Another Weekend Finished!

This morning, I got up and after time with Jesus, headed to our 'village magistrate' office. For Father's Day (in Taiwan, that's 8/8), each household was to receive two gifts -- 6 packs of tissues and a small tub of detergent. The line was so long... People were there at 7:00am! I went to buy bread and then to World Gym. When I finished, the line was reasonable... and there were still gifts.

I rushed home and got Mom up and showered and she had her breakfast!

The morning crawled by... it was hot... Then after lunch, Mom talked to Annie and I had prayer time with Alan. I had Mom resting in the living room, but she didn't want to rest! So, I got her ready and we went to church. At least there is AC there... and I brought crackers and biscuits. I also sat to talk to Joshua and Pauline.

I translated for the service. It was a testimony service... Four people shared.

Daily Lovely Insight:

7 Highlights:

1. Psalm 23:4-6

2. Psalm 37: 4-5

3. I Thes. 5:16-18

4. Phil. 2:3-4

5. What is a good testimony? A good testimony is an acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty in our lives, no matter what the end results turn out to be.

6. We need to pray, and do our part, and rest in God to work His will in our lives.

7. God remembers our birthday!

And this morning, this verse from Isaiah 64:4 touched my heart!

Seek Him First!

Saturday!

I got up early... as usual... 

I went and bought a few things before getting Mom up... 

Then Mom had breakfast... and after lunch, we went out. I first talked to and prayed with Alan.

I had booked her a massage with an 'old master'. It was down near the train station. So, we took the bus... after first walking down to the bus stop... and then from the bus stop to this guy's shop. It was hot. I pushed Mom in the wheelchair. Everyone was super nice. The passengers on the bus... the bus driver... all very helpful!

After the massage, I stopped at three places and got Mom food to eat... She has a very healthy appetite!

To get her home, we had to take the bus back and then I had to push her uphill... that was a workout as it was quite hot! I felt blessed as there were clouds and it was not as hot as yesterday!

When Mom was in bed and sound asleep, I went for a workout... ha, ha, ha... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Friday!

I had a full day... I'm glad I did the blood donation yesterday as I would have had no time today!

After Mom left, I had my Bible study on Isaiah. When that was finished, I rushed over to World Gym and did the 8km run... Then it was home for a shower and prayer time with Alan! I always like to chat and find out how he and Abby are doing... 

I had to go and get Mom's health report... And since I was going to be in the Shihlin area, I bought a hair wash coupon and bubble milk tea coupon... YIPPY! What a treat! Absolutely fabulous!

I rushed home and got Mom's dinner ready and she was home!

I had Isaiah's Business in Practice Reflection to look through.... Translation to check... and I wanted to go back to World Gym for the Ab Crunch and Leg Weight Machines... ha, ha, ha... I didn't have time this morning... I am going to see about going twice a day/four days a week. I'm training for my trip... I think we will be doing a lot of walking... In fact, I found a walking tour of Edinburgh that looks absolutely fantastic!

Since I was out at World Gym, I stopped to pick up the PVC gloves that I had ordered. I can't believe I have finished three boxes of 100! I also stopped to buy soy bean milk! For dinner, I had a cucumber salad. It was just too hot to eat!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This is always a wonderful reminder:

Seek Him First!

Thursday!

 I had planned to take the day to relax... 

After Mom left, I tidied up and went for a workout as I had told Ms. Chou at World Gym that I'd bring a copy of my passport so that she can see... MY ENGLISH NAME! So, she filled out the form again and I had to go and mail the letter. I went to the bank to update my passbook to see if MCU had sent money. Nothing yet. I mailed the letter, registered mail a second time, to apply for the two months extension, I finally came home to take a quick shower and then prayed with Alan.

When that was finished, I was off again. This time to visit a friend's newly opened cafe and then to donate blood! It was hot outside, blaring hot, and I got both done in less than 3 hours. It was so nice to be home... I was able to lay down before I had to get Mom's dinner ready! This evening, I did a load of laundry after Mom went to bed... And Taiwan government will continue to require weekly antigen test for the elderly! Ridiculous! Every Sunday night or Monday morning, I will have to poke my mom's nose and complete the test and send the Day Care Center a picture! I guess I should be glad that it's not on Wednesday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 72:17

Seek Him First!

Wednesday!

My busy run-around day... It is finished... YEAH!

I was on my scooter as soon as Mom was in the van and the van was late this morning!

I got to the office by 9:05! 

No editing... so I used the time to write a letter to Isaiah and get things organized for class. I tried to work on my other translation job, but I need to have a more focused block of time.

Teaching started at 12:20 and went until 4:20. I was at my desk, eating my lunch and left the office by 5:01!

I got home and switched to the car. By 5:55, I was at the Day Care Center.

Dinner was ready... I had to call the supervisor for the translation job... we have more to do... YIKES! 

After Mom went to bed, I headed to World Gym... I have to find out why my application was rejected and get another one to them.

Prayer time with a sister at 9:30... Prayer time with Alan at 10:30... earlier I had time to talk with Isaiah to go over his assignments and the translation job.

I blogged... It felt so good to go to bed... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tuesday!

I usually don't like to pack a day with so many things... but that's what happened today!

After Mom left, I went straight to WG. I did the treadmill for 8kms and found out they rejected my application to push back my membership for two months as I'm out of the country. They said, INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE! I will talk to them again. I guess it's because the name on my plane ticket did not match my Chinese name. RIDICULOUS!

I then went to the park as I was meeting someone to help her with her scooter riding skills. I know... my kids and Alan all laughed at the idea. It was hot and we did 45 minutes and went and had lunch! Her treat!

I came home, took a shower, plugged in the WiFi and had time with Alan. He got the "comment" working again! While we were chatting, I got out the ingredients to make the banana raisin bread for the MOE. It was very efficient! So, while we were praying, the bread was baking! Perfect! I also prepared for my tutoring and left at 2:20 to scooter over! Finding a scooter parking around that area was difficult, so I was three minutes late!

They had bought coffee for me! What a God-sent as I was feeling a bit sleepy! The coffee worked! I came home at 5pm, just in time to put Mom's food in the microwave!

Tonight I had my zoom Bible study on Proverbs! And we finished the final lesson. We will meet again next Tuesday, just for a social time and get our new book!

I was so ready to go to bed... tomorrow is another long day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Proverbs 1:1-7

Seek Him First!

Monday...

Again, I was up early... and it's because by 4:39am, it is hot... 

After Mom took off, I cleaned... changed her sheet, organized her items under the sink and in the room. I had to order more PVC gloves... 

Tutoring at 10:30 and that went until 12:15. By 12:40, I headed to World Gym. There was a nation-wide drill, which meant we were not to be on the streets from 1:30 to 2:00. I was hoping just to stay at WG to do a run. But I was told that at 1:30, no one was to stay on the first floor. Everything had to be turned off. So, I went to the 2nd floor and did weights. At 2:01, I was back downstairs and they had to turn everything back on. I was finished by 2:40 and rushed home.

I shared and prayed with a sister at 3:30... and then got dinner ready for Mom. No time to lay down! Oh well... 

While Mom ate dinner, I ordered the gloves and watched Murdoch Mysteries.

Family Time tonight... YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am so amazed with God's word... 

Seek Him First!

Weekend Finished!

I went for a walk at World Gym... it was just an hour... then back to get Mom up and ready... and having her breakfast!

It was a hot day... 

Mom got to talk to Eddie... and so did I!

I also got to talk to Mom Bea on her birthday and pray with Alan!

Then it was time to head off to church!

I was sharing the message this afternoon... From Failure to Fulfillment, Part 1. I won't be sharing Part 2 until October 23rd... but I already know who I will be focusing on: Habbakuk! I'm very excited to see what the LORD will be showing me through this OT prophet!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Acts 9: 1-22

1. God shows up when we least expect it.

2. God has the answer even when we don't know the question.

3. God bring clarity into the chaos.

God is always at work, even when we don't see. Like Saul, who had scales on his eyes, he didn't know that God was speaking to Ananias while he was waiting. So often, we are waiting and wondering if God is doing anything about our dilemma... and the truth is: HE IS!

I Cor. 15:9-10

Seek Him First!

Another Early Start...

I went to bed early only to get up early... meaning, I only slept a little over three hours! But after my quiet time, I went back to sleep and then did a treadmill run at WG before getting Mom up.

I gave Mom a hair cut... it turned out nicely!

It was too hot to go out for an outing... I just took Mom out for two short walks... That was enough for her.

I did talk to Alan and we were able to pray together. He and Mom Bea are over at the Nadine Circle House. It's Mom Bea's birthday tomorrow and there is an Alagata Picnic up in the Los Angeles area!

I watched two episodes of Murdoch Mysteries and spent time reading... That has been super fun. I just go through our library and pulled out books that I have not read. Presently, I'm on "The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History". Quite interesting... That's what I like to do at night... sit on the sofa and read. I think I'm able to finish a book a week! 

Tonight I went out with Alan's scooter and then Abby's scooter, just to run it a bit. That's another thing I like to do at night... it's so nice and cool to ride the scooter around! I went and bought bananas. Mom likes that for breakfast! I also got cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and guava slices... my dinner was tomatoes with salt and vinegar! So yummy!

And I can't let this day go by without wishing Mom Bea a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Only Through Jesus...

I got up super early... as I had a Bible study group at 7:30... then I took Mom to get her physical and her foot checked... I'm so glad for this smaller hospital. Because even it being small, I was running around quite a bit. I had to be on the second floor and go down to the first floor and back up to the second floor and back down to the first floor... I think I did that for a total of six times... The physical started on the second floor... and even though I had completed the online registration, I had to go back down to the first floor to get a slip. That's not to pay for the physical. I have no idea why, but that's the required step. Then after the doctor saw Mom, I had to go down to pay for the exams. The X-ray and the blood work are done on the first floor in two different places. Then I had to go back up to the second floor where the doctor to check Mom's foot is located. Then I had to go back down to the first floor to pay for the foot doctor appointment and to pick up the medicine. Oh, we're not finished yet. I then had to go back up to the second floor, where I pick up the receipt to come back on the 29th to pick up the report. How many times is that already? I did forget to get Mom's handicapped card, so that was another trip to the parking lot to get that out of the car. 

I dropped Mom off at the Day Care Center and came home. It was time to plug in the WiFi and see if Alan was around. And he was! So we had time to chat and pray together.

I then proceeded to clean out the freezer and the fridge. I realized that I've always wanted a summer to stay in Taipei to do things like the organizing that I've been able to do! Again, I'm very happy with the result. 

World Gym had a staff event, so it was closing by 4pm. I was able to squeeze in a run before they shoot me out... I then went to Carrefour and bought a few items... Without Alan and the kids, I realized that my meals are very simple. And it's easy to cook for Mom. My grocery bill is way down! And food stay in the fridge for a long time! I also went to the post office to update all the passbooks... 

I also realize that I don't do but one load a week of laundry. 

This evening, it was nice to rest... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

 

Seek Him First!

New Sandals... FOUR PAIRS...

I thought Amy was going to come today, but she went to get vaccinated... I had thought that we'd work on the cabinets, reorganizing and wiping everything down. So, things were out on the counter... But she didn't come!

After Mom left, I started to organize and then had to rush off to pick up the sandals from Annie. I LOVE THEM! Now I can't decide which pair to bring. I will wear them this month and see which is most comfortable. 

I went over to World Gym to try the Zumba class... NAY... not for me... so I just did a treadmill run and watched Salvage Hunter... I love that show as it's based in the UK and there are so many antique shops... I would love to spend a day going from one to another... Like the host of the show, I just love all these old things.

I came home, took a quick shower, and talked and prayed with Alan! YEAH! Finally... 

Then it was working on putting everything back... I like the result and I know what we have... Alan will have plenty of food for his 8 days of quarantine at home!

Mom was back all too soon... I had her dinner ready.

This evening, I worked on that translation project and the Isaiah Bible study homework.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Hectic Wednesday!

I don't even know how to describe the amount of rushing around that happens on Wednesdays... 

I'm up super early... earlier than usual... so that I can have time with Jesus, put everything on my scooter, get Mom up and ready and downstairs for van pick up. I go straight to my scooter and I'm off... in rush hour traffic. I get there by 9:03... always a miracle!

No need to edit... so I'm busy working on another translation/editing project. 

At 11:30, I start prepping for my class and I always go down early to set up the room. I'm informed that I have to finish 5minutes early as there is another meeting in that same room at 1:30. I go to English Corner and I have appointments all afternoon! Wow... I'm so tired... at 4:30, I'm back at my desk and I write down my lesson plan for next week and gather all my belongings... the baked goods are finished... the clothing items to give away are gone... I'm out of the office by 5:01 and there is a thundershower... heavy! I quickly get my raincoat on and it's rush hour traffic back to Neihu. I switch from scooter to car and go to pick up Mom... 

In between all this, Alan tried to call and talk as he is down in San Diego and everyone was around, lounging in the living room. I was like -- I CANNOT TALK! I muted him... I waved to everyone. I hung up!

This evening, someone came to pick up all the give-aways... a keyboard, two helmets, and a clothing rack! Yippy!

After Mom went to bed, I had a conversation to go over the editing changes for another project I'm working on... I had postponed my prayer time with a sister to tomorrow night... too much going on tonight! I talked with Isaiah as he is in charge of the Chinese to English part of the project and I'm in charge of the final editing remarks. I also wanted to go for a short workout at WG... Plus, I wanted to sleep relatively early... like before 1am!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This morning, the LORD gifted me with these verses:

Seek Him First!

A Thunderous Shower!

The day was hot... and after Mom went to the Center, I prepared the meal for my Bible study gals. They all arrived very on time... we are still on Psalm 103.

The morning flew by... and the ladies didn't leave until a little after 1pm. I cleaned up the dishes and was going to bake for tomorrow, but decided on a nap. The thunderstorm started... and I had to scooter to tutor a young man who is back from Shanghai. They bought me gifts... the hour went by way too quickly. And I was back on my scooter, heading home... just in time. Mom's van was already at our complex.

I had dinner ready... and got Mom settled. I was busy getting out of my very wet clothes and putting things away. When Mom went to bed, I started baking for my class tomorrow. The gas guy also came to check on the gas switch.

There were phone calls to make, final touches on my message for Sunday and then I went to WG for the 8:40 Zumba class. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I read a most beautiful story. You can read it for yourself from the link below!

streams-in-the-desert-august-19th.html

Seek Him First!

Early Every Day...

I get up early because I want that time with Jesus... plus, there is always tasks to get done before I get Mom up... From Monday to Friday, Mom is picked up by 8:30. On Wednesday, that's even earlier. On Saturday and Sunday, there is no Day Care Center, but I still can't have my Mom sleep all day, although sometimes, I'd like a day just to do nothing but sleep. No such luxury yet... And there is no help on the weekends, so I try to plan an 'outing' and go workout after Mom's in bed! I don't like to workout so late as it is more difficult to fall asleep... 

Another thing that has thrown a wrench into this equation is that my sweet family is now spread out over three time zones... Alan and Abby are in the States. Isaiah is in the UK and I'm here in Taiwan. So, this is what it looks like: If we want to have Family Time (which we have not since Alan left), 10pm Taiwan time is 3pm in the UK and 7am in Torrance! That means I don't go to bed until after 11pm. We usually unplug the WiFi at 11, but I've had to be on after 12 sometimes... just to be able to talk to them! Thus, I try to get a bit more sleep when I can... 

And if you've been reading my blog, you know that I have not been running outdoors. That has been quite helpful. Although it's boring, I run on the treadmill five days a week -- 8km each time. And I am starting to try different classes, since they are free and I have no tap dancing until the fall!

This Sunday will be my last talk until October. I will be translating for the speaker, but at least I don't have message prep. Tutoring has continued and of course, you know about my Wednesday full day at MOE. With all these things, my time each day flies by!

For example, today, I was up early and I didn't go to bed until 2:30am. After Mom went off, I went to try the Groove class... It was fun! Then tutoring from 10:30 to 12:15. I cleaned up the house and went back to WG to do the treadmill run. I rushed home and plugged in the WiFi, showered and started cooking for tomorrow's Bible study. A dear sister arrived at 3:30 for share and prayer time!

Mom was home... right on time! 

When she went to bed, Isaiah and I were on line to finish booking the rest of the transportation for our trip. Family time at 10pm and I was finally in bed by 12:30... very exhausted!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Weekend 'Finished'...

Weekends are the most difficult as it's full time Mom Care with no one around, so I can't even just go for an errand until Mom is in bed... I try to plan for an activity on Saturday and then church on Sunday. we don't go early as I'm afraid Mom would start to get bored and non-stop asking to go home! So, I get there by 3:15 and we leave at 6:45. I try to stay to help with clean up... but it's difficult.

The day was another hot one... 

I did sort through things while Mom was sitting at the dining room. We have friends who are going to Cambodia. So, I gathered donations for them. 

I also watched a few YouTube videos of things to bake... for my Wednesday job... Several oatmeal raisin cookies recipes which I will try this week.

After Mom went to bed, I went out to World Gym. A walk on the DREADMILL... while I watched TLC or HBO.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Pastor James

Topic: v. 6 My time is not yet come... 

Scripture: John 7:1-13

7 Highlights:

1. Jesus never tried to please everyone. 

2. A disciple of Jesus lives to please God, not men.

3. Self exaltation cannot glorify God.

4. We often disagree with God about timing as we think things never happen fast enough.

5. Controversy can often have an impact.

6. Through Christ, Church should offer this world HOPE.

7. We should be a threat to the world, having a sense of mission for the world, with a view contrary to the 

world! How about House of Praise?

Seek Him First!

Hot, Hot, Hot...

Just when you think it can't get any hotter... it's hotter... 

I got up early... and after time with Jesus, I headed to WG. An hour walk on the dreadmill and then headed back home for Mom duty.

It was a hot and long morning... but at 12noon, Annie was still awake, so she had a 15 minute talk with Mom... that helped!

At 3pm we were off... I picked up donations for Cambodia and headed to Linkou. A couple from church was having a dinner get together, but I didn't want to drive back too late. The food was fabulous and Mom kept eating, and eating, and eating... we got home before 8pm. 

After Mom went to bed, I took down the clothes and folded and put everything away and got the house cleaned up. Then it was time to download emails and blog and talked with Isaiah. We are trying to decide the last few transportation reservation. What to use? Fly, bus or train?

Daily Lovely Insight:

I never saw how beautiful Isaiah 12 is until today!

Seek Him First!

Yes, Very Busy... Yes, Very Hot...

Another early morning... as usual... 

After Mom went off, I got myself to the World Gym as I had made an appointment for a body massage! YEAH!

The time flew by... and I was again out running errands... getting the scooter tuned up, stopping at the bank, shopping for a few items to send to Annie, buying a rental contract at the local bookstore.

I got home by 3:30 and called Eddie! He will send some MONEY to help with Mom's living expenses! YEAH!

I hurried up to put a load of laundry in, heat up dinner, check email, called the credit card company to make sure I can use my credit card while I'm in England and Europe, tidy up Mom's room... and Mom was home!

This evening different people came to pick up different items and I watched a couple of episodes of mystery TV shows! YEAH!

At 9pm, Isaiah and I called each other to book all the transportation! But we didn't get all done... we did only three legs... it's quite a process. We will continue tomorrow. I did have a chance to pray with Alan. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Get Things Done Day!

First I wanted to report that Alan and Abby have both arrived safely in LA. Alan had to rush to catch his flight from Denver to LAX. God did it. The lines at the Customs and Immigration were long, then to get his luggage and then recheck them in. Abby had a direct flight from London, which was about 10 hours. She had no check in. Abby arrived first and then Alan. Annie, the super sister in law and aunt, went and picked them up. I know it was a big sacrifice for her as she is usually in bed before 9pm. She also stocked the cupboards and fridge up with all their favorite sugary items! Plus chips and cereals. Abby lined me and we had a nice video chat! She showed me everything! Alan and I had time to pray and he was soon in bed. He started to have an allergy while he was in the UK. So, Annie had the necessary over the counter drug for him. Tomorrow, they are planning to play some tennis. Abby and I chatted and went through clothes that Suz, one of my best friends, had dropped off. Such nice stuff! Hopefully, Abby went to bed right after we hung up.

Amy, the helper, was to come, but she ate shrimp and had an allergic reaction. So, I ended up doing the cleaning and tidying up, plus I had so much stuff from people which had to be posted and given away! I had to turn on the AC in the afternoon as I sat to finish up my July 24th talk notes and ppt. Before Mom came back, I went over to the post office and also paid a bill. In addition, I received notice that Alan needed to update his records at the Taiwan Land and Property Office. It's bizarre as they updated his ID number but did not inform any of the agencies. So every agency has to be contacted. I forgot about this one! After several phone calls, that was settled. Then Soochow called. Abby and Alan turned in the wrong year for the scholarship application! They turned in the forms that was for 2019! I had to take photos of the 2022 forms and thankfully, the office accepted them, which meant I didn't have to make a trip to the university to hand things in! Mom was home right on time and I had dinner ready!

After she went to bed, I headed to World Gym as I wanted to try a class -- Gym and Run -- that started at 7:40 to 9:20, as it had a 30 minute stretch session. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a timeless truth for today!

Seek Him First!

A Hectic Day!

Wednesdays are just rush, rush, rush... 

I think next week I'll just get to the office late! I told them before I accepted the job... we will see. Maybe they will fire me!

I do love teaching! The students are great and we have so much fun. 60 MOE -- WHOOSH! And my afternoon chat times are getting packed. More people are signing up. So, that makes the afternoon go -- WHOOSH!

I did have time in the morning to prep and write as there was nothing to edit!YIPPY!

Alan and Abby took the bus to the airport. I'm praying that all went well.

I came back, switched to the car and picked Mom up! What a rush!

After Mom went to bed, I went to World Gym! Then prayer time with a sister later on tonight... and talked to Isaiah after that. We have to start booking our transportation!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I like that word: ALL... Even paths that we might not like!

Seek Him First!

A Fun Day!

Yes, I decided to take a day off and do something fun!

After Mom went off, I tidied up the house and at 9:50, headed to Miramar Entertainment Center. I bought a ticket and watched the movie, Top Gun! It was a fabulous movie! Very well tied together with old songs and new characters all beautifully weaved together. Action packed and yet I got very drawn into the characters. Very few bad word or inappropriate things. It also didn't push any 'agendas'. 

I then went and bought things at Carrefour, headed home, tried to call Alan... and baked for tomorrow. I rushed over to World Gym. I had to as I had only about an hour before Mom was back.

I again barely had time for a shower. At least I had dinner all ready.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are some sentences about holiness from Packer:

Holiness is faith at work through love.

Holiness is expressed in gratitude.

Holiness has to do with my heart.

Holiness grows through practice.

Holiness pleases God.

Holiness is the flavor of a life set apart for God.

Seek Him First!

A Prep Day!

It wasn't originally going to be a prep day... I had tutoring... I had an afternoon appointment. But tutoring was cancelled and so was the afternoon appointment. So, after Mom left, I went and picked up the Minion Game of Life (I bought it for 100NT$) and then a dreadmill run before returning home. 

Once I got home, I had a quick shower and lunch. For the rest of the afternoon, I sat and started on my message and ppt prep.  At around 3pm, Alan was up (It was 8am), so we had time to pray together. We missed a few days as he was in the rural area and did not have any WiFi. By 4:30, it was so hot... deathly hot, blaring hot... that I had to turn on the AC unit in the living room to cool down the house!

Mom was back at 5:10 and I had tap dancing tonight. It was the last class for this semester! I did not sign up for the summer session as I'm planning to try a few World Gym 'workout' classes. They are free and there is AC!

Daily Lovely Insight:

A commentary about the life of Paul had this to say in summary: 

“Paul’s radical transformation is demonstrative of the extraordinary redemptive power of the Gospel. As a zealous Jewish scholar, he had persecuted countless Christians – including the first martyr for Christ, Stephen. After his encounter with Christ, however, he became an unstoppable force for the kingdom of God.”

I'm using Paul as the character who experienced an encounter with God that completely turned his life 'upside-down' or rather, 'right-side up'!

God still desires to do the same for all believers who would walk in obedience!

Seek Him First!

Can It Get Any Hotter?

It is suffocatingly hot! It makes me even more 'envious' of where the kids and Alan are at... 

I did an early morning World Gym walk and then got Mom up. She had breakfast and it was too hot to go out... 

We just sat at the dining room table... and I gave her guava slices... chips... she enjoyed eating!

Then at 2pm, it was time for church!

YEAH... AC!

I didn't have to speak... 

After church, we got our dinner boxes and headed home, giving Josh and Pauline a ride.

Mom went to bed and I rushed out to meet a gal at Miramar.  I had set the appointment at 8pm and although I was hoping for a few minutes to close my eyes, that didn't happen.

Oh... Alan and the kids was watching the service in Wales... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

July 10, 2022

Pastor James  

John 6:60-71  

You do not want to leave, do you?  

7 Highlights  

1. To start something, you must stop something first.

2. Change means to stop and start something new.

3. You always have a choice.

4. Follow Jesus or follow your own way, which is the same as following the way of the world.  

5. Salvation is made available to us through Jesus.

6. Sometimes, following Jesus will be difficult as we are to move away from the values of those in the world.

7. God can use the normal to speak. The supernatural events are actually rare when looking at the Word of God. 

Seek Him First!

Car Looking Spanking New...

It was a hot and full day... 

I got Mom up and cut her hair and she had a shower. Then it was breakfast time! It was hot outside, but she did a walk.

Then after lunch, we were out... I used the wheelchair and we took the bus! She had a massage appointment. It was 30 minutes for 25$, and that was with a coupon! It's more like PT/Massage. I then pushed Mom around and found a bubble milk tea place and dinner box place! Very delicious!

I proceeded to WALK from there to the car repair place... WOW... in that heat!

The car looked so great! I'm glad I spent the money!

Having the car, I dropped off donation... and picked up diapers. It was perfect. I ordered on 7/7 and today, I'm down to the last diaper... and now, I'm all stocked up for another 6 weeks! How much are diapers? NOT CHEAP! I order online as that's cheaper than buying from Costco! It's about 50US$ a month! At the long term overnight facility, they charge 60US$ a week! Of course, you can bring your own. But I guess they change the diapers a lot more often than I do!

After Mom went to bed, I finished the load of laundry... and went to World Gym!

Yes... news from Alan and the kids -- they went and climbed the second highest mountain, Snowdon, in Wales... it was not too bad. Their legs are fine... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Nehemiah 8:9-10

Feasting has its place in God's service!

(J.I. Packer)

Seek Him First!

New Bible Study... Taking Time To Rest!

The day went extremely fast... when I was at World Gym, I couldn't believe that I had to get home FAST... and sure enough, by the time I was towel drying myself, the phone rang. Mom was home!

I started a new Bible study. Then I took the time to continue the second lesson as the homework is quite intense. I was planning to run errands, but decided just to rest. That did my body good. 

The weather forecast said RAIN, but it never came. So, by 3:15, I rushed down to World Gym and got my dreadmill run in!

I called the car repair/body shop and I can pick up the car tomorrow at 5:30. So, I made an appointment for Mom to have a massage at 3:30. 

This evening, I did go out to run errands... ha, ha, ha... after Mom went to bed. I can't do that on the weekend... No one is home to keep an eye on Mom!

Daily Lovely Insight:

J.I. Packer wrote: 

We must honor God by our use of time, in a rhythm of toil and rest; six days for work crowned by one day for worship. God's claim on our sabbaths reminds us that all our time is his gift, to be given back to him and used for him. Satan wants to see every minute misused; it is for us to make every minute count for God. How? Not by a frenzied rushing to pack a quart of activity into a pint pot of time, but by an ordered lifestyle in which, within the set rhythm of toil and rest, work and worship, due time is allotted to sleep, family, wage earning, homemaking, prayer, recreation... so that we master time instead of being mastered by it.

I think this is sound advice!

Seek Him First!

Spending Money... Getting Things "Fixed"...

As soon as Mom left, I was out the door... the repair shop opens at 8am and I wanted them to look at that 'scratch' (maybe you don't recall when I was driving back and forth almost every day visiting Mom and I scratched the car just turning a corner in B1 of our garage complex... You know how exhausted I must have been!). I planned to get there early so that I can have the car back by Saturday. (They had told me that the typical length of time was three days!) So... to get it done, plus the front piece, 10,500NT$. I sent a message to Alan to ask for his opinion. I left the car and got an Ubike. I had to pick up Mom's medication. I had to check about a place that might fix the luggage wheel. I forgot to go by our old house to pay the 'trash' disposers. I got home and went out again. This time, I scootered to pay the neighbor at our old house who is responsible for the trash (1500NT$ for six months) and dropped off the luggage as I found a place that will fix it. He looked and gave me the cost for the repair: 700NT$ (he actually said 800$ but I asked for a discount. The same with the car.) I scootered back and bought another cup of coffee with my coupon. I have two more left!

Amy came over at 1pm. I lined Alan. He was up, so I plugged in the WiFi and we had time to pray together. It is his 64th birthday!!!!!!!!! He was planning to run and pick up the car -- a stick shift. They will then drive to several of the sights, traveling by car for the next five days before Alan and Abby head to the States! Please keep them in your prayers.

Amy and I worked on putting away the winter blankets and Mom's bed. That's always a big task. Then we did all the fans and the floor, especially around Mom's eating area. It was really FILTHY!

Amy left at 5pm and Mom was back at 5:10. (This morning I had to do another antigen test on Mom. They sent two more!)

I had tutoring at 7pm after Mom went to bed... and when that was finished, I was so tired that I fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up, it was already 10pm, so I walked to HiLife to pay the bill for Mom's Day Care Program and got two more coffees! I was too tired to go to World Gym. There was rain this afternoon, but I had no time to be out. I worked on my Bible study for tomorrow morning! There was a lot of homework, but I got it all finished! I had started it about two weeks ago, when I first got the book. The study is really excellent!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The book of Isaiah is truly about Redemption! The author made so many fine points and connections from Isaiah to the New Testament! The Holy One of Israel by Sarah Ivill.

Here is a paragraph from her introduction:

The new covenant involved seven different promises. First, God promised His people would return to the land of promise. Second, God promised a restoration of the land. Third, God promised a realization of each of His previous promises to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. Fourth, God promised a renewed heart. Fifth, God promised the removal of sin. Sixth, God promised a reunion of Israel and Judah under one ruler, Jesus Christ. Finally, God promised the realization of redemption.

Seek Him First!