Partial Sabbath...

7:30I was up and out and ran my 8k. It was sprinkling with a few gusts of strong wind... and it was much warmer than I'd have liked...

I came home and took a shower and decided to wait to wake my mom up...

I sat and read... SO DELIGHTFUL. I also did my simplicity study... 

I made Mom some sesame paste cereal... It turned out really delicious... I could have eaten the whole pot by myself!

I went down to check on the recycling area... the leak was pretty bad, so the area had a lot of water. I got the security guard to get buckets and he will have to check every two hours.

We still have leftover from last night's hot pot that I made... 

It seems as if everyone just stayed home... 

I had tutoring at 7:30pm and no Family Time as Abby was pressing forward with helping Bella... 

But I'm happy to say: TOMORROW WILL NOT BE A TYPHOON DAY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I read this great idea today from a professor at Biola University:

Begin each morning in intimate communion with the Lord and a Morning Prayer of Intention… then every day consistently pray your way through each of the 150 Psalms, once in the words of Scripture, once in your own words…. and then close each day with a nightly prayer of examine. 

 

The theologian, Timothy Keller, who may have been the CS Lewis of our times, he stopped and prayed 5 psalms a day, throughout the day, every day, for the last 20 years of his life. That's praying through all 150 Psalms, every single month, 12 months of the year — year after year, for 20 years.

Maybe I will try this for 2025?!?!?!

Seek Him First!

Bad News... Thursday, Another Typhoon Day?!?!?!

Today started like my usual Wednesday... 

Up early, went out for my 8k, Mom Care, Recycling...

Then I started to get all the items in the living room sorted and got them in the car as they will be donated. Such a relief to see my living room restored to 'normal'. I set Mom's stuff as the helper will be coming at 5pm. I had tutoring.

At 11:30, I had a quick phone call with the assistant board member. She is quite troublesome... Anyhow, just two more months.

I was off early to my class as I wanted to buy a few more items since the topic today was FOOD! We had a fabulous time!

I rushed home, picked up my tutoring bag and was off again!

The ride was wet and a bit windy. The ride back was even more on both counts... 

I was safely home and made some hot pot soup... so delicious!

I got Mom to bed and tutoring started at 7:30...

Prayer time this evening at 10pm... 

Yes, the announcement came: To my utter disappointment: typhoon day tomorrow... WAH... I wanted a Sabbath so bad... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Double Tuesday... At Least It Wasn't A Triple!

I was up and decided to run later... I'm just feeling quite tired these days...

I got Mom up and out and then went out for my 8k.

At 12noon, Alan and I went to the Miramar Mall. We had two tasks. One to check on the Soda Stream. Can we get a new cartridge? They gave us one! Two to check on the place for the Marriage Builders! I put in a reservation for 10 people. Alan went home and I went to my Bible study. It was great, but we had several students who didn't show up due to Midterm Exams next week. I did have one new student. I wish she could come weekly, but she can't... 

I was home and I didn't stop at WGE. I was too tired. 

This evening I had my other Bible Study on Simplicity! That's the word for 2025: Simplicity!

I was home and so ready for bed... tomorrow is a long day of class and tutoring!

Daily Lovely Insight:

From Oswald Chambers:

Sincerity means that the appearance and the reality are exactly the same.

Seek Him First!

Time Flies...

I was up and waited to go out as it looked cooler... and it was.

I got Mom up and out and got the dinner started in the crock pot. It is very yummy! I had a test already!

Then I got started with looking for places for the Thanksgiving Couples' Date Night... and unfortunately, two of the restaurants are out of business... so I am looking at other possibilities. I will have to make a decision by tomorrow! I scootered over to look at one and it is nice, but on the expensive side! The owner is out of the country and won't be back until tomorrow... so I'm going to skip that place!

I went for my run and then to WGE for the shower and quick workout. I also went to the bakery store to buy a few items... 

I was home and decided to take a quick Power Nap. I had to bake for tomorrow's Soochow Bible study. I made a banana peanut butter fudge cake...

Prayer time at 4pm and when that was finished, Mom was home! I had her dinner ready!

Tonight, I also had my online Bible study on Revelation.

I was planning to work on my November 17th talk, but I am not sure how the day flew by so quickly! 

CRAZY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

As I consider a verse for 2025, God is leading me to verses that are related to Him calming the waves... How interesting!

Seek Him First!

A Hot Sunday! (Not A HOT FUDGE SUNDAE!)

It was hot... and I was glad I wasn't out running. But I was cheering several brothers who joined the Eva Air Half Marathon... they all finished!

I was up and went to WGE and ran errands. Then I was home for Mom Care.

We went to church at 2:17 and it was the usual routine... 

Isaiah was to be one of the translators, but he didn't make it back, so I had to do both! He recorded the Chinese for me so I could listen and memorize key words. I think it was ok.

I put Mom to bed and blogged and got ready for the week. And yes, it's going to be another... YOU CAN FILL IN THE BLANK!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the verse of blessing at the end of our service this evening!

Seek Him First!

Yummy...

I let myself sleep in a little bit today... so I did not get up before sunrise. After my time with Jesus, I started the pull pork and prep for the meal for this evening. So, I didn't go out for my 8k until 9am, which meant it was sunny and quite warm! 

I came home and went to WGE for my shower and a workout and then went to buy bananas and bread and mayonnaise. I was home, finishing up the rest of the food prep and getting Mom up and eating. She ate so fast.

And I forgot to say that she got her health check up report back. Completely healthy... the only suggestion from the doctor: drink more water. I think she drinks plenty already. 

Alan took the first load of stuff over to church. I made dressing and for dessert: banana bread pudding with raisins. WOW...

The helper came at 5pm and we headed out. We had a total of seven couples and the food was perfect. Everything tasted fantastic... pull pork, veggies, salad, dessert, and the different drinks! We had a splendid evening!

We got home at 9:30 and I worked to get everything cleaned and put away.

I then had to prepare for translating tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

What does it mean that there was not found an help meet for him? Why did God think it was not good for Adam to be alone?

These were some of the questions from the sharing we prepared for tonight's Marriage Builders. 

Seek Him First!

It's Hot Again...

I was up early but felt so tired that I went back to bed after my date with God...

I got Mom up and out and then went for a run. It was much too warm for me...

I was home and decided to take a shower at home as I wanted to work on this area in our complex. The plants there are dying... I switched them around and hopefully, they will revive again!

Alan and I were going to meet a friend from the States, but he wasn't feeling well... so we went and picked up the books that we had ordered and had a nice lunch for our date. We also got drinks. Right near the restaurant was a pharmacy, so I picked up Mom's medication.

We then went to Costco as we needed to pick up a few things for tomorrow's Marriage Builders get-together. I'm making a salad and pull pork!

We were home by 3 and after putting the stuff away, I laid down. My tutoring contacted me... can I come over earlier? So off I went... unfortunately, the second son could not make it back from his doctor's appointment. We will do a makeup session tomorrow morning!

I was home by 6:20. I decided not to go to WGE.

Isaiah is off on a trip with Fenny and her sister and another guy down in Taichung. They are going to be there for the whole weekend.

I had a semi-free evening so I worked on my talk notes for November 17th and watched another mystery TV show after putting Mom to bed.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Much Needed Sabbath Rest

I was up early and decided not to rush off for my 8K since the weather was looking so nice and cool... It's my Sabbath... and the purpose is to slow down and rest!

I got Mom up and out and spent the morning reading and resting... Absolutely delightful!

Unfortunately, the RENOVATION started... It's on the 2nd floor, but when they started knocking down walls and what-not, I could hear and feel it... 

At 12noon, they stopped for a break and I stopped to have lunch... NICE!

After lunch, I started to input some ideas for my talk on November 17th and then proceeded to go out for my 8K. After returning, the pounding was getting very loud, so I decided to head out to WGE for my shower and to sit in the sauna... Why not?!?!?!

Mom was home promptly and I had dinner ready for her.

I got her to bed before I started to tutor at 7:30. The hour flew by and we are almost finished with this major project... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Love My Class!

Today I was up early and went out for my 8k and the weather was fabulous. I actually had to wear a long sleeve shirt!

I was back and took a quick shower before getting Mom up and out.

Then it was time for helping the recycling! My usual Wednesday morning routine after Mom leaves.

I was back home and had to do a load of laundry and cooking... I also sent the 'robots' to work! 

At 12:30, I was out the door as I wanted to get to class early to set up. To my surprise, all the students were already there... 

I gave them time to eat first before starting to talk about traveling. We had so much fun! I want to go to Malta after one student's description... the Blue Lagoon... No waves, just great for snorkeling! I do hope that Alan and I will get to travel some... Maybe in 2025?!?!?!?!

I was home at 3:45 and my 4:30 tutoring cancelled. YIPPY!

I put everything away and headed out to run errands and go to WGE.

A helper was here at 5pm to get Mom and I had dinner in the fridge. Alan was also home!

Tonight, I had tutoring at 7:30! 

I was to have prayer time afterwards, but I postponed it to next Wednesday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Two Studies Tuesday!

That's going to be the 'norm' for the next few weeks... Until the first week of December...

I was up and went out for my usual 8k. 

Then of course, a quick shower, before getting Mom up and out.

I got everything cleaned and dashed off to my morning study... I always have so many things to bring... 

I set up and we had a smaller group as three people were online. So, only four of us were actually at the church! It was still fantastic... and the food was great.

After cleaning everything up, I dashed off to Soochow. The kids loved the apple bread and one of the church ministers got me Starbucks coffee... what a delightful surprise.

It was sprinkling, so I decided NOT to go to WGE and just headed home.

I put everything away and headed out again as I needed to run a few errands, including getting my scooter tuned up! I was home by 5pm. But I was so tired and since Alan was home, he got Mom so that I can nap for a few minutes... 

We had Family Time tonight... which started at 8:30!

Oh... the second floor was sold about two months ago and they are going to start remodeling tomorrow. It's going to be LOUD for 10 days... I will have to find a nice place to have my Sabbath for the next two weeks. I will keep you posted. The LOUD 10 days is because they are going to gut the entire apartment! So, there will be a lot of hammering going on... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The Key Word for This Week: BUSY!

I was up and went out and ran my 8k. The weather was cooler... delightful!

I was home and after a quick shower, prayed with Alan and it was time for Mom Care.

She left and I went to get dinner started. I also did a load of laundry and the 90 minutes flew by. I headed out to counsel a gal who was struggling with some major life decisions.

I went straight from her house to go and tutor, stopping to drop off more donation and the box for the hearing aid. It's fixed and they needed to 'recalibrate' the one that was fixed. Annie, I will be sending everything back with Alan.

I was home and had to lay down for a few minutes before getting things ready for Mom's return!

While she was eating dinner, I blogged and downloaded my emails.

Tonight we had a church meeting... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Good Sunday!

I was up early and got a few chores done before going out to run errands. Alan had gone to play tennis and Isaiah was home, fast asleep on the couch. 

I went to WGE and then went looking for a lightbulb for our fridge. I also bought bread for Mom's breakfast for this week. 

Then I baked a strawberry apple bread for the Bible study on Tuesday.

I also use Sunday morning to fill up all the cleanser containers or hand soap containers. I use a lot of cleanser each week!

Mom was up and enjoyed her oatmeal. 

We left at church at 2:15 and helped with set up!

I brought snacks and made coffee and fruity tea!

Our speaker tonight was Dr. Frank Dennis, who founded the Taidong Christian Hospital! He talked about "Working With God". What a blessed time... 

Isaiah was the worship leader and the translator.

His granddaughter came with him and it turned out that she grew up in Chula Vista and attended Hilltop Elementary School, Hilltop Junior High School and Hilltop High! I bought a book which Alan will bring for Mom Bea to read! She would enjoy the story!

We were home by 8pm! 

Isaiah and Fenny and some of the church young adults went to a bar nearby.

I got Mom to bed and had prayer time with a sister.

The rest of the evening was used to get ready for the week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

http://www.finntorjesen.com/

This is a blog from missionaries who served in Taiwan.

Seek Him First!

Complex Meeting!

I was up early and went out to complete my 8k, hitting 50k this week. It was difficult as this week was warmer than I had expected!

I rushed over to WGE for a shower and a quick workout and then rushed home to sign in for the meeting!

Alan was home and he had to go down as he is the head of the board. Isaiah came home and went to sleep on the sofa. 

I had to rush up and down, trying to get enough residents so that the meeting can start. We finally started at 10:45!

The meeting went smoothly... and ended by 12:30! We have a new board, but this came about by rotation. The resident above me had to be on the next board... as well as the resident across from me... We will have to set up a meeting with the new board members as NONE of the old board will be staying on!

Mom was up and had her breakfast. She was active last night!

I had a helper come at 5pm as Alan and I went out to meet an old student for dinner!

Isaiah went out with Fenny to the mall out in Taoyuan!

Daily Lovely Insight: 

Seek Him First!

A Nice Date at A New Restaurant!

I was up and out for my 8k. It has been so warm... 

I was home and took a quick shower and it was time for Mom Care!

After she's in the van, I came home to do a load of laundry and decided not to go to WGE. Instead, I looked over Abby's video and Alan came home early. YEAH.

We went the place for his haircut and then headed to the restaurant early. The food was very delicious, but the portion was a bit on the small side for our appetite. They did give us a free serving of fries as I always write a review on Google Map!

We rode around the area and went and bought Coco before heading home.

The complex had more stuff to take care of and then I was out the door for my tutoring!

Tonight, there was no 'appointment'... I'm so thankful! I posted free things to give away and the lady came quite promptly and picked up everything!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Truly Rest-Filled Sabbath!

I was up early and the weather forecast said that it would be a warm day... So I went out for my usual 8k. I will reach my 50k this week! Lord willing!

I was home and getting Mom up and out!

She was active last night... Annie, those waterproof 'underwear' are great!

After she was in the van, I went back home and had a nice breakfast and worked on the Bible study from the Decision Magazines from Mom Bea. Thank you, Mom Bea. I also sat on the sofa and read and napped! DELIGHTFUL!

I made fresh soy bean milk and a creamy soup and corn on the cob. That's what I had for lunch!

I finished two books... which I was already half way through... 

I finally turned on the WiFi at around 2:30 and bought Gomaji coupons for our date tomorrow. I also asked Isaiah to make an appointment for Alan to get his hair trimmed!

At 4pm, I went to WGE for my usual quick workout. I had already set Mom's dinner up! 

This evening, I had tutoring at 7:30 and my Revelation Bible study at 9pm. 

Alan and Isaiah had basketball at Soochow University.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Packed... BUT Rainy... Wednesday

I was up super early... and went out for my usual 8k. While at the park, the rain started... It felt so effortless to run in the rain!

I was home and took a quick shower and it was Mom Care. She was not active last night... Thank you for praying!

After she was in the van, I went down and helped with the recycling. I just love how clean that area looks!

I was home and started to group all the necessary teaching materials for today together. Plus, I set out the things for Mom Care and her dinner in the fridge! And surprisingly, I had time to sit and read and do my Bible study and even took a quick nap!

I ate a simple lunch and rode in the rain to the class at Takming University of Science and Technology! I had a large trash bag to make sure things stayed dry! 

The class went well... It was so much fun. I learned a lot about the student's hometown.

After that class, of course, I had tutoring. So, it was a rush to get there and that hour also flew by. I got home, ate a few bites of a sandwich, got Mom to bed and tutored from 7:30-9:45. 

Unfortunately, the evening didn't end as the complex had problems and I had a long conversation with another board member. I didn't get to bed until a little past midnight!

I'm so glad that tomorrow is my Sabbath.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Normal Tuesday

I was up and feeling tired... but I went and ran 8km.

Then it was Mom Care! After she left, I cleaned up her room and went to WGE for a shower and then met up with two dear sisters in Christ whom I haven't seen for a while. It was so delightful! The hours flew by!

I rode over to my Soochow study and two more students came! We had a great time!

I again stayed around to pray with people and got home at 4:30 after running two errands.

I was so tired that I just plopped down on the sofa and rested for 30 minutes before Mom was home... 

While Mom was eating, I took down the clean clothes, blogged, checked on email... 

Tonight we had Family Time! 

Tomorrow is another long day! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A "Normal" Monday

I was up early and ran my usual 8k.

Alan and Isaiah were up early to watch the Chargers game and they won! 

I got Mom up and out and the bed boards collapsed. I had to get Alan to fix it. I had been doing it weekly and wondering what was the matter with the bed. It turned out that the pegs had come apart! That's why I've had to fix it almost every week! I think I posted about it, killing my back getting the mattress out!

After Alan took off for school, I did a load of laundry, cleaned up the room, put things away, baked a dessert and wrote up some notes for church!

At 12noon, I ate lunch and took a Power Nap!

I was out of the house at 1pm in order to drop by the library before tutoring.

I went long again because this time my student shared about a nightmare and I just had to pray with her.

Elaine was already here when I got here!

Mom was back... right on time, but we had so much food! I had already set up her dinner!

Elaine left and another sister called with a 'crisis'. 

Tonight was a 'free' night... I'm so thankful. I'm feeling so so tired!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sunday!

I was up early and of course, no run... But I had a lot to get done! I did go to WGE! I took a shower and worked on three machines and came home. I was so tired. I rested and then got Mom up!

Isaiah and Alan were still at the retreat site and they ran into traffic. They got back by 2:20 and we were in the car and headed to church.

I helped set up and got the drinks ready... and I had to translate this afternoon. Alan got to sit with Mom.

And Annie got his ticket for the states during the Chinese New Year Holiday: 1/9 to 2/15. Mom Bea... You should be happy to read this!

We were home by 8pm and I got Mom to bed and prepped for the week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Retreat in Ilan

What a day... We drove here last night and arrived at around 9pm.

We went to bed at 11:30 and I was up at 5:30. After my time with Jesus, I was out the door and ran my 8k and reached 53 for this week! I'm thrilled! And the run was nice and fast as the weather was cooler... 

We had breakfast here and started our first session. 

Lunch was bento boxes and then we had our afternoon sessions.

There was a heated discussion about finance... and thus, I didn't have time for a nap!

This evening after two more sessions, Alan dropped me off at the bus stop and I headed back to Taipei.

Wow... I was home after 12midnight... 

What a day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

John 6:29

Seek Him First!

A Busy Friday!

I was up early but decided to wait to go out for my 8k.

I did a load of laundry and then went out for my run... it was still fairly cool...

I went to WGE for a shower and did only one machine. I was home by 11am as Alan and I had tasks to get done.

We went to RT Mart for hot pot as we have a leaders' summit this weekend. We ate lunch and went and shopped!

It was great... we were home by 3pm and I put everything away and then rested for 30 minutes before I headed out to tutor!

The two hours flew by and then I head to rush home. 

I got Mom to bed and we took off.

The traffic was really bad, so we missed the first half hour of the Summit.

The Helper will be at our house by 10am! And I will be heading back tomorrow night!

Daily Lovely Insight:

I really like Romans 15:13... maybe that will be our Family Verse for 2025. What do you think?

Seek Him First!

Double Ten Holiday!

I was up early... but I didn't go out for a run until 8:15. The weather looked so nice... and Mom didn't need to go to the Day Care Center! I ran 12.5K as I wanted to see if I can do that in 80 minutes!

I was home and called Ms. Hsieh. She had time and my back was feeling bad from the intense labor of fixing Mom's bed. She's been active at night, taking off her hand restraints. I don't think I need to go into details!

Alan and Isaiah were home, watching the game... which you can find out who won and by how much. Let's just say there will be a Game 5!

Before riding home, I went and bought more inserts and diapers for Mom. When I got home and Mom was eating, I went online and ordered another pair of running shoes: Caldera 6: 2700NT$! That's 90US$! Hopefully, this pair will last 6 months! I'm going to give my Brooks Adrenaline 22 to Abby! If only I can get them to her...

This evening, we had Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

New Intensive Project Started!

I was up early and went out for my 8k. It was nice running as it felt cooler... Yes, it is getting cooler...

I was home and after a quick shower, I was getting Mom up and out. She had talked a lot last night and was very tired. I told the driver.

I went down and got the recycling ready as the people came to pick everything up. I was finished with that by 9:15! YIPPY!

I had to clean up Mom's room. With her talking all last night, she was also very active: untied her hand gloves... I think you understand! While doing her bedding, I had to stop and put a patch on my back. I could feel it... When that was finished, I made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

At 10:30, I decided to lay down... Alan was back and we prayed together and I got all the materials for today ready. 

I left for my new project based class and we had six students. They bought bubble milk tea and cronuts. YUMMY. But the milk tea was made with real milk... oh, my stomach didn't like that! The class went so well... the two hours flew by!

I rushed home and switched stuff and scootered off to tutor. That hour also flew by!

On the way home, I stopped to pay two bills and went to WGE to do my speed workout! I was home by 6:45 and got busy with putting things away, eating a quick dinner and getting Mom to bed before my tutee arrived!

Those two hours went by... I was tired... but the LORD sustained me!

As I was cleaning up, I received a message... prayer time with a sister? OH MY... yes... I was so exhausted... but the Lord carried me through!

This was a very intensely long day! I will have six more of these intensely long days... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

I am praying for my verse of focus for 2025... I am also looking for another read through the Bible schedule. I found one, but have not decided on the one that I will use for 2025... I use this month to pray!

Seek Him First!

Soochow Study Started!

I got up and went for only 7k. I didn't have time to run 8. I will have to make it up this week.

I got my Mom up and she went in the van!

And I had to take a quick shower and head off to church as we had our study! I always go early to get things ready!

We had only one missing. The time went by so fast!

I had to hurry up and clean up and headed to Soochow!

My Soochow Study has started. We have only four students, but it's a great group. Please pray for them.

I was home by 4:10 and after putting things away, Alan and I drove back to church to pick up the stuff that I had left there!

We were home just before Mom got home.

Tonight we were to have our Family Time, but Abby didn't get up in time! By the time she was up, it was getting late and I needed to get to bed!

What a long day... it's going to be another LONG DAY tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

What do you think struck me about this verse?

Seek Him First!