My Brother Is In Town

James is in town. But he is super busy. So, tonight was the first time I got to see him. I had to beg him to come over to our part of town.

I had his dry cleaning and more dragon fruit.

We ate at TGIF. The food was very good. Isaiah ate so much!

The total bill was 1760NT$.  That's a big splurge... James paid!  And we had no leftover!

Isaiah has been trying to gain weight. And he got on the scale after the massive dinner he had tonight. He gained ONE kilo!! YIPPY.

Seek Him First.

Out of the Ordinary

This is a book title by David Roper.

I have really enjoyed reading it.  Here is something he wrote on parenting which I really liked --

If we believe that by applying certain techniques and rules we can secure godly behavior in our children, we may be in for bitter disillusionment and heartache. No one can determine nor can they predict what their offspring will do... Given that uncertainty, the question is not, "How can I produce godly children?" but rather, "How can I be a godly parent?"  The two questions may appear to be the same, but they're not. The first has to do with result, over which we have no control; the second with process, over which we do, by God's grace, have some measure of control.  If our focus is on process, then the questions are about us:  How can I deal with my impatience, temper and rage, my selfishness, my resentment, my stubbornness, my defensiveness, my pride, my laziness, my unwillingness to listen? How can I strengthen my marriage? How can I develop parenting skills? How can I build bridges of grace, forgiveness, and acceptance that will make it possible for my prodigal to come home?  These are the matters that must occupy us as parents... and then we must leave the results with God.


Here are some of his other books --





He has more. I've only read three of his.  There is one on Elijah that I hope to find at a second hand store.  This is how it is described --

Elijah: A Man Like Us: How an Ordinary Person Can Make an Extraordinary Difference

by David Roper

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10  ·   rating details  ·  10 ratings  ·  3 reviews

God is working, even when you don't see results ... and you can be part of it. Learn how you can be used by God despite your short-comings, and find out how you can shine as a beacon of light through your work to your friends, in your family, and beyond with Elijah: A Man Like Us.

Seek Him First!

A Week From Today

I just realized that a lot is going to be happening a week from today --

Abby will be taking her final exams. Right after the exams, she will go down south for her graduation trip.

Alan will be going down south for his week long faculty and staff basketball tournament. Upon his return on Friday, he will be going to the States on Saturday.

Isaiah will be taking his final exams and he really has to do well since he did not take his second set of exams since he was away for his tennis tournament.

So, today, I went to Costco to buy snacks for Abby and Alan. I am also gathering things to send with Alan to the States.  I think I'll be packing his bag since he will have very little time to do that for himself.


The year just started and already I feel as if it's zooming by.  One thing I know... God is good and He is in charge of this day and this year!


Seek Him First!

One Very Simple Bread Recipe

Yesterday at our friend's house, LingLing baked a delicious loaf of bread that almost tasted like sourdough bread.  She said it was really easy, so I asked her to email me the recipe.

Today, I got the recipe, read it and read the reviews as well.

It really is EASY.

Here is the recipe of the so-called 5 minute artisan bread:

http://www.food.com/recipe/5-minute-artisan-bread-325571

And the video of how to make it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcG4PpG1LcQ

I'm going to change the recipe a bit... and add raisins... or other fun items...

And the great thing about this recipe -- I can store the dough and make another loaf whenever I'd like. I love cooking and baking. And I especially love recipes that are easy with delicious results.  This one sure looks fool-proof.


Seek Him First!

His Name is Jesus

Tonight we had dinner at the home of our dear brother and sister in Christ, Andrew & LingLing. They had bought the place several years back and I've been wanting to see their place. After a little over five years, we finally made it.

Their place is about 20 ping, centrally located near two different MRT stations.  They don't own the land, but just the structure. Each month they have to pay about 2,000 NT$ dollar as rent for the land. The value of their home even without the deed to the land has gone up!

After dinner, LingLing had a gift for us.

To my utter amazement, she gave me a framed needlepoint which she personally embroidered, stitch by stitch --

It is absolutely exquisite.

I'm going to hang it on the wall in our entry way.  Every time I come in or go out, I will be reminded of the beauty and names of Jesus and the love of my brother and sister in Christ.

Seek Him First!

Cold and Windy Day

Today's weather reminded me of a Winnie the Pooh story... so here are some quotes from Winnie the Pooh...








Seek Him First!

Joyous 2015

Happy 2015!!!!!

Alan got up early this morning and went off to play tennis.

I got up early and had a longer than usual time with Jesus!

All was so quiet.

The kids slept until 12noon!

When Alan came back, he said it was really chilly outside. From our living room windows, the day looked bright and sunny. I had no idea that the temperature was around 12 degree C.  It was so nice and comfy at home.

Isaiah had practice.  Abby and I went out in the afternoon. She rode the bike for 16 kilometers and I ran for 13.  It was quite chilly out, but invigorating!

I picked Isaiah up at 6:30 and we had dinner at home.

It has been a very relaxing first day of 2015!

And I think Jeremiah 33: 6, 8 would be a great prayer for this new year!



Seek Him First!