Incredibly Hectic...

 Because I'm trying to get my Mom to stay at the overnight facility, I've been extremely busy trying to get that all taken cared of... I had to have an evaluation meeting this morning after counseling... That went long... Mom is still at a 5, because physically she's too healthy. I was hoping that she would be rated higher, than I can get more benefits... NO!!!!!!!! So only 14 days... and if I use the 14 days, I don't get any at-home care... It's one of the other. And if we do decide on long term facility, the government does not subsidize... It's all out of our own pocket... but at least it is a lot cheaper than in the States.

Then, I headed to buy a few things to cook for dinner... Got home. Put the meat in the crock pot and headed to my Soochow Bible study. What a great time we had! I had games and Abby did a play of the first Resurrection morning with the students playing the different characters. I rushed home as Abby was taking off... but she needed a ride. It was a mad rush to get things arranged. Alan picked Mom up from the Center early as we would have no one here. Then drove Abby and her teammates and Mom to Jufen! I went off to tutor! CRAZY! The traffic was so bad... It was a God-idea that he took Mom with them, or he would have never made it back. 

After I finished tutoring, I went to Costco to buy snacks and a whole pizza and carted everything back on my scooter. CRAZY!

Mom was still up when I got home and I made her take a shower. 

I cleaned up the kitchen and put everything away, as Alan was counseling!

Abby packed so last minute that she forgot her glasses and her contact lenses and her water bottle and... Yes, I asked her to pack earlier, but she was not happy last night when I reminded her... This afternoon she was in a total rush... I think when you have to rush to get things done, then there is going to be waste. In light of this situation, she might have to go to a 7/11 and buy some expensive solution or just leave her contacts in for the night... 

I also had editing to get done and before I could finish, Alan called me in to talk with the couple... So, that editing job didn't get done by 9pm. Oh well... I sent it off... I might send Alan to the old house as I will have to proofread it again tomorrow morning... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today is Holy Wednesday, which is the time for my Soochow Bible study. I told the students that we will use the time to talk about the Resurrection and the meaning of Easter. I bought this non-permanent tattoos with phrases. I wanted the students to put them on their forearms as we listened to the story of the journey of Jesus. The kids picked the two phrases that they liked... Be bold... 0% Perfect, 100% Forgiven... Be patient... Believe before seeing... Hold your tongue... Put on the armor of God... All the students were so excited... I also bought stickers for them... They loved those too. I made handouts of games and puzzles... Abby led charade and put the students to read lines from the account of Jesus' resurrection in John 20! The two hours went by so fast... These are college students and they had so much fun! It was a joy to see them so relaxed... and having so much fun! Even a couple of the shy ones opened up... God is working in the hearts of these kids... Please pray for them... that their child like heart would turn fully to God! 

Seek Him First!

It's Getting Hot...

I'm now working on another talk... for Soochow's Simultaneous Translation "Workshop". The topic is on traveling and I have 70 minutes... It's not until May 13th, but with the way my life is, I decided to start now, especially since I have to put together a ppt!

I did go for a run... and cooked radish soup and pork chops... Plus, I'm making this pickled radish salad that Alan likes... This evening, I baked as I have my study tomorrow and I won't have time in the morning to bake.

I did go out for a run before tutoring... It was hot!

After tutoring I was going to run a few errands, but with my bag of tutoring materials, I decided to head home first!

Isaiah was home... He didn't make it to the next level for the National Collegiate Tennis Tournament! Bummer! This being his last year we were all hoping that he would get into the top 8! The Soochow Girl's Team did... Isaiah was playing singles and that was an individual ranking... and for the double, it was a team. So, he is out... 

Alan and Abby were at school. Alan has evening classes. 

I didn't  have Bible study this evening... so I went and ran my errands!

Daily Lovely Insight:

In light of this week being the time before Jesus went to the cross, I thought these two verses would be appropriate to meditate on... 

Seek Him First!

Message Finished... Package Mailed... Appointment Made...

Yes, early this morning, I put a load of laundry in and the day started all too early.

One thing to report -- half of 0.5 Anxiedin, Lorazepam, is helping Mom not to bang, or clap... BUT last night she woke up at 3:45, calling out my name and telling me she needed to get dressed to go to the movies. I said, "No, you're not getting dressed. You need to go back to bed." Her response, "So, we're not going to the movies?" Anyhow... other than that, she has been much calmer! And we have been able to sleep... I'm only giving her o.25mg! Why didn't I do this earlier?!?!?!

After the kids and Alan left, I went and ran a few errands. I mailed the package to Mom Bea and made copies of the activities for Wednesday's Bible study. When I got home, I called to have the ChungHua Telecom repair man to come and check out our phone. There is something wrong. They can tell by their switchboard. The appointment is set for Thursday morning. I put dinner in the rice cooker and made a salad. Then I sat down and finished my talk notes. Before I knew it, the clock showed 1:25! I got up and ate lunch and did a few housework. It was time for a run at 3:30! If I didn't go, I knew I would have time as Mom would be back by 5:20.

This evening was tap dancing!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I found these four questions to consider when we are in a conflict in one of the sermons I read in preparation for my talk on 4/11. I thought I'd share them with you. The passage I'm sharing from is Philippians 2: 1-5.

1.    In any conflict, I need to look to my own relationship with Christ: Am I motivated by His great love? (2:1)

2.    In any conflict, I must look to my attitude: Am I seeking unity or am I seeking my own way (2:2)?

3.    In any conflict, I must look to my view of myself: Am I being selfish and conceited or humble (2:3)?

4.    In any conflict, I must look to my view of others: Am I putting their interests above my own (2:4)?

Seek Him First!

Buying Gifts, Buying Manager's Special, Translating... Go, Go, Go...

It was another early day... 

I went with Abby to get gifts for my Wednesday night Bible study at Soochow as we're doing activities related to Resurrection Sunday... Then we went to Carrefour and bought some 'Manager's Special' items... 

Alan and Isaiah were at the tennis courts... 

I got back and had to get Mom into the shower... 

She watched Little House... 

We went to church at 2:45 as I was cleaning the house... 

I translated for the speaker... A fantastic message as a reminder that we need to have faith with good works... He focused on the Church at Sardis... where people looked alive but were actually dead!

Don't be calling out Lord, Lord when we are not doing the things upon the Lord's heart... It's not about prophesying, or casting out demons or doing many wonders in the name of Jesus? And yet, Jesus said, I never knew you, depart from me, you who practice lawlessness... How could those deeds be considered as lawlessness? (Matthew 7:21-24) It's about not just doing the outward acts when you have no heart for Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here the verse of summary for today's message:

Seek Him First!

Another Trip to YangMing Hospital!

It was another busy day... 

I took Mom to the hospital and picked up her report... then we went to see about getting some Risperdone, but the doctor can't prescribe that without a psych evaluation. I have to get that done. So, instead, he prescribed the lowest dosage of a sleeping pill/anxiety relief pill... I gave Mom half tonight... Ok... back to the day...

We got back and Mom had lunch... then she watched Little House while I went for a short run!

Then we were out the door again as it was time for her massage! Abby went with her... 

I went to run errands while they were getting the massage... paying bills, trying to get the old house phone fixed (I will have to call the telephone company to come and fix it!). I also bought noodles for our dinner. It was so difficult to find parking, so I walked, and walked and walked... 

Abby and Mom were finished by 5:15 and we drove home and had dinner! YUMMY.

Isaiah was hanging out with Vikki... Abby had tutoring before the massage... then she went for a workout!

Alan watched TV. I decided to use the evening to catch up on some tidying up!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I just had to share two more of Oswald Chambers quotes... 

Seek Him First!

Relaxing Date!

Alan and I went to our old house and did our devotional reading and prayer time... He liked the way I rearranged the furniture. He checked the hot and cold water in the shower... No problem! Yeah... It was just switched off! I made the bed with the Duval cover and was trying to get the phone hooked up. I did not get a dial tone... So, tomorrow I will bring over another phone to try!

We then went to lunch at a new beef noodles place... very delicious! I brought home the leftovers for Mom to enjoy! We drove the car as I had things to drop off for donations, books to return and soda stream canister to buy at Miramar! We stopped and got dessert and bubble milk tea! NICE!

We got home and Alan checked the news while I took a nap. Then I went for a run as Alan would be home for Mom care!

The weather was on the warm side... but I decided to go for 12kms. I had drank lots of water before starting the run. That really helped!

Mom indeed enjoyed her dinner. 

Friends came over this evening to talk about their desire to purchase a home... budget, current housing situation, etc.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I read this quote from Oswald Chambers, the author of a classic devotional, My Utmost for His Highest:

Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of years, but by obedience to the will of God!

Here is another quote for you to think on:

Seek Him First!

Time to Catch Up!

I only had one hour of tutoring today... But I still felt like I was rushing around!

I did a load of laundry and started to work on my 4/11 talk.

Then I renewed both of our houses' insurance and edited a student's essay. I called to reserve Mom's massage and Abby and my hair appointment, plus afternoon tea for Alan and I on the 7th!

I had a quick lunch and a nap! The runny nose was starting again! 

The weather was delightful, so I went out for an hour. Rushed home, took a quick shower and out to buy rice and soy bean milk. I was looking for beans to make chili, but the local small supermarket didn't have it. 

I rushed back and had a great tutoring session!

When that was over, the rice was cooked and I fixed Mom's dinner. Just seconds after I was finished, the phone rang. Mom was home!

Mom enjoyed her dinner to tofu, rice and chicken nuggets! 

After she went to bed, I went to Carrefour, looking for the beans... 

Ｄdaily Lovely Insight:

I'm enjoying my prep for my next message. In fact, once I started, I didn't want to stop... The weather was so great... I was antsy to get outside... but I was typing away... And so I was reminded again about the study yesterday and our lunch with the student from 17 years ago. An English major turned to becoming a fine artist! Living Life to the Full... Living Life with Jesus at the helm... Doing what the LORD wired you to do... So, please pray for the students in my Bible study at Soochow... Some of them feel stuck. One gal is in the Japanese Department and she has no interest in Japanese. Another is studying history and wonders why? Pray that they will find Jesus! To add to this Insight: the other night Isaiah was talking about being cum laude or summa cum laude or magna cum laude... Being a double major, he didn't think he made it. But with excitement, he sent us a text message... He is graduating with distinction... We don't know what the equivalent would be... but we are proud and happy for him. Indeed, the LORD'S favor shines upon him. He is also in the process of trying to figure out exactly what the LORD wired him to do for his future career! Please remember him in your prayers!

Seek Him First!

Way Too Busy!

I tried to get too much done in one day... 

Counseling in the morning... 

Meeting up with a student who is here from New York... He's been here for three months and will be heading back on Friday...

Having my Bible study at Soochow... Another great study and one of the young men invited his friend to join us, so we are growing, growing, growing... 

Rearranging the furniture at the old house... What I thought would be an easy job was actually very labor intensive. The cabinets were a lot heavier than I had initially estimated... and then to sweep the whole place... The place looks so nice... I also had to put away the blankets and towels... and do some general cleaning.

Tutoring at 5pm. We worked on a final essay. I love my job!

Shopping at Costco. We were out of milk, so I thought I'd stop by at Costco to pick up a few things... I was on my scooter... I had to ask Alan to come down to B1 to help me carry everything up!

Then, when I came home, I had to tidy up the house, put away the groceries and eat! That felt so good! Plus take my vitamins as I was getting a headache and my nose was running again! 

Blogging... checking emails... the evening was done.

Alan did not have counseling tonight... the couple was too busy... I can totally relate! Abby went to tutor and then worked out at World Gym. Isaiah had a friendship tennis tournament at school! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

To revere God means to honor God in our daily choices. It means to submit to His authority and plan. It means to worship Him by seeking Him first. That's what we discussed today at the Bible study. Solomon, the Philosopher, came to the conclusion that the purpose of our lives is to have reverence for God. But the students had no idea what that meant. One Christian gal said it meant to fear Him... but that sounded so negative. But as we talked more... each person began to see what it meant to revere God. I pray that those who don't will come to say YES to revering God!

Seek Him First!

God's Way, Always Better!

Thank you for praying... Mom did not start clapping until around 6am. We got an extra 30 minutes! We all felt so happy. She was up three times during the night, but no clapping... 

Mom went off and the kids and Alan did too... and I had Bible study.

Since I am fighting off this cold, I decided to cancel my tutoring this afternoon and I took a 90 minute nap! I think I could have slept the whole day away... But I felt so much better... I even went for a quick run! Sweat the mucus out!

Mom was back... and after she went to bed, I wanted to go over to the old house to move furniture and clear things out. We had a friend living in there and are still waiting for the LORD to bring His tenants. I should have gone to my evening Bible study, but God worked it out as we had to cancel. Two sisters couldn't make it. 

God's way is always better!

Instead of going over there... I think I'll do that on Friday, I used the evening to work on the Bible study we just finished this morning! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

The last 'tongue' we went through today was the silent tongue. When you should speak up, but you choose to be silent. Or when you use silence as a weapon! There are times when you shouldn't speak, when keeping your mouth shut is helpful to the situation. It has been a great journey... I used this evening to update the study and I will print out a copy for each of the ladies. I hope they will find someone to do the study with and together help others to grow in using our words to bring praise and glory to His name!

Seek Him First!

 

Taking the Time to Rest!

Mom was better today... no banging at 3am... She started a bit later... around 5:45... We are grateful for the extra sleep! Thank you for your prayer support!

I was feeling a bit under the weather, plus the temperature really dropped. So, I decided to use the day to rest...

I completed my Bible studies... I organized the containers in the back balcony. I cooked a pot of chili. I took a TWO-HOUR NAP! I went and got my student's writing made into two books! They turned out beautifully! On the way back from the Copier, I stopped at the supermarket and bought flour as I will need to bake for my Wednesday Bible study!

Mom was back promptly and enjoyed her dinner. After a shower, she was in bed and I took off for tap dancing. We are learning some difficult steps... YIKES... My feet can't move like that!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Deuteronomy 32:3-4:

What a beautiful description of our Almighty God! 

I love how THE ROCK just stands out. This is Moses writing... and he was barred from entering the Promised Land because he hit the rock to bring water for the Israelites... and here he is praising God. The ROCK, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. Reading those words I can see Moses' heart. He was not complaining. He knows God is just and perfect. In the next chapter, God told him to go up to Mt. Nebo, view the land, and Moses died there! And when he opened his eyes, Moses who spent his life face to face with God, became face to face with the ROCK... for all eternity! So, he truly went to the best Promised Land!

Seek Him First!

 

God Is Faithful...

What a day... To start off with, we all didn't sleep much as Mom was clapping and banging... 

Alan was up twice... I was up twice... Isaiah was up and so was Abby... And it started at around 3am!

I made an appointment for Mom this coming Saturday... yes, we just went yesterday... We will go again this Saturday... I'm just tired thinking about all that I have this week!

But at 2pm, after lunch, she finally felt tired! She went and laid down but we left at 3pm to go to church. we were late... Abby was playing the drums... We wrote to the worship team to say SORRY. I was the speaker... And the Holy Spirit worked through the message, even though I was feeling tired and like I was getting a cold! Thank you Jesus. I drank lots of water as my voice was getting so horse!

We had dinner at church and came home by 7:45. Mom was in bed by 8:30! Please pray that she will sleep through the night without banging and clapping... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I spoke on Paul, the Apostle... And I talked about the faith-filled prayers of Paul, the missionary journeys of Paul and the character traits of Paul. One trait was how Paul shook off the viper after the shipwreck. It's time for us to shake off any vipers that have bitten us... What kinds of vipers? Vipers of discouragement. Vipers of worries. Vipers of complaints. Vipers of deception. 

We need the word of God and the Holy Spirit to help us shake those vipers off... Don't let any of them cling to us!

Seek Him First

!

Mom's Health Check-up, Massage, Etc.

We were up early... Mom was banging and clapping at 4am. Alan got up and told her to go back to sleep. She did! 

Mom was making noises again at 6:30... but at least it wasn't as early as 4am.

I had my quiet time. Alan had left for tennis and Isaiah had gone by 7:30.

I put a load in and got Mom up. She needed a shower... but I could not give her anything to eat.

We headed off to the hospital! There were so many people! But since Mom is an elderly, she got to go in quite quickly. First, the weight and blood pressure. She is around 146cm and 49.7kgs. Her blood pressure was just a little high... I think that's from the rushing around. 151/90

Then she got to see the doctor. After that, we had to pay for the lab work... everything was out of pocket! 50US$ for blood, x-ray and urine! So, we proceeded from one place to another... first the blood... then she could drink water... We then got her changed to take the chest x-ray. Yeah! After that, it was 'catching the urine'. We dropped that off and we were heading out for lunch. I decided to take her to McDonald's. She was very happy!

We got home and I 'forced' her to lay down so that I can go for a run. She didn't lay down for very long. Alan put on Little House.

I got home and took a quick shower. I didn't wash my hair. No time...but that was ok... I picked Abby up and together we went to the blind masseuses. Abby took Mom for the massage and I went around and around, looking for a parking space. I finally found one and then went to get a scalp treatment! YIPPY! I was finished before them, so I went and shopped for a new shower head and a kitchen rack. Found both!

And the timing was perfect. I went to pick them up and we bought meat buns for dinner on the way home. I dropped Abby off as she had her scooter at the church. I went and got gas... We were really on EMPTY!

Once home, I got Mom to trim her nails while I prepared dinner. After dinner, she looked tired... and went to bed by 7:30!

Let's pray she doesn't get up at 4am.

The kids came home and we had Family Time!

It was a very packed day. Oh... the good news... the report will be ready by March 27th! Perfect! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Deuteronomy 28-29 are filled with blessings and curses... 

Here is one example of a blessing:

And the curse:

Seek Him First!

Date & Wedding & Tutoring!

After Mom took off, I went for a run as we were going to have a busy day. 

Alan had a meeting at school and then we were going to meet up for lunch. I ran for 80 minutes and took a quick shower and rushed to church to pick up the communion stuff for the wedding.

We met at a new restaurant... which was delicious!

We got to the church early and the couple was running late!

Alan officiated and the ceremony went beautifully.

I had to rush off after the service as I had tutoring at 7:30. The session was very productive. I got back home by 9:45 and cleaned everything up!

Daily Lovely Insight:

A cord of three strands... Ecc. 4:12 

Alan used this verse to encourage the couple -- the two of them and God will make their marriage strong and not easily broken, especially by the distractions that are all around them.

It was a beautiful service!

Seek Him First!

Another Run-Away Day!

The day started early as Mom was up at 5am, clapping loudly! We tried to tell her to go back to bed, but no use!

After Mom went to the Center, I started on my editing job! I also finished my talk notes and emailed it off! Isaiah gave Abby a ride to school as she had left her scooter there!

I found the place to engrave the titanium chops and got that done on line and then went to the local convenience store to mail them off! I also had to drive the car since we didn't want the battery to have any problems.

Isaiah wanted some coupons as he and Vikki are planning on going out for her birthday. While browsing all the buffet restaurants, I found the newly renovated Kitchen 12 at the Sheraton. I bought four coupons - two for Isaiah and two for Alan and I. I called and made a reservation for 4/1 for them and Alan and I will probably go on 4/7!

Then it was time for a run as I had tutoring at 4pm. 

Mom was home... and after she went to bed, I went off to tutor from 7:30 to 9pm! Alan and Abby both had basketball. Isaiah had tennis! We were all home by 10pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Deuteronomy 23:15

The verse ends with "and turns away from you..."

I think this can be applied to our home... God moves in our home... and He protects and delivers us from our enemies. But He also asks us to keep our home, HOLY. Let Him not find anything unseemly, indecent, shameful, filthy, unclean, improper, disgraceful, disgusting, offensive, or 'nakedness of anything'. I like this verse. I think it is very applicable in the 21st century. I think we should be alert and aware of anything we have allowed into our homes that would be considered UNHOLY. I think it is even important to keep our home tidy and orderly! God moves among us!

Seek Him First!

Soochow Bible Study Has Started Up!

The day was again extremely busy... 

With counseling in the morning and then Bible study this afternoon, I did not have much 'free' time. I had to set up our lodging for our short vacation. But then I also found out that the Center's health report won't be ready if my mom wants to go to the Overnight Facility on April 2nd! So, I had to make another appointment for another physical this Saturday. That report can be ready in a week! YIKES! Please pray!

As for the Bible study, we had a great time with seven newcomers... I'm really excited! Please pray for this study!

I rushed back and went for a 20 minute run! I had to hurry because I had to tutor at 5pm. I wanted to get Mom's meal ready before I took off. 

I always enjoy tutoring. We worked on Romeo and Juliet and I am watching a video that her history teacher assigned. Very interesting and informative!

On the way back, I stopped to buy some fruit. When I got home, I made another cake/bread with bananas and apples and apricot sauce!

I also had two things to edit... a cover letter and a press release! 

Alan was counseling.

Abby had tutoring and then went for a workout.

Isaiah took a power nap!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Living a FULL life is not about fulfilling your every desire... King Solomon did and still felt life was empty. Living a FULL life, like the motto at Soochow, "UNTO A FULL GROWN MAN", is about a life in Christ!

Seek Him First!

So Hot... So Much To Do...

Yes, the rushing around continues... 

Another load of laundry... 

More errands... 

Tutoring...

Cooking...

I did not finish getting all the errands done. But I had to rush home for Mom care... So after Mom went to bed, I went out again... 

I did get in a quick run in the heat of the day. I would have liked to fit in a long nap... Maybe tomorrow... "Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, you're always a day away!"

Oh, I called Daoshen AGAIN... and the director said, "We will make room for your mom. Bring her over in April!" It's only for four days, but at least the kids, Alan and I will be able to have a proper vacation. I have a total of 14 days per year! If I want to add more days, it's 40US$ per day. Per month is 1200US$! If we decide to do per month, we have to sign a contract. Otherwise, short term care is whenever we'd like to have a vacation! We will see how things work out. Abby and I are in charge of planning our four day break!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Galatians 2:20 is a great verse to meditate during this period before Resurrection Sunday!

Seek Him First!

A Much Too Busy of A Day!

I thought I'd have a bit more time to rest, but no way!

I started the day with a load of laundry and then when Mom left, I got busy with organizing the tech wires and then cooked. I finished the laundry and went to the post office. I mailed off pictures for Annie and Mom Bea. I headed to Carrefour and bought the coconut juice and yogurt drinks! I lugged everything back and put everything away. Then I finally had lunch. 

It was hot, but I had to go out for a run. After a fast shower, I was out the door. I had a meeting with a gal to pray together.

I barely had time to scooter home and get food in the microwave and Mom was back. As soon as she was settled to eat, I had a Skype tutoring session! That went long... but I could hear that Alan and Abby were home. They tended to Mom. When I finished, I was out the door as I had tap dancing tonight and I was already late. I love tap dancing... I got home at 10:20!

Daily Lovely Insight:

It was refreshing to get together for the sole purpose of prayer. Indeed, Galatians 6:2 is truth!

Seek Him First!

Walked, Walked, Walked...

Mom had a good talk with Annie... then we went out for a walk... I walked and pushed while she sat in the wheelchair. She said she was too tired to walk, but that's all she does at night... 

We walked and I picked up trash and we went to Carrefour. We walked for almost 2 hours. As soon as we got home, it was time to go to church. I rode my scooter and picked up the pictures... 

I was the translator for this afternoon's service. For Love Feast, we had Subway's... Very delicious. Our baker at church made carrot cake... 

After Mom went to bed, we watched Sherlock with Cumberbatch and Freeman... I love that BBC TV show! Isaiah tutored and came back at 9:45. I already have a long list of things to do for tomorrow! But I did get the picture hung up... and yes, tomorrow I will mail the other ones to Annie and Mom Bea! They each get an 8x10 plus the 4x6! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Our speaker today made an excellent point: John the Apostle when he saw Jesus again in Revelation, he responded, according to 1:17-18 by falling down as though dead... and in awe and fear! Why? This was the Jesus with whom he had spent three years as his disciple and the one Jesus loved... the one he had served for 60 years before receiving this vision in Patmos. 

He pointed out that we need to have awe when Jesus comes as King and Lord!

Seek Him First!

Another Productive Day!

 Today was Soochow's school anniversary, so Isaiah and Alan were up and out of the house early. Abby had made a commitment to help New Life Church with their children's English program, so she was gone by 9:50. Mom was up quite a bit during the night, so after breakfast, she sat down and closed her eyes. When Alan came home, we went with Mom to the old house as we thought we had a shower head stored in the back balcony. Nope! We also went to try to find a place to engrave two chops, but none of the shops can do that material. We then drove down to IKEA as I wanted to buy frames. I also bought two chairs! We then went to Costco, but they don't print pictures anymore! By the time we finished, Alan and Mom headed off to the massage place and I ran home.

The weather was gorgeous... 

I had reserved two hours for Mom and Alan as Alan enjoyed it so much the last time.

Abby came home as she had a luncheon and tutoring! 

Alan put the chairs together this evening after Mom went to bed and I went to Shihlin Night Market as Abby went next door to babysit!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here is a great quote from the book by CT Studd, the Laugh of Faith:

"To human reason it sounds ridiculous, but faith laughs at impossibilities." 

I thought I'd include a little excerpt:

Faith has a large family–Laughter is another of his children. The laugh of Faith is a merry child brightening every heart and home that entertains his parents.

There are two children bearing the name of "Laughter," but born of different parents, and wholly unrelated.

The one is the child of Faith, the other the child of Doubt.

The one is the laugh of Joy, the other the laugh of Scorn.

The one is the child of God, but the other that of the Devil.

Abraham laughed the laugh of Faith, but Sarah the laugh of Doubt, but, experiencing a sudden conversion, she later produced and enjoyed the fruit of Faith, bearing a child, and calling him "Laughter" (Isaac).

How about you?

Seek Him First!

Civil Wedding...

Alan went to play tennis... but before he took off, he turned on the WiFi and watched the San Diego State basketball game... 

Isaiah had to work and Abby had her internship. I did a load of laundry and when Alan came home, he cleaned the bathroom.

Then we had our couple's devotional time before we headed out to Danhsui. We went to the Carrefour that was right next to the New Taipei Household Registration Office and had lunch and walked around. At 1:20, we went over there to check out the place. At around 2pm, the couple arrived with a few of their friends and the bride's sister. The registration procedure took a lot longer than we had planned as we had to get their Chinese name just right... 

At 4pm, we went to a small corner and had a Blessing Ceremony. We got both sets of parents on a line call. One set of parents was in New York. The other set of parents was in Swaziland. Alan MC the ceremony. We had three songs... and I shared from Deut. 4 and prayer of blessing by the bride's older sister, who lives in Taipei. We finished at 4:40 and headed back. Abby was home to get Mom and I had the dinner prepared before we took off this morning. What a day! I was hoping to run a few errands, but I couldn't until later on this evening!

We got back at 5:50! Abby then went for her workout. When Mom went to bed, I went to pick up library books and run those few errands, plus to go for a short run. Just 5k. No time... because... 

We had family time tonight... We needed to catch up as we didn't have family time last week as Isaiah was away! In fact, two weeks in a row he was gone... And we had our retreat... So, it was super nice to gather around and pray and catch up and read about CT Studd. We are almost finished with the book. Time to start another one!

Daily Lovely Insight:

For Family Night we finished the book about CT Studd, who was part of the Cambridge Seven who went to China and started the Worldwide Evangelistic Crusade. Here is a poem written by him. May God use it to speak to you!

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

— extra stanza —

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,

If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee

Seek Him First!

Visited DaoShen Christian Nursing Home and More...

The day was quite warm... The weather forecast had said rain, but instead, it was a beautiful day.

The kids and Alan all headed out for school... and I went for a run!

Then, it was a mad rush to shower, make a few phone calls and head out the door... 

I had a list of three possible places to visit and errands to run. I wanted to buy a couple of plants, find a Type-C plug and a frame for our new family portrait... I drove by two of the places... yes, they were closer, but not Christian based and the buildings looked old and crammed. I then headed out to the third one. It was quite a trek up a very steep hill, but I loved the cleanliness and the fresh air... I had a wonderful chat with the Director! We will start with short term care, so that Alan, the kids and I can go on a vacation. I have 14 days with government subsidy. That means I only have to put 369NT$ per day for those 14 days. The monthly long term care is 35,000NT$ per month and the government gives only 5,000NT$ per month to help offset the cost! Unfortunately, they have no opening right now. I put Mom on the waiting list. I think the lady liked me and will make my mom a priority! 

I scootered back and went to the 'nursery' and bought five plants for 100NT$! And that was all the time I had as I had to be back to tutor at 4pm. I stopped to get gas... 

Mom was back right after I finished tutoring and fixing her dinner... When she went to bed, I again 'rushed' out for my 7:30 tutoring appointment. 

I arrived home and everyone was back... I had already made dinner, not knowing when I would be back. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I really like this verse: quietness is strength. Trust is strength. Repentance and rest shall we be saved! I think that's something we should think on... 

Seek Him First!

Too Tired To Do Too Much!

Counseling this morning... then did a load of laundry as they kids might need their basketball uniform in case there is another game tomorrow and I didn't want to be up at 11:30 to be doing a load!

I ate the McMuffin sandwich from Alan... and rested... then with the nice cold weather, but no rain, I went out for a longer run.

When I got back, Abby was home. We folded the clothes together... and then she left to watch a game at school. I cooked as Mom was heading home... and I still had a lot to get done. I was going to head out to the nursing home, but no time... I will do that tomorrow!

Alan went and picked up his watch and had a meeting at school. It was a very long meeting.

This evening we had pre-marital counseling... and I also started to work on the ppt file for my talk on 3/21.

Daily Lovely Insight:

From our Trustworthy study, I liked these sentences that I highlighted from the author:

"Satan is vicious but he's not victorious."

"I can sometimes feel afraid, but I don't have to live afraid."

"I can remember that fear doesn't have to pull me away from trusting God. Fear can actually be the catalyst to me choosing to trust God more than ever."

Seek Him First!

No Time for A Run... Not Even A Walk!

I had my morning and my evening Bible studies... In between, I had an editing assignment and tutoring! Before going to my second Bible study, I went and picked up our annual family portraits!

I didn't think the day was going to be so hectic... I thought about going for a run after the evening Bible study, but I decided I better not... 

This week is looking too busy... The couple that Alan is doing the pre-marital counseling is planning for a court house wedding on Friday and there are things that we will have to get done on Wednesday. Then Alan has his watch to pick up and he is looking to see if they can do something with that other watch band. I wanted to go and see the nursing home in Beitou, so I will have to carve out the time to ride over there... And yes, we have counseling tomorrow morning... plus I have tutoring sessions this week, not to mention that this Saturday is Soochow's School Anniversary. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

For our morning study, we looked at the indiscreet tongue. Proverbs 2:11 is the verse we looked at: 

I never thought of discretion as protection or understanding as a guard... Have you?

Seek Him First!

Happy Birthday to Annie... Happy Women's Day...

An update... Mom was sleeping better last night... She didn't get up like 10 times... She wasn't yelling for us to get up... She wasn't going through her drawers to get herself dressed in the middle of the night... She wasn't flushing the toilet... In fact, between 12:30 to 6:30, she only got up about three times... Thank you for your prayers. But I still called to go and visit the Nursing Home... This is a place that also takes her in if we need to go on vacation. I have 14 days free overnight stay per year. So far I have not used any of it. So, this year I think we will definitely use those days... 

OK... First, Happy Birthday to Annie... She is always my OLDER sister... and young at heart even though she has aches and pains in many of her joints... May she continue to run and not grow weary...

As for the Alagatas', it was another busy day! I had an appointment in the morning at 9am and another sister came over at 3pm. In between I went for a run, and ran errands... I had to print up things, pay a scooter parking ticket and add value to Isaiah's yo-yo card. 

Mom's dinner was great... as the sister who came at 3pm brought some delicious Chinese dinner items!

Tonight I started back with tap dancing... fun, fun, fun!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The details of the Prodigal Son parable are just beautiful... I'd encourage you to read it again and again and again. The Prodigal needed to be in the pig's pen before he came to his senses. And that meant for a Jewish young man to be with pigs... an unclean animal... before he realized how far he strayed from his father's home and heart. And as he considered how he should return, he started with a confession. I think real repentance comes through an understanding that one has sinned against God... 

Seek Him First!

Another Fast Day...

We had very little sleep last night... Mom was in her hyper mode... She got dressed and wanted to go to church. To get dressed, she went through the drawers in her room, which meant I had to fold and put everything back neatly! 

I had tutoring at 12:30, which I love!

I rode straight to church. Alan and Abby brought Mom in the car, but forgot to check as she did something with her set of false teeth... We found it at home after church tonight! I wrote to my siblings -- we are seriously considering putting her into a nursing home even as early as this year!

Isaiah did not get into the quarter finals... and got home late tonight!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The speaker this afternoon reminded us to confess daily. I think that is something we need to do every day. Come before God and ask His Holy Spirit to search our heart and examine our lives. I encourage everyone to consider taking the time to ask the light of God to shine... and to receive His forgiveness... Walk in His holiness!

Seek Him First!

Rainy Saturday!

Mom was up and active last night... 

In the morning, when I was going to get her up for her shower, I found that she was fast asleep. So, I went for a quick run. When I got home, she was up... ready to go, go, go... Mom had her breakfast after a shower. Then she watched Little House.

I did housework... 

At 1:30, we were off to her dental appointment. Then Alan brought me home as I had to tutor. He and Mom went to get the massage with the blind masseuses. I went to tutor and after tutoring, I braved the rain and went to Costco and RT Mart! Alan wanted pizza! It was amazing how much I had on my scooter! The miracle was that when I got out of Costco, the rain stopped!

Isaiah's team won all their games today. Abby got a new tutoring job... not very high pay, but the extra income will help. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Being responsible in the little things is really important to me. I think by being negligent in the small tasks that 'carelessness' will 'cross over' to all other areas. Luke 16:10 is very appropriate!

Seek Him First!

What A Day!

Alan and I are always amazed how fast our 'Fri-DATE' goes by... we blink and the day is gone!

I went for a run while he went to play tennis. 

Then we would pray and read our devotional books before we went out for lunch. We decided to go to Shihlin and try a new Cantonese restaurant. Very disappointing!

Then we sat at a food court area and talked... 

At 3pm, we met up with an engaged couple as the young man will be staying at our old house and they hope to have their wedding on Friday, March 12th. She lives in Danhsui and the hotels here are so expensive. So, we offered our apartment for free! After dropping off his luggage, we took him around and paid for data for the SIM card and cell phone we are loaning to him. Abby was nice enough to help out with Mom because we could not get back in time!

Abby finished her internship at 4:40 and was able to rush home for my mom who came home at 5:20!

This evening, we did not have Family Night as Isaiah had taken off to Kaohsuing again! I went and ran errands as I didn't have time earlier! 

Oh... one thing I've been enjoying is watching the BBC "Marple Mysteries" on YouTube! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Stewardship... Management... I think these two words are the same. If you cannot manage your time, your money or your emotions, then you are not a wise steward of what God has given us. I see many believers who are not wise... What is the root? And what I see is the lack of sacredness... These individuals don't consider these gifts as sacred... thus, they easily misuse their time, their money and their emotions. 

Seek Him First!