Thursday, April 30, 2026

Feeling Much Much Better!

I was up and I slept better... the throat was in recovery...

But no run... I didn't want to push my body...

So, it was indeed a day of rest!

I didn't even sit and read. I just rested... I got up and did a few things around the house and went back to bed. I made soup and had bowls and bowls of it... I actually made two pots of soup... I finished the first pot and made a second pot. The first was carrot soup... and the second pot was tomato soup... wow... so delicious! Two different savory soups... 

At 4:30, I went out for a walk... I was hoping to have enough energy to ride out to Costco and do some shopping... but I only walked to the neighborhood mini Carrefour... I did not find the snacks I wanted to bring to Europe... So... I will have to go on Saturday!

The day flew by... all too quickly.

A friend came over at 7pm as I cut her hair... and then prayer time at 8:45.

I blogged, checked emails...

Alan and Isaiah played basketball at Soochow... and tomorrow is a holiday!

I still have tutoring... and the weekend will be a busy one! What else is new?!?!?!?

Daily Lovely Insight:

Pentecostal - Day 32: July 29, 2021 Hebrews 6:19-20 (AMPC) [Now] we have  this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and  it cannot break down

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Oh No... A Very Sore Throat!

I was up and did not sleep well... I woke up several times as I had a very very sore throat... unusually sore! FLAMING SORE! I took some medicine!

I had a busy day... no run... as I was not feeling well... the throat... the lack of sleep... Please pray for a full recovery!

I went out to run errands and tutored at 11am to 12... and came home for lunch and headed out again for my last Bible study. We had 11 students... It was a wonderful time as we talked about: Who is God? What are His attributes? What's your relationship with God?

I had cancelled my 3:40 tutoring and I'm so glad. My throat was still FLAMING SORE! I went and ran more errands and came home. I ate a small meal and took a nap.

I had tutoring from 6-7pm and came home by 7:30! YEAH...

Prayer time at 8:45 and Family Time at 9pm.

Tomorrow is my REST DAY!

Thank you Jesus!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 99: For the Lord Our God Is Holy - God Centered Life

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Morning Bible Study... and Running Errands!

I was up early and went for a short run... I only had time for 8K. I think that's going to be the distance for the next few days until I go to Europe!

I was home and after a quick shower, I was out the door... only to realize that I had forgotten the church key and brought the wrong bank card... 

I scootered back and had to wait to run errands. The only thing I did was to return books and check out one book for Isaiah. I also donated books at the library.

I was going to buy tuna fish sandwiches but the shop was closed... so I only brought tangerines for our Bible study!

We are looking at Psalm 30 and it was a great discussion. Two gals joined online! And there were four of us at church. We again didn't finish until after 1pm! 

I then went to withdraw money and then to the bank to exchange for Euro and pay our credit card bill. I wanted to run a few more errands, but I had to go pee... I stopped to buy soy bean milk and headed home!

Alan was home and having lunch, so I joined him.

Then I decided to take a short nap... the other errands will have to wait!

Tonight I had tutoring... for an hour and then prayer time at 8:45.

I baked and wrote up the shipping forms for the boxes and Alan taped it up. The shipping company will come pick up on Thursday. Friday is Labor Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

O Lord, my God, I cried out to you for help and you healed me." Psalm 30:3

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Monday, April 27, 2026

Yes... It Was Another Hectic Day!

I was up early... but by the time I went out to run, I only had 35 minutes... I ran only 5K.

I came home and did not take a shower as I had planned to do that at Isaiah's house, in order to test their water pressure.

I got there before 10am and went and dropped off books for donation. YEAH!

I bought two tea eggs and an iced latte and settled myself down at the dining room table and waited. Isaiah messaged me: the guy was downstairs! Wow... it was 10:30 or so!

It took him about an hour to finish... it was really difficult to remove the old ones... after he left, I changed the three outer ones... But a lot of water came out of each filter, so I had to do a mopping of the kitchen floor. 

I changed the shower head and took a shower... short showers... no problem... BUT... if the shower lasted more than three minutes, the water did turn cold! It's not a problem with the shower hose. It's not a problem with the shower head. It's not a problem with the hot water heater... as the other shower is fine. I think it's the way that the piping was done. Oh well... 

I left Isaiah's place at around 1pm and got home at 1:37! WOW...

I put things away and laid down for a Power Nap after I put in a small load of laundry. I brought back the rags that I used to mop up the water... 

When the load was done and hung, I went over to our friend's house and put way a few things and then came back home for prayer time at 4pm!

I was so happy that I had a semi free evening as I wanted to finish packing the boxes!

I also heard from the Evangelistic Sisterhood Lodging called Kanaan! I will be staying there from May 16th to the 19th!

Daily Lovely Insight:

The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice!” —Psalm 97:1 #RejoiceInTheLord  #CreatorRedeemer #SeekHim

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Sunday, April 26, 2026

A Short Post...

I was up early and after my time with Jesus, I had about 45 minutes to get something started with packing up the boxes to be shipped.

Then I was off to help the gals who are going to go abroad as their oral interview and writing prompts were this morning. And people were still down in Taitung for the Challenge Taiwan competition. Another young man was having his violin try-outs... so lots to be praying for.

The gals did extremely well as we over-prepared and the questions were easy!

I went to church to join Isaiah's Young Adults group and Alan was the only one there with Isaiah. In fact, Alan went early and got the church set up... so nice!

We finished at 12:15 and I made the Love Cafe ready and went home to rest... the hour flew by!

I was back at church and I was praying... And we had a decent crowd even though most of the usual people were absent... God is so good... 

The service was finished at 6pm and people hung around to chat... 

I didn't get home until 8:30 and then started packing... Wow... 

I had prayer time at 9:30 and did more packing of the boxes... 

They are almost finished. But they will be filled... In fact, I have way too much stuff... 

I will have to do some reorganizing to get everything in.

By 11pm, I was so ready for bed... This was going to be a short blog... but ...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Verse of the Day - Romans 6:5 | The Wind

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Can The Day Get Any Busier?

I was up early and did not go out for my run until 8:42... I could not leave any later!

I ran for an hour and took a quick shower before going to be pick books.. This complex has the best guards. There were three of them who helped to get all the boxes into my car. I got home and parked the car and headed out to tutor. I got there right on time... if not just a few minutes early.

The hour went by quickly and I extended the time just a bit, which meant I had to rush home to pick up all I needed for my next tutoring gig!

I was 15 minutes late as I couldn't find their home!

I again extended my time and didn't finish until 3:37 and I was home by 4pm.

I just sat and ate... 

Alan and I left to drop off things for Angel Lin at the Hyatt and another bag of things for a friend in our neighborhood. We then bought pizza and fried chicken for Alan's dinner.

We got back and I went to Challenge Taiwan Live Stream and at 7:52 caught the finish of the three people from House of Praise! YEAH...226km relay!

I then started to do the pickled carrots and cucumbers and white radishes... and then I put veggies into the crock pot!

I still had so much to get done.

The boxes are not packed... and our dining room table is filled with things that I was sorting. Toiletries to bring on my trip... And I need to check the weather to make sure I am bringing the right clothes...

I have another full day tomorrow...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and  green." Psalm 92:14, NLT #NewLivingTranslation #NLTBible #ReadTheNLT  #Bibleverse #Bibleverses #Biblestory #Biblestories #Bibleversesdaily  #Bibleversedaily #Biblequote365 ...

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Friday, April 24, 2026

Another Very Full Date Day!

I was up early... and Alan went to work out while I was still having time with Jesus, so we never talked about all that needed to be done today...

After Isaiah left, I went out for my usual 8K... the weather was great... but I still limited myself to an hour. I so enjoy being out... it was drizzling and windy, but I loved it!

Alan got back early.. YEAH... and he remembered that I wanted to go over to the traditional market right near Isaiah's house. And we decided to play it by ear to see how much we can get done before I had to go and tutor.

So... off we went to the traditional market... and I got so much for about 10US$! He went and bought lunch and CoCo... He picked me up as I could not carry about 15 kilos of veggies and fruits! Such bounty! We went to Isaiah's house, but we couldn't find parking. So Alan went up... and then we switched. While I was at the house, Alan decided to go and park the car at pay parking... He came up as we needed two people to test the hot water heater!

We finished all the little jobs at around 1:30 and then headed to Soochow to pick up Isaiah's rain coat... and then we went to pick up items to pack for the box. We were home around 3pm and Alan ate his lunch box and I decided to take a Power Nap! I had eaten like 10 tangerines in the car!

I headed out in the rain and tutoring went fairly well... I then went to drop off the cards that Abby had written to thank people. She should have gotten these done earlier and dropped them off herself!

I was finally home at 8pm. I checked the recycling and cleaned that area up and came home to make soup. Alan ate the duck soup as I forgot to put a sign on it...

Prayer time at 8:45... 

It's going to be a very busy weekend... A group of church friends headed down to Taitung for the Challenge Taiwan Triathlon! I joined it and ran the marathon part of the relay... four kids from our church have major exams this weekend... and I have tutoring tomorrow and Young Adults Fellowship on Sunday plus tutoring and I will be sharing the message... Please pray... It's the weekend before I leave... and this week is going to be packed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 92 Chiastic Structure

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Thursday, April 23, 2026

A Very Full Day!

I was up... and went out for a run... just 8K... 

After sending Isaiah and Alan off, I was on the phone: order boxes for the Philippines, checking on Isaiah's water filter system and hot water heater... and then I rushed off as I had tutoring at 10:30!

That hour flew by and and I went to have lunch with a dear sister, the one who always treats me to the most spectacular meals... And for lunch, we had DUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow... And of course, she always gives me all the leftovers.

I then went to Taiwan Cell to purchase 'buffet data' for my trip to Europe. I splurged and paid 100US$ for 15 days of unlimited data. This way, I can check for maps or information when I'm out and about. 

I had made an appointment for a massage for 3:30 and I arrived a bit early! YEAH! Those 90 minutes were so relaxing! I walked out of there refreshed!

Tutoring started at 5:15 instead of 5:30 as we had a lot to do this evening. I tried to cram and prep these gals for their oral interview and written entrance exam on Sunday. When I got home, the mom sent me a message: the girls would like to have one more session! WOW! They felt it really helped... so we're looking at Saturday!

I ate some soup from lunch... so delicious... and then it was prayer time...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Proverbs 13:25 | The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but  the belly of the wicked shall want.

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Midterm Study!

I was up but not early enough and thus, I did not get a run in... This is what happened:

It was too hot by 8am... and so I decided to bake and go buy more veggies and fruit. Oh... I found lantern fruit or cape gooseberry. They are very delicious. I also took a nap...

I had study at 1:10 and the pineapple cake turned out extremely well.

After the study, I had tutoring and that hour went by fast.

When that was finished, I decided to go to the park... maybe for a walk... and I lined my Wednesday 6pm tutee... "We're not having class tonight, are we?" The Mom replied: Why not? I answered: because I thought you switched to Saturday morning. "Oh no, I wanted two days a week!" 

So, I rushed home, picked up my teaching box and headed off. I was home by 7:35 and I didn't want to go out for a run even though the weather had cooled down. I sat and ate a salad and prayer time started at 8:45!

We had Family Time at 9pm.

And by 11, I was so ready for bed!

Tomorrow is another full day of tutoring! I did make a reservation for a massage at 3'30 with Ms. Hsieh!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Fear In The Assembly Of The Saints | The Heaton File

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Truly Rested!

I was up and after Isaiah took off, I went for a run... and yes, I tried to stick to one hour only... 

I was home and after a quick shower, I got my coffee and my books and read and rested... And I fell asleep and Alan came home from his workout and it was already 1:17! WOW...

We had lunch together and I turned on the WiFi to look at train schedule. I can now get a senior discount, I think, but things aren't so cheap nowadays! Anyhow... I didn't buy anything... 

At 5pm, I had prayer time... and then at 6:30, I headed off to my Tuesday evening Bible study. It was so good to see everyone.

I joined the 8:45 prayer time... and rode home at 9:10. 

It was nice to get home... I decided to start baking so that I won't have to do it tomorrow!

Again the day flew by...

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalms 89:1

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Monday, April 20, 2026

A Change...

I was up but not too early... And after my time with Jesus, I started to cook as I wanted to make tamale chicken. 

I went out for my run but the sun was out in full blast... so, what's the change? I've decided to just run an hour... if I make 9k, great... if not... that's ok... when I go to Germany, I'll give myself more time to run... the weather is going to be much cooler... unlike Taipei now!

I was home and Isaiah called to ask about the gas meter... I had to rush as I was set to meet up with a sister at 11am at church. I was 15 minutes late!

Then at 1:30, I went to drop off sheets and pillowcases to the person who is now staying at our old house and two water filter replacements. And then I headed to tutoring... 

That hour flew by and when I got home, there were five bags of nice bedding to sort through... wow... 

Another friend came over to chat... and then we had Prayer Time in person at 8pm and online Bible study at 9pm. I stayed at church and did the online Bible study... 

I guess my days have not slowed down! Tomorrow... for sure... I am going to have my PR Day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Joshua 22:5 ESV - Bible Study, Meaning, Images, Commentaries, Devotionals,  and more...

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Sunday, April 19, 2026

The Weekend Is Finished!

I was up not so early as I went to bed late last night... 

And after time with Jesus, I had lots to do... I wanted to clean the washing machine... and get Isaiah's closet 'reset' and look over my closet to change season... plus clothes to pack for my trip... And I also wanted to bake for church... So... the morning flew by... LITERALLY!

By 2:30, I was out the door... 

It's great being with my Church Family... 

I was home by 8pm and finished up the tasks that I had started this morning.

Prayer time at 9pm and then blog and I was truly ready for bed by 10... but I wanted to get things ready for tomorrow... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Connect with God through today's devotional!  https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/prayer-of-the-desperate  📖 Read: Psalm 88:1, 6-18 🙏 Receive: Father, sometimes I hurt too much  even to pray. Thank You that You're big enough to take all

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Saturday, April 18, 2026

A Even Longer Saturday!

If you thought Friday was a lot... READ ON!

I was up early and knew that the day was going to be LONG...

I dropped off more stuff at our friend's house, but I'm not sure if these people will be staying there. I'm just getting it sort of set up and we will wait and see... I did go run... but only 6K!

 Then I had tutoring at 11:15 to 12:15.

When I got home, the boys were almost ready to head out... and that's what we did! We went over to our old house and started moving Fenny... and she had a lot of stuff. Isaiah and Fenny went up and down and I went to move things into the car and Alan packed everything in. We also had two scooters which we put two small carry on suitcases and a gym bag! That was amazing.

Alan drove and Isaiah took Fenny and I took Fenny's scooter! We got over there and started to unload... when that was finished, we packed up Erica's stuff to bring over to the old house! Now... the amazing thing was: when we were riding or driving, it was raining... but when we had to move stuff, the rain stopped! WOW... miraculous!

We got Erica familiar with the area and we came home.

I again checked the recycling and the lady came and picked up stuff! WOW...

At 5:20, we headed out for our Marriage Builders Date Night! Isaiah had taken Alan's scooter so we had to find the extra key to Isaiah's scooter... 

Cantonese food and then bowling... Wow... what fun! We didn't finish until 9:30... and got home by 10PM... 

Isaiah had gone to basketball practice for the Company's Three-on-Three tournament that's coming up.

Wow... it was a go, go, go day...

Tomorrow is going to be much slower pace... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

That his glory may dwell in our land (Psalm 85; Advent 2B) – An Informed  Faith

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Friday, April 17, 2026

A Very Long Friday!

I was up early and knew that today and tomorrow will both be very long days...

I did run... Only 8KM... 

And then we went out to meet some friends for lunch... After that we went to the travel exhibition and didn't see much but we bought four breakfast buffet coupons for the Renaissance Hotel. That's only because we've passed by it several times and wonder what it was like inside!

We got home and I put things away and checked the recycling while Alan took a Power Nap. At 4:05, we were off to Danhsui. We got there by 5:05 and I started cleaning... I was finished by 5:58 and Alan, who was napping in the car, drove up and we loaded things into the car and headed to church. We went to pick up the keyboards that we are giving away for the church. The lady is coming to pick them up tomorrow.

We got home at 7:40 and Isaiah came down to help us unload!

We sat down to have dinner and then I worked to sort everything and then had prayer time at 8:45!

By 10pm, I was exhausted but took one load of things to give away and another load to our friend's house next door as we're setting it up for a short term stay in May. I will be gone... so I have to get it done now! And I heard from the Ministry of Education. They liked for me to work two days a week there... but I said, "No thanks... I will only help with one day a week." This is going to start in July! Wow... That was a big surprise!

11pm came all too quickly... 

Tomorrow... it's going to be another busy day!!!!!!!!

Daily Lovely Insight:

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,  longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” — Psalm 85:15 KJV 📕 🌿  This verse is a gentle reminder of

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Thursday, April 16, 2026

I Ran Again...

I was up early and decided to go out early... but actually, the weather stayed relatively nice throughout the day... cloudy and cooler!

I was home and after a nice shower, I made rice noodles for my meals... and sat myself down on the sofa with a stack of books and read.

Alan and Isaiah had left for work!

I finished the book Living the Resurrection and started on two more! And yes, I ate my delicious rice noodles for breakfast, morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack! WOW... fabulous!

At 4pm, I prepped for tutoring and headed out at 5pm.

When that was finished, I was home by 7:30! And yes... more rice noodles!

Alan and Isaiah played basketball!

Abby has recovered... and she attended her second online seminary class... We have yet to set up our Family Time... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 65:11 - You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard  pathways overflow with abundance. #verse #dailyverse #hope #encouragement

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

I Did Run...

It's already Wednesday... and I am feeling much better.

So, after helping with the recycling, I scooter to the park and ran... My legs were like: What are you doing? They seemed to have forgotten how to run... everything felt very foreign... And it was hot... I ran 8K.

I got home and took a quick shower and headed out to tutor.

When that was finished, I rushed home and picked up everything for my Bible study. We had 10 people... Two kids didn't show up but it is the week before midterms. Next week we will just use the time to chat!

I went straight to my tutoring and when that was finished, I stopped at a convenience store before heading home. I was so glad that I didn't have my 6pm tutoring... I was exhausted!

I had a simple dinner and stayed up until prayer time at 8:45 and then went to bed!

Daily Lovely Insight:

How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even  faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the  living God.” - Psalms

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

It's Tuesday... And It Was A Busy One...

I was up early... but I didn't go for a run... I am still recovering...

I made the food for the morning Bible study and baked... for tomorrow's Soochow Study!

I decided to go to church early... that worked out well...

I slowly set up and sat down and did a blog for church!

We had five people at the study and it was great... the discussion and the sharing!

We didn't finish until 1:40! I scootered home... put things away and was off again. I had an appointment to counsel someone at 3pm.

The time flew by... and I hope the time was helpful for her... 

I scootered home and arrived at 6:45 and got the computer turned on and running... and tutored online until 8:05!

The rest of the evening flew by... 

I didn't hit publish as I wanted to update you on the flight situation... 

Tonight, I finally decided to take the plunge and call the long distance number via my land line to Florida USA, which is where GOTOGATE seems to be located. It was around 8:30pm Taiwan time... and when our church prayer time started, I was still in the cue to talk to someone. Finally, a real person came on. I moved to the bedroom as Alan was still in the online prayer call... After another 45 minutes, a request was put forth for me to be on a flight from Taipei to Beijing and Beijing to Frankfurt on May 3rd and May 4th, arriving in Frankfurt on the morning of the 4th! That's two days earlier... so... I think the Lord has something planned... of what, I do not yet know... What will I do? Where will I stay? Those are all questions... but I'll be in Germany... I am thrilled... I will roam... and see what the Lord has prepared... I will start looking for lodging... but anything will be fine with me!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 27:4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that  I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Monday, April 13, 2026

It's Monday... Already!

I was up and knew I wasn't going to go run today! I was still 'recovering' from the herniated disc!

At 10am, I left to meet up with my once a month Monday morning prayer time... I left early since I knew it would take longer... 

Again, she had a huge spread of delicious food and we talked. I had to set the alarm as I had tutoring at 2pm.

I got to tutoring in time by taking the MRT all the way to tutor... And then I rode a bike and walked... It was nice... and it was hot. I was able to shop along the way.

I got home at 4pm and posted things to give away!

It was a nice free evening!

Oh... Abby finished her run! She thinks she made it before the cut off time of six hours!

And still no news about my flight to Germany!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Proverbs 13:4 - THIRSTY DEER

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Abby's Run & Sunday Fun/Pain

I was up and had a time with Jesus... I had herniated my back yesterday while doing the recycling for our complex, so moving was difficult. I am praying for healing. I also have a patch on right now.

I rested and then headed out to the Young Adults Fellowship. It was only Isaiah and I. We discussed the Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 13-14.

Then I went for a 90 minute massage. It helped, but the disc is still herniated!

I walked slowly back to church and I had already set up the Love Cafe before going for the massage. YEAH! That was perfect as we had counseling with a gal who is struggling with a sense of love, belongingness and acceptance! The hour flew by!

Church was great... The message was from I Peter 1:1-9! How trials and suffering purify our faith and firm up our relationship with Jesus! 

I helped to clean up and started to talk to a sister who is struggling with her relationship with God.

I got home and Isaiah left to pick Fenny up at the train station as she got back from Kaohsiung.

I had prayer time at 9pm and blogged and received a message from Abby. She had finished half of the full... GO ABBY GO!

Daily Lovely Insight:

1 Peter 1:7-9 King James Version (KJV ...

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Happy 39th!

I was up but not early... So... the run was not a pleasant one... but I did it!

After a shower, I decided to work on my talk... 

Alan and Isaiah went to play tennis and got back at around 11am. At 11:45, Alan and I left for our luncheon at a new restaurant, Poetry! Our friends took us out for our anniversary and the food was fabulous and expensive! We would not have gone there... I think the tab was well over 6,000NT$! And we didn't even order a lot...  We sat and chatted until 3pm!

When we got home, we were all ready for a nap... but first I made tamale filling and Mexican chicken. Both came out fabulously delicious! I layered the tamale filling and the Mexican chicken and cheese... WOW!

We were all feeling lethargic so we didn't meet up with our friends from the UK until 8pm at NingXia Night Market, one of Alan's favorites as it has fried oysters egg pancakes! Our friends are leaving tomorrow... and it was fun to hang out with them. The night market was crowded as it was a nice evening... a bit warm... but still.

I am still trying to communicate with GOTOGATE... Please pray! God is going to work something out... I am trusting Him to do the impossible. They gave me a new itinerary but I won't be getting to Frankfurt until May 8th!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Romans 6:5 (NLT) - Since we have been united with him | YouVersion

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Friday, April 10, 2026

A Different Way to Celebrate

I was up but not early enough... hence the run was tortuous... I finished... 10.6K. Tomorrow... I will run 10 and I'll finish the week with 60!

After a shower, I took the clothes down and put everything away. Alan wasn't back yet, so I sat and read. I will start writing my talk for 4/26!

I took out the shirt that Alan made me as a final surprise on the night he proposed almost 40 years ago... I thought it would be fun as tomorrow is our 39th anniversary.

We went to Costco as the tires needed to be changed... there was a 50US$ discount if we changed all four and we needed to change all four! While that was being done, we ate at Costco and then went and shopped! All four tires were changed in less than an hour for 500US$!

I wanted to deposit the rent money into Isaiah's account and the wait was so long that I had to send Alan home as we had meat and ice cream in the car! He came back to pick me up and then we went to get our car aligned and did a car wash on our own at a self serve place... Wow... That was fun! 20NT$ for the bubble spray... 10NT$ for the water spray... 10NT$ for the vacuum. Of course, everything was on a timer and things shut down after a minute... or maybe it was two minutes. We then headed home... exhausted! ha, ha, ha...

Isaiah came home and hung out at home as Fenny came back and headed down to Kaohsiung as one of her friends is getting married tomorrow. 

We had a nice evening!

Daily Lovely InsightL

 Romans 6:7-8 - For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power  of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.  . . #

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Thursday, April 9, 2026

A Busier Than Usual PR Day

I was up early but went back to sleep... thus... my morning started later than usual...

After Alan and Isaiah went off, I started on a few things that I wanted to get done: get Abby's room back in order, put things away in Isaiah's room, put away the heaters and take out the fans (yes, the weather is getting warmer and warmer!), look through the books and prep for my afternoon tutoring (new students who need intensive sessions as they are planning to study abroad in an international school), set the iRobots to work and go for a run.

I did run 10K... in the heat... and then after my shower, I sat and read and napped! I did not want to get up... but by 4pm, I turned on the WiFi. 

We had heard from Abby earlier... I was up at 4am and she had arrived in San Francisco and walked to the gate to board for Chicago. Then we heard that the flight to São Paulo was delayed but she got on without a problem. So, she's on her way back to Brazil!

I left early to get things copied and to drop off things for a friend.

The tutoring session was at church, which was perfect. I had organized it so that they had things to work on while I worked with one gal at a time. I have only 10 sessions with them as they are planning to leave on July 10th... Please pray for a miracle that they will be able to do well in the international school which starts in mid August!

Alan had basketball at Soochow! Isaiah had to work until 7:45, so he didn't make it to basketball. He needs to exercise more... oh well... 

Prayer time at 8:45!

And I heard back from GOTOGATE... Please pray... they are putting me on a flight on May 7th which will get to Germany on the 8th. I'm requesting to be put on an earlier flight... maybe May 4th! I want to be in Heidelberg before the 7th... I want to spend the day on the 7th REFLECTING! I know God has this in His hands... and I saw that they do have a flight to Beijing on the 4th of May... and hopefully with a short transit in Beijing before flying out to Frankfurt. If that works out, then I'll look for a simple place to spend the night in Frankfurt or Heidelberg or even Mannheim... God knows... I trust He has this trip planned!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25  #niv #nivbible #votd #verseoftheday

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net 

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

A Sad 8th!

I was up early and I expected the day to be long! And it was...

I baked and cooked and gathered things together for Abby. She and Alan went to the Brazilian Consulate and I went for a short 8.6K run. I was home and took a quick shower and left to ride my scooter to school, reminding Abby about the items she had in the bathroom sink.

I wanted to set up the room for my afternoon Bible study, but they were having a meeting in there. So, I messaged Abby and Alan, thinking they were heading out. Well... they did... but Abby forgot her things that were around the bathroom sink!!!!!!!!!! So, they had to go back to pick those items up... and they finally came at 11:22... And I knew we were going to be rushing... 

The check-in lines weren't long... but still... and we were praying as all her items were over the weight limit... even her carry on! God did it... two were 23.5-23.7 and she let them pass. The last one was 25.3 and we took a few items out and I had a Trader Joe's bag and she didn't ask to weigh the carry ons!!!!!!!! We then went to buy pineapple cakes because we didn't have time earlier. They were expensive... I spent over 1000NT$! For three small boxes... And she was off... and we rushed to get back to Soochow. 

I was late... I didn't get there until 1:55... the time flew by!

From there, I went to tutor... and that hour flew by.

I rushed home and ate and went off again. Tutoring at 6pm. I finished that and rushed home... 

Time to clean up the house... I have more to do tomorrow!

But it was so good to be home... 

Prayer time at 8:45... 

The miracles of the luggage... the miracle of God providing me with a bottle of water... the miracle of His sustaining strength... 

And I forgot to mention that Abby was feeling quite frustrated that she had so many things to carry... and that carry on and her backpack were really heavy... At the gate, they asked people to volunteer to check in their carry on! WOW... she was like... this is God! So, she did and felt so relieved... less things to carry... and we don't know if God worked to give her a 'not so crowded' flight... we will find out tomorrow. She flies to San Francisco and then to Chicago and then to São Paulo! I miss her already!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are  doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11: A wide ruled Notebook: Journals, Faithletter:  9781731034526: Amazon.com: Books

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

The 7th!

I was up early and the Lord blessed me with rain and breeze. I ran slow... but it was nice to be out! The warm weather is just around the corner!

We have everything out in the living room as we are now in the midst of getting Abby packed. Yes, we bought an extra piece... for 200US$! That's cheaper than trying to mail 23 kilos of stuff to her!

Alan and I went off to the Brazilian Consulate as she did have to get a stamp even though we went and had it notarized! What a hassle!

I went off to catch the MRT and Abby met me there as we headed out to lunch with one of my Bible study groups. The food was WOW! (Sorry... we didn't take pictures!) Expensive... Classy... A place I won't go back to... It was definitely a treat! The ladies ordered all of Abby's favorites!

At 2:30 we headed off: Abby to do her nails and I had a massage! WOW... 

Alan went to exchange a pair of shoes and then workout at the Neihu Sports Center.

Isaiah came home at around 6:45 and we had a nice Family Time at home... Our last before Abby heads off and we're back to online Family Time... WAHHHHHH...

This was TUESDAY'S... I did forget to hit publish!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Let Him shape your heart and sharpen your hand. “With upright heart he  shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” — Psalm 78:72  #DailyVerse #BibleVerse #Psalms #Psalms78 #VerseOfTheDay  #ChristianInspiration

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net

Monday, April 6, 2026

Another Family Day Outing!

I was up early and we had a lot of ideas as to what we'd do this day.

It's been a tremendous blessing to have these four days off... and that Fenny went to Australia, so that we can have Isaiah... Abby likes hanging out with Isaiah... we all do... 

We had thought about going out to YiLiou, but the morning was cloudy and raining. 

The rain turned into a drizzle and Alan and Isaiah went out to play tennis and Abby and I went out for a run. It turned hot and humid very quickly. I ran home and Abby went and played a bit of tennis.

We were all home by 11:20 and called Mom Bea to wish her a happy Resurrection Sunday and to chat. It was really really nice!

After that, everyone took turns to take a shower and then we were off... We decided to go to a Cantonese restaurant and then shop at the shoes store and walk around for snacks and drinks... then we were off to PX Mart and Costco and got home at 5:10. I put everything away while everyone else took a nap.

At 5:45, I went and laid down. It was so good to nap!

We went to church at 6:45 as we had our monthly meeting and prayer time at 7pm.

When we got back, it was time to start packing. We had thought about going for a massage... but Isaiah has work tomorrow! And Abby still has errands to run... plus packing... and her nail appointment... Alan has Tuesday and Wednesday off... but I have a full day of commitments on Wednesday!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Psalm 79:1-13 KJV [1] O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance;  Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem on heaps. [2]  The dead bodies of thy servants

Seek Him First!

1 Timothy 6:12 - Bible verse - DailyVerses.net