Tackled A Huge Task!

I was up early and did go out for my 10K... the weather was perfect!

I got home, took a shower and put in a load of laundry as I didn't get to that yesterday! 

Alan and Isaiah took off for work... and I was off to meet a dear friend. It's our usual monthly prayer and share time. And again, she prepared a feast for me!

I came home and started the task for the day: organizing all the CDs in the house! You can't believe how many we have! The dining room table was stacked up so high... I grouped everything first and then took out the CD player to listen to some of the CDs to check them out! After over three hours, I finally started to put them back to the different racks! I was hoping to finish before 6pm, but I did not!

I pushed everything to one side of the dining room table and had dinner! We had our first in person prayer meeting tonight! We have not had this for many many many years... what a joy!

We used YouTube for a worship song and then we shared verses before praying together. The hour flew by.

Fenny came and we dropped off the last of her stuff at the old house and she will be sleeping there starting tonight. Isaiah had to go to the office, so Alan dropped me off before going there. It was sprinkling, so Alan didn't want him to be riding his scooter. Plus, it got quite cold.

I came home to check on the meat and to finish up with the CDs... YEAH! Tomorrow, I'm going to try to tackle another big task: getting rid of some files and sorting through some stationery goods. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

The 7th of the Month!

I was up early and went back to bed and napped until 9am. Then it was time to get things ready as I had decided to go to the morning service and then hang around before attending a prayer and worship time for a sister who will be undergoing a cancer operation.

So... the Taipei International Church started at 10:30 and it was a wonderful service. Dior, a gal from YWAM, is back from the Philippines, which means she got her work visa to be at TIC as a professional coordinator, serving at the church. The church was beautifully decorated and the message was on Hope, the Advent of Christ. And of course, as it was the first Sunday of the month, we had communion, which was beautifully done!

Alan came... so that was nice. And I met several new people. After the service, he left and I stayed to organize the books in the church library. I donated 7 books and got 7 more books, which I will give away! I then headed to get money to pay a few bills and then found out that the Dazhi Carrefour closed on 11/30. SAD! I went to PXMart instead and sat there to have lunch before heading out the house of the host of the prayer and worship time. I got there right on time. 

The songs sung were beautiful and we just read Scriptures and prayed. 

I walked one of the gals to the MRT Station before walking back to my scooter and getting home. 

Alan walked in 15 minutes after I did.

I had stayed down at the recycling area, cleaning and sorting, as the janitor is off today!

Isaiah came back from his trip quite late.

The week has started!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

New Hot Pot Place!

I was up early and did go for a run after Isaiah and Fenny left for their trip to WuLin. Alan went to play tennis.

We set to leave the house at 10:30 to help a couple to get to the HSR with all their stuff. They are the ones living in the Danhsui House! We also wanted to treat them to lunch, so we stopped at a Hot Pot Place that we've been wanting to try and it did not disappoint! Absolutely delicious but we weren't able to enjoy all the food since we had to rush to the HSR.

I was able to go with them to the platform and help them get on the HSR before coming back up and waited for Alan to pick me up. We were going to go to the Travel Expo but we went around several times and could not find parking. So, we headed home. We did not get home until after 4:30. 

We had a nice free evening and I was too full to eat!

How did the day fly by so quickly?

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Quite A Date Day!

I was up early and now that the weather is cooler, I can go back to sleep and run later in the morning. So, I went and ran 10K at 8:50! 

Alan and I had wanted to head out at around 10:15. We had a lot of do... We went to the church to pick up the plants. We then went to Coco and bought the drinks and then to a Cantonese Restaurant and bought lunch. We headed to the old house. I cleaned while Alan ate. Then he measured the back to make sure the dryer would fit. I also got two check ins and two carry ons to give way. 

We were back in our car, heading home. It was already 2pm. He went to drop off the suitcases while I went to meet up for prayer and then tutoring!

The dryer delivery was done at around 5pm and then Alan went to pick up the last load of Fenny's stuff and then dropped everything off at the old house. They all came over for dinner. I had made mashed potatoes and chicken curry!

At 9pm, we had family time!

The weekend has started and if it's anything like today, it's going to be a busy one!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Sabbath: A Delight!

 I was up early... and I just wake up now... I love it. I didn't go out for my run... No rush... It's my Sabbath!

Alan and Isaiah took off and I settled on the sofa to read, Heaven, Chapters 16-17! And I then ate a great breakfast... with freshly brewed coffee. The couple who came last night gifted me with more flavored Starbucks coffee pods... WOW... I was back on the sofa reading... and I also worked on putting things away.

At 12:45, I got all the chairs up and started the iRobot and got ready for my run. I ran 11K and after a quick shower, I sat and checked my emails and read some more!

At 5pm, I went and checked the recycling before going to my two hour massage! WOW!

I was home and made some hamburger patties for dinner. I ate a salad and watched the Rookie. Alan came home and had two cheeseburgers and we had the chance to talk with Abby. She is thinking about going for seminary in São Paulo.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

God's Sustaining Strength!

I was up early and went out for my run after I got the recycling cleared and the truck came to take everything. The reason was the janitor was gone and the day time security guard did nothing!

I ran 12KM because I missed 2KM yesterday! I got home, took a quick shower, ate lunch and took off. I wanted to be at school by 12:30 as the flea market was going on. I gave out money to my students and then shopped. I spent 210NT$. 

The study was great... five students! And then I was off to tutor. The weather got cold and riding back home was chilly!

Alan was home and yes, he bought his tickets last night. He's going to the states from August 4th to September 11th. He also got Isaiah's tickets. YIPPY! His ticket was only 816US$! ROUND TRIP!

At 7pm, the couple came over and we had a great time going through some 'issues' to help build their marriage relationship. When they left, I cleaned up the kitchen and did a load of laundry!

Yes, it was great to head off to bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Almost Triple Bible Study Day!

It's true... 

I was up super early... I like it... It's so nice and quiet. But I didn't go out for a run until it was 8:30, which meant I only had time to run for 8KM. It was already quite warm.

I rushed off to my Bible study, forgetting the food in the fridge. So on the way, I bought these veggie buns and soybean milk. I had brought empty containers to return to church, so that worked out perfectly.

Six gals came... And it was a great time of sharing. I always enjoy our study. We also had our new booklet ready! They turned out beautifully!

I was on my way home by 2pm and stopped at the post office to deposit the money as Annie sent money to Nepal. What a waste of time that was trying to do it through the bank here in Taiwan!

We still have plenty of food, so no need to cook. But I had to bake for my Bible study tomorrow. And I will have to be at Soochow early as the church has their annual flea market event.

I was going to have my Tuesday evening Bible study at 7pm and scooter home at 8:30 as I had somehow scheduled my online Bible study to be at 9pm. BUT the gal who was set to lead tonight couldn't make it. So we cancelled and I tutored at 7pm. At 9pm, I had my online Bible. So, it was ALMOST A TRIPLE BIBLE STUDY DAY! 

Both Alan and I were hunting for cheap tickets. So far I haven't purchased anything. Maybe tomorrow... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

WHAT A MONDAY?

I was up early as I knew that Alan and Isaiah were going to be up by 5am. So, I was up before 4am! NICE!

I didn't go for a run until everyone left for their work.

I took down the clothes and just had a leisurely morning, leaving at 9:30 for my run! After getting home, I decided to trim my hair. NICE!

Then at 12:48, I headed out... I had several things that I was hoping to get done. I had a box to mail to Corenne's granddaughter, Genesis. But first, I wanted to donate money to Nepal. I stopped at the bank and found out that I needed my ID card. So off I went to pick that up and went back to the bank. Three hours later, the money still was not transferred. I left and went and mailed the box. I was home by around 4:50 and put together a salad as I was really hungry!

Isaiah had basketball.

Alan came home and we watched the Rookie together.

I blogged, checked emails and worked on church stuff!

The day flew by... 

Keep praying for the church situation.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Sunday!

I was up early and had time to get a few things done. I went to get money and went to see the last hour of the 24HR ultra at Soochow University!

I was back home and fell asleep... and God woke me up as I had an appointment to pay the cement guy. I was 15 minutes late. 

When that was finished, I rushed over to church for the Young Adults Service! The time flew by and after getting things cleaned up, I had tutoring at 1:30. That hour flew by. May was there early to set up, so that was great!

The testimonies were great... And Abby finished her first half marathon with a time of 2:33:56! Then we had another bomb dropped. The gal who we worked so hard to get hired told us that she wants to resign and go 'work' with the pastor who is incubating his 'new' ministry. What a shock! Then another couple lined our worship leader and said that they will no longer be serving, starting effectively on December 1st. So, please keep praying for our church. May there be no more land mines...

I got hoe at 9pm and had prayer time with a sister!

I put everything away and ate a small dinner and blogged. 

It was great to head to bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Saturday!

I was up early and went out for my run as we had to leave at 9am to head to Taichung. Alan got home late and Isaiah got up late... 

We finally did leave at 9:20 and the traffic was bad. BUT, we got there by 12:05 and I took off on my own. Alan and Isaiah went to the banquet. I walked and found an UBike and rode it to the Carrefour. That was fun! I sat and ate my sandwich and drank a delicious passion fruit yogurt and then found the route to walk to IKEA. I got there and they didn't have the right lid. At the IKEA, there was a Japanese supermarket... There were these great apple veggie sauce and they were on sale! I wanted to buy everything they had, but I controlled myself. I'm going to eat one just before I go for a run! YIPPY!

Alan and Isaiah finished their banquet and came over to pick me up, but it was already 4pm. So, we missed our friend's water polo match. They won both! So, we decided to head straight to the Gloria Outlet Mall in Taoyuan. It's our annual BIRTHDAY SHOPPING TRIP! But no Abby... I bought four pairs of Brooks for 2300 per pair. Isaiah bought two pairs of Vans for 1500 per pair. Alan did not find any Mitzuno. Isaiah also bought two pairs of pants (he's gained weight!). And I also shopped for Corenne's granddaughter, Genesis. I've been trying to find something that looks Chinese.. NOTHING... So I bought some traditional American style baby items. I can only mail 100US$ worth of things! 

We left at 9:30 and got home by 10:05. Alan went straight to bed and I put a load of laundry in the washing machine and started to put away the leftovers and all the goodies we got!

And I blogged... 

Going to bed felt so great!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Carefree Date

I was up early but didn't go out until after Isaiah left for work. It was still cool! YEAH! I ran my 10K and came back and after a quick shower, went back to sleep until Alan came home. He was working on sending things to Abby as God is moving things along.. .She's working on getting her visa extended for another year... I looked again for cheap tickets and decided that maybe 2026 is not the best time to go climb ABC Trek in Nepal. There is too much going on!

Alan and I finally left at 1:30 for our lunch date. First, a stop at Coco and then there's a restaurant right next door that we've never tried. So, we decided to have lunch there. The food was quite good and the chairs were comfy! We stayed until 3pm.

We came home and I rested before heading off to tutor. And the second kid again did not show up! I was home early, which was a good thing. But what I noticed was that with TAS and other international schools off for Thanksgiving, the traffic wasn't that bad!

Isaiah went out with Fenny for dinner so Alan and I had a free evening just to hang out. He was working on getting a cheap ticket for the states this summer... I'll keep you posted.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

Thanksgiving Thursday!

I was up early and went out... and the weather was fabulous... Ran my 10K! I got home and started the turkey soup with the bag of bones that Alan brought home from his Soochow Thanksgiving Dinner. Yes, this year he only brought home two bags of turkey bones... nothing else! No pie, no mashed potatoes -- NOTHING BUT BONES!

Isaiah took off for work. Alan took off for work. I took a shower and had a delicious breakfast! And the house smells so good... the turkey soup in the instant pot... I did our Christmas decorations. YIPPY! We keep the decorations very simple! I will add a strand of lights... Alan likes Christmas lights and I have a small ceramic Christmas tree and 'house' which light up... and that's it! Yes, no gifts! Jesus is the best gift, so we never got into exchanging gifts. 

At 12:15 I went out to meet the teacher who put together the singing contest yesterday. She couldn't find Alan's scoring papers... Anyhow, she brought the wrong page and I couldn't wait. I told her that I'll meet her at 4:15. So, off I went to run my errands: buy black jello, pay a bill, get my scooter tuned up, transfer money, buy soda stream cartridges. I was home by 2pm and the soup was ready. I took out all the bones and put in the potatoes, onion, veggies, etc. And yes, the house smells fabulous!

At 4:00, I took off again. She had the right paper and after signing it, I went for my two hour massage! So nice! What a treat! I was home by 7pm and started dinner prep: making lots of grilled cheese sandwiches and adding more stuff to the soup!

Our friends came over for dinner at 8pm and Alan and Isaiah were home from playing basketball and we had a great evening. At 9:15, there was a group thanksgiving prayer time online. What a fun and evening of gratitude!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Different Kind of Wednesday

I was up early and spent time with Jesus. But I was feeling tired, so I went back to bed.

Alan went to play tennis and Isaiah went off to work. I went to check on the recycling and went out running for my usual 10K. I was back and after a shower, I had a nice breakfast and started to see if I can get that elusive ticket for the lowest price possible. Nothing... well... not that it's nothing, but I did not find the price that I was hoping to get!

At 12:45, Alan and I took off as we were to judge the singing contest at a university near our house. There were 24 individuals/groups that signed up and the experience was great. 

Since I had to be at the singing contest, I didn't have my usual Bible study or tutoring. A dear friend had a celebration of life service for her father, but I could not make it as it was from 2-4pm. 

The contest finished at 4:10 and Alan dropped me off at home and he took off for school. Tonight is the Soochow Thanksgiving Dinner!

I got home and blogged and checked on my emails and worked on church stuff! We have 10 dates that are in need of a speaker. Someone suggested that I speak... but I don't want to 'hog' the pulpit! So please pray as I wait to see who else the Lord will bring to speak at House of Praise.

Isaiah came home and we had a relaxing evening. Alan came home and brought lots of leftovers.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Birthday Celebration!

I was up early and did head out to run my 10K as I didn't want to experience the heat... 

I was back and Alan had taken off for tennis and got Isaiah up and out.

It's his 27th Birthday. I had bought these kid's snacks for him to take to the office!

I had a breakfast appointment with my wonderful friend, who always treats me to the best restaurants. And today was no different. She also blessed me with the best snacks... and she said: You can give them to Isaiah since it's his birthday today!

When we finished at 11am, I headed to the post office and then to the gas station before getting home. 

I had a nice free afternoon... and took a short nap. We had dinner plans to celebrate Isaiah's birthday! We found a nice burger joint and went over there for dinner. It was a very simple celebration.

He turned 27 today... Wow... and on Friday, it's Abby's birthday! How fast the years have flown by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Simple Monday

I was up early... and I could tell that the day was going to be quite warm.

I didn't go out for my run until 9am after Alan took off to work and sure enough, it was HOT! I completed my 10k and took a quick shower and had my delicious breakfast!

I took it easy, doing some simple household chores and resting. I went out to the post office to transfer more money into Isaiah's account ... Oh, the guy who is doing the cement work sent some pictures of what the walls look like now.

I could send you 20 more pictures... but you get the idea. This is what we are spending 8200US$ for! It should be finished by Friday. God is good as there has been no rain!!!!

I also looked at ticket prices... Maybe there will be a great deal this week... which I will buy for my trip to Germany and Alan is looking to buy for his trip to the States. Oh... I've also decided that I will splurge on two more pairs of running shoes for my birthday... And so I'm looking for some good "BLACK FRIDAY" sale... 

At 3:15, I headed out to meet up with a friend... just to check in with her to see how she's doing.

And finally, we had FAMILY TIME tonight... yippee!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

 

An Unusually Restful Sunday!

I was up early as Isaiah got in at 4:30... So, he went to bed and I got up.

It was nice and quiet... and I was able to put things away. Alan went to play tennis at 6am and I sat and read. At 8am, I went for a quick walk, going to buy bread and withdrawing money which I will deposit tomorrow. I wanted to hit my step goals, but the walk was too short.

I got home and made myself a nice cup of coffee... and read some more! I took down the clothes and posted a luggage to give away. I also sorted through clothes from our neighbor. I actually found a few pieces that I will keep for myself!

Alan was home at around 11am and Isaiah slept until 1pm!

Since Fenny was down in Kaohsiung, we didn't need to drive. We each took our own scooter. And we didn't need to rush to church as we had started setting up yesterday. Isaiah was drumming and translating. I came home first as Isaiah and Alan had the board meeting.

I can't believe it's the last week of November and Thanksgiving is on Thursday. Isaiah birthday is on Tuesday and Abby's is on Friday! 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Shower Prep!

I was up early and after my time with God, I started prepping for the baby shower. Baked two desserts. Made mashed potatoes and rice. Started the crockpot of pork loin. 

Isaiah left to catch the bus to Kaohsiung as he bought a ticket to the TWICE, all girls group, concert. Alan had headed out to play tennis. The weather was great.

I left at 10 for my run... 10K... finished the week with my usual 60 total. I took a quick shower, got the laundry into the washing machine and headed out to pay for the lodging that I had reserved for March and sent more money into Isaiah's account. The cement guy called when I got home... the job is almost finished. I should be meeting up with him next week and pay him the rest of the sum of money. 

Alan and I went early to church to set up and get the food plugged in and then we came home to prep some more as I wanted to make these posters with questions for sharing at the Marriage Builders Event-Baby Shower!

We had five couples and it was a wonderful Thanksgiving Potluck and Baby Shower!

Isaiah lined us and he will be home at 3:30am as he is taking the bus from Kaohsiung.

We watched two episodes of the Rookie and went to bed... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Revisiting Our Goals...

I was up early and did go out for my usual 10K... it was nice and chilly... but I was feeling tired... Still it was great to be out as I saw my usual running friends. 

After a shower, Isaiah took off for work and I went back to take a nap! Alan was home by 10am, which was early as we had lots planned.

We wanted to look over our goals and talk about our travel plans as well as our 7 year plans... We didn't finish on 11/14 as we had lots to get done for the Appreciation Luncheon.

We looked at travel plans and budget:

1. Alan, Isaiah and I will be heading to this little island to swim with the giant turtles during Lunar New Year. February 14-19. We will also spend a few days in Tainan, touring around the old city.

2. Abby's time in Taiwan. We will go on a weekend trip on March 13 to 15.

3. Alan and Isaiah's trip to see the US Open in August-September of 2026. 

4. Alan's trip to the States: most likely August 8th to September 8th.

5. Abby and I are planning on hiking ABC in Nepal. That's still in the planning stage, but perhaps in late March to early April. I want to be back for Resurrection Sunday which will be on April 5th.

6. Finally... my trip to Heidelberg in the first two weeks of May or it might be late April to mid May. 

Our budgets:

600US$ for Lunar New Year for three people

300US$ for March for four people

7,000US$ for Alan's trip to the States and their trip to NYC, including flights and hotels food etc. and US Open tickets

2500US$ for Abby and I to Nepal, flights, hotels, transportation, food, and trekking guide 

4,000US$ for my trip to Germany, flights, hotels, transportation, food, etc.

So, we're looking at about 15,000 or more for 2026! That's 450,000NT$!!!! 

We also looked at 2028... Alan's 70th! We hope the kids will go with us to visit three new places and two old favorites... and to go to the French Open to complete Alan's dream of visiting all the tennis Grand Slam sites! 

Needless to say, it was a very productive planning date.

We also went to Costco and Mega PXMart... but I forgot to buy a baby shower gift... So I did that after I finished tutoring! The second kid didn't show up, which gave me time to run that errand!

I also went and paid for Alan's two tickets... money wasted! And sent more money into Isaiah's account. As soon as he is approved for his loan, he will have to pay the second million as the down payment. And the house should be a done deal by the start of 2026! PRAY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was the one that I had suggested, which did not get enough vote. I thought it was short and easy to remember! Oh well...

Seek Him First!

Rested Well...

I was up early and after my time with Jesus, I got going with arranging things in the kitchen, instead of going running... With the cooler weather, I can be more flexible... SO NICE!

Alan and Isaiah took off for work and I had a nice breakfast before heading out to the traditional market to buy some special jello and Chinese Romaine. I was home by 11am and made Nepali rice as I bought some tofu to go with it. YUMMY LUNCH!

I took a nap and then went off running. I wore a jacket and it got hot. It was an easy relaxing run... just 10K.

I got home and the guard handed me two registered letters... unfortunately, Alan got two more tickets: citizen arrest. He didn't signal... while making a turn. 40US$ each! Oh well... 

At 5:15, I went for my massage... YEAH!

And I was home and I had prayer meeting at 9pm for church!

Please keep praying for our church situation.

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was another one of the suggestions for our family verse, but it didn't get enough votes.

Seek Him First!

Cooler Wednesday!

I was up early and did go out for my 10K... and it was much cooler... no rain. Alan went and played tennis. Isaiah took off for work and then I went down to check on the recycling! All done...

I headed back up and had my simple breakfast before taking a nap. I was so tired!

I got up and it was almost time to head out for my Soochow study. I promised one of the students that I'd bring him lunch. So I heated up the shepherd's pie and left! He really enjoyed it! I also had the chocolate muffins... which they all loved!

We had four students and the discussion was great. 

I was on my scooter and the temperature dropped... So, it was quite chilly riding up the hill... The hour went by and I was heading back home. 

The creamy chicken soup was ready and Alan made a salad and we had dinner and watched one episode of the Rookie. We then went over our goals, which we were not able to do on Friday. 

I was so tired that I headed to bed soon afterwards!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Double Studies...

I was up early but did not go out for my run... instead, I went back to bed. Wow... was I tired!

I got things ready to go to my morning Bible study! We had a wonderful discussion and there was an abundance of goodies!

After the study, I stayed to talk about the schedule for next year, trying to encourage our Administrative Assistant and the elder in charge of Human Resources. That finished at 3pm and I went home and went out for my quick 10K. The weather was marvelous... So, again, I think I ran faster than normal.

I then baked for my Soochow Study... brownies with extra chocolate pieces! I was able to take a Power Nap before heading out at 6:15 for my evening study, which I was leading! On the way there, I stopped to pick up some vitamins from a lady in Buy Nothing Taipei. 

It was so good to be back home... Tomorrow is Soochow Study and Tutoring... and I have a free night. Alan and I will use the time to go over our goals and plans for 2026!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

It's Already Mid-November!?!?!?!

I was up, but not as early as I like... the Chargers lost... I had my time with Jesus and went out for my usual 10K.

After getting back, I started to airfry the chicken and make mashed potatoes... I also got out ground beef as I'm going to make shepherd's pie for tomorrow's Bible study.

Alan and Isaiah took off and I tidied up the house before leaving for the post office. I got the 'cash' disbursement from the government... YIPPY. And then I scooter to the MRT Station to go and meet up with a sister for our monthly Prayer & Share Time.

By 2:15 I was heading back home and stopped at the Post Office again to send money into Isaiah's account. I stopped to buy soybean milk and went home to finish cooking and had prayer time with another gal.

Tonight, we had Family Time and voted on our verse for 2026. (Look below) We also bought the ticket for Abby's trip to Taiwan in March: 3/08 to 04/08!

I also had to cook some more... What I made was all finished!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here was one of the ones that was suggested. I will continue to share the other ones throughout my blog this week!

Seek Him First!