A Different Kind of Sunday

As HOP is having its spring retreat, service for today was cancelled. Those who were at the retreat had a morning worship service... and this afternoon, I think Alan and Abby went to the beach and will go to the BBQ this evening before getting a ride from friends to head back to Neihu.

Isaiah met up with Vikki and they had brunch together. Near Vikki's house, a breakfast shop serves the Elvis breakfast sandwich. Isaiah said that it was pretty good -- peanut, banana and bacon! Sounds absolutely weird, but I told him I must take Alan there to try this. He left for Kaohsuing at 2:45. I dropped him off at the MRT station before taking Mom to her massage.

I drove around for 30 minutes and could not find a parking space! So, I illegally parked at the bus stop and walked her up and headed home. Before getting home, I stopped at the coin laundromat and picked up my two loads of clean bedding... Yes, since Alan wasn't home, I decided to strip everything! Three loads of bedding and laundry, including more of Mom's stuff!

I was hoping for a two hour personal retreat while Mom was getting the massage... but no way! By the time I got back home, put away everything, I had just 30 minutes before I had to head back out to pick Mom up! BUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't even have time to take a quick nap. I made myself a cup of coffee and ate a piece of fruit! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Our retreat speaker shared the five A's (which came from a secular book): Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, Affection and Allowing. If in ones childhood, any of these were missing, emotional baggage resulted and will hinder adult communication and intimacy. One insight was that God supplies these in our lives and when we are secure in that, I think healing does take place! I know I've experienced God's healing the minute I came to receive Jesus into my life! And in my walk with Jesus, I daily experience these five keys to mindful loving, because I think Jesus truly loves me... How awesome is that!

Seek Him First!

HOP Retreat!

Because we were leaving for the retreat, Alan, Isaiah and I were up early to get some exercise. Alan played tennis. Isaiah played basketball and I went for a quick run! We left promptly at 11am. On the way, we bought lunch and feasted in the car. Mom was very happy.

We drove all the way to SanJr. Alan took the mountain pass and I thought, "There's no way I can come back this way at night!" Pastor Wang spoke on the Journey of Love: Encountering Christ! I translated in the back to those who needed the English translation. 

At 3:30, we had some free time and Alan went to the room while Mom and I walked around. Isaiah and Abby sat in one of the B&B and used their gadgets. Dinner was at a pizza place... and at 7pm, Isaiah, Mom and I drove back to Neihu. I drove, while Isaiah navigated. We didn't go back through the mountain pass. It was so much better! I might go back tomorrow to pick them up. We shall see.

Mom was in bed by 9:30 and I checked my emails and blogged. I also did another load of clothes! Isaiah packed as he will head to Kaohsuing tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

John 9:1, Jesus and the man borned blind... 

So often when we see a problem, we want someone to blame. Jesus is not in the business of blaming, but of healing! And that healing will display the glory of God!

Seek Him First!

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Better Headlines...

After Mom left for the Elderly Center, I got started with some housework. That's a daily thing... I also did another load of laundry!

Then I went out for another quick run. This time, there were two firemen behind me when I got into the park. They caught up to me and ran past me. I decided to run a little faster and went past them. They decided that they didn't want to be beat by an old lady, so they ran faster. I was up to the challenge, so I sped up. This went on for one kilometer... and then they couldn't keep up! I had a personal record of the fastest kilometer -- 5:02... and of course, the fastest mile and the fastest 10k. 

I got back and took a quick shower. Alan was into the SDSU game against Boise State. We had our prayer time and took off for our lunch at an Indian restaurant. I don't think they are going to be in business for long as the portion was small and the price was high!

We then went to the military drawing ceremony! Isaiah got army, which was what he wanted as he didn't want navy! 

With an upcoming vacation, we decided to brave Costco and RT Mart. Amazing... it was so empty! Alan sat down and had a hot dog and a slice of pizza while I walked to RT Mart for the sweet rice balls that are eaten as it's Lantern Festival! Sesame, red beans, peanut, mocha... Oh... so many flavors!

We were on our scooter... so we packed everything on our scooter... and rode home just before it started to sprinkle. Abby was home and helped carry things in while I worked at putting everything away just minutes before Mom was home!

Tonight we also went to pick the pictures... and after heading back, I made 'tangyuan' for dessert! YUMMY! We ended the evening with family time as the HOP Retreat starts tomorrow and Isaiah will be down in Kaohsiung Sunday and Monday for the tennis tournament! 

Daily Lovely Insight:  

Here are the my insights regarding how Paul's character reflected his surrender to God’s authority:

1.     Paul gets annoyed as can be seen with how reacts in rebuking the girl with a gift so that she lost the gift, which thoroughly upset her "owner".

2.     Paul suffers through a thorn in his flesh which was not healed.

3.     Paul shakes off a viper, showing his faith in fearful circumstances.

Seek Him First!

Weep With Those Who Weep...

This morning, after Mom took off, I had to scooter over to a funeral. A dear brother from our church lost his father due to kidney failure. His father was a smoker and had poor health, but still, his passing was most unexpected! He was only 72. This brother has experienced a lot of grief in these past year. His mother passed away just last October. This brother and his wife lived in our JingLung Road house for almost seven years and just bought a house. They were in the process of moving when the father passed. So, that's why we were going over to help with the moving and cleaning. 

At the funeral I learned several 'superstitions'... First, they give away towels which were wrapped on the arms of the relatives. This is for you to use when you weep. At the end, the relatives who want to can walk to the back to view the open casket. Not all will do this as there can be 'bad omen'. When you view the casket, you cannot look back or else his spirit won't leave this earth. He will think that he is missed by others and return. 

I did not stay for the cremation that took place right after the service.

I scootered home and went for a quick run and cooked dinner!

I had tutoring this afternoon, so on the way home, I went to the library and picked up the books.

Alan and Abby had basketball this evening. Isaiah had tennis practice. Mom was home and enjoyed her dinner. I also had to give her a shower. After she went to bed, I worked on editing my talk notes and reviewing the finished chapters of the new Bible study materials.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4–14:26) – (Circa 46–47)

Barnabas and Paul first visited Barnabas’s home region of Cyprus before sailing to the southern region of Asia Minor. When they reached Perga in Pamphylia, John Mark left the group and returned to Jerusalem. Making their way to Antioch (in Pisidia), Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, Paul and Barnabas were driven out of each city by jealous Jewish religious leaders. Later they returned by the same route, strengthening the new churches as they went. From Attalia they set sail for their home in Antioch of Syria.

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22) – (Circa 49–51)

Paul and Silas revisited the places in Asia Minor where Paul had preached on his first journey (cf. map), while Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul and Silas visited Derbe, Lystra, and Antioch in Pisidia. From there Paul and Silas traveled to Troas, where Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia calling to them. Crossing into Europe, they passed through several towns along the Egnatian Way and traveled to the cities of Athens and Corinth in southern Greece. Then, sailing to Ephesus and Caesarea, they visited the church in Jerusalem before returning to Antioch of Syria.

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:22–21:17) – (Circa 52–57)

Paul’s third missionary journey traversed much the same ground as his second. Passing through Galatia and Phrygia, he proceeded directly to the great port city of Ephesus. After three years of preaching and teaching there, Paul traveled again through Macedonia and Achaia, strengthening the believers, and then finished with a visit to Jerusalem.

(Information found and copied from a web site!)

Seek Him First!

 

Super Productive Day!

I had a long list of things to do... 

After tidying up the house after Mom went to the Center, Alan and I had counseling... 

When that was finished, I worked on the new Bible study material that another sister and I are putting together. Then at 12:23, I took off for a short run! I came back, took a quick shower and Abby was home. I was going to donate blood and she joined me. So, we drove and ran so many errands: dropped off donations, finished up the old house plus bringing a fan over, bought aloe cream and four drinks plus a bucket of fried chicken, stopped by the fruit and veggie stalls, dropped off gifts for a friend and of course, donated blood! We got a cap, face masks and Family Mart coupons! Alan was home to care for Mom as we didn't get back until 5:40. We were so hungry!

In the evening, Alan had pre-marital counseling, Abby tutored and went for a workout, and I went and paid two bills. Isaiah came home at 7pm from a full day of work and enjoyed the chicken and cole slaw!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Yesterday I forgot to post the third thing about Paul related to his character traits from II Cor. 12: 7-9.

Tomorrow I will post his three missionary journeys.

So please pray as I put this talk together to give glory to God!

Seek Him First!

Double Bible Studies!

This morning, I put a load of laundry in and got Mom ready for her program. When she left, the clothes was finished... Into the dryer and hung up... And I started to clean up Abby's desk, trying to find a receipt! I looked and it was almost 10am and I had to go to my Bible study. The task was much bigger than I had imagined!

We talked about keeping our words few... The study was great... The food was great!

I came home and put everything away and laid down for 20 minutes before heading out to tutor. I had to get the clothes out of the dryer... 

I headed out to tutor and when I came back, I rushed out for an hour run! I came back seconds before Mom was home!

After Mom went to bed, I headed out for my evening Bible study. One lady brought taro cake... Again, great study... great cake!

Alan had classes... Isaiah had school and work... Abby had school and out with friends! She should be doing one of her winter break project... but... that's Abby!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God continued to give me ideas for my talk while I run... Here are the next two ideas:

Acts 16: 17-18 

Acts 28:3

Seek Him First!

More Treasures...

After Mom went to the Center, I got busy with tidying up the house. I decided to go take down the recycling. Just as I got there, another lady rolled a radiator heater... they are in the process of remodeling their home and will be tossing many things... The radiator heater was made in Germany. I brought it up, called the manufacturer and found out that their repair shop was less than 2km away. I then went down and brought up a fan. It needed cleaning and I had the spare replacement parts. It works fine. I went for a quick run and came back to head out to the repair shop. The cost of repair was 1300NT$ (around 45US$) and the heater is usually 200US$! The lady also had a small computer desk and speakers to give away! I have to find people who want those items... And I think she will have more to give away!

I took a quick shower and was out the door again. This time, going to buy veggies and get Isaiah's watch band readjusted so that Alan can wear it. 

At 2:22, I met up with a dear sister in Christ who is with SIM and back from Tanzania. We talked until almost 5pm. I had to rush back to cook the veggies and get things ready for Mom's return! What a day!

This evening I had my last Improv class... On March 8th, my tap class will be starting again!

Isaiah had school, work and basketball practice.

Alan and Abby were at school all day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I'm preparing for my message in March. I'll be sharing about Apostle Paul. The three-three-three of Paul -- three of his prayers, three of his missionary journeys and three of his character traits. There are more than three prayers that Paul had for the body of believers, but below are the three that I will be focused on:

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way— in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:4–9

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:15–23

We always thank God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:3–14

Seek Him First!

 

Sunday!

This morning, I rushed out before getting Mom showered to get some delicious bread and feta cheese. Yes, I splurge on the feta cheese! I also went to the library and paid a couple of bills at the 7/11. I also picked up the caffeine pills I ordered. They might help Mom to sleep more deeply at night instead of getting up to play with the light switch and flushing the toilet. We will see! I will let you know in my blog tomorrow!

We left for church at 2:30. Isaiah led worship and I didn't have to translate. The speaker's wife translated for him.

And tonight we had our Love Feast. We didn't have it for several weeks due to Covid-19. It was so nice to gather with everyone after the service!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The text for this evening's sermon was Romans 10:10-15!

Let us not shrink back from preaching and sharing the good news!

Seek Him First!

Fun Day Out!

I went running this morning after Mom went to the Center... I did a few chores before taking off... 

Isaiah had to work... 

Alan played tennis... 

Abby volunteered at a Chinese church's children's program.

When Abby and Alan came back, we got ready and went out to a Cantonese restaurant and had a fabulous lunch. We brought home leftovers for Isaiah and Mom.

We then drove to Korean Town... How fun! That place is like Chinatown in the States, but all Korean stuff... the clothes, the food, everything. We had so much fun! But every store only took cash and we didn't have enough money! ha, ha, ha... We found every cent we had and spent it all.

We got back in time for Mom... 

When Mom was in bed, I went out to run two more errands... 

We didn't have family time last night as it was too late. So, we had it tonight... especially just before the start of school for everyone.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are some quotes from John Bunyan. I was just reading about him and struck with his faith in the midst of suffering!

He that is down, needs fear no fall, He that is low, no pride.

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.

It is said that in some countries trees will grow, but will bear no fruit because there is no winter there.

Seek Him First!

Productive & Relaxing!

After Mom went off to the Center, I went off for a quick run as I wanted to get back before Alan finishes Skyping with his Mom. 

I finished my run and shower and they were still talking! YEAH! Alan got home late, so the conversation didn't start at 9am.

Alan and I wanted to get him a replacement watch band and a pen refill... 

So, we scooter down into town and dropped off the watch. Across the street was one of my favorite old breakfast shop. Usually there is a line that's really long. Today only 20 people. That's because it was almost 1pm and they were sold out of most of their items. We went in and order three items and found seats at their food court. Alan ordered from a sandwich place which had portions like the States. YUMMY!

Abby and I had our hair appointment at 3pm. So, before the hair appointment, Alan and I found the pen refill and asked about opening an account for Isaiah. He will start work at Franklin Templeton and they have a specific bank to pay their employees' salary. Isaiah will get that done on his own tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure what documents he needed to bring!

The hair/scalp treatment was fabulous. I felt so refreshed afterwards.

Abby and I went and bought Coco Bubble Milk Tea at their afternoon special -- 35NT$ for 700cc! YUMMY!

We then stopped at the post office so that I can get my banking done!

We got home and I got busy with fixing Mom's dinner. 

Tonight when Mom went to bed, we went to get our annual family portrait!

We have also started to play Mahjong together... The kids taught Alan and I... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I never knew about Pascal's Wager of Faith... Here it is:

It posits that humans bet with their lives that God either exists or does not. Pascal argues that a rational person should live as though God exists and seek to believe in God. 

Pascal's wager states that you have nothing to lose from believing in God, but everything to lose if you don't. Even if there is a slim chance that God exists, to believe, to have faith in God, to live as He does, will forever be of eternal gain. And if God doesn't exist, you lose nothing. 

Seek Him First!

 

Such A Cold Day...

Alan went and played tennis... 

Abby had basketball practice... 

Isaiah went to work... 

And I had to tutor... 

I came back from tutoring and made more spaghetti... Then I called to change our family portrait time, took a nap! (YEAH) and went for a run!

I had tutoring again this evening... On the way home, I went and paid our cell phone bill at the convenience store... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

I Took A Nap!

Yes, it's true... I took a nice long nap... I was only going to rest for an hour, but when Abby tried to wake me up... I COULD NOT WAKE UP! So, I slept for an extra 30 minutes... so refreshing!

I had errands to run, including going to the post office to mail off Annie's birthday gift. I pray that it will arrive by 3/8!

I also had to prep for my tutoring and the Xerox place was opened! Yippy! I'm set for tomorrow's tutoring sessions!

I also had time to make creamy white sauce spaghetti... Yummy... With just half a pack of what I bought for 25NT$ a pack, I made a huge pot! And everyone, including Mom, just loved it! All gone!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today was the first day back to work for most people... The schools have postponed the return date to 2/22, but stores are opened... banks, post office, etc. I was pleasantly surprised that the lines at the post office was nil! And I was able to run all the errands in a speedy efficient way! The weather had turned cold... and there were many things upon my heart to be praying for... But I felt so rested... not just physically, but mentally and spiritually... I need to walk with God and be at rest... Like Psalm 46:10 says, I need to be still... I need to know God and daily acknowledge the reality of His abiding presence! I was reminded again just today by being pleasantly surprised at the post office!

Seek Him First!

Someone Must Be Praying!

Mom had another night of not sleeping... BUT, she was not hyper and was more obedient and cooperative all day. After dinner, she went to bed! Thus, we had a relaxing day... I was able to go for a quick run. We all rested at home! I think someone is praying for me! I'm sure someone is... 

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis this morning and Abby worked from 10-3! I just stayed home with Mom...

This evening, Alan had counseling while we watched the Australian Open...  

Daily Lovely Insight:

Love is a decision... And I need to decide to act out of God's love. Today, I chose not to let Mom's weird antics frustrate me... and it turned out that she was a lot calmer... Of course, she was up and playing with the light switch last night and Alan had to get up to tell her to go to bed... But today was so much better... I was trying to take her out every day during the vacation, but actually, it's a lot better just to stay home. The routine of being home calms her, whereas going out just makes her hyper! And the blind masseuse was on vacation, so she couldn't go see "Ms. Hsieh"! 

God is good... A big Thank You to those who are praying! 

I want to make daily decisions that are out of the Love of God!

Seek Him First!

A Full Day...

We had another full day of fun... but it wasn't so fun with my mom... She was hyper and wanting to eat, eat, and eat some more... She was up early or actually up all night, playing with the light switch. We have to figure out a way to disconnect it... 

We went go carting and then to walk around at another famous old street... the place was packed. It was very difficult to push Mom in a wheelchair... Abby and I both want to go back again as the place had so many stalls with so many things to eat and to buy! One stall had export items. I bought Italian wheat spaghetti for about 80cents a pack! They had windbreakers for 3US$! Besides the spaghetti, I also got a seat cover for 3US$! We got home at around 8pm. The chair cover looks great... I should have bought two more! The later it got, the more crowded it got... and more difficult with Mom... 

Isaiah went with Vikki to Danhsui.

Daily Lovely Insight:

It is very difficult to be patient with my mom. There is no way to have a logical sensible conversation with her! And so I need more of Jesus... less of myself. 

We have had no program for this entire week... Last year, we went to Japan and it was exhausting as I barely slept. Mom was up at least 7 times each night. And this year, even though we didn't travel abroad, I'm exhausted! 

I am so grateful that God provided the Elderly Center! I am looking forward to the 17th. I am looking forward to taking a nap and just having more time for contemplation and finishing the questions for our next Bible study focusing on nine selected Psalms! So, I say, Selah... a word used 71 times in the book of Psalms to mean "pause"! I am ready for some time to just 'pause'!

Seek Him First!

 

A Rest Day!

We decided not to go off to any scenic spots today... 

Alan and the kids played tennis while I cleaned house... Trying to put things away and organize and disinfect!

Mom watched TV. I tried to let her watch Murder She Wrote, but she asked for Little House. 

We went out to eat for lunch... Yes, we've been eating out every day! After lunch, we forced Mom to walk around... 

Isaiah and Alan went to a fondue party while Abby babysat our neighbor's kids so that they can go out for Valentine's Day! I stayed home with Mom and she had leftovers!

No run today. No church today. But I did go for a quick walk and bike ride... The weather was fabulous! The forecast had said that there would be rain for the whole Chinese New Year vacation, but we have had splendid weather!

I did two loads of laundry... and the house looks a lot cleaner! Usually people in Taiwan clean before Chinese New Year, but I didn't have time. Tomorrow, more shops and restaurants are set to open up. That means a lot of firecrackers will be lit! Most stores and companies will be back full swing by Wednesday! Yes, Mom will be going to her program on the 17th! Isaiah will be back at work on the 17th. Abby is going to have basketball practice starting on the 18th and I will also be back to tutoring! The vacation is flying by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I'm reading Leviticus and salt is mentioned in Leviticus 2:13 as something to be added to all offerings. That made me ask: What's so important about salt, other than as a preservative? What is upon God's heart looking at salt as part of the offering? What does it mean when Jesus says we are to be salt and light?

Part on the temple offering included salt (Ezra 6:9). Salt was widely and variably used as a symbol and sacred sign in ancient Israel. Numbers 18:19 and 2 Chronicles 13:5 illustrate salt as a covenant of friendship. 

Interesting idea!

Seek Him First!

More Eating... SanXia Old Street!

Another fun day out... And my Mom continued her eating, eating, eating... If we eat, she has to eat... And she can eat! 

We started with Cantonese food, fried rice, fried noodles, dimsum!

Then we went off to Sanxia and discovered the SanXia Old Street! Wow... what fun! We bought snacks and bread and drinks... and walked around! It was so crowded... 

We didn't get home until almost 7pm.

Mom had another fun day! 

After Mom went to bed, we had our family time and then the kids taught Alan and I how to play mahjong!

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a great verse to contemplate on at the of Chinese New Year!

Seek Him First!

A Great Start for Chinese New Year

This morning, with Mom up again, Alan told her to go back to bed at around 4am.

I got up for my quiet time and then went out for a run... Mom was really asleep... I can understand as she was up again... 

So, at 10:30, I woke her up for her shower and breakfast.

Friends came over at 11am and they had a special Korean Tea Ceremony for us!

We talked until 2:10 and headed out to meet our friend at the Howard Plaza. We had a delicious lunch there... Our sweet friend treated us... 

After dropping her off as she had a family dinner, we went to the Shihlin Night Market area. Abby wanted to buy some pants and Isaiah wanted to look for a suit! We had so much fun, walking around, trying different snacks and shopping. We got all the items... sofa chair leg pads, watch band, suit for Isaiah, pants and top for Abby... Alan stayed in the car with Mom because it was sprinkling at the start, but it soon stopped. It would have been too difficult to wheel Mom around. We just bought snacks and dropped the food off at the car... So, Mom was again the 'eating machine'.

We got back at 9pm and Mom went to bed. We were going to have our Family Time, but Alan wanted to watch the Australian Open, so we will have Family Time tomorrow.

I think we will rest tomorrow... We have been going out three days in a row... We will see... Alan was saying that maybe we'd go out to YangMing Mountain... or go bowling...

Daily Lovely Insight?

The day went by so fast... The weather was great even though the forecast had said rain... We enjoyed the day... at first we thought all the stores would be closed as we had gone to three in the morning, looking to buy some breakfast... But the Night Market was really crowded and most stores were opened! One thing people were buying was the scratch lottery tickets. I stood by one table and all three people who sat down WON, doubling their 'investment'! People were wishing everyone, Happy New Year... It sure was a nice feeling... Very festive! At one store, we talked to the shop owner and I shared Jesus with her. At the start of the 'New Year', I pray that people would turn their lives to Jesus!

Seek Him First!

 

Chinese New Year Eve...

Since today is Chinese New Year Eve, several places are still opened... So, we planned for a trip out to a Farm out in Yilan!

Mom was up early... and since it was raining, Alan and Isaiah couldn't play tennis.

We left and had lunch out at the farm and then went to see the deers and donkeys... 

We then went to LuoDong Night Market and ate more stuff... 

We didn't get home until 7pm. Mom was super happy... and a bit hyper... I pray that she will sleep through the night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We really had a wonderful time, walking through these small towns on the East Coast of Taiwan. God is so good to us... I just felt His presence... The weather was cloudy, but not raining... It did sprinkle at times, but quite enjoyable. It was like the LORD was our pillar of cloud covering us, leading us from one place to another... I pray that I would not be like the Israelites in the Wilderness who experienced God and saw the pillar of cloud and fire and yet did not follow and obey wholeheartedly... "Help me, LORD, to love you ONLY!"

Seek Him First!

Vacation Has Started...

Mom was up... and Alan got up to turn off the water and tell her to go back to bed... I think it was around 3am. I was fast asleep... 

We had made plans to have lunch with friends, so Mom was happy as she loves going out.

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis... and when they got back and got ready, we were off.

I didn't have time to go for a run... 

We hung out with Brenda and her family, Stephanie and her girls and Elaine and Amy... What fun! I brought all the ingredients and made a huge salad... Brenda ordered Chinese food. Elaine brought pork jerky and Amy brought desserts. 

The kids played mahjong... and we stayed until almost dinner time. 

We got home, but no one was hungry. Abby had to tutor. I went for a walk because it was pouring... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I read this verse and thought I'd share it with you... Exodus 35:3 -- why I don't 'cook' on Sundays!

Seek Him First!

 

Another Busy Day...

I had tutoring at 9:30... and so I left right after Mom went to the Center... 

We finished the history essay... 

I left at 11:45 and rode all the way out to Danhsui! I dropped off an electric pot for our tenant and was so hungry that I drank four of her soy bean drinks... 

Then I ordered pizza... and went to drop off some papers for another friend. It took me forever to find her complex... I rode around and around and around... and I stopped to ask people... The streets are very complicated... I finally found the complex... and once I found it, I couldn't believe how 'easy' it was to find!

I then bought KFC and picked up the pizza! With all that stuff, I rode back... and stopped and bought potted plants... my scooter had things hanging everywhere!

I got home, exhausted from the very windy long ride, grateful that it didn't rain!

I wanted to lay down, but Mom was due to be back... Alan and Abby had gone to return Abby's rental scooter that was shipped back from Hualien! Her scratches and bruises are healing well... She should be good to go to play basketball by next week, as her practice will be starting!

Isaiah got home and watched the Australian Open with Alan! He is very happy that he has no work for the next 7 days! Vacation time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This is the year of the ox... and so many of these Chinese New Year 'banners' have a golden ox... as this is the golden ox year. I happen to be reading Exodus 32 today, which is the Israelites making the 'golden ox' and worshipping it. What a great reminder that we need to banish any form of idolatry from our lives... God alone is worthy of our heart and worship! And He has promised to walk with us... That makes every year a 'golden' year!

Seek Him First!

 

Another Busy Day!

A load of laundry and after Mom left, I went for a quick run.

I had counseling session from 11-3 and a friend came to visit at 3:30... 

Mom was home and I got her into the shower and eat her dinner... then when she went to bed, I took off to drop off things at the old house, pick up my new glasses and go to the dentist. No cavities... and got my teeth cleaned.

I made an appointment for Mom on March 6th, just before Annie's birthday. It's a gift for her! 

I got home and Abby was home... She learned to play the ukulele and now is very good at it... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I continue to read about Moses... and how the items made for the priests, so that they may be accepted before the LORD and for glory and for beauty... I think God is the best artist and designer... He cares about the details... And in Exodus 29:43, it says that the tabernacle will be sanctified by God's glory! So, our body, the temple of God, is sanctified by God's glory... What an awesome thought!

Seek Him First!

Sunday Worship!

Mom was up and ready to go, go, go... But I was feeling tired... since I was up until 3:30am and I got up at 6:50!

She watched TV while I slept... 

It was a great service... We didn't eat at church, but I had food ready at home.

Mom went to sleep at 8:15pm...  

Daily Lovely Insight:

A friend gave me a ukulele... I can't seem to get a hang of playing the guitar, so maybe I can learn to play a ukulele! I think this year is going to be filled with new things -- I'm learning tap dancing... Improv... and now I hope to pick up the ukulele! 

I'm praying for the new things God wants to teach me this year... 

Seek Him First!

A Very Productive Day!

Can't believe how much I got done today... 

A load of laundry, cooking for the weekend, finishing the ppt for Coffee Break, prepping for the SAT tutoring sessions, getting my hair washed (what a treat!), bought two new pairs of glasses (my prescription has gone up to 550 and my present pair of glasses are 400! No wonder I was having a hard time seeing things clearly, especially at night). I got two pairs because one pair was 30US$. Two pairs were 43US$. I was going to just get one, but the lady showed me another frame... Very nice. And the lens will have UV coating... One pair is gray and the other pair will be maroon. What's amazing is that the original price of my frames: 230US$ and the other 130US$! I guess they are trying to get rid of their inventory as the frames I picked had only one of each! There are lots of specials as it is just before Chinese New Year!  I'm quite excited. And both pairs will be ready by Monday after 6pm. So fast!

Alan went to the old house and picked up the donations that I bagged up. He also got the car washed! Mom had her massage, and I went and bought fruit. We took the bus home. She loves riding the public transportation and then walked home. I had the wheelchair, so I pushed most of the way and forced her to walk the last 200 meters!

I took a short nap as I had to stay up for Coffee Break, which was at 1:30am, Sunday morning!

Abby called and her friend and her got into a scooter accident. God protected them as they are ok. Got scraped up! The whole group will take the train and not ride the stretch from Hualien to Ilan! That's a very precarious route that we had hoped they wouldn't ride. But it is difficult to talk sense into young people who think they are invincible sometimes. So, although we didn't like seeing her scraped up, we are thankful!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I'm reading Exodus and I am reminded that our heart is too fickle. The Israelites said that they would obey the LORD and then Moses went up the mountain to receive the 10 Commandments. However, in less than 40 days, they turned and made the golden calf! 

If we can just push through for 40 days, I think we would be able to achieve many goals!

Seek Him First!

A Warm Date...

It was quite a warm day... Alan wanted to go to an outdoor spa... 

So, this morning, after loading our car up with all the donations, we went and dropped everything off. We found a nice breakfast place. After ordering, I went and paid a bill and bought drinks as we were heading out to JinShan.

We got there at 12 and the spa didn't let people in until 1pm. So Alan and I took out our devotional books and sat in the nice lobby and read together! I decided to go for a run. Alan went into the outdoor spa. The run was hot, but fun! There were many paths... But with the heat, I only ran for an hour.

I came back, sweating... drank water and the drinks we bought... and fell asleep on the nice sofas they had in the lobby. 

We left the place at around 4pm. Yes, we had to rush back for Mom Duty!

This evening, I went over to the house for the cleaning part of the job and bagged the rest of the donations up!

Isaiah worked all day and Abby is now in Taidong!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I turned on the WiFi early this morning because Isaiah needed to get something downloaded for work. And since it was Suz's birthday, I sent her a message on FB. It turned out that Pam was on line... Corenne was on line... So the four of us had a two minute conversation. I had to leave as Mom was in the shower. It was so wonderful to see all three of them. 

I was again reminded of God's abundant blessing through friendship! 

Seek Him First!

What A Meal!

A dear sister always treats me to the most luxurious exquisite restaurants for a meal. Today for lunch she reserved a French restaurant that has a wonderful reputation for their duck! The set menu was over 40US$! Pate, cream soup, dessert, salad... she ordered something different and gave me most of her salad and dessert! I sat there, just feasting on a sit-down meal after such a hectic five days... or rather such a hectic week! It was just so wonderful, not to mention the chance to catch up with her!

I had to rush home as I had a zoom meeting with Suz to discuss the talk for "Coffee Break"... and I had things to deliver to people on my way home. Thankfully, she stayed up, so we had time to chat!

This evening, I had to tutor. So after Mom was home and finished her dinner, I took off! I went back to the old house to pick up more things for donation... Alan was there for five hours and finished sorting through all the items in the back balcony. He even cleaned the ceiling fans! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I was talking to Suz about Coffee Break as the topic is "Fully Known, Fully Loved". I truly do feel so loved by God, like blessing me with a sister who continuously takes me out. And each time we get together, she always gives me something she found... something related to Germany. Today she gave me intensive cream from Germany and gummy bears. I take gummy bears out on long runs... and she remembered that detail! God uses people to show me His lavish love! 

Seek Him First!

More Cleaning...

It was another long day of cleaning... but we see light at the end of the tunnel... We threw out old paint cans and bathroom junk... sorted through plastic bags and donated them to Carrefour... We dropped off two suitcases of donations and ordered four boxes to be shipped to the Philippines... Just amazing!

We came back by 4pm and it was dinner prep... and I went for another hour run... Alan was home to take care of Mom.

When I came back, Mom was almost finished with dinner. She had to have a shower... and then I went in... 

I then ran errands this evening... getting the tithes for Sunday, paying two bills, rechecking out books at the library... And I was even thinking of going back to the old house to get more stuff for donations... I'm glad I didn't.

Friends from the Complex had two bags of stuff for me... So, I will definitely make another trip tomorrow.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today was a junk food day... Chips, a bottle of Coca Cola, sweet red bean soup and chocolate cake... I did have some rice and veggies plus a banana and a few wax apples... I didn't have time to really sit down and have a proper meal. It just happened that we were talking about repairing the temple in our Bible study last night and how we need to be aware of our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit... I definitely want to be better at caring for this earthly temple... Actions and devotion, behavior and intention, must match! Otherwise, all the good intentions will have not result!

Seek Him First!