Quite A Warm Day!

The morning started early... 

We had slept late last night... As we stayed home and watched, The Elmira Express, about Ernie Davis!

Mom was off to the Center and Abby had her internship! Alan plugged in the WiFi to watch the NFL Draft, so I downloaded my email... An article to edit... So, I finished that before we headed out.

Isaiah went with us to Costco and RT Mart and lunch... We were going to hit the new Ikea, but we had bought food and it was too hot in the car... So, we headed home and relaxed at home.

Isaiah took off down south with the team. After Mom had dinner and went to bed, the three of us headed to Ikea and had dessert... IKEA serves soft swirl ice cream for 20NT$!

Daily Lovely Insight: 

For my morning time, I read through a simple devotional book. This morning it highlighted the revivals that have happened at Asbury University. Through prayer, through fasting, through a testimony, the Holy Spirit worked and classes were cancelled as people came to know Jesus and teams were sent out to witness for Jesus. How beautiful of the Holy Spirit. It wasn't an elaborate program or planned activity. Nothing extravagant... Nothing 'planned'... Nothing humanly orchestrated... God just showed up and lives were changed! 

That thought just struck me... 

In our daily mundane routine life, I think we should expect the LORD to invade us... and lead us to be that testimony so others can know Jesus!

Seek Him First!

Some Rain... A Run... A Movie...

I was looking forward to this day. 

In my morning time, I was just so happy that I have the day, or at least part of the day, to be home ALONE! 

After the kids took off, I started cooking... crock pot cooking! Very yummy!

Then I worked on the 5/13 talk. I am almost finished. I started on the talk notes for 5/30.

Before lunch, I went and paid a few bills. After lunch, I went for an hour run! It was so nice and cool... 

Tutored at 4pm!

Mom was home, right on time!

Alan and Abby had basketball. Isaiah had tennis.

Tomorrow is a holiday... Abby has her internship. Mom has her program. But Isaiah has a day off. He is going to head down for his basketball tournament in ChangHua!

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Kings 19:29

29 And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof.

Hezekiah was praying for deliverance from the Assyrian Army. Isaiah, the son of Amoz, spoke this verse as a sign. What an amazing thought. Somehow, the ground will spring up such things as grow of themselves and in the second year, it will happen again! It's like when God instructed the Israelites to give the land a Sabbatical year. They don't need to be afraid that they won't have food. (See Lev. 25.) What the LORD is placing upon my heart is that there are times when God plants a seed. We can't see what's happening with that seed. By faith we trust God. And in the future, in the most unexpected way, something blossoms. God planted Esther to be there to save the people. God planted Joseph in Egypt to save the people. When things spring forth, it is a sign... of God's faithfulness! To me, it is a sign of God's constant involvement in our lives, even when we don't see it!

The next verse in this passage:

Seek Him First!

A Free Evening! What A MIRACLE!

The day started with Zoom Counseling... When that finished, I rushed to head out the door to a quick under an hour run as I had Bible study at Soochow at 1:10!

The trench cake was a hit... It is also known as WW 1 Cake! Very yummy and no eggs needed!

I came back to wait for a message from my tutee... NO NEED TO GO AND TUTOR TONIGHT. I felt so blessed as it was raining outside. We need the rain... so definitely a praise.

Since I didn't need to rush out, I downloaded my emails... I got another article to edit. YEAH!

Abby went to get her hair treatment. When I finished the editing, I went to get my scooter mirror repaired. Our usual guy wasn't around, so I went to another one of my favorite mechanics. He got it done in less than 5 minutes for less than 7US$. NICE! I love Taiwan!

I then went to Carrefour to see what they had for Manager's Special... There is always something good... 

I came back and Mom finished her dinner and was getting ready for bed!

Abby and Isaiah were home... so nice to have everyone home!

I had to finish preparing my talk on 5/13 for Soochow and I'll be speaking at HOP on 5/30! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

For May 30th, I'm going to talk about Seeds, My Favorite Object that Jesus Uses. The most famous might be the Parable of the Mustard Seed as in Mark 4: 30-32. In fact, this parable was in Matthew and Luke. What the LORD is putting upon my heart is the idea that a seed is so small and yet, it grows to become something big. The other thought that the LORD is connecting is the idea that God plants a seed for something and it finally blossoms in the future to be something amazing, something greater than what that seed was. The title of my talk is: Seeds of Provision. I don't have all the pieces of the talk, but God is formulating this in my heart. He plants seeds in our lives which by faith will become a great harvest. We wait for those seeds to grow. We can't see what's happening to those seeds, but we must trust God, our Creator, our Faithful Maker, that He is causing the growth to harvest a crop that might be 100 fold! 

Jesus also refers to having faith of a mustard seed. That small amount of faith can move mountains. That's an astounding thought!

Seek Him First!

Got So Much Done... Feeling Exhausted!

The day started with running errands before my morning Bible study! I headed out right after Mom left!

Then Bible study started at 10am and we went until 1pm. It was so good. We talked about Psalm 29:1-2. A new sister joined us!

After putting everything away, I headed out to tutor. I spent more time, free of charge, to help one of the cousins to learn to read. He joined us last Friday and seemed so close to being able to read on his own. So, I left and felt my watch buzz. I looked and the editing job sent me an email. They'd like the article proofread by 5pm. I got home and plugged in the WiFi and started on it. I finished just two minutes before 5pm.

I was to pick up my tutee at 5:05. I got there at 5:08 and she wasn't there yet. So, we came home, settled down and the phone rang. Mom was home. I had put dinner on in the crock pot and the rice cooker before heading out to tutor. Perfect.

Mom ate while I went through the dissertation corrections. We didn't finish until 9pm, almost 4 hours later! I took her home and came back to clean up the kitchen and bake a dessert for the Bible study tomorrow. 

I could barely keep my eyes opened! The trench cake turned out quite nicely... It was God's work... 

Thank you Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

When do we worship God?

That was one of the questions that we discussed this morning... 

What do you think is the answer based on Romans 12:1?

Seek Him First!

Another Fast Paced Day!

First thing, my church friends who went to the Challenge Taiwan 113 lined me and asked if I'd join them for next year. A group wants to do the Challenge Taiwan 226 and needs a runner. I said YES, as long as it isn't on Sunday. They assured me that it is on Saturday, April 23, 2022.  I'm excited... I'll be a year older, so maybe a bit slower... 

I helped Isaiah write a letter requesting for 50% scholarship waiver. We haven't sent it yet. 

Then right around noon time, I went for a run. It was hot!

I came back, showered and headed out the door as I meet up with a gal to pray together!

I rushed home and it was online tutoring for an hour, but I had to stop to go and pick up Mom. Then after Mom was finished with dinner, I went back to tutoring. Alan and Abby were back late, so I didn't head out to my tap dancing until 7pm and arrived late! Today's class was a lot more manageable... 

I came back and cooked for tomorrow... Wow... and cleaned up the house and put everything away. And blogged... 

I felt so tired because last night, I went to tutor and Alan didn't give Mom the right pill. The WHITE pill! So, she was up banging and clapping and flushing the toilet. The Center asked what happened because Mom actually took a nap. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

This morning without knowing what the day was going to be like, God gifted me with this verse from Psalm 78:26. 

God indeed was the strength of my heart and my portion. Throughout the day, I called upon Him to lift me up and He did! I hope that each morning, you'd spend time with God as He knows what you need and He wants to feed you and ready you for the day! God is your portion FOREVER!

Seek Him First!

Warwick and So Much More...

The day started early as Alan took Isaiah to Danhsui for the Basketball tournament. They had to take Mom as I had to go to the Warwick Briefing! So, Mom took a shower, drank Ensure for her pills and in the car, had a full breakfast. Isaiah's team came in second and they didn't get to church until a little past 5pm.

I spent the morning finishing up the dissertation, but I still have the appendixes and references to finish up. I also sorted through papers and worked on the talk for May 13th.

At 12:30, I headed out to the National Taiwan University Convention "Center". It was a long ride. I got there 30 minutes ahead and got to talk with the woman in charge. It was so great to get most of my questions answered. I went in and sat for an hour plus... and left at 3:20. I was a few minutes late to church, but got there before the service started! 

The speaker, Pastor Winston, brought a great message about how to respond during this time of Covid-19. He used II Chronicles 6:13-15 as his focus. What was really interesting was the idea that pestilence and plagues are mentioned very often in the Bible. God used these to soften the hearts of the stubborn and those who have strayed. We, as His people, should respond by humbling ourselves and pray. Turn from our wicked ways and pray!

After eating a quick bite, I headed out to tutor. I didn't get home until 10:15! Then I worked with Isaiah to write a letter requesting for scholarship from Warwick and we looked at the housing situation. One thing that was positive from the Briefing was that quarantine won't be needed as we are coming from Taiwan, which is considered a "Green" country! There might be a mandatory 3 day of quarantine, but most likely NO. But rules might change, so we won't know until June 21st, when the UK government will make another updated announcement!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God brought the different plagues for different purposes. First, He wanted the Egyptians to know that He is GOD of all... So, the plagues attacked Egyptian gods. Then the plagues were to attack the economy with the livestocks and the agricultural goods. Finally, He used the plagues to make an distinction between His people and the Egyptians. 

A question to ponder: how about this present 'plague'? 

Oh... an interesting fact: Cholera mortality rate was 12.8% as compared to Covid-19 which stands at  2.2%!

Seek Him First!

Cheering People On...

I was cheering people on all day... 

Isaiah had basketball games in Danhsui. Alan, Abby and Isaiah left at 6am! Isaiah's team won both of their games against some tough teams and will move forward to the finals... Abby was doing the scoring... She hopefully will get paid as she was there the whole day!

Another event was in Taidong. Two groups of people from our church joined the 113 Tri-Relay. Yes, I was invited and so was Abby. We were trying to form a HOP Women's team. But I couldn't take the time away as they left on Friday and won't be back until late Sunday! One team came in 6th and the other team came in 32nd out of a field of 116 mixed relay teams! Swim 1.9k, Ride 90k, Run 21k! 

I then went to donate blood while the two hour massage was happening!

Isaiah went out with Vikki!

Alan and I enjoyed a nice evening together... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

As I promised, I wanted to talk about the second part of Romans 12: 1-2. Do not be conformed... but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... How do you renew your mind? We renew our body with rest, recreation and nutrients. But to renew your mind? Read books? Pray? Memorize God's word? Spend time with joyful people? Listen to music? "Empty" your mind? Focus on positive thoughts?

I've been asking God... Transformation comes through a relationship with God. When we are connected to Him, the Holy Spirit resides in our lives... and definitely in our thoughts. So, renewing our mind starts with living in the reality of the Truth of God's many promises. His promises and His Holy Spirit make us NEW each day. Get our mind tank filled with all things of God, and not of the world! Another thing that I would suggest is to remove distractions. Daily renewal comes when we also see and remove the many distractions around us. We are bombarded with so much information that actually bog us down, instead of lift and renew our mind. We are plagued with anxieties because of all the information we receive on a daily basis. It's an overload that we need to hit delete and remove. Each day ask God to bring clarity to His purpose and His priorities. 

I saw a cartoon of Charlie Brown and Snoopy... 

Charlie Brown says, "We only live once." to which Snoopy replies, "No, we only die once. We live every day."

May we live worthy of the God we worship!

Seek Him First!

We Need More April Showers...

Taiwan has been going through a drought... and the Christians on this island are starting a 40 days of prayer vigil. Some are also taking the time to fast one meal or two meals... So, please do be praying for Taiwan.

Annie is recovering from her surgery-hip replacement. Please continue to be praying for her.

We are also thinking about trading in Isaiah's "Falcon" scooter now or a year from now... If we do trade it, who would ride it when he leaves for England in September? But then if it's parked there for a year, it might not be worth as much next year? Please pray! Alan is also thinking about visiting Isaiah in June of 2022 so that the two of them can go to Wimbledon! It all depends on the quarantine situation!

Alan and I had our date... we had brunch together and then we went and bought some groceries. I had to tutor at 3:30. After tutoring, I went and got my scooter tuned up! I've been at the mechanics almost every day of this week!

I came home and had an hour for a run before Family Time this evening. We were thinking about going to watch a movie, but Alan, Isaiah and Abby all have to be up very early tomorrow! They are leaving at 6am to head to Danhsui for the basketball tournament.

Daily Lovely Insight

Yesterday I posted Psalm 6:2 & 9. Did you read verse 9? It said that the LORD receives our prayers. The image I saw was that God takes our prayers like when we receive a gift from someone. He cherishes the prayers. He wants us to pray. Have you ever thought about how God views our prayers? I think it's a beautiful image to see prayers an offering.

Another thing that has been on my mind is the verse: If you love me, obey my commandments. When people say they love God, but their actions or words totally contradict God's word, I don't think they are loving God! John 14:15 says it so clearly! Our faith is not just going through the motion of worship. We need to truly surrender our lives to Him, daily, choosing to walk in obedience. So, if God's word says, DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, I want to ask God to help me to see where I've disobeyed and allowed my life to be worldly. I know He loves me and wants me to follow His word. I know He will show me.  Recently, one thing I've been working on is spending less time on my cell phone. There was a time in the not so distance past that I didn't even want a cell phone. Now, I spend more than five hours a day on that cell phone. I'm asking God to help me to be more conscious of how I spend my time. I encourage you to do the same! Tomorrow I will talk about being transformed by the renewing of your mind... 

Seek Him First!

Scooter Situation & The End of Midterms

The scooter saga continues... We borrowed a scooter from a friend at church, but it sounded horrible. So, I took in in today and it turned out that the muffler was cracked. I got that fixed and then I had to ride falcon over so that the guy can see what to do with the starter. The verdict was -- if we cut the starter line, there is no guarantee that installing another one that has a key without a chip will work. So, we decided NOT to cut the line. The miracle was that it did start, both times when I wanted to ride it! The friend's scooter was fixed for 50US$. And we will wait to see when to do a trade-in for a new scooter. It doesn't make sense to do that now as Isaiah will be gone for a year. But then if we can get more money this year, then maybe we will do that and use Abby's for a trade-in next year.

I did go for a run, even though it was extremely warm!

I finally had time to read the dissertation this evening and I tutored online for an hour.

Alan played basketball at Soochow.

Isaiah played basketball at Bailin.

Abby played basketball at MingTzu Junior High School.

They are finished with midterms... YIPPY! Now we wait to see the scores... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 6: 2, 9 

I'm praying this for Annie as her bones are "in agony" or "in despair"... 

She's in recovery from her surgery! 

The LORD has heard our cry for mercy and He has accepted our prayers. 

How amazing is that!

Seek Him First!

 

The Scooter Problem and Other Tasks!

The problem with the scooter is the chip in the key. The company has already stopped producing this key and can't fix it. There might be a possibility of replacing the whole starter... Until that is taken cared of, we have borrowed a scooter from a friend at church!

I continue to work on the dissertation and finished another student's essay.

There were several errands to run... clothes to mail off, bills to pay, books to return.

Tutoring at 5pm for two hours... and I thought about running this evening, but there was more to do. This morning was just too hot... I didn't want to melt... this evening the weather was just perfect... But looking at what still had to be done... 

Please pray for Annie, who had a hip replacement surgery. Pray for her recovery.

We are still trying to read up on all the requirements and documents needed for Isaiah. Whether or not you are vaccinated, upon arriving back to Taiwan, you have to undergo quarantine -- 14 days of seclusion and 7 days of self care quarantine. So... it means neither Alan nor I will be going with Isaiah. Please pray... How strict is the quarantine requirement for England? If they are strict and we can't do anything for 10 days, then for sure we will not go with Isaiah. I will keep you posted.

Alan had counseling this evening. Abby had tutoring. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I received a text message today that the overnight facility will have space for my mom in May! What a miracle! This was not possible, but the LORD made it possible! What do I hope to do? We are not planning on a trip, but I am planning to do two things --  go for a longer run and spend time to do nothing but read! My weekends have been so centered on the care of my Mom. And when Mom had those four days at the overnight facility, it was because we were traveling.  God is so faithful. He hears our prayers and He opens the way. To me, it's like the parting of the Red Sea. On Tuesday, we talked about the seeds of provision. God plants those seeds but they might not blossom until we have a need. God planted these seeds of providing for overnight care for my Mom... and now they are blossoming, just when I need it most. 

Thank you, JESUS!

Seek Him First!

Postponed Tutoring... Working From Home...

It was a more restful day... 

In the morning, I did another load of clothes and organized Abby's clothes. Soon, I'll be packing for Isaiah.  The weather in Coventry is cooler... so he will definitely be bringing all his winter items plus at least one umbrella!

Then it was to editing my student's dissertation... I had postponed my afternoon tutoring so that I can just sit and 'work'. I need that kind of concentration. I'm setting aside three more days. I wanted to work also on my talk, but once I started on the dissertation, I just kept working on it.

At 1:30, the Carrefour delivery guy came... So, I took a break, put things in the air fryer, and ate lunch. Then I took a short nap! Checked the emails... worked some more on the paper and then went for a run! By the time I returned (and it was hot out, so I didn't go for long), I got Mom's dinner ready, took a quick shower, and Mom was back.

I ate dinner at the same time and surfed the social media... 

Bible study tonight... Abby came home so I can use her scooter. Still no news about Isaiah's scooter!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are a few verses that I read this morning! May they speak to you as they did to my heart!

Seek Him First!

Busier Than I Had Planned...

I was hoping for a day of rest... That didn't happen... 

Isaiah's scooter didn't start. So, he rode my scooter... I looked and his scooter's gas gauge was on NIL... So, I walked down with the gas container and got four liters. After pouring that in, the key lock was still flashing... blinking twice meant diagnostic needed... So, I pushed it down to the mechanics... My arms were so sore as it's a much heavier scooter. They didn't have time to look at it, so I left it there.

By the time I got back, it was already 12 noon.

I ate a quick lunch and did a load of laundry. I was feeling so tired... so I took a very short nap and went for a run. Then it was prep time... I still had that dissertation to read and tutoring at 5pm.

I put Mom's dinner in the microwave and started tutoring. When the phone rang, I had to stop tutoring and get Mom. She needed a shower. So after the shower, while she was eating, I continued my online tutoring session!

I finished at 6:30 and Alan and Abby came home.

They left and Isaiah wasn't back yet. So I rode Alan's scooter to tap dancing!

We are moving so fast in tap class... I think I will remain a beginner...

I got back and worked with Isaiah for all the Warwick stuff... We have to write to the University of Bath and decline their offer. They only give out 5,000Pounds of scholarship for international students from Taiwan, whereas the University of Warwick offers up to 50% of scholarship on tuition! We also had to make an initial payment of 1500pounds (about 2,000US$)! I put that on my credit card! Ha, ha, ha... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I was quite encouraged by Psalm 18. I love how this psalm starts with just declaring that I love Him and it ends with the statement that by God, I can leap over a wall! 

I needed that today!

Actually, I need that every day!

Seek Him First!

Zoom Wedding... Laundry... Dissertation... Tutoring... Translating...

It was a very fruitful day.

I got up at 4:33 as I wanted time with Jesus before the Zoom Wedding... well... I got the time wrong. It started at 7am... So I was an hour early!

I watched the wedding throughout the whole morning, while doing a load of laundry, correcting dissertation... 

The pill works... sort of... Mom still gets up at around 6am, clapping, banging, walking... but at least she's not getting up throughout the night... 

I left on my scooter at 1:45 while Mom was watching Little House as I had tutoring at 2pm.

I finished at 3:55 and church started at 4pm. I had gone to church early enough to clean before the worship team arrived for practice!

I was the translator and the LORD sustained me... It was a fantastic message!

I scooter home after the Love Feast and still had tons to do... Folded the laundry, put things away, blogged, checked emails and went for a walk... I wanted to hit 12,000 steps on the days that I don't run! So, I walked and got errands done... It felt like sleep walking as I was physically exhausted!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today's insight comes from the message at HOP from Pastor Yang. 

Scripture passage: I Chronicles 16:37-43. 

The Ark of the Covenant contained a golden urn of manna, Aaron's rod that budded and the two tablets of the covenant. Each of these represented something special: manna-- faith, rod -- miracle of new life in Christ, tablets -- the word of God. We are to daily spend time before God in order that we can receive and then to go and bless those around us! 

As we are chosen and designated by name to give Him praise, worship is a ministry we are all called to on a daily basis! 

The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever... 

Seek Him First!

Isaiah Got Accepted to University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Yes, you read that correctly... 

We've been waiting... If he didn't get in, then he was going to take the offer from Sydney... Bath was good, in my opinion... cheaper tuition... but not as highly ranked. I liked the idea of an older area, even though the cost of living is higher than Coventry! We figure Isaiah will need about 1.7 million NT$, which includes tuition, living and travel expenses. Maybe a little more if he wants to travel a bit! Maybe he can get a part time job! Work at the library or something... 

So, we now have to consider plane tickets for Isaiah and Alan... I would love to go, but then what to do with Mom? We will pray... God knows.

As for the day, Mom had her usual massage with Alan this time. I went for my run and met my weekly goal! Abby went to her internship meeting and tutoring. Isaiah was home. This evening, we all worked on different projects.

Daily Lovely Insight:

We reviewed our family verses... Here are a few for you to dwell on:

Hebrews 13:8

Romans 8:15-16

Matthew 5:16

Seek Him First!

Fun Time with Abby... Family Fun in the Evening...

This morning for our date, we first went to our old house... They needed a few things done... I had cut tennis balls for the chairs. They needed WD 40 for several places. We helped them with a few odd jobs and then went to breakfast! YIPPY!

Abby's internship ended at 12:30, so we met up at a Cantonese restaurant. What a feast... Then we walked around the area as there were so many shops. A newly opened shop had second hand goods... A bit expensive, but nice stuff. Abby got a Puma windbreaker for 30US$. Isaiah got a pair of Vans shoes for 30US$. He wasn't with us but I lined him pictures and there were several items that were perfect for him. We even saw two nice suits... So, he will have to go there and try those on. We had fun!

We came home just in time for Mom. I had packed up the leftover Cantonese fried noodles, which she loved! I think she could have eaten two portions!

I went for a run after Mom went to bed and later on in the evening, we played Mahjong and had Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Sometimes people don't appreciate what they have because they are too focused on what they don't have... And sometimes, people buy without even thinking of why they are buying... So, today, I was at the recycling area in our complex when I see a Nikon camera with a lens and the battery charger. It was a digital Nikon DX. I brought it up and charged the battery and the camera works perfectly well... That camera and the lens are like 500US$! Someone just threw it away... 

Perhaps we do the same in our walk with Jesus... we don't truly appreciate His love and His mercy... And when we don't appreciate the cost of being reconciled, it's easy to let the world invade our attitudes and thoughts and choices, instead of us influencing the world. We don't have the resolve to stand against temptations... May God be gracious to us... May His way be made known on earth! May our lives reflect the truth of His Word!

Seek Him First!

Cleaning, Organizing, Tutoring... and More...

This morning, since I am preparing to share at Soochow on May 13th about traveling, I decided to put together a collection of souvenirs! With that project, I had to go through several different places and organize things. And while doing that, I decided to put away our manger scene and get that cabinet organized. And that led me to organize one area of Isaiah's closet since Abby was looking for head bands. While doing that, I found the tuxedo jacket and dress shirt that I had bought for him! And I found a new knee brace that Alan had been looking for. I also found the links to the watch band! 

The morning was gone... after a quick bite to eat, I headed out for a short run as I had planned to meet up with a gal at 2pm.

At 1, just as I was about to leave, she messaged me. She won't be able to make it until 3pm. That won't work because I had tutoring at 4pm. So we rescheduled. Bummer... I could have gone for a longer run!

I still had to meet up with Abby as she forgot the cards we wrote for the people at our Bible study. I dropped that off, came back home, and took my computer to the copier as I had a dissertation to edit! I decided to take up Annie's advice and went to Carrefour to see what they had for sale at the deli section. While there, I also found more cashews on sale and eggs! I lugged everything back with just minutes to spare before tutoring started.

And yes, when I finished tutoring, I had minutes to spare before Mom was home! She had to have a shower... before dinner!

I blogged... checked emails... and when Alan got home, I took off to our old house as the short term tenants didn't know how to use our washer and dryer! Plus they needed a few things, such as an iron and ironing board, chopping board, etc. I went over, showed them how to use it and gave them what they needed. 

Isaiah found out he didn't get into University of Edinburgh. That was his first choice. So, we now wait for Warwick. If he doesn't get into Warwick, then he will choose either University of Bath in the UK or University of Sydney in Australia. Please pray for him and this decision.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Since the vacation at the beginning of this month and the LORD pushed PAUSE in the spin cycle of my life, I've been very conscious of daily hitting the pause button, daily slowing down, daily telling myself to "SELAH". I would encourage you to do the same. 

I think this is one way that we, as His sheep, have become sucked into the world. We value productivity, effectiveness, efficiency. We are not to waste the precious commodity of time that God has gifted us with... and that is absolutely true. But we have forgotten how to rest, how to wait... how to trust! And this performance mindset has come at a cost. We move so fast that we have forgotten God. This year, with the pandemic, with so many uncertainties, I think God has hit a worldwide pause button in order for people to turn to Him.

Seek Him First!

Counseling, Tutoring & Other Things...

This morning was our zoom counseling session... Then I went out for a run... I knew I would not have time if I didn't go before lunch time.

After a quick shower, I was off to Soochow. We had another wonderful study.

On the way home, I paid the cell phone bill and picked up my library books.

By the time I was home, I had to get the dinner set for Mom and go off to tutor!

When I got back, I cleaned up the dishes, put away the food and blogged!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Commitment, that was the topic of our study today! The study guide used Ruth as an example of a person who stayed committed even when Naomi's situation seemed hopeless. There were many risks Ruth took in choosing to be committed. She risked rejection by going with Naomi. She risked poverty. She risked loneliness, singleness, childlessness... But she took the risks... She made the sacrifice and the LORD blessed her with Boaz and ultimately, being mentioned in the lineage of Jesus! 

God is committed to us. He sent Jesus. God is committed to us. He gave us His Holy Spirit. God is committed to us. He gave us "His Word"! 

Isn't that one of the definitions of commitment? To keep ones word! 

God is the perfect model of perfect commitment. 

You can count on Him to "keep His word"!

Seek Him First!

Good Sessions - Start of the New Bible Study and Tutoring!

Put in another load of laundry before Mom left this morning... 

Made the salad for my Bible study and went over at 10am.

We're starting a new study from the book of Psalms. The food and the fellowship ... just so blessed to be a part of this group of ladies.

I got back at 1:45, put things away and rushed off for tutoring.

On the way back from tutoring (And I had a great session with my student... he is still moving towards learning to read!), I went to Carrefour. Great stuff on "Special"... cashews, strawberry milk, salad dressing! I had two huge bags of stuff and my teaching materials to lug back home... 

Got home, put everything away, made dinner for Mom and laid down for a quick power nap and the phone rang!

I had to bake tonight for the Bible study tomorrow. And I went for a quick run this evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We talked about worship and our first psalm will be Psalm 29:

How beautiful to consider worship as ascribing to the LORD glory and praise... 

There are many roadblocks to worship, such as distractions, laziness, sins, unanswered prayers, doubts... 

And as we talked, we all want to grow and make worship a daily constant part of our lives, not just when we are with other believers, not just in our morning time. 

Since for all eternity we will be worshipping, I think it's best to start practicing now1

Seek Him First

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Wildly, Unexpectedly, Overly "Productive"!

Mom's pick up is going to be later in the morning... But I had already arranged someone to be at our house at 9am for counseling! So, as I walked in the door, the person was right behind me!

I'm glad I had a load of laundry already in the washer...and rice was also cooking!

At around 10:45, I saw a message popping up on my phone. The company needed me to edit an article. So, as soon as she left, I was on the computer editing an article.

I finished that, ate something quick and went for a short run!

At 3pm, the next person arrived. And then at 4:45, I see a message from my student. She needs on line tutoring at 5pm!

So, when she left, I was on the computer. She had a creative writing piece to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the session. Not even half way through, the phone rang. Mom was back -- early!

I went downstairs to pick her up and set her at the dining room table for dinner and continued with my tutoring. I finished just as Mom was finished with her dinner!

I couldn't give Mom a shower as I had tap dancing tonight!

Alan came home, and I had dinner all ready!

I took off. The tap class was intense... lots of new stuff.

When I came home, I had to put everything away and cook some more food! Bible study tomorrow, plus, I need to bake for Wednesday!

What a crazily wildly unexpectedly busy day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

David and Goliath is a story that can be applied to our lives... 

Saul's army saw 'the reality' of Goliath, instead of the reality of who God is. Every day, we have a choice. What is our reality? The truth of God's word or what we see in the world? It's too easy to focus on the seen and forget that the better and truer reality is the unseen. 

I want to live with my eyes set on God and His word, and from that faith in the trustworthiness of God, I want to rest and see how 'a few smooth stones and a sling' can kill the 'giants' in my life!

Today was a great day to apply this truth!

Seek Him First!

34th Anniversary!

Alan was up and out the door as he had a tennis tournament.

Isaiah went to hang out with Vikki.

Abby went for a workout.

Mom was still sleeping as she was up early... not banging, but clapping... and she got up several times for bathroom 'breaks'. 

I went for a short walk. On days when I don't run, I try to walk 12,000 steps!

We were off to church at 2:30 as I was speaking on "Mission Impossible?" based on Philippians 2:1-5.

I pray that the LORD used the message to bring greater unity!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The morning watch is such an important time for me... More and more I realize that from that time with the LORD, the whole day unfolds... it is at that time when I surrender and walk in trust and obedience. There is a 'routine' in holding to this, but it is not to be just a 'good habit'. It is a time of renewal and refreshment. It is a time when the LORD uses His word to direct me and align my thoughts and heart and attitude. For anyone who does not have a morning watch, I encourage you to start now! Resolve to spend those first minutes of the day with the LORD!

Seek Him First!

Go, Go, Go Saturday!

First, I have to report for Alan -- Joe M. pitched a no-hitter, the first in Padres' history!

On to other more important news... ha, ha, ha... 

I was trying to see how Mom would do with the white versus the green pill... The white pills are for sundowner... the green pill is just a low dosage sleeping pill... The white pills are much more effective! I gave her a green pill last night and she was clapping and banging... No need to experiment!

I did a load and got Mom showered and she had breakfast! It was only 10 am, but she brushed her teeth and went back to bed... That gave me time to work on my bio for the simultaneous translation talk for Soochow University! I also need to put together the ppt and an outline! 

Alan came home from playing tennis and I went out for a run. Mom was still asleep!

Isaiah came home from basketball practice, ate lunch and went and got the scalp treatment! He came home and steam mopped the floor... 

Abby went for her workout and tutored. We picked her up as Mom had her usual Saturday afternoon massage! Abby joined her.

Alan and I went to Costco... It was crazy today. We didn't even park. I wanted to buy a sheet cake for the HOP service tomorrow. I also picked up frozen spinach... which must be new as I have never seen it. And we also bought tempura shrimp for dinner. All I needed to do was pop them into the air fryer! We dropped off the cake and came home. I went downstairs after loading up the fridge and putting the shrimp into the air fryer. The recycling area had so many broken glasses, which needed to be wrapped and taped up. So, that's what I did... Cleaned up the recycling area.

Alan went and picked up Mom and Abby. When they got home, Mom watched TV before having dinner.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I John 4:4 -- You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

I just thought it so amazing that we are little children, and yet able to overcome the evil one... The reason is because we are from God and He lives in us. And because He is greater, as His children, we have His authority. I think we need to remember that when we face difficulties... I think this verse is a good one to commit to memory! I belong to God... 

Seek Him First!

A Productive Date!

Alan went and played tennis this morning... When he came back, he proceeded to clean the bathroom... and we've been wanting to change the over the toilet shelf, so he pulled everything off and I took it down to the recycling and went for a run.

I did a short run and came back with him just finishing up.

We had our morning prayer time and headed out to Costco and RT Mart. Then it was lunch at a steak place... and then a scalp treatment! DELIGHTFUL!

We got home at 4pm. Alan worked on putting together the rack and I put the groceries away and rushed to prepare Mom's dinner... Yes, it's always only minutes before the phone rings and Mom is home!

Abby was home from her internship and headed out for a workout!

Isaiah came home... 

Mom went to bed and we had our family time. We played Mahjong, read about Eric Liddell, shared and prayed together... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am so thankful... When we went down to Ali Mountain, I enjoyed talking to the local people. 

One thing I heard was how there is a shortage of water... In fact, several B & B could not have guests because they weren't sure if they'd have water. One gal showed us a picture of what Sun Moon Lake is like now.

"Taiwan continues to suffer from water shortages as it deals with its worst drought in 56 years. Many counties and cities, including Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, and Changhua, have been forced to restrict water usage, while Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung are also considering implementing water-rationing."

This was the news from today's paper!

I am praying... and I feel as if the LORD is answering my prayer... A cold front has come... and the weather forecast says that there will be rain this week and next week with a possible typhoon. Please pray for Taiwan. God is merciful... When it rains, I pray that the people will acknowledge the God of the Bible, the Creator God, and would come to praise and give Him thanks!

Seek Him First!

A Splendid Day... The Cold Front Arrived!

Mom slept through the night... She did get up three times... but no banging, no clapping, no endless walking in her room... She went to the bathroom and went right back to bed! And she wasn't up at 5am! Those little pills are amazing! Thank you, God... Thank you, Annie! I am not into administering pills... but if this is going to give us some rest, I am thankful. The doctor gave me a month's worth and made an appointment for me already... May 5th, Wednesday!

After Mom left, I cleaned out the back balcony. It was time to get that sorted through. Then, it was time for tutoring!

I had lunch and a nap... Abby came home... then she headed off for her internship interview. I went to get the Bible study books and returned books at the library! The weather was cold... but perfect for a run. I only had time for an hour. 

I finished my shower, got Mom's dinner and the phone rang. 

Mom had her dinner and her shower... 

I made tzatziki dip... so yummy. That was my dinner.

Isaiah didn't have practice so he was home early.

Abby and Alan came home after their basketball practice/game.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am a child of God... always and forever! He is risen... and we've been reconciled! Hallelujah!

Seek Him First!

Celebrating Our Upcoming Anniversary!

We didn't have our usual morning counseling as Alan had his HOP Overseers' Meeting. I got busy with finishing up my ppt and talk notes. Emailed those off and worked on editing a student's writing. Emailed that off to him as we have a tutoring session tomorrow morning. Then I went to make more copies of the study as we will have one more gal joining us! I wanted to get a battery replaced for a Baby G-shock, but my usual battery guy wasn't going to be opened until 3pm. Oh well... 

When I got back, Alan was home. I went for a run. It was hot outside, so I only ran for an hour.

After a quick shower, Alan and I took off for the afternoon tea at the Sheraton. It was fabulous... Roast beef, ham, sausages, sauerkraut, lots of desserts and drinks... There were people who took an entire plate of crabs and shrimps.

We had to leave a bit early as we had to get home for Mom... Sure enough, five minutes after we walked in, the phone rang! I had Mom's dinner in the microwave... And after dinner, I took her to YangMing Hospital! I was so stuffed that I skipped dinner!

What a busy day! I would have liked a short nap... Oh well... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

In preparation for my 4/11 talk, here are three images that I found. Hope you can understand Phil. 2:1-5!

Unity is found only IN CHRIST!

Seek Him First!