Happy New Year Eve!

I was up and went to WGE. Then it was Mom care!

We had to go early to church as we had our soft opening! It was great that we went early as the AV wasn't working and we had to redo the shelves and put things away!

Isaiah and I translated as it was testimony service and we had a lot of testimonies! We were able to stay and eat and fellowship. We didn't get back home until 8pm.

I got Mom to bed and we rushed off as we were watching Aquaman at 8:50!

The movie finished at 11pm and we came home to watch the Taipei 101 fireworks from our rooftop!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's a holiday tomorrow, but I plan to go for an early morning run! It's the "final countdown"!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I Samuel 7:12

Happy New Year!

Seek Him First!

Perfect Wedding Celebration!

I was up early and at 7am, went out for my 10k run!

I was home and showered and got Mom up!

The helper came at 10:30 as we had a wedding to attend.

I was the person in charge and troubleshoot any situation!

It was great!

We were home by 4pm and I showed the helper what she is to do next week on Saturday!

I gave Mom some of the leftovers which she loved!

We decided not to go to the movies... just spent a quiet evening at home! I still had DisneyPlus, so I watched the Prince of Persia with Alan. That was fun.

I also did get a few chores done! We do have Monday off, but Mom will be home. So, it's not a day off for me!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Delicious Luncheon!

I didn't go out at 6am! But I did at 9:10. The van came late!

Alan and I had a luncheon date with some sweet friends at a Duck Restaurant! Very delicious!

We stayed and talked until 4pm. Then we had to rush back for Mom duty!

Alan and Isaiah went for a massage this evening. I took care of Mom and then worked on finding this great plastic cup for running. Where did I put it?

Daily Lovely Insight:

Romans 5 says we have been justified by faith, peace with God through Jesus, and we have access through grace and we can stand! 

How amazing is that!?!?!?!

Then, verse 3 says NOT ONLY THIS... Not only what is mentioned in verses 1 & 2... 

Seek Him First!

Raining Day... Perfect Sabbath!

I was up early and out by 6:05 and it was raining! No one was out at the park... It was nice!

I was back by 7:15 and finished my 10k.

I put in a load of laundry and showered. Then I started working on shifting stuff! I wasn't finished and it was time to get Mom up!

After she took off, I finished! Alan and I wanted to give Isaiah more storage space without cluttering up the living room! 

It was already 10am, so I settled down on the sofa and read and ate my breakfast! And at 11:30, I napped until 1pm! Wow... 

I almost finished a book that I'm reading about worship!

I was going to go to WGE but decided to skip it and just stay home and read some more! There was food in the fridge, so no need to cook! Thank you Jesus!

This evening, Alan and Isaiah played basketball at Soochow and then Alan had a Sunday school online meeting! I worked on my talks for 2024! 

Perfect Sabbath!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Looking and comparing my personal 2024 verse with our family verse, I found some interesting 'intersections'.

Rejoice in HOPE.

Rejoice in our sufferings.

Be patient in tribulation.

Perseverance produces proven character.

Be constant in prayer.

Proven character produces HOPE.

You see the intersections???

Tomorrow, I will also share about the insights I gained in looking at the verses before and after Romans 5:3-4!

Seek Him First!

Helping Out and Praising God!

I was up early but I didn't go run at 6am. Instead, I did a load of laundry! Then it was Mom care! I finally went at 10am.

I was supposed to have a call about the upcoming wedding that I'm helping with, but the lady at the banquet hall had a meeting that went long. So, I was off to help a sister as her birthday present. She just moved and needed help organizing. We did a lot in three hours. While organizing, I got a call from the dad of my student. The gal had a fever and thus, tutoring had to be cancelled. I was praising God.

I came home, dropped things off, and went to WGE for 20 minutes, then went to Carrefour. Alan was home, so he can get Mom from the van.

The Day Care Center messaged me at 4:30. Mom was active! She was active last night and I thought she'd settled down at the Day Care Center. BUT NO! And of course, she was hyper at dinner time! WEIRD! I might have to give her two sleeping pills to see if that can calm her down!

Isaiah went to play tennis at Soochow University.

Alan had a free day!

Daily Lovely Insight

Jude 24-25

Seek Him First!

Yes, A MOE Day!

I was up super early and went out for my 10k at 6:05! I ran into our neighbor who is like a superb runner and he was having a 'recovery' run. That meant he was running at my slow pace and he was pushing me to run at a very fast pace! Wow... 

I was home and showered and got Mom up and at the dining room table. Alan was home... 

I took off to the MOE with two huge bags of goodies -- chocolates, candy canes, gifts, and egg nog bread pudding in a crock pot!

Everyone was quite happy to see me... and they ate all the dessert. I also had two hours of Office Hours as my students came to visit and chat. It was so much fun!

I was back in my cubicle until 4:30, when I had to rush home. I was back and put Mom's dinner in the microwave the phone rang! Wow... 

Tonight I watched two episodes of NCIS, but I think I should have been sleeping... but I had to stay up as we had Family Time at 8:30 after Alan came home!

Tomorrow I will get up early again for a 6am run... as I have a full afternoon of appointments!

Daily Lovely Insight:

HOPE is the word that is repeated... and don't we all need more HOPE?

Jesus is our HOPE... 

Seek Him First!

Merry Christmas!

If you've read our previous posts, you know what each of us had written. So, this is our Annual Newsletter post!

Our picture theme this year was Changes... and indeed, we all experienced many changes. Alan retired. Isaiah finished his military service and started his full time job. Abby went from her DTS in Freiburg, Germany to now living in Vitoria, Brazil, with one of Lovely's best friends, Corenne Garrison-Smith. This year, Lovely worked for the MOE, which was a big change. Even though it was only one day a week, it made her realize that having a 9-5 job was not going to work with the care of her mom!

Alan, although retired, remains busy at Soochow University, teaching part-time and yet going there four days a week, just like he did when he worked there full-time. Isaiah finished five months at Nanshan and was appointed to the Claims Department for 2024! It's not his first or second or third... or ninth choice, but that's what he got. We still await to hear if Abby will get her volunteer visa before the end of this year. 

Next Sunday, House of Praise will move to the place they have rented and remodeled. It seems like a long term deal. Then the first Saturday in January of 2024, Lovely will run another ultra, which looks like her toughest yet. She received her 'race packet' today! And her number is 6067! Keep her in your prayer!

Alan will be traveling from January 11th to the 19th of February, but we have no idea what our summer plans will be! Isaiah doesn't have much of a vacation, but we hope to have Abby back in Taiwan for two weeks, maybe not in July or August, but maybe in April or May or October or November. 

As you might recall, our verse for 2023 was Jeremiah 29:11 and we have seen how faithful God has been to fulfill that verse in each of our lives. His plans are to give us hope and a future! Our verse for 2024 is: Romans 5:3-4 and that will be the verse we close this letter with!

Here are our 2023 Family Portraits!

We want to wish you all a Happy New Year! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

If you know Jeremiah 29:11 and you read our new verse, you'll see one word repeated! What's that word? Write your answer in the comment and come back tomorrow to know the answer!

Seek Him First!

A Joy-filled Sunday!

What a day!

I went to WGE and did the weights and walked the treadmill and then headed home!

Mom duty. Isaiah had gone to a morning service as he was invited by a friend. Alan was out playing tennis but he came home early to watch the game. The Chargers lost!

We headed out to church by 2:10 as we had counseling with a couple and I was sharing the Christmas Message! I also brought things for Love Cafe and the 'Dessert Table' after the service!

We were home by 6:45 and Mom ate dinner at home this evening as I was too busy to supervise her at church. We are moving to the new place next Sunday, so we had to get everything out today!

We loaded up our car with stuff and we will drop off tomorrow or on Friday!

I had a lot of stuff to put away and then I had to get Mom off to bed!

But it was a Joy-filled day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

watch

If you have time, listen to the song, Somewhere In Your Silent Night, and take the time to pray for someone!

Seek Him First!

A Peaceful Saturday!

I was up early but not early enough to head out by 6am. I was trying to get out the door to see what it will be like on January 6th. 

I stayed home and got some chores done... paperwork for Mom, her pillbox, the clothes to put away. Alan was back at around 11am so he stayed with Mom while I went for my 10k run! It was nice!

Isaiah helped at New Life Church, being Joseph for their kids' program. Alan went to church for the AV training. I stayed with Mom.

This evening Isaiah had a party with Warwick Alumni and since I had a helper come, Alan and I had a chance to go out. We have a friend who is performing at one of the big hotels and New Taipei City had the Christmas Light Display! Overall, it was a nice day... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Typical Date!

I was out the door after Mom left in the van! I went to WGE and from there, I did my 10k run! Then it was back in the sauna and shower. 

I was a bit late to get home, but Alan and I were out the door by 11am. First, we picked up the rice cooker that has been repaired than the carry on luggage so that the guy can find the right sized handle. After that, it was lunch at the Teppanyaki Restaurant! YUMMY!

There is a supermarket there, so we got some bread. I had also bought bananas at a stall near the luggage guy's store! YEAH!

After lunch, we updated our post office accounts and got the car washed and filled up!

We were both tired, so we took a nap!

That felt so good and Mom was home promptly at 5:10!

I had a wedding banquet to attend tonight and Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis! I could have brought home so much leftovers... Oh well... 

I finished the Christmas Message and the ppt file! YEAH... And it's winter solstice, so we had 'tangyuan'! SO YUMMY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Cold and Wonderfully Restful Sabbath!

After Mom left, I had breakfast and went on the sofa to read and rest! I slept for an hour and then was up as I wanted to go for my usual 10k.

The Lord gave me the idea while I was out running in the super cold weather to take things to WGE for my shower. I got back and packed things up and called a few places as Mom needed a walker for the Day Care Center. Unfortunately, the government will only pay 20US$. I have to pay the rest! Anyhow, after calling several places, I found one that had the right size and gave me an excellent quote. 

I had several errands to get done! I went to pick up a luggage handle -- 200NT$. I dropped off a rice cooker to be repaired. I went to pick up the walker and had to pay the extra 360NT$ (12US$). I bought cucumbers. I dropped the walker off and then got my scooter tuned up. Then I was off to WGE. I sat in the sauna for about 7 minutes to dethaw! After a quick shower, I did a few machines and was home by 3:30. I made chicken for Alan and soup for myself! YUMMY!

I forgot to get the cinnamon roll as a dear friend gave me a Starbucks gift!

The phone rang and it was the social worker. I'm trying to use up the funds to get an extra 30 minutes to an hour of help every week! She will let me know if that's possible!

Mom was back and I had dinner ready for her!

The temperature is dropping to about 8 Celsius tonight! Wow... So, I had to get the radiator heater into Mom's room and get that ready!

Isaiah had another party tonight and Alan stayed at Soochow to play basketball! I used the rest of the evening to finish prepping for my talk on Sunday. 

The day was a restful Sabbath even though I went out to do a few errands. These errands were fast and went quite smoothly! At the place to buy the new walker, they also had mouthwash and package vitamins on sale. So, I was able to get those while the guy got the paperwork completed. Overall, it was quite a relaxing day! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Getting Cold Here...

I was up and decided to get a few things done after Mom left!

I made soup. I did a load of laundry. And I rested before going for my 10k run!

Then I was off to tutoring. The student was not focused! But the hour went by quickly! Riding back was so cold. I was going to stop at WGE, but decided not to. I was going to get my scooter tuned up, but decided not to. I just came home to have soup and get Mom to bed.

At 8:30, I had prayer time with a sister and then worked on my talk for 12/24.

Tomorrow, for my Sabbath, I think I'll take the time to run those few errands!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

So Much Happening...

I was up early and went back to bed after my time with Jesus.

It was nice to sleep in a bit!

I got Mom up and off and then went for my 10k at the Riverside Park.

I rushed back for a shower and then my Bible study gals were here. I had made taro porridge and it was delicious, especially since it was kind of chilly outside!

We had only five gals but it was a great discussion!

After cleaning up, I left for Costco and other errands. Unfortunately, I didn't get everything completed!

I still need to get a handle for a carry on luggage and my scooter tuned up!

I had tutoring at 3:30! The hour went by so quickly.

Mom was home promptly at 5:15. Sometimes I wish she could be even 30 minutes late! But never!

Tonight we had Family Time! I was so exhausted! I'm glad I will only have tutoring at 4:30 tomorrow! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Tired Monday!

I was up early... then I set myself to prep for my 12/24 talk. Last night I listened to several Christmas songs and decided on a few songs for Isaiah to lead for the Christmas Eve Service. He will also do two duets with our pianist!

I didn't finish and it was time for Mom Care! After Mom left, it was time to tidy up things and then I rested. I was feeling really really tired! I couldn't rest for long as I had to make dinner for Alan as he had invited someone over for dinner.

I also wanted to go for a short run -- 10k. NO HILLS... NO LONG RUNS...

I was back and had time just to call and order boxes and take off for my tutoring.

On the way back from tutoring, I dropped off some stuff and the money for the boxes that are going out to the Philippines! I also stopped to get cherry tomatoes and cucumber!

At 4pm, I had the monthly prayer time with a sister!

And of course, as I finished and put the dinner in the microwave, the phone rang. Mom was home!

Isaiah had an event this evening and I wanted to go to tap... finally! Then I stopped at WGE before heading home!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday Marathon!

I was up early and I didn't join the marathon! But Taipei Marathon was my first half and my first full marathon and I truly enjoyed having the experience. The cheerleaders and the people are just so fun! Anyhow, I went to WGE and then went to the 29th kilometer marker and waited for my church friend as it was his first full marathon. I gave him the training schedule and some tips. He lost 9 kilos an followed the schedule. I ran with him as I wrote about and knew he was ready!

After going with him for about 3k, I walked back to my scooter and came home!

Mom care! The helper did a great job with the hand restraints, but not the diaper! At least Mom didn't leak.

We had church and I was the translator! Alan stayed at church as there was a wedding rehearsal! I drove home and Isaiah was just heading back. I picked him up at Xihu MRT Station.

We had dinner at home! 

The weekend is over and I will have another busy week! So, what else is new?!?!?!

Daily Lovely Insight:

John 16:33 was the conclusion of the message tonight at church!

Seek Him First!

Workshop & More...

The temperature dropped... Very nice! And it didn't rain! What a blessing as we had friends with a ministry team doing an outreach at the MRT Station!

I ran my 11k. And then scooter over to the hospital to pick up Mom's meds. Of course, I had an appointment, so that took a bit of time!

I stopped at WGE and then went home for Mom Care! I had the oatmeal made!

The afternoon passed... 

Isaiah went to Yilan with all his MA friends/co-workers! They rented a place and will be there until late Sunday night! Alan dropped him off!

Tonight I had a helper come as Alan and I had a workshop to do! Tomorrow I will be translating for the Sunday message and next week, for the Christmas Eve Service, I'll be the speaker. I've got a lot to do this week! And the weekends are so busy... Oh yes, tomorrow is another marathon. I have to go and cheer another brother on as it's his first full marathon! The weather looks good... no rain, but cold! Praise Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fun Date!

I got Mom off and I took off for a short run! 11k at the River Park!

Alan and I were to meet back at 10am as we planned to take off at 10:30. I had quite a lot planned... 

Early lunch, then to New Life Church for their flea market fund raiser. Dropped off Chinese medicine for a friend, then to the Marathon Expo. I saw the lady at the Brooks Booth and she gave me the 'insider info' - their sale on January 4th. Alan bought a pair of sunglasses, but I didn't buy anything. We then went to pick up my birthday gift from a dear friend and then to RT Mart! I'm starting to shop for things for Alan to bring in January! We made it back home by 4:30. I put everything away and Mom was soon home!

Tonight we had dinner with some colleagues from Ming Chuan at the Wang Steakhouse! Exquisite!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Rested!

I love my Sabbath!

After getting Mom off, I stayed on the sofa the whole day... I read and rested. I only got up a few times!

At 3:30, I went to WGE and did a treadmill run! Just 8k. Very slow... 

Then I was home for a very quick shower as Mom arrived almost five seconds later!

Alan was at school and Isaiah joined him for the usual Thursday night basketball and I watched NCIS, while Mom ate dinner!

It's a short post because that's all I did... 

What a great day of rest!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

WiFi Upgraded...

It was a busy morning as the Telecom person came to upgrade the WiFi, which involved a lot more than I had expected. I had to move the living room furniture and the stuff in the study! That took two hours, so I was finally out for a recovery run at 11:15. Alan was the one who was to be home, but I think it worked out better as there was a need to communicate in Chinese for all the details!

I was out for a slow recovery run at the River Park. But when I got there, I 'ran into' a brother from church. I'm helping to coach him through his first full marathon, which is on Sunday! So, we ran together and I went longer and faster than I had expected. 

I was home, showering quickly and rushing to go and donate blood.

Then to my great surprise, my 4:30 tutoring canceled. I was thrilled! THANK YOU, JESUS!

So, I met up with a friend as she is going to the States. We try to meet up on a regular basis. So, it was perfect. She is leaving on the 18th! God is so good!

I dropped off things at two different places and came home. Alan was still in the process of putting the house back in order! He went down to get Mom while I got the dinner heated! I had made kimchi chicken before going off to donate blood. It was very delicious and I needed protein!

Tonight, I had prayer time with another group of sisters. I was so ready to go to bed! I was tired! A full day yesterday and today was busier than I had expected!

Isaiah went to play basketball after work!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Happy Birthday! I Am Blessed!

Yes, I had plans for this day so I had to get things organized ahead of time! I asked Alan to stay and walk my mom out to the van. I was thinking that I'd leave at 7:30, but I didn't start running until 8:15! Oh well... I was planning to be back by 1pm as I wanted to get lunch from this stall which I had a coupon! And I had made an appointment for a massage at 2:45!

So... I only ran for 4:45 and reached only 36k. But I made it to the highest point of the run on January 6th. That was my goal. And the higher I went, the colder and foggier and wetter it got ! Wow... I'm glad I did this so that I can be better prepare! It was nice and warm down in Taipei, but not up there at FengCuiTwai!

My back was also hurting as the hills were very steep! And running down was a lot of pounding! I forgot to put a patch on before I left. I also have these self adhesive warmer packets. So, I will stick a couple of those on me!

I enjoyed being by myself and doing the run and praying. What a way to spend my birthday! And of course, I had to rush home for Mom Care!

After Alan got home, we went to watch Wonka at 9:20. I was a bit exhausted, but I don't have Bible study tomorrow... 

Now, here is my newsletter:

Lovely’s Recap of 2023--

Looking back, the year looks uneventful and yet there were many highs and a few lows. Here are the ‘highlights’:

 

Trip to the States in June 

Ethiopian food with my best friends 

Biking the C-route with family and friends

Seeing Mom Bea and family members at their new place in El Cajon

Wednesdays at the Ministry of Education

Sabbath Keeping

Puma Night Run (10K)

Restart of regular Family Time

 

The ‘lows’ are few, but they seem to all be connected to the constant strain related to the care of my elderly Mom. It’s a limitation, a burden, that seems ‘endless’. That’s the difficulty. Isaiah says that I can just make that ‘decision’ and place her in a nursing home. Perhaps I will have to consider that possibility or at least put her name on the waiting list of my favorite Christian-run facility. 

 

As I look forward, here are my prayer requests:

The continual care of my Mom and to decide on putting her name on the waiting list

Run on January 6^th and to finish within the set time limit (10.5 hours)

Involvement at House of Praise and all the different Bible studies I have

Plans for Abby to be in Taiwan and Alan’s summer

Branching out with the possibility of investing in another property as Isaiah wrote about

Daily Lovely Insight:

The first advent candle (“The Prophet’s Candle”) stands for hope. The second candle (“The Bethlehem Candle”) stands for peace. The third candle, also known as “the Shepherd’s Candle,” stands for joy.The fourth candle (“the Angel’s Candle”) stands for love. 

My verse for this new year is Romans 12:12 -- 

Seek Him First!

 

Mom's Evaluation and Another Busy Monday...

I was up and did a load of laundry from the weekend...

And then I got Mom up and out and then cleaned up before heading to the Day Care Center as I had an appointment with the social workers for Mom's evaluation. She is at the highest possible level which means I'm getting as much government help as I can. The next stage is if she is bedridden or on hospice!

I came home and reorganized my clothing as I wanted to give a few things away. Then I headed out to Costco! Yes, I had a few things to pick up!

I came home, put everything away and went out for my 12k. It was warm!

I made it back, popped Mom's dinner in the microwave and took a very quick shower. The phone rang and Mom was back!

At Costco, I bought 'golden kimchi' which was what I had for dinner! And while running, a bicyclist had Bing Crosby Christmas Album playing... how rare is that here in Taiwan and there while I was running at the River Park. It was so much fun. It reminded me of Heidelberg!

Tonight I skipped Tap as we had our Family Time at 8:30! In fact, I don't think I will join tap for the winter vacation and for the spring semester! I love it, but I have to start taking things 'off' my plate!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Special Sunday!

I was up. And after my time with Jesus, I loaded up the car with everything for the luncheon party. I then rode to WGE for a quick workout before heading home to get Mom up.

The boys were home and we left by 11:30 to the restaurant as I needed time to set everything up. 

People were pretty on time and everyone showed up! It was such a fun party!

We headed to church and after setting up Love Cafe, Alan and I had counseling time with a couple who is struggling. We are making the time weekly instead of every other week!

James and Emma came on time! Yippy... and Emma gave me some cash... what a pleasant surprise! About 200US$! NICE!

We were home and Alan stayed at church as there was a Board Meeting!

I got Mom to bed after changing her sheet! 

I then rushed to a restaurant where several old friends from Ming Chuan were getting together. 

So, this was a very special Sunday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the verse of blessing from our service this afternoon!

Seek Him First!