11/17: I decided to make it a visiting day, so I stopped in to see a couple people in assisted living facilities. One was sleeping, so I let her be. The other was happy to have a visitor.

I ran into my second cousin and invited her and the family to church, and then I ran into the man who lost his wife. I thought he was out of his mind at the funeral, but he’s back to normal. He offered his sincere apologies to me and mom for some crazy things he said at the funeral. I empathized and accepted. He shared a little about what a wonderful person she was and all of the loose ends he’s trying to tie up. He has a great support system with his family.

A guy I went to high school with moved in right down the street a few years ago. I rarely see him and his wife because they work so much. He just got his pasture fenced and was trying to put in a water line for 6 heads of cattle which are being delivered Sunday. Another guy I went to high school with pulled up, so we talked for a long time. He had the cutest little pup I’ve ever seen. Made me want a dog.

I had fun coloring before bedtime. I don’t color to de-stress, but merely because I enjoy it.

11/18: Mom and I went to a craft expo at the Lawrenceburg Event Center. There were masses of shoppers and vendors. I just like browsing through to get my own crafting ideas.

I made a trip to look for a new mattress. Found one at Value City Furniture, and it was even on sale.

11/19: I have been noticing that dad is reading his Bible every evening. I am overjoyed to see God is answering my prayer. I got my Bible, sat down, and we studied together. We bounced around questions and thoughts about a couple chapters in Romans. We decided there are many things we won’t understand until we get to heaven. I told him that I feel like I’ve been in a dry wilderness the past month. I don’t have the zeal in study and prayer that I’m so accustomed to. He offered to do Bible study together. I jumped at it! I’m excited already.

11/20: I went to see my neighbor’s new cows and then to visit Patty. She brightens my day. We talked, and then I read a devotion to her. Afterward, we discussed the Bible topic and some other things in the Bible.

Brad was at the house with dad when I got home. He stopped by to print of some papers for a new job. Dad said he stayed for 3 hours. I pray in hope for the day God saves Him and turns his life upside-down.

Dad and I chopped bushes and trees, raked, and burned it all. Mark, my other brother, called at dinner and said he and the family are coming for Thanksgiving. It will be good to see them again and for the whole family to be together. I’m excited, yet stressed. They’re staying a few days, which means screaming kids, loud TV, and a small house with many people. I’m praying for peace about it all. Some of my senses are very acute, and hearing is one of them. Sounds that don’t bother the normal person cut me to the bone.

11/22: My brother and his family arrived safely from North Carolina. After dinner, we colored, played and talked. It’s good being together again!

11/23: I had to bake another Oreo cake because the one from yesterday was already eaten.

We went to check out the deals at Goody’s and Wal-Mart after lunch.

I haven’t been nervous at all about eating. I can’t even remember the last time I was relaxed about holiday mealtime. It’s a wonderful thing to have the peace of God again.

We came home and played Mexican Train and Catch Phrase. Brad and Amanda came and added to the fun.