And A Restful Sunday... Extra, Extra-Ordinary!

I was up LATE... and no run... I went to buy fruit and veggies and there were so many people out... 

I came home and rested...

It was a wonderfully relaxing morning.

We ate leftovers for lunch... and I had bought salad stuff... so perfect!

At 3pm, we went to church... and helped with setting up for Love Cafe and talking to people. I translated... and it was again an amazing message!

We cleaned up and came home by 8pm... AMAZING... that's early! 

I did the recycling and blogged... prayed with a sister and watched TV...

What a great start of a new week!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Restful Saturday... EXTRAORDINARY!

I was up and did run my final 8KM... I went out late and that was a mistake... 

I got home and just putter around... read more novels... I got out the Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster and read that book... I used the juicer and made carrot juice... absolutely fabulous. I put ingredients into the bread maker and made bread... Carrot pulps and raisins... not too bad... but I am still figuring it out.

We had plenty of food in the fridge... but no salad stuff... I was thinking about going out but never made it out!

At 4:45, we went to the dinner meet up point to see which restaurant we wanted to have our get together. We chose a Korean restaurant and it was delicious. Eleven people and we ordered a lot and had leftovers.

We got home at 9:50 and Family Time was to start by 10pm, but we got started late...

Tomorrow... No morning service and no Young Adults Fellowship! I will go and get the veggies and maybe go to Costco?!?!?! I will be translating for the afternoon service...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Productive MOE Day

I was up and out and ran my 8KM... 

After a quick shower and sending Isaiah off, I was on my scooter... 

I made it there before 9am and got myself settled.

I had a list of what I wanted to get done:

Prep my two talks for HOP 

Read the Heaven book

Get my special class on Wednesday 7/29 set

Read the news on line...

And I got all that done and more... 

I was out of the office by 5:10 and scootered to pick up a library book, get my scooter tuned up and pay a few bills.

I even bought some Chinese Romaine. It was not cheap, but I had a terrific salad.

A lady came to pick up clothes that I had posted in Buy Nothing... So... I continue to get things out of the house...

The weekend has started...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fun Day Out

I was up early but did not go out until after 7:30... It wasn't too bad... 

Alan and I had planned an outing... So, we left at 10:30 and picked up friends and headed over to Ilan. I had found a nice public spa at a hotel. You have to pay an entrance fee, but you can stay the whole day. And that's what we did... we bought food and drinks and just enjoyed the day there. We didn't head back until 6:30...

After getting back, I had to drop off things at my students' house and then get gas. I needed to get my scooter tuned up, but I didn't have time.

Prayer time at 8:45... blogged and the day was finished.

I didn't want to go to bed too late as I have my full MOE day tomorrow!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

My PR Day!

I was up early and did my laborious run... I never feel like doing it now with this summer blaring heat... I just drag my legs out... but once I do go out, I'm always glad I did... even though I'm drenched in sweat upon my return... and I dunk at least two cans of sports drink to hydrate myself!

We were going to go out for a fun day but with the computer still being set up and the living room looking like a tornado blew through, we decided to 'switch'. Today became my PR Day and we will go out tomorrow.

I took out ground beef and made a delicious lunch/dinner dish and sat and read... And I am now completely convinced that I ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT A DOUBT DO NOT ENJOY READING A NOVEL VIA THE COMPUTER... When I want to go back to a certain dialogue, I can't stand strolling back and trying to find it... tedious... and I can't put the book away and come back to it... I like picking up a real book... I like skimming... and skipping and going forward and backward... 

But it was a nice morning... 

Then I went out at 3pm to pick up cheese packets and drop off a book for a friend. I also went to buy pop... and soy bean milk!

Yes, I did eat lunch... the dish I made. It was so good... with added sour cream and cheese!

I had tutoring at 6pm and Alan finished the set up by 5pm! YEAH!

Prayer time at 8:45... 

And the day was done! SPLENDID!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Busy and Not So Busy Day

I was up and did my run... ending it by picking up my scooter. Alan dropped off the helmet and the keys and I rode it back home. I still ran 8KM.

I was home and Isaiah had taken off already... we passed each other right near our house.

I took a shower and sat and read... DELIGHTFUL!

Then it was time to get started with prep... and I left at 12:30 to run errands: donating books, paying bills... and then met up with a gal at 1:30 at our church. We talked until 5pm. I had to rush back and pick up my bag for tutoring.

I made it and the session went from 5:30 to 7pm. I ended a bit late and was glad to be home...

The house was a mess as he is trying to switch the desk top... so things were pulled out of the study and placed everywhere. I think it's going to be like this for a few days... Oh well...

We had prayer time at 8:45 and then, I used the rest of the evening for prep...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Money Spending Monday

I was up and did run 8km even though I left late... So... God is merciful...

I was home and after a shower, I searched for a recipe to make rice cake. And I must say, it turned out really really good!

I was out the door by 10am to meet up with a friend and she had a wonderful breakfast/brunch ready. We hung out and chatted until 1:11 and we had to rush off as I was to meet Alan. I was late... 

We went to buy a desk top computer! 28,400 (About 900US$).

We came back home and had an early dinner and watched the Jane Eyre BBC 2006 TV show before we went to take a nap.

And we were out of the house by 7:35 to head to church for prayer time.

The hour flew by and we hung out to chat before heading back home by 10:15.

I remembered to wish my brother Eddie Happy Birthday... took the time to blog... and then went to bed! It was not as early as I had hoped...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Double Duty Sunday

I was up and glad to have my time with God... Always the highlight of my day!

Then I got ready for my morning service... and left at 10am, first checking the recycling. And a guy came to pick up a suitcase that I got for him. He is traveling back to Africa!

I arrived early and it was just nice to sit and listen as the worship team was practicing. At the start of the service, there were only like 5 people, but as I stepped up to share, there were about 25 people... A newcomer was sitting behind me and I felt led to pray with her after the service. And then I stayed to chat with another sister... 

I didn't get home until almost 2pm. After putting things away and packing things to bring, I ate lunch and laid down for 15 minutes before it was time to head out again.

Again, at the beginning of the service there were about eight people, but by the end of the service we had about 27 people... 

I spoke at both services... and the day just flew by. I had to minister after the evening service as well... a couple needed help. 

I finally got home at 8:30... Alan was already in bed... 

The week looks so much better... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Another Busy Day!

I was up and went out late... so it was quite hot... but I finished the week with 53KM! WOW!

After a shower, I started cooking for our gathering... I had planned a menu... for 20 people... 

I had tutoring at 11am and that went long.

When I came back, I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up the cooking... Mashed potatoes, crock pot chicken, salad, dip, dessert...

We left at 5:10 and set up the church.

We didn't have 20 people... but it was a wonderful evening.

We cleaned up and came home and I spent more time cleaning up and putting things away.

Sleep felt so good...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

MOE Day!

I was up early and went out for my 8KM. 

I was home and after a shower, I got all my stuff together... I looked like a bag lady... and took off for work! 

The ride was actually quite nice. I must remember to leave at 8:15 every Friday. 

I was at work by 8:45 and set up my table... NICE!

Nothing to edit... and no students... so I worked on the stuff I had brought. I even had time to read a couple of books and of course, catch up on the news.

At 5:05 I left and stopped to pay for a bill... and then went to tutor at 6pm. At the store that I stopped to pay for a bill, I took a few minutes to look at their splendid foreign goodies... That's the great thing about coming down to this part of town for work... there are stores nearby to shop at... 

Tutoring went well... and Alan had gone to Costco... so I asked him to buy Romaine Lettuce... PRICEY... but hey... 

Prayer time at 8:45 and the day had come to an end... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

PR Day!

I was up and went and ran 8km... and yes, it was hot... 

Then it was home... 

Isaiah went off to work... and I took a shower and made myself some delicious breakfast!

I read and napped and prepped... 

At 3:15, I went down and did the recycling before going to tutor. 

I tutored from 4-5:30 and again from 6-8:25... I was home for the prayer time at 8:45.

I blogged and prepped for tomorrow as I will be at the MOE and then tutoring from 6-8... so it's going to be a long day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Long & Productive Day

I was up early and went for my 8km after time with Jesus...

After Isaiah took off, I took a shower and trimmed my hair. I will do a bit more tomorrow.

Then it was time to go down to take care of the recycling. Everything was taken! 

I got back home and ate a delicious breakfast and then took a quick nap.

I had a meeting at 1:30, but I had errands to run and things to donate, so I left at 12noon: books to the library, pots and pans to the old guy to sell... Alan took the old lap tops and got 300NT$. He also brought more books which I am leaving at the church. The meeting went well and I had tutoring at 2pm. That went well... and I had time to get home to drop off things before going to tutor from 4-7pm.

I was home by 7:30 and Alan and I watched the movie, All Saints, stopping for prayer time at 8:45.

I blogged and was so ready for bed... but I wanted to get a load of laundry done and get myself organized for tomorrow's tutoring...

The day flew by!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Much Needed Day of Recovery

I was up and did go out for my 8km. It was better than yesterday... there was a slight breeze...

I got back and after sending Isaiah off to work, I took a quick shower and got started on a few easy projects. A very large pile is gathering for my sister, Annie... I don't know how Alan and Isaiah can bring everything back... (Yes, Annie, you read that correctly and I haven't even bought more pineapple cakes or tissue packets!)

In less than 90 minutes, I was feeling quite tired, so I went and took a nap... two hours flew by!

I was up and started on more projects: prep for the week! I had a few things to make copies and I wanted to update our postal passbooks... Well... Alan came home and he wanted to go get CoCo, so I sent him off to get those tasks done! YEAH... It was so hot outside that I didn't want to be outdoors.

I continued with prep... and felt tired... so... yes... I took another nap: almost 90 minutes flew by... Wow... 

Getting up, I noticed that the clouds have come... rain was soon to follow... I used the rest of the time before tutoring to finish up my prep and blog for church... 

Tonight I had prayer at 8:45 and online study at 9pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

A Very Long Monday

I knew it was going to be a busy week... sure enough...

The run was not pleasant as it was hot and humid and muggy...

But I ran my 8km and was so glad to be back home...

I had been given a whole box of clothes and I sorted through that box after I took a shower and Isaiah took off for work. Alan had already gone to play tennis.

There were some very nice items... I posted them in the Buy Nothing group and someone will come for them tomorrow.

I then had breakfast and took a nap before starting to prep for my tutoring.

I left at 1pm as I had two errands to run before meeting friends for coffee at 2:30.

Tutoring was at 4pm and that went until 5:45 and I scootered over to my next tutoring which went from 6-8pm. I went a little over and got home by 8:25. I checked the recycling again and came up for prayer at 8:45. 

I had made a nice big salad before leaving so that was what I enjoyed for dinner!

I blogged for church and wrote this blog... and put away everything and headed off to bed by 11:30...

Yes, it was a very long Monday... God sustained me!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Long Sunday!

I was up early and knew that it would be a long Sunday...

We haven't had any janitorial help for four days... so the recycling has been a lot of work!

And then I wanted to meet up with Judy at the morning church she and everyone went to... It's always good to see her.

And today was the Young Adults and it was again, only Isaiah and I... so we just used the time to talk. I had brought my computer to church so I stayed at church and worked on my July 19th talks and PPT... and I finished!

Of course, I set up for Love Cafe and then the worship team was short of singers/translators, so I stepped in to help! I never got to sit down as I was also the MC translator and the speaker's translator... With people gone, the clean up also took longer... Even though so many people were traveling, we still had a very nice crowd... about 30 people!

I was home and again, the recycling was overflowing... 

I blogged and prayed and the week will be a busy one!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fun Typhoon Day

I was up and went out and completed my 8km, stepping in many puddles... but I saw no one single bikers or runners along my usual path... and I actually made 50km this week. Amazing.

I was home and the rain continued... the wind wasn't bad... 

Isaiah was still asleep... and I decided NOT to go to my tutoring. Instead, we went and met up with Judy and everyone... We brought over many board games, but spent most of the time teaching them how to play mahjong. 

What a fun afternoon!

Jon went and bought Pizza Hut goodies and we ate in the lobby area.

Judy and I played backgammon... and the kids continued with various card games.

At 6:15, they went across the street to a teppanyaki place. I was too full from all the snacks... so I stayed in the lobby and worked on the translation for the message tomorrow. While sitting there, a sweet teenager sat down and decided to have a conversation with me. It was a delightful surprise. His father is Jordanian and his mom is Taiwanese. 

They came back at 8:30 and since they were still suffering from jet lag, we bid them good night and headed home.

I came back and rad and blogged... and it was good to head off to bed by 11:30!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Typhoon Day!

I wasn't up as early as I usually get up on Friday and I really regret it. I thought it was going to be cooler or cloudy, but it looked hot... And it was hot... I did run about 10KM. And I checked the recycling area and came up to take a shower.

I had Wheatabix with raisins for breakfast... YUMMY!

At 10;50, I headed out for tutoring... YEAH! The 90 minutes were a bit too long as the gal wasn't focused. I was glad to head back home.

Isaiah was still sleeping... I put a few things away and made picked veggies and an avocado salad. So delicious. 

It was a very relaxing afternoon... I 'speed watched' the Hallmark Movie, The Magic of Ordinary Days... That was quite good like Seeking Persephone. I read the book and I'm going to find the second book! Unfortunately, I had to read it off the computer... I liked the book and the way the author writes.

Alan and Isaiah watched a series of TV shows... but I was no interested...

So, I worked on my talks and finished the HOP one for July 19th. I still need to work on the GEM one and two ppts. That's what I am usually doing if I was at the MOE.

Prayer time at 8:45 and the day was done!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Not Exactly The Usual PR Day...

I was up early... And went out for a run... And it was HOT, HOT, HOT... it's the before the typhoon weather!

I was back and took a shower and got Isaiah off to work and I sat and read... and then when Alan came home, he suggested that we go and get a few things done.

With the typhoon coming, we decided to go to the Sanchong area and bought lots of veggies.. .YUMMY!

And then we picked up the floor mats for my friend's father and dropped those off. 

And then I had packed all the donation that I wanted to drop off at my 'old' guy... I'm trying to share with this guy about Jesus every time I drop things off... 

And then we were finally home... and it was already 3pm. I ate my lunch and took a nap for 20 minutes and headed off to tutor. I had tutoring from 4-5 and then 5:30 to 7pm... and both went long...

I was home by 8pm and checked the recycling AGAIN... 

Alan had gone to the dinner I had set up... and when he got home, he said it was great!

We were to have Family Time but Isaiah wasn't home but we heard that tomorrow will be a TYPHOON DAY. NO NEED TO GO INTO THE MOE OFFICE!

Wow... what a gift!

I remembered to do the prayer time at 8:45... PRAISE THE LORD...

And then my tutoring tomorrow asked if we can do tutoring earlier...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Hot Does Not Fully Describe the Heat!

I was up early and made my 8KM...

After a shower and sending off Isaiah, I went down to the recycling. At 9am, they came and we started loading. I always pray. EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN... including all that was left from last week... It was a miracle.

By the time we finished, it was already 10am... I gathered up things to give away, got ready for tutoring and left at 10:50. The 90 minutes flew by and I was home... LUNCH TIME... YEAH!

Alan had the AC on... and I made some green bean soup... Asians think that this will help to lower a person's internal heat... 

Tutoring at 3:40, so I left at 3:10. I was there early and the hour went well...

I was home and wanted to nap... but really no time. 

We were set to meet up with the Brantinghams... they are all here... well, except for Jacob... the wives and the boys... and Maggie and Jon and Judy!

Shihlin Night Market... CRAZY! WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Birthday Boy Date!

I was up early and even though I didn't feel like going out, I went and ran my usual 8KM.

I was just feeling tired, but I'm so glad I did go out... 

After I got back, I packed up a box to be mailed off to a friend in Taichung and the morning hours flew by. Alan was home by 10am as we had planned to go out for the whole day. I had cleared my calendar just for that purpose!

First, we went and picked up things and then mailed the box. Then we bought his favorite drinks: CoCo... and headed off to Keelung for lunch. We found a great parking complex and walked around. Lunch was delicious... and then we wanted to go for a two hour acupressure massage, but our favorite place only takes cash. We forgot! So, off we went instead to look for a birthday present, which was a new helmet.

We came back to Neihu by 4:00 and got gas and a car wash and then rested in the car before going into the IKEA Shopping Mall... We had planned to have dinner there at the Teppanyaki Place!

PXMart and IKEA Grocery Store are part of this complex, so I went and bought mustard and a few other items.

We got our table and ordered and Isaiah joined us at 6:30. WE FEASTED... steak, shrimp, cod, boneless chicken... 

At 7:30, we headed home... I cooked the chicken and other items I bought. Isaiah did a load of laundry. Alan got to talk to Abby and at 8:45, it was our HOP Prayer Time! I also blogged for House of Praise...

The day flew by... 

Happily...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

What A Day!

I was up early and I had slept late last night as I got into reading some of the old books... Jane Austin's and the Bronte Sisters... And Anne of Green Gables series... And I didn't even get into Agatha Christie's... TERRIBLE!

I ran my 8KM and came home to post more things to give away... Wow... 

I think I mentioned it before, but people now just leave things by my scooter space or right on our floor... I post and pack things up for people in the Buy Nothing Group. Of course, I have continued in my own pursuit of giving things away. I love it!

Then at 10:45 I scootered over to help a friend who is moving... to the States... We got so much done... and I scootered back with one huge bag of things to give away and four bags of her trash... yes, you read that right... the landlord was to come for inspection at 4:30 but the trash trucks don't come until 9:15. In our complex we have those big trash bins... Anyhow... I had to take the long route back home and I scootered even slower than my usual speed...

Once I got home I ate quickly and was off again. I wanted to buy pineapple cakes for Eddie as a friend is going to Australia tonight. And I had tutoring at 3:30. I was a few minutes late for tutoring and I just extended the time on the other end. And after tutoring, I went and dropped off the package.

I again came home and ate quickly and headed out to Bible study.

Oh... I forgot to tell you that Brazil lost... Mexico lost... Abby is really sad.

When Bible study was finished, I was so glad to be home.

I had a box to pack up and tomorrow is Alan's birthday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Double Service Sunday

I was up early but it was not about going out running... I had a morning service to attend. The pastor of the church is on vacation in the states, so he invited me to speak.

I had things to sort from the recycling and posted things to give away! YIPPY!

The recycling area is so crazy... I think we have three families moving in... because there is so much stuff... empty boxes and things that they don't want! Plus, this is the end of the school year so kids are tossing all their textbooks. SAD!

I arrived at the church early and praise the LORD, there were four new people. It's a small church, but we had about 30 people, including the newcomers. I was able to talk to one gal and pray with her.

I scootered back home and had lunch and a Power Nap before taking off to my usual church. The Love Cafe was almost finished... I added a few more goodies... And I had things to give away... WOW... 

Alan was the speaker and then we had testimony from the two kids who were baptized... and communion. It was a wonderful service.

Afterwards, we had our monthly HOP meeting... and that ended at 9:15! 

When I went out, it was starting to sprinkle... YIKES... I got home before the down pour! It made the air so muggy...

Yes, we have our AC on... 

I blogged... checked my emails... put things down at the guard booth for people to pick up and posted more things on Buy Nothing... 

The week has started... and it's another busy one!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Fourth of July

I was up early and went out for a short 5KM as we had breakfast reservation at the Renaissance for Alan's birthday.

Fenny rode her scooter and we all rode our scooters... and the breakfast was fabulous... Totally worth the money... And it wasn't limited to 90 minutes. We just stayed until it was time to leave... We forgot to take pictures... I'm so bummed!

Alan, Isaiah and Fenny came home to take a nap while I went to a friend's house to pick up ingredients. She is madly trying to get the house cleaned up and they have so much stuff... She will have an open house and drop things off at the church tomorrow night... If I brought a car over, she could nave filled the entire car with things to give away. I had hoped that she had started earlier... but a month was not enough. I think she should have started in February. That's how much stuff she had to give away!

I came home and will bring things to church tomorrow.

And I too took a short nap before we started with MOVIE TIME. That was the plan... Isaiah found The Devil Wears Prada 2... and that's what we watched.

When that was over, Fenny had to take off to meet her friend in Taoyuan and she will be staying overnight there... So, she won't be at church tomorrow.

I finished packing up the box that is going to the Philippines and Alan and Isaiah worked to seal it and put it down in the lobby of our building. I have continued to give away things... Today, I put in two dresses and a jacket in that box... YEAH... And the carry on suitcases and computer bag have not yet been picked up... but hopefully next week!

I did a load of laundry and went out for another run... Alan went to the tennis courts as it was getting nicer out. That was why we planned for Movie Time. We were thinking of going to watch the movie at the theater, but none of the time fit our schedule. So, we decided to watch it at home and that actually worked out nicely.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day... 

I will share at a morning service... and Alan will be the speaker at House of Praise. We will also have our HOP Monthly Leadership Meeting as people are taking off on Monday... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

MOE Started!

I was up early and did go for my run...I might hit 10>55km tomorrow... wow... I can't believe that!

I was back and after a shower, I gathered my stuff and took off for the MOE Office. I gave myself 50minutes.

The traffic was fine and I got there by 8:45!

I had the badge and the key and cleaned up a bit and put my things in the fridge. I got the computer going and set myself up, not knowing if I had any appointments or document to proof.

I'm glad I brought the book and my lap top. 

I finished reading the chapters and the ppt for Sunday.

it was a very productive day. No document to edit and no appointment.

I even had time to catch up on the news and see the standings for the FIFA World Cup. Ha, ha, ha...

At 5:17 I left and rode home, stopping to get money to pay all the bills.

I was hungry, so I fixed myself a salad and had cream of corn soup. YUMMY!

Alan and I watched the Mentalist and then prayer time at 8:45.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!

Not My Typical PR Day

I was up and did go out for a slow 8KM. But like life, I just focused on taking one step at a time.

I was back and able to say good bye to Isaiah.

After a shower, I had wanted to get the living room cabinet, at least one side of it, reorganized in order to give more stuff away. I knew that the paper work was not going to be easy... and sure enough, just opening up one folder took 30 minutes. So I put that away. Instead, I worked on looking through my carry ons. And I am delighted to say that I am giving away two carry ons and two computer bags! Yesterday, I gave away four rice bowls and threw away an old book that I had from my studies in Pepperdine! It was one of the thickest!

Alan came home and decided to drive out to Danhsui as we wanted to go across the new bridge. That was a great car ride. Alan bought CoCo and fried chicken and we went to the Danhsui apartment. While he ate, I water the plants and tidied up the place. We turned on the AC unit... YEAH. We then went to pick up the nice thermos Isaiah let at the Tienmu Stadium when he went to watch the WaiChuan Dragons play. 

We were home by 3:30... YEAH... I had time to put things away and take a nap. I went down to check the recycling and then went to tutor. I went long and didn't get home until 8pm and I had to check the recycling again! 

Prayer time at 8:45... I didn't miss it... 

And I watched the TV series, The Mentalist before finishing my blog and checking my emails.

Tomorrow... MOE Day, so I gathered everything I need to bring, including a book that I hope to read. Who knows what I will be doing?!?!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Seek Him First!