Hello there, Blogland! Long time no post. I've been busy here in the real world or, when not exactly busy, at least preoccupied with it. There is so much I would have or could have written about if I was able. I will not try to catch you up on all of it, but here are a few of the highlights. For some reason I feel this is necessary before moving on and hopefully beginning to post more regularly again.

Caleb came home for two weeks in January. The weather was dreary, limiting driving and other activities. I came down with the flu. Naomi sprained her ankle. It was still a good visit, though not the ideal I would have wished for. We did go to Na's last basketball game (where she sustained her injury), have a second Christmas, eat chicken fried steak at The Leon Cafe, take a little driving tour of southwest Butler County, and eat at The Latham Saloon. And we have good news. Caleb does not have to go back to Afghanistan. At least not yet. They could call him up for another tour, but for now he is in North Carolina.

The situation I spoke of in my last blog post has been resolved, and that person is gone. It's a long story--one I can't share here. What I can say about it is that I did just what I said I was going to do. I started praying, not just for the situation, but for that person. The first change I noticed was that I had peace no matter what was going on around me. It was easier for me to be pleasant and positive, which, I hope, made things better for everyone. Then came the solution. I did have to take some action which I was hesitant to take, but there were plenty of signs showing me that it was the right thing to do and the right time to do it. Now that it's all done, although there may be the occasional petty thought, I can honestly say that I hope that the outcome is the best for this person also. I wish her happiness.

There have been some challenging situations closer to home also. Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes it's a real shit storm, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Perhaps the stressful situation at work and my decision to pray about it helped prepare me for these other things. I could have been absolutely devastated. Although nothing so very life-altering has occurred, it's funny how anything involving your children can feel that way. I've been upset, angry, or concerned, but through all of that, in each instance, I've felt at peace. Each time I have been reminded of a phrase from II Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for thee," and I know that when I am weak, I am strong in him. I may not have the wisdom or the strength to deal with these challenges on my own, but God does, and I trust Him to guide me through each one. That is what keeps me going.