Last Day Here! No Passport!

OK... first, I will blog about yesterday... that's August 30th... Tuesday... 

We went out at around 10:45 and headed down towards Sir Arthur's! We had planned to hike two hills! The weather was a bit cold and sprinkling. We stopped at a few small museums and then at the Parliament, and started the hike! It was absolutely splendid! Beautiful and lots of trails to explore! We didn't have enough time to go to all the trails. The reason that we didn't have the time was because we had set dinner to be at 6pm with Lily and Duncan, hoping to pick up the passport that was to be sent to their house.

At the top, we get to see the view of the whole city, but it really was the hike that's so worth the time!

We came down by 3 and went to Carlton Hill. That was very disappointing and filled with trash. If I had known, I would have stayed at Sir Arthur's for the rest of the afternoon. We were early and went straight to Lily and Duncan's after getting a dessert and some fruit for them.

Lily had prepared a huge dinner for us! Chicken soup, salad, salmon, rice... everything! We stayed until 9:30 and then walked back to our hostel. All beds were filled and everyone was asleep. So, I didn't try to get the lap top until this morning to block.

Ok... the bad news... no passport! The Royal Postal Service went on strike as soon as Isaiah's housemate had posted the passport. It's been shut and the strike will continue at least until August 31st. We don't even know how we are going to get the passport now! So, Isaiah booked a train ticket to Coventry, pick up the Taiwan passport, and then take the train to London on Thursday early morning and meet up with us at the St. Pancreas International so that we can take the Eurostar to Antwerp! And pray that somehow, the passport will get to Lily and Duncan's and then they will have to mail it back to Coventry, which is our last stop. Or else, Isaiah will have to take another train back up to Edinburgh from Coventry to pick it up as we don't trust the postal service of the UK.

August 31st

Today's plan is to check out from our hostel, wheel our luggage to Lily's store and then start walking around. We still have a few places to visit here around this area. Isaiah will have to go to the train station at 2pm. We will pick up the luggage at 6:30 and go to the bus station. I'll stay with the luggage and hopefully find WiFi to do email and blog, maybe! Our bus is not until 10:25. Everything closes up, so staying up at the bus station won't be too bad!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Daniel was encouraging... God is the sovereign One. He has control of nations and events. So, I will choose to rest when I don't see the way! God will work this out... We will move forward in faith!

Seek Him First!

Still Here in Edinburgh!

We are having so much fun that when we got back last night, I had absolutely no time to blog... And since it's not yet the 'next day' in the States, this is my entry for 'yesterday'. Actually, I just realized after posting, that I'm in the UK... not in Taiwan. So, it's already Tuesday, the 30th! I will write about Tuesday tonight!

Monday, August 29th:

We were off early... I always get up to have my time with Jesus and a quick run to explore the area. The weather is so cool... my legs and lungs are happy!

We had to catch a train to St. Andrews. It was an easy ride and then a short bus to the Saint, where we met up with Claire, Eric and Mark. The food was a bit expensive, but we put it on James' tab! YEAH! Then we hit all the spots... the university, the cathedral, the castle, the coffee shop (where Kate met William), the gelato shop with 100 flavors, the thrift stores, the bookstores, the pier (a traditional for freshmen at the university to walk down in their red robe)... and of course, the east and west end beaches and the GOLF COURSE! (where golf started!) 

Abby was nice enough to record and do the sound for the Chariot of Fire 'run' remake... ha, ha, ha... If you're interested in watching it, I can send it to you for your enjoyment!

We got back to the Hostel at around 9pm and one of our 'roommates' was there. We started chatting with him and 'kidnapped' him to join us for our evening trek! It was so much fun! Jack John Brady from Los Angeles! We will definitely keep in touch with him.

I was asleep by 12midnight... but the kids kept talking with him until who knows when.

Daily Lovely Insight:

A Prayer Found at A Church in St. Andrews

Seek Him First!

It's Me... Again in Edinburgh!

It's Sunday... No run... but I still got up super early!

Had my coffee... and went back to bed instead of walking around since I knew the kids would want to walk around!

So, I got them up and we had breakfast at the Hostel. We walked to church... and it was a wonderful service. Duncan and Lily treated us to lunch... and then Lily walked with us as it was an afternoon of thrift and book shopping! It was fabulous! We also hit two more museums! We will visit the castle on Tuesday!

I found an old copy of John Bunyan's book... but did not find a devotional. 

Abby found a pair of boots... but they were at TK Maxx! 40 pounds!

Duncan and Lily invited us to their home for dinner, but we opted for fish and chips and haggis at a small place and ate outside!

Then there were so many "fringe" performers, so we walked around some more. Abby and Isaiah had missed a lot of that as they were asleep all afternoon!

We went to Lidl to buy some groceries and went back to the hostel. Isaiah stayed in the room to watch the Padres game! I went down to the dining room to blog and Abby went out to listen to another guitarist! These performers have been fabulous!

I took a shower and went to bed early... It will be an early morning tomorrow as we are heading to St. Andrews.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Proverbs 4:23-27, that was the main text for this morning's message on, Gird and Guard Your Heart!

Seek Him First!

It's Me... At the Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel!

What an adventure... It's not as fun when we have so much of Abby's stuff! I am now even more of a believer that traveling light is traveling right!

It was a miracle that with only one carry on, Abby was able to pack 28 kilos of things! Amazing... plus a 10 kilo backpack! They never weighed it and the flight attendants were super nice to her. When it couldn't fit in the overhead compartment, they found a space for it!

And we survived the overnight bus ride! It's not for the faint of heart! Abby and Isaiah didn't sleep much. Since I'm so used to not sleeping, I felt fine! I was up at 5am to have my time with Jesus! YEAH! Then the sun was out and I enjoyed looking out at the scenery! What a beautiful ride with sheep and diary cows dotting the hillside... and small quaint cottages! In all my travel, I never made it up this far north... We arrived a bit late and our friend's husband was there, waiting for us! SO AMAZING! Even though he is handicapped, it was great to have his help with one of the carry ons! We made it to our lodging! We left our luggage and went to have breakfast! Then I repacked the stuff, giving the items that we had brought for them. He had work to do, so he took the bus home. We went and walked around... so many places to explore. We went to the National Museum of Scotland, and to see "Bobby", the faithful dog... It was marvelously fun... there were food stalls and performers everywhere... It is presently the last two days of the Edinburgh Festival!

When we checked in at 3pm, we found out that we were on the top floor... it was a lot of climbing with a lot of luggage and NO ELEVATOR! Abby and Isaiah were exhausted! They went to rest, while I went and walked around some more. 

There were too many people on the streets, so I didn't go for a run. Otherwise, I think it would have been fun to do a run around Edinburgh. Now, the roads outside of town looked marvelous for running!

What will we do tomorrow?

Who knows!

But we will definitely attend church!

Daily Lovely Insight:

While walking around, we went to the St. Columba Church by the Castle. And on the wall, they had posted questions of reflection with chairs to sit and just to think on Christ. Let me paraphrase and share one of the questions:

Where are you on your journey with Jesus?

Seek Him First!

 

It's Me... On the Overnight Bus to Edinburgh!

Yes, it's been a marvelous few days... So fun... So calm... even in the midst of having so much to do!

I got up early and had my time with Jesus.

Then I was off for a run... I was hoping to go run around the neighborhood, but I just didn't want to worry about crossing the streets. So, I went to Hendon Park and ran around around and around! There were lots of people out there, walking their dog or jogging. The area is wonderfully Jewish and there are signs all in Hebrew!

It was cool, crisp and nippy. Wonderful. I went over 11kms. I could have kept going but I had to get Isaiah up. Breakfast was included with our lodging! Cereal, toast, tang and coffee! We went and had breakfast... then a shower, packed up, dropped the luggage in the storage and went to the British Museum. We spent the whole day there... we walked and saw every room that was free!

At around 1:45 we had gotten a call. Abby had arrived. So we told her to meet us at Portobello Road Market. What a marvelous place! We didn't buy anything but some food. We all went back to the Hostel. Isaiah took one carry on and went to meet an ex-coworker from Franklin who has been studying in London. Abby and I took our time to get to Victoria Coach Station with all the other bags. We could only be slow. Another friend met us at the Station with take-outs! And we just sat and talk.

The bus was at 10:30 and we got all our bags in without any extra charges! That was a miracle because they actually 'measure' the size and had a limit.

We will be in Edinburgh by 7:40!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's Me... At the London Backpackers!

What a journey so far!

I got on the flight to Singapore... and arrived safely... and had time to walk around and even talk and pray with Alan before boarding. The flight was packed. I had a great aisle seat! Lots of leg space!

I ate and slept and walked around... No movie for me!

I arrived right on time, and I took my time to get to Customs and to Baggage Claim!

Just as I walked to the carousel, my baggage rolled in front of me. I took it off! What timing... Nothing to declare and I was out... I went straight to the Information Service and the lady printed out the directions to get here! Amazing!

With the luggage, carry on and backpack plus purse, I went and caught the subway! First, I went to the kiosk and used cash and add value to my Oyster card. No problem. 10 pounds! 5.50 to get to Hendon Central and I still have 4.50 left! Yippy!

I had to transfer at King's Cross... it was 28 stops there -- 55 minutes! What a ride, seeing all the names... recalling when I was here last... in 1980!

I then took the Northern Line, following the black marking on the floor and was at Platform 7! It was raining, but so far, all the walking had been underground!

At Hendon Central, I had to walk outside... but a man standing at the exit had his cell phone and he googled search and laughed... "I think it's across the street!" Sure enough... it was! I could have gotten so lost, trying to walk around who knows where.

The place has no elevator... so I connected my WiFi and lined Isaiah. He was set to be here at 3pm. I canceled my luncheon at the Ethiopian Restaurant as the station where my friend was FLOODED! She couldn't make it here for another hour! So, we will do that another time. Plus, my stomach didn't want to eat. I had two rolls and went and walked around. 

The neighborhood is definitely Jewish and there are some very nice homes with some very nice cars! Several supermarkets and coffee shops. As for what we will do tomorrow, I have no idea. I didn't walk far because the sprinkle/drizzle was pretty constant. 

I called Yenny... she was having problem remembering how to use the washing machine! Oh my... as Mom peed through the bedding again. I wrote to the Day Care Center -- STOP FEEDING HER SO MUCH LIQUID. Mom has a problem... she will keep drinking whatever you put in front of her!

Oh... on the plane... it was God... I was sleeping and I got up... it was pitch dark... I looked at my watch -- The exact time that I usually like to be up to have time with Jesus! This summer I have been up early and even now, when it was pitch dark, the Lord woke me up. I had my Bible bag and sat and had a wonderful time. I know the Lord will be so good to me... giving me time with Him every morning during this vacation! Thank you, Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Ezekiel 39:29

Seek Him First!

It's Me... At the Taoyuan Airport...

It's Wednesday... and I've already had quite a long day... 

After getting up early and going through things with Yenny as to what needs to be done each morning, we got Mom off. I even had time to trim Mom's hair!

Yenny and I cleaned the house: changing sheet, taking down and folding the clothes, mopping the floor, dusting... 

At 10:15, I took a quick shower and went over last minute stuff and left at 10:35. I was early to the MRT Station, waiting for a friend to pick up the car. She has a ministry at various schools and would find it so helpful to have a car. To do the outreach activities, they have a lot of props.

I went on the MRT and got to SongShan Airport with time to go to the restroom and add value to my MRT card. The bus came at 11:40! And with all the stops, I got to the Airport just before 1pm.

The counters were not yet opened... that's ok with me. I had a bowl of instant noodles with two tea eggs and a coffee! YUMMY!

I was at the Counter at 2:47 and they just opened at 2:45. So on time. No problem with checking in. And then I went to the counter to ask about changing flight. Still no seat available. But there is a later flight that same day... I'm now on two waiting list. 

I decided to go through customs and found a place with stationery bikes. Did that for 20 minutes and proceeded to find an empty quiet spot to blog... and yes, there are lots of quiet empty spots!

I will be boarding at 5:05 and I got an AISLE SEAT, even for my longer flight. I'll arrive in Singapore at around 10:20 and hopefully walk around, before boarding the next flight tomorrow at 01:10 and be in London by the morning... SPLENDID. I checked about the route to get to the hostel... almost two hours via public transport. I'm going to try... I am sure I'll live to talk about it... in my next blog post!

Daily Lovely Insight:

It's a strange feeling... To be here and to reflect... last year in September, we were here to send Isaiah off. In June I was at the airport twice -- once to send Alan off... and then again to send Abby off... Finally, I'm here! And a year has gone by since Isaiah's departure... 

While waiting, I did the homework for my Bible study. Here is two of the questions:

1. What might be one way your 'busyness' blocks you from listening and communing with the living God?

2. What is one step you can take today to slow down and live more attentively to the voice of Jesus?

My answer to Q2:

"CLOSE MY EYES FROM TIME TO TIME. BE MORE AWARE OF HIS PRESENCE IN THE BUSYNESS!"

How about you?

(Book study: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero)

Seek Him First!

Not Sure When I'll Post Again!

Yes... it's true... this might be my last post until I return from my grand epic spectacular trip! But I think I will try to post as the adventures are going to be so marvelous!

Today was smooth... busy, but smooth.

I got everything done. And the big suitcase is in the car. I cleaned the house and stocked up on everything. 

Yenny came over at 5pm and I walked her through some basics. I will walk her through more stuff tomorrow.

I did have time for a treadmill run... YEAH!

Prayer time with Alan... Edited Isaiah's final paper... and got another translation job!

And I am still trying to get confirmed seats for 9/24! I called Singapore Airlines again this morning. Nothing yet... So... this will be an ongoing prayer request!

Daily Lovely Insight:

For 32 chapters, Ezekiel was bearing 'bad news'... then start ing in Chapter 33, God speaks a message of RESTORATION & HOPE! I love that about God's word... He always ends with HOPE! Look at the book of Revelation!

Seek Him First!

 

Getting Ready to Go, Go, Go...

I was up and could tell that last night's quality of sleep wasn't that great. I tried to finish up some work, so went to bed almost at 1am.

Mom was off to the Day Care Center, and I called Singapore Airlines. I want them to get me and Isaiah on that flight from London to Singapore on 9/24. Unfortunately, no seat available. The representative was very helpful. He called me back and asked if I want to leave a day earlier! What? We would not have that much time in London! We'd fly out on 9/22, get to Singapore on 9/23, and catch the connecting flight and be back in Taipei by 16:45. No long layover in Singapore... But what I want is fly out on 9/24, get to Singapore on 9/25 and catch the connecting flight and be back in Taipei by 16:45 of the 25th! So, after lining Alan, I said, "No!" We are now on the waiting list... and I will call again tomorrow.

So, that took up quite a bit of time. I finally went out at 11am to run errands, exchange money and go for a workout! I had prayer time with a sister at 3:30 and Mom was home by 5:10!

This evening, I read, prepped for another Bible study, talked with Isaiah and then with Alan. We prayed together and then it was Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are the highlights from yesterday's sermon!

August 21, 2022

Pastor Paul

A Better Song

7 Highlights:

1. God created us as male and female.
2. Instead of using our feelings to define our sexuality, we should be using what we are born with, which is less likely to change than our feelings.
3. Be careful about how we are lured by the songs of this world, which might lead to temporary satisfaction, but ultimately to destruction.
4. The song we should be listening to is what God has sung through His word.
5. Romans 1: 21-27 is a good passage to understand the idolatry of this age and society!
6. Our sexuality is being attacked by the world in order to lessen the beauty of God’s glory.
7. Sexual relations is like fire, powerful when properly limited, devastating when improperly used.

Seek Him First!

Yes, It's Count Down Time!

I did not get up super early... I couldn't believe it. I guess I was truly exhausted. According to my watch, I slept 6:40... the astounding thing is: 4:41 minutes deep, only 1:59 light! Most of the time it's like 50 minutes deep and 5:34 minutes light! No wonder I woke up so refreshed!

I went to Ariel's house to drop off the last of the stuff and finished cleaning the place. Then I was out on the bike to World Gym. Yes, a treadmill walk and 20 minutes of weight. I got back and did a load of laundry. Got Mom up and she had a late breakfast!

I did message prep and then hung up the clothes. I wanted to make ice coffee for our Love Cafe, so we left at 2:15 for church. I also had a bunch of stuff for different people! The ice coffee turned out fabulously! The Love Feast dinner box was also delicious! Since I had to buy milk for the ice coffee, I also got six dragon fruit! YUMMY! We were home by 7pm, and I put Mom to bed.

Then it was work, work, work... and prayer time with a sister and with Alan! I went back to reading the last file for the translation project and Isaiah's final paper!

I'm glad I cancelled all tutoring for this week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

 

Seek Him First!

It's the same... BUSY!

Yes, I got up super early again... 

After my time with Jesus, I rode the bike to run errands and go to World Gym for a walk on the treadmill and a 20 minute weight workout!

I was back and getting Mom up and ready for the day. 

I made an appointment for a blind massage and she loved it. She did not pee on the bed. She did not complain. She did not want to 'go home'. 

Then we were off to RT Mart to pick up the final few items to bring to the UK.

She had dinner and was ready for bed!

I had so much to do... two sets of translation... and I cancelled my tutoring for Monday and Tuesday. I have to get the documents done!

I packed my suitcase and it's 25.5 kilos. My carry on is light... so that's good!

Talked to Isaiah... Talked and prayed with Alan!

I did not go over to Ariel's... I was just too tired! I will have to go tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Lord continues to woo His people to return to Him... and throughout the Bible He calls His prophets to use many ways to express His heart. Today, I read about:

Ezekiel being told to not weep or mourn upon the lost of his wife, the delight of his eyes... 

Seek Him First!

Extremely Hectic...

I got up super early... and after my time with Jesus, I went for my short run... and then came back for a quick shower and my morning Bible study on the book of Isaiah! When that was finished, I got Mom ready as we headed to YangMing Hospital! I had made appointments for her to see two different doctors!

We finished at 11:30 and I dropped her off at the Day Care Center and 'flew' over to Costco! I was out of there and home by 12:45! After putting everything away, and gathering things for the fridge at our friend's house, I ate a quick lunch. Then it was going to find out about WiFi for the 'quarantine' house. I went to SIX different places. No Can Do... The WiFi starts the day I sign. I cannot delay the start to be on 9/11 when Alan is there. So I will have to ask Ariel to help me out! I rushed back and it was 3:10... I gathered up two bags of stuff... very heavy stuff... and went over to clean that house and put things in the fridge. There is no elevator. I was sweating up a storm by the time I got up there... And then after I tidied up the place, I felt as if I had taken a shower! I still have more things to bring over! That's the extra work from having someone stay at our house with Mom. Whatever Alan doesn't finish, Isaiah and I can eat when we are staying there!

Then it was off to World Gym -- 20 minutes of weights -- rushed back and Mom was home! YIKES... All I wanted to do was to have a 10 minute power nap... NO CAN DO!

This evening I had things to translate... things to read... and of course, emails to check and then BLOG!

Prayer time with Alan at 9:30... and the weekend is upon us! It's my last weekend before my trip!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here is something I wrote as I reflected upon Isaiah 26:3-4:

Trust in the LORD forever, 

For in God our LORD, 

We have an everlasting Rock.

It is well, with my soul!

I can sing with Joy, 

I can sing with Peace.

I can sit and rest with ease.

For I know You're here.

And thus, all is well... In my soul!

Seek Him First!

God Provided!

So, I will share the good news... I only interviewed one person and I hired her! Yenny Lin! Indonesian Chinese. I have a lot to do... in these next few days before I leave... That's because now, Alan cannot quarantine here. Isaiah and I cannot quarantine here! I have to get WiFi for our neighbor's house for the month! I have to get all the food into our neighbor's fridge, plus Alan's blanket and pillows. These are all unexpected things that I will have to get done! But at least Mom will be home... and have her regular routine! I think she will like it better than going to the facility! YIPPY!

This morning, after I got Mom off, I just went back to bed! I slept for the entire morning... My right tonsil has been swelled up... and hurting... but again, after the rest, the pain and the swelling went away! I think I'm just too tired!

I cleaned up around the house and then went for a run! It was supposed to rain, but nothing! I just ran my usual 8km, NOT AT WORLD GYM, NOT ON A TREADMILL! It was hot. I drank a lot of water!

Then I was off to meet up with a friend... But first, I stopped off at the MOE Office to give one of the gals a cup. She was so happy to see me!

I rushed home and got here by 4:50. And at 5:20, my friend came with Yenny... They stayed for almost 2 hours. I got Mom off to bed. Yenny will be coming on 8/23 and stay here with Mom until 9/29! Alan will be back by 9/11! 

The Lord purposely blocked Daoshen so that He can introduce Yenny to us. Yenny will be going to church with Mom every Sunday. And I pray that when I come back, Yenny will have decided to follow Jesus and be baptized!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Over and over again, God wanted His people to know that HE IS THE LORD. But they refused to heed His message... I love Ezekiel 12:28. How do you feel when you read this verse?

Seek Him First!

Another Wednesday -- FINISHED!

I'm so glad that these rush-around Wednesdays are finished! When I come back from my vacation, Alan and Isaiah will be here. That means I don't need to rush there or to rush back. Alan has no class on Wednesday, so he can help me with Mom! YIPPY!

It was a busy morning. I had a few things to edit! But I had time to catch up on news... Cambodia scam is a big thing here... 

I had another great class... and the evaluation was very positive. In the afternoon, I had more students coming to chat! YIPPY!

I packed up and left the office by 5:02 and made it to the Center by 5:50!!

Mom had dinner and I got her off to bed by 7:30 and I took off for World Gym. I wanted to do weights and a run! Couldn't fit all that in!

Prayer time with a sister at 9:30. Prayer time with Alan at 10:15. Blogged and went to bed... tomorrow is another busy day. I will have to call about one agency and another person recommended by another friend will be coming at 5pm for an 'interview'. I pray that by Friday, things would be set!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Ezekiel is so amazing. That's the power of God's word. Each time I read the same passage, it speaks to me in a different way because of the season in my life.

God shows Ezekiel that people cannot hide from Him!

It goes with the book that I'm reading about Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. 

You can't pretend with God. 

Seek Him First!

Shocking News!

This morning I called Singapore Airlines to find out about getting any compensation. They now tell me that I can change my return flight and stay one more day in London in order to avoid the long wait at Changi Airport in Singapore. This has to be approved by the Manager. 

After hanging up, I called Daoshen, to inform them that my mom is planning to come next Tuesday. To my horrid, the social worker said HE NEVER PROMISED THAT THERE WAS TO BE A BED AVAILABLE FOR MY MOM! I could not believe it. I tried to remind him of the long conversation we had and all that he said he would help me with. His reply was complete denial!

So, I spent the rest of the morning 'scrambling'. Finally, after about an hour or so, I just stopped! God knows. God will provide. I will choose to give thanks and rejoice. So, at 12 noon, I went to World Gym and did my 8km run! While running, it rained. But the weather was still stifling hot!

I got back. Isaiah again was not ready!

No news about any opening at a facility, but I got three people who might be able to come and stay at our house. But it will be more work for me in the next seven days as I have to stock the fridge, and pack anything of value in a room and lock it, and have all the pills ready. And Alan can quarantine here, but we might have to quarantine at Ariel's house.  And there are just a sleuth of logistics to consider! INSANE! But I'm trusting God to get me on that plane next Wednesday!

I had tutoring at 4pm and Bible study at 7pm. Then I called and talked and prayed with Alan at 10pm. I was so ready for bed! Tomorrow is my busy day at MOE.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Ezekiel is the book I'm on in my daily Bible reading... I just finished Lamentations and I learned so much about God's beauty in the midst of hardships. 

Seek Him First!

A Different Monday...

My usual Monday has been: get Mom off, prep for tutoring, go for a quick workout, tutor... in the afternoon, I meet up with a gal for prayer. Then Mom is back... 

But today... God knew I needed rest.

Tutoring cancelled... The family went on a trip and was planning to be back by Monday night. Their plans changed and they were back by Sunday. But I kept to NOT having class this week with this student!

Then the gal in the afternoon changed to Thursday, because I was going to go through Isaiah's paper. But at 3pm, when I plugged in the WiFi, he didn't work on his essay! So, there was nothing to go over! I sent him what I had edited and headed out to World Gym. I biked there. I had time for a run and I watched the movie, Hercules. I didn't finish! I did weights and tried two new machines: pec fly and mid row! I biked back and before my shower, I took out the scissors and trimmed my hair! YEAH! It probably doesn't look great, but I love it!

In the morning, I finished another lesson from the Isaiah study! I am going to try to meet up online with the gals even when I'm traveling. Then I messaged one of my tutees, informing her that I will be away.

Mom was back and we had leftover sandwiches from our love feast last night. The French fries were delicious!

After Mom went to bed, Isaiah and I had a video chat before Family Time at 10pm!

What a splendid Monday! 

Thank you Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Yeah... Another Weekend Finished!

I did get up early and have my time with Jesus and headed out to World Gym and to Carrefour. I can't go shopping with Mom. It's too much! Trying to care for her and trying to buy things. We go to the stores just so that she can walk around and eat. I was going to go buy things last night, but Abby said she was going to call and chat. But she bailed on me... even though I was back at home! 

I got home and it was Mom duty... I can't leave her alone. I now understand why it takes two people to care for one elderly person with dementia. Unlike a baby who weighs 7 kilos and can be put in a play pen, an elderly person cannot. They weigh more. They might have minutes of lucidity and think they can get up and walk around. There is no play pen to keep them. And they know how to take off a diaper. I can list more reasons why taking care of an elderly person is a lot more work than a baby. But I am sure you understand!

I talked to and prayed with Alan. 

Then at 2:15, I headed out to church!

I had to translate. Plus, Mom likes being at church during the worship practice. During the service, I had a dear friend sit with her because she was a bit active, wanting to talk and clap!

Dinner was great... and we were home by 7:15.

I had to do another Covid test! Then Mom was off to bed by 8pm.

I had more to do... There is always more to do... a load of wash... clean the floor... take down the trash. I have to do that as the diapers weigh so much and they smell if I don't take the trash down!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Pastor Paul

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Psalm 139: 13-18

 

7 Highlights:

1. Our body, created in God’s image, is to reflect His glory, His mission, and His purpose.
2. The whole universe is an expression of God’s glory, but He specifically gave Man the crown and the focus of that expression.
3. The Garden of Eden was perfect and yet God gave the Man the job to care, to tend, to have dominion, over it. He welcomes us to partner with Him in the work!
4. Col. 3:23-24, whatever you do, work at it heartily, as for the Lord… that should be the focus of all that we do!
5. God created us for community, not to be doing the work by ourselves.
6. God has promised us a resurrected body.
7. How are you using your body in preparation for His return?

Seek Him First!

A Long Saturday!

Eddie is very nice. He encourages me to take Mom out. But what he doesn't understand that it's a workout to take Mom out. To get her into the car, out of the car... to walk her around. I guess if I just push the wheelchair, but then she doesn't get the exercise. Let me back up and start from my morning... 

I was up early and had wanted to go to World Gym. But after my time with Jesus, I went back to bed. I was tired! I got Mom up, cut her hair, put her in the shower, and she had her breakfast! The morning dragged on... slowly... 

At 11, I gave her a snack and then her lunch... and I had time to talk and pray with Alan at 12:05! YEAH!

I was going to take Mom to Costco, but the line into the parking lot was LONG. So, we headed to Carrefour and walked around! That was nice as there were chairs everywhere. We went to the 2nd floor, the 4th floor, the first floor. There were about 20 see & eye dogs on the first floor... they were so beautiful! They were asking for donations.  After getting something to eat, we headed home.

Mom had her pills, ate a little more, and went off to bed!

I went to World Gym... and did just a treadmill walk!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Did I share the 7 highlights from last week's sermon?

The Prodigal Father

7 Highlights 

1. Prodigal means lavish, even to the point of being wasteful. 
2. The Father wants to give. That’s his heart.
3. The Father wants us to “Be yourself, but be your best self.”
4. The Father understands His true desire which is that He wanted His son back!
5. The Father’s presence is all we need and really all we want.
6. Maturity does not negate fun. We can have a good time with our Father! He loves celebrations.
7. We must see that the best place to be is in our Father’s House!

Seek Him First!

Plan "Fun Day"...

Yes, I've been planning for a fun day for months... And it was today!

I wanted to spend the whole morning reading... But I could not keep my eyes opened! After Mom went off, I had to first change the sheet and clean her bathroom! I had the AC on, so it made these tasks a lot 'easier'. I wasn't pouring out in sweat!

I then sat on the sofa and proceeded to read! I would get through a page and my eyes would be closed... and so... the long and short of it is that I basically read three pages and slept three hours!

But it was absolutely refreshing, although not exactly what I had planned as part of my "fun day"! I think I needed the sleep as just the night before I told Alan that my right tonsil was hurting. I had to keep rubbing China Oil on it, which really helped to alleviate the pain! And after the rest, the pain was gone!

I had wanted to ride my bike. This is the one that has better gears than my "Coca Cola" bike. But the tires were flat! So, I pushed it down and got it pumped and went to World Gym. I did the weights, tried the rowing machine, and ran 8kms, hitting my goal for this week! 41.89kms! And happily I rode the bike back. That was part of my "fun day" plan. But I had planned to ride longer! Oh well... 

I came home, had a quick shower and went to get my hair washed and cut for the trip. Unfortunately, the hairstylist never would cut as I instructed, because to them, the result is less than perfect. So, I think I will have to trim it myself. But the hair wash was absolutely fabulous. He used mint shampoo and sprayed my scalp with a mint water and gave it a nice massage! Such a treatment for just 10US$ -- cut and shampoo -- and we don't tip in Taiwan. 

I had bought boba tea coupon. So, that's where I walked to... and I brought my own cups. So, two boba, 700ml each, for just 3US$! Can't beat that! And this place has specialized boba. I got two flavors -- taro and original! 

I was able to get home without being rained on. The weather said, "RAIN", but none really came. I heard the thunder. I saw the dark clouds, but nothing!

Mom was home, and I had dinner ready!

I don't know how the day goes by so fast! And it's already Friday... The weekend has started!

This evening, after Mom went to bed, I worked on going through the first draft of Isaiah's final paper. We are praying that these last two Business in Practice papers will boost his overall GPA tremendously so that he can get distinction. Please pray with us!

At 9:30, I called and talked to Alan. We prayed together. It's been nice to be able to do this on a daily basis... or almost daily basis!

Daily Lovely Insight:

It should still our spirits, stir our souls, and fire our own faith to realize that his same living Lord -- the Risen Christ - by His Spirit stands ready to help us overcome today, just as of old, if we will but cooperate with Him in quiet obedience and calm confidence. He has not changed across the long centuries of human history!

W. Phillip Keller

Seek Him First!

Restful, Yet Super Productive, Thursday!

I like my Thursdays... I try NOT to book anything since Wednesdays are so packed... And I don't sleep early enough... 

I got up early... I don't like to rush my morning time with Jesus... 

After getting Mom off, I settled down to read... read... read... I finished my Isaiah and my Psalm Bible studies! The morning was gone!

Then I worked on my luggage... I'm trying to bring only 7 kilos of stuff and I've done it... Not including the toiletries, I have less than 7 kilos. I looked over every piece and made my decision! I will wear a pair of running shoes and bring one pair of sandals.  Everything fits into my carryon! Now, I will fill the bag with things that I'm bringing for our friends in Edinburgh and London! YEAH!

The rain was supposed to come at 2, but nothing... then the weather report said 3, but still nothing. So, at 3:15, I headed to World Gym. I had a short workout with weights and a short 8km run and I rushed home. Yes, with a 2 minute shower, Mom was back! I literally took a two minute shower! CRAZY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

"How we spend our time and strength counts for Christ or counts against Him. There is no neutral ground!"

Joshua, Man of Fearless Faith

by W. Phillip Keller

Seek Him First!

Exhausting, Yet Productive, Wednesday

I got up super early... I put in a load of laundry... And instead of putting anything in the dryer, I hung everything up, placing the smaller items in our living room and on the dining room chairs. When I got back this afternoon, it looked like a Chinese laundromat... 

So, after Mom went off, I dashed off... I was 7 minutes late! And we had three articles to edit! The morning flew by... and the lunch hour class was absolutely fantastic. People were super busy, so only four students. We sat around and chatted on the topic of making complaints and feasting at places in Taipei! It was an absolutely engaging hour!

I had two students for the afternoon English corner... and when I got back to my cubicle, the Trench Cake was gone! Those who took some thought it was very delicious and interesting... they had never heard of the trench cake!

At 5:01, I dashed off again... time to ride home, switch to the car, and drive to pick Mom up! I don't like the rushing around! But what can I do? Just one more Wednesday!

I had dinner ready... and only needed to put things in the microwave and Mom ate the whole thing! WOW!

I folded the clothes, put things away, and sat down to just breathe!

After Mom went to bed, I went out... YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Normal Tuesday...

Mom was off... and so was I... yes, a quick treadmill run... I didn't hit 8km, so I went back in the evening! I had my Bible study and it was a smaller group, but a fantastic time! We finished Psalm103 and won't be meeting again until 10/4. I didn't want to try to squeeze another session in the day before I leave for the UK! The lunch was delicious... absolutely yummy! I had enough leftover for Mom's dinner and two more dinners! YEAH!

While the gals were still here chatting, I got on the computer to talk and pray with Alan! YEAH!

Then, it was cleaning up time... checking emails... baking the trench cake for tomorrow's MOE group. And I called to find out about when the pay would be given... ha, ha, ha... they said they didn't pay me since they didn't have my bank information. Like... YOU DIDN'T BOTHER TO CALL??? Hilarious! And  it's the same account I had with MCU all these years, so I'm sure the MCU Accounting Department had it! So, I screen shot and sent it over! I will keep you posted!

I finished the last set of translation and sent that over... and ten minutes later, Mom was home! How did the day go by so quickly???

This evening after Mom went to bed, I did go back to World Gym. I must say, just the simple 30 minutes of weights is making a difference. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Book of Jeremiah continues to strike me. God loves using illustrations to get the point across. And today, Jeremiah was asked to purchase a plot of land. Sometimes from our perspective we might consider what God was asking, 'wasteful'. But God had a purpose, a divine purpose! In another illustration, Jeremiah was asked to buy a piece of clothing, only to bury it. When taken out, it was completely useless. Was that wasteful? Thus, I am reminded... in God's hands, nothing is wasted! If we are willing to surrender our lives fully into His loving hands!

Seek Him First!

Monday, Monday...

I got Mom off and headed out... I do the most difficult thing first -- the run on the treadmill. Then I'm back home, getting ready for tutoring.

When that was finished, I talked and prayed with Alan and ate my lunch before heading out to the bank. They called and had something for me to sign. Eddie is trying to send money for Mom's Care, especially for the long term facility while I'm gone. That money hopefully will 'arrive' on Friday! And when I updated Alan's passbook, Abby's scholarship money came in. Yippy!

I then scootered over to Soochow University and picked enough books to fill an entire box and tidied up the 'free give away shelves'. I dropped off the books at the local high school, which has a foreign teacher, looking to beef up the English library. What a great idea!

It was hot, but I had to go to Carrefour as I needed milk to bake a Trench Cake for my Wednesday class. I also have to cook for my Bible study tomorrow. 

And unfortunately, I got an email from the translation job... our first two sets need to be greatly revised! OH NO! Isaiah didn't catch a lot of the changes. I only looked at the English part. I didn't open up to read the Chinese text! I looked and realized why this problem occurred: I thought only the highlighted parts contained the changes. Actually, there were many parts that were not highlighted and so Isaiah had to read the entire text! We didn't know that! It's going to be a busy week!

This evening, we had our Family Time! I'm glad it's on Monday night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Jeremiah 29:11-13, always very encouraging!

Seek Him First!

Another Sunday... Another Father's Day...

Another early morning... I headed out to World Gym... I'm trying to do two walks, three biking, four weights and five runs... That's per week!

So, today was a walk... and weights... But I'm getting my money's worth... Abby was not... I go every day, even if it's just for 30 minutes of weights! And now that I have my bike back... I just bike down there! Nice and easy! And I try to hit 40kms in five runs... which is not easy as I'm running on a treadmill. That is 8km each run! I can do that if I was outside, running in cooler weather, but it's like forever on a treadmill!

Then I was back for Mom care... After prayer time with Alan, I headed out with Mom as I wanted to stop at Costco! They had vitamin C... YEAH... But first, there was an empty handicapped parking space! YEAH! I got the combos and crackers... I had brought the ice tea. So, I got Mom settled in a chair at church with some snacks and helped set up Love Cafe. It was a total success. I wanted to do this as this was our Father's Day Celebration! The message was perfect. 

The ice tea was such a success that I'm going to do this for the next two Sundays before I take off... 

I came home and got Mom off to bed and clean up, putting everything away.

I have lots to do... it is count down time... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Saturday...

Yes, I was up early... I didn't try to hit World Gym... I thought I'd go tonight... 

I used the morning time to get things set... whatever needed cleaning... then it was time to get Mom up... 

I did get to talk to Alan and pray together. After that, I took Mom out for the whole afternoon... Ran a few errands, went to Carrefour, bought things to snack on, and then had dinner at McDonald's. I like that place because the parking is nearby and FREE! 

Mom came home and was more than ready for bed... She had walked quite a bit... Eddie was home, and had a few minutes before his dinner time, so she had a very brief chat with him.

In the evening, I rode the bike down to World Gym. Just a treadmill walk and watched "TV"... 

Blogged and slept early... It's another long day tomorrow... It's Father's Day celebration here... so I will do something special for Love Cafe... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Jeremiah had to be so sure as God kept giving him one bad message after another... And he did this for 40 years??? 

I think this verse helped me to see the depth of his conviction as to why he was able to be so sure of God's message to His people who have gone so far astray!

Seek Him First!

Several Surprises...

This morning while Mom was getting ready, I checked my phone... Pam and Suz were messaging each other and Suz dialed us by mistake... it was a wonderful mistake. After Mom left, the four of us were able to talk! It was such a beautiful surprise. Cor was working out at the gym, doing 20 minutes of biking. Suz was walking with Kayla and Jackson. Pam was lounging on her front porch, recovering from her latest bout with Covid! Oh... just thinking about this brings such a sense of God's goodness... We were in three time zones, separated by miles, but our hearts were so connected... we interrupted each other, we completed the other person's sentence... we ask questions in rapid succession... 

I had to go as I was meeting a gal to continue with the scooter lesson... I brought chalk and a stop watch. I think after an hour, she's ready. She now has to pass the written test and then can do the course!

I rushed home as I was meeting Josh. He came to pick up a microwave and Alan's scooter. We went over to our neighbor's house and I had brought the wrong keys. Very weird! So, I proceeded to return to our house. And right there at the corner, this man had fallen. I know this man. I've seen him many times. I had seen him just yesterday, pushing a wheelchair... and this morning when I was coming back, I saw him again. With Josh's help, we got him back in the wheelchair and his knee was scraped up. We wanted to push him back home, but he insisted on going to the grocery store. I knew what he was going to get. I told him, NO. He said, I've quit. I don't drink anymore... I have heard that from him many times. He used to go behind our complex, pour out the root beer or Coca Cola and pour his liquor in the bottle. He knows I run. He is coherent. While pushing his wheelchair, he asked me about my running and if I've joined any races. At the grocery store, he bought a bottle of Coca Cola. I wanted to leave. He said, Not yet. He asked for a packet of cigarettes. He doesn't smoke! I wanted to leave. He said, Not yet. Then he asked for a bottle of hot sauce. He spent 200NT$. Josh and I pushed him to his complex. The guard was not there. We waited. He knew where the guard was. We asked the guard to clean up his wound and get him home. I hope to go back and ask about him. So, the reason why I haven't seen him for the past two weeks is because he was hospitalized. Now, he is very ill and the doctor probably told him that if he drinks, he will die. Please pray for him. I don't know his surname. I just know him and I know God does too! He lives in a very nice complex. He usually dresses quite well, but today, his shorts were dirty and he looked so emaciated!

After that, I came home and folded the clothes, put things away, ate lunch and rested. At 2pm, I went out for a workout. I had to do that as the day was going by way too quickly. I got back after stopping to check on Alan's salary and my bankbook... Abby's scholarship money hadn't come yet... I quickly took a shower, put Mom's dinner in the microwave, and the phone rang!

Mom was home. 

The weekend has started... 

After she went to bed, I blogged and chatted with Alan and Isaiah.

Daily Lovely Insight:

All of chapter 17 is beautiful... 

Seek Him First!

A Different Kind of Rest!

If you have followed my blog, you know that I am really into helping others... One thing I try to do is to lend things out or give things away. I have discovered that there are lots of students from the Philippines, or Vietnam, or Indonesia, or Malaysia, here to get their masters degree or Ph.D. Most of them don't have winter clothes. So, I gather and give away. Another thing is that they love to have a bike for their transportation. I loan out our bikes. Yesterday, one of the students from Indonesia lined me and he was headed home. He was wondering what to do about the bike... I wasn't able to meet up with him and he was too busy to get it back. His flight was at 5pm! So, today... my 'rest' day, I headed out to pick up this bike, which turned out to be all the way on the other side of town! Taipei is not big... but it was more than 11kilometers from Neihu. That tells you that it truly was on the other side of town. I got an UBike and rode down there. The guy was great as he sent me a 'pin map' of where the bike was parked. I rode the bike back. On the way back, I stopped at a traditional market among other places. It was hot... but just as I was about 3kilometers away. It started to rain. So splendid. I got home, started dinner, put everything away, and went out for a run. It was humid, but at least it was cloudy. Not 5kms in, the sun came out... OH... the rest was... not completely unpleasant, but not exactly enjoyable.

I barely had time to take a shower and Mom was back... 

This evening, I rode the scooter to pick up a jar of Horlicks for free... I love that stuff! And when I got home, I enjoyed a nice tall glass of it with ice! I did a load of laundry last night as Mom had an accident at the Center and I had to send an extra pair of pants this morning. I also worked on finishing the last set of work for the translation project! YIPPY!

Alan and Abby went to the Padres game and got a free hoodie... one each... and the game was sold out. I'm not sure who won... At 9pm, which was 6am, Alan and I had our time to chat and pray together... that's always a treat and a nice way to end the day!

I did go and do 30 minutes of weight at World Gym before coming home after picking up the Horlicks... So, indeed, it was a very different kind of a rest day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!