Simple Date!

We didn't plan to do much... We hope to have an anniversary date maybe later on in April!

I got my run in! You might think I run a lot... but I try to do 40kms a week and if possible, I try to hit 50! That's 24 miles or 30 miles a week! Now... when I looked... my average monthly is over 200kms and I hit 2,540km in a year! Hey... that is a lot of running! And last year I was still able to run 10km in an hour! And 21k in 2:19! Now, I have not done any long runs this year! I just go and run 10km/4 times a week. 

What else did I do today? I took things to the laundromat to wash! Those industrial size washers and dryers are so great!

Alan and I had a nice lunch together! That was our date! 

I did my WGE between running errands.

Isaiah was out early and was back in Taipei by 6pm. I made dinner reservations for them at a Thai Restaurant! YUMMY!

After Mom went to bed, I finished up a few things around the house! There is always things to get done!

Daily Lovely Insight:

There is beauty in simplicity! There is beauty in doing the one thing well. There is beauty in a smile. I see beauty all around me... I hope you do, too!

Seek Him First!

Nice Weather... Nice Lunch...

Mom was off and I started cleaning. Then I tried to have a slow breakfast, before going out for my usual run! I was back by 10:45 as we had a luncheon date with the couple who threw the party last night!

I bought coupons for a buffet lunch and there, at the restaurant, I ran into an old friend! Amazing!

We were home by 4:00 and the supervisor came over to apologize for what happened last night. I also had a phone call conversation to try to arrange for help during the three weeks that I'm away! It's not that easy to find someone who can do it!

Mom was home at 5:10 and I had dinner ready!

I was trying to put everything away as I have a lot of things to give away!

Tonight after Mom went to bed, Alan went for a massage and I went to WGE!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Instead of focusing on the darkness, just bring in the Light!

Seek Him First!

 

A Very Long But Fun Day!

Alan took Mom down to catch the van and I was zooming off to MOE! I didn't get there right at 9am.

Nothing to edit, so I checked my email and wrote a few emails. Checked the news! Prepped for my class and enjoyed the Easter activities with my students.

At around 3:30, I went out for a 30 minute walk. The weather was fabulously cool!

Then at 5:15, I was out the door, heading to meet up with Alan. But the helper didn't show up! So, Alan put Mom to bed and we were late to our party! The host didn't start the first ice breaker until after we arrived!

The dining room table was filled with some delicious snacks and lots of fun drinks!

We met some new friends and saw some old friends! It was a fun evening... a great way to start Alan's Spring Break!

Alan dropped me off at my scooter at around 10pm and I went and made a stop at WGE! I got my steps in and did a very short workout!

Abby was trying to call me, but I wasn't home and my battery was getting way low.

I finally got home at 11:37 (I left the house this morning at 8:37!) and cleaned up and put things away... and finally went to bed! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I felt God's strength throughout this day... 

Seek Him First!

Catching Up On Much Needed Rest!

I woke up tired... so, after getting Mom off, I went back to sleep! 

The weather was nice and cold... so a run was definitely in the plans!

I also cooked and baked!

The day zipped by way too fast!

Mom was home and she enjoyed her dinner. 

After she went to bed, I went to my Tuesday night Bible study. But just before arriving, I checked my messages and it was cancelled! When we have more than three people absent, we cancel. I went to World Gym Express and did my 20 minutes workout.

When I arrived home, a friend is moving and dropped off the first load of things she wanted to give away. So, for the next 90 minutes, I sorted through everything! And with a pastoral couple arriving, I think I can give everything away! But for now, the stuff is in Abby's room!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Work, Prayer Time, Concert

I had to get a lot done as with the upcoming vacation, Mom will be home!

I went out for a run... love this cooler weather!

After a quick shower, I was in front of the computer. I finished up two talk notes and the ppt for them. I also made the bouquet for my student. It turned out fabulously. I also decorated the potted plant that I bought for her. To stay awake and alert, I would take breaks and get housework done!

I have started a good habit of eating a full breakfast each morning. And I do it slowly! That usually happens right after Mom leaves.

One disappointing news is that the lady I asked to help out for the time that I'm gone can't! Now, I will have to find someone else. I did tell the government agency to find someone for the weekends. I need someone who will come Monday to Friday for that one hour to get my Mom ready and into the van! Please pray! It is very difficult to find help these days!

At 4pm, I had prayer time with a sister and Mom was home!

When she went to bed, I rushed off to Soochow University as one of my students has her flute recital! It's a pretty big deal!

It started to rain... YIKES... 

After the concert, I stopped at World Gym Express and then went to help my neighbor to move some of her stuff.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Can we see that the whole point of keeping a Sabbath is God’s desire for us to see our need to stop and enjoy God, enjoy our relationship with Him and others, to enjoy his creation, to enjoy the fruit of our labor, and just enjoy the truth of the completed work of God on our behalf because of the cross? Maybe as God rested on the 7th day to enjoy all that he had stated as "It is good", so He wants us to rest. Maybe that’s what set us apart from those in the world. 

Seek Him First!

I Love The Cooler Weather!

It's exhilarating when the weather is cooler!

Instead of going for my usual Sunday morning walk and WGE, I stayed home to get Mom up and cut her hair and showered. Then, I had to change the bedding again and do another load of laundry! Oh well...

While she ate, I rested for 20 minutes! That was refreshing!

Then I worked on the ppt for my talks.

At 2:15, we took off fo church!

The message was, "I and the Father are one!" from John 10.

We had to rush off again to drop Isaiah off at the bus depot. Mom ate her dinner while we were cleaning up after church. Sushi. Yes, she loved it!

After Mom was in bed and asleep, I walked to WGE. It was nice and chilly!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 84:1-2

Seek Him First!

A "Free" Day!

Oh, I like Mom having Day Care on Saturday! ha, ha, ha... 

I got her off to Day Care and changed the bedding, cleaned her room and went for a run!

After a very quick shower, I rushed to the Flower Market to buy fresh and potted flowers for the student who is having a recital on Monday night! 

Then I rushed to meet up with a friend who is here from Canada! Yes, there have been many people coming now that Taiwan has opened up. Most people have not been back for three years!

I was home for Mom and Alan took off to Taoyuan to pick up Isaiah. This morning Alan watched the SDSU game in which they beat No. 1, Alabama! It was an exciting game... of course, I wasn't watching, but by Alan's excitement!

I had dinner ready and Mom was back!

I needed time to get my talks done as next week is the five day holiday, so I won't have time to do any work! 

Oh... and this evening we had major thunder showers! Wow... lightning and all!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I've been doing a lot of reading and research about how different church leaders throughout the ages have practiced or taught on the gift of the Sabbath. Here is a short paragraph from Timothy Keller, pastor and author:

• Make sure some time is completely unplanned. This means having a day in which you can do whatever comes into your mind and heart to do at the moment. It is like the Sabbath year in which the land was given “rest”— it was not planted with anything, and you could eat whatever happened to grow from it. (Leviticus 25:1-7) We need this kind of complete cessation from activity occasionally or even our supposed time off will just be another form of tiring exertion. 

This is exactly what I'm trying to do for my PR Day!

Seek Him First!

Should We Buy Another Place?

Yes, we actually are thinking about this. And the question came up because our complex security guard told me that the 2nd floor apartment in our building is going to be put up for sale. The renters are moving out by this Sunday. I think he told me because I'm always helping to clear the things that can be given away from the recycling area. The unit is way too expensive. But it got Alan and I thinking: if my mom can't go to the day care center, we will have to rent an apartment and hire a full time helper! It would be nice to have a smaller unit, so should we buy?

Today for our date, we had lunch out in the Beitou area and rode around as I had seen a 2 bedroom apartment for sale. We didn't go look inside. The location is not super convenient, but it's closer than Danhsui. The building is fairly new and it's about 1km from the MRT Station. We might call and ask if the price is negotiable and then take a look to see what it's like inside.

We came back and it was already 4:40. I got Mom's dinner ready. 

After Mom went to bed, I went for a massage. I should do that more regularly. My left shoulder is still not completely well. 

At 9pm, I had my Bible study!

This morning I went for my 10k run and the Express Workout! The weather was cool! Perfect running weather!

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a powerful verse! Yes, we are studying I & II Peter!

Seek Him First!

Soochow Bible Study FUN!

 The day was hot... and I had lots to do... So, I went out early and did the 10k plus stopped at WGE. I was back home by 10:50 as the social worker was to come at 11:45. He called at 11:47 and said he couldn't make it until 4:45! Oh!

I had to rush off to get a a few things for my study today. I had some Easter activities as I wasn't going to see the students again until 4/20! I had crossword puzzle, word scramble, and decorating eggs. I couldn't get fresh eggs... so I bought salted eggs! YIPPY!

The study was a lot of fun. We had a roomful of students. 

There were three more students who had left before we took this picture. They had to go to their class... we ran a bit late! We start at 1pm and end at 3pm. But I usually go long!

I then rushed to get pen refills and stopped on the way to pick up our family portraits. They were ready! What a miracle. The pick up date was set for Monday, 3/27, but since I was scootering past, I decided to stop! And as for the pen refills, they were out of stock, but... they had the pens on sale -- buy one get one free! So, buying four new pens turned out to be cheaper than buying eight refills! These pens have two colors and the colors are all very unique. 

I scooter back before 4:40! The social worker arrived and Mom was back just as we finished! Praise the Lord! This is for a helper who will be coming on 3/29. Every time I have a helper come since it's a different company, I have to meet with a new social worker! It's very troublesome, but this is the government subsidized program! I can't complain! I have to pay only 20% and the government picks up the rest. 

After Mom went to bed, I got busy. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Our memory verse is Proverbs 2:10-11--

Seek Him First!

Yes, Another MOE Day!

I was quite happy to be indoor today. The temperature outside reached 29 with a feel-like temperature of 32!

I had my lunch time class and we talked about Earth Day and sustainability! It was quite a fun class. I asked them to state one I WILL statement for this month.

I will not shop for new clothes.

I will join a clean up activity.

I will keep my plants alive.

Earth Day is 4/22 and today is 3/22. I will see if they keep to their statement!

I didn't have office hour, so I did go out for a walk! 

I also finished my Friday night Bible study homework!

On the way home, I stopped for a workout at WGE and headed home. Alan got Mom to bed and headed out to his overseers meeting!

I tutored tonight! And good news, Isaiah was able to write to the two companies and schedule an interview after his discharge on 4/12. One interview is scheduled for 4/13 and another one probably on Friday. Or he will see if he can do both on one day.

I had baked for Soochow already. And the laundry was finished yesterday. So, I just took everything down and put everything away. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.

Eric Liddell

Seek Him First!

Tuesday Morning Bible Study!

As soon as Mom was off, I headed out... Of course, I couldn't go right away. I left at 8:45 and got my 10k in! It was getting hot, so I'm glad I went out in the morning! The Bible study gals were on time... I had a very quick shower... Wow... And the discussion was deep and honest!

I had made a delicious lunch and the gals brought dessert and fruit. One gal handed me an envelope. In it was 300US$ to support Abby! Wow! Thank you, Jesus!

After they left, I got busy with cleaning and doing a load of laundry! At 3:30, I took off for my 20 minutes of WGE and ran a few errands. I came home and found the prescription paper. It had expired... I will try to see if any pharmacy would fill the prescription! It was to be done on or before 3/17! I called the hospital, but they said I had to make a new appointment to get a new prescription! 

And before Mom went to bed, I had to do Mom's poop and pee for tomorrow's health exam! IT WAS NOT EASY! When she was in bed, I went out. I had to try two pharmacies to see if they'd be willing to fill the expired prescription and ONE DID! YEAH! Mom's next appointment is on April 14th. If her mental state has declined, Aricept will not be prescribed as it will not be covered by the National Health Insurance! We will see...

I also had a chance to talk to Isaiah. He got called by two banks for interviews. But the military won't let him take a day off to attend the interviews! WHAT?!?!?! So, I told him to try to request an online interview. Please pray!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Gift of Resting

I am trying to set aside one day a week for at least 7 hours to slow down and rest. Today was such a day!

After Mom left, I tidied up the bathroom and Mom's room and headed out. Did my run and was home. The recycling had some big items, which I tried to post. But no one wanted those items, so they went back into the recycling. But I did find a massage gun and using my charging plug, I got it to work. It was so great! After a shower, I used it on my shoulder! Very helpful! Thank you God!

I had lunch, which was French fries and a double cheeseburger, which I saved from the shower on Saturday. Yes, at our house, you have to claim the items or if eaten, you can't complain! I love the French fries with mayonnaise and mustard!

I then worked on the Discipleship Training and my first talk in a series on the Gift of the Sabbath! I have finished a draft for each of these. Then, it was nap time! Delightful! It wasn't long enough... but to have 60 minutes was a real blessing!

Mom was back and I had dinner ready!

Alan was back from class!

I had tap dancing this evening and I made a quick stop to WGE afterwards!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Faith walks through the dark, holding ever more tightly His hands!

I don't know where I saw this phrase, but it is such a beautiful thought!

Seek Him First!

Restful Sunday!

Since my shoulder blade was still weird, after church I went for a massage! Ms. Hsieh is so nice to me. She put two new patches on my back area, and really worked to 'fix' the problem. After 90 minutes, I scooter home feeling so much better.

The day started with a walk to WGE and walk back. Mom care... and Mom was active. I was trying to nap, but she kept wanting to get up! So, I put two chairs on either side of her.

We were at church, setting up and it's always nice to be at church. Mom likes it too! It was a prayer walk and I had assigned another sister to lead it. I thought she could have gave more details, but that goes with the territory of designating others to do the job. 

We dropped Isaiah at the bus depot and he won't be coming back until Saturday afternoon as Saturday is a 'work day'. We are going to have a five day weekend from April 1st to the 5th! It's going to be exhausting for me as Alan will be at a retreat and Mom will be home! Isaiah will be home, too... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Shower & Training!

It was a packed day! I only had an hour, so I only ran 7kms and did a 20 minute workout! The weather was so great!

I had to go and decorate for the Shower. Isaiah went off to meet up with Vikki. Alan stayed home with Mom.

The helper came at 4:15 and after going through everything, Alan and I took off! We were there by 4:50! YEAH! I put the food in the containers and welcomed people and started the first game! I had to run the shower right on schedule as we had the Discipleship Training session at 7pm. The Youth arrived at 6:15. I'm glad I brought extra food! We had a lot of people show up!

Alan conducted the training session.

We cleaned up and got home by 9:15. It took another 45 minutes to put everything away!

Alan and Isaiah stayed up to watch the SDSU game! Not me... I needed my 'beauty rest'. And for those who read and saw our Annual Family Photo, thank you for your comments!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Luke 10... when Jesus sends out the 72, two by two... how astounding this must have been for them. What Jesus? You want us to go and heal the sick... preach that the Kingdom of God has come near... and Jesus, You know that you are sending us out among wolves?

And they return, rejoicing... 

When God sends us to do something, He will be responsible to carry us through. They must have had food to eat. They must have stayed at people's home. And yes, they must have healed and cast out demons!

Just make sure that what we are doing is what Jesus sent us to do!

Seek Him First!

Getting Warmer... Definitely!

Yes, it is... and it's only mid March!

After Mom left, I went for a run and stopped at WGE.

Then Alan and I had our nice lunch date... and we just decided to cruise around. I had to drop things off at the church. I have more stuff! And while riding around, I found a little stall that sold zucchinis and gherkins cucumbers... oh... I'm going to pickle them! YUMMY! 

We bought Coco drinks and had lunch at a new place. It wasn't spectacular... The cafeteria lunch boxes next door looked better... the portions were minimum and overall, it was expensive, even with the coupons!

We then went and order the food for the shower: Burger King!

We were home by 4:25! After putting things away, Mom was home!

Tonight, we went off to look at our Family Pictures! These are the two we picked!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Commitment in the midst or in face of conflicts produces character! 

It always seems impossible until it is done!

 

Seek Him First!

Finished Proverbs 1

Today after Mom left, I went out for a run. I had to squeeze it in!

Abby tried to call me, but we weren't able to talk. I had to shower and rush to Costco! I had things to buy for the shower and my Tuesday Bible study's lunch! It was terrible there! I guess there are lots on special... baking soda, Peril liquid detergent, packaged milk tea and white coffee, tissue... and maybe they had eggs. I didn't even look. I wanted to get there and get out fast... but I couldn't. The check out line was long.

I got home and put everything away and had to be out the door to my Soochow Study! I was there a tad late. The school's scooter parking was very packed! We had two more newcomers! Great students! One kid from Jakarta and has Alan as his conversation teacher. Another is a transferred students, majoring in Law. The hours flew by!

I then went to WGE for my 20 minutes. And I'm glad I did. This morning I tweaked my left side and doing the weights and stretching got the kink out! I went and got gas, withdrew money and headed home! Mom's dinner was ready and I downloaded my email and tried to get Alan's scooter insurance done. Mom was home and the insurance papers weren't finished! I had to get it done after Mom went to bed. I also had to do a load of wash. It was starting to smell. It's getting warmer... wah... I would love for it to stay cooler as long as possible.

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the conclusion of Proverbs 1 --

I think that's something we can all relate to... to be able to dwell securely, be at ease, without fear of harm!

Seek Him First!

Another MOE Day! I Am So Tired...

This morning I was able to arrive by 9:05!

Today the lunch class topic was Weird and Strange Competitions. Oh, that sure was fun! There is such a thing as a Worm Charming Competition and Toe Wrestling Championship. We talked about which competition we would NEVER join and which one would we be interested in 'trying'. Someone actually said she'd be willing to try the Cheese Chasing Race! That's so dangerous! People can get hurt and very badly hurt!

This afternoon, I went out for a 30 minute walk before my office hour. 

And I left at 5:05 and went to WGE! I did a treadmill walk and just one machine. I had to rush home to bake and tutor!

Alan took care of Mom.

While I was tutoring, Abby called before she went to Chapel. I didn't get a chance to talk to her!

I spent some time looking at a web site that listed 'government' jobs... So, Isaiah will look this weekend! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I always enjoy reading about Gideon. He was not mighty, but God made him mighty. Mighty with a humble heart! That's a combination that doesn't happen very often. How do I know he was also humble? Because when confronted, he didn't defend himself, but exalt the other party so that they backed off from a heated possible fight! (Judges 8:1-3)

8 Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. 2 And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? 3 God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger against him subsided when he said this. 

 Seek Him First!

The Journey Continues...

Alan told me not to turn off the WiFi IN CASE Abby needed to contact us... 

I did get to talk to her... and God is so good.

1. Her DTS 'mentor' took her to the Freiberg Train Station.

2. This mentor bought her voucher and gave her cash, so she had money to spend! 

3. Another gal from her church group took her 'grocery shopping' so that she would have snacks and food while waiting at the airports.

4. On the train was another gal she knew, Sarah, heading to Berlin. So, it was nice to have some company.

5. Even though she didn't reserve a seat, the Deutsche Bahn wasn't crowded and she had a seat. And the train was very clean and on time without any rerouting or sudden changes.

6. She checked in and did not need to pay extra!

7. She has safely arrived in Sao Paulo and will have five hours before her next flight. She got her luggage and will have to check in again!

Today was my PR Day, which was perfect as I did not sleep well last night! I had breakfast in a leisurely manner and read. I called the Photo Place and set up an appointment to go and see our pictures this Friday. I took a nap. I did have to do some household chores, which I had planned on doing. Taking down the clothes and putting them away. Sewing the sleeves of a sweater I got from our neighbor. Tidying up around the house. Cooking and baking!

At 3pm, I finally went for my run as I knew I had to. Beautiful weather with a stop at WGE. I think 20 minute a day is helping with my muscle tone. My arms are not sore when I have to care for my mom. I have more arm strength!

When I got home, just before I was going to hop into the shower, Abby called. That's why I can update you about her arrival!

This evening I spent four hours preparing for the three messages I have in April. Very exciting. I also worked on the Shower games!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Skipped Tap Class!

Early this morning, I felt the Lord nudging me to get up early. And I should have obeyed.

At 6:50, Abby called. Her Flexi Train was cancelled and she pushed the wrong button. Instead of getting a refund, she is going to get a voucher. Instead of changing to take the bus, she now has nothing booked. Flexi is terrible. But it is cheap. The reason why it's called "Flexi" is because you have to have nothing to do and be ultra flexible. We used their services last summer and found that out. The bus might not be on time. The train might be cancelled or rerouted. I had asked Abby to email me her train info, but she never did. So, Alan walked her through seeing what was available and I went in to have my time with Jesus. I had to come out twice to share an idea.

They finally booked the train via the German Train Line, which was double the cost. What can we do? She needed to get to the Frankfurt Airport. The Flexi had offered a 6am bus, but Abby didn't want to be at the airport the whole day. She should have just taken that option! Anyhow, we have not heard from her, so we are praying that she is at the airport and that she will be able to get everything checked in! That's another fiasco which I will not describe here.

I had to get Mom up and showered and ready for the van. Then I cleaned up everything before heading out for a run! The weather was cold and overcast, which, as you might know, is my favorite kind of running weather! I wanted to be out there for a long run, but I couldn't. I stopped at WGE before heading home to take a shower. I had tutoring at 2pm, but I had to go to the post office and get something copied! The line was short at the post office and at the copy place, I had to stop to comfort a gal. She recently got divorced. We both cried. I hope to go back to talk to her again. Please pray for her.

I was early for tutoring because I found a scooter parking place! Someone was just leaving! After tutoring, I stopped to buy oranges and headed home. A sister was coming at 3:40. We had time to share and pray and Mom was home! I had dinner ready.

Alan came home and he had dinner.

I had to skip tap class tonight... bummer... because I did not finish editing Isaiah's job application. We scheduled to have a phone conversation at 8:30 and then I'd send it off for him.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Trust and obey for there's no other way... 

And these lyrics:

I love you, Lord, 

For Your mercy never fails me

All my days, I've been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

I will sing of the goodness of God...

Seek Him First!

Another Fast Sunday!

This morning, instead of doing my walk and workout, I decided to sort and organize and clean. I was hoping to do that last night, but the day flew by. Mom has so many different ointments and diaper packets, etc. etc. etc. So, I pulled things out and sorted and cleaned and organized. Now, it's much easier to replenish and do the morning and evening routine. And it looks better!

Mom was up and having breakfast. I had stuff spread around the dining room table and on the floor of her room! She listened to Tang Dynasty poems. But like yesterday, she was more sleepy and less alert. But she is much better when we are at church. 

Yes, we took off at 2:20 and Isaiah was the drummer. The message was from John 10 -- the Good Shepherd.

So many different people brought snacks for our Love Cafe... After church, we usually have to rush off because we want to drop Isaiah off... we barely made it tonight! The service went a bit long because we shared two videos from Abby and then we also had Lord's Supper!

After we got home and I got Mom off to bed, I headed out at 9pm to World Gym Express. It was cold and raining, but I wanted to just go... 

Isaiah had arrived back at base.

Abby is finishing up her packing.

Chinese Taipei lost to Cuba. So, I'm not sure which two teams will be moving up. This is for the World Baseball Classic. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Holiness is Christ in me... That phrase from the hymn, I need Thee every hour, was 'swimming' in my mind... Holiness is not based on works. It's not based on performance. It's plain and simple. Christ in me... I'm made holy by the Presence of His Holy Spirit! Holiness begins with that relationship! I can't earn holiness. I can't achieve holiness. I am made holy through my relationship with Jesus! So, how would you define holiness? And have you been made holy through Christ?

And the next question is how do you live out that holiness? Ahhhh... Colossians 3 says to keep seeking the things above, not on the things on earth... Interesting perspective... Keep abiding in that relationship... Daily choose Jesus in our decisions... Drown out all the voices and listen only to the voice of the Good Shepherd!

Seek Him First!

Family Photo... and Fun Day...

This morning, the weather was great. I went for 10km and an express workout. I was home and getting Mom up and having breakfast! She was a bit slower than usual.

Isaiah had left to meet up with a friend and to stay at Starbucks to get his applications finished. Alan came home and was watching a SDSU game. I was busy getting things set up for the helper.

The helper came at 12:30 and by 12:45, we were out the door.

It was time for our annual Family Portrait!

2023 Family Photo

We will photoshop a better picture of Abby as she wasn't that clear. It was 6:30 in the morning in Freiburg! We were finished in 15 minutes! And the picture is quite different from our usual, which fit perfectly with our theme: Changes. The usual place with the various colored backgrounds was taken by another family, so they had no where to put us. We just decided to be on the first floor where the wedding dresses were on displayed. We will see what the pictures are like next week! Abby will be in Brazil then. I hope we can coordinate a time for her to view the pictures or else we will have to select on her behalf! We usually go on a Friday night to select the pictures and then they get them ready, which takes about another two weeks. I usually get the pictures before our wedding anniversary!

Isaiah went back to Starbucks and Alan and I went off to hike Elephant Mountain. It was a very warm day. But we had fun! We then went and had dinner and boba milk tea! YUMMY!

I had to make a quick stop at the Shihlin Night Market and it was so crowded, back like pre-Covid! I did not find the cup holders that had the ROC flag. We came home as I had a call to make with Abby. We had to pay for an extra bag! And she wanted some help to decide what to take and what to donate! We got that done! YEAH!

Alan and Isaiah were watching the WBC game -- Chinese Taipei against the Netherlands. Now, two players on the Netherlands are Padres players... Alan tried to get tickets, but the event is completely sold out!

I did two loads of laundry and tidied up the house. There is always more to do!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Colossians 1: 17

Seek Him First!

Running Around... And It's Still Not Finished!

It was our date... but I had a task to get done... 

After Mom went off, I cleaned up and headed out. My usual 10k and then a quick stop at Express!

Alan and I got home at the same time. 

We were out the door by 11:07! First, we got milkshakes at this new place and then lunch.

By 1:30, we were at the city government office. But, we didn't pick up the new handicapped card. The letter doesn't cut it!

So, off we went, scootering back to Neihu and attempted to get things done. We picked up the card and I went upstairs to get a copy of our household report. The wait was 30 minutes! Forget that... So, we headed back home. It was already 3:30!

I had dinner ready and the social worker came at 5:15, the same time Mom came home. I'm trying to get someone to come, but each agency that sends a person must come and see my home and Mom. It's so troublesome! But what can I do???

So, while Mom ate dinner, we went over the details of what the helper needs to do. I need someone on 3/11, 3/18, 3/29... and each of those times will be a different agency with a different person. Now, this is because I'm using the government subsidized program. I can't find someone on my own. There is no one who will work that sporadically. And it's too expensive otherwise, meaning if I try to hire someone privately. And even privately, I can't find someone who will work that sporadically.

Anyhow, after Mom went to bed, we headed out. We met up with friends at her rental apartment. She's here with her family from Australia. I had to come back early as I had Bible study!

As for the handicapped parking permit, I will finish that on Monday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I wanted to add to what I wrote yesterday about wisdom. The students were very perceptive. They differentiated by saying: 

Smart is knowledge, able to learn quickly, and pass exams without studying.

Intelligent is innovative and creative, maybe like Mark Z. or Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. They think out of the box.

Brilliant is someone with a naturally high IQ, like Einstein.

Wisdom is an ability of make sound judgment about life in general. 

Next week we will continue this discussion! We will discuss what does it mean to fear the Lord and why does that bring wisdom? What do you think?

Seek Him First!

Soochow Bible Study Started!

The weather was great... so after Mom went off, I tidied up the bathroom and the room and headed out!

I did my 10 kms and came home to shower, then headed out after getting a bite to eat.

I dropped off the money for more boxes for the Philippines and one bag of stuff to send. I had already dropped off all the games and books! Then I headed to Soochow, stopping to pay several bills.

I got there right on time and we have seven students, two are new kids. One will probably not continue as he is too tired. He is not yet a believer. The gal will keep coming... We are studying the first four chapters of Proverbs.

I came back after the study and went to World Gym Express for 20 minutes and then bought a few grocery items before coming home. Prices of groceries have really gone up and the egg shelves were empty. In fact, there was a sign -- two cartons per customer! I guess there's an egg run again!

I made rice with veggies and meatballs for Mom's dinner and laid down for 20 minutes. The phone rang... 

I dropped off the two boxes to be picked up and got Mom. Oh... the pet stroller was picked up and the guy has a corgi. I asked him if the dog fits... and he sent me a picture. PERFECT!

Abby called this evening, so we were able to chat for a bit.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Wisdom, what is it? How is it different from being smart or intelligent or brilliant? Proverbs 1 has a lot to say about wisdom as the whole purpose of this book is to help point us to possess wisdom... We need ears to hear... we need to receive instructions. In this day and age, we all need a lot of wisdom!

Let's not forget the second part of this verse:

Seek Him First!

International Women's Day & Annie's 6X Birthday!

Yes... It's Annie's birthday, which is also Women's Day... In fact, today's MOE class, we talked about Women's Day that started back in 1913. I thought it was only Taiwan that celebrated on March 8th, but it's actually an international holiday. 

I don't like the rush on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to June, when I won't be having such a hectic stress filled day. I love the job... I've said this before... but not the rush. And I was so exhausted this afternoon! I fell asleep in my chair for 20 minutes.

I was on my way back home by 5:10 and stopped at World Gym Express for a treadmill walk. 

I had to rush home as I had tutoring at 8pm.

I drank a lot of mint tea and baked banana bread for my Bible study tomorrow. I also put away and tidied up things. 

I try to sleep early... so going to bed before 11pm is a blessing!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bible Study Tuesday

 I spent the morning going through more stuff... what a task of love! By 9:40, one of the gals arrived. And we had almost everyone, which was super nice! There are ten in our group now. And what an amazing group of sisters! One gal brought papaya slices. Another gal brought a cobbler. Another gal brought tortilla rolls. And another gal brought sweet snacks. I made lunch and provided the beverages. Needless to say, it was a feast!

When they left, I pressed through with washing and grouping things to give away. And by 3pm, I had to head out or I would not have time for my run and Express stop! Sure enough, I got back just before 5. My showers are always quick.

While Mom was eating dinner, I finished putting away all the stuff and took down the recycling. I found someone had left a pet stroller at my scooter place. I posted that and hopefully, someone will want it.

Alan was home from his class and ate dinner while watching, the Chosen!

Tomorrow is my MOE Day. I will bring some dessert, but not homemade. I had no time! And I will bring things to work on!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Resting, Reading, Running...

Yes, today was a planned PR Day... But I mixed it up as I did housework along with reading... I went out running along with getting errands done... I tried to slow down... It really helped.

And the day went by too quickly!

I didn't know but tap dancing started back tonight. I thought it was next week! I hadn't planned on going, so I only stopped by for two hours as I had more to get done! 

Tomorrow is the Bible study, so I cooked pork and beans... so delicious. I also took out the turkey meat and made that!

AND... I splurged... I went back and bought some running shoes... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

See... we have eyes, but we really don't see... To see we need to slow down... And we are too programmed to always be in a rush... Jesus was busy, but never in a rush. His eyes see... 

What do you think it will be like if you were to look into his eyes?

There is actually a song by that title. Here's the lyrics. It's by Meredith Andrews!

                                                    "Jesus Sees"

When you’re shattered by grief
Can’t find a reason to sing
On your hardest of days
When you’re fighting for faith

You are not alone here, you are not alone here

He is near to the broken hearted
Closer still than the air you breathe
Every tear falling in the darkness
Jesus sees

Though you question, though you doubt
He is running to you now
With perfect love and perfect peace
He is everything you need

You are not forgotten, no, you are not forgotten

He is near to the brokenhearted
Closer still than the air you breathe
Every tear falling in the darkness
Jesus sees
He is faithful in every season
You are never beyond His reach
Every hurt that you thought was hidden
Jesus sees

He meets you in your pain
He calls you by your name

                        He sees, He understands, He holds you in His hands

Seek Him First!