What a nice day... busy but nice... nice weather... it turned cold!
I was out the door early and I got to work on time!
I spent the day editing for my other job... and then had one hour of lunch time teaching, which I love! No office hour, so I was back in front of the computer. I finished the first set!
I went and did a short walk before coming back home. Alan was with Mom!
This evening I had tutoring and prayer time!
I also made tomato soup... so good!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
I went out for 8km and came back and got busy with Bible study prep!
We had a great discussion as we looked at Psalm 98.
After cleaning up, I scootered out to: get Isaiah's scooter tuned up, pick up the rice cooker, pay our credit card bill and drop off money to ship more boxes.
I was back by 2:45 and started editing, after tidying up the house, using the iRobot vacuum cleaner!
The editing is exhausting, but it's a job that I can do from home!
Mom was home and I had dinner ready. While Mom was enjoying her dinner, I made breakfast bars for the MOE and my Thursday Bible study kids! YEAH!
Isaiah came back before 7pm and enjoyed the leftovers!
Alan was the last one home. He finished the leftover! I'm so glad... We had so much food in our fridge!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Today, we can all sing a new song for He has done wonderful marvelous things...
Seek Him First!
Yes, it didn't feel like a November day... So... after tidying up, I had to go for a run before it got too hot. One hour later and a shower, I was seated in front of the computer, trying to get editing done. At 12:30, I had to stop... And I went out and ran errands.
There were donations to drop off, appliance to repair, passbooks to update... I was home in 90 minutes! Yeah!
And I put in a load of laundry and sat back down!
By 4pm, it was prayer time with a dear sister!
When that was finished, the phone rang. I put Mom's dinner into the microwave and headed down.
I had two more phone calls to make and friends coming over for dinner!
Tomorrow, the Bible study gals are coming over. I have food ready for them! I will have to bake tomorrow for my Wednesday and Thursday groups!
It was a warmer than usual... and a busier than usual... Monday in November!
Daily Lovely Insight:
The tomb... from darkness into light... What tomb are we caught in? What diadem shift do we need to make to walk out of darkness and into His light? I think John 11 has a lot of practical implications for us as believers!
What do you think?
Seek Him First!
I started the day early... Did a few errands and walked the treadmill for 30 minutes. Then came home to take care of Mom...
Isaiah and Alan had a mini tennis tournament and the weather was perfect.
Isaiah went out to lunch with an old friend.
Then at 2:30, we all went to church! I had so much to bring as I was speaking and making the White Elephant Gift Ideas announcement!
I was surprised as we had quite a lot of people there! Three friends from our Evergreen Days... The sanctuary was quite full!
We didn't have Family Time as Abby was too busy!
Daily Lovely Insight:
God's way, no matter how confused we might feel about it, is motivated out of His love for His sheep. God will never stray from His character in what He does! If we go away from that, we will rebel!
Seek Him First!
I knew that if I wanted a run, I needed to get it done early... so, off I went... for an hour. I also stopped and voted -- Taipei Mayor, Village Chief, Legislators, as well as the referendum!
Then I was back to care for Mom and get the house in order. Mom peed through everything, so I had to get everything changed! I just threw all the bedding and clothes into her shower. I dealt with it this evening!
Memorial Service at 11am. Alan and Isaiah stayed until the helper came. Then they went to check out Carrefour.
We met up at 12noon and headed for Taoyuan. First stop, dropping off things for our missionary friends. Then it was My House Steakhouse for Isaiah and Alan. They were hungry and it was for Isaiah's birthday celebration. They enjoyed the all you can eat salad buffet. I was not hungry, so I walked around and explored the area. What fun!
Next stop... the Gloria Outlet/Mall! We got there around 5pm and stayed until closing! Yes, we did. There were different food stalls and so I got some Fried Chicken Master... and nibbled while we shopped. The weather was perfect. Isaiah bought two pairs of Vans, a pair of pants, a short sleeved shirt and a long sleeve shirt. We spent 4,000NT$! His birthday splurge -- everything year. It's usually Isaiah and Abigail! We love it!
We got home at around 9pm and I spent the next hour, cleaning up... Wow... Oh, I forgot to mention -- I found one pair of running socks -- 117NT$. That's a splurge for me as it's over 100NT$. I finally found some running socks at New Balance. None of the other stores had anything of what I was looking for! I will try them out next week!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Psalm 90 was read at the Memorial Service. It was a beautiful reminder that this is not our home!
Seek Him First!
I knew it would be a busy day... First, it's Isaiah's birthday... and we had a lunch date with another couple who is back in Taiwan!
So... after Mom left, I got cleaning AGAIN! Then at 10am, I had to go for a run or else I'd have no time. It was an hour... only 8kms. But I enjoyed it!
After a quick shower, Alan and I were in the car. I had taken out things to put in the car, so we loaded that up. Bibles for church, bags for Soochow Flea Market Sale... We dropped off the bags, then went to get my talk notes copied. I'm so glad we went as they are closed tomorrow due to it being the Voting Day! Then we went to Carrefour as they are not renewing the lease. I got the drinks for the White Elephant Party. Adults diapers were not on sale! I did get one bag. Then we were at the restaurant for lunch. It was a bit expensive, so Alan was not full!
At 3pm, we continued our errands -- picking up library book, dropping off tennis rackets to be restrung, mailing packages for Abby... And the time was gone... I was hoping to go back to Carrefour! So, after we got back, Alan stayed with Mom and I went on my scooter. It was not as nice as the rain started! I wanted to buy burgers, but the line was so long at Burger King. I did go back to Carrefour and got my soy bean milk and Isaiah wanted some alcohol for his birthday celebration. Then I went to a place that sells fried goods... I bought a lot and we ate a lot... I was so stuffed!
We decided to stay home and watch Matrix #1! We have never seen it before!
What a fun evening!
Daily Lovely Insight:
How thankful I am of God's grace... He came to rescue me!
Seek Him First!
It is indeed a happy thanksgiving...
The day started early... and I'm glad... as there was a lot to do. I made a turkey ball... and it turned out quite well. But after Mom left, I spent two hours to clean the house! I realized that since the run, I have not had the time to do any cleaning! I did a load of laundry, sweep and vacuum, did both bathrooms, tidied up things that have been scattered... at 10:30, I was finished and started with the Soochow prep and dinner prep! Because I had so much stuff to bring, I left early and headed to Soochow!
The study was fantastic. One gal led a craft project! Everyone loved the mashed potatoes with hot dog and all the trimming! I also brought drinks. We study Matthew 20:1-16 and talked about God's generosity. At 3pm, a few other kids showed up and they had a hot dog with mashed potatoes. Needless to say, I got back a bit late.
It was raining, but I decided to head out for a short run, after putting everything away. I only had 45 minutes. At first my legs felt weird, but overall, my legs have recovered! I got home with no time for a shower and the phone rang. I headed downstairs after popping Mom's dinner in the microwave.
Mom went to bed and I finally had a shower!
This evening, I spent it editing the translation stuff! Plus I needed to finish the ppt for my Sunday talk.
Alan and Isaiah were at school to play basketball. When they got home, they enjoyed the Thanksgiving Meal!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
The people all loved the Costco pumpkin pie. I'm so glad I bought one for them to try! Totally worth it!
It was a very busy day as we were working on Secom's translation/editing work!
Class at 12:30 went well! We talked about Thanksgiving! And one gal came to chat during office hours!
I rushed back as I had made a big mistake. Because of the election on Saturday, I unplugged the phone as the candidates are calling and leaving long laborious messages. Alan didn't hear the phone ring... of course not! And my cell phone was running low on battery... anyhow, things worked out. But instead of going for a run, I had to deal with things!
So... I went for a short quick walk after tutoring. Yes, I tutored from 8-9:15. I also had to cook mashed potatoes! YUMMY! And then put a turkey 'ball' of meat into the slow cooker... we are going to have thanksgiving meal tomorrow night!
Then there was prayer time with a sister at 10:30.
Isaiah went to play tennis...
Daily Lovely Insight:
I'm thankful for God's constant and abiding presence. I'm thankful that God gave us Jesus. I'm thankful...
Seek Him First!
It's true... I think it's a God-thing... Too busy to have time for a run!
Mom left and I got busy...
I went to Costco to buy a pumpkin pie. Alan met me there as my Costco card has expired. It was Black Friday week... but I didn't see any great deals. Of course, I didn't really look! After Alan paid, he took off and I made my way to the car. I ran into our pastor from the Chinese church. It was nice to catch up with him. I loaded everything into the car and headed to make the donation stop. Yeah! My car is cleaned out! And yes, when I got back, I wiped the car down.
I had to put everything away and then get on my scooter to go to the library and drop off dessert for a dear sister! I arrived at World Gym and had time only for a 40 minute treadmill walk!
Next stop was to help another sister to de-clutter! We are only on the tip of the iceberg! But the living room and dining room are cleaned and organized! I see that the problem is her kids don't put things away. I need to work on that with her! Another problem is that she has too much stuff and storage space! It's so easy to accumulate things when the house has so many cabinets! Each cabinet is not organized! I don't know when is the next time, but we got a lot done in four hours!
I had to rush home as Mom was due back... I heated up her dinner and the phone rang!
This evening I had Bible study. I had to also work on my talk notes, my ppt and the translation job!
Tomorrow is a full day at the MOE!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Here are some questions to consider during this thanksgiving season:
1. Someone I don't want to miss an opportunity to say thank you to
2. Something or someone that made today a good day
3. Something I believe in that give me hope day to day
4. Something that gives my life meaning
5. One simple reason to be grateful for living where I live
These came from the book, the 5-minute Gratitude Journal by Sophia Godkin, Ph.D.
Seek Him First!
After Mom left, and Alan and I prayed together, I was cleaning the house. Then I drove the car out to the park. I had gathered so much donation stuff that I needed the space to sort things. I didn't want to bring things up to the house and then having to pack the car up again. So, I went to the park! What a task!
I then drove to Soochow and dropped off one mega load of stuff. I didn't have time to drive to my second stop. I came home, changed to the scooter and rode off to my hair appointment. I had bought a coupon and made the appointment for today, knowing that it would be a wonderful thing to get a nice hair wash and cut! I didn't get there until 11:45, but the lady was super nice!
The cut is short... but I like it!
Then off for an oil massage! Yes, a day of some R & R. Now, I had plenty to do, but I just set everything aside. I had translation to finish up, Bible study to finish up, and tutoring...
I finished and rushed home. I barely had an hour before Mom was home! YIKES! I finished only one file!
After Mom went to bed, I cranked out another file and then off to tutor at 8pm.
I am feeling much better. I think I'm ready for a run tomorrow...
Daily Lovely Insight:
Since the run, I am so rejuvenated! I want to get up when it's dark and spend time with Jesus. I'd love to go out for an early early morning run and just talk with Him! I feel refreshed! That run was like a solitude retreat for me... not the last part with my blisters and having to walk, but in the middle of the night with the rain and the sound of nature all around me! Sabbath is about rest... and in a strange weird way, it was like a Sabbath for me... My body wasn't resting, but my soul and spirit were!
Seek Him First!
Down is hard... Sitting down, walking down, bending down...
Up is difficult... but not as bad as down!
Overall, I am recovering quite well!
I went for a 90 minute massage and the sweet lady charged me only for an hour. She wanted to encourage me! She's the lady we have gone to for years!
We were at church and people were surprised to see me. They thought I'd be laid up in bed...
To answer any questions about those last hours, those last two laps, or any other questions that people asked:
1. Each lap, from lap 2 to 8, was 13 kilometers. The first lap was 9 kilometers.
2. I ran around a river park, crossing two bridges at either end.
3. At night it was raining, so the cobblestones along some parts were very slippery! Yes, for me not to have slipped was a miracle! Or not to have tripped on a ditch or go off the sides!
4. For those last eight hours, when I had to walk, the Lord just kept reminding me to take the next step. Don't think about the next kilometer. That's true with our life in Christ! Do not be anxious for tomorrow.
5. I don't think there was anyone else in the 60+ category for female! Although there were at least two male runners above 70!
6. I will not join this run again as I never do the same run twice!
7. And yes, to have ran for the first four and a half laps was a miracle, considering my lack of training!
Daily Lovely Insight:
The closer we draw to Christ, the less the things of this world would draw us!
Seek Him First!
Yes... I did... I was hoping to finish under 15 hours... but the unexpected happened!
The weather was what I enjoy -- rain! But what I didn't prepare for was the blisters! With wet socks and shoes, my feet rubbed and the blisters developed! At first, it felt like sand pebbles in my socks. And soon, it felt like pins. At the rest stop, I took off my socks and another runner helped me. He had a whole first aid kit in his backpack! At the main rest stop, I sought help again. The EMT asked if I was going to forfeit. I said, NO! So, he wrapped my foot up. For the rest of the laps, I walked. And that was how I finished. It was NOT a 'pretty' finish. I guess people ask, "Why?" I guess the answer is: I don't know. The challenge... the unachievable... the overcoming the hurdles... The mountain is there and I want to climb it!
I will say that for the first 7 hours, I had such a splendid time. From 9pm to about 4am, running in the rain, the silence, the solitude. I saw people running but no one was talking. We were on our own journey. At about 5am, I met some other runners... we talked... and I was beginning to feel the pain. By 6am, the other races started. And I pretty much walked from 6am to 2pm! It took me 8 hours to walk the last 42km!
At every rest stop, I greeted the volunteers. I stopped and refueled. A piece of cut up banana, a cup of their special mixed drink, like energy drink, a cracker. After every lap, I took a gel or more salt tablets. Towards the end, I rubbed massage cream on me and chaffing cream.
For my 6th lap, God provided a lady who was running the marathon. But she was hurt. She wanted to run only one lap. Her husband was running the full. She ran up to me and asked if she could join me. So, we talked for that lap. Then the 7th and 8th lap, with the sun, the blisters, I just prayed and quoted Scriptures!
Alan and Isaiah were there. It was so great when I came up towards the end and saw Isaiah. Wow... that feeling of I'm almost there was incredible. He filmed the last 200meters. And Alan was at the finished line. 17 hours and 25 minutes and 44 seconds. My official time. 69/108 participants! 9 in the women category. There were only 16 women! Several of them gave up after the 3 lap. Several of the men fell and had to be patched up. I'm not sure if they continued. I will go and see what was the fastest time for the men and women and report in my next blog!
I was not hungry. I was not sleepy. But when I got home, put everything away, showered, and laid down at 8pm, I was fast asleep. We were going to have Family Time. My eyes stung when I tried to open them. I guess I hadn't slept for more than 24 hours!
Will I do another ultra? DEFINITELY! Not in Taiwan... A more scenic one... maybe not so intense!
Daily Lovely Insight:
What is one take away from this experience?
I will never be able to fully experience the pain the Lord Jesus took on my behalf in his journey to redeem me!
Nor will I ever comprehend his love towards me in coming as the Emmanuel, God with us!
During those hours, His presence was constant, even when I didn't see or feel it!
Seek Him First!
Mom left and I got cleaning... and I have to prepare everything for Alan and the helper! It's a lot of work. And hopefully, Mom does not pee through the bedding. I did a wash, but Mom came home with a bag of soiled clothes! Darn it... I had to treat it with vinegar so that my back balcony doesn't stink up!
Alan had his Thanksgiving Luncheon at Soochow, so we didn't have a date! But he will be driving over to Yilan tonight with Isaiah and come back again tomorrow! The luncheon was a hit! About 60 students came!
I packed up my gears and went to stretch out my legs. It was quite warm. And looking at the weather, the temperature will be in the mid to low 20, but with thundershower... in Yilan! So, that's going to be quite interesting!
Alan came back and we went to drop off donation and get gas!
There was leftover, so I put all that away. Finally, I had time to rest! I took a nap!
I will be blogging tomorrow.
Daily Lovely Insight:
Seek Him First!
Mom went off and I got busy stripping the sheet and cleaning! It's not my favorite kind of morning, but it has to be done. And it does not help with my back!
After that was done, I had breakfast and laid down to rest!
Then it was time to work, work, work... I also prepped for my Bible study, both the homework for next Tuesday and the activity for today! Everything was baked! And I rode over at 12:40.
The study was fabulous! We had so much fun. The review activity was a hit! And we read basic facts about sheep as we studied the parable from Matthew 18: 10-14!
Instead of coming back directly, I went in search of good running socks. Nothing! I think I should have started earlier! But in my sock drawer this evening, I found a brand new pair... Looks pretty nice. So, I'm going to bring them!
Mom was back no less than 20 minutes after I got home. I barely had time to put things away and heat up her food! A friend also delivered two huge bags of things to give away. I spent the evening sorting through everything. Soochow Christmas Flea Market, Donations for sale, Donations for YWAM, Donations to be shipped to the Philippines or Indonesia... And everything is loaded into the car! Another neighbor stopped me while she was walking her dog. She has things to give away! Electric juicer, iRobot vacuum cleaner, men's jackets... She will put things in our A Building Lobby!
I did go for a walk... just to keep my legs limber.
Alan and Isaiah were at Soochow to play basketball.
Daily Lovely Insight:
Keep praying for these students. Another not yet believer joined us today and it seems as if he really enjoyed the discussion!
And this was a collection of all the answers from today's discussion!
Seek Him First!
Yes, I don't like Wednesdays because of the rush to get to the MOE Building and the rush to get back. I love the hour I spend teaching... I was asked to write a short response regarding what I am planning to do for 2023. Well... I wrote that I don't think I will continue after June of 2023! I think they are not going to like that... But what can I do? With the care of my Mom, it's just way too stressful!
Now... to share about a miracle regarding the run on Friday! As you might recall, our church had the Fall Retreat in Yilan, where the run will be held. I was hoping to go and run the route to familiarize myself with the path. But I had no time... BUMMER! Two weeks ago, I received an email, notifying me that the route has been changed. I sent the email to Alan and earlier this week, he showed me the path, noting that it was right by our retreat lodging, the exact path that I did get to run while we were at our retreat! I was so shocked! Then today, a gal from my noon time class showed me pictures as she ran one-loop of it. The pictures confirmed that the path is one and the same! Wow... Thank you God!
I didn't have to tutor tonight... What a relief! I still had prayer time with this sister!
Of course, there were lots to do in terms of tidying up and caring for my mom!
This evening after Mom went to bed, I had time for a walk just to keep my legs limber.
Daily Lovely Insight:
My best friends are very concerned about this upcoming run... How I love them!!! I assured them that I only have three speed: slow, slower and slowest! And I will not be overexerting myself and will make sure to hydrate and fuel regularly. The organizers of these runs are pretty good about providing salt tablets, gels, and food... I make sure I drink lots of liquid and fuel myself with a banana or a tea egg regularly. They also have 'midnight snacks', such as rice noodle soup and fried rice! Now, this is my first overnight, so that's going to be interesting. And the furthest I've ran thus far has been 81km, 12 hours. I have not had time to train for this one... not with Covid, and the care of my mom! But as you might recall, I did plenty of walking this summer, which was totally fabulous! So, hopefully, I will be ready to be on my feet for a very long time! One tip that I read which resonates in my heart is: BE HUMBLE! I will stay at my own pace with the simple goal of just crossing the finish line!
The Lord is my Strength...
And thank you for keeping me in your prayers!
Seek Him First!
It was more of a restful day for me...
I had my morning Bible study and the curry and rice was delicious. One gal brought homemade pecan pie. Another gal had cut up papaya. We had a nice feast!
After cleaning up, I took a nap. I didn't want to get up... But I went for an hour run... to keep my legs mobile.
I had a lot to do as I had tutoring tonight.
Mom was back and enjoyed her dinner.
I baked for MOE... pumpkin chocolate chips bread. It looks great.
Isaiah and Alan both were at work.
Daily Lovely Insight:
We will be on our last psalm. Psalm 98!
Seek Him First!
After sending Mom off, I started reading in preparation of my talk on 11/27. I don't want to leave it to the last minute.
At 12:30, I had lunch and went out to get the smog checked on Abby's scooter, which Isaiah is riding. Isaiah took my scooter to work today! It passed... and I went to the park and did a run/walk.
Since I had time, I decided to trim my own hair as the first 'cut' was so bad. This time, I think I did a lot better...
Elaine came over at 3:30 and we chatted and prayed together. We meet once a month to catch up and to pray.
Mom was home and I had dinner ready!
I had turned in the translation document that I finished last night. And I decided to not go to tap class to rest my legs!
The rest of the evening after Mom went to bed was spent working on my talk and preparing for my Bible study as I always start cooking the meal the night before!
Daily Lovely Insight:
I'll be speaking from John 11, the rising of Lazarus. And one of my points is how Jesus purposely delayed His coming to see Martha, Mary and Lazarus after receiving news about his illness. The Lord led me to a book by Bob Sorge, The Fire of Delayed Answers. Here is one paragraph that I will share for my talk from the book:
Bob Sorge writes:
He Loves Me!
The Lord Jesus is asking a question of many believers in this hour: “Do you love Me?” And here’s how He’s asking it. He’s allowing them to come into severe crisis, and instead of responding to any of the methodologies they learned in the faith test, He’s watching them struggle in the midst of their confusion. They don’t have any idea what’s happening to them, but He’s after something. He’s wanting to determine if they’ll remain true in their love or if they’ll get offended and turn away from Him. He’s wondering, “Will you let Me quiet you with My love?” He wants to bring us to the place where nothing else really matters, just as long as we know He loves us.
Seek Him First!
Carrefour is going to close on 12/4. I went over to see what they had on sale... and they are really trying to clear their shelves. Anyhow, I bought so much that I had to call Alan to come over with the scooter as I was walking!
Mom enjoyed the snacks I got...
We went to church at 2:30 and had a great service.
One thing I forgot to mention is that I got about 2,500US$ worth of makeup and lotions and skin care! All name brands... almost all brand new! I have some very wealthy neighbors! I have been using the stuff and I just love it. I had to google some of these stuff as I had no idea there were so many things out there. Revlon Exfoliating Lip Balm! Channel foundation! Bobbie Brown, Kiel's, Clinque, Lorde & Belle...
This little bottle is over 100US$! Anyhow... it's amazing... I won't need to buy make up for the rest of my life! And I am giving so much away as I can't even finish what I have been given!
I spent the rest of the evening finishing up the editing!
Daily Lovely Insight:
I found the Bible for this coming year and I printed out the schedule. I also found one devotional book that I will go through... It's very exciting! And as for my verse, the Lord seems to be leading me to Hebrews 10:22-24! I'm still praying and will make a decision on 11/16.
Seek Him First!
I was up early and went out for a 10k run... it got hot... way too fast!
Then I got Mom up and cut her hair! It turned out nicely! I also cut my hair... And according to Isaiah and Alan, it didn't turn out nicely!
Alan and Isaiah were home, so I went out to run errands. I went to Decathlon and found out how to change the batteries for my headlight! YEAH! Then I went in search of batteries! I also bought more fruit and yoguart!
I was back and the San Diego State College Basketball game was still going on... I gave Mom her lunch and soon after that, we were off to church. Mom stayed with the kids and Isaiah. The couples went to the nearby restaurant and had afternoon tea. I had prepared 20 questions for them to share on! Then at 4:30, we went back to church and had to share one answer to the group! What FUN!
We headed home and bought stinky tofu again! YIPPY!
The rest of the evening was spent editing and then Family Time at 9pm. Abby had time!
I must get to my message prep. I will share again on 11/27.
Daily Lovely Insight:
Here are three questions from today's Marriage Builders' Fellowship Time:
1. How has our marriage made you grow spiritually this year?
2. What are some potential problem areas in our marriage that we have not had time to discuss?
3. What are three things that you worry about that you haven’t shared with me?
Lord, give us the clarity and wisdom to make decisions together as a couple. Strengthen our relationship so that we may grow in our oneness and let our lives continue to be on Your path, rooted in Your Word, with You leading us each day. In Jesus' name we pray -- Amen
Seek Him First!
Alan and I had a wonderful time... too short, but great. We hit the restaurant that we tried to get into last week. It was so packed by 12noon, that we gave up. So, this week, we went at 11:15 before the crowd came! Then we went to three tea places... yes we did! YUMMY!
We had to check out a few places for our Marriage Builders Event on Saturday. After visiting three places, we decided on Leaf Cafe! Then we went to buy fruit before coming home. We sat down and looked over our goals. We have not finished our couple's goals, but we decided on our family verse. Alan made the choice because three people in our family will be experiencing change:
Alan will be retiring by July 31st, 2023.
Isaiah will be finished with his military service and be in a full time job by June 2023.
Abby will be through with DTS - Outreach Phase by March/April of 2023. And where will she go next?
I don't see any big changes... but with the three of them -- that made a majority!
The verse Alan chose was a familiar verse: Jeremiah 29:11 - 
As for my personal verse, I haven't decided!
This evening Alan and Isaiah went for a two hour massage. I stayed home to finish the translation... We are almost there!
Daily Lovely Insight:
Acts ends with Paul imprisoned but this is what it says about his time there:
Seek Him First!
Yes, the weather was hot! And we had planned to have banana splits for our Soochow Bible Study, celebrating the end of midterms! We had so much fun!
The kids took pictures of their bowl of this very sweet dessert! And we chatted and then went to do our study! We had two newcomers. One was not a believer. He ate his banana split, chatted and left before we started our study. I think he might pop in again next week. The other young man is a believer, the first in his family!
Oh... so this morning... I had a very productive day. I got all the donation together, even decluttering my closet, and drove the stuff to Soochow. Yes, I couldn't do it with my scooter! The car is cleaned out... and so is my living room!
I also made curry for dinner!
I didn't have time to run until this evening, which was perfect as I wanted to test out the head light. Hum? Interesting...
Isaiah and I are also madly working on the 62 page document!
Daily Lovely Insight:
For the Bible study today, we read Psalm 23. The students were very encouraged by the thought of God's rod and staff, comforting them!
Seek Him First!
Even with Alan coming home to help take Mom down to the first floor for the Day Care Center van, I still can't get to the MOE by 9am. This morning, I got there around 9:05!
We had two articles to proof and I taught at lunch time! I had only one afternoon appointment, but I had plenty of other things to get done.
After work, I rushed to Carrefour to buy ice cream as we are making banana splits for my SooChow Bible study tomorrow. It's to celebrate the 'end of midterms'.
I came home and did the bedtime routine for Mom and started to work!
I had tutoring and translating and praying with a gal at 10pm.
A church friend came by at around 9:15 to drop off a headlight. I'm going to try it out these next few days in preparation for my overnight run! At the MOE, I looked at other ultras... For my 70th, I want to go abroad. There is the Ultra X in Scotland! That looks absolutely amazing. It's around the Lochness area! But it's two days... 60 km + 50 km! And the packing list is long... I don't have any of that stuff... So... I'll need to look at something easier!
Daily Lovely Insight:
This passage carried me through:
Seek Him First!
Mom went off... and I went off... for a run!
I got home and showered and worked on putting away the laundry and cleaning!
I got a big box of things ready to mail to Abby and left at 11:57 as I knew that it would take about an hour to get that done. And I was right! I finished at 1:09 and headed to meet up with Angel. She left today!
I then scootered back to Neihu as I had a massage appointment at 3pm. I made it just in time!
When that was finished, I was zooming back home! I got back at 5:02 and started to work on putting everything away and heating Mom's dinner up. The phone rang -- the van was on its way!
I turned on the WiFi and worked, while Mom ate her dinner.
After Mom went to bed, I zoomed off to my evening Bible study!
Daily Lovely Insight:
I read this verse today and it's another good one for 2023 Personal Focus:
Seek Him First!
After Mom left, I did a load of laundry. I don't have to, but I can't stand the smell!!!!!!!! That urine smell... I have a very sensitive nose... And I also am quite adamant about keeping the house clean! I also worked on calling about a new microwave. Costco Warehouse has it in stock!
I didn't go and meet up with a friend from the States. She wanted me to meet her out in Taoyuan! And I was like... I don't think so... I get lost too easily. She supposedly will be back in two years and we will plan to get together then! Plus she just arrived back from a short trip to Vietnam and Thailand... and for the sake of my mom, I should not be meeting up with her!
So, finally at around 1pm, I went for a run! The weather was perfect! I had just over an hour. I got back, showered, started on my Bible study materials and then Alan was home. We went off to Costco, after dropping off two bags of donations. I had one more bag to sort through! Soochow is having a Christmas Flea Market and they are receiving donations of jackets! So, someone had dropped off a bag of clothes and there were several jackets in there. So I sorted through that! We did a quick trip to Costco! Bought the Sharp 34L inverter microwave!
We got home and set up the microwave and less than 10 minutes later, Mom was home... and I had made dinner this morning! And with the new microwave set up, I was able to heat up her dinner! YEAH!
I have a lot of translation work to do! So I didn't go to my tap dancing class! In fact, I think I'm going to take a leave of absence for the month of November... until things calm down a bit! I love tap dancing, but I have too much to do these days! I have the Marriage Builders to plan, which is on Saturday, 11/12. I will be speaking on 11/27. I am planning for the White Elephant Party on 12/17 and the Christmas Eve Service on 12/24 as well as the New Year Eve's Service on 12/31. Oh... I also have my run on 11/18-11/19!
Daily Lovely Insight:
So here are some other choices for my personal verse for 2023:
Seek Him First!
