Fun Day!

Mom was her "normal" self! After she went to the Day Care Center, I started cleaning! Did a load of laundry, vacuumed and cleaned... 

Then I rode off to get my hair done. I love the result!

I rushed back, first dropping off a letter to Vikki from Isaiah.

I put dinner in the rice cooker and headed out for a quick 5k run! I had no time!

I came back and set things up for my tutoring and my evening class, and hopped into the shower!

Tutoring at 4pm.

And as always, as soon as I finish, the phone rings! Mom was on her way back.

Dinner was ready.

I had to hurry to get her to bed before I headed out to my evening class. 

The weather was cool... I enjoy riding my scooter!

Alan had class until 8:30.

Abby was tutoring until 9:20.

I had class until 9:10. I always go late!

I came back and worked on my talk notes. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Good Day to Be Home!

The day was much warmer than I had expected... 

I spent the morning cleaning... doing a load of laundry, getting all the white elephants organized, sweeping the floor, organizing the shelves... In between, I tried to be conscious of slowing down. But it wasn't easy! Time is so limited... 

I went out for a run and had people over in the afternoon.

Then Mom was home and I had dinner prep. 

Tutoring tonight! Very long and productive session!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We are getting our annual newsletter together... Another year is coming to a close... The above verse remains as a good reminder of the attitude I'm to have!

Seek Him First!

Sunday Birthday Celebration with Abby!

I was up early as I had tutoring at 8am. Then I headed out to buy Abby her favorite breakfast as it was her birthday! Church friends had told me that they would buy the cake for her after our service!

I went to Carrefour and found good things for Abby and I also ran a few errands!

I got back and Mom was up. She was being 'normal'. That's all I need to say.

After her shower and breakfast, I was so tired that I wanted to rest. But Mom was super active! She kept flushing the toilet! YIKES!

We were out the door for church and she would not sit still. So, I had to sit outside with her during the message. Yes, this is all part of her new 'normal'.

Dinner was excellent and we had cake for Abby plus a few gifts!

We had Family Time this evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Key Scripture:

Romans 12:2; Proverbs 3:5-6

7 Highlights from this evening message:

1. Evangelism can be done in a variety of ways, but it takes consistency, persistency, and a long term commitment.
2. Sometimes the way God leads is beyond what we had expected.
3. Every day is a miracle, not just in the big miraculous events.
4. God views the heart more than the actions.
5. Our lives as a whole is a living sacrifice.
6. Follow and obey God’s calling.
7. Don’t be too quick to judge. Be sensitive!

Seek Him First!

Raining Saturday!

I tried to take it easy today! But I did go for a run! And I felt so good... because the weather was wet and cold... and there was no one out there.

Mom was up a lot... so she did rest more today! I was so glad as I took two naps... 

I had to help my student with her projects!

I cut Mom's hair and nails... The haircut turned out very nicely!

We went out to the Christmas Party restaurant to try the food! Great place! It's going to be fun!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Read about soldanelle plant! Quite amazing. Let me know what you find out and how it encouraged you in your walk with God!

Seek Him First!

 

Second Shot, Birthday Shopping!

Mom was again active last night... I will have to talk to the doctor and up her sleeping pill dosage! I don't know how she has so much energy!

After Mom took off, I tidied up and headed out -- second shot of my vaccine. I forgot to bring the yellow 'covid passport' so I had to go back home. Alan went to another place for his shot. When I finished, we headed out with Abby for birthday shopping. Usually, Isaiah is with us! WAHHHHH... Abby found some that she likes... Alan did, too! In fact, Alan bought two pairs! We had lunch out at the Mall and then came back to the Apple Store right at Miramar and Abby bought her new iPhone 13 with the Apple Care!

We had to rush home and on the way up the hill, we saw the van for Mom. We were right behind it! YEAH!

Abby had to babysit the kids of our neighbor, so she headed straight over there. I picked up Mom, while Alan went to B2 to park the car. I had dinner cooked. All I needed to do was heat everything up. Mom enjoyed her turkey meal, plus cherry cheesecake for dessert. She was inhaling the dessert so fast that it was a bit scary to watch. 

The box for the Philippines was picked up but the cost had gone up!

I also had a press release to edit! There were gifts to wrap up for the White Elephant Party... at least we have a venue! I will call the other place and cancel!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I read these in a devotional book: 

Meanness + malice link arms to create misery!

We are free NOT to choose the feelings that others choose for us!

Discouragement is not a fruit of humility, but of pride and nothing can be worse. It springs from the secret love of our own excellence!

Seek Him First!

A More Relaxing Day, But Still No Time for A Nap!

Mom was again extremely active! She is trying to remove her diaper and the swimsuit. She is very smart! 

After she took off, I went to work on finishing all the boxes. When the big box arrived, I started packing it up. Please pray that everything will fit! They will pick it up tomorrow!

I went for a run before it got too late as I had an appointment to check out some of the restaurants. I'm happy to say, WE FOUND ONE!

I also mailed a package to Isaiah... when it's November, I like to celebrate my kids' birthday for the entire month with little surprises! This time I mailed two thermal shirts, two tubes of fizzy vitamins, and throat lozenges. 

This evening we had a Thanksgiving dinner with my Bible study gals. It was so fabulous! Alan usually has basketball on Thursday evening, but with his pulled calf muscle, he can't play!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a strange year... But through it all, we have so many reasons to give thanks. Whatever the situation may be, the LORD carried us through... I truly can say, "My cup runs over!"

Seek Him First!

Another Long Day... that Felt like Several Days!

Mom was way too active again... And yes, I had to do another load of laundry! I am praying that the Long Term Care Facility will have a bed available soon! 

After Mom took off, I sorted through things and then we headed out to Costco. It was Black Friday Week at Costco. We saw the items, but nothing was what we needed. We wanted to see if they were going to cut the prices for 3C products. Nothing!

Oh, they had white vinegar! Yippy! And I wanted to buy two desserts to celebrate Abby's birthday with the Bible study kids. Crodots and chocolate cake... VERY DELICIOUS!

We got home and put away the items and rushed off to Soochow! the Bible study was great.

I came home and had to edit! And I also had to make dinner and Mom's bed! Then I had to ask about tutoring. God is so good... Tutoring was canceled! We will do a session on Sunday morning online! YIPPY!

I worked through several more boxes and bagged things that were picked up tonight. More to be picked up on Saturday. Tomorrow the box will come and most of the stuff will be shipped to the Philippines! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Obedience is better than sacrifice... 

We are looking at Jonah for our study today. God looks at our heart... are we truly willing to surrender and walk in obedience? On a daily basis?

Seek Him First!

Thank You, Jesus!

It was a very long day.

Got Mom ready and out the door. She was very active last night. Washed a load of laundry. Cooked for Bible study. Unloaded some of the stuff from the car and started sorting. Called and ordered a box for the Philippines. Unfortunately, the box won't be delivered until Thursday with pick up on Friday! That won't give me a lot of time to pack.

Bible study from 10-12:30. Cleaned up the house and started cooking for my evening class. Went out for a run. Came home and checked on the food. Edited. Took a shower. Tutored at 4pm. Abby made an appointment for our second shot. Both Alan and I will go this Friday!

Mom was back at 5:13!

Got her fed and off to bed. Packed up the food for the evening class. Taught from 7-9pm.

Came home, washed up everything including Alan's dinner mess. Headed out the door to pick up more stuff. Came home at 11:05!

Blogged. Put away the clothes. Went to bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God's idea of time and ours are different!

Ps. 90:5

Today felt like many days crammed into one! I still have not found a venue for the Christmas Party. I have things stacked up on our outside stairway plus things in the car -- all to be shipped to the Philippines, except the small household appliances. I have to post those items in the Buy Nothing Group. Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday! Bible study at Soochow tomorrow, so I might go to Costco in the morning instead of baking something at home! I need to go and check out what they have on sale for 'Black Friday'. 

These last few weeks of 2021 look very hectic! I'm glad God has me in His hands!

Seek Him First!

I Need to Rest!

Alan decided to keep the WiFi on all night in case Mom Bea wanted to call... My watch is connected so it kept buzzing... So, even though the game wasn't at 1am, I didn't sleep well. But God gave me time to rest at 1pm! That was delightful! Again, I felt as if I could have slept for the whole afternoon!

I didn't need to cook as we had leftover dinner boxes. 

I went for a run, came home and prep for my NSB class. Yes, I had class tonight and again tomorrow!

In the afternoon, I had prayer time with a dear sister. In the evening, after my NSB class, I went to help a sister move. Abby came with me!

I also spent time trying to find a place for the HOP Christmas Party. Because of Covid, many restaurants have gone out of business and several of the hotels are no longer opening their restaurants as a party venue. And to my surprise, several restaurants at nice 5-star hotels are already fully booked! I found a Chinese restaurant which I will go and visit on Friday at 4:30. I'll see if that place will work for a party! I was hoping for a nicer more festive place! So, if I find another place before Friday, I will cancel at the Chinese restaurant! Please pray!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tutoring and Prayer Walk!

I took care of Mom and then took off to tutor!

I got back and it was almost time to go to church!

It was our second prayer walk and we didn't have a large group. 

When we got back home, I got Mom to bed and did a load of laundry! 

Abby and I went for a quick bike ride before family time at 10pm. Yes, that's 2pm in the UK, and that's why Isaiah gets back from his church service.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Even in the midst of the fiery furnace, God is with us. God sent Jesus as the Emmanuel to 'nail' that point into each of our hearts.

May we walk in that truth and promise!

Seek Him First!

Alan's Tennis Tournament Today!

He is the one wearing the orange shirt. Can you find him?

Seek Him First!

A Day of Helping!

I went and met up with a dear sister who is looking for her own place to buy. That area had nice fruit stalls, so I was able to buy quite a bit of fruit. 

Before heading out, I had already gotten Mom showered. She was up early, as usual! 

The house we looked at is almost finished. I liked the location. We will see how much room there is for negotiation. 

Alan had a chance to talk to his Mom and then went off to play tennis. Abby had tutoring.  

Amy, the Filipino helper, came at 3pm. I had a list of things to get done! There is always a list of things to do!

It was raining outside, so Mom could not go out for a walk. The weather looks better tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Another verse of encouragement:

Seek Him First!

Hiking, Waterfalls and Famous Jiaoxi Fried Onion Cakes!

 As soon as Mom was picked up, we took off! And ran into major traffic. It turned out that the "Snow Tunnel" had a car that caught on fire and they had to clean everything up. We sat there and turned off the engine and prayed. After about 20 minutes, the traffic started to move and we were there by 10:22! 

We stopped at two breakfast shops and bought some delicious stuff and took it on our hike. We actually saw three waterfalls... and had a marvelous time. Near the start of the hike there was an expensive resort. And there were three chairs inside a foot soaking spa. It was delightful! Oh... it was for free!

We hiked up to a beautiful Catholic Church and Alan ate his food there, right on their large open court yard. We wanted to hike more, but couldn't... yes, we had to rush back for Mom Duty!

On the way back, we stopped at the famous Jiaoxi Fried Onion Cake stall. The line had about 20 people and that's considered a short line! We also bought peanut candy ice cream for Alan. The onion cakes with eggs were delicious!

We got home in time... Alan was home so I went for a quick run!

Abby had tutoring at 5pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are some of the other choices:

Seek Him First!

Prep Day!

I didn't plug in the WiFi until 4pm. I just sat and worked on my talks. I'm not finished yet, but it's progressing nicely. Every 50 minutes I'd get up and do a household chore. I just didn't want to sit for five hours straight. And I did go for a run and made 'pigs in a blanket' with hot dogs and Carrefour baguette rolls that you have to bake yourself.

Alan was at school and went for a massage with Mr. Hsieh. He is still recovering from his tournament, so he decided not to play basketball tonight.

Abby only had two hours of class, and she doesn't seem to have much homework these days. She spends her time watching sports on YouTube! The life of a senior!

Mom figured out how to take off the swimsuit, so I will have to use zip ties tonight! I have put my name in at two different long term care facilities. We will see when a bed opens up! The cost is about the same. 1200US$ per month for a room with 4-5 individuals! Both places are run by Christian based organizations. One is a bit farther, but still only about 30 minutes from our house!

I forgot to tell you about a recent miracle: I found a pair of glasses that is exactly my prescription with a very expensive frame. Even the stigmatism on the left eye is perfect! I wear them only at night when I ride or drive! And they don't give me a headache.

Daily Lovely Insight:

I thought I'd post a few of the other verses that we had suggested:

Seek Him First!

Family Verse for 2022

Last night we had our Family Time and we all suggested one to two verses that have been placed upon our heart and we voted... First time -- four choices. Second time -- three choices. Third time -- ONE!

Our verse for 2022:

What a great verse! God is patient, longing for everyone to come to repentance!

Today was a fabulous day... I had a nice relaxing hair wash. Edited essays! No need to do a load of laundry!

I had a long to do list... but one by one, I was able to cross off the item!

Daily Lovely Insight:

A verse that Isaiah suggested was quite appropriate for my prayer walk focus this Sunday.

Haggai 2:4

Be strong... Work... For I am with you!

Seek Him First!

(Last time for this verse!)

No Study Today!

Yes, I didn't have our usual morning or evening study. My evening study asked to get together for Thanksgiving, so we will see each other next week on Thursday! Right on Isaiah's birthday!

I used the time to read all the essays and I'm still not finished. I did have tutoring at 4!

Then after Mom went to bed, I went out for a run.

I did have to do a load of laundry because Mom peed so much! I don't give her a lot of water for her evening meal, but I know that she drinks a lot at the Center! 

I did not finish my talk notes for December. I hope to get one finished by Thursday. 

I have started my new reading plan. Yes, I've finished reading through the Bible again. Once a year! And I also started a new devotional book! My verse for this 'new year' is: Isaiah 30:18 -

What a beautiful verse of focus for 2022!

We had Family Time tonight... and I will post tomorrow the result of our vote for 2022 Family Verse!

Daily Lovely Insight:

For my new verse of focus, the Lord highlighted the word: THEREFORE, or YET, depending on the translation! Look at what Isaiah 30 is talking about... and how significant that THEREFORE is... 

Even in my rebellion, the Lord waits to be gracious towards me!

Seek Him First!

It Worked!

That title says it all!

I'm so glad to say -- NO NEED FOR A LOAD OF LAUNDRY!

She tried to take the swimsuit off... I saw her 'working' at it, but she couldn't! We will do this every night! And the bigger diapers are great! No leaking!

I took time to rest but I also had to prep for the upcoming prayer walk and my two messages in December. We also had the chance to Skype Mom Bea!

I finished the Prayer Walk notes and emailed it to my translator and Abby will help me make the ppt! She's so good at that kind of stuff!

In the afternoon, I had time to run and then get Mom's meds. You have to turn in the prescription and pick it up a few days later!  When I came back, I received the package... MY RUNNING SHOES! And Isaiah's homemade card for all our birthdays!

Tonight I had to tutor and we could not have family time as Isaiah has a full day. Maybe on Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

The promises of God are so powerful. His promise of His presence... His promise of 'in His name'... Those are the two aspects that I'll be looking at... In light of all that is happening around us, I think we need to fully return to the Word of God and stand firm in His truth. Don't let the world sway us in this journey of Faith. 

Fear not for I am with you... 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me...

Seek Him First!

Not A Restful Sunday!

I was delighted to attend a shower via zoom at 2am. Well, at around 3am, I heard the shower door opening up in my mom's bathroom... Huh?

I ran over and sure enough, Mom was in the shower. I was horrified. She was just strange... this was something she had never done before. I put her back in bed and tried to get back to the 'baby' shower... They had finished up! I missed the prayer time!

It was so nice to see Suz and Corenne and of course, Kayla and Sarah... Plus a few other familiar faces... 

I get back to bed and was up at 6:45 to pray with Alan. Feeling quite exhausted, I finished my time with Jesus and Mom was up again. This time... Well... I had to strip and make the bed!

Mom went back to bed and I went for a quick bike ride... I needed a little exercise because if I went back to bed, I would have slept for hours. 

I got back and Mom was up... And yes, I had to strip the bed again! She was back in the shower and got to talk to Annie after lunch. That conversation gave me time to make the bed.

I had a 15 minute 'power nap' and we were getting ready to catch a ride with our dear neighbor. You would not believe it... She did it again... I had to change her pants, and put the seat cushion in the laundry basket. I didn't change her socks and they were slightly wet. This was what happened: I had only gone to the bathroom to tie my hair and she grabbed a dish towel that was on a dining room chair, took off her diaper and pants and peed at the dining room table with the dish towel over the seat cushion! 

This evening after church, the diapers I had ordered arrived. I double layered them and ... please sit down for this -- I put two on Mom plus a swimsuit and locked her bathroom door. I will let you know if this works! She can't be getting up at 3am to take a shower. She can't be taking off her diaper and peeing in bed. Her behaviors are getting more bizarre. But I talked to a neighbor and she said these are all very common for someone going through dementia! She is going to find out if the full time care facility that her father is at has vacancies! 

On to other news:

Alan's team won the championship! They came back and won first place! 

Isaiah seemed to be enjoying the weekend get away!

And I love riding my 'new' bike! In case others missed my previous posts: I loaned my bike to a graduate student from Indonesia!

Daily Lovely Insight:

One point from the sermon tonight: Too many people believe in God because of the miracles. And once suffering or pain starts, they walk away from their Fatih because they don't see the miracles anymore. They believed not in Jesus but in what they can get from Jesus. The speaker referred to the feeding of the 5,000. Many of those followers came looking for Jesus to receive the resources, not because they care about having a relationship with the Source!

So, why do you follow God? 

What is your motive behind your relationship with God?

Seek Him First!

A "Clean" Saturday!

I got up early to pray with Alan and after my quiet time, Mom was up! I got her into the shower and did another load. She had breakfast and went back to bed! That was perfect as I had tutoring at 10:30! When I got back at 1pm, she was ready for lunch. Perfect! As I got dumplings for her lunch... 

At 2pm, Amy came over and together, we worked on the winter blankets and then Abby's room. It was fantastic to work together. It went so much faster. Mom was bored, so I had to lock the bathroom door. Eddie got to talk to her, and so did James.

After Mom went to bed, I pushed a bike that I had found down to get the tires changed and added a basket.  And now I have a new bike!

I got back and watched TV on YouTube while I did the stomach machine!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Very encouraging thought!

Seek Him First!

Personal Retreat!

Since everyone was gone, I decided to take a personal retreat day... I was called on to tutor, but I had to say NO. I wanted to finish Abby's room, look over my goals and consider the news ones for next year. Of course, I also had planned for a long run! I needed more time... But I'm grateful... I got home just seconds before Mom was back! Praise the LORD. The weather was perfect. And I did a circular route. I could have covered more distance, but it was very easy to get lost. And since I was running around unfamiliar territories, I had no idea where the vending machines were. And the bike places were not letting people refill their water bottle. So, several times, I had to go out of the park to find a 7/11 or Family Mart to buy something to drink.

I heard from Alan. They lost their first game by 11 points! But they won their second game. The morning game only had six of their players. No wonder they lost!

Isaiah is getting ready to take off for his trip to Wales with the Christian Union people. Please pray for him! I think he will have a splendid time. 

Mom was weird again tonight... I was about to strangle her. Let's just say I caught her before she made a mess in the room! And strangely, tonight, my neighbor called. Her father is in a full time care facility. She will find out if there is any room there... PRAY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

God really provides... I was running out there today... It got cool and I was thinking, "If only I had a scarf." Less than a minute later, there was a scarf, clean, on the road. Then I found a nice towel, clean! I needed something to pad my waist as the hip sack was beginning to cut! It was amazing!

Theodore Roosevelt said: Who at the worst if he fails... at least fails while daring greatly... 

Don't live in a gray twilight of the past... 

Seek Him First!

Everyone Has A Weekend Away...

Alan and Abby took off this afternoon for Taichung. They had packed almost everything last night. So, after they finished their afternoon class, they came home, picked up the last few things and drove off. They are staying at a very nice hotel with buffet breakfast every morning. Yes, I wish I was with them! But I have set the task of getting Abby's room cleaned up and when Amy, the helper, comes on Saturday, we will work on a few more tasks together!

Isaiah has a Christian Union Weekend Get-Away. He is going off to Wales! This will be his first get-away with fellow believers. He will most likely not be staying at a nice hotel as they were instructed to bring their own sheet and pillows and bedding... ha, ha, ha... 

So, today is 11/11, which in Taiwan is a big online shopping day!

Abby worked on purchasing a few things that we've been setting to buy. Free shipping! For the Bible study in December, we are going to do the keychain again. So, we bought more of those items. I had been wanting to look for these running flip-flops. So, I got a pair of those. Then we had a camera battery and Mont Blanc pen refills to order. Finally, I looked for running shoes. I placed an order for FIVE pairs (each pair is always less than 40US$ or else I don't buy!). Last time, they came back and said only one pair was available and when I received it -- it was a Men's 8.5. I don't know what I will do. I hope to give them away! Bless a brother in our church!

I had editing to do... And I did go for a quick run! The weather was actually warmer than I had expected.

Daily Lovely Insight:

George Tankervil was a martyr who passed into eternity on August 26th, 1555! As I read Matthew 25, I was struck with the contrast -- wicked and lazy to good and faithful. These individuals had such a resolve about their faith! And so, John 14-17 come to mind... How Jesus spoke again and again in those chapters of love and asking in His name... Those two distinctive factors would set us apart from the world: our love for one another and the prayer that avails much. 

Seek Him First!

The Things I Find...

I found a 7,600NT$ Mont Blanc pen... and a Cross pen... all in the recycling. All they needed were refills. Sure the refills aren't cheap... but still... Cross refills are 7US$. The same with the Mont Blanc. They last forever. I also have a collection of some very fine fountain pens... 

Anyhow, the day went by way too fast.

Laundry... Run... Bible Study... Errands! We also mailed off the birthday package for Isaiah. 

I got home, put things away and Mom was home way too fast... I barely had time to get the laundry folded!

I had no appointment in the evening, except prayer time at 8:30.

Daily Lovely Insight: 

Every Christian should have his/her own Mt. of Olives, a place to be with God, to get away from the whirlwind of life.

How about you?

Seek Him First!

Packed Tuesday!

I had my morning Bible study. We are on Psalm 90!

Then, the weather was perfect and I went out for a shorter run as I had tutoring at 4pm.

I felt rushed as Mom was back by 5:13 and I was barely finished with my student. We had a lot to do!

Then after Mom went to bed, I had my evening class.

Abby and I met up to look at contact lenses as the store closes at 10pm. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Looking at Psalm 90: 1-3, God is our dwelling place, our refuge, our sanctuary, our stability, our hiding place. We can rest in Him.

Seek Him First!

The Temperature Dropped!

It rained early morning. I didn't sleep much as I went to bed at 2am and then Alan was up at 5am for the Chargers game. Yes, they won against the Eagles!

After getting Mom ready and out, I had to do two loads of laundry! While that was going, I cooked for tonight and our Bible study tomorrow!

I was going to go out for a run, but instead, I took a nap! That felt so good!

Then I ran to drop off a credit card that I found and then went for a run. The weather was cooler... so I went longer... but as soon as I got back, it was a rush to take a shower, edit and finish putting away the laundry and making Mom's bed. Sure enough the phone rang and Mom was back.

I had to tutor this evening... 

Abby had tutoring as well. Alan was home.

Daily Lovely Insight:

We are in the process of selecting our verse for next year. Here is one of the choices:

God is very poetic. The imagery in this verse is so beautiful! I can see each sunrise and sunset as God calling forth songs of joy. Wake Up... indeed the whole earth is filled with awe of God's wonders. I'm filled with awe... I hope you are too!

Seek Him First!