What Does Sick Feel Like For Me?

Getting up early is always... Monday to Sunday... But for these past few days... I'd get up and have my quiet time in bed with my Bible and devotional... I then fall back to sleep and wake up again and this time, I get up and go into the Study.

Now... with this illness, I've been going to bed at around 9pm and up at around 12:30, not because I want to, but because of the hacking cough. I'm back in bed and I fall asleep quickly, but I'm up again at around 3:30. The medicine has worn off or I need to go to the bathroom yet again! By 5am, I am up... in bed... and by 6:30, I'm up in my study.

I then have to fight to get Mom up. Why is that?

Because Snow White's 7 Dwarves have moved into my head and are mining for mucus nuggets, ear wax ores, or snot coal chunks. Ok, maybe not 7 of them as Sleepy went back to sleep. Then in my respiratory system, I've got the Minions working hard to move pellets up the trac and out of my mouth as I spit. When I look and I see that yellowish coloring, I wonder how many of them sacrificed their lives to bring that blob of sputum up what is most likely a long haul, similar to the last 12kms of my 63k run! They are working so hard because my bronchial is filled with these pellets... I can feel them when I cough. They won't dislodge... Those white blood cell Minions have to pry them off the bronchial wall... 

That's the closest I can describe as to what's going on with my body these days!

When Mom leaves, I clean up and by 9:05 or so, I'm back in bed, praying that I can sleep even just an hour without hacking!

Today, I worked on finishing up my Sunday ppt and handout and talk notes... and I rested.

At 11:45, I took off for a foot massage. I'm not usually a fan, but I bought the coupons and never used them. Today was the last day. I made an appointment for 12:15. It was absolutely amazing... and I got to talk to the lady... She grew up with a paternal grandmother who was a believer. But since her marriage (She's been married twice), she has not been close to Jesus. I encouraged her and I pray that she felt the Holy Spirit leading her back to God. Her parents are believers and she talks to them almost everyday.

I headed back at around 2:30 and went to WGE to walk the dreadmill and take a long hot shower! After a quick stop for soybean milk, I was home and as I put the bowl into the microwave, the phone rang. DANG IT! I was hoping to lay down for a few minutes... Oh well... 

I amde an appointment for Isaiah to try the place and use up the coupon. His appointment was at 19:00. 

I made a simple dinner for the next few nights: chicken, rice and spinach. Isaiah had some when he got back. Yes, he also enjoyed the foot massage!

Tomorrow is my Sabbath! YIPPY! 

Friday, I have a lunch appointment but I cancelled tutoring! YIPPY!

I used the rest of the evening to finish up the ppt and emailed it off! It will be a very small group of people this Sunday as people have started their Chinese New Year Vacation! 

One miracle that I do want to share is that I wanted chicken soup and just as I was at the massage place, being served a bowl of chicken soup, one of my Bible study gals messaged me: She asked her son to drop of a bowl of chicken soup for me... How astounding is that?!?!?!?!?!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I've been calling on the Holy Spirit to walk me through each day... And today, after the massage, I started to feel a bit better... like my nose wasn't so packed with stuff... and the dwarves were pounding so hard... and the hacking cough was intermittent (versus a constant horrible tickle!). I realized that how difficult it must be for some who have struggled with chronic illnesses... Like the throne in Paul's flesh... How they never experienced healing and learned to trust their Master!?!?!?! 

Amazing Grace... 

It Is Well With My Soul...

Seek Him First

Still Feeling Tired!

I got up early and after Mom left, I cleaned up the room and went back to bed... What a nice sleep as I had no cough! MIRACULOUS! But I'm not yet healed!

Those three hours were heavenly!

I got up for lunch: spinach and taro meatballs... YUMMY!

Then I went back to sleep... until about 3pm. My body was feeling so sore from laying down for so long, so I went for a walk. Very refreshing. I went around the block three times!

Mom was back... I had her dinner ready!

It's her birthday today and I sent over two cakes: one vanilla with fruit filling the other was chocolate with pudding filling. They sent pictures... she was eating with her hands! I guess she loved the desserts!

Isaiah came hone from work later than usual... I was laying down on the sofa... I had made him pizza! And there was one piece left which I will save for my lunch tomorrow.

Yes, I am planning to stay home... another week of no tutoring... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Germs are so small... how can such a small thing do so much damage on my body? My entire immune system is working over time and this bug won't die!

And I realize... there are lots of small things that are very powerful... a small white lie... a mustard seed of faith... a person who keeps his/her word... a simple daily habit!

Don't look down on the small things in your life.... 

Seek Him First!

Another Day Spent In Bed!

Well... I was up early... And then went back to bed after getting Mom OFF... Trust me... It is super difficult to get Mom ready when I'm sick... Everything task takes a bit ore strength! And this morning, she wasn't being very cooperative! Such is life!!!!!!!!!

I stayed in bed until 2pm, getting up a few times to drink more liquid or eat something. But at 2pm, I had to be off... Costco for cakes as it's Mom's birthday tomorrow. And I also wanted to get more medicine to really kill this bug that's gotten into my body!

The doctor near our place starts the clinic at 4pm. 

Costco was crazy... I can't believe how packed it was. I thought, is this a holiday??? I got two cakes, Kirkland tissue, milk and chips! I found a parking space right in front of the doctor's office. There was a long line... The numbers were called fairly quickly and I was finished by 4:40! I rushed home and heated up Mom's dinner, put away the items and the phone rang! Wow...

I had dinner and took the first packet of PILLS! I truly don't like Western medicine... my nose now feels completely dried out... BUT... I hope I sleep well tonight! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Well... the one thing that's been positive about having this cold is that I can't smell anything. That can be good and/or bad... I can't taste the food that I'm eating... BAD, as I have no appetite. I only eat because I know it's good for me to eat. I can't smell my Mom's diaper... GOOD, as I just hate that smell... not to mention I can't smell the poop either! SUPER GOOD!

So, in the midst of this current situation, I am learning to give thanks!

Seek Him First

 

Not As Recovered As I Had Hoped!

Yes, it was another day where I couldn't do much of anything but rest!

Mom Care... that's exhausting when I'm sick... Trying to get her up and showered... Only by the Strength of God!

Isaiah was a big help.

He went to TIC's morning service and came back and helped me with Mom at church before leaving to go to his basketball Sunday League Game. They won!

After church, I had church friends help me watch Mom while I ran to get the car... that's the situation for the next few weeks! What can I do???

I was to be the translator, but I had to get Pastor James to help as I still have very little voice! We had three people give testimony! And dinner box was great. Mom ate snacks and dinner!

Isaiah and I got back at the exact same time... Thank you, Jesus. So, he helped with Mom while I parked!

The evening routine is also feeling laborious... I guess everything feels laborious when a person is sick! Day Care Starts back... And I cancelled my tutoring for Monday... But I will have to go to Costco to buy birthday cakes for Mom, which I will send with the morning van on Tuesday. I cancelled my study and my tutoring for Tuesday... and please pray that I will be fully recovered by Wednesday!

By Tuesday, it would be a full week that I've been sick... truly, it's the longest that I've ever been sick... I don't usually get hit with any of these bugs... 

Please continue to pray!

And today is Pam's 65th birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAREST FRIEND... from that first cup of tea, the Lord grew a friendship and sisterhood that have lasted over these many years... I'm so glad God brought you into my life!

Daily Lovely Insight:

It's difficult to apply this when I'm sick... This sure is testing my faith and perseverance!

James 1:2-3

Seek Him First!

Not As Busy As I Had Expected!

Thank you for your prayers... 

I am feeling better.

Not completely healed... but at least the throat is not raw!

I got up early to spend time with God and then went back to bed... I did not run! It took a lot of the fruit of Self Control from the Holy Spirit as the weather was splendid! But I don't want to tax my body and throw it into a downward spin!

I had time to message Abby and Alan and finally received some pictures! YIPPY!

I went out for a short walk and was back for Mom care!

I made oatmeal for her!

The afternoon passed rather quickly as Isaiah was home. I would go and lay down and nap and he would watch Mom.

The government helper came at 5:00 and I headed out to the Miramar Mall as I was gifting a couple my time to take care of their daughter while they had time for a date. I just walked her around in a stroller.

Isaiah had dinner out with Warwick friends! He was dressed up!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Still Sick!

I was up early... and did a walk down to Family Mart to pay Mom's bill... I've had it since Monday and being sick, I have not stopped at a convenience store to pay it!

The walk was great and it was my favorite running weather. But, no, I didn't go run! 

I was home and caring for Mom and after she took off, I went back to bed!

Alan called and I got to talk to Corenne for an hour an a half! It was so delightful, but my throat was hurting. So, it was very difficult to talk! It was almost 12 midnight before we bid each other farewell. 

I went back to bed after eating a bowl of congee and three hard boiled eggs.

My renters called... they noticed a foul smell from the guest bathroom. The other individual had lined me before she went to the hospital for a two week stay. I was thinking if I should go today... and the phone call made the decision for me. I brought two bottles of draino! One liquid, one crystal flakes! It was bad. I poured one bottle in and waited and poured two pots of hot water, nothing! I used the plunger. NOTHING! With all my energy... the bad smelling poop water went down a little!

I poured the second bottle -- the liquid drano. And I went to clean her room and the dining room and the study! I poured more hot water in. I finished cleaning the rooms and used the plunger again! It was getting close to 4pm. I stood there, with a plunger, in front of this toilet bowl and cried out for God, through the power of the Holy Spirit to help! I did a few more plunger moves and the water went down! SWISH! MIRACULOUS! 3:55!

I sprayed and cleaned the bathroom and left! I took the bus and was home by 4:45! I ate more congee with shredded pork and spinach and heated up Mom's dinner and the phone rang!

I didn't get to rest as much as I wanted... So, please pray! The weekend is starting... that means FULL TIME CARE OF MOM!

GOD HELP ME!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Yes, I AM SICK!

I went to bed at 7:30 last night and slept, getting up a few times to go to the bathroom or to drink water. I wanted to go to bed earlier, but I had to take care of Mom. And this morning, after getting Mom off, I went back to bed. And that's where I stayed the whole day. I made congee. I drank more sports drinks. I did take out the trash. I read a little. But I mostly slept. And to get Mom up and out, I had to keep saying to myself, "Just get her up and you can go back to bed. Just get her showered and you can go back to bed. Just get her dressed and you can go back to bed..." and so it went until she was in the van!

And the phone rang all too soon... Mom was back... How did those hours pass so quickly?

No run... absolutely not... I wanted to walk to the library or to Family Mart and didn't make it today! 

I cancelled my tutoring for tomorrow and will rest another day. But tonight, after some very thick sputum, I think the LORD is healing me!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I think our family verse is perfect for this time: rejoice in our sufferings... God is definitely producing perseverance! Praise be to our God who is our hope and our strength.

Seek Him First!

Wow... I Think I'm Sick!!!!!!!!

I can't be sick as I have to take care of Mom... What torture this is... I just want to sleep but I can't... 

Today was a long MOE Day, so that didn't help! And I was up early to take care of Mom and as soon as I rushed back, I had to take care of Mom.

MOE Day went by quickly... I got to see several of my students!

It was so cold riding the scooter... and that did not help me at all. I decided to cancel my tutoring on Friday. I'm planning to sleep for two whole days: no running, no nothing! Just lay in bed and sleep!

Answers:

The Spirit is mentioned about 766 times through 13 different translations. 

The first time that the Spirit is mentioned is in Gen. 1:2 -- 

The first time in the New Testament (not talking about angels) is most likely in Luke 1:41 --

Daily Lovely Insight:

I rarely get sick... but this has hit me hard... I just spoke on the Holy Spirit last Sunday and I meed to experience the healing power of the Holy Spirit! Please pray!

Seek Him First!

Wow! Chilly!

I'm glad Alan is in the States as he would have had all the radiator heaters on, all windows closed and three heavy blankets on him!

Yes, it's cold... And I went out for a run! Wow... I do have a slight tickle in my throat, kind of like what Isaiah had. So, I'm loading up with lots of warm water and vitamins and throat spray! This tickle is no joke!

I got Mom up and out and then I worked! I had tutoring in the afternoon, so I read over my student's entry. I worked on the questions for the talk and I think Talk 2 is finished! I sent it to Isaiah as he will help me to translate the worksheet!

I then rested! I sat in bed, read and slept! I was thinking about going out to WGE, but decided that it'd be best to rest. The throat tickle... It's weird! Very powerful germ! Difficult to kill!

Plus, I needed to bake for the MOE. I made a bread pudding which I will pop into the crock pot. I also baked banana bread. 

Tutoring went well and I had Mom's dinner ready. After Mom went to bed, I hurried over to my evening Bible study group. I came home early as it's going to be an early and long day tomorrow-- another MOE Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Temperature Dropping!

Supposedly, by tomorrow, there should be snow up on Yangming Mountain!

I went and ran my 10k after Mom left!

Then I worked on adjusting Talk 2 as I didn't finish things from Talk 1.

Just as I was going to head out to WGE, Alan called. So, we had a nice chat!

I headed out to WGE for a quick workout and a shower! On the way home, I stopped at Carrefour!

Once I got home, I saw more stuff by my scooter: magazines, carryon suitcase, a heater and an iron! I posted those items and hopefully, they will all be gone by tonight. We shall see!

I ate a quick lunch: pumpkin soup with noodles. So yummy!

Prayer time at 4pm and my 2pm tutoring cancelled! YEAH!

Tonight I had prayer time with Catherine online! It was way too cold outside. But I am going to try to go out tomorrow at 6am for a run!

Daily Lovely Insight:

How many times is the word, Spirit, mentioned in the Bible? What is the first verse that talks about the Spirit in the Old Testament? What's the first verse that talks about the Spirit in the New Testament?

Answers will be shared tomorrow!

Seek Him First!

Acts of the Holy Spirit

It was another fast paced day.

I didn't get to WGE. I didn't go pick trash!

I worked on posting and giving things away on BNT (Buy Nothing Taipei): a monitor, a carry on suitcase, water containers, food scale, snow boots, a dining room chair! All were gone! YEAH!

We had a lunch appointment with Catherine and her son, Aaron. It was so nice to see them!

We then went straight to church as the dumpling place was right by church. And since I found a parking space, I wasn't going to move! Isaiah helped me unload stuff and walked Mom inside! 

I spoke on the Acts of the Holy Spirit! I pray that the Holy Spirit worked to help people see the connection we have on a daily basis with the Holy Spirit!

We ate dinner afterwards and then we were home after dropping Catherine off. 

Mom was in bed by 8:20!

The week will be a busy one with MOE on Wednesday, but I won't be cooking this week as I brought back several of the bento boxes! YEAH! I will be baking for MOE and I've already got several dessert ideas!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We close the worship service singing, I Believe... 

Seek Him First!

A Productive Saturday!

I was up early and put things away that were on Abby's bed! 

Then I went out for my 10k! 

After a shower, it was time to get Mom up. While she ate, I talked to Annie, KR and Eddie! What fun!

In the afternoon, Roger came over as we have a 'check up' time once a month!

The helper came at 5pm and Isaiah and I both took off. He had a two hour massage scheduled and I wanted to go get photos made: the photos from my run two weeks ago. And I stopped at WGE and stayed longer than 10 minutes!

I also went to Carrefour to pick up a few items and made the most delicious soup! Isaiah wanted soup.

Before heading back, the photos were ready!

I came home and enjoyed a nice evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Roger brought over lots of goodies: olive oil, white coffee, lunch box container... I'm so blessed! 

Seek Him First!

Not A Date...

It was a hectic day... 

I was up early and did a load of laundry. I got Mom in the van and cleaned up the back and did some housework. I was out the door for a run by 11am and then went to pick up the car. I rushed home and showered and the complex had document to sign! I also called to order boxes as we will pack things next Thursday! 

Alan called but we couldn't talk long as I was heading out to tutor. I was there and ended late... and rushed home. Isaiah wasn't feeling well, so he was home. I had tried to get more help, but no one from the agency can work with me for this unusual time slot of 30 minutes! 

I had Mom's dinner ready and went down to get her. What a rush!

While she ate, I found a clinic so that Isaiah can go and get some meds. He's coughing and he hacks so loud that the neighbors are being disturbed. Hopefully, the doctor will give him something to stop the hacking cough! And that will also help him to sleep!

I blogged and after Mom went to bed, I organized the bathroom cabinets in our room! There is always things to do... and the weekend has started. No Day Care for Mom... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

The western meds worked... Isaiah came home, ate the soup I made and fell asleep! Snoring! No more hacking! YEAH!

Our body needs rest... Our body is made by God to have rest! God knew what He was doing when He made us... And the Bible says that our body is where He dwells... I hope we are good stewards of the way we care for our body!

Seek Him First!

Sabbath Rest!

I spent the morning reading and resting... So delightful... Of course, I had to get Mom to the Day Care and then change her bedding... but I did not do a load of laundry. 

At 12:15, I went for my 10k run and it was very warm! I came home, grabbed my bag and left for my massage appointment! So delightful! She really worked on getting the tightness out of my legs!

I had two errands to run before getting home... and I got here and the van was already here! YIKES! 

I did not go and pick up our car... Actually, I don't know how the day went by so fast... especially those 90 minutes of the massage!

Mom enjoyed her dinner... 

Isaiah had a company dinner.

I had romaine lettuce with dip for dinner! So yummy! And a Chinese sausage. I could have eaten all 10 of those!

After Mom went to bed, I used the time to work on my talks. And I also looked at the trailer for the movie, Brittany Runs A Marathon!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Sometimes the greater victory comes when God doesn't prevent us from being thrown into the furnace, like Daniel's three friends! 

That's the thought for today!

How many furnaces have your been thrown into? And how did God show Himself faithful to take you out without even a thread being scorched nor a hair being singed?

Seek Him First!

Complex Board Meeting

I had wanted to set this day completely aside for message prep, but that didn't happen!

Before getting Mom up, I made dinner: Mac and cheese and Chinese sausages! 

After Mom took off, I went for my 10k run. I'm trying to run six times this week for a total of 63.3k! I overdressed as it turned out to be a lot warmer than I had expected! I was home by 10am and rushed to get a shower! I had to meet someone at 11:15 and even though the map said 26 minutes, it took a lot longer for me! More like 45 minutes! But, the gal was in a meeting so it worked out perfectly. And I had to find scooter parking around this very congested area!

I then met up with another gal at the MOE to drop off a pair of shoes for her! YIPPY!

I went to WGE for 15 minutes, bought soy bean milk and eggs at Carrefour and headed home! I had a late lunch and took a nap! That was very refreshing!

I had to drag myself up from the nap and proceeded to settle down to work on the talks. February 4th is finished and I moved on to March 21st! I gathered a lot of information and will read through everything. 

Mom was back and dinner was ready.

Tonight, I had the Complex Meeting as the HEAD of the Board! At least this meeting is only once a month! I have Tuesday evening Bible study twice a month. Marriage Builders once a month. Without tap dancing, I think this is a lot better! Evening events mean I need to get help or put Mom to bed early! 

Isaiah was home as he didn't get a haircutting appointment. That won't be until Friday evening!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are three great quotes that I found while preparing for the talks on the Holy Spirit:

“Theology always gets into trouble when its practitioners think they know what God is like apart from what revelation says God is like.” (Pinnock, Flame of Love, 33) 

“Speak where the Scriptures speak; be silent where the Scriptures are silent.”

“In faith, unity; in opinion, liberty; in all things, love.”

Seek Him First!

Bible Study Tuesday & More!

I was up early... but I was not out running early... Oh well... 

I did go out after Mom was picked up! That's the usual routine now... Time with Jesus, Run or Mom Care... I would like to go out before Mom Care, but I need 70 minutes to complete 10k and then take a shower... 

Anyhow, I was home and the gals were already here!

I had the food in the rice cooker and we had five of us... I love having the gals over for Bible study! One gal brought dessert and fruit... Papaya! YUMMY! And the dessert was from Japan. Another sister brought two different kinds of chicken! I just needed to make rice and veggies! Oh... another gal brought chocolate cake. Too bad Alan is not here as we had a lot of leftovers!

After they left and things got cleaned up and put away, I went and got my hair trimmed. I'm trying to finish the money I put in at one of these hair cutting places. It was only 100NT$ for ladies, but it went up to 200NT$. Isaiah doesn't like the way they cut hair. They are like Supercut... I like it. 10 minutes and you're finished. Anyhow, I still have 300NT$ more to finish!

I went to WGE for a shower and a five minute rest in the sauna. I didn't have time to do a workout. I rushed home and the computer was weird. I couldn't get the Skype started. So, I had to cancel class! DARN IT!

I didn't have any appointments this evening, so I worked on ordering adult diapers. I think I will also go and watch a movie on Friday -- the Great Escape! That will depend on how much I finish for my talk prep... 

Isaiah was home. He thinks he will get his hair cut tomorrow night! I didn't get to talk to Alan!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I'm reading the book, the Power of Habit. It is to help people experience breakthroughs either in breaking bad habits or establishing good habits. But what I realize that if it was that simple, people would be 'perfect'. But what is unfortunate is what Jesus said as He invited the disciples to stay awake and watch and pray: the spirit is wiling but the flesh is weak... and if you've read Matthew 26, you know that the disciples all fell asleep! The real power comes from the Holy Spirit!

Seek Him First!

A Different Monday!

I was up early and Alan tried to call... but I had to get Mom up and out and then drop off the car! 

I went for a run and stopped by at WGE.

After I got home and took a shower, I worked on my talk and the ppt. Those are finished!

I then called Alan! I called earlier, but he was catching up with Alden, Gina, Andrew and Josh! We had time to talk and pray together!

I didn't have tutoring, so I took a nap instead! Wow... that was so glorious! That's the only word I can use to describe how marvelous it felt. Of course, I couldn't sleep too long... Mom was back and I had a dinner appointment tonight. 

It's Soochow's Chinese New Year Dinner and Raffle. I went instead of him!

As for the weather, the temperature really dropped... I had to wear several layers just in the house! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

In preparation for my talks, I found a book by Elmer Towns, the Names of the Holy Spirit. And he elaborated on the Holy Spirit as the Helper as being an 'interior decorator' and 'apartment manager'. He comes to dwell within us and regenerates us, making us new! One of my questions was, If someone asks you about the Holy Spirit, what would you say?

Seek Him First!

Sunday Without Alan!

I started the day early. In the morning, I worked on my talk, then I went and picked trash and stopped at WGE. I was home and Mom Duty!

Isaiah went to play tennis with the alumni tennis group and after lunch, he scootered straight to church. He was there when I arrived so that was a big help.

While Mom ate breakfast, I got a lot done. I took down and folded the clothes, mopped the floor, put away some Christmas decor and dusted. It was a very productive morning!

Mom was quite alert at church and ate very well during the love feast! She ate an entire bento box... 

People at church helped as Isaiah left at 5:20 for his basketball league. The car was parked way far, so I had to walk over. Angela and Vicky helped get Mom down from church! The new location is right on a very busy corner, and there is no parking. There isn't even a loading and unloading zone!

We got home and I was able to get Mom plus other things back home!

After she went to bed, I worked some more! 

It's going to be a great week. Tomorrow, I drop off the car to get the side fix!

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Cor. 3:18

Seek Him First!