case!

I had a lot of errands today... Going to the Neihu Housing Registry Office to get Annie a copy of our old housing report. Then I headed to the post office to get it mailed off... At the same time, updated our passbooks and donated money for SooChow University. Then since we got coupons from Wellcome Supermarket, I went and found one and bought grapes! The strangest thing was that was what was on sale! I bought 7 boxes... and paid 74NT$! The coupons were actually like cash! I didn't even get to spend all my coupons! I rode home even though I need to go and pay the cell phone bills and check on two Add-Value cell phone cards. I wanted to go for a run, so I decided to do those errands after my Bible study. I also wanted to go and pick up my tap shoes, but Abby selected the wrong Family Mart! I wanted the one by our house. She selected the one in school!

The run was fast... as I had to be back for Mom... Plus I didn't fix dinner yet!

When Mom went to bed, I took off for the Bible study! 

It was drizzling all day... 

I'm look down this week and it looks like it's going to be the same 'forecast'... BUSY! I keep thinking... maybe next month will be less hectic... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

For Bible study tonight, we talked about how impatience is often caused by not trusting God! We start to get antsy and do things on our own. Jeroboam didn't trust God. He wanted to rule more than he wanted to follow God. And he led the people to walk away from God. His heart was not set on God's purposes, but rather he exalted himself! One small step in the wrong direction can lead to another step... 

Seek Him First!

 

No Time...

I am not sure how I had absolutely no time today...

After Mom left to the center, I was going, going, going... I did a load of clothes... Disinfect Mom's bathroom... Took out winter clothes from the under-the-bed storage and sorted those items plus the bins in Abby's room in order to clear out items for donation... Ate a quick lunch and started tutoring at 1pm... A friend came over at 2: 45, just minutes after I finished tutoring! Alan was not home by 5:30, but I had tutoring at 6pm. So, I rushed off at 5:40, leaving Mom home alone... Alan was back by 6:10.

I tutored until 7:30 and rushed off to my tap dancing class.

I was late... but it sure was fun!

I was home by 10:30 and tidied up the house... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

The LORD is my help, my strength and my shield! 

My legs are so sore from picking up trash yesterday. I can't believe it. It's like I ran three marathons... No wonder people think that TRX and HIIT exercises are wonderful! So, even though the weather today was perfect for a run, I was too busy... and it was just as well... I think my legs would have revolted! 

Seek Him First!

Donating Blood, Picking Up Trash, & Speaking at HOP

Today started early... 

Abby and I went to donate blood. We got free movie tickets. Then we went to Carrefour and there were lots on Manager's Special... YIPPY! Chocolate milk (Mom loves it), strawberry milk, yogurt, apple sauce, dried mangos... 

Abby carried everything home, while I went to pick up trash. When I go running, I usually go down this one path. Each time I do, I can't believe how much litter there is... But since I'm running, I don't have the time to stop and I always say, "I'm going to clean up this whole street!" So, today, I did. Armed with two large bags, I went from one end to the other... and only hitting one side of the street. The bags were filled so quickly. I have to do this again. And this time, I think I need three large bags and maybe more time and hit both sides of the street. I had to carry the trash home to dump it.

I did a load and rested on the sofa. Everything was hung or in the dryer and we left for church!

I was the speaker! The evening was fantastic!

We got back by 7:30 and Mom was in bed by 8:30!

I still have a lot to do... and the week is looking... yes... BUSY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Jeremiah 32: 17

Our Creator God... He alone is able!

Seek Him First!

I'm Not On The Board!

Early this morning Mom was up. As she was having breakfast, I had to go down to our complex meeting. I did not let my name get put on the ballot. So, I am not on the board this year. And what a relief. If this morning's meeting is any sign of what the board is going to be like... Wow... The meeting was FOUR hours long... and very divisive! I'm praying for our complex!

Mom went with Isaiah to her usual Saturday massage and I went for a run. It was drizzling, but refreshing!

This evening we had a marriage builders event... dinner out! Fun!

Isaiah had to meet with his marketing group... and Abby helped babysit the kids.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Jeremiah 18:6

God's hands are working in our lives... Trust Him!

God's hands are working in the lives of others... Trust Him!

Seek Him First!

 

Shopping with Alan!

On Wednesday when we had dinner with some of Alan's students, they told us about a store that sells name brand clothing items.  So, today for our date, we went... they have exported products that are 'returned', such as Columbia or Gerry or Quick Silver or Gap. And they have pants and cargo shorts in Alan's size! It's about half the price of what you'd pay in the States. Alan tried on several pairs, but we decided not to buy anything. We then went out to lunch at a new little hole in the wall restaurant! For 5US$, we had quite a nice meal for the two of us!

Alan went and played tennis afterwards while I went for a quick lunch before I had to head out to tutor. Alan was home to take care of Mom. I had set the meal up and he just needed to heat it up!

My second tutoring was canceled because the student didn't finish the assignment. I was glad that he canceled as it gave me a free evening!

The two things I ordered both arrived today. A new set of electric haircutting kit and apple bread from Taichung! The apple bread is from the original store! Wish James and Annie and Eddie can have some... It would bring them back to their childhood!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 86:11

God's faithfulness... RELY ON IT... 

God's name... REVERE IT...

Seek Him First!

Such A Nice Day!

I took the time to rest today! I had lots to do, but I just put everything aside and rested! 

Usually I go to bed around 12 or 12:30... Alan gets up early to head off to school. We pray together before he leaves, so that means I'm up at 6am! Instead of going back to sleep, I go and have my time with Jesus and by 8am, I'm helping Mom get ready! She leaves at 8:45! And the day gets busy!

Today, instead of getting busy, I laid down at 10am after Isaiah took off for school and slept until 11: 30! Then I rushed to run errands... Drop off donations, go to the post office and the library, shop for groceries, and then get home to cook. I headed out for a run at 2:30 and took a quick shower, edited a press release and tutored at 4pm to 5:05! Mom was home by 5:15... and after she went to bed, I went off to tutor from 7:30 to 9pm!

The kids and Alan got home at around the same time. Abby was happy as I made cheesy Mac and Cheese!

Daily Lovely Insight: 

I have started to pray for my personal verse for next year... One verse that caught my attention is Isaiah 45:8 --

My yearly verse or passage is always very insightful... This year I've been meditating and praying Psalm 115:14-15. So... what about 2021? The Lord usually leads me to three and I set aside a personal goal setting day, which this year will be on November 17th. 

Isaiah 45:8 is quite beautiful... What do you think?

Seek Him First!

Soochow Bible Study Started Up Again!

Yes, the study has started back up and we have 8 students! One from China is back... and four old students from before...  and three new students. I know it's going to be a great study on Living Life God's Way!

I came home and had time for a longer run as Alan was home to take care of my mom. I'm trying to start back on my training... Don't know if I can keep up... So, when I have time, I go for a longer run!

This morning, I finished my talk notes and ppt file for Sunday talk and started to work on 11/1 talk -- Dare to See! I did not get to the dissertation... but praise the LORD... She had to cancel class for tomorrow. 

Alan wanted to meet up with his old students for dinner, so we all went out after Mom was in bed. The kids had their activities. We were all home by 10pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

For the study, I asked for 7 favorites related to the Bible:

Favorite verse

Favorite person

Favorite book 

Favorite story

Favorite parable

Favorite Psalm

Favorite Proverb

We had quite a fun time sharing and it was very encouraging.

So, how would you answer those questions?

Seek Him First!

Tuesdays Are Always Busy...

In the morning, I had my wonderful Bible study. 

I rushed home and put everything away and I got all the stuff for tutoring... and I was out the door!

When I got back, I had 45 minutes for a quick run before Mom was home. No time for a shower until after Mom was in bed... 

Now... If I don't have my morning Bible study, then I have my evening Bible study. Again, rush, rush, rush... After Mom goes to bed, I'm out the door!

The kids are usually home on Tuesday evenings... and Alan gets home at around 8:45! And I usually get home by 10pm.

Now... with my different jobs... I have to take a lot of time to prep... plus I am helping people read their papers... I am also speaking at HOP... and editing... and I might get another part time job... We will see!

Thus, I feel that my days fly by way too fast!

For 2021, I am going to work on slowing down... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Continuing with what I'm learning from my sermon prep... 

The blind men said, "Have mercy on me, Son of David." In Jesus' parable of the Publican and the Pharisee, the Publican also used that phrase in his prayer in Luke 18: 13. And Jesus said the Publican went home justified! And the blind men... they went to share about Jesus for they were healed! But I think what they shared wasn't just about the healing. I think they shared about knowing the Messiah!

Seek Him First!

 

A Day to Prep... and A Day for A Longer Run!

With the cooler Fall weather, I wanted to be outdoors... but I had to sit and finish my talk notes... 

So, I glued myself to the chair and worked!

By 2:30, I knew that if I didn't go out now, I wouldn't have enough time...

I finally took off at 3:15 and got back by 4:45... splendid run... 

Mom was back... and I had tap dancing tonight. Alan was home and I took off... 

Isaiah got a hair cut this weekend as he will be taking his senior pictures... Alan wanted to look good so I gave him a hair cut after I got back from tap dancing. After missing two weeks, I was really behind!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am learning a lot from my preparations for the talk on Sunday. My passage is from Matthew 9:27-31. The two blind men crying out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on us." And Jesus asked, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" And they answered, "Yes, Lord!" This is the first time that the term, Son of David is used by the writer, Matthew. And Matthew was writing this Gospel specifically for the Jews. So, using this term here is very significant. Son of David refers to the Messiah and the Jews have been waiting for the coming Messiah. But it took two blind men to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and not the scribes or the Pharisees or those who were more educated! These two were probably beggars as being blind, they had no way to earn a livelihood. So, my question to you is: What is your "This" that you need to trust God to 'do'? 

Seek Him First!

It's Sunday!

The weekend went by way too fast!

We had a slower day... I went and bought some groceries and did a load of laundry! Then I started to prepare for translating the talk this afternoon and read all the emails!

Mom was actually feeling tired... So after lunch, she sat on the chair and fell asleep!

Church was great... And we had dinner there.

We came home and had our Family Time!

One amazing miracle: The coffee packets I mailed have already arrived at Mom Bea's house!

Daily Lovely Insight:

When God's face shine upon us, that brings salvation! That's a beautiful thought!

Seek Him First!

 

Happy Doube Ten Day!

What a beautiful day! 

We left early for Taichung! There was very little traffic despite it being a long weekend!

We went to the wrong elementary school, but still got there at 11:20! It was TEAM CA's 130 "Anniversary" of being in Asia. 70 years in Taiwan!

We had a fabulous time! During the lunch hour, we went shopping at GU and Uniqlo that were practically next door. Mom didn't want to stay there as she didn't understand what was going on. But as long as she was eating, she was happy!

We had friends who happened to be there... so that was a miracle, orchestrated by God. I had time to pray with them.

After the meeting, several families went to the nearby Mall for food and shopping... just to hang out. The weather was gorgeous. We ended up eating at a teppanyaki place that Mom loved! The meal included these little pancakes and ice cream. ALL YOU CAN EAT!

We didn't get back until around 10:10! Double Ten!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Three celebrations... and one more tomorrow as it is Annie and KR's Wedding Anniversary!

The word that comes to mind -- FRUITFULNESS!

I feel so blessed!

Seek Him First!

I Love SooChow University!

The holiday has started...

Mom got to talk to Annie for a little over 30 minutes, which gave me the time to hang the clothes up. I had done another load of clothes!

Oh... the morning started early even on a holiday weekend! Abby was late to her event... Alan was up early for his discipleship group. And we pray together before he took off. After my time with Jesus, I rode the scooter over for a friend who wants to use it and ran back home. That was so nice to run in the sprinkling rain! Isaiah and Alan were watching the Padres game... I don't think I need to say more about that. (GO DODGERS! ha, ha, ha...) I had a quick shower because Mom was up... 

Isaiah took off to meet up with Vikki. Mom watched Little House while Alan and I went to the Soochow 120 Anniversary Luncheon. We were invited to the "alumni luncheon" because we donate to the school! It was a fun lunch, but I could only stay for the first two courses. Mom was home alone... They had a bagful of gifts for everyone! We got two more titanium chops... So, if anyone wants one, let me know. I can get it engraved and mail it to you!

Mom had her massage appointment and I decided to join her. It was so fabulous as my neck was tweaked and after 90 minutes... RELIEF!

On the way back, I made Mom walk. So we stopped at one shop to buy tissue paper... and another shop to buy a dinner box. Four veggies, chicken chop and rice for 75NT$! Yes, that was Mom's dinner. Alan had brought home a piece of cheese cake. Mom had that plus a piece of See's Chocolate! 

Alan went to play tennis as he didn't have time this morning. I worked on catching up with emails and working on my talk. This laptop is not working properly. It might be time to invest in a new lap top... It shuts down without warning! And I must remember to hit save on a regularly basis! Very dangerous!

This evening, we all relaxed in front of the TV and watched another episode of the Blacklist!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I'll be translating on Sunday. The passage is Hebrews 11: 1-7.

The focus is Dare to Trust and faith is needed and it must be a growing faith! To have a growing faith, we must put faith into practice... and we must put our faith in God, the only One who is truly trustworthy!

Seek Him First!

I Love Taiwan!

I had to help out a friend and get her housing report so that she can get a ROC passport for her son! I left early and the Household Registry Office was very busy. I guess they were doing flu vaccine and blood donation! I found a scooter parking place and went up to the third floor.

They provide tea and I got a number and sat down. The volunteers were all so helpful. The wait wasn't long and I was called. I gave her the POA and had to answer a few questions. Good news... I had the emails that my friend had sent me! Showed her everything and got seven copies... just in case! The fee was nominal... maybe 4US$!

I then walked to the post office and mailed every thing.  The fee was reasonable - 20US$! That was the speedy rate!

I was going to donate blood, but the weather was so great... and if I donate, they would tell me NO RUNNING! And there was a line... So I went to buy things at Carrefour... and headed home!

I got the dinner started... and Isaiah called. He ran out of gas... I helped him find a gas station nearby and he walked there and was able to get gas and go to the Downtown campus!

I then went for a run! I had to make it quick and short as I had tutoring!

Mom was back early... I ended my tutoring session and the phone rang! I put the food in the microwave and headed downstairs!

Alan sent me a message... I could go to Soochow and get an "INBODY" measurement. I wanted to see my body fat percentage! Usually it would cost money, but they got the machine and Alan got it done.

Daily Lovely Insight:

My sister, Annie, often talks about having to wait for hours on the phone just to get something done in the States. Here in Taiwan, it's amazing... the efficiency... the effectiveness... You go in and get out in less than an hour... 

That's the good news... 

The bad news... I had worked on the friend's dissertation and my talk for 10/18... And the computer went blinky blinky... and everything was lost! The file that was retrieved did not have all that I had done!

What's the insight?

Give thanks in everything! When you do, your heart is at peace, even when circumstances and situations might be chaotic!

Seek Him First!

Another Beautiful Day!

Tutoring was cancelled but I had a lunch date.

The morning went by all too quickly as I went and bought coffee packets and mailed them. I'm going to do that regularly since Alan will not be going back during Chinese New Year. In fact, a friend who works at the airport said that travel restrictions will continue through February of 2021. They want to relax it a bit, but overseas travel will still be very limited!

I came back and Alan and I read our devotional book as we hadn't done it. Then we headed out to pick up the packet from Forrest! We dropped off a couple of sandwiches and got the stuff that Annie sent. I will go and get the Household Report tomorrow.

Alan and I were going to look at a furniture store that is having a close-out sale. But we ran out of time as we had to get back for Mom!

We watched TV this evening... It was a very rare occasion... no counseling... no tutoring... no complex meeting!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Another beautiful passage to consider... 

Seek Him First!

 

A Perfect Fall Day!

The weather was perfect... slight breezes, slightly overcast, no rain, mild temperature... Wow!

I had a list of things to get done... yes, another load of laundry. With this past holiday, I fell behind. Plus, Abby had her teammates over, so she used four table cloths.

My evening Bible study cancelled but I had tutoring at 2:30. The boy was much better behaved! Please pray! Abby forgot her backpack with her wallet at home, so on the way to tutoring, I dropped it off!

I did go for a run... with such great weather, I would have enjoyed being out a little longer, but I couldn't. Too many things to get done. I have to finish up my grades and turn it in tomorrow! I have to continue to prep for my talk. And there is still the dissertation to finish up with!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 78 is a beautiful psalm. I'd encourage you to read it!

Seek Him First!

Rainy Monday!

God blessed me with a restful rainy Monday.

After Mom went off, our neighbor dropped by to chat... She stayed until 11:30. I then changed Mom's bedding and did a load of laundry, put 'dinner' in the rice cooker and started my prep for my evening class. Abby sent a message and asked if she could have the evening BBQ at our house... since it was sprinkling. So, I lined the board to ask. They approved... They were going to go over to another teammate's house, but not with the rain!

After that was done, I started baking. Tonight was my last class with my NSB students, so I wanted to bake them something special. Banana, strawberry, raisin, cranberry bread with cream cheese topping! I made two -- one for NSB and one for Abby's teammates and their BBQ.

I will be speaking on 10/18, so I inputted my notes thus far. It's a work in progress... At around 2:20, I went for a run... it was so nice to be out in the rain. I ran 10km! and jumped rope for 5 minutes! I need to build up to 30 minutes of jumping rope. I didn't know how difficult that is... to keep going!

Mom was back... and of course, enjoyed her dinner.  

Alan was home and I took off... Isaiah had tutoring... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

As I'm preparing for the 10/18 talk, I am learning a lot. Two blind men shouts, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" In Matthew's genealogy from 1:1, he used this term, Son of David to describe Jesus. It was a term that refers to Jesus as the coming Messiah! These two blind men weren't that blind spiritually. They somehow knew who Jesus was. Perhaps they had heard all that Jesus had done as Matthew 8-9 captured 10 miracles, including the healing of the two blind men. They followed Jesus, trusting, believing, that Jesus is able. And they were healed. And it wasn't just the blindness that left, I believe Jesus healed them, through and through!

Seek Him First!

Sunday Worship!

Mom was hyper... so for sure we will not do the special therapy... 

She settled down to watch Little House after lunch... And then we went to church!

It was a worship service and a beautiful time of worship.

Alan led the Lord's Supper and the Lord inspired him to get everyone on their knees! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

John 8:12... The Lord gave me that verse in the morning, which I read during the worship service. The theme that the LORD put upon my heart is the truth that God is light and He has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light! I also read the same idea in Colossians 1:9-14.

Seek Him First!

A New Therapy for Mom!

It was another busy day... 

First, Alan and the kids were glued to the computer screen to watch the Padres game. They won and will go against the Dodgers... I can't watch as I won't be able to cheer... 

Mom was up early... 

She watched Little House after lunch and then we took off to her massage. After the massage, I booked for a special therapy session. It's a machine that helps to pump more oxygen to your brain. It might help with her memory... Well... it didn't help with her memory, but it did make her more hyper. So, I will not do that again. With just one session, she didn't want to go to bed. She wanted to talk and talk and talk... By 10pm, we forced her to go to bed! We did not have our family time this evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I had an interesting discussion with a young man who is working through things. 

Truth, Faith, Feelings... How are they all related? Yet, if we base our lives on feelings, we won't get anything done. People don't want to base their lives on truth either... And as for faith, people can put faith in a number of things, but not in God. 

I know that I cannot live my life based on FEELINGS... 

As for faith... I think if you put your faith in God, you are moving in the best direction... 

Seek Him First!