It was a good day to get things sorted...
I got up early and had my time with Jesus and a quick run. I still did not get up before 4am! I am working on that!
Mom was off to her Program and I finished up with the cleaning. Another person came and picked up two huge bags of things.
Alan and I went to Costco and it was fairly empty!
This evening I had my evening Bible study.
Daily Lovely Insight:
Samuel Chadwick:
Seek Him First!
I got up early, but not early enough.
I was so tired... But after my time with Jesus, I went for a run. I'm glad I did. It helped to energize me.
Then Mom was in need to a LONG shower... And lots of cleaning! The driver called and I told him I would be a little late. He is very nice!
Then I put the money down for the boxes to be picked up. And sorted through things for another friend to be picking up tomorrow. My list was very long! I tutored from 8:45 to 10:15! And with school starting, I will only be tutoring him once a week, most likely Thursday afternoon!
Isaiah's scooter was picked up! Falcon is gone!
I emailed the stuff I edited... and went to the library! It is finally opened so I can check out books.
At 3:15, I scootered over to our old house as we will have a friend stay there. She is recovering from cancer and needed a place of refuge! I don't know how long she will stay... but at least for six months!
When I got back, it was time to fix Mom's dinner.
I had my evening class tonight. No tap dancing... I'm glad I didn't sign up.
Isaiah went over to see Vikki.
Abby went bike riding with the kids from her summer internship.
Alan was home working on the computer. He also had a nice long talk with him mom.
Another friend came by and dropped off freshly baked cinnamon rolls!
Daily Lovely Insight:
It's the end of the summer... and it's been a strange summer. We did not go to the States. In fact, we didn't take any trip. Mom was stuck home for two months as the Center was closed. We did not have church but things were online! School is set to start on 9/1. Universities will start back on 9/22. When asked if we will go see Isaiah next summer, our answer is: We Do Not Know!
I hope so... and along with that answer, I tell people: Our HOPE is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth. That has been true, and that will continue to be true!
Seek Him First!
That's what I spent my day doing...
And one of the people I met through the Buy Nothing group came to church today!
I didn't get up at 4am as no run on Sunday. But I was up early... I had to meet people at 10am. I'm praying for this other gal that I met today... She's struggling with health and mental problems.
Pastor Jerry spoke from Psalm 121. Our help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth!
Daily Lovely Insight:
One new thing from Psalm 121. The Hebrew word Shamar, meaning to keep, is repeated six times in such a short psalm. Keep can mean to watch, to guard, to protect... and God wants to remind us that He does all that and more for His sheep. And yes... Psalm 121 is very similar in thought with Psalm 23! Isn't that beautiful?!?!?!
Seek Him First!
Before getting Mom showered, I went for my run. I didn't get up at 4am. But I was up early! And it was cooler to run by 6am.
I met up with people and handed things to them.
Then got Mom up and we were out the door... We first ran errands then went to the Mall for lunch! Mom is back to being her usual eating machine!
Abby and Mom had the massage for two hours... So nice!
Alan and I came home. I cooked dinner and rested. We also picked up the stuff I copied yesterday and the tennis racket that needed to be restrung. We also dropped by our old house as I had things to bring up. A gal who is recovering from her cancer treatment will be staying there for a few months. She can't work and she doesn't want to move back home.
Isaiah went to hang out at Vikki's and came home early so that we could have family time!
Daily Lovely Insight:
God uses visual aids to help His people understand His truth. I see that in the book of Jeremiah and I see that in the book of Ezekiel. So very interesting.
God tells Jeremiah to do things to illustrate certain truth. And today, I read that God told Ezekiel to cut his hair and split it into three parts. What God told Ezekiel to do with each part was also extremely interesting. You can read it for yourselves in Ezekiel 5. It's so fascinating!
Seek Him First!
God did it again... 4:16. This time, I didn't go back to sleep!
I was out the door by 5:55... it was cooler, but as soon as the sun came out... So, I will have to get up earlier... Like at 4am!
The day was filled... packed! Just like our car right now!
After Mom and Abby left, we took off to the DMV. Isaiah had to junk his scooter and get his international car and scooter license. It's good for THREE years!
By the time that was done, we went and bought drinks at Coco and Isaiah headed off to hang out with Vikki. Alan and I went to the Copier as I had things to get done for my class that starts on Monday. And then we had lunch together. Most restaurants are still not allowing dine in. But we finally found one! YEAH!
We came back here and I had a power nap. Finished up the load of laundry, put things away and headed out the door!
We loaded up our car again! I dropped off the wheelchair for a friend. Her mother is going to get the hip replacement surgery. Then I dropped things off at Margaret's Second Hand Store. Things that she will be able to sell. The rest I will post and give away for free!
I came home and fixed myself a nice iced coffee and Mom was home.
She had dinner, talked with James and went to bed.
I headed downstairs to pack up the boxes!
It is so hot these days and our AC units are no longer working! Pray for cooler days!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Don't let the small stuff frazzle you! Don't let people frazzle you.
Stand on God's promises!
Believe in Him!
Trust in Him!
His ways are always best!
Seek Him First!
I got up early so that I can have my time with Jesus and go out for a run before it gets blaring hot! I'm going to try to do this for the rest of the hot summer days as the afternoon thunder showers are GONE!
Mom took off for the Center, which gave me time to call for boxes and post things.
I then went for a long scooter ride to pick up magnetic window cleaner. The GPS said 26 minutes, but it took more than an hour. I made a very wrong turn... I'm glad I went as I was dropping off something for her to remember Taiwan and it turned out her father is a pastor in a small church in Northern California. I think God had a reason for that connection.
I came back and found Ricotta cheese on sale! YEAH! Then dropped off a shower curtain rod for someone.
Once back home, the messages were coming... about picking up things!
Mom was home... and after she went to bed, I scootered off to tutor.
Alan, Isaiah and Abby were all at the downtown campus to play basketball!
Did I mention that I got another job, 10 sessions, 2 hours each session, 3500NT$/session, three students? YIPPY! God is good as He is providing!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Sometimes, we get lazy. We don't want to go the extra mile to help someone. Like today, riding in that hot sun, I was about to say, FORGET IT? I don't need the magnetic window cleaner. But it wasn't about the window cleaner. I think God had something greater... I'm still not sure what that 'greater' is, but I'm pretty sure He has His perfect plan!
Each day we need to grow more aware of what He wants us to do. Realize that we have a chance for Him to use us to extend His hands to others. We might not even know it when we do!
And that's the beauty of living for Jesus!
Seek Him First!
So much to do...
Tutoring in the morning which was after I had already gone out right after Mom left. I went to pick up free food!
After the lesson, no rain... and it was way too hot to be out. So, I actually DID NOT go for a run. I need to get up at 4am... Yes, for the next month, that might have to be my daily routine!
At 2:45, I was out the door, as I volunteered to help a dear sister to clean out her house! We bagged and loaded up my car! COMPLETELY! I will have to do another trip! I posted on Buy Nothing, and things are flying out the door! It's quite a ministry. I never knew there were so many international students in Taipei who need things!
Alan and Abby were out to play tennis.
Mom was back and I could only give her toast. She did talk to James again!
When she went to bed, I started sorting through things and posted more pictures of free stuff!
Alan and I were able to watch TV...
Daily Lovely Insight:
Why do I do this? People ask me that question...
I do it because I am a steward of all of God's precious gifts! I just don't want to waste! I think people don't value what they have. They don't consider themselves to be extremely blessed. Perhaps it is the consumer mentality or the capitalistic mindset. Whatever it is, I think the early church got it right when they would share all things with one another. And so, God uses me to receive from someone in order to give to someone else! It's time consuming. It's tiring. It's a ministry of God's love!
Seek Him First!
I smelled it this morning and knew what I would see...
So, it was a busy morning before my Bible study. Mom didn't go to the Center until 12noon! Every time she does her 'bad habit', diarrhea comes. The nasty habit is really "nasty" and very bad for her whole digestive system.
After the Bible study, I was just feeling a bit frustrated with all the cleaning. Mom has just enough physical mobility and mental ability to make caring for her extremely difficult! Thank you for your prayer support!
It was so hot and I was just feeling tired.
I laid down and was fast asleep!
When I woke up, I felt better and I looked out the windows. Dark clouds were forming!
What an amazing blessing from God! The weather forecast said HOT, NO RAIN! But here were the clouds.
I got dressed and went out for my dance in the rain! I was so happy! As the down pour came, it just washed away the frustration...
I rushed home as I had a call from the social walker. I'm trying to arrange some free part-time home visits. I only have about 15 hours before the end of September. They only come for a 3 hour block, so I have to arrange my own self pay, if I want someone to stay longer!
Since Mom's stomach wasn't feeling well, I gave her just two plain pieces of toast and water. We will see what happens tomorrow! She got to talk to James!
Daily Lovely Insight:
It really was a miracle that the rain came! I felt so loved! I just love being out there... So refreshing... Birds don't seem to mind the downpour. They are out there too... At first, the cement was smoking and it felt like a sauna. But as the rain started to really come down, the wind came and the air grew light and exhilarating! My heart soared...
Seek Him First!
With Mom home on the weekends, I find myself trying to catch up on things on Monday.
Did a load of laundry.
Tutored!
Returned the pot I bought.
Got the refund for my tap class, which had to be cancelled due to Covid. And I did not sign up for the Fall semester... WAHHHH... I need to see how things go on Monday evenings since Isaiah is in England.
Paid bills and updated our bank books.
Called to find out about mailing packages to England (still not opened) and Isaiah's exit permit. We might have to go in on Friday to apply for the exit permit.
Ordered boxes for a friend. We are going to pack them up on Wednesday afternoon. I think four boxes won't be enough!
Prayer time with a sister.
Prepared dinner. Tested the rice cooker!
Ran! I have to start running at night. It is so hot during the day time. Eddie said I should think about going at 4am. That's not a bad idea, if only I can get up at 3am.
Helped a student with her thesis.
Abby didn't have internship so she went out with her friends to Korean Town.
Isaiah decided to play tennis this evening.
Alan was home to take care of Mom!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
I went down to the recycling and found an office chair, stuff animals and a toy kitchen. Brought everything up, posted the items and right away, people wanted them. So, while we were at church, they came and picked up everything!
Then another lady is cleaning out her house. She has tons of stuff... we will be mailing a lot of it out to the Philippines! Nice blankets, towels, sheet, men's clothing, etc. And some of the bigger items I will post and I'm sure they will be gone so fast! That's the job for next week!
In the morning, I rode Alan's scooter and dropped off the 'wedding' picture that we are helping to store for someone. Then Mom was up for breakfast!
I then scootered to meet up with a gal who had xiaomi watch band and a garmin watch band... YEAH.
On the way back, I stopped at Miramar and there were so many people... I needed a soda stream refill!
I also went and bought fruit!
When I got back, we had to head out to church. We try to get there early these days.
I was the translator for Paul. He spoke from Rev. 5!
Great message!
Came home and had dinner.
Family Time after Mom went to bed!
Daily Lovely Insight:
From the message:
God's justice is brought through the greatest injustice -- the shed blood of Jesus. So, the Lion of the tribe of Judah is the Lamb that was slaughtered. Jesus is the only one worthy to open the scroll of seven seals. What is in that scroll?
Read Revelation 6 and the following chapters to answer that question!
Seek Him First!
I just felt quite tired today...
Alan, Isaiah, Abby and Vikki went off to the "Water Park", but they couldn't get in. Too many people! We didn't make reservation, thinking it was the ghost month and people are scared of being in water. But I guess people have been 'locked up' for too long... the place was packed!
I pushed Mom in the wheelchair and caught a bus to go to the massage place. Two hours of sleep... I totally enjoyed the acupressure!
I met Alan and everyone at the Vietnamese Restaurant for our Family Core! It was so great. Alan went to Costco, hoping to find romaine lettuce or cucumbers at the ShiJr Costco, but NOTHING!. He got desserts instead.
We were home by 8pm. After Mom went to bed, I went for a run! It was quite cool
Daily Lovely Insight:
I shared this verse for the couple who will be heading to the States on Monday:
Seek Him First!
Yes, the day went by too fast!
Isaiah went over to hang out with Vikki after playing tennis.
Abby had her internship.
Alan started the morning with Discipleship.
I got Mom ready and she was off... I was FREE to get things done. Cooked dinner! Put away the clothes. Tidied up her room.
Alan had a talk with Mom Bea... NICE!
And then we headed out to pick up the rice cooker, reserve the restaurant for Saturday, go to Costco. Actually, I went and did the shopping while Alan had lunch. RT Mart didn't have any discounted items. I then walked over to Costco, hoping to get romaine lettuce and cucumbers. The veggies were so expensive. And there were people fighting over boxes of dragon fruit. I guess there were seven boxes left and one person wanted all seven. But another person wanted one, so they started grabbing and yelling. It was crazy. There was also a limit on frozen veggies. You can't imagine how expensive veggies are. I got one small bag of mixed salad -- US$8. One small bag of spinach leaf -- US$8. One small bag of lettuce -- US$8. Only carrots were cheaper -- US$3. So, even though I didn't think I was going to get much at Costco, I still ended up spending about 150US$. I AM NOT KIDDING! I can list what I bought and it truly wasn't much!
We came home and I was tired just from going to Costco. I had another cup of coffee! Then proceeded to put everything away.
There was a fan at our front door. Yes, I am now known in our complex as the person who fixes things.
The rain never came. The screen guy called and said that he will be over. But I wanted to go for a run. Alan was home, so I had only 50 minutes. 8km. And no rain, so it was HOT!
Mom was home promptly at 5:13! The screen guy was here. Alan left for more tennis.
Mom had a quick chat with James.
I had tutoring tonight!
It will be so nice to have our windows open... hopefully, the weather will be cool like last night. It was down in the high 70's! It was so comfortable that I felt lured to be out...
Daily Lovely Insight:
F.J. Huegel wrote a book, Bone of His Bone and High Peaks of Redemption.
Here is the summary of Bone of His Bone:
The book you see on your screen is one of the great Christian classics of the twentieth century. If you will look at the lives of men and women whom God has profoundly transformed throughout history, you will discover that God always uses the same truths. It is these very truths which Huegel presents in this book. Bone of His Bone has deeply affected the lives of tens of thousands of Christians in the twentieth century. Huegel covers material here that has been neglected in today's Christian community. How often do we hear the message of oneness with the Lord Jesus Christ? How often do we hear the message of the cross as it works in the Christian's life? Huegel points us to a life that is participation in Christ rather than imitation of Christ. He reveals to us that the cross and Christian growth are inseparable. Bone of His Bone, like so many great books, has virtually disappeared from Christian literature because the language became archaic to today's readers. It is the privilege of SeedSowers Publishing House to present this edited and modernized version of a great piece of Christian literature, making the paramount message of Huegel's book once more available to today's Christian audience. (Amazon.com)
Sounds very fascinating to me!
Seek Him First!
I thought it was going to be a nice free day to sit and read... but at 9am, our complex guard called and said that the 9th floor has an indoor plastic slide to give away. So, I went up, took pictures, posted them and soon, I had three people who wanted it. I moved every thing downstairs, contacted the person who was coming, and helped her loaded it into the Uber. When she came home, she needed help assembling it. Then at 1pm, I scooter out to meet with this guy, who is flaky. Sure enough he was late again. At least he showed up. Handed him the router. Came back home.
I downloaded email and I had things to edit.
By 3pm, the clouds came and I changed faster than the speed of light and made it for a run in the downpour. It didn't last long, but at least it didn't feel like a sauna.
Alan and Abby went to play basketball and soon, Mom was home.
I had made a meatloaf, so she had that with rice. Yes, she enjoyed it. Then it was time to hook up to talk to James or Eddie.
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
I was up early... and then after my time with Jesus, I went downstairs to look at a TV that needs fixing. I need to google to see what's the problem. While I was down there, I looked at the recycling area and found a kid's bike and a robot vacuum cleaner. I gave the bike away and plugged in the vacuum for a good charging. Then I got all the chairs up and by the afternoon, I had that thing moving throughout the house. It's not exactly smart...
I also dropped off the hamper, the storage box and 50 plus hangers... YEAH. The guy who wanted the router didn't show up.
While I was editing, the rain started. So, I quickly changed clothes and went out for my run. The rain stopped so fast, so the run back home felt like a sauna.
At around 1:35, we went out to pick up someone's wedding picture as we're going to store it for them and dropped off Forrest's luggage. Yeah... that's out of our trunk finally. I called the post office, hoping to mail off the box, which is also in our trunk, but not yet. Only registered mail is going through. We will have to wait.
I had to tutor this evening, which worked out well since Isaiah was home. He decided not to go and play tennis. His rest day... Alan and Abby were out there... It was cooler as there was rain!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
I gave away two office chairs, mugs and hangers and trash can... Tomorrow, a laundry hamper, more hangers and a storage box! It feels so good to get things out of the house. We will hopefully meet up with Forrest and give him his suitcase back. I already loaded it into the car. Now, if the post office will accept mailing boxes to the UK, that will be out of our trunk! I hope by the end of August!
We heard back from Singapore Airlines. Yippy! Isaiah will only have a four hour layover. Thank you for your prayer support. He leaves on 9/21.
I did go for a run in the middle of the afternoon, in the heat. What else can I do??? Some people want to know if I have time to talk... I tell them, NO as the hours that I have while Mom is at the Center seem to pass so quickly. I blink and Mom is downstairs already!
Tonight I had Bible study... We paused to pray for Afghanistan. I can't imagine the horrific things that will be happening there... Lord have mercy!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Just a few more quotes...
![Quote • Leonard Ravenhill On Your Praying, Sinning, & Only Hope For Revival - [Quote] • The Majesty's Men](https://themajestysmen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sinning-praying-man-leonard-ravenhill-quote.jpg)
Seek Him First!
It was hot very early... and today, the 'second test scores' for high school students were released. Not very good news for many students. One sister, her son wants to go to medical school. His score was not 'good enough' to qualify, so he will be 'studying' this year and take the tests again in January 2022!
After Mom left, Abby, Alan and I took off to do some sightseeing. First, we met up with some students from the group, Buy Nothing Taipei. Alan and Isaiah had cleaned out their closets, so I had a huge bag of stuff to give to them!
We then drove off to Keelung, hoping to catch a boat to do some touring of the outer islands. But, due to Covid, pre-reservation was required and no one had reserved. So we couldn't hitch a ride with any touristy ships. Oh well... We did find a nice small waterpark that was opened, but we didn't have time. Abby was meeting friends at 2pm to play ping pong. So we bought bubble milk tea and some desserts and ate them in the car.
I went for a run and then cut Alan's hair and Mom was home!
Mom enjoyed her dinner. Alan went to play tennis with Isaiah. After Mom went to bed, I started cleaning and rode to church to pick up coffee! I also found another fan in the recycling and brought it up. After cleaning and getting my bag of replacement parts, I got it working! Now, we have an extra fan! So perfect!
My student needed help with her rhetorical précis statements. I do enjoy literature!
Daily Love Insight:
Helmut Thieliche:
The secret of praying is praying in secret.
As the bullet unspent bags no games, so the prayer heart unburdened gathers no spoil.
How is your prayer life?
Seek Him First!
No run on Sunday, so I did try to go for a bike ride... but I didn't have time to go for long.
This morning, when Isaiah came home, I went and bought milk and other Manager's Special items. I had to bring snacks for Mom in case she gets bored... and they were very helpful!
I rode my scooter to church because I wanted to stop at our old house and put away a few things. We all helped with set up and I translated for the service.
David, our speaker, will be going to the States for at least three years. He already has a Master's in Christian Education, but he wants to get a MDiv! After the service, we had a prayer time for him and his whole family.
Another church member gave us some DingTaiFong dumplings and Mom enjoyed them for dinner. We had chicken nuggets, French fries and onion rings, plus salad.
Family Time... and then I got busy with a few more chores. The week has started! And I think I'll be tutoring this week... I'm not sure how often, but at least once!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Frank Lambach might not be famous to most people, but those in the Philippines would know him. He wanted to teach the people of the Philippines to read so that they could read the Bible. He desired to spend a day where his thoughts stayed on Christ for the entire day! Not one distraction or emotions that would steer him away from thinking of Christ. That's a beautiful desire. Perhaps the Lord took him home and fulfilled this! How marvelous!
Seek Him First!
Early this morning, the kids and Alan went to play tennis. I went and rode the scooter to drop things off at the old house. I even dare to go to Carrefour and Costco! Even so early, it was a madhouse! I had to buy romaine lettuce. We've been eating a lot of salad. I also dropped off a rice cooker to our fixer guy! Very productive morning.
Isaiah was home early from playing and was assigned to helping out with supervising Mom.
Annie got to talk to Mom. Yeah! We will schedule the weekend for Annie to talk to Mom and my brothers can talk to Mom on the weekdays!
Mom went for her massage with Isaiah. I went for a run. Abby had tutoring! Alan was able to relax at home.
The rain had come just after 3pm.
Today is 7/7 on the lunar calendar, which is Chinese Valentine's Day. So, Isaiah went over to hang out with Vikki this evening. We will have Family Time tomorrow night!
Daily Lovely Insight:
It wasn't easy for Jeremiah to speak what God put upon his heart. But when there is conviction, there will be follow through!
What are you convictions?
Where did these convictions come from?
How have they helped you to make serious and difficult decisions?
Seek Him First!
What a day!
We started early... as I had to revert an article back. Part of my editing job!
Then we headed out to Jason's Market looking for those air freshener refills. Nothing!
After picking up Vikki, we headed to GongKwang to look for shoes. We got one pair. Over 100US$! Then went to eat at a teppanyaki place -- DINING IN! It was fabulous! But as we finished the down pour started. And it was a MAJOR down pour. We left all the umbrellas in the car! So, we rushed and Vikki slipped and slid... Praise the Lord that she didn't get hurt!
We came home and after putting everything away, I went for a quick run. Mom was back just minutes before I got back. Alan was home! I had set out the dinner already. We also got a huge TV from the recycling and it works. Someone from church wants it! Perfect!
Mom had dinner and talked to James. Eddie was not around.
Abby came home and we all sat down for dinner.
Thanks to Annie, we played Minion Monopoly. It was so fun! Then a few games of Uno! I won both games!
Daily Lovely Insight:
I joined a FB group focused on running ultras... One guy ran the Zermatt Ultra! Oh... How I would love to do an ultra in another country... But not now... I am learning to be content with what the LORD wants me to do at this season of my life. That's a big lesson!
What is the lesson that the LORD is teaching you these days?
Seek Him First!
I wasn't too successful...
I had to do a load of laundry, cook, help out with our complex recycling, pick up the bike from Abby's internship place, look for Glade air freshener refills, check about Isaiah's flight status...
Needless to say, the day flew by. Mom was home promptly at 5:13. I would have liked to rest for an hour, but no can do...
Alan was home from basketball as I headed out to tutor tonight. 7:40 to 9pm. On the way home, I stopped at Carrefour to pick up soy bean milk and jello!
Daily Lovely Insight:
“If there are any among us who are at their wit’s end, they ought to try for once to put aside all their grievances and perhaps even all their petitions and simply praise God, in order to turn their hearts to the end of the ways of God, where the eternal liturgy resounds in heaven. Nothing so changes us—precisely in the darkest moments of life—as the praise of God.”He taught in Heidelberg but was removed in 1940 by the Nazi.
Seek Him First!
Alan and I have not been able to really go out and just enjoy the day together. So, we decided to do just that today!
After Mom left (the kids leave earlier than Mom), we stopped at a breakfast shop and picked up sandwiches. Then we headed out... I wanted to 'see' my Taipei Ilan run route, so we went there. I can't believe I ran that... It was insane just riding the scooter through those hilly roads.... And I kept thinking, "I ran this?"
From there, we went down to Ilan and we wanted to stop at a beach, but FuLong was all locked up! Plus, we were running out of time. We had to be back home by 5:10 as Mom was going to be home. We got home at 5:03! I had dinner ready and went down to get her. James was around, so he got to talk to Mom. I tried ringing Eddie, but he wasn't around.
Alan went off to play tennis with Isaiah and Abby.
I looked at my cell phone and Isaiah had sent a message. Singapore Airlines sent an email. His flight has been changed, just the first leg. I immediately called SINGAPORE to talk to someone about this. With the change, it would mean that Isaiah would be at the airport for 30 hours! With all the Covid rules, will he break protocol? Is he going to be denied boarding, plus what will he eat, where will he sleep? The customer service personnel was fantastic. He found an earlier flight, cutting the waiting time in half! So, Isaiah will be taking off on 9/21 at 14:35 to Singapore, arriving at 19:10 and leaving on 9/22 at around 9am from Singapore to London! I wrote a formal feedback and hopefully, they will give him a complimentary voucher for food at the airport! Or even just a sandwich!
I did not go for a run... And the rain never came! I did do another load of laundry!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
Last night I forgot to write about Isaiah's ticket and the miracle.
I knew that as soon as the visa is done, we'd be buying the ticket. We've looked. Expensive and very little luggage allowance. Hence I was looking into mailing things to him. Alan happened to look directly on the Singapore Airlines web site and saw a Student Privilege section. Last night, we went and looked. After registering as a KrisFlyer member and authenticated that Isaiah was a student, we proceed to book our ticket. As a student, the fare was about 100US$ lower and an extra 15kilos of luggage allowance. So, Isaiah flight, one way, through Singapore was 14,220NT$ and 40kilos! The layover is only 2:55 versus 11plus hours! He is flying off on 9/22, Wednesday, at 5:45pm! I will miss Isaiah! He has become quite an experienced and excellent translator for House of Praise. He is an excellent drummer, too, on the worship team. He is thinking of one year, but maybe longer, if he gets a job. We are praying about visiting him next summer to attend his graduation and as a graduation trip for Abby.
Today's miracle was the screen guy. We found the same guy who came some three years ago. He came this afternoon and will be repairing three screens at half the cost of what the other guys had quoted!
I did have a run, but not in the rain!
Bible study this morning... then cooked things for the dinner tonight plus doing a load of clothes. With the heat, and we are all actively exercising, the laundry gets stinky. We have to do about a load every other day! And maybe more if I have to change Mom's bedding!
I continue to find things in the recycling area of our complex. There is a plasma TV down there... It's too heavy for me to lift, so I haven't been able to test it.
Mom got to talk to James and Eddie. It's been a while since we've called each other. I guess they've been busy! During the lockdown, Mom was home all day, but Mom never got to talk to them. So, it's been almost 3 months. I also got new earphones from a dear lady... So, they work really well.
Daily Lovely Insight:
We finished Psalm 139! And one of the sisters in our group shared this song by Lauren Daigle:
Seek Him First!
I had to tutor this morning... then in the heat of the day, I went for my quick run. Alan and I had to go to the Visa Place in case the interviewer asked about financial support. The appointment was set for 1pm and we were told to be there 15 minutes before. Everything worked out well... Isaiah went in by himself and they never asked! So he was finished by 1:45. He went back to work and we went to RT Mart. I wanted to buy a few things, but I still forgot to look for the Glade replacement inserts. I will have to go again tomorrow! I also forgot to get gum from Costco!
I had made ground beef stew to go with the mashed potatoes. Yummy!
We got back and it was a real downpour. Elaine arrived just a few minutes late, which gave me time to put things away.
Elaine hung out and we prayed together. She left at 7:45. Abby and Alan came back from playing tennis and Abby took off to watch a movie with a church friend, Valerie.
Alan watched TV while I finished cleaning up the kitchen and packed Abby's lunch!
Daily Lovely Insight:
To a few people the devotional life is a compelling delight.
To most of us it must first be a choice discipline.
Everett Cattrell
My morning time is a must... It is the only way I start my day... I love the quietness... It gets my day aligned properly! But I don't think it's for a few people. I think everyone should make the morning time a delight!
Seek Him First!
Alan was the speaker today... and he was really intense about. being prepared... In the morning, he dropped Abby and I off at Abby's internship place so that we can ride our neighbor's bike back. It was so hot!
Mom was hyper... Unlike yesterday... It was nice while it lasted... which was only for one day. She was very difficult to keep seated during the service. So, I had to go out with her. She wanted to go to the restroom, look out the windows... just impossible! And she was talking so loudly!
Alan's text was from Psalm 1:1-3.
We are still under Level 2, so we had to be very strict about how many people we could have! And everyone had to wear a mask and be seated very far apart from each other! Only 30 adults were allowed to be together. The kids went upstairs!
When we got home, I had made dinner. Mom was ready to eat and eat some more! At church she was complaining how tired she was. But when she got home, her energy came back!
Our AC units are out of order... Only one is working! Terrible! I am praying that we can go through this summer without having to change the units. We don't want to spend the money just yet!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
What a great day... I love this weather... It's so nice and cool!
I got up early... and after my quiet time, while everyone was still sleeping, I cleaned up my prayer desk! Wiped everything!
Then I took down the clothes...
Alan decided to go for a run in the rain. He wasn't convinced as to why I love it so much.
I made French toast and a quiche since I had a lot of eggs. Both turned out beautifully!
I then went for a run in the rain... I just love it. It was me alone out there... I did not 'run' into one single person out there. No one was biking or running or walking... It was pretty wet outside!
Alan and Isaiah went for a massage and then off to Costco. I took a nap. Mom was being weird, refusing to take a shower! I left her alone!
Alan went to Costco to buy the Father's Day gifts. Yes, it's Father's Day tomorrow here in Taiwan. He will be the speaker. We are still at Level 2, so there is a restriction as to how many people will be allowed to gather!
Daily Lovely Insight:
If you ever wonder "how can God use me", then read about this man, Christmas Evans. The LORD came into His life and Christmas, named because he was born on Christmas Day, testified until the day he died of the profound grace he experienced. He was known to be a man of prayer and filled with the Holy Spirit. Uneducated, but discipled by David Davies, the man who led him to Christ, the wisdom of God was so evident in all his preaching! Take the time and read about him. I know the LORD will use it to encourage you!
Seek Him First!
Mom did it again... but I was ready! I had a pad on top of the sheet! So, no need to do a load this morning!
After Mom took off, Isaiah and I got on and we made an appointment for his visa application. It went through this time! So, we are set for Monday at 1pm.
I then went for a run while Alan and Isaiah each had a meeting!
I was hoping to run into Abby as she was supposedly going to be riding the bike with a group of kids and the other interns from the Community Center where she's been volunteering at. But I never saw her. It turned out they didn't make it that far... they started late and ended up just going to Miramar for lunch!
Isaiah took off to Vikki's and Alan and I walked to pick up the car!
We then went to get lunch and had our DATE! Restaurants weren't allowing dine in, so we bought the food and sat in the car and had a wonderful time! It was sprinkling outside... which made it much cooler! We also headed to Carrefour to get milk. I didn't want to go to Costco. PXMart had reported confirmed cases. Costco on July 31st again had a confirmed case. Anyhow, we're staying away from these places!
Alan's meeting this morning was about the upcoming faculty and staff basketball tournament from August 28th to September 1st. So, we think things will open up more by then. That's the news that we're getting so far! Level 2 will continue until August 23rd!
We came back and I got a message to edit! YIKES! I set Mom's meal out and sat down. Alan went and got Mom while I was intensely working. I had to take care of Mom and edit... It was very difficult! I finally finished the document at 9:15pm!!!! It was a set of four documents which had to be turned in by tonight!
Abby came home and had tutoring!
We didn't have our Family Time, but watched a bit of the Olympics. They synchronized swimmers are amazing!
Daily Lovely Insight:
HW Webb Peploe's quote: Never change God's facts into hopes and prayers, but simply accept them as realities, and you will find them to be powerful as you believe them.
Here's another one:
You can read about his faith journey... How the LORD carried him through his time of suffering!
Seek Him First!
