It's the End of April!

April has been extremely busy... and May looks like it's going to continue... I would just like to sleep more... 

I got up early... after my time with Jesus, I went out to walk and pay the bills, and a quick stop at WGE. I was home and got Mom up and eating her breakfast. I sat on the sofa and fell asleep. Not even 20 minutes, and Mom was finished with her breakfast! Wow... that was fast!

Alan and Isaiah had a tennis tournament. They didn't get back until after 12noon. I worked on a letter to the couples. After that was done, Mom had lunch and we were off to church by 2:20!

It was testimony Sunday! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are my tips in the letter we gave to each couple:

M – Make God the Cornerstone of your relationship.

 

A – Arrange weekly time to nurture your relationship.

 

R -- Resist criticizing and complaining about your relationship.

 

R – Read God’s word and pray together consistently for your relationship.

 

I –  Instill joy-filled conversations on a daily basis about your relationship.

 

A – Accept and appreciate the differences in your relationship.

 

G – Get together regularly with other couples to strengthen your relationship.

E – Encounter God’s faithfulness, grace, mercy and forgiveness through your relationship.

Seek Him First!

A Somewhat Busy Day!

I was up early... to spend time with Jesus, to get things done and to fit in a run, I have to be up early...  I put in a load of clothes and cleaned a bit before heading out for a run!

I was home and after a quick shower, I got Mom up. I cut her hair... it's getting hot!

Alan and Isaiah had gone to play tennis, but they were home before me. It got too hot!

Alan was busy with the arrangements for tonight... I was busy with Mom care!

Isaiah and Alan left at 2:30 to set up for the Event. I made an appointment for Mom and I to get our teeth cleaned -- next Saturday. Then I bought coupons and called to make an appointment for Isaiah and I to get a scalp treatment and then fun stuff for Monday. Alan, Isaiah, and I have the day off, while Mom has her Day Care Program! Yeah!

I left after Mom went to bed... 

The Night Is Still Young... 31 couples... entertainment, short talk (we were the speakers), games, and buffet dinner... dancing at the end of the evening... actually only two dances and the evening ended... I thought the night is still young and that the dancing should have gone on for a lot longer... and the program was a bit weird... 

Anyhow, I made my quick stop at WGE before coming home!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Ecc. 3:10

Seek Him First!

Fri-Date!

I was lazy this morning as it was already quite warm. So instead of going for a run, I went to get the cell phone holder from the Yamaha Dealership. They had saved it for me. We installed it on Alan's scooter. He loves it!

I then went to Carrefour and found all kinds of bread and items! Then a 20 minute workout and I was home.

Alan and I went to a Cantonese restaurant and we bought Coco! I brought me own salad as that was what I felt like eating. It was so hot... and it's only the end of April.

We picked up the cuckoo clocks... they are so exquisite... but Isaiah is going to destroy it because it 'chimes' every hour on the hour! Ha, ha, ha... I love it... I will have to disable it...

I did go for a run and it was rather unpleasant until after 5pm. The heat was extreme and my legs did not want to move. I was soaking wet with sweat and I only ran 13k. I couldn't push through to 15.

This evening after Mom went to bed, Isaiah and I went to get Ms. Hsieh. Alan had to go run errands in preparation for the "Event" tomorrow night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Lot of Running Around!

I went for a 12k run and then I had to take off to tutor... so no shower!

I brought everything, including the stuff I needed for my Soochow Bible study! 

The hour went by fast! And I headed to Soochow. They had a missionary speaker at the lunch time fellowship, which ended late... And several of the students couldn't make it. We only had three people! It was still a wonderful discussion! We are o Proverbs 3!

I hurried back home and went out to run another 8km. YEAH. Isaiah was home, so he picked Mom up from the van. I had dinner ready.

I again did not take a shower. After Mom went to bed, Isaiah and I went to pay for the scooter! His new scooter... 

Isaiah went to meet up with his boot camp friends, while I went to WGE. I took my time and sat in the sauna and had a nice long shower.

I am also playing matchmaker, so I had to meet the two at the restaurant. I made a reservation for 8:30. Then I was at the JianTan MRT Station to meet with a teacher at MCU as I had shoes to give her. I stopped by Carrefour and PX Mart and was home by 10pm... It felt so good to be back home. I forgot I had prayer time with a sister... it is beginning to feel like an obligation! It's weekly and it always goes long!

Alan had class all day and then played basketball. 

At 11, Isaiah called... We went down to pick him up. He is wise not to ride his scooter when he has had a few drinks!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

MOE... Counting Down as June 7th Will Be My Last Day!

So, yes, it was another mad rush to get myself out the door... I made it by 9:15!

Nothing to edit, but we had posters to make for the upcoming office event. And of course, I had my lunch time class, which I absolutely love. I will miss this group of students! I love those 60 minutes spent with them! I also had a student during my Office Hour! I was so tired. It took all my focus to stay awake and to engage in training her for the oral component of her upcoming IELS!

I was out of the Office at 5:20 and went to WGE. I was hoping to put everything in a locker and change to go for a run. But I was too tired. So, after a treadmill walk and two machines, I headed home!

It felt so good to be home!

Oh... funny thing... Isaiah was asked to teach two night school classes starting next school year... and it occurred to me: he does have a master... his education level is the same as Alan and I! ha, ha, ha... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A PR Tuesday! Productive "Retreat"

Yes, I had tasks that I wanted to tackle...

After taking down the clothes, I organized the winter clothes, putting them away as it is getting warmer! Then I wanted to paint the bottom of the wall in Mom's room. We fixed the bathroom, but that particular wall we never repainted. So, I got blue and white paint from the recycling and painted it. Even though the color doesn't match, no problem -- we have a cabinet that is right in front of that area!

I also baked cupcakes and a flat cake. One is for MOE and the other is for the Soochow Bible Study! 

At 3pm, I finally had time to go out for a run... and the weather was still very cool! Thank you, Jesus! I stopped by the library and picked up the book, A Simplified Life by Emily Ley. Ha, ha, ha... 

Mom was back, but Isaiah was here... so he went down to get her, while I got her dinner ready!

Tonight I had Bible study and I stopped by WGE to get in my usual 20 minutes!

And Isaiah heard back from Soochow. He will start tomorrow as an interim assistant. YEAH... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

It's a mystery to me how much God loves us... very flaw people... and yet He sees good in His creation and chooses to bless us with His Son!

Indeed... For God so LOVED the WORLD that He GAVE... 

Seek Him First!

A Raining Monday! PERFECT!

I was up early... and the weather looked fine... But by 8:30, it started to rain! Mom had left and Isaiah had an interview to go to... Alan went to school.

Oh... I love to run in the rain... So, I went out... I thought I'd do just my usual 10km... but the more it rained, the happier I became out there. I actually would have enjoyed running to Danhsui. But I didn't! I just ran 15km and came home.

There was plenty to do at home!

Isaiah came home and had lunch.

I made Mom's dinner and got the materials together for my tutoring at 2pm. I also got everything ready if the scooter place connects with us and tells us to go over to drop off the payment and more document! They didn't.

But I did get a call from the watch guy. 3100NT$ (about 103US$) to fix all three cuckoo clocks! So, Annie, I can bring one back for you! It's now fixed! Amazing... I love cuckoo clocks... and now I have two and one for Annie!

Prayer time at 4pm. Mom was back at 5:14. Alan came back at 6:10. Isaiah finished his interview at 4:30. It was with TVBS as an English reporter! They will get back to him before Friday. That's going to be really sticky. Should he accept if they offer him the job? You can pray for him.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Restful Sunday!

I went to cheer on my students who ran the 21k and it was right at the park where I usually run!

I then went and did a quick workout. One of the churches here near our house was sponsoring a blood donation activity, so I went and donated blood. Then I was home to get Mom up!

Church was at 2:15 and I spoke on The Gift of the Sabbath, Part III! After church, I had a Finance Meeting at 7pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

 Here are the 7 Broad Strokes about the Gift of Sabbath:

1.  Take time for sheer inactivity! 

        KEY: BE STILL! 

2.  Take time for contemplative rest! 

        KEY: It is good!

3.  Take time for recreation and ‘enjoyment’ rest! 

        KEY: Refreshes!

4.  Take time for nurture relationships. 

        KEY: Energizes, not depletes!

5.  Take time for an extended feeding of your spirit. 

        KEY: Know God!

6.  Take time for battery charging, replenishing. 

        KEY: Understand yourself!

7.  Take time for breaking free from being a slave. 

        KEY: Christ has set us free!

Seek Him First!

Splendid Saturday!

The weather was cool... I had a longer than usual run... I actually hit 15k! So, for this week, I ran 5 times for a total of 54.16km. And I averaged 6 hours and 3 minutes of sleep per night! I didn't have a PR Day... 

Mom enjoyed her meals. The boys enjoyed the pizza. They had a massage at Ms. Hsieh this evening. I had a delightful afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel with my students. They treated me... 

I was supporting a group from church in Taitung, doing the Triathlon Challenge! And a guy who joined as a solo for the 113k! 

After Mom went to bed, I mopped the floor and cleaned up the house! 

The day flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

In celebration of Earth Day... I thought this verse was just perfect!

Seek Him First!

A More than Productive Day!

After Mom left, I went out with Alan... He dropped me off at the Workout Place and he went to a meeting at ACC!

Yes, only 20minutes workout and then I did my 10k run! Finally! It wasn't raining, but at least it was cooler! I survived!

Isaiah had an interview. He came back and changed clothes and we headed out to Soochow. The last event of ICEE Week was the Renaissance Fair. It was quite interesting! We all went just for fun! After about two hours, we had to leave. We went to the post office as Alan needed to get a new Health Card in order to get the 6000NT$ from the Government! And I had a package to mail and they had the machine which prints out the labels. Mailing things internationally is very difficult nowadays. We finished that and headed to Dazhi as we had planned to go and look and maybe buy Isaiah a new scooter. We bought it... NT$99,880! That's about 3300US$! He will pick it up next week. We didn't use the credit card... Cash price! It includes licensing and insurance and a new helmet plus three oil changes!

Isaiah went home and Alan and I went to pick up Abby's criminal record report. It's required for her visa from Brazil! On the way home, we bought Domino's Pizza.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Busier Than Usual Thursday!

After Mom left, I was out the door... I made a stop to World Gym and bought breakfast and went to Soochow! Thankfully, the guard allowed me to park right near the ICEE Week Venue! He didn't lock my wheel nor did he give me a ticket!

I was assigned the job of asking questions for the impromptu speech contest! There were 18 contestants! We finished just after 12noon and then I went over to my Bible study! I ate and talked with students! We studied Proverbs 2 and tried to memorize Proverbs 1:7 & Proverbs 2:10-11!

I headed home and Isaiah was home. Alan came home early! YEAH! Since they were home, I was able to go out for a run -- 10k! 

Alan had rehearsal this evening and Isaiah went and played basketball. It was nice to be home! I had plenty to do... At 9:30, I prayed with a sister... and I almost fell asleep!

I can't believe we are coming to the end of another week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Busier Than Usual MOE Day!

I did bring things to work on. But I didn't have much time.

I had two different meetings about the Mother's Day Event that I am in charge of! And I revealed that I'm quitting after June 7th! Oh no... I opened a can of worms... So, we had another meeting about that. The person wanted to know how I feel about the Project and working at MOE... I let them have it... saying that the MOE has failed in the way they have promoted English education and they will never achieve English competence by 2030.

We will see what happens next!

I had my lunch time class and I had three new students. The hour went by too fast. We talked about charitable organizations. Next week will be about Trade, Money and Investment Opportunities.

I had a student who needed help during my Office Hour. 

When I left the office, it was a downpour, so I came home instead of going to World Gym Express. I was just too drenched!

I got to talk to Abby and we booked her flight. June 12th to June 29th! Annie paid for her flight and we got the flight for 836US$, including one carry on and one check in and another backpack! YEAH!

I downloaded my email and found out that my tutoring cancelled! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Fantastic Bible Study!

After getting Mom off, I put everything into the electric quick pot... I had bought an assortment of meatballs! Then I went to do a fast workout and was home before the ladies got here!

The study was on being Spirit-filled! And every gal bought something to share... so we feasted on God's word and on physical 'manna'.

Isaiah had his morning interview and came home for lunch and took off for his afternoon interview. I cleaned up and took a nap and baked two cakes: one for MOE and one for Soochow Bible study. One of the Bible study gals made extra cream cheese frosting. So, that's what I will be adding to the cakes! 

At 4pm, I took off for a 9km run. It was too hot and I had too little time! Yes, Mom was promptly home. After I settled her to eat her dinner, I went and took a shower!

Isaiah was home. He thought all the interviews today went well.

Alan was at school but didn't have his evening class since it's ICEE Week! YEAH! But he did find out that he will have to give up his office by July 31st! You can't imagine how much stuff he has in that place: games, books, basketball equipment... we even store our boxes and luggage there! It's going to be very interesting. He is asking if he can have some storage space as he will be teaching 12 hours. He wants to keep the games there at school. It's so great that Isaiah is working there for two months. He will be a big help to Alan!

This evening, Isaiah went and got a massage. I worked on my Bible study homework and the talk that Alan and I are giving on 4/29 for the Date Night Event! So far we have 30 couples attending! Please pray! I also did a load of laundry and picked up a book from the library! I'm reading several books at the same time... this one is called Red Roulette!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Won't Be Having A PR Day This Week...

Just as I'm talking about observing a Sabbath Rest, I will be having one of the busiest week of this month!

After Mom left, I headed out to meet a friend from the States! Yes... lots of people are coming back after the Covid Lockdown and Quarantine have ended!

The three hours flew by and I was flying back to Neihu. I did a 15 minute workout and picked up the CD player that I had dropped off to get fixed.

Tutoring was at 2pm! And then after that, I went to the post office to get the government subsidy of 200US$ per person. I got Abby's, Mom's and my money! YEAH! Cash!

I rushed home, and put Mom's dinner in the rice cooker and went out for a 9km run. I only had time for that, and it was too hot to run any longer!

I was back just one minute before Mom was home!

Isaiah was at Soochow helping Alan with the ICEE Week! That will be his project base job until June 15th when he will be heading back with me to the States. The job is flexible enough that he can go to his interviews! What an answer to prayer! This Friday we are going to go scooter shopping for him. That will be about 3,300US$ for a new scooter! Now that he will be working in Taiwan, and he wants a better scooter, he will use his savings to buy one. We thought if he got a job in Singapore, then we will just have him ride Abby's old scooter. He doesn't want to work outside of Taipei.

Tonight I had tap dancing... but I was just too too too tired! So, I stayed home! I'm bummed that I had to give up a night of tap dancing since I really enjoy it... 

Tomorrow morning is my Bible study and I needed to cook...and bake for MOE and Soochow Bible Study!

Daily Lovely Insight:

John G. Paton, missionary to the New Hebrides Islands of the South Pacific, had a father who prayed! Reading about this man who prayed was so encouraging! God is faithful. He heard the prayers of this father and answered!

Seek Him First!

Energized Sunday!

Because of the run, I did not sleep well... I was too hyped up! So, throughout the day, I had to take short power naps. 

Mom was up and enjoyed her food!

I went for a walk and the park had another run -- 10k and 21k -- plus booths with lots of free stuff! It was so hot and there were so many people!

Alan and Isaiah played tennis this morning!

At 2:15, we headed out to church. Alan had gone to school at 10:30 as he was asked to be involved in the students/parents orientation for high schoolers who are considering Soochow as one of their choices. They have not had these events for a while because of Covid. So, the turnout today was quite good!

I spoke on Part 2 of The Gift of the Sabbath! I love sharing!

We came home and had dinner and I put Mom to bed.

I then worked on finishing my talk notes and ppt for April 23rd!

I also painted the back wall of the bathroom cabinet with paint I found down in the recycling! It turned out really well. It was a nice thick paint with no smell and quick drying! It was a pleasant "sabbath day" activity! Very therapeutic! The wall was yucky from mold and now it looks so great!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I will end my talk next week with this:

The old Puritan commentator John Owen described five features of this (Sabbath) rest for the (New Testament) believer:

· Rest means peace with God.

· Rest means freedom from a servile, bondage-like spirit in the worship and service 

        of God.

· Rest means deliverance from the burden of Mosaic observance.

· Rest means the freedom of worship according to the Gospel.

· Rest means the rest that God Himself enjoys.

Seek Him First!

A Very Different Saturday!

A friend had signed up for a 10k and couldn't make it. So I got her bib... It's a night run, which I love. And the forecast had said, RAIN!

So, this morning, I got Mom up and she enjoyed her meals and her snacks. I had her listening to the Bible being read. And I also had some great praise songs playing!

Isaiah had gone to meet up with Vikki.

Alan went to Costco for us. He was home with Mom as I left at 5:10. I ran to World Gym and dropped off my bag. I then ran to the park where the race started. There were so many people. They had to stagger the start time. There were only two races -- 21k and 10k. Four people from church joined the 21k. And two of us were at the last start for the 10k.

I decided to run the 10k and then run another 11 plus k to complete a half marathon. And I was very happy with my results.

I haven't ran these short distances for more than 13 years! I am thrilled to know that I can still run fairly fast!

I came home and was so hungry!

I took a shower and went back to World Gym to pick up my bag of stuff. I didn't want to carry the race stuff and extra clothes while I ran!

Before the run, I had time to finish my talk for tomorrow and next Sunday. I also started to prepare the ppt for Part 3. I will have to finish hopefully by Monday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

John Harper... Have you heard of him? He was on the Titanic and survivors said that he went around in that freezing water, pleading with people, floating, "Believe in the Lord Jesus!" He died... and met the Lord... and he helped many to spend eternity SAVED... even when the ship SANK! Someone even testified that Harper gave him his life vest!

The tomb is empty. We, as believers, need not fear death. It is Good News and we should be more fervent in sharing this with others.

It was a timely reminder, reading about John Harper! 

Seek Him First!

Lunch Date & Mom's Appointment!

It was a hot day. I went out running after Isaiah left for his interviews. He had three and the candidates are really top, top, top. So, it's going to be very competitive!

Alan and I went out for lunch and then picked up Mom.

We dropped things off for a friend who just moved to Taiwan.

I messed up... I thought Mom had an appointment for the psych eval, but it was only to get the medicine. I didn't need to bring Mom. The evaluator doesn't work on Friday. So, I won't be able to do that until June! I usually have time on Friday afternoon... the other days, I have tutoring or Bible study or MOE! Such a headache!

We came home and had a free evening!

It was nice to rest! No tap dancing... no tutoring... no Bible study... No prayer time with anyone... I did take Alan's scooter and got the oil changed and the smog checked. The scooter passed and it has 55, 404km already! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Solomon had a huge amount of wealth... and it all disappeared after his reign... He did not follow God wholeheartedly! With all that wisdom and wealth... It was something that struck me... 

Seek Him First!

Not Exactly A Retreat Day... But A Productive Day!

I got up early... as usual... 

After Mom took off, I did not go run... I cleaned up the house and loaded up the car!

Isaiah and I went to the Chinese herbalist, but he couldn't see Isaiah until 11:50. So, we headed back home and had lunch!

The guy adjusted Isaiah's hip and then did acupuncture on him.

We were home by 12:30!

I made a massage appointment for him at 2pm.

I went and ran! It was hot. 10k was not easy! I just kept the pace slow... one step at a time!

After a quick shower, I headed out to do a drop off 'run'. Isaiah was home to pick Mom up! Yeah!

I had dinner ready... And the two huge boxes of diapers arrived. That was fast! So, I had to make room to store everything!

This evening, Isaiah and Alan played basketball at Soochow. And Isaiah will work at Soochow during the time he waits for his full time job. YEAH!

I had Bible study at 9pm and then prayer time at 10:30.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Matthew 6:25-34 is one of my favorite passages... I would say Matthew 6:33 is one of my life verses. As I'm preparing for my Sabbath Talk, Part 2, I never saw the passage as it relates to keeping the Sabbath. The passage is all about work and trust... God is our provider. He knows our needs. The world seeks after these things, but our Heavenly Father is faithful to provide. Keeping the Sabbath is a way to step away from anxiety. It's a rest from worries! 

Seek Him First!

MOE Wednesday!

I was just a bit late this morning... 9:07! I had to stop to transfer money as we are running out of diapers! I ordered enough to last until July!

There was no class and nothing to edit!

That's great!

I brought things to do.

Bible study materials.

PPT for this Sunday's talk.

I even went out at lunch time and ran 10km. It was so hot! And I forgot to bring my cap!

Isaiah is getting 'out' today! He will head back to Taipei at around 5:00pm. YEAH! He has no interview tomorrow... 

Tonight I had tutoring after a break of two weeks!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We get into a lot of trouble when we are impatient!

Even observing a Sabbath can help us to learn to WAIT... to learn to STOP... to learn to TRUST!

Seek Him First!

A Different Kind of A PR Day!

This week I had set two days as my PR DAY... 

After Mom left, I got busy cleaning out the back balcony. I had not cleaned it in a long time... Sorted and grouped things together and threw things out! It looks very nice!

Then I got busy with cleaning the bathrooms, both shower stalls! They look very nice!

I filled up all the cleanser containers! Yes, I need a lot of cleansers... especially things that smell good!

At 11:50, I had to go out as it was getting hotter and hotter...  I ran to Soochow and got Isaiah's transcript. I ran to WGE and did a 20 minute workout. I finished my run and hit 10km and was home to have a quick shower.

It's our 36 Anniversary so I made Alan a really delicious dinner! And I also baked as it's MOE Day tomorrow. Cinnamon scones! I had one... very yummy!

At 4pm, I had to take a power nap before Mom got home!

Tonight I had my Tuesday evening Bible study! And I had to finish editing a file! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was one of many promises in Isaiah 43!

Seek Him First!

The Lord Who Supplies...

Wow... I didn't think I'd have such a full day!

As soon as Mom went off, I went to run as the weather said it was going to get hot, and it did!

I came back and showered quickly and went to meet up with someone at 11am! 

When that was finished, I went over to WGE and did a 20 minute quick workout and also cruise Carrefour. 

I was home by 1:15 and had a 15 minute power nap before going to tutor!

The hour went by so quickly... we talked about values!

I was home by 3:30 and Elaine came over at 3:50. It's our usual Monday afternoon prayer time!

Mom was back and I had dinner going in the rice cooker! YIPPY!

Elaine left, and Alan was home!

I had tap dancing tonight, but I came home early as I need to help Isaiah to look for his transcript and what not. I never did find his transcript! I'll have to message him tomorrow! The advertising company also had things for me to look at! I was hoping to get my ppt done for this week's talk... and finish my talk for 4/23... I guess I know what I'll be doing for my MOE Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Don't miss how Jesus will come when you least expect it and say to you, "Peace be to you!"

Seek Him First!

He Is Risen! Good Sunday!

Yes, I walked and went to WGE before getting Mom up!

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis!

At 2;15 we were out the door for church. I had friends coming to church... which was fabulous!

It was a long service as we had a short testimony, sprinkling baptism, and then the Lord's Supper! Plus, we wanted to hang out and talk to our friends. But we were in the car by 6:52 to drive Isaiah back to the command base... his last Sunday! Just three more days and he is finished! By Wednesday, he will be done!

We didn't get hone until 9:15! I got Mom to bed and did a load of wash! I was so ready for bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Colossians 1:13

Seek Him First!