Sunday!

I was up early... and went to pick trash and work out at WGE.

Isaiah and Alan went and played tennis.

I also had to go down to B1 to organize the recycling a bit! Our night security guard had to be taken to the ER with stomach problems. Poor guy! 

Then it was Mom care. 

Today, for church, I did not have to translate. I just set up Love Cafe and helped with cleaning up!

We were home by 7pm and I got Mom to bed by 8pm.

I used the evening to read!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Today's text was about Mary from John 20: 11-23! 

Do we cling to God for comfort, thus neglecting the mission and purpose that God has given us?

Because why did Jesus tell Mary: stop clinging to me?

Seek Him First!

A Not-So-Busy-Day

Yes, I was up early... Alan was leaving at 6am to catch the bus to Yilan for a judging competition. Isaiah had his new men's Bible study group at 7am. After he left, I headed out for my 11km, to finish the week above 63km total!

Then after getting home, I grabbed my WGE stuff and headed out for another quick workout before coming home for Mom duty! That's the usual on the weekends!

Isaiah went off to play tennis after the study then he came home for a nap! I had one too... YIPPY! While Mom enjoyed her breakfast, I napped! She also enjoyed her lunch. I didn't give her an afternoon snack!

Isaiah met up with friends for sushi at 3:30 and then this evening instead of going to the church young adult event, he went to play 3-on-3 with his co-workers.

Alan came back by around 6pm and I had made grilled cheese sandwiches! 

I set all the iRobots to work, sweeping and mopping! YEAH!

Daily Lovely Insight:

Here are the discussion questions for the Children's Day Service on April 7th that Alan led:

1. Mark 10:16 says, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” How can we, as grown-ups, maintain our belief in God like a child?

馬可福音10:16說：“我實在告訴你們，凡不像小孩子一樣接受神的國，斷不能進去。”身為成年人，我們怎樣才能像孩子一樣保持對神的信仰呢？

2. In Mark 10: 13-16, Jesus laid His hand on the children. What is the significance of this?

在馬可福音 10:13-16 中，耶穌按手在孩子身上。這有什麼意義呢？

3. Why did the disciples not allow the children to come to Jesus?

為什麼門徒不讓孩子到耶穌那裡去？

4. What are some of the ways to help a not-yet believer to know Jesus?

有哪些方法可以幫助尚未信徒認識耶穌？

5. How can you show love for Jesus in your daily life?

您如何在日常生活中表達對耶穌的愛？

If time permits, look at John 3:16-17 and I Cor. 13:4-7, how have you grown in your love for God and others? What actions can you take this week to show the love described to those around you?

如果時間允許，請參考約翰福音 3:16-17 和哥林多前書 3:16-17。 13:4-7，您對神和他人的愛有怎樣的增長？本週您可以採取哪些行動來向周遭的人表達您所描述的愛？

Seek Him First!

Anniversary Celebration!

I was up super early... AGAIN! But today was special. We had to head out to the church by 5:20am. We had an appointment with the judge in Monterey Park to do the formal adult adoption procedure! The appointment was at 5:30, Taiwan time, 2:30 on the 11th in the States, and 6:30pm in Brazil! Alan had his Men's Group, which was why Isaiah and I all had to go with him to church! The judge asked us a series of questions and one of the questions was: why do we wish to adopt our children? And the kids were asked: How do you feel about being a part of this family? I wanted to talk and talk and talk and give glory to God for how He put this family together! What a blessing to be Mom to these two wonderful adults! I am truly blessed beyond words! So, it's done! The judge signed our petition right then and there and showed us the certificate that we will be receiving. Those will be mailed to Annie's address. And the formal birth certificate will take six to seven months as Sacramento Department of Public Records is very back logged with paperwork! When those come, we will be formally listed as the parents of our kids! WOW! And the date of this completion: April 11th, 2024! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT??? That's how amazing God is!

I ran home and Isaiah rode his scooter back. He went back to bed. I did 11km. The weather was still cool!

Alan came back at 7:30 and got his tennis gears and went to play a bit of tennis. I did a load of laundry and went to WGE and ran a couple of errands. Of course, I got Mom up and showered and fed and into the van! 

Alan and I headed out at 10:30 for a buffet lunch! It was so perfect. The place was unknown to most people, so there were only about 30 guests. The food was great. They had Cantonese sausages and Peking duck! We feasted!

We did not leave until 3pm. The next item on our agenda was to look at two possible apartments. We just wanted to see the area. The first one was an apartment with no elevator. Alan didn't like that. The second one was for sale by auction as someone killed himself inside the apartment. Most people here stay away from those places because of the 'unusual' circumstances. Alan and I don't mind. We have to call the auction agent and ask some questions. Alan liked the complex. 

I had a helper come for Mom so that we can stay out for an extra hour! YEAH!

I had a free night! So, after I got Mom to bed, I sat and read! Alan went to bed early as he has an all day debate judging event in Yilan!

Daily Lovely Insight:

How brilliantly true this is for me!

Seek Him First!

It's the BIG 37!

 

Yes, it's our wedding anniversary... Alan had to work and then in the evening he played basketball. 

Today is my Sabbath... 

I was up early and after Mom Care, I made white rice and then congee for Mom's dinner. I had the iRobot going and blog for HOP! I also took the time to look for these Christmas ornaments... they symbolize Alan and I...

I finally went for my run during the heat of the day, which is good training since at the end of this month, I will be running at around 1:30! And I don't do well in the heat! It was difficult. I was drenched in sweat. I came back and took a quick shower and headed out for my hair wash and facial. I bought a coupon (13US$ for the 50 minute treatment!) and I was going to do it last Wednesday, but the earthquake hit! After I finish, since it was right next door to the Christian Bookstore, I went in and bought things for my Soochow Bible Study kids. I usually give them gifts at our last study, which will be on May 22nd!

On the way home, I stopped at this shop that sells fried goods. I had a coupon and paid only 10NT$ for three portions of my favorite fried taro! I also went to WGE... yes, a very short workout as I had to get home for Mom Care!

At 6:30, I was praying for Hope as Phil and Corenne were meeting up with the Mayor!

After Mom went to bed,  I  took the time to rest... that's what my Sabbath is all about!

Daily Lovely Insight:

This was from an article I read today:

PRACTICE the sabbath day of rest consistently. To build the muscles in our body, we need to work out consistently. If we do not work out consistently, the muscles weaken, but the more we work out the stronger we become. So it is with rest, it has to be consistently integrated as part of our life. If it is not scheduled, if it is not expected, it will lose its place in our life. We need to learn to walk away for at least 24 hours for that appointed time of rest and remain consistent with it. The more consistent we are, the stronger it will be rooted as part of our lives.

I don't currently have 24hours... but with the 7 hours I do have... it has made my 'muscles' stronger!

Seek Him First!

Back-to-Back Busy Day

I was up early... as I wanted to check on the stew and start the bread pudding after my time with Jesus!

The stew came out great... and so did the bread pudding for my Bible study kids.

I couldn't go for my run until after I helped the complex with the recycling. The new guy is still 'new'. And he didn't know how to fix the etag gate... The simple fix was to turn it on and off and it will reset. I showed him where the switch was! So, I finally left at 9:10 and did just 10k. It was still cool... 

I got home and ate lunch and prepped for my study and my tutoring!

Alan came home as he has a project based class at the Medical College.

I left for my study and it was a great time with nine students! And they loved the bread pudding!

I had about 20 minutes so I went to WGE.

Tutoring went well and I was home by 6:15, after stopping to pay for our cell phone bill.

The helper was here and Mom was eating slowly. He left after I signed the paper.

I got Mom to bed and then there was prayer time at 9pm.

What a day!

Daily Lovely Insight:

We talked about Nicodemus in our study today. And I shared John 19:39:

Nicodemus gave more than enough for Jesus' burial. He came doubting in John 3, but by John 19, he came to acknowledge Jesus as King!

How generous are you with Jesus in giving to Jesus your all?

Seek Him First!

Cooler Tuesday! I Love It!

I was up early... but after my time with Jesus, I went back to bed... no run until 10am, after Mom took off.

Mom was doing better... I now use Chinese Herbal Massage Lotion for her legs, before bed and in the morning after her shower! I am also looking into a regular leg massage place... and maybe I will reserve for one this Saturday!

I came back from my run and went to WGE for my shower and quick speedy workout. In fact, I didn't have much time for a workout because I had made an appointment for 12:30 for a massage at Ms. Hsieh! it was so great!

I bought veggies to make stew and also soy bean milk before heading home for an online counseling session with a friend who needed some career advice!

By the time we finished, it was already 4pm! I had lots to do before Mom's return. I bought coupons for our Anniversary Celebration. I called to make reservation and the place was fully booked for Friday. So, I went on line and bought coupons for another place. We will celebrate this Friday and again in May!

I also posted our prayer requests for HOP as well as check my emails. I found one massage place that has a parking lot right next to the building, but it's located on the second floor... with no elevator! I'll keep searching. 

Mom was home... and after she went to bed, I headed out to my Bible study.

Isaiah had basketball practice after work and Alan had evening class! I had dinner ready in the fridge for them!

Daily Lovely Insight:

People take, motivated by lust and selfishness.

God gives, motivated by love and sacrifice.

Consider how we as believers should live as Christ lives in us!

Seek Him First!

A Task-filled Day!

I was up early and went out for my usual 10k. Last week was my training week... this is just going to be my normal week... 

Then it was Mom care... So, I now have a catch 22 situation... and it's so difficult with elderly care to find the right balance. The doctor said that the daily pain killer pills gave her ulcers. I stopped! So... it's been almost three weeks and sure enough, her knees are starting to hurt and she can't walk properly. If she can't have full mobility, she can't go to the day care center. I have started with massage cream and we shall see. I'm looking into a weekly massage appointment for her... I wonder if I can get someone to come to the house... Or I will have to drive her to the place, find parking, and stay there! I guess I can get a leg massage?!?!?! I will keep you posted.

After she took off, I cleaned and then went to pick up the puzzles that were left at church and dropped everything that was left in my car to Margaret's as she will pack the boxes for me this time. Bless her heart! I also dropped off the money to pay for the boxes.

Off I went to Costco and it was busier than I thought as it was only 10am! I had a list and went through it and got home at 11:15. After putting everything away, I was to talk to Abby, but she was sleeping in the living room with a couple of the girls... She had to cancel... 

I went and had lunch and a nap instead! I also made crock pot curry chicken for Alan and Isaiah's dinner. The stuff I ordered from Carrefour (diapers and bed pads) arrived! Yippy! I went down and picked them up and redid Mom's room to fit everything!

This afternoon, Elaine came over for prayer and share time... of course, promptly at 5:10, the phone rang!

This evening, we were to have Family Time, but Abby went to the waterfall with people as it's a holiday there in Brazil! Unfortunately, we don't have any other weeknight to have family time... Tuesday night, Isaiah has basketball and I have my Bible study. Wednesday night, Alan has his overseers meeting. Thursday night is basketball for Alan and dinner for Isaiah. I guess that brings us to Friday evening! We shall see... 

Daily Lovely Insight:

Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. 

I read that quote and thought I'd share it with you... Take the time to pray, always about everything... Our Heavenly Father invites us into His presence... and remember: it's a two way conversation, so make sure to let Him talk in answer to your prayer!

Seek Him First!