Much Needed Sabbath!

The day flew by... Sabbath Day always flies by so quickly... I blink and the day is over... 

I was very intentional about resting! I closed our front door as I didn't want anyone dropping in on me. Now that we're the head of the complex board, people want to talk... And for my Sabbath, NO WAY!

I stayed home until 3pm and then went out for 12k. I didn't know if I was able to make it... but I did and in great time!

After a quick shower, Mom was home. I used the time while she ate to do a load of laundry!

When she went to bed, I went to WGE and to the local stationary store and then paid a few bills! It started to sprinkle... no fun riding in the drizzle!

Alan and Isaiah had basketball tonight! I had their dinner made and on the kitchen counter!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Even though I love tap dancing, I'm glad I decided not to register for class this semester... and maybe this year. I'm trying to simplify my life... Less is BEST! Like when helping to clean that gal's room... the one who rents a room in our old house... No wonder she's depressed... her room reflected her mental state. Things were just cluttered... and there was a feeling of being overwhelmed. She had hung so many clothes over the window that there was no light coming in. It just felt as if she was going to be buried by her stuff. I hope when she's back on March 20th, she will feel the difference! 

God's word is the same... The truth is simple... 

God so loved the world... 

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness... 

Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith... 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart... Lean not unto your own understanding... 

Give thanks in everything... 

Pray without ceasing... 

I think we need some spiritual decluttering and simply follow God!

Seek Him First!

Peace Day Holiday!

I was up early!

I had planned to use the morning to work on cleaning the old house for the elderly couple and the lady who is staying there. It took three hours! And it was intense... the gal is back into the hospital and the elderly couple did not clean the kitchen floor or sink for a while... I go once a month and that's a good thing. I need to do this! After three hours, the house was looking very nice!

I rode back and it was Mom Care!

In the afternoon when Isaiah came back from the Worship Team Workshop, we went to this new mall. We walked around through every floor... and then ate dinner there! We were rushing home to have Family Time, but Abby couldn't make it as there are guests who are touring the campus.

I put Mom to bed and tidied up the house... It was a long day! But I wanted to work on my April talk on the Holy Spirit!

What a great day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Each day when I have to do diaper duty, I feel no joy! I just feel so bad that I have no joy in completing this duty. And I repent and still, the next day, I feel no joy. 

And today, the LORD shined upon my heart. He practically said, "YOU HAVE JOY. YOU ARE JUST NOT HAPPY ABOU THE TASK!"

Oh yes... thank you, Jesus. 

I don't have to feel happy with the smell and the task... but I always have joy because I always have the Holy Spirit. I don't need to beat myself up. I don't have to keep repenting. I am joyful and joy-filled. In life, there are tasks that we don't enjoy doing and that's totally ok! I don't have to be happy about my current situation. But I can always be joyful and I can always give thanks!

How about you? Can you relate?

Seek Him First!

Hectic Tuesday!

I was up early and the day was packed... 

After Mom took off, I called the box company and they came to pick up. They were to come yesterday but they somehow 'forgot'. Then I was on the computer to finish my ppt for the March 17th talk! DONE! I had a delicious breakfast, a bit late... and then I did the housework before taking off for my run!

More stuff was picked up while I was gone... 

I had tutoring this afternoon at 3:30 and then Mom Care... 

This evening, I had Bible study! And I couldn't leave as Mom was having a phlegm episode!

Tomorrow is a holiday... Not for me... as the day care will be closed... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I love how God moved with the people of Israel through the wilderness... He was visible as the cloud and the fire... 

Seek Him First!

A Special Monday!

I was not up as early as I like... My goal this year is to rise before dawn... God is faithful and I was up before dawn... but I've been enjoying getting up by 4:45!

When I finished my time with Jesus, Alan was up and was heading over to the workout place!

I was getting Mom up and out!

When Mom left, Alan was home. And he needed help with his 'elderly card'. It needs to be swiped every six months to keep it 'current'. So, I changed my morning plans and went out to a convenience store with him in order to show him how to get it done.

Then I was at the post office and WGE. I changed clothes and went out for a run. The weather was superb. Yes, I'm still running only 9k.

It was nice to take a shower at WGE and sit in the sauna. I did my usual four machines and was home for lunch.

The complex is having so many issues. Please pray! We need God to help this community to be more loving towards one another! Some neighbors are noisy and don't care about being a bother. Then our complex has 24hour security but the cost is getting too high. So, we want to have only a guard on duty in the day time. 

I had my lunch... I made a great salad and sat down to work on my March 17th talk. YEAH... I finished and will move on to the talk in April! Oh... I was able to work at home because I didn't have tutoring at 2pm!

A neighbor came by and dropped off a bag of clothes. That gave me the opportunity to stand up and stretch! I sorted through everything... The bag was filled with winter items. There was a nice North Face jacket, which was exactly something that Alan wanted! MIRACULOUS!

At 4pm, I had prayer time with a sister. When that ended, the phone rang! Mom was home all too soon... I had dinner ready. I also took out Mexican food for Alan and Isaiah. We didn't have any extra bento boxes from the Love Feast last night as we had several newcomers! 

Isaiah has a cough... OH NO! It sounds the same as what I caught from him... He went to bed early!

We all did!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Cheering People On...

It was quite a full day... 

I was up early and out to cheer people who were running the full marathon!

And then as I walked back home, I picked up trash... 

Mom care and we headed out to church at 2:20. Isaiah was leading worship and translating for the message! He had a busy afternoon!

We were home and after getting Mom to bed, I blogged and finished packing the box which will be picked up tomorrow.

I also gave away one huge suitcase away and filled it with a blender, and two CD players... I'm also donating more stuff to a church affiliated second hand store. They just opened and are asking for donations!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Our joy comes from the truth... not from our circumstance! So sometimes when I find no joy in my situation, I can still be JOY-FILLED... by filling my heart with the truth of God's word! What do you think?

Seek Him First!

First Prayer Walk of 2024

I was up super early even though I did not sleep much... Isaiah was back at 4:40am and I was up... He was out with his high school friends... 

I went out for my run and did my 9k... I hit 54.35 for this week! I ran better today... I felt better... 

Then it was Mom Care. I tried to use the foot massager, but she didn't like it. I tried to use the back massager, but she didn't like that! 

While she ate, I organized the diapers, took out things to donate and did some tidying up!

At 5pm, the helper came and I took off... We had a Picnic, Prayer Walk & Prizes Event at the Meiti Riverside Park!

We had about 25 people... and different families brought different food... WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!

I led the prayer walk after dinner... then since it was Lantern Festival, we did the Bible riddles. SO MUCH FUN! And we had sweet rice dumplings... with (Annie, you are going to drool) dohwa!!!!

We were there at 5:20 to help with set up and we stayed to help with clean up. 

When we got home, after putting everything away, Isaiah helped me to pack up the box to the Philippines!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This first prayer walk was really special -- 2/24 on 2024, and it was on Lantern Festival. We focused on God - the Light of the World... God lives in us... God shines through us... We sang: This little light of mine, Jesus loves me, Seek ye first, and He is worthy of it all... We focused on praying for the next generation and those who are affluent and who feel as if they don't need God, and for the youth and young adults who find no purpose or meaning or who are depressed and suicidal... 

Exercising our Spiritual Authority in Christ, I believe God is stirring the hearts of the people in Taiwan!

Seek Him First!

Date with Alan... FINALLY!

I was up early... and went out early for my run... the weather was cool and it just felt so good to be out. I only did 9km!

I was home and got Mom up and out... 

I scooter over to WGE and did a fast workout.

Alan was home and I had packed a picnic lunch as we headed out to an outdoor hot springs in WanLi. It was so nice... I needed to sit in a jacuzzi as it helped with my ribs. Alan had an idea to drive back through my ultra route... 

WOW... I was shocked... I didn't really run that, did I???

We were back in Neihu by around 4:40 and went to get a battery replaced for our car 'key'.

Mom was back right on time... 

Isaiah had a dinner appointment with his high school tennis buddies. Alan went for a two hour massage as he is having back problems. I had Mom Care and then Bible study at 9:30. It was a short one since we just went over the introduction of the new study that we're starting!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Driving the route that I ran was truly shocking... Honestly, only by God's strength did I cross the finish line... 

Seek Him First!

Sabbath Delight!

I definitely agree with God's word to call Sabbath a delight... 

I continue to focus on slowing down... And today, I did something that I would consider, "not doing my own ways"... 

I scooter over to the train station area and bought new underwear for Mom... I then came home and tossed the old stuff and organized her clothing items... 

Then I proceed to eat lunch... a very nice lunch... a very relaxing lunch. I also made fresh coffee and then read and rested the whole afternoon... A DELIGHT!

I want to continue to learn about God's idea for a Sabbath... to honor Him... To consider it a HOLY day... 

Mom was back and dinner was ready.

I started to bake muffins as I had a complex meeting this evening! After the meeting, I used the time to start packing a box that's going to the Philippines... 

Alan had school all day. Isaiah had work. They both were at Soochow for basketball. I had plenty of food for them when they got home!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Tutoring Cancelled... YEAH!

I was up early... and the day was hectic, even though my afternoon tutoring cancelled...

After Mom left, I was out the door for a quick 9k run! It was hot and my legs were stuck on neutral!

Alan was back at the same time... and we headed out to pick up things: a package that was sent back from Brazil and shelves that a friend was giving away.

We were heading back at around 11:45 as the pick up was FAST, so we decided to go to Costco! I had a list and Alan and I split up! We were out in less than 30 minutes.

Alan had a quick meeting at 1pm and I worked to put everything away.

I was out the door by 1:45 to meet up with a friend for coffee and a time to catch up!

I was heading back at 4pm, so I stopped at WGE. I'm getting back to trying to have a quick workout at least four times a week.

I was home and I had started a Mexican dish in the crock pot and it was done.

The phone rang and Mom was back... 

Isaiah went to the Young Adult Fellowship Group at Taipei International Church. This was his first time!

Alan had a HOP meeting... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Dear God... Thank you... That's all... Just to tell you that I'm so very grateful! 

Seek Him First!

The Complex Passed the Safety Inspection!

I was up early and after Mom took off, I went for my 9k. It wasn't super hot... I was so grateful!

I came home and decided to wait to take a shower after my morning Bible study. We had only one other gal, so the two of us had a wonderful time. She made chicken salad and I brought out the desserts from the States.

I went to WGE and had a luxurious shower... and then came back home!

I didn't get an email from my student, but we had our tutoring session. I had time beforehand to call to order a box as I have things to send to the Philippines! In the recycling area, I also found a nice computer monitor and a great blender.

At 4:40, I messaged the Complex Manager and he said we had passed the inspection. So, I was able to put back the items, keeping the front still nice and neat! 

Mom was back and I had dinner ready for her. I ate more chicken salad for dinner. YUMMY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Give Diligence or Make Every Effort or Strive... Why do you think it's necessary to give diligence or make every effort or strive to enter into that rest?

Seek Him First!

Alan Is Back!

What a day! 

I was up early and after Mom took off... the day just didn't stop!

I went to the Housing Office as I needed to get Abby's National Health Insurance sorted out!

Then I rushed back and got Alan's scooter...I was going to ride it over to school for him, then saw that it needed a tune up! So, I rode it over to our great scooter mechanics. They checked Alan's license plate and he needed his yearly smog check done! I finally was able to go and drop off the scooter and run home. It was hot and I only ran 7km.

Alan landed and caught the 12:40 bus... 

I rushed to take a shower and went to the SongShan Airport to pick him up! It was late and I had tutoring at 2pm. He dropped me off and I walked over to tutor, getting there at 1:58! He drove to school, missing the first hour of class! He will make it up next week!

When I finished tutoring, I got a UBike and rode home, stopping at Carrefour for mayonnaise and bread. Total cost for the use of the bike: 5NT$!

I put things away and got Mom's dinner ready and laid down. I was so tired!

Unfortunately, the phone rang... Mom was home... 

While she was eating, Alan came home and the unpacking started. He went for a run as he needed to pick up his scooter! I did most of the sorting and putting things away... I didn't finish and Mom was already finished with her dinner!

Honestly, I just wanted to take a nap... 

By the time Alan came back, I was almost finished with putting away everything! I had sorted through the cupboards before his arrival, anticipating how much there would be to put away! That was a smart move! I even had room in the freezer for his donuts and danishes!

Daily Lovely Insight:

My right cheek bone is still hurting... Please pray... very annoying... I'm asking God to heal me... 

Seek Him First!

It's Sunday!

I was up super early... and had a good walk, picking trash!

Then I drove the car to drop off all the poinsettia plants from the Complex at the tennis court. A guy there will help me plant them around the grassy area!

I then had Mom Care and while she was eating, I tried to fit things into the cabinets in the front area. We have way too much stuff... mostly sporting goods stuff!

Isaiah was home and after a shower, he took a nap! I did a load of Mom's stinky stuff... 

Alan called and I had no time to talk... there was too much going on!

We left for church at 2:30 and after Mom was settled in her chair, I cleaned out the back balcony of the church and set up Love Cafe!

I had to translate too... My voice held up by the goodness of God!

We had sandwiches for dinner and Mom ate well... she kept wanting MORE!

After putting her to bed, I was ready for bed myself!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Splendid Saturday...

The Day Care was open today... Most people had to work today... 

I was up early... I mean super early... 

I started on clearing and cleaning the front area of our apartment because of the upcoming safety inspection that happens every three years! I couldn't finish before I needed to get Mom up and out, so I finished after she went to the Day Care Center and Isaiah went to work!

I finally was able to go run at 9:20... and the front area looks great!

I had an hour and ran the usual 9km. I finished the week with 55.27kms!

I took a quick shower and headed to my 2-hour massage appointment! So delightful... 

Where I parked my scooter was right in front of a pharmacy, so I went in and they had diapers on sale! How amazing! I needed inserts for Mom.

I was home and made fried rice! So yummy... and I had counseling at 2:30... helping someone work through difficulties!

Mom was home promptly at 5:15 and I had hired a helper for tonight as I had a dinner appointment at 6pm. A student from five years ago has a friend who opened a restaurant and she wanted me to go... 

Isaiah also had a work dinner engagement!

Tomorrow is Sunday... and I will be translating... My voice is getting better... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Gift!

I was up early... and just excited as my luncheon appointment had cancelled, which meant I get another FREE DAY!

After getting Mom off, I worked on decluttering the makeup stuff... I gave away a nice big paper bag of stuff! I also gave away another suitcase and other gadgets!

Then I read for a bit before having a nice breakfast... 

The weather was cool, so I didn't go for my 9k until 12:30... That's five days in a row... For my run, I also picked up the Google Pixel 6 and dropped it off at Taiwan Mobile to see if it can be fixed!

I was home by 2pm and ate a delicious leisurely lunch -- baked potato with shredded cheese and kimchi!

I decided to go to WGE for my shower... and to sit in the sauna... LUXURIOUS!

I did have to rush home as I wanted to make some fried eggs for my dinner and Mom is always so on time when it comes to being dropped off at home... 

After Mom went to bed, I had my fried eggs with cheese and a dinner roll... Wow... Delicious!

Tomorrow Mom again has Day Care but I won't have a free day... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First

!

My Sabbath!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a delight to finally have a Sabbath... Well... the holiday did go by quickly, but it wasn't really a holiday for me... 

I got up early and just was so excited about having the day!

After Mom took off, I had coffee and breakfast and sat and read... 

I then put in a load of laundry and napped!

When the laundry was finished, I hung everything up and had a snack and read some more!

The day was going to be hot, so I finally went out at 12:33 for my 9k run! It was hot!

Before taking a shower, I trimmed my hair! 

Then I had a delicious lunch and settled back into reading and finished the book!

At 3:30, I had to head out to give myself enough time to run a few errands and be home before Mom gets back.

I mailed off a pair of socks as I have a life time guarantee on them! I got money out to pay a few bills. I went to WGE to check on my membership. I can't cancel until 2025! I went to PXMart and bought milk and soybean milk and I dropped off a phone with a wacky screen. Maybe the guy can get it fixed for under 20US$. 

I was home and Mom was back... I forgot to buy more diaper inserts... Oh well... I will do that maybe tomorrow. I have the day planned already!

Isaiah had to work late... first day back after the holiday. He said it was pretty busy!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Taking a Sabbath is a beautiful way to be reminded of our limits and that God is limitless... 

The first element of Sabbath is the idea: REST! And to rest, you have to STOP!

Seek Him First!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I was up early and I did run another 9k... 

Isaiah went to play tennis... and of course, there was Mom Care!

A neighbor in our complex (Building C) was having problems with her upstairs neighbors. So, she came to talk to me as we're the "Head of the Board"! The 4th floor neighbors moved in just four months ago and are absolutely inconsiderate. Please pray that this situation will be resolved!

Isaiah went for a massage at 2:45 for two hours... I stayed home with Mom. The Day Care starts back tomorrow... and there is work on Saturday. So, I made an appointment for Saturday for myself! YIPPY!

I cleaned out the fridge a bit more... tossing expired stuff... 

In the evening, Isaiah and I watched another movie... We've watched several movies during this holiday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's Already Tuesday!

I must say... the time has gone by fairly fast! I'm grateful!

I was up early and had started the turkey bone soup the night before! I had time with Jesus and then did a few chores before going for my 9k. I'm still just running 9k. But I did 9 yesterday and I'm doing 9 today... can I do 9 tomorrow? 

I was home and getting more stuff into the stew plus making rice!

Isaiah came home from tennis and crashed back to sleep on the sofa.

I had Mom care... 

Just as I was about to lay down for 30 minutes, Alan called. When I finished talking to him, I was hoping for 30 minutes... Abby called... Needless to say, I never had a 30 minute nap!

Isaiah was to be home for dinner but his old classmate, who was also on the tennis team, from Nanhu Senior High School called... They went out for dinner!

The guests arrived at 6:30 and I had so much food... Lots of leftovers!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Day Out!

I was up early... Isaiah went to play tennis at 7am and I went out for my quick 9k run!

I got Mom up and we waited for the helper. She didn't show up until 12:10!

We rushed out as we had made plans to drop off a mattress pad and have lunch with friends at 1pm!

WE MADE IT! The traffic was not bad at all! Praise Jesus!

We stayed and chatted and prayed together until about 4:45 and headed back.

We stopped to get milk and was home by 5:45! EARLY!

Mom had finished dinner and the helper left!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday Service at TIC

I was up early and Isaiah went to play tennis... 

I just got things ready... things loaded into the car as we were going to drop off the empty luggages at our old house after church.

We went to TIC and we saw so many old friends... I really love that church... Esme preached... that's the wife of the pastor! 

I bought things from Carrefour but only got one hour of parking, so we still had to pay another 60NT$, which wasn't too bad. And the parking is right by the door of the entrance of the church! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

We had a simple lunch at home and I got to talk to Alan!

In the evening, Isaiah and I watched another movie!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The sermon today was how unresolved trauma brings fear... but once we can see meaning in our trauma we are free... Esme used the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis!

Seek Him First!

A Restful Beginning...

I was up early... and I love that early morning coolness and quietness... 

After my quiet time, I got Isaiah up and he went to play tennis.

I put in a load of laundry and worked on the prayer walk for Saturday, 2/24. I got the verses and I worked on getting Bible riddles! (Look below for a couple of the ones that I found!)

By 10am, I had to head out for a quick run... 

Isaiah was heading back and I did my 9k.

Then it was Mom care.. I usually check on her before I leave... She was snoring!

The afternoon was restful... We did not take Mom out... We do not want to tire her out. Tomorrow will be the morning service!

I went to bed early! I first sit in bed and read for about an hour and then I turn off the light and go to sleep!

Daily Lovely Insight:

1.     On his arc, how many of each animal did Moses bring?

2.    Who was awarded as the fastest runner in the race?

3.   I chose to climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus and invited him to come to my house, even though other people sneered at me. Who am I?

Answer #1: None. Because Moses did not have an arc, Noah did.

Answer #2: Adam, because he was first in the human race. 

Answer #3: Zacchaeus

Seek Him First!

Taipei Is Looking Empty!

I was up early and went out for my 9k... I definitely have not fully recovered....

Then Mom care... and we decided to take her out after lunch to RT MART. Isaiah wanted to buy some sweat pants... It was a good way to spend two hours... walking around... We found the sweat pants... After the discount, they were 977NT$ each!

We were looking for some fried goods but everything was closed by 4pm! So, we just came home!

Mom seemed tired... After a light dinner, I put her to bed at 6pm... I went to bed early as well... 

Alan had arrived in Lima, Peru and should be heading to the States by now!

I did not stay up... so... Happy Chinese New Year!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Start of CNY Holiday!

This is Thursday, Feb. 8th. 

Mom will have no day care program for a week... 

I was up super early... I have to be... after my time, I put a load of wash in and went out to shop... even at 8am, RT Mart was packed. By the time I came out, the line for Costco was so long... I did not attempt to go in for salsa and chips or cheese... 

When I got home, I started another pot of turkey bone soup... YEAH!

I then went and dropped off a red envelope. When I went down to take down the recycling, there were lots of stuff by my scooter... YIKES. I sorted and posted everything.

Mom enjoyed her meals... of course... and her snacks. It was too chilly to take her out for a walk.

Elaine came over at 3:40! She left at 7pm and I proceeded to put Mom to bed... 

A day has gone by... Thank you Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Day to Chill... Sabbath!

I was up early and after Mom left, I just sat in bed and read. I worked a bit on my talk... but I mostly spent the morning just to rest... 

At 12:45, I went out for 63.3 minutes of a run, which I was able to cover 9.17km. A bit faster than yesterday... but still... 

I got home and it started to sprinkle. I was going to go pay some bills, but decided to take a nice long shower and go back to bed!

The afternoon flew by... and Mom was home!

I went to bed at 9pm and forgot to post this!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Full Day!

I was up early and made turkey soup.

I had my Tuesday morning Bible study. There were only four of us and one of the gals made lunch and another brought dessert! We had a great time.

At 12:15, I dashed off as I had promised to help a sister organize her house! She finally let me enter her home... she thinks it's a disgrace if she needs help! Her mom is here from overseas, so with both of us working, I was finished by 3:30... but I didn't get to two of the rooms. The guest/baby room, which the mom said she will do... the master bedroom, because the baby was taking a nap in there.  So, I will go over there again sometime in the next two weeks.

I was home by 4:30 and immediately took a short nap.

Mom was back and after she went to bed, I had tutoring! The kid actually wanted to have class... but no class next week!

When that was finished, we had Family Time -- FINALLY!

So, I didn't get to bed until after 10pm!

BUT... tomorrow is my Sabbath!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Titus 3:5

Seek Him First!

The Light Is Getting Brighter!

I got up early, but not early enough... I usually like to be up by 5:25... and I wasn't up until 6:45!

After Mom was off, I worked on my March 17th talk since the talk from yesterday was still fresh on my mind!

I took the time to rest and eat... and at around 2:30, with the weather looking so fine, I went out for an easy run...and I do mean easy! Just 8.67km at a 7:22/km pace! That's very easy!

I got home and hopped into the shower and trimmed my hair! NICE!

Mom was home promptly at 5:10 and while she ate dinner, I blogged and checked my email! Isaiah had basketball tonight!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

I Had A Voice!

I got up early and rested this morning... 

Of course,  I had Mom care, but I was praying for a voice for speaking!

And GOD DID IT!

I shared about the Acts of the Holy Spirit!

Three newcomers... I had invited two of them!

What a joy!

God puts His Spirit upon us so that we can complete the tasks He gave us to do! He is forever faithful!

We had dinner at church and it was just a delight.

I will rest tomorrow as Tuesday will be a full day!

Then Wednesday will be my Sabbath as the CNY vacation starts on Thursday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Peter 1:3-9

    3God’s power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life. All of that has come to us because we know the One who chose us. He chose us because of his own glory and goodness. 

4He has also given us his very great and valuable promises. He did it so you could share in his nature. He also did it so you could escape from the evil in the world. That evil is caused by sinful longings. 

5So you should try very hard to add goodness to your faith. To goodness, add knowledge. 6To knowledge, add the ability to control yourselves. To the ability to control yourselves, add the strength to keep going. To the strength to keep going, add godliness. 7To godliness, add kindness to believers. And to kindness to believers, add love. 

8You should possess more and more of those good points. They will make you useful and fruitful as you get to know our Lord Jesus Christ better. 

9But what if some of you do not have those good points? Then you can’t see very well. You are blind. You have forgotten that your past sins have been washed away.

Seek Him First!