Early Celebration for Alan's Birthday!

I was up early but not early enough... the heat is getting unbearable... at 7am!

So, I only did 7km and went to WGE to do another 4 on the 'dreadmill'! What can I do? Even running indoors with AC I was drenched in sweat!

Alan and I met up at 11am and we went to Wanli to a resort hotel near the "Queen's Head" Park for a delicious buffet lunch. We had a table right near the windows! It was for his birthday celebration since we will be apart! I wanted to book June 7th, but nothing was available. 

We had to come back for Mom Care, but we bought a few things before heading back!

Isaiah went on a camping trip!

And tomorrow morning, Alan has to head down to Taichung. I have to go to the hospital to get Mom's prescription for the next three months! 

It's the start of another busy weekend!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Tomorrow will be June... Can you believe it?

I thought I'd post my verse for this year, in case you've forgotten!

Seek Him First!

A Much-Needed Sabbath!

I was up early... and I went for only 8k. It got hot and it was only 7am!

Then after Mom went off and I cleaned up things, I decided to drop things off with Alice. She's going to the States in mid-June, so she's going to bring things for Annie! YIPPY!

I stopped at WGE for a shower and a quick workout. I also stopped at Carrefour to buy some snacks for Isaiah. He's going off camping tomorrow!

I had lunch at home and settled in on the couch to read and rest! Delightful Indeed!

Mom was home and dinner was ready! While she ate, I watched one episode of Poirot! I also have started making coffee in the old percolator! The house smells like freshly brewed coffee... Delightful Indeed!

Alan and Isaiah played basketball at Soochow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Read Psalm 119 this morning... Then I finished the book, Quiet Talks on Power (Holy Spirit)! I'm just so inspired to let the Holy Spirit bring to remembrance the truth of God's word in the dailyness of life! 

How about you?

Seek Him First!

A Go-Go-Go Wednesday

I was up super early and did go for a run... the weather was nice and I kept telling my legs to slow down. I was planning to just go for 5... then my legs went for 7... and I had to finally stop them at 9k.

I was home for Mom Care and then did the recycling!

I had planned to donate blood... and I had to ride all the way down to the southern part of Taipei and the line was so long! I finally finished at 12:30 and rode home for lunch before going for my dentist appointment. I had scheduled for my teeth to be cleaned.

I was home and got things ready for Mom's dinner as the helper was scheduled to come and after a short nap, I was off to tutor!

I was back home just two minutes before he was scheduled to leave!

And after Mom went to bed, I had my Revelation Study!

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a great verse for today... for any day... 

Seek Him First!

 

Taxes Done... Bible Study Day!

It was an early morning and it was sad that I didn't go out for a run as the weather was perfect. There was thundering in the early morning! AND RAIN!

After Mom left, I took off for the tax office to help Abby and Isaiah get their taxes done. But it turned out Isaiah couldn't go into to add his donation because the sum was not big enough to make a difference and Abby couldn't get in because her earning was too low to report! I learned a lot today! I wrote down a few notes to remind me next year!

The gals were here just one minute before I got home! Thank you, Jesus. I had the coffee made and everything set up. We had a great Bible study! The lunch menu was mozzarella sticks, panko breaded shrimps and chicken nuggets! One gal brought fruit and another brought bread pudding! YUMMY!

I cleaned up and took a nap before tutoring at 3:30! I was going to go out to buy soy bean milk, but I decided that the nap was more beneficial for my health! It was a wise decision!

When the tutoring ended, I walked down for soy. bean milk! YEAH!

Mom was home right on time... I had her dinner ready!

This evening, Isaiah had basketball and Alan had his evening class, so I went out for another walk! The evening weather was delightful!

Perhaps by tomorrow, I will be able to go for a run!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 118:24

Seek Him First!

No Run Day... Recovery Day... Catch Up Day...

My back is 'off'... I had to take two Advils and wear a waist belt... and it was a hot day!

I used the morning to catch up... I again realized that I don't have weekends... Each weekend is busy! So, Monday tends to be a catch up day, such as taking down the clean clothes, sending the iRobot to mop the floor,  putting things away that have gathered! I also went to Costco to buy milk and other things. Tomorrow is our Bible study, so I will make lunch for them. Then I went to WGE to walk... and on the way, there was a down pour! WOW! In less than 3 minutes (the time I needed to get my rain coat on) I was drenched! I went to WGE and took a shower first! Then I put all the wet clothes in the dry sauna and used the blow dryer! Fairly efficient! I did a walk and went home! No run because of my back!

The crock pot dinner tasted fantastic! YEAH!

I will make more for the Bible study gals!

I had prayer time at 4pm and then this evening, Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

My Back Is "Off"!

Yup... I will definitely go for a massage tomorrow... 

I walked on the dreadmill for an hour... and took a nice long shower at WGE. 

Then it was home for Mom Care. I really need to be careful. Dealing with her BM yesterday was what got my back 'off', as I was trying to maneuver myself in our small bathroom! AIYO!

I share today and I was feeling so tired. So, it was the Holy Spirit!

We had a great love feast and after helping out with clean up, we were home by 8pm. Someone dropped off more stuff for donation. I sorted and will give most of it to be shipped to the Philippines!

I was so ready for bed tonight!

Daily Lovely Insight:

John 14:26

Bring to remembrance all things that I said to you... like what things?

Read John 14:27-28!

That's how beautiful and faithful our God is!

Seek Him First!

Prayer Bike Ride!

I was up early, but did not go for a run until this evening!

We had our second prayer walk, but this time, it was a prayer ride!

When we got back to church, there was a delicious spread of McDonald's breakfast items! I had to rush home for Mom Care!

While Mom was eating breakfast, I did a load of laundry. Isaiah went to meet up with his friend. They are spending a lot of time together!

I also posted lots of things for people to pick up. Yes, I am still sorting through the items that were given! What a labor of service!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Act on behalf of the prayer of your people... Act for those who wait for you!

Seek Him First!

Productive and Exhausting

I was out for my run... 9k... muggy... but at least not the heat!

I got Mom up and off and then helped with the complex.

Alan came home early as he couldn't play tennis... it was sprinkling! So, we were able to leave early to the tax office. We filed our taxes and will be receiving a refund! THANK YOU, JESUS!

Then we went to lunch at Campus Cafe as I had three coupons -- 100NT$ off for every 300NT$. So, we ordered three items... Alan was very hungry!

We then headed home as we didn't have time to pray this morning, our usual prayer time together! We also needed to switch and drive to help out a friend. This couple are planning to move back to the States. They are starting now to declutter. That was a good idea. They packed up our car and we came home and I used the rest of the afternoon and evening, sorting and posting! What a labor of love! I still have lots to give away!

Isaiah went to watch a baseball game -- Fubon Bank against Taiwan Steel! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Reading the book, Quiet Talks on Power, by S.D. Gordon, he asked a very thought provoking question:

What is the motive that controls me in this? 

'This' means every area of our lives: such as what we eat and how, our drinking or other things we put into our mouth, our dress, the use and care of our body, our recreations, our reading, our conversation, our use of money, our use of time, our life plans and daily plans, our social engagements... 

I sat yesterday, just thinking... Am I living fully to please God or self?

If you can, get a copy of S.D. Gordon's Quiet Talks books... I'd like to get a copy of Quiet Talks on Prayer! He wrote 26 books and 22 of them are part of the Quiet Talks series... 

Seek Him First!

You Shall Find Rest for Your Soul...

I fit in my 9k this morning before getting Mom up and out... It's always a matter of faith and prayer!

Then, I was down at the recycling area to make sure our complex janitor was on task and of course, he wasn't! I also had to go into the 'storage' room to box up some materials which I hope can be tossed.

By 10am, I was back at home and since the gardeners were here, the noise was bothering me. I decided to go over to WGE to shower and do a quick workout! I put the rice and corn and butter to cook. Popped some panko breaded shrimp into the new air fryer. Waited until everything was ready. And while I waited, I finished up the ppt and my talk notes and sent those off!

It was so nice to shower and do a fast workout.

When I got back, it was their lunch break. I first ordered and paid for Alan's HSR tickets to Taichung next Saturday. He's going down there to judge the national debate contest. When that was done, I sat and read. Delightful!

At around 3pm, I napped... and of course, I couldn't napped for long as Mom was due to be back! The food was ready... that was fantastic. And it was very delicious!

Isaiah had dinner plans with his colleague as one guy is quitting to return to his hometown to care for his grandmother! Tomorrow night he will go to a baseball game! His wound is healing up nicely!

Alan had basketball tonight! And he had his last debate class as the seniors finish earlier!

I can't believe it's already the end of another school year... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Reading II Sam. 24 and I Chron. 21, I thought, what's going on? Same event but had a few different details... So, I found out why... Always interesting, God's word!

You can discover the reasons for yourself!

Seek Him First!

The Day Kept Running... Without Me...

I went early to get my 9k in... 

Then it was Mom Care. I had to touch-up on her hair as I missed a few spots... and of course, there is always the BM to take care of.

After she took off, it was the recycling again... every Wednesday.

I got home and cleaned up her room, reorganizing her drawers as I had to get the summer and winter clothes switched. I also took down the clothes that were dried and put another load in of Mom's stuff!

I had lunch and got everything ready for my Bible study as I wanted to go early to start the cinnamon rolls, using an air fryer! What a fun time we had! This was our last time and I had made up a review worksheet!

I rushed home to meet up with the management supervisor as we needed to clear out junk from this storage area. There were boxes of old paperwork. I couldn't decide on those. I wanted to trash them, but I better not! So, we just worked on stuff that was junk! It was a very productive hour.

The helper came and I went out to get Chinese medicine and do a quick workout at WGE. It was very quick.

When I got home, I got corralled in the elevator because some of the residents wanted to ask about the new safety doors that we have installed... And there were meeting notes that I had to sign... Yes, I'm counting down to December!!!!!!!

I got Mom to bed and sat and watched one episode of Poirot. 

Prayer time at 9pm. When that was finished, I was so ready for bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here is one of the questions from today's review worksheet:

What are some common hindrances to prayer?

 

Some common hindrances to prayer are…

And I asked them to memorize a verse that will help build their prayer life. Here are a few of their choices:

Seek Him First!

An Unexpected Gift... A Free Tuesday!

I was out early for my 9k... and then had a quick shower!

I wanted to trim Mom's hair, so I got her up earlier than usual!

She went off and I started on my Bible study homework. Finished it! 

Alan had gone to see Isaiah's softball tournament, which was right at the park where I run... Isaiah won their first game! Alan went off to school.

I finished my talk notes and my ppt for Sunday.

Then after lunch, I got a call... Isaiah was in an ambulance being sent to the ER. He ran into another guy! I scootered over... He only needed stitches! They thought it was more serious because he was very dizzy! It turned out the cause of that was not a concussion, but because he didn't eat and the heat got to him! He came home and took a shower and went back to work!

I had a few errands to run, but I decided to wait until tomorrow as I don't have to tutor tomorrow! I did stop by WGE for just 10 minutes!

I had dinner ready for her... after she went to bed, I worked on putting together the dessert for tomorrow's Bible study at Soochow. It will be our last time for this semester... and that's the end of another school year. I am pretty sure they will ask me to lead this again next school year!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Sometimes breakthroughs and victories come only when you're willing to stand your ground... even if no one else stands with you!

Seek Him First!

Time Grew Wings...

I was up early and went out for my 9k as I saw the weather report... HOT!

I did a load of laundry before heading out.

After Mom left, I called and Ms. Hsieh had time. I went over to get a massage. But when I went down to the scooter, the cleaning guy had 'finished' sorting through the recycling. He came to work at 8am and it was 9:11 and the recycling was still a mess! I had to walk him through the task, which made me late for my appointment!

Those 90 minutes flew by. I scootered home as I had to prep for my tutoring and work on my ppt and my Wednesday study!

Tutoring went well. I stopped at WGE and also stopped to buy soy bean milk before heading home. 

Yes, it was already time for Mom to be back!

Tonight, we had Family Time... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Sunday!

Yes, I was up early and headed out as I went over to help a friend with her newly purchased home. This time, it was the inspection! Well... the bathroom sliding door is a NO WAY... that bathroom is so small and they had things in place that made it impossible to install a glass door between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. We are figuring out a few ideas!

I stopped at WGE and did a dreadmill work before taking a shower and heading home!

Mom care... and did a few housework!

We headed out for church at 2:15 as we always help with set-up as well as clean-up after the service.

After Mom went to bed, I blogged and got ready for the week... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today's message was on Thomas... so... the question is: why wasn't Thomas there when Jesus showed up? He was one of the disciples and gathered with them... so why wasn't he there?

What do you think?

Perhaps that will give you new insights as you read about his request and unbelief!

Seek Him First!

The Day Flew By

I was up early... and went out at 7:45 for my run! I am trying to run less, but run faster. So, I was able to do 10k in 63 minutes! A year ago, I was able to run 10k in 58 minutes! I have not been training for running faster, but I think I'll start again!

I went to WGE and took a fast shower. I also stopped to buy bread.

Mom Care!

Isaiah went to his small group and then to a Fubon Bank Event. For the rest of the afternoon and evening, he met up with a friend!

I had counseling at 2:30 and then we went over to help babysit for a couple so that they can go on for a date! I truly enjoy serving in this way. I pray as I care for the sweet baby and I help to tidy up the house! The three hours flew by.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Great Date!

I ran early as the weather says that it was going to be hot... 

After Mom went off to the Day Care, I started to tidy up the room as I had to change the sheet!

Alan came home early... what a nice surprise, so we were off earlier than planned!

I had heard about Keelung Harbor Night Market, which has a few famous food stalls. These stalls are opened by 11am.  We bought three sandwiches, 15 mini sausages, super sized bubble milk tea in several flavors, then ate at an outdoor mall, looking at Keelung Harbor.

After lunch, we found a traditional acupressure massage place and enjoyed two hours of bliss. Alan was snoring!

We strolled back to the night market and found fried onion cakes... they were so delicious. We finished them on the drive home! Alan stopped at WGE and I did a quick workout before going home.

We will definitely go back to Keelung again... maybe when Abby is back in Taiwan!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This advisor had a real problem... he put his identity and worth all on how people valued his counsel. And when that failed... You can read what he did!

What does this say to you about where you should put your worth and identity?

Seek Him First!

Another Delightful Sabbath!

I was up early and the weather was cool... which meant I didn't have to go out right after my time with Jesus.

I went for a run after Mom left for the Day Care Center. 9km in less than an hour... the weather was nice!

I decided to trim my hair and took a shower at home, then I went to RT Mart... The 14th floor is remodeling their bathrooms and the noise was a bit disturbing. So, I scootered over and had lunch there and bought a few items. I even stopped at Costco and bought milk. We were running low. So, I won't have to go this weekend! YEAH!

I was home and took a nap. I was going to go to WGE but decided just to sit and read. The pounding had stopped. So, I guess they have finished taking off the tiles and the toilet.

Alan came home to pick up basketball clothes for Isaiah. They will be at SooChow University.

Mom came home right on time. I had dinner ready!

I had to put her to bed before 7pm as we had our complex meeting at 7:30! I'm counting down the months... 

I made muffins for the board members with fresh whipped cream!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Bible Studying and Tutoring

I went out at around 9:15 for my 9k run and it was hot... but tomorrow is going to be great! And it's my PR Day!

I again helped with the recycling. I also baked, using the peels of the bananas and the muffins turned out very nicely! I also packed a suitcase full of stuff that I had accumulated for Abby! 

I left for my Bible study at 12:40 and we made s'mores... the students loved them! But they all said they were too sweet!

I came home to drop off things and to buy soy bean milk before going to tutor! The hour went by fast!

On the way home, I stopped at WGE for a quick workout! Alan was home to sign the paper for the helper. I came home at 6:45! I had such a nice dinner before putting Mom to bed. Then it was Bible study at 9pm.

Daily Lovey Insight:

What do you think we talked about today in our Study?

Seek Him First!

Failed Mission!

I thought I could donate blood this afternoon. I found a blood mobile in Neihu and went there... but the staff said I had to wait two more weeks! I can't donate until May 27th! Darn it!

I was up early and did not go for a run until 8:45, after Mom took off. I had only an hour! When I got home, the sisters were early! I took my usual quick shower while everyone got something to drink! One sister brought papaya. Another sister brought scones with fresh whipped cream and jam! I had grilled ham and cheese, apple slices and chips! 

I had cancelled my after tutoring, thinking I'd be out donating blood. Instead, I spent the time finishing up the new study that we are going to start in September!

Mom was home and after she went to bed, I rushed off to my evening Bible study. We had a potluck as we finished another book after two and a half years!

We had such a feast!

I came home and baked a loaf of banana bread. I had watched this video about making banana bread with the banana peel... 

Tomorrow I will tell you how it tastes!

Daily Lovely Insight:

How is prayer a weapon? 

Seek Him First!

Rainy Mondays... DO NOT MAKE ME CRY!

I was so thrilled as the temperature dropped... 

I went out running with wings on my shoes.

I ran 9km... and would have gone longer, but there was way too much to do!

I went to WGE for a shower and a quick workout and then there was tutoring.

This morning I did a load of laundry and sent the iRobot out to sweep, took down the trash and recycling. I also worked on my ppt for my talk on 5/26!

So... when I came home, the socks were all on the dining room table as I didn't want to waste electricity! I had prayer time with a sister at 3:45 and she stayed until 7pm when other friends dropped by.

I got Mom to bed and we had Family Time!

I hope it rains again tomorrow... 

Oh... here's a picture from yesterday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Samuel 10 and I Chronicles 20 talk about the same thing... read it and let me know what you think? 

The one thing that strikes me is that when you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing, then that's when trouble will come knocking on your door! Be aware! Be alert! Be vigilant!

Seek Him First!

A Blessed Sunday!

I was up early and went out to pick trash, while working on getting my steps in! I stopped at WGE and did a quick workout and took a shower, before heading back home!

Mom care... and I rested while she ate. I also did some housework, such as putting away the clothes and bringing things down to give away!

I also had a very nice salad for lunch... delightful!

We left at 2:15 for church! And we had a lot of snacks... 

It was such a blessed service! Her topic was: Three Women and A Baby. How the pharaoh's daughter, the mother, and the sister all helped Moses to become a world changer. The mother saw his destiny. Pharaoh's daughter brought deliverance. And the sister gave direction.

Love Feast was delicious and we were home by 8pm.

After Mom went to bed, I tidied up things and blogged and checked the emails and went to bed. The rain had started and it promises to be a cooler day tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Different Saturday!

I was up early and did a load of wash... and then headed out for my run at 7:37. I wanted to cheer on friends who are just getting into running and this was their first race!

I made it over there and ran the last km with the one who was running the half! He did a marvelous job! We then found his wife who ran the 10k. 

After taking a few pictures of them, I ran home!

Mom care... and then I had asked Alan to stay with Mom so that I can go over to help a friend. She had bought a place and had a meeting with the designers. She needed my help with looking at how to best set up the apartment! I rode over there and made it there without getting lost. What a miracle!

The meeting took a long time... and then I scootered back. I will meet the developer with her next Sunday at 8am. I told Alan, maybe I'll ask about the last three units that are still for sale. The units are small, but sufficient. They are like the size of a 5-star hotel room with a kitchen unit!

I also made some appointments for Abby... the dentist, the hair...and I also made my teeth cleaning appointment. Oh... I cancelled Mom's appointment for 5/25 and made it for 6/1. She doesn't have to go. I just need to go and get her prescription for the next three months!

Isaiah went to the church event for young adults.

I was so glad to head to bed... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I thought this statement was quite appropriate...

Trusting God is not just a concept but a lifestyle.

From Prayer, Passion & Pursuit, a blog by two ladies, Nika and Loni

Seek Him First!

Not Our Normal Date!

Alan had to go by school to see how the ICEE final event was doing. It's the big translation event! I didn't have time to run early, so I went out at 9:20... and was it ever so so hot??? As I wrote earlier, I'm not training, so I just ran 9k.

I then went to WGE for a shower and a very quick workout! Alan and I met back at home at 11:30.

Isaiah had a company basketball tournament and his first game was at 11am, which he won. He had another game at 12noon. We missed it, but we caught his next three. He lost the 14:10 game, so we left! The team that beat his team went on to win the Championship!

We found a small Cantonese restaurant nearby that was still opened and had a nice simple lunch. It was so blaring hot. We rode home, making a stop at Costco for milk!

Then I took a nap... The heat exhausted me. I had a helper come to watch Mom... that's so nice!

This evening we had dinner at the Teppanyaki place with our friends from the States.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

I Call the Sabbath A Delight!

I was up early... and the weather was so nice and cool... How delightful!

I worked on putting away the luggage I had packed with winter jackets and then it was getting Mom up and out!

I spent the morning reading... and yes, I finished another book. I also finished my lesson on Revelation. How delightful!

I snacked on veggie sticks from Sunday's wedding! How delightful!

At 4pm, I went out for a 9k run... why not? It was warm, but there was a nice breeze. Before going out, I ordered gomaji coupons for Abby -- hair, nail, etc. I also wanted to see how to get a Bose SoundTouch10 Speaker hooked up to my iPhone. I didn't work. I had to use an auxiliary cable. I need more time to figure things out. Yes, these are the delightful things that I love... figuring things out!

Mom was back... I had to take a very quick shower!

This evening after Alan and Isaiah came home, we had family time. I also had to ask Abby about which other coupons she'd like to buy! I'm making all the appointments for her ! Dentist, eyes for new glasses, beauty treatments... you name it, we're getting it done! Of course, shopping too! Milk tea packets, snacks, instant noodles... ha, ha, ha... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I had a chat with one of our neighbors. He 'admires' Alan and I... and when I asked why, he said, "You two seem to live with different life values." OF COURSE WE DO! That prompted me to give him a book that I just received. I had prayed as to who I should give that book to... and that book is for him! It's based on Ecclesiastic... Life of Vanity or Fullness! Pray for him. It's a 30-day journey through Ecclesiastic with lots of reflection questions!

Seek Him First!