Trying to Rest More...

I tried to take the day to rest...

After Mom left, I tidied up the house and cooked... then laid down to rest!

At around 2pm, I had to get Mom's prescription and drop it off at another pharmacy and had time for a short run.

Tutoring at 4pm.

Mom was back by 5:13pm. 

Bible study at 7pm.

Daily Lovely Insight:

Many churches are celebrating with lighting of the Advent Candles. Even though we don't do that at HOP, I think to reflect upon the "Gift" from God is a beautiful way to end this year. 

Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, King of kings, and Lord of lords! 

The Light of the world... bringing Joy to the world. 

He is Hope. He is Peace. He is our Comfort. 

O Come, All Ye Faithful...

Seek Him First!

Tiring Day!

I felt so tired... like I am really a year older! 

My wrist hurts... My back hurts... 

So I gave myself time to rest after an exhausting morning cleaning after Mom left!

Then Abby was going to take her graduation pictures and she forgot her student ID. So I ran over there to give it to her. I took the mountain pass back! Good relaxing run!

The box for donation arrived. Elaine came at 3pm. So, we chatted until 7pm. Mom was back and ate her dinner and I got her to bed!

Then I went down to pack the box! They will pick up tomorrow!

Isaiah called and we had time to chat before Family Time!

Daily Lovely Insight:

II Tim. 4:7

Seek Him First!

Splendid Day!

I got to sleep in just a little... and it was my favorite kind of weather -- rainy!

Mom was up... and I had to do another load... and clean the bathroom... 

At 2:30, Amy came and we went to church, stopping first at Starbucks -- buy one get one free! Another splurge! YUMMY!

I shared on Investment 101, Part 2 and thoroughly enjoyed the message! 

We didn't have Family Time this evening as after church, Isaiah went to get vaccinated and then to walk around Coventry! He is now on vacation, so we can have Family Time tomorrow night! I don't have to teach so that will be nice!

Daily Lovely Insight:

J.I. Packer wrote that we have three birthdays: the day we are physically born, the second is our spiritual birthday, and the third is on our death-bed when we breathe our last and can truly celebrate the eternal 'birth-day'... and I'm looking forward to that one... I will see my Savior face to face!

Seek Him First!

House of Praise Marriage Builders' Outing!

I had to do a wash before heading out... Yes, we had an outing... At a 'farm' near JinShan! 

It was so much fun! We had a BBQ lunch there and Mom ate, and ate, and ate... 

It was difficult to wheel her around the place, but we did it! We had 24 adults and 9 kids!

We left at around 11 and came back by 7pm. Mom was in a hyper mode when we got home and didn't go to sleep. But at the 'farm', she just kept talking about going home so that she can go to bed. All I can say is that it is getting more and more difficult to take her anywhere. 

Daily Lovely Insight:

What a promise from God! 

Not only has Jesus saved us... Jesus now lives forevermore to make intercession on our behalf!

Seek Him First!

A Splurge

Today we went to shop for Abby's basketball shoes.

Since we were going down to the National Taiwan University area, I remember a Cantonese restaurant that we used to frequent. It's still there and the food is fabulous! For 13US$, we had a feast!

Then I recall the 'outlets' for basketball shoes that were a couple of doors down the street. We walked over to the Nike Outlet and found two pairs of shoes for Abby. While looking, I saw a pair of Nike running shoes. I have never tried Nike running shoes. Original price was 5700NT$, discounted to 1790NT$. That's still over my budget. I slipped them on and oh wow, they were so light and comfy. I SPLURGED! I considered this pair a birthday present to myself!

Abby went to watch the Soochow Girls' Basketball Team play out in Danhsui and Alan and I headed home. I had my powerpoint to finish! Plus Mom was due back home!

Daily Lovely Insight

Isaiah 54:2

Seek Him First!

A "Free" Day!

I had time to rest... 

I had to do another load of laundry... and remake the bed!

Then I prepped for my talk! And it's finished!

At around noon, Abby rode the scooter and we went to Soochow University to check out what else they had at the flea market! I love browsing to see what can be found. Abby needed a hair tie since she forgot one. So, we bought three for 10NT$. I also bought a fancy one for 10NT$. We looked at the clothes and they had two very nice leather jacket! Tempting... But I got one for free and they were 150NT$ each! I know it's a bargain for an Italian made leather jacket, but do I really need two? I got two nice thermos - 10NT$ each. One is great for Mom!

Then I ran home up over the mountain! The weather was great... 15km.

After a shower, I had time to take a NAP! Glorious! I wanted to sleep longer, but Mom was going to be home and I wanted to get a few things done.

Alan decided to play basketball. Abby had her basketball practice.

Mom was home and talked to James.

After she went to bed, I ate dinner! YUMMY!

Daily Lovely Insight:

In my preparation of this Sunday's message, I came across several definitions of Biblical obedience. Here is one I'd like to share with you:

Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary states, “True hearing or obedience involves the physical hearing that inspires the hearer, and a belief or trust that in turn motivates the hearer to act in accordance with the speaker’s desire.” 

Do we have a belief or trust in God that motivates us to act in accordance with God's desire?

Seek Him First!

 

Last Soochow Study!

I had a lot on my plate today.

Another load of laundry, made Mom's bed, cooked, and got things ready for the study. We had games and snacks... it was so much fun!

There was also a flea market sale... So many great stuff... even free stuff!

I rushed home, put away everything, and got Mom's stuff ready as I had to tutor at 5pm. Alan had to do the night time routine!

The tutoring was two hours... and when I got back, I had to check everything.

I also checked my emails and had to write two birthday emails.

Then I went for a walk as I did not have time for a run! WAHHHH... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

It was quite interesting to read Philemon in light of what Paul was asking Philemon to do: forgive Onesimus, a slave who most like stole money and ran away. Now, Onesimus is asked to return to Philemon with a letter as Onesimus is now a believer. Philemon's name means 'affectionate' while Onesimus means 'useful'. Why was the Book of Philemon so interesting? In that one short letter, Paul was applying the whole concept of love and forgiveness.

Seek Him First!