Last Run of 2020!

Today was a perfect day... I think I need to have one of these each month... I haven't had a day like this for about three years... And the LORD gifted me with one just on the last day of 2020!

It was perfect because I had cleared the day... absolutely no appointments... no Bible study... no tutoring... no tap dancing... no editing... NOTHING! Nowhere I had to go... Nothing I had to do... Not a load of laundry... Not a meal to cook... NOTHING! It was splendid!

Alan left at 6:45 after our prayer time together... and then I had my time with God. Mom was off at 8:45. Isaiah and Abby were off by 10am.  And I had the house all to myself. I took a quick nap and ate a leisurely breakfast! Hot soup with Chinese meatballs... so delicious. Homemade! Then at around 11am, I went to the local mall to get another canister for our soda stream machine and to find some discounts for my last 30US$ of coupons. I used two coupons for the soda stream. He gave me 10% off. Then I rode to another mall and bought more Mister Donuts. Donuts here are about 13US$ for 10! But with my last two coupons, I got 18 donuts and paid only 3US$! The lady kept saying, "You can get one more..." I rode back home... ate one of the salty donuts -- Tuna Fish Donut Sandwich! Very delicious! And had a cup of coffee... Rested and then went out for my last run. It was very chilly... 

I want to go longer but I had to be back by 4:30 so that I can have time to take a shower and blow dry my hair! I'm usually rushing and a nice hot shower is a luxury. I got back and took a nice hot shower and washed my hair!

As soon as I blew dried my hair and got my mom's dinner ready, Mom was back! We had bought pizza and curry... and she enjoyed both. I also gave a small glass of red wine!

Abby was home but she went out to welcome the New Year with her friends. Isaiah went to Vikki's house as the family had plans to go out for dinner. Alan stayed at school and worked out plus practice shooting!

We had dinner at home... and had wanted to walk down to the Mall, but Alan was experiencing another injury. He thinks he might have pulled something. He just couldn't end 2020 without one more injury! Many things were cancelled due to Covid, but not the Taipei 101 Fireworks, which we saw from our living room windows.

Daily Lovely Insight:

In the midst of so many uncertainties... one thing remains true: God is King of kings and Lord of lords! Focus on God, and don't let the chaos fog up your perspective!

Seek Him First!

 

A Chilly Run... But So Refreshing!

The weather forecast said COLD and it was... 

At around 11:30, I finally was able to get out for a run... It sure was nippy... But so refreshing. I wanted to go longer... no one was out there... but I had to get home as tutoring started at 2pm. 

I got home to take a quick shower, get Mom's food ready and set up my computer. We went for 3.5 hours! And she wanted to add one more class -- Monday, three more hours! And we should be finished!

I sent Alan with coupons to buy two buckets of chicken, a dozen of Mister Donuts and a fresh strawberry pie from Costco. I still have to go out tomorrow to buy some more stuff... I have more coupons which have to be used up by tomorrow!

The kids came home and Isaiah got great news -- he got the job with Franklin for Chinese New Year! Praise the LORD! 800US$ for the month! And if they like him, he will continue next semester! Thank you for praying!

The kids and I watched TV and Alan had a skype meeting with the overseers.

Daily Lovely Insight:

This verse struck me today... The message of the cross... Foolishness or Power?

Seek Him First!

Catching Up... and Other Things!

Taipei 101 New Year Eve Fireworks (last year)

The weather was absolutely brilliant today... So, I did go for a two hour run... 

I had tutoring this afternoon and shopped for some groceries. 

Rushed home and made dinner and Mom was home!

My evening Bible study canceled... I needed the time to catch up. I never had time to try the yogurt maker, but I did find several YouTube videos which explained how to use it... Maybe during Chinese New Year I'll have the time! It sure will save a lot of money as we can have our own yogurt! I also had to work on this student's dissertation. We are so close... Another three hour session tomorrow!

Alan had evening classes and both Abby and Isaiah were home by 7pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

As I had shared in an earlier post, I had selected the book of Isaiah as my favorite book. Here are two reasons:

Isaiah’s prophecies and oracles frequently express hope in the coming Messiah.

Isaiah is quoted more than fifty times in the New Testament.

I'm just amazed at all the connections from the book of Isaiah with things in the New Testament! He lived in very trouble times, but he stayed true to God, using him to bring the message to His people. I am especially impressed with some of the things that the LORD asked him to do... (Isaiah 20:1-5) 

My talk will be in February, but I will start my preparation next month!

Seek Him First!

Busy Day!

Mondays are always quite busy... 

I spent the morning going through the rest of the 'elephants' in my car... We did not take any gifts as we wanted to make sure we had enough... So... I got facial masks... and a massager... and this weird yoguart maker. I will test it out tonight! 

Then I went for a run... I wanted to go for a long run... I've been saying that, but I don't have that luxury... I got back, had a quick shower and started tutoring at 2pm, after I put the clothes away. Yes, I threw in a load of laundry before going for my run!

It was a three-hour session!

I finished just when the phone rang and Mom was back.

She had another delicious dinner and so did I. 

Tap dancing tonight... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

HOP will be starting on the series of "FAVORITES" for the first six months of 2021. We really wanted people to go back to the beauty of God's words. Each speaker will highlight a favorite character or verses or book or parable or... I will be sharing on 2/21. I love the book of Isaiah... but now, I think -- "What have I done? How can I cover one book in one sermon?" Maybe I will have to ask Alan for 2/28 as well! So... what are your "FAVORITES" of the Bible?

Seek Him First!

Last Sunday of 2020

I was so tired from the White Elephant Party that I just wanted to sleep all day... 

We had a wonderful service... Songs of worship and testimonies... I translated.

Then we all had dinner together... before returning home.

Abby lost, so I don't think they were in the top three... 

Isaiah decided NOT to tutor tonight as he had a group report online meeting.

Mom went to bed and I worked on the dissertation before Alan and I sat down to watch TV. It's quite relaxing... I always have more to do... but it's nice to sit with Alan and 'veg'!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I haven't shared for a while... I have a simple devotional book that I read in addition to my daily Bible reading and prayer time... And this sentence caught my attention: We cannot really pray unless we are consciously in God's Presence. G.H. Morling, The Quest for Serenity. Because God is omnipresent, He is always with us. And His name is Emmanuel, God with us. That's why it is a joy to pray... to commune with Him. And unless we are aware of His presence, praying would be meaningless, becoming nothing more than an Eastern meditation ritual in order to empty our minds of worries.

Seek Him First!

 

Review of Verses & 2020 Family Picture!

 Family Verse 2020: Proverbs 19:21

Family Verse 2021: Psalm 67:1-2

Alan's 2020 Verse: Philippians 4:6

Alan's 2021 Verse: I John 4:4

Lovely's 2020 Verse: Psalm 115: 14-15

Lovely's 2021 Verse: Lamentations 3:21-25

Isaiah's 2020 Verse: Galatians 6:9

Isaiah's 2021 Verse: Jeremiah 31:25

Abby's 2020 Verse: II Tim. 1:7

Abby's 2021 Verse: Proverbs 16:33

Seek Him First!

The Final Installment of Our Annual Christmas Update!

 

Family 2020 Newsletter: 

2020 – Highlights

Ski trip to Japan

Annie & KR’s visit

Summer trip to Kinmen

Isaiah -- a senior at Soochow

Abby -- a junior at Soochow

Alan and I – 33^rd Wedding Anniversary

Kurtis was in Taiwan until June

Summer in Taiwan

Lovely getting Shingles

Alan’s discipleship group

2021 – Prayer Requests

Isaiah’s possible master’s program

Abby’s summer internship options

HOP’s search for a pastoral couple

HOP being established as an organization

Alan’s job at Soochow

Lovely’s many job and church responsibilities

Wisdom in the continual care of Lovely’s mom

Travel plans for the summer

Job opportunities for Isaiah

Sharing Christ in all we do & say

Family Verse:

Psalm 67:1-2

Seek Him First!

The Fourth Installment of Our Annual Christmas Update -- Lovely

Lovely:

Jan – Ski trip in Japan. Due to the "accident", I got to ski. I had so much fun! It’s been too long since the last time I went skiing. It brought back memories of skiing in Europe. So, even though the "conditions" weren’t the best, I had the best time!

Feb – Annie and KR came to Taiwan for a visit as Kurtis was here. They took a seven day vacation to go around the island. I had reserved all their tickets and lodging. Needless to say, they had a blast.

March – I took off for a four day trip to the States to attend Kayla’s wedding and was able to celebrate my sister’s birthday. What a spectacular time to be with my three best friends. After the dinner banquet, we danced and even now, just thinking about it brings a smile to my face and such a sense of joy. I came back two days before Taiwan CDC required 14 days of quarantine!

April – We decided to cancel our trip to the States as things in the States didn’t appear to be getting better.

July/August/September – very hot months to be in Taiwan. I actually bought a coupon to go to the local gym as it was too hot to run outdoors! Unfortunately, I got another bout of shingles which was worst than my first bout… For two weeks I just wanted to sleep… God was merciful. What should have taken four weeks only took two before I started feeling better!

I continue to speak at HOP as well as other churches and lead a Bible study at Soochow. I also taught at NSB and got a new editing job, which I absolutely love. On top of these, I have continued to tutor and also have two ladies’ Bible study with some amazing women.

As for my mom, she is doing well physically. In fact, as of November, she no longer uses her hearing aids and the elderly center and myself both feel that she actually hears better. I regularly clean her ears and put eye drops for her eyes. She takes no medication, not even stool softener. I only give her vitamin C and in the evening she has her pill to slow the progress of her dementia. I have her on a very rigid schedule. She does not walk as much as she used to, but she still enjoys going out and eating out! I cut her hair and she has her regular massage on Saturday afternoons. Furthermore, she goes to church with us on Sunday and loves our "love cafe" snacks and the "love feast" after the service.

Looking ahead to 2021, Isaiah is graduating in June and might be going to the UK or Australia for his master’s degree. That’s a big MIGHT as we wait to see his acceptance and the possibility of scholarships and what’s happening with Covid-19. And Abby has her internship in the summer. All this to say, we don’t know what we will be doing in the summer of 2021. Alan would still like to go back to the States to see his mom and other family members and friends. I will be staying in Taiwan as my mom can’t travel anymore. And if Isaiah does go abroad, I will go with him and Alan will stay in Taiwan with my mom and Abby. Alan and I will be celebrating our 34^th wedding anniversary and I’ll be turning 60! So, for my birthday, I’d like to take a day or maybe two days to have my own retreat, including a long run. We will see… as I have to consider the care of my mom!

My verse for 2021is Lamentations 3: 21-25!

Seek Him First!

The Third Installment of Our Annual Christmas Update -- Abby

Abby:

    This year has been quite different with Covid-19, hitting worldwide.  As a family, we started 2020 with a ski trip to Japan. It was my first time to ski, but I learned quickly and enjoyed it immensely.  That was the most memorable thing to happen for 2020.  For the second semester of my sophomore year, I started to take some classes from the Business Management Department.  I found the classes to be very interesting as many perspectives were a bit different than the Social Work Department.  I passed both classes which weren't easy.  I thank the Lord because I really had fun learning new things.  In May, it was our school's annual departmental basketball tournament.  And praise the Lord as we made it to the finals, but missed taking the championship.  Considering our team's condition, I thought we went beyond all our expectations.  So I'm very grateful.  As summer came around, I had the opportunity to join KSS (KueiShan School) VBS Summer Camp.  It turned my life around for good.  I think it was God's will for me to serve Him in that way.  It was also God preparing me to become the Captain of my departmental girls’ basketball team.  With the start of my junior year just around the corner, I began to carry the responsibility as the captain by trying to get the team together for some summer practice sessions.  I wasn't all that enthusiastic at first, but I knew that God had His plans.  It has been a lot of work, getting freshmen to join the team, collecting team fees and buying team uniforms. As this year is coming to an end, I still have one more basketball tournament coming up on the 26th and 27th of December.  I decided to cut out sugar and fried food.  It was difficult at first, but I think it has been a positive change for my health and fitness. Maybe I will continue even after the tournament.

     If there's one thing that I learned about this year, it's the need for a constant and abiding closeness of God.  And no matter what the circumstances may be, He is always there for me.

    For 2021, I will still be the captain for the basketball team. In addition, I will have to prepare for my summer internship as well as plans for my senior year. Those plans will be based on what I would like to do after graduating from Soochow University. One plan deep upon my heart is the idea of becoming a missionary. As for 2021 summer, I will miss all my sweet family members in the States, as I won't be able to go back.  Finally, I want to continue to work on my weight loss. I joined a fitness gym in 2020 and I want to continue to make exercising a priority. Please pray for me!

My Verse for 2021:

Proverbs 16:33

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The Second Installment of Our Annual Christmas Update-Isaiah

Isaiah:

Here are some of my highlights from this past year:

January ski trip with family and church friends in Japan, but for me it was not a good experience. On my first run down the hill, I forgot to learn how to stop and rammed into Dad, cracking two of his ribs. We both decided not to ski after that. Mom got to go instead and we ended up taking care of Grandma! BUMMER!

March/April was the start of the second semester of my junior year, double majoring in International Business and English. School started later because of Covid 19, but at least we didn't have to go online. 

June was the tennis tournament that was delayed. I did not do well, but the girls' team did better. As the captain, I was disappointed about the men’s team performance but glad to see the girls doing so well.

July/August were hot, hot, hot and we did not go to the States. When we knew we'd be cancelling our trip, Mom helped me find an internship at ORTV in the Media Department. It was a very fruitful two months as I learned a lot.

September/October started my senior year. I have continued to play basketball and tennis. I did find out that I was ranked third overall and that I will graduate on time, even double-majoring. Usually it would take five years to complete.

November/December have seen the start of my application process for graduate school. I have picked six schools in England and Australia. In mid December, I took the IELTS. I will get the results in two days. But with Covid-19 still happening, I'm not sure what will be happening in August of 2021. I am still with Vikki, going on three years

Prayer Requests:

Acceptance to a graduate school plus the finances

Basketball and tennis tournaments in March and April

Internship for winter vacation and spring semester

Grades to stay high for my scholarship

The decision to do military service before or after graduate school

General health of our family

Thankful that Taiwan has not been too badly affected when compared to other countries.

My verse for 2021: Jeremiah 31:25

Seek Him First!

The First Installment of Our Annual Christmas "Updates"

Starting today, I will be posting our Annual Christmas Updates!

Alan:

For me, this has been a year like no other.  I have probably gone through more injuries this past year than I have had in the past 10 years.  Whether it was having TWO cracked ribs, pulling a calf muscle, getting sick, hurting my good knee, or pulling a hamstring, it really has not been a great year health wise.  (Addendum: After I hit post, Alan came limping in, walking like an old man! He was late coming home and I saw that he was dressed like he went and played ball. He didn't, but he did go to the workout room at school so that he can 'stretch'. Instead, he pulled his back muscle! I don't think he was just stretching. I think he went and lifted, wanting to get some exercise in! So we can add: pulled back muscle to the list of injuries!) Another factor perhaps is I turned 62 in July, but my mind still thinks I am in my 30’s and 40’s. I'm not sure if slowing down would help!

From the standpoint of school, every planned activity was put on hold for the spring semester and this extended into the fall semester due to Covid-19.  So many of the extra curricular activities, such as the school-wide speech, debate, drama contests, school anniversary celebration, departmental conference and the simultaneous translations conference as well as the Excellence in English Cultural Activity Week that I was responsible for were all put on hold.  From a positive standpoint, we never had to go to online teaching. That was my greatest fear as most of my classes are oral communication classes, which need a lot of interactions between the students and myself. I also have had no trips, whereas before I have had to represent Soochow University and go to Japan or Mainland China. All of these were also put on hold.

What else was different? It was the first summer in my 33 years of living in Taiwan that I did not travel during the summer months. I usually would go back to the States... and when we couldn't when the kids were young, we at least went to Thailand or Singapore. But staying put had some positive points. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with our HOP family. I met with most of the men and established my discipleship group. We also had several trips, locally, with families from our congregation.  

In relation to my children, I enjoyed the opportunities to play basketball with Isaiah and Abigail this past summer.  I also played tennis with Isaiah at a nearby park.  To me these were very precious as they are now university students and are quite busy with their various activities. I also began going through the discipleship material with Isaiah.  It has been a quality time of encouraging him in his spiritual growth.

As I look ahead to 2021, the Departmental International Excellence in English Cultural Activity Week will be happening in May. I will be responsible to coordinate and put together the program for all the students in our department.  It will be a major task. I also want to be more sensitive to opportunities to share about Christ with my students. I am a student advisor and I pray to daily let the Holy Spirit lead me to say things that will help the students who are struggling emotionally. I also need wisdom in planning for the summer of 2021. I'd like to go back to visit family and friends, but we wait for the CDC's announcement. Are they going to lift the quarantine regulation upon my return? There is also the possibility that Isaiah may be going to either England or Australia for graduate school.  I am excited for him but also saddened that he may not be with us for at least a year and maybe for a year and a half. His plan right now is to go in the Fall of 2021, but again we will need to see the situation with the pandemic.

Finally, my personal verse for 2021 is 1 John 4:4  "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."

Seek Him First!

 

 

Donating Blood... and Church!

The blood mobile was right at the Miramar Mall... and they were giving away movie tickets. We want to go to the movies on Christmas day... so with Alan and I, we got three tickets! Plus the two I got last time, we have five total! Perfect! We went early, so no wait!

We came back and Mom had been up... She was up almost all night and was doing the flushing the toilet thing again!

Mom had her meal and watched just one episode of Little House and was tired again! She went and laid down and rested. I rested, too!

At 2:15, we left for church. Alan was sharing and I helped to translate for the testimonies. Love Feast was curry... yummy! And the dear sister made carrot cake!

After we got home, Abby and Alan watched TV while I prepped for the White Elephant Party. Set the schedule, the songs, the table arrangements, called the restaurant... I also did another load of clothes!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Alan focused on the attributes of God and took the time for people to meditate on 10 of the attributes. The service was such a blessing from the rush of the holiday season. With nice instrumental music playing, we just took the time to think and then we prayed out loud! The service was very different from most other Christmas church worship. I think God used the time to speak to all of us! 

Seek Him First!

An Unexpected Relaxing Day!

Today I went off to the market before Mom got up! I also went and pay everyone's cell phone bills!

Mom had her shower and breakfast and watched an hour of Little House and talked to Annie! 

Then she went and rested in her room before we took off for her massage!

While she was getting her massage, I returned all the prep books I got from the local library so that Isaiah can prepare for the IELTS. It's the British version of TOEFL! He went and took the test today!

Alan and I picked Mom up. Abby went with her for the massage. I had the wheelchair so that Mom and I could be dropped off at Carrefour. We walked around in there and I got a few "Manager's Special" items, plus tuna fish as that's what Alan and Abby wanted for dinner! One item I got was apricot sauce cups... four for 1.50US$! Mom had one for dinner! I also bought her some friend noodles for her dinner!

We walked back... Actually, I pushed the wheelchair... and all the groceries. It was a good workout!

She had dinner and went to bed. 

I checked my emails and ordered these cloth steam floor cleaner pads. The church flea market has the machine and I finally found the cloth pads. They are not cheap, but I ordered them. Maybe this will help with keeping the floor clean! After that was finished, I went for a run!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was from my morning reading and it just spoke to my heart of the purpose of Christmas. Jesus came to offer salvation to all people! And because of our relationship with God, we can say NO to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live for His glory!

Seek Him First!

Cooler Day...

The temperature is low, but no rain.

Alan went through our devotional materials and then went out to lunch at a small restaurant. The owner was so nice. He kept treating us to more of their house specialties. So, when we left, we bought three boxes of their items!

We then went to the local 'mega-market' as they supposedly had a sale -- end of the year sale. They had advertised that a 20US$ bathroom shelf was on sale for US$5! The sale started yesterday. Well, we went and wouldn't you know it -- a sign said, "Item sold out! No raincheck!" I was so bummed! Alan went to the hardware store next door and bought a replacement plug. He came home and got the heater fixed! He is very happy!

Mom was home... right on time! And after dinner, she went to bed and I went for a quick run!

Tonight we had Family Time! I had asked them to write their yearly summary... I will start posting that on Monday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today I read I Timothy and Paul ended his letter with strong words of admonishment to do good! To be rich in good deeds. To be generous. To be willing to share! When we do this, we are taking hold of the life that is truly life! Sharing with others is truly living. This is so contrary to the selfishness that we see around us these days. I find that God's truth is so different than the self-help books that fill the shelves these days. God's word is always so encouraging, pointing us to live abundantly!

Seek Him First!

 

Thursday, Busy Tutoring Day!

It was another full day of activities... 

I put away the clothes and tidied up the house and since the weather was brilliant, I headed out for an hour run! I got home and had a quick shower before heading over to New Life Church. Last night I had walked down there, so I couldn't carry two items that looked interesting. One was a crock pot. Both of my crock pots have cracked pots. One cracked so badly that I threw away the pot and kept the outer pot. I thought maybe this summer Alan would be back in the States to get me a replacement. The other one has a crack. I still can use it... but soon it will have to be replaced. Another item that I saw was a steamer. With my mom's habits these days, mopping the floor is increasing in frequency. I bought the crock pot for 5US$ and came home to check out the steamer. The one they had didn't have the cloth pads. To get those pads -- 20US$! So, should I or shouldn't I? I'm still debating on that one! 

I came home and started tutoring. The dissertation student wants to add more classes. She has to turn in the revised version by 1/16. We are so close! Next Thursday is Christmas Eve and so she wants to have class on the 23rd and perhaps three more times before the end of December!

My next student won't be having class for the next two weeks. So... I gave him extra writing assignments! 

Mom was home and enjoyed the dinner I had made for her! After dinner, I cut her hair, which meant she had to take another shower without arguing. 

After she went to bed, I headed out to my evening tutoring session. Two hours -- TOEFL prep! This kid also needed help with Composition and Lit. I would rather do those subjects then test prep!

Alan had his faculty basketball night. Abby had her usual basketball practice night. Isaiah didn't have tennis practice as the team decided to have a Christmas party! He bought a cap for the gift exchange!

Daily Lovely Insight:

For my reading this morning, I was on Philippians. 

Philippians 1:6

Philippians 2:3

Philippians 3:14

Philippians 4:4

Philippians 4: 6-7

Philippians 4: 8

Philippians 4: 13

Philippians 4:19

I just couldn't limit this post to one verse. I hope that as you read this post, God has used each verse to speak into your heart and bring a sense of peace!

Seek Him First!

Last Bible Study! Until Next Semester!

I baked the desserts last night... that was a wise decision.

I took the time this morning to rest!

I left early to go to school as I had a lot to do for our last study. One gal told me she's going to get baptized on Resurrection Sunday 2021! Yippy! It was another wonderful study!

On the way back home, in the rain, I ran two errands. I dropped off a gift and picked up the sign up list at church. It was so nice to get home.

I had dinner ready for Mom... And got her to take a shower!

I then walked to the neighborhood church before attending our complex meeting!

What a long day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today we ended our study with II Cor. 9:11-12. 

God has generously blessed us so that we can help to meet the needs of others... and as a result, there will be an overflowing expression of gratitude to God! 

This is so very true of my life.

Seek Him First!

Chilly Day & Rainy, Too!

The weather forecast said that the temperature would drop and drop it did!

I spent the morning finishing up my Bible study and getting ready to tutor. Then went out for a run! It was cold and wet... But I liked it as there was no one out at the park!

I got back and showered and headed out. 

After tutoring, I stopped at Carrefour to pick up eggs and fruit! 

Soon after returning, Mom was back!

I had made mashed potatoes with cream of mushroom chicken and broccoli.

Isaiah came home and I took off for my Bible study. Alan had evening class and Abby went out with the freshmen to help one of the players get basketball shoes... I don't know why she needed to help her... I think it was just a good excuse to go to the Shihlin Night Market!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Tonight in our Bible study we talked about positive and negative influences in our lives. Jezebel was a terrible influence upon Ahab's life. His whole reign just brought the nation further down into a pit of despair and blatant disobedience. We also brought up the point about marriage relationship and the influence of our spouse. I really enjoy this group of sisters. It's amazing how the Lord connected each of us to know one another!

Seek Him First!

 

A Busy Monday!

The temperature dropped... but no rain! NICE!

After doing another load of laundry, I headed out to run errands. First, I dropped off Abby's scooter as the steering wheel was not working! I then went to the post office, the fruit market, the convenience store (we pay most of our bills there) and then went in search of candy sprinkles for a friend who is working on baking Christmas cookies. I got back at 12:30 and changed into my running clothes and took off!

I felt so good and ran for 14kms!

I headed back and took a quick shower and Elaine came over!

We had a wonderful time catching up!

This evening I went to my tap class and it was so much fun. We have the entire routine down and are getting ready for our final performance on January 9th! I also signed up for the winter class -- Improv.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Alan is speaking for the Christmas Service! And Psalm 96: 4-6 is only ONE of his many passages! I am praying that God will provide a translator for him because we don't have one right now!

Seek Him First!

 

Hope Never Dies!

That was my topic today at church!

At the end of my message, I just felt the Lord leading me to go up and pray for those who were weary and heavy laden... those who were feeling despair.

When I got home, two sisters sent me a message... they wanted me to know that the prayer really ministered to them! Praise God!

And today, Alan finished getting that 'newly fixed' iPhone S ready. I had to log in... what a hassle that was. But it's done! I now can use one phone for all the social apps -- Line, What'sApp, WeChat, Messenger, FB... Those are the ones that I have. And I can now update the iOS! My old phone had 8GB of memory. Now I have 64! What a huge leap! Annie talked to Mom this morning and asked when I'd be getting a new lap top... So nice of her! James talked to Mom, too, this morning! Eddie was out taking a walk with Em. By the time he got home, we were already at church! Next weekend!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I shared a few verses from the New Testament in my message... Here is a simple summary about HOPE:

Hope of eternal life

Steadfastness of hope

A living hope

Set our hope fully on Christ

The hope of glory

The hope in which we were called

Hold fast to hope

In hope we were saved

Rejoice in hope

Seek Him First!

 

Yes, It's My 59th Birthday!

The day started just like any other day... Alan went to play softball... Abby's departmental freshmen girls were in the top four, so they had their competition this morning. They got third place! Now we wait to see if Abby made it to the All-Star Girls' Team! Isaiah was volunteering with the New Life Church Children Christmas Program. He led the songs! I was home taking care of Mom!

When Alan came home, I went out to pick up a few items... but the time was way too short as I had to rush back. Alan and Isaiah had plans to meet up with friends to play tennis in the afternoon. So, I had to be home! Mom watched one episode of Little House and we were out for her afternoon massage. I booked two hours for her because there was no one to help. Sure enough, I couldn't find parking. So, after dropping her off and walking her up, I had to drive the car home. I put in a load of laundry and went for a quick run! I had to rush, rush, rush... Quick shower... Quick to get the clothes hung and DASHED out the door to pick up Mom. Again, no parking... So... I had to park illegally and rush up to get her!

After Mom finished her dinner, Abby and I went out to meet up with Alan and Isaiah as one of the tennis friends was hosting a party at a special Spanish restaurant! With no rain, we rode our scooters.

We got home and had Family Time! 

I was hoping for a more relaxing day... but not today! I think next year, I should do a little more pre-planning and hire someone to be home for 9 hours so that I can roam without worrying who can be home to supervise Mom, especially since Isaiah might be living in the UK. I must write that down on my calendar!

Daily Lovely Insight:

That's my prayer for today and for this coming year!

Seek Him First!

Getting Together with Old Friends...

It's our Date... and it was packed!

We first spent time reading our devotional books and praying together. I had made reservation at 11:30 for lunch with old friends. But first we had to stop at Soochow University as I wanted to try to find a second hand rice cooker -- the traditional kind. I didn't have time to look, but I instructed a student to look for me. She thinks she has found one for 100NT$. I will get it next Wednesday and pay her!

It was raining pretty hard when we got to the restaurant. It's the same place that we want to have our White Elephant Party. So, I ordered the 6-person set menu for the five of us. And definitely, the food won't be enough for 6 people! What to do?? I asked to add a soup for each person and also unlimited drinks, but the price will go up... I will pray... The luncheon finished at 3 and we went to pick up the iPhone that's fixed. Alan also dropped off his phone to replace the screen and battery. That was 100US$! We then headed to Costco as we needed to order the desserts for the party on 12/26! It was a madhouse... It was better as we were on the scooter. The line to get into the parking was winding around the block!

When we finished at Costco, we went back to pick up Alan's phone. YEAH! We got home, put everything away and the phone rang -- Mom was on her way home. (When the phone rings, it means the van is already on our street!) I put her dinner in the microwave and Alan went downstairs! How did the "Date" go by so quickly?

Abby had her internship all day and basketball games tonight. Isaiah had class and dinner with Vikki's family! After Mom went to bed, I went for another hour 'jog'. The weather was nice!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Continuing with the thought from yesterday -- God Things! 

We were at the Apple Repair Store and I start talking with this lady. She drove a Mercedes Benz, had an iPhone 11, wore some very nice clothes and jewelry and had done a couple of facial cosmetic changes. She just needed some encouragement, affirmations, gestures of care. I chatted with her... I think she felt better. After Costco, we were back at the store and I had bought a box of hot chocolate. I took out five packets and gave it to the sales clerk. She was very happy. When we arrived in our parking garage, I saw our cleaning lady and gave her a few packets. She was very happy. It occurred to me... Maybe I should just buy a box or two of 60 packets of Swiss Hot Chocolate and stand at the MRT station and hand them out and wish people a Merry Christmas! I think with all the social distancing and "work remotely', people are getting depressed and feeling lonesome! I think God made people to be relationship with one another. I think talking to someone face to face brightens people's day! So, don't be stuck with just chatting on a cell phone or texting people. If at all possible, get together with people during this holiday season!

Seek Him First!