Auld Lang Syne...

Mom did not have her program, so I had time to trim her hair and we all went to have lunch at a friend's house. They bought a new place and made dumplings! She wrapped 120 dumplings and made soup and oh... everything was so delicious!

Mom would not stop eating!

We came home at 4pm as Abby had to catch a train to Hualien. She is going there with her classmates to welcome the new year!

We were invited to have dinner out, but I told Alan to go... it's too much for me to take Mom!

Plus, I think a nice quiet evening at home suits me just fine... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I asked Alan & the kids to think about a 2022 resolution... Abby mentioned that she'd like to gain more fluency in German. She was thinking about working on Spanish or Korean, but since she'll be going to Freiburg, she decided to work on German. Isaiah gave himself a big challenge: to graduate with distinction. That's not easy for his master's program at Warwick. I want to sign up and pay for another race! Something challenging... but most likely in Taiwan. I'd love to run in a race in the UK or Europe, but there are too many logistics to think about and plan out, not to mention the cost and the uncertainty of Covid-19. I'd also like to get back to tap dancing... but we will see! Alan will read through the Ryrie Study Bible, which includes lots of in-depth study notes. He's enjoying the insights that he is gaining. 

How about you?

Seek Him First!

Updates of 2020 Prayer Requests

These were the prayer requests we posted on 12/25/2020

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

So, how has God worked?

Isaiah of course is at the University of Warwick in Coventry, UK for his master's degree! Even in the midst of the Covid situation, he was able to go to England. Abby had her summer internship, which proved to be very fruitful. HOP is still in search of a pastoral couple, but is well on the way of becoming an organization. Alan loves his job at Soochow and Lovely continues to tutor and speak! As for our travel plan this past summer, we did not travel at all. In fact, Taiwan went to Level 3 and was in a lockdown situation! My Mom couldn't go to her day care program for two plus months. And Isaiah did work part time for Franklin Investment. The pay was put towards his tuition at Warwick as he didn't receive any scholarship from the school!

And we pray that this past year as been a year of sharing in our words and deeds... 

Please do keep us in your prayers... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

As I was completing my Bible study on Wisdom... the contrast of the Wise and the Foolish... What would you say is their biggest difference?

Seek Him First!

A Very Unusually Relaxing Day

The morning is always hectic as I have at least one load of laundry to do... today, it was two loads!

After Mom took off, I finished cleaning up the house and at 11:47, went for a run. The weather was delightful, but I was running to Flora Spa to meet up with Abby for a 90-minute oil massage! I can't tell you how good it felt... 

We rode back home and Abby went to Soochow as she is assisting some of the gals from her basketball team with a weight workout. I came home and stopped off to mail a calendar for Isaiah. Yes, it's totally not worth the cost, but still... I did it!

I had dinner ready for Mom and she was home right on time. I worked on reading over Isaiah's essay and checked my email. When Mom went to bed, we took off to the New Taipei Light Show! Fabulously fun!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Usually in our annual updates, we include our prayer requests for the next year. So, here they are:

1. Plans for this summer. Traveling is more complicated than ever. So, Alan's trip to the States? Abby and I to the UK and then to Germany? How about Isaiah?

2. Isaiah's job options. Should he stay in the UK and work for two years or return and work in Taipei?

3. Abby's graduation in June. She needs one class in the Spring semester, so hopefully she gets it. Or else, it's bad news for Abby!

4. House of Praise: We are still in search of a pastoral couple and perhaps moving to a new site. 

5. Soochow University: Alan is not in charge of the ICEE Week, but he is still very involved. Please pray for all the planning that needs to take place and for a great turn out of teachers and students alike.

6. Isaiah's completion of his master's degree: All the tests and assignments, as well as his involvement with the church and campus ministries.

7. For us, individually and as a family, to shine for Jesus!

Seek Him First!

Annual Update, Part 4

Lovely 2021: 

Tutoring, teaching, speaking, helping, studying, tap-dancing, caring… those are all on going… I am blessed! 

It was difficult to send Isaiah off to the UK as I had really wanted to go with him. The LORD knew that quarantine would be in place and provided Isaiah with a wonderful homestay situation. We are still able to have Family Time once a week and it’s always fabulous to see him and to hear about how he is doing. My Mom has continued to decline in her dementia. I am praying for an opening so that she can stay at a long-term facility. But calling different places has been a bit daunting... the waiting list is so long! I will wait upon the Lord to be gracious to me. And that brings me to my verse for 2022:

Isaiah 41:8 -- Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore, he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Tim Keller's book mentioned Ps. 88. I never realized how it is included as an invitation for us to be honest in our dark places... This is how it begins:

And here is a little summary with lessons to be learned that I found online:

Seek Him First!

Annual Update, Part 3

Abby 2021:

1. Even during Covid, I was able to travel with family and friends, especially the "Around Taiwan in 10 Days, Scooter Trip." My classmates and I were really fortunate to be able to do the trip together. God sent His Angels to keep us from harm. Jesus is surely our Emmanuel. 

2. I was the captain of my Social Work Department Girls’ Basketball Team. My teammates and I both found a great new coach!!! What a praise!! We played fairly well until Taiwan went into Lockdown with Level 3 Alert. That ended our tournament play. I think it was a gift from God, giving me a break from basketball. We thought things would open up again, but it never did. We held online meetings and elected the new captain and co-captain.

3. I got accepted to a summer internship working with a community near our home. God led me through fire and water during this internship experience. There were times of fun and stress, busyness and relaxing. I’m really grateful for the experience. When the internship finished, I had to do two presentations. They were difficult projects, but my professors commended us for a job well done. 

4. As a senior now, I have less classes, but a big part of my schedule now is tutoring. I teach several different kids. I also work as one of the ministry assistants for our church. I praise God for the opportunities I have to earn and save some money. I am learning to use my time wisely, an aspect of my life that is a work in progress.

Looking ahead to 2022, I'm expecting to graduate in early June, then possibly go overseas for a six-month DTS program in Germany from September to around April. 

My verse for 2022 is Psalm 86:1: "Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name." 

May God continue to guide me in His path, so that I can live for His glory.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Another point from the message yesterday was: 

With Jesus in our heart, we should look at everything with wonder!

Seek Him First!

Annual Update, Part 2

Isaiah 2021:

1.    Graduated from SCU: Awards, Friendships, Basketball Team, Tennis

2.    Internship at Franklin Investment

3.    Postgraduate Studies: In the UK, Away from Family, Establishing New Friendships and New Church Family & Fellowship, Completing My Studies

4.    Travel: Ali Mountain, Around the UK

5.    Relationship with Vikki: Four Years, Continue to Pray

6.    Tennis: Rock Up & Warwick Team

7.    Seeking Internship or Full Time Job for 2022

2022 Personal Passage: Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Isaiah has been in Coventry for over three months. I sure do miss him -- a lot! He usually serves as our HOP drummer... For the month of November, we celebrate his and Abby's birthday with fun activities, then we just had our Christmas party... I try to write him weekly and send him a package or two... And we have our weekly family time! That's always very special. He's been to London. He also has join one tennis competition. He didn't get a part time job, but is in the process of looking for a paid internship or a full time job. We will see how the LORD leads.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today our speaker, Pastor Winston, looked again at the Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-20. One point that I want to share is the idea of Glory to God in the Highest. 

What does glory mean? It's the idea of how much influence or weight does something have. Is God truly the one who influences you, if you say you live to glorify His name? When we sing about glory to God, we are stating that He should have the most influence in our lives. How about the nations around the world? Do they make decisions in light of the glory of God? 

I cherish that reminder! I want to glorify God through the way I live. How about you?

Seek Him First!

Merry Christmas!

Starting today, I will be posting our annual updates. 

Here is Alan's:

Alan 2021

1.    Went on family outings before Isaiah’s departure for grad school in the UK, such as Ali Mountain from April 2-4th

2.    Planned and held ICEE Week at Soochow University from May 3rd – 7th, just before Level 3 Covid Lockdown on May 17th. Soochow University went to online teaching for the rest of the school year, resulting in no graduation ceremony for Isaiah. No tennis. No basketball. Mask was required even for a run or a bike ride. All restaurants were closed for indoor dining. Things finally eased up on July 27th.

3.    Gave the Father’s Day message at House of Praise on August 8th, which was unique since I’m usually in the States at that time.

4.    Acquired some great bikes from the ‘trash’ at our complex.

5.    Sent Isaiah off on September 21sts to study at Warwick University in England.

6.    Delayed start of Soochow due to Covid then had two weeks of online classes.

7.    Won first place in the National University Faculty and Staff Basketball Tournament in Taichung on November 11/14. Abby went with me and we had a great Daddy-Daughter Time! 

The ups and downs of this year have reminded me that the Lord is the one Constant. In the midst of the chaos, I must trust Him who gives me peace and security. I may not know what is going to happen, but the Lord does. He is my refuge. 

My personal verse for 2022 is Psalm 18:2: 

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Joy, Peace, Love & Laughter- those four words were the theme for this year's Annual HOP White Elephant Christmas Party! It was a lot of work... tremendous amount of work, but so worth it! We had more than enough food, gifts and joyous memories! 

And I was again so inspired and awed by the coming of Jesus in the town of Bethlehem, born in a stable, laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths. Astounding! It's a thought that I will never be able to 'wrap' my mind around... The Son of God, the Immanuel, coming in the most humble way, and dying in the most horrific way... His love shines from beginning unto forever... 

Seek Him First!

Christmas Eve!

We decided to brave going to Costco... We had to... Alan had reserved three pumpkin pies and the date for the pick up was today... 

It was crowded but we found egg nog... so not a wasted trip!

We also went to RTMart as we needed potatoes and carrots and other items for the turkey soup on Sunday! 

Abby went to meet up with her friends and we went shopping... 

We got back and put everything away and I started dinner prep!

Alan had a church meeting and I went for a quick run as Mom was home... always so on time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We had family time on this Christmas Eve... and it felt so special to be 'together'. I think that's the simple beauty of Christmas...

Seek Him First!

Cleaning Up the Shoe Cabinet & Back Balcony

Those two tasks were on my to-do list and by 2pm I had finished! I was so thrilled with the results!

The front door looks so much more organized! And the back balcony is neatly stacked! 

And yes, I had to do another load of laundry, editing and tested the three CD players I had! What am I doing with three CD players? Because only two of them worked properly!

I went for a run and came home and finished up a few more tasks!

And all too soon, Mom was back! I wanted to take a nap, but no time for that... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

One Christian decluttering expert mentioned this which I thought was quite interesting: cluttering is a sign of a lack of trust towards God! People hoard thinking God won't provide when they need something, so they keep everything for the 'what if...' I guess it's like the Israelites who gathered more manna and found on the next day that it was filled with worms. But when God instructed them to gather more, the manna did not have worms!

Seek Him First!

Getting The Party Set!

That was the task today -- getting the Saturday Christmas Party set! Over 80 people... the program, the songs, the entertainment... and then to meet with the restaurant to drop things off, to make copies of things... the list goes on! This annual event gets bigger every year!

Alan had his health check-up and departmental meeting.

Abby was home until 4pm when she went off to play ping pong. She was going to play basketball, but the weather didn't look favorable.

Mom was home and enjoyed her dinner. When she went off to bed, I ran off to finish the errands.

Daily Lovely Insight:

                                     "Midnight Clear (Love Song)"
                                                                          Chris Tomlin

It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth 
To touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heaven's all gracious King
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing

Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled
And still their heavenly music floats
Through all the weary world
And man at war with man hears not
The love song which they bring
O hush the noise and cease the strife
And hear the angels sing

Glory to God in the highest
Glory to God evermore
Good news, great joy for all
Melody breaks through the silence
Christ, the Savior is born!
Jesus, the love song of God!

Glory to God in the highest
Glory to God evermore
Good news, great joy for all
Melody breaks through the silence
Christ, the Savior is born!
Jesus, the love song of God!
Jesus, the love song of God!

You're the love song
You're the love song
You so loved the world
You're the love song

It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth 
To touch their harps of gold!

This is one of the songs we will sing... Jesus is the love song! I just love that thought!

Seek Him First!

Morning Bible Study!

After sending Mom off, I finished the rest of the food prep! YIPPY!

The study was great. Everyone just wanted to hang out and talk. I cleaned up after everyone took off... and laid down. I was going to go for a run, but my body didn't want to move! 

Today is Winter Solstice, so here we have these great sweet dumplings! I made them for this evening after Abby came home from the movies! Yes, she want and watched Spider-Man again, even though she said it wasn't that great! But she had promised two different groups of people! We will not go to watch it!

After Mom went to bed, I finished the load of laundry and went for a walk. I love the rain... Yes, it's slippery, but so refreshing!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We finished Psalm 90 and will move on to Psalm 91. 

One of the questions was to select the one prayer (there are six in Psalm 90) that you want in your present circumstances and Psalm 90:14 was what I chose:

Seek Him First!

I Need More Time... More Rest...

Mom was up in the middle of the night and would not go back to bed... It was another early morning... and another load of clothes!

Then after Mom went off to the day care center, I got busy with cooking -- dinner for NSB kids and lunch for tomorrow's Bible study gals! Massive cooking!

I ate a quick lunch and went off for a run!

When I got back, I was arranging things for the party on Saturday and calling long term care facility. One place has a 20-person waiting list! Needless to say, nothing was available. I have more calls to make, maybe on Wednesday, when I have time! With the present situation, I don't think Mom would be going to a facility until April of 2022, the earliest! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

This is a familiar verse, but worth posting here! 

What a promise! No maybe, or if... WHEN you seek God with all your heart, He will be found by you! So, the question is: Do we seek Him with all our heart?

Seek Him First!

Another Housewarming... and Worship Service!

We had another early morning... 

Amy came at 11:30 as we had a housewarming luncheon. So, we headed out and went straight to church afterwards. It worked out beautifully.

The caretaker said Mom was walking around... and wanting to go out... Which is absolutely weird, because when she is out, she just wants to go home. So, that just confirms that we can't take Mom out these days.

The service was beautiful... and I brought pizza back for Mom's dinner.

The caretaker will come next Sunday and probably every Sunday.

Daily Lovely Insight:

During the service, we read verses related to Love and Peace. I got Psalm 147: 14 and I will also share verse 15!

I just love the idea that His word runs very swiftly!

Seek Him First!

Taiwan Referendum

It was another early morning... and yes, another load!

No run... wahhhhh...

I was going to push Mom down in the wheelchair to vote, but it was quite cold and she was going back to the room and walking around. Abby and I went and voted. I am very disappointed with the results! 

Alan and I also had a housewarming party to attend. Abby was home to care for Mom. It was so much fun to see their new place and to catch up with them and meet their church friends. And it was interesting as many of those there are dealing with the same issue that I have with my mom! Several of their parents have dementia... One has a 24/7 caretaker! Another has his father in a nursing home. Another is doing like what I do, except that on the weekends, they have full time caretakers and during the weekdays, the siblings all take turn to care for the parents. Anyhow, it was just nice to hear from others who are in the same situation! Very encouraging! I wish we could have stayed longer, but we had to rush back so that I can get Mom her dinner and take care of her bedtime routine.

Mom did get to talk to Annie, which was nice!

We had Family Time tonight as Isaiah is on vacation! So after Abby finished her tutoring, we were able to catch up with each other. He's been off to London and we wanted to hear about his adventures.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I gave this verse to the people who just bought a house and moved in... 

What a beautiful promise!

Seek Him First

!

Chargers vs Chiefs

That was the big game today. Isaiah watched from the UK. Abby and Alan were glued to the screen! I went for a run after Mom took off and did a load of laundry! And changed the sheet and cleaned!

When I got back, the game was over... 

Abby and Alan both took a nap!

I made dinner and tidied up the house.

We then went to Costco as I wanted to buy a gift for Soochow English Department staff and faculty members. It wasn't that crowded and we made it back before Mom came home!

Abby had tutoring from 5-6 and they gave her a Christmas gift! Jo Malone perfume!!!!!!!!

I did call to check about the bed situation at the long term care facility. Still nothing!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I read through the book of James and wisdom was mentioned... and the source of wisdom is from God! And if we lack wisdom, ask God! He gives generously!

Seek Him First!

Helping Out A Friend!

I got a lot done this morning... As soon as Mom goes off to the Center, I'm at work... I got another vacuum cleaner, and a 6ft tall tinsel collapsible Christmas tree to give away. I had already put three bags of stuff down at the guard.

At around 12noon, I rode a friend's scooter over to Soochow. At the Flea Market last week, I saw a cute burger sweatshirt. I didn't buy it so I went back to see if it was still there. GONE! Then I rode the scooter and dropped it off for a friend and ran back. It was hot... I had to stop at a convenience store to get something to drink. I made it back by 3pm and took a quick shower.

I put salmon and rice and veggies in the rice cooker... Mom's dinner!

Then downloaded the emails... 

This evening after Mom went to bed, I rode over to Costco! We have two housewarming parties coming up this weekend!

Daily Lovely Insight: 

The Living Bible says, increasing in freedom from all anxiety and fear... When God's delightful grace and peace cascade over you many times over, I don't think you'd be holding on to anxiety and fear.

Seek Him First!

Movie Time!

Yes, we went and watched another movie! Eternals! Directed by Chloe Zhao! It mixed a lot of world religions and historical events together. In the beginning... Babylon... Hiroshima...  Of course, it left a hook which leads to the next movie... which I'm sure we will go and watch!

I did go for a run... 

But no tutoring or teaching... No Soochow Bible study! That's why we had time.

Alan didn't have his school meeting either!

I ran several errands, including sending money to Isaiah and renewing my phone contract.

Daily Lovely Insights:

In the book of James, several 'tests' of faith are mentioned: endures trails, obeys the Word, controls the tongue, resists temptations, waits patiently, and desires to be different from the world. I thought those were quite interesting. 

Faith without works is dead!

Seek Him First!

Trying to Rest More...

I tried to take the day to rest...

After Mom left, I tidied up the house and cooked... then laid down to rest!

At around 2pm, I had to get Mom's prescription and drop it off at another pharmacy and had time for a short run.

Tutoring at 4pm.

Mom was back by 5:13pm. 

Bible study at 7pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Many churches are celebrating with lighting of the Advent Candles. Even though we don't do that at HOP, I think to reflect upon the "Gift" from God is a beautiful way to end this year. 

Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, King of kings, and Lord of lords! 

The Light of the world... bringing Joy to the world. 

He is Hope. He is Peace. He is our Comfort. 

O Come, All Ye Faithful...

Seek Him First!

Tiring Day!

I felt so tired... like I am really a year older! 

My wrist hurts... My back hurts... 

So I gave myself time to rest after an exhausting morning cleaning after Mom left!

Then Abby was going to take her graduation pictures and she forgot her student ID. So I ran over there to give it to her. I took the mountain pass back! Good relaxing run!

The box for donation arrived. Elaine came at 3pm. So, we chatted until 7pm. Mom was back and ate her dinner and I got her to bed!

Then I went down to pack the box! They will pick up tomorrow!

Isaiah called and we had time to chat before Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Tim. 4:7

Seek Him First!

Splendid Day!

I got to sleep in just a little... and it was my favorite kind of weather -- rainy!

Mom was up... and I had to do another load... and clean the bathroom... 

At 2:30, Amy came and we went to church, stopping first at Starbucks -- buy one get one free! Another splurge! YUMMY!

I shared on Investment 101, Part 2 and thoroughly enjoyed the message! 

We didn't have Family Time this evening as after church, Isaiah went to get vaccinated and then to walk around Coventry! He is now on vacation, so we can have Family Time tomorrow night! I don't have to teach so that will be nice!

Daily Lovely Insight:

J.I. Packer wrote that we have three birthdays: the day we are physically born, the second is our spiritual birthday, and the third is on our death-bed when we breathe our last and can truly celebrate the eternal 'birth-day'... and I'm looking forward to that one... I will see my Savior face to face!

Seek Him First!

House of Praise Marriage Builders' Outing!

I had to do a wash before heading out... Yes, we had an outing... At a 'farm' near JinShan! 

It was so much fun! We had a BBQ lunch there and Mom ate, and ate, and ate... 

It was difficult to wheel her around the place, but we did it! We had 24 adults and 9 kids!

We left at around 11 and came back by 7pm. Mom was in a hyper mode when we got home and didn't go to sleep. But at the 'farm', she just kept talking about going home so that she can go to bed. All I can say is that it is getting more and more difficult to take her anywhere. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a promise from God! 

Not only has Jesus saved us... Jesus now lives forevermore to make intercession on our behalf!

Seek Him First!

A Splurge

Today we went to shop for Abby's basketball shoes.

Since we were going down to the National Taiwan University area, I remember a Cantonese restaurant that we used to frequent. It's still there and the food is fabulous! For 13US$, we had a feast!

Then I recall the 'outlets' for basketball shoes that were a couple of doors down the street. We walked over to the Nike Outlet and found two pairs of shoes for Abby. While looking, I saw a pair of Nike running shoes. I have never tried Nike running shoes. Original price was 5700NT$, discounted to 1790NT$. That's still over my budget. I slipped them on and oh wow, they were so light and comfy. I SPLURGED! I considered this pair a birthday present to myself!

Abby went to watch the Soochow Girls' Basketball Team play out in Danhsui and Alan and I headed home. I had my powerpoint to finish! Plus Mom was due back home!

Daily Lovely Insight

Isaiah 54:2

Seek Him First!

A "Free" Day!

I had time to rest... 

I had to do another load of laundry... and remake the bed!

Then I prepped for my talk! And it's finished!

At around noon, Abby rode the scooter and we went to Soochow University to check out what else they had at the flea market! I love browsing to see what can be found. Abby needed a hair tie since she forgot one. So, we bought three for 10NT$. I also bought a fancy one for 10NT$. We looked at the clothes and they had two very nice leather jacket! Tempting... But I got one for free and they were 150NT$ each! I know it's a bargain for an Italian made leather jacket, but do I really need two? I got two nice thermos - 10NT$ each. One is great for Mom!

Then I ran home up over the mountain! The weather was great... 15km.

After a shower, I had time to take a NAP! Glorious! I wanted to sleep longer, but Mom was going to be home and I wanted to get a few things done.

Alan decided to play basketball. Abby had her basketball practice.

Mom was home and talked to James.

After she went to bed, I ate dinner! YUMMY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

In my preparation of this Sunday's message, I came across several definitions of Biblical obedience. Here is one I'd like to share with you:

Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary states, “True hearing or obedience involves the physical hearing that inspires the hearer, and a belief or trust that in turn motivates the hearer to act in accordance with the speaker’s desire.” 

Do we have a belief or trust in God that motivates us to act in accordance with God's desire?

Seek Him First!

 

Last Soochow Study!

I had a lot on my plate today.

Another load of laundry, made Mom's bed, cooked, and got things ready for the study. We had games and snacks... it was so much fun!

There was also a flea market sale... So many great stuff... even free stuff!

I rushed home, put away everything, and got Mom's stuff ready as I had to tutor at 5pm. Alan had to do the night time routine!

The tutoring was two hours... and when I got back, I had to check everything.

I also checked my emails and had to write two birthday emails.

Then I went for a walk as I did not have time for a run! WAHHHH... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

It was quite interesting to read Philemon in light of what Paul was asking Philemon to do: forgive Onesimus, a slave who most like stole money and ran away. Now, Onesimus is asked to return to Philemon with a letter as Onesimus is now a believer. Philemon's name means 'affectionate' while Onesimus means 'useful'. Why was the Book of Philemon so interesting? In that one short letter, Paul was applying the whole concept of love and forgiveness.

Seek Him First!