God Led Day!

I was up at 5am and there was a reason! God knew I would have so much to do!

There was rain, but I knew I had to go run early as the LORD was telling me that I won't have time later on. And He is always right!

I got back and Mom was up... 

Alan and the kids were at the tennis court. I put in a load of laundry and when Isaiah was back, we sat down to go through his shorts and t-shirts. Keep, give away or take! We are putting together a box to mail to the UK. We want to see how much and how long!

At 11:15, Mom went back to bed and the WiFi was on. I saw a friend post a baby gate for free with extensions and no need for screws. I had to go and get it. 

Just as I left, the downpour started. And I was driving through the mountain roads with zero visibility! It was God who helped me... Our friends are renting and the house is fabulous. It was like being in the States.

I got back and it was time for Mom's massage. Abby went with her.

Alan and I went to the old house as our friends have left. We cleaned out the fridge as they left lots of goodies... We drove back home and Alan put together the gate. It fits perfectly and I hope it works!

I put everything away and went back to pick up Abby and Mom. I had prepared food in the morning -- made a salad, cooked veggie soup with noodles and pasta. We got turkey, so we will have plenty of food for the next few days!

I had to look over Pastor Yang and Alan's message... plus editing essays... 

I can't believe how fast the day flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a beautiful verse of encouragement!

Seek Him First!

What A Day!

Mom left for the Center and I had tons to get done... Annie said I don't even need to say that as you all know that to be true...

Isaia had an interview and when that was finished, we took off to Costco. The pants we bought were a bit snug. We got them exchanged and bought another pair. So, three pairs of new pants for him to take to the UK. Then we went to pick up Vikki and went to Gloria Mall in Taoyuan! It was so fun!

Alan bought four pairs of shoes. Isaiah bought three pairs of shoes. Abby got two pairs. I picked them out for her. We went because Isaiah needed tennis shoes, but instead, he bought three pairs of Vans! Abby did get one pair of Vans and one pair of tennis shoes. So, this is our usual back to school shopping. I got Isaiah underwear, too, at Costco! We have a few more items to buy. We will have to go to another store for Isaiah's tennis shoes. And we will do a practice run of packing as he has only 25kilos for his check in bag. The airline says for every extra kilo we will have to pay 60US$. So, we told Isaiah, we will mail him things after he knows what he might need later on as he settles into school life there in the UK.

We were a bit late, so we messaged the Day Care Center and told them we'd go and pick Mom up. It worked out perfectly!

We bought onion pancake and boba milk tea. Mom enjoyed her dinner!

Abby had tutoring at 8:30. I went for a short run! Vikkie, Isaiah and Alan played the Game of Life!

My running shoes also arrived. It was a SHOES day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Costco Shopping & Boxes Mailed!

With no tutoring and no editing, I felt so relaxed. I packed up two boxes of things to mail off: one for shoes donation and another for a missionary family down in Taidong.

Alan and I took off at 11am. He got gas while I went to the post office. Then we dropped off the money for the boxes to the Philippines. Our next stop: Costco. It wasn't too bad, but there were signs all over: only one per card. So, if you want to buy ground beef, you can't buy steak. I'm serious! One set of milk per card. Two bags of frozen veggies per card. Yes... And they were out of white vinegar. I love that stuff. It takes away the urine smell!

We came back and I got busy putting everything away while Alan had an overseers' meeting.

The rain started and I headed out for a quick run.

By the time I got back, I had only a limited amount of time to shower and get Mom's dinner ready! Rush, rush, rush!

Mom again ate well and did not have any problem going to bed. 

I worked on breaking through a locked Lenovo Idea Tablet! I'm learning a lot through YouTube videos! I have learned to break combination locks and now, I've moved on to Tablets and cellphones!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Charles and Lettie Cowman, Missionaries to Japan:

Seek Him First!

 

I'm Exhausted!

As soon as Mom is off, I get started with so many tasks. 

I rode the bike down for a friend and ran back. It was so hot. I took a super quick shower and started tutoring. When that was finished, I hopped back on my bike and rode madly to drop off something for another person. When I got back, a friend had dropped off donations. I sorted through those and sat down to work on the editing! I got a message that Set 1 had only a few corrections and can I get it done today? So in addition to working on Set 2, I was going through Set 1!

At 2:30, Alan and I headed out in the car to pick up a few things from a lady who is returning to Fresno, California. We drove as we wanted to go look at this shoes store. I am down to one pair of running shoes. How many kilometers have I ran in the past 6 months? I just looked: 838miles! That's pretty amazing! That's about 140 miles a month! 

We came back and I was back on the computer to finish the editing!

Alan went down to pick Mom up, which gave me a few more minutes. I had already made her dinner. So, I finished Set 2 and the revisions for Set 1! All emailed off! Yippy!

Alan went off to play tennis with the kids. Since I didn't find any shoes, I decided to look at the Brooks Online here in Taiwan. I couldn't believe it! They had running shoes on sale! 1390/pair! The regular price for these is over 4,000/pair (look below). So, I bought three pairs for the price of one! I'm super happy!

BROOKS】Women's Neuro 3

NT$4,490

NT$1,390

These past two days have gone by so fast... I have so many things to do... and Alan and I would love to take off and do something fun together... Maybe tomorrow... But then I might get another set of editing... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Yesterday was Thomas Chalmers. Today is James Chalmers. Here is how he died!

A year later, he was on a vessel with Tomkins near Goaribari Island, and was visited by natives who appeared to be in a dangerous mood. Chalmers resolved to go ashore and Tomkins insisted on going with him. Both men were murdered and eaten by the natives on 8 April 1901.

Seek Him First

Yeah! Day Care Center Reopened!

For some reason, Mom seemed to have known that she was going back to the Day Care Center because she was up so early!!!!!!!!! The van came at 8:30 and she was happy to be off to 'see her old friends'.

I got started with cooking and getting things done before my morning Bible study started at 10am. We are on Psalm 139. We finished at around 12:30 and I had lunch and a nap!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't want to get up but I had to... Prayer Meeting at 3pm. 

At 4pm, I was out in the sun, trying to get a quick run in before Mom was home at 5:10! 

She ate all her dinner and was not wanting to sleep! 

Alan and the kids were off playing tennis.

I was going to ride the bike to drop off to a friend, but since no one was home, I didn't go out. Mom was finally asleep at around 8pm! I hope she sleeps through the night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I always enjoy reading the book of Isaiah. But today,  in addition to reading from the book of Isaiah, I read about Thomas Chalmers.

Seek Him First!

Last Day of Level 3 Lockdown!

Yes, it's true... Things are to be opening up tomorrow.

Ms. Hsieh called and said that Mom can go back to get an acupressure massage. I booked it for Saturday!

The Day Care Center sent me a message. The driver will pick Mom up tomorrow morning at around 8:40. We will see how she does tomorrow!

I had to go to see the doctor for Mom's sundowner meds this morning after tutoring from 8:30 to 10am. That place was packed! People were getting vaccinated. It was crazy!

After getting the meds, paying 50NT$ for the appointment and a month's worth, I went to Carrefour and scored -- big time. Cookies for Mom... Fruit milk for the kids! Salad dressing for me! I could barely get everything home on my scooter. I called Alan to meet me in B1 to lug everything upstairs. I started cleaning and sorting and putting everything away. Our cupboard was just beginning to be a bit bare as we had finished all the bottles of salad dressing that I had bought last time. We are eating a lot of salad now with the summer heat!

I ate a quick lunch and made fish for Alan, and took a nap! I was planning to nap for only 10 minutes so that I can go for a run before Alan headed out for tennis... I was so exhausted that I napped for 60 minutes and had time only for a 55 minute run! Alan was late meeting up with the kids!

I finished the first set of editing for Taipei City Government, Tourism Bureau. And in the evening worked on editing essays for another client! They sent me the second set which I am to finish by Thursday! 

The day went by way too fast!

I still need to move the bicycles... finish organizing the kitchen cabinets. Tomorrow I have Bible study in the morning and prayer meeting in the afternoon! Plus, I have to work, work, work! This new job will be from now until the end of August. And it's going to take a lot of time to finish!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Isaiah 43:19

I read this verse today and the sidebar had a reference for the word 'new'... 

II Cor. 5:17

Isn't that just a beautiful thought?

Seek Him First!

A Lot Done!

The day flew by... 

Abby and I rode our bikes as I had two books to give away and errands to run. Alan was home with Mom. We got contacts for Abby plus refills for white out tapes... and then shopped around Shihlin! It was so hot! 97F but with a feel of 111F!

The service was broadcast from our house! It was very nice!

Mom had a bit of diarrhea so she could only have toast for dinner! I gave her three pieces!

After we cleaned everything up, Alan and I watched TV. We are on a new show: The Good Doctor, the American version. Isaiah has been keeping us posted on the medal standings of all the countries!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Our speaker today shared from John 9, the healing of the man born blind! 

So here are some questions to consider:

Why did John use an entire chapter to talk about this one healing?

How is this healing different from any other mentioned in the Gospel?

How far was the walk from the temple to the pool?

Did anyone help him to get there as he was walking with mud on his face, not to mention that he's blind?

How does this particular healing relate to our salvation experience? 

Seek Him First!

A Lot of Rain!

It rained all last night and this morning... 

Alan drove so that I could go and pick up a free pair of Vans for Abby! And I also brought two bags of stuff to give away... 

After getting back, I went for a run! Splendid... it was so refreshing after the rain... I was the ONLY one out there... I was feeling so good and since everyone was home with Mom, I ran over 15 km. That's my longest since the level 3 lockdown! I wanted to keep going... 

Alan and the kids went to play tennis after I got home! The courts needed to be squeegeed... In the morning Abby had a long meeting with the supervisor of her internship. Isaiah had a pre-departure session with Warwick Administrators. It was very informative! Alan spent the time preparing for his talk on 8/8.

Tonight we had Family Time! And for dinner, leftover pizza! YUMMY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

More Stuff GONE!

Quite a busy day of giving things away... Golf bag gone! Drawer organizer gone! Shower curtains and hooks gone! Vacuum filter and books gone! Small Toshiba gone! YEAH!

I walked down to get the bike fixed for a neighbor... 

Abby was home for her internship because of the typhoon!

Alan and Isaiah went to get Isaiah's ROC passport renewed and then went to pick Vikki up! Isaiah has also started the visa process for the UK. It's so complicated! Once we get that, we will book the ticket. Most likely he will take off on 9/21!

For dinner, we ordered from Pizza Hut! Yummy! I also had cooked stuff, but it was fun to splurge!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today is Mom Bea's birthday! 

It reminded us that we are usually there in the States to celebrate with her with dinner at the Boat House -- Lobster or Prime Ribs! 

Instead we're having Pizza Hut!

We pray that God would extend Mom Bea's life and ease her back pain! She has truly honored God with her life! I rarely hear her complain about things. And I know she prays for us, daily! She has been a faithful steward of God's many gifts!

Seek Him First!

A Relatively Calm Day!

I went for a quick bike ride to see what the weather was like. So, even with the rain, it was still hot and muggy! This typhoon is not bringing much wind... 

I also went to the post office to mail a few watches to a dear friend. She sent me the lemons and bananas from her farm in Taidong. Alan has so enjoyed the freshly squeezed lemonade!

I met up with one gal who wanted children's DVD and a drawer organizer. 

I got back home and organized a couple of cabinet areas and did another load of laundry... Yes... 

Mom was up and I made her sit! And it worked! It was a long bathroom session!

After lunch, Mom actually went to take a nap and this time, it wasn't just for five minutes!

I went for a run... Again, a short one as Alan went off to the tennis courts... 

I had cooked two different dishes this morning, so we had plenty of delicious food for dinner.

Good News: The overnight facility has openings. Bad News: before being admitted, Mom is required to undergo the Quick Nose Test for Covid, costing 3500$! That means, it's not worth it if she goes there for a weekend. The director said, "Best to come for a longer stay, using up all your government subsidized days. Or decide if you want her to be at the facility long term!" If we admit her long term, it's self-pay and we can't afford it just now with the cost of Isaiah's schooling. We had thought that by September 2022 it would be more affordable for us to cover that expense. Of course, I'm sure my siblings would be willing to chip in, if we decide to do that by September of this year! So, we will see!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The other day, I was in too much of a hurry and a container fell out of the cabinet and broke. I swept up the pieces and decided to keep the lock-lock glass lid, thinking, "Maybe I'll find another container!" What's the likelihood of that every happening? This afternoon, I went to throw away a few plastic containers and my habit is when I go down there, I try to make that area a bit nicer as some of the residence just toss things, never looking at the signs posted on the wall for each bin! I go and take out items in a bag set in the glass recycling area and there is sat -- a glass container. And... when I brought it up and washed it, took out the lid, PERFECT FIT!

With God, nothing is impossible!

Seek Him First!

Sporadic Down Pour!

First, Happy Birthday to my brother, Eddie! He turned 58!

And the weather was cooler... with sporadic down pour. Abby would write from her internship location that it was pouring there and we had nothing in Neihu. Then Isaiah would say it was pouring where he was at... so there was rain all over Taipei. It did help to cool down the temperature, but we still needed to have our AC on!

I didn't have to do a load this morning, but I did one yesterday! Still there was quite a bit of cleaning in the bathroom! But a friend mailed me lemons. We squeezed to make lemonade and I'm now using the peel to make my own cleanser. Smells so nice!!!!!!!! I saw this recipe -- soak the peels in vinegar! Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or for me, laundry detergent... Pour the vinegar into the spray bottle and use the peels for another soaking with vinegar! I can also use the peelings in the first floor garden area. Helps to prevent bugs!

Mom was the same... She has bowel problems, so every bathroom trip must be supervised! I have to wipe for her now!

Alan and I had a counseling session and then I had to tutor! It was nice to have lunch at 12:30. And I did have a nap!

In the afternoon, I went for a run, hoping for the rain to come! I love running in the rain but it wasn't raining much. The kids and Alan went to play tennis and this evening, it finally started to rain a bit more! Supposedly the typhoon will be coming through, but it won't be a very strong one!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Someone was asking about how to apply II Cor. 10:5. 

How would you answer if someone asked you?

Seek Him First!

Another Hot Day...

The day flew by... 

I cut Mom's hair and she was up and wanting to eat. Her appetite is definitely back! She still eats slower than before, but she eats the whole day from the time she wakes up to the time she goes to sleep. 

Alan worked on cleaning more computers as I worked on my new editing job! 

Isaiah and Abby were both at their internship and this evening, they all went to play tennis! 

I had an hour run before Alan left.

This evening I had my Bible study, but with no one home, I had to supervise Mom.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Precision! That's what I've discovered today. 

I went and splurged on a new pair of glasses with transition lenses. 40US$! But for some reason, even though it is my present prescription, every time I wear them, I feel dizzy and can't keep them on for more than 5 minutes. Today I went to a specialist. He looked at both pairs of glasses. He looked at my eyes. The prescription is weaker than what I might need, but that's not the problem. I'm very comfortable with my old pair of glasses. So, what was the problem? The new ones depth is off by 2mm. NOW, that should not matter! But my brain is very precise. That's what he said! To get used to the new pair, I have to get my BRAIN to like them! That means I have to wear them throughout the day and let my brain adjust. Isn't that 'weird'? My brain has gotten so used to these old pair of glasses that even a difference of 2mm is a big difference! So, now when I'm watching TV, I am getting my eyes used to the new pair of glasses. And throughout the day, I put on the new pair of glasses. Maybe in another month, I will write to let you know that my brain has finally adjusted!

God, our Creator, must be very precise! Every detail of every thing is covered by Him. Every thing must be connected perfectly in order for the body to function properly. If something is off by just 2mm, things might not work properly! That's how amazing our God is!

And I found that the Puritan thought of God as a precise God as He gave us the precise Scripture to follow! And many theologians have written about God as He indeed is precise in His plans. 

So, I guess this is not new... But it is a new insight for me!

Seek Him First!

 

Typhoon Might Be Coming!

It's petrifying HOT... but I looked and there might be rain this week... the weather says it should cool down by Wednesday! With 100% rain! I'm so excited!

I tutored this morning and then I had time to rest... A nap does the body good... I'm totally convinced!

In the afternoon, I went and got Abby's scooter done -- new back tire and oil changed! Then went and bought fruit and dropped off watches to be fixed. I didn't have the chance to drop by the store to buy more diaper inserts for Mom! I hope to do that tomorrow!

When I got back, Alan went to drop off donation, pick up the watches, and go to Costco! They had one confirmed case and had to disinfect everything and close for a day. We are into salads but a head of lettuce has gone up to 3.30US$! So, Costco was the cheapest-- 2$/head!

Mom was up, bathroom, eat, and back to her room, and up, bathroom, eat, and back to her room... I finally locked the bathroom door! 

Alan went to the park as the kids met up with him to play tennis. I wanted to go, but someone had to be home with Mom. We are quite limited in what we can do. The Center might be opening up next Tuesday. We shall see. If it does, at least Alan and I can go and run errands together! For example, he needs a new rod for his bike, but he wants me to go with him in order to communicate with the bike shop guys. Plus, with my new editing job starting, if Mom is at the Center, I can really concentrate instead of having to tend to her bathroom trips!

It cooled down a little so I had time for my hour run! I've slowed down! I can only get in 9k in an hour! My legs just don't want to move. I'm not sure if it's the temperature or my age... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Sunday Already!

A new week has begun!

I cleaned out another container of things.. and went through 10 CDs. I would play the first song and the kids and Alan would decide if it's a "keep" or "give away"!

Our service was at 4pm, but not being broadcast from our home. Next week, it will be!

Alan and the kids went to play tennis. I rode the bike down there and played for 3 minutes. Mom was up four times and she figured out how to push the chairs out even with the weights and the rod. She freaked Isaiah out! He didn't sleep much at all! We are securing the rod to the legs of the chairs and we will see!

Tonight Alan and I watched the US version of the Good Doctor on Netflix.

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Chronicles 4:10

This was the text for today's sermon: Enlarging Our Boundaries!

John mentioned the SpaceX Launch of non-astronauts into space... Perhaps with all the travel restrictions due to Covid-19,  space travel is the only travel that won't ask people to be quarantined upon returning!

Seek Him First!

A New Editing Job!

This morning Mom was so active. She was able to push away two chairs with 40kilos of weights and not just once but over and over and over again! Isaiah and Alan went early to play tennis. I went to check the bikes and each time I came back in, Mom was there sitting at the dining room table! It wasn't even 7am! I finally got a rod from our recycling area and secured the chairs!

Abby joined them and so did I... for 15 minutes! We hope to do this again... it was fun! We think we should play doubles -- Abby with Alan and Isaiah will be my partner! Isaiah insulted me by saying, "Mom we will win if you just stand at the service line!" I couldn't stay long because I had to get back to check on Mom!

Because it's Saturday, Alan had to go buy things, such as soybean milk and the CO2 for the Sodastream machine.

In the afternoon, I downloaded my emails and got another editing job! I hope it will pay well!

It cooled down at 7pm so I went for a run and we had our Family Time this evening!

Isaiah built more ships out of Lego's.

Daily Lovely Insight: 

As we have finished the life of Eric Liddell, we have started reading about the life of George Muller! Both men had such a life of faith, being wise stewards of all of God's gifts. We are very challenged by their lives! George Muller didn't start off as a person who followed God. It helps me to remember: with God, all things are possible! He is in the business of transforming lives!

Seek Him First!

A Nice Friday!

Yes, I had to do another load of laundry this morning... Such is my morning routine now! 

Isaiah went and met up with Vikki. We stayed up until after 1am, sorting Lego's. When I woke up this morning, he had made two fantastic boats... He stayed up until 3:30! We started just looking for heads and bodies of 'people' in this huge pile of Lego pieces. We got carried away!

Abby went to her internship.

Mom was up early... and I had to pray with a group of gals as one of the gals' mom is in ICU. We prayed through the phone. Her mom was awake and somewhat alert during the phone call! Quite amazing!

Alan had gone out for a run in the morning... He played tennis with Abby this evening.

I started cooking... beef with carrots, couscous and mashed potatoes. YUMMY.

I loaded all the donation in the car and this evening, started dropping things off!

Isaiah was going to be over at Vikki's until 11pm, so we decided to have Family Time tomorrow night!

And I actually had time for a nap AND a run! The weather forecast said that there would be rain at 4pm. I was so excited. I went out at 3:58. NOTHING. Not a drop of rain and the temperature did not drop either. The forecast said it would!

Daily Lovely Insight:

A friend was upset about a delay and a detour but as we continued to talk, he came to realize that God uses delays and detours to bring us to see Him more... Those delays and detours often lead us to divine appointments and a better place to understand Him better!

Every day there are delays and detours! Look for them and the divine appointments that God has planned!

Seek Him First!

Scorching Heat...

So much to do... but no time... I had to do another load of laundry and disinfect the room. Glad the AC was on... It is exhausting and draining without the AC on full blast. I just wanted to faint! 

Mom was up and eating and eating and eating... She doesn't eat a lot, but she eats often. I set two cut up apples and she'll come and sit, eat a few bites, go back to the room, look out the window, then back at the dining room table again. This is what she does the entire day! Plus trips to the bathroom! She keeps saying she needs to go and rest... but she lays down for about five minutes and she's up again! 

Alan was home. So, I was able to go buy veggies and drop things off for donation. Tonight, YWAM came over and picked up stuff! I had a friend who is moving back to Shanghai, so she dropped off 10 boxes of toys! I sorted through that and I'll make another trip of donation tomorrow. 

Alan, Isaiah and Abby all went to the park to play tennis at about 6pm. People are so antsy to be out. The courts are finally opened for play!

I was too exhausted to go for a run... WAHHHHHH... Actually, I think it's so hot that I'm not that motivated to go for a run... Even going for a ride on my bike seems exhausting. I'm not into the heat. It drains me. I feel so much more invigorated by the winter air than the summer heat. I can't imagine that it's going to get hotter... and for another two months!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Alan had an overseers' online meeting today. I was sitting nearby when they talked about what is the next 'series' and one of the elders suggested 'places of significance'. What a great topic!

Garden of Eden

Gilgal

Kadesh-Barnea

Sea of Galilee

Jericho

Samaria

Mt. Olive

Garden of Gethsemane

The list goes on... Maybe I'll be asked to share during these next few months... So, which place of significance would you want to speak on? 

Seek Him First!

Yes, It's HOT!

 All I wanted to do today was SLEEP! It's like my body just wanted to take one long nap! BUT I couldn't.

Tutoring at 10:30... and taking care of Mom... 

Mom had a shower, but it was strange... the room smelled... and there was no insert when she went into the shower... HUM??? I found it... Let's not talk about what I had to do for the rest of the morning! I'll just say -- I did two loads of laundry!

In the afternoon, it was too hot to go outside, even though I needed to drop off donation. I gave myself time to rest!

This evening we had counseling.

Alan and Abby went to play tennis.

I had cooked two more days worth of delicious food... chicken with couscous, pumpkin soup with noodles, and Mexican style spaghetti with meatballs (leftover meat from the meatloaf)! 

After the counseling, the weather was finally cooler... so I went for a short run!

Daily Lovely Insight:

John MacArthur's Quote:

When we bless God, it is with words of praise; when God blesses us, it is with deeds of kindness.

I do find that God is so kind to me... He blesses me... all the time!

I am grateful!

Seek Him First!

Bible Study... And A Very Long Day!

The day started with a load of wash... after time with Jesus!

Then it was go, go, go... not run, run, run... even though there were clouds in the sky!

I had Bible study on line at 10am. Mom was up and down and up and down! Her appetite is back... so maybe she lost her appetite as a side effect from the shot.

At 2:30, I went with our finance person to the bank to get some of the HOP banking things completed! That took a little longer than expected. It sprinkled so just walking outside felt like a sauna!

I got back and Mom was up and about... I had to supervise the bathroom 'stops' again and again and again... Finally, I just had to lock the bathroom door. I forgot to mention that this morning, she was up and flushing the toilet... I counted... in two hours, she flushed 8 times... yes, about every 15 minutes! And yes, I finally had to lock the bathroom door.  I can't imagine how much water is being wasted. We are thinking of turning off the water valve!

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis! Alan is so happy!

Abby can also go workout at the gym, but she needs to Bring her own water and towel and no shower! Pools are still closed! People are thinking that by July 26th, they will begin to open up a bit more. We shall see as the Delta strand seemed to have hit the States!

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Chronicles 27:6 was so encouraging:

So, Jotham became mighty because he ordered his way before the LORD his God.

I pray this for Isaiah, Abby and all the kids of this generation! That they would order their way before the LORD and prove to be mighty!

Seek Him First!

Errand Day!

It's Kurtis' birthday... He turned 24! Wow...

I had tutoring this morning and Mom was up and about... Thankfully, Alan came home as he went to the park to check out the courts. The 'rumor' is... PLAY CAN BEGIN TOMORROW! He is so excited. I guess I won't be seeing as much of him once that starts!

After I finished, I started cooking! Spaghetti, meatloaf, soup, salad... Our fridge is nicely packed again! Abby has been so good. She packs her lunch every day. Isaiah gets to order at his internship. The company pays 50$ and he pays the rest!

Mom is eating well. I set the food out on the table... and she just walks over and eats... then goes back to her room, looks out the windows, and naps. 

Alan went and dropped off all the donated and borrowed items... And he completed the yearly government required car 'check-up'. The cost - 15US$!

The clouds came in the afternoon, so I went for a run. Alan was home updating all our old lap tops!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I went running in the park... and 'ran' into four friends! Amazing! That's the way the LORD works... Sometimes, He brings us to meet people so unexpectedly! Running into them made the run in the heat so much more pleasant! I think giving thanks for the heat has made a difference! God brings something or someone to make the unpleasant more pleasant... 

Seek Him First!

Can It Get Any Hotter???

 Mom was up and active and eating, eating, eating... Every time she wanted to go to the bathroom, if the door was locked, she walked and sat down at the dining room table. Because I kept food on the plate, she would sit down and eat. This happened all throughout the day!

We had our service and that was the way to keep her occupied. She ate dimsum, noodles, sandwiches, snacks... 

The service had a glitch as we were on the PREVIEW mode and not streaming mode! This went on for 20 minutes. Thankfully, we were able to fix the problem and go on live. It was weird as I had invited several not yet believers to view the service! I pray that the LORD will work. 

I went to walk this evening after Mom went to bed and then we had Family Time! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

With the heat, I actually don't feel like running... Even biking or walking is difficult... A friend has returned to Leeds, England. I googled the weather there. Low of 16, high of 20, WITH RAIN! Taipei was low of 27, high of 34, NO RAIN, NO CLOUD with a feel of 43! I told her, That's my favorite running weather. And I realized, we have about two months of this heat... Fall might not start until late September or early October... WAHHHHHHHH... What's my insight? Complaining doesn't help! So, I have started to give thanks each morning for the weather... and with the AC on... the day passes by FAST! Yes, you noticed those two letters AC!

Thank you Jesus!

Seek Him First!

Finding Time to Nap!

I really wanted to take a nap today... 

If only... As soon as I laid down, Mom wanted to go to the bathroom... again! It's definitely a mental thing! She ate well today and was a lot more active... 

I biked to get an errand done and gave away all the bikes.

It was hot... And I couldn't go buy milk as today was an 'even' day. I was going to send Alan out for milk but he wanted to work on cleaning our old lap tops. He is getting quite a bit done with this Level 3 lockdown as he can't go play tennis and no basketball at the gym. I did cut his hair this morning!

Isaiah went to hang out with Vikki today.

Abby watched Korean soap operas! She finally went for a 40 minute run at 9:30!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I highlighted these verses today... with the heat increasing by the day, I just love the thought of God being the shade in the day time to hide me from the heat!

Seek Him First!

A Relaxing Day... Sort Of...

We were up early as Alan has his discipleship group on line starting at 6am. It gets hot... so it is nicer to get up. The only thing was that I didn't go to bed until almost 2am.

I went for my run, trying to get away from the heat... but by 7:45, it was already very hot!

When I got back, I took a quick shower and got Mom up for her shower and breakfast. She went back to bed, but then got up again to finish her breakfast. This is her usual thing now... 

I rode the bike to run errands... And a friend came and took another bike. We are down to only two bikes! I walked the 10 speed bike down to check the cost and possibility of changing the handle bar... It was hot. I also went to see about finding a Asus ROG Phone 5 for one of Eddie's friends.

It was so hot outside... 

Isaiah drove with Alan supervising as Vikki came over to hang out.

Abby went to her internship... 

I made cheeseburgers for dinner and another salad!

Oh... We tried the treadmill last night and the downstairs neighbors were not happy. We cannot use it. I asked if we can put it on the first floor... NOPE! So, we are now in search of a sound proofing pad... We want to borrow one first to test and see if the downstairs neighbor would still complain. They are very sensitive people! I will keep you posted!

Isaiah took the scooter to be tuned up... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I love the names of God that I've been reading... If we don't know His name, we won't revere Him... The name for today: The Rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

My heart is often overwhelmed... But God sets me to the Rock... the Rock that is higher!

Seek Him First!

Saying Good bye to New Friends... Getting Things Cleared Out!

I get up so early now as it gets hot as soon as the sun is out! So, by 5:30, we can feel the heat from our bedroom windows. I go and have my quiet time... which I love... Then I try to get one chore done before I get busy with Mom Care!

At 10:10, I was out the door to pick up the treadmill and run a few errands as Alan was home. Abby didn't bring the melodian to her internship and she needed it. I tried to remind her to take it, but... 

When I got back home, Alan took off to school to get the transcript for Isaiah. When he got back, I left to pay bills and run more errands! Our new friend was leaving Taiwan, so I went over to the hotel to say good-bye. I came back and finished packing the box. Isaiah helped me get it sealed up. We needed two people as I try to stuff so much inside!

The kids were home by 6:40... I borrowed a treadmill, so we all tried it while watching TV with the AC on! YEAH! Even running at night is quite unbearable! There is not time, not even in the middle of the night, when it's cool enough to run! I think this will be the case for the next two months!

And CDC has announced -- Level 3 will continue until July 26! They will relax certain measures, such as outdoor track at a school and indoor gyms. Anyhow, it is quite complicated. Alan still cannot play basketball or tennis!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 148:13

His name is exalted... His name is excellent! His majesty is above earth and heaven! 

They that know thy name shall put their trust in thee!

Ain't that the truth?

Seek Him First!

Alan's Birthday!

We had wanted to go out for Isaiah's graduation... and Alan's birthday... but we are still on Level 3.

I went for a quick bike ride to get the salad ingredients for Alan's birthday dinner. I also bought burger buns as Alan wanted a homemade cheeseburger!

Isaiah and Abby were out at their internship.

I was busy as I had tutoring in the morning from 10:30 to about 12. Mom was up and down and up and down... 

Alan went to school to pick up Isaiah's diploma and also applied for the kids' scholarship reimbursement. When he was back, I went for a run in the heat!

After a quick shower, I went to Costco to get pizza for Alan's birthday dinner.

The kids were back by 6pm and we had the birthday celebration... Dear friends dropped off lemon tarts for Alan! They were fabulous. We had Costco pizza and salad... and then played Skip-Bo and watched TV. What a fun evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 72:6

I never thought of the LORD in this way... Maybe that's why I love running in the rain so much!

Seek Him First!

Box Packed for the Philippines!

 The day flew by... as usual... and it was so hot and muggy. I just wanted to sit under an AC unit and let it blow!

It did sprinkle this afternoon, which made it more like a sauna.

Isaiah and Abby were both at their internship.

More bikes are gone... More items given... More boxes packed. They will pick up on Friday!

This evening I had my Bible study and then went to deliver more goods that I have been collecting to give away! I was going to ride my bike, but no time and I was a bit tired... but the temperature was so perfect... I wanted to run. But I know that if I run so late, I won't be able to fall asleep... So... I resisted!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We looked at Manneseh, the king of Judah. He started out as a wicked king... repented and became known as a good king. The point is: no one is too gone to be redeemed by God!

We also talked about how our temple, our body, is being renovated by God... I thought that was a great question... we are also under renovation!

Seek Him First!