12/28: I almost fell out of my chair when I saw my paycheck. My Christmas bonus was wonderful and very generous! It seems like everyone knew how much we were getting, but it was a surprise to me.

12/29: God has answered a prayer I’ve been praying for over ten years. He has rekindled the spiritual flame in my dad’s heart. Dad has been studying the Bible every day, and he even talks about Bible stuff on a regular basis. I believe he has been praying too, just judging by some of the things he says. My heart of gratefulness and awe go to God who is able to do all things. A match can light a fire, but only God can light a heart.

12/30: I spent most of the day in stores. I had some things to return. Mom bought me a great pair of running shoes, but I had to return them because I have a big toe problem. A bone in my big toe was severed many years ago (I think it’s when my former horse stepped on my foot), and now it points upward so that it rubs against the upper mesh of my shoes causing a hole. I need a featherweight steel-toe running shoe!

Yesterday, I was talking to mom and dad about my desire to further my biblical knowledge by taking some courses from a college or online. Dad told me he’d be in prayer about it. Today, God answered the prayer! He sat in the car while mom and I went into the mall. He said he tuned into a radio station he’s only listened to once before. This station gave a link to free online Bible courses. After dinner, I hurried to see what they offered. It was an abundance.

12/31: I was so tired, I almost fell asleep in church. My blood sugar drastically dropped in the night and interrupted my sleep. It was 35, so it was a miracle I even woke up. Mom and I went to the riverboat because we like to visit a little shop they have once a year. It reeked of cigarette smoke so bad, I couldn’t wait to get back outside into the frigid air. Went to the New Year’s Eve service and made no attempt to stay up until midnight.

1/1: Welcome 2018. I started the day with one online course.

1/3: Went to the gym this morning. I’ve definitely lost much of my muscle strength. One man there had to be at least 79 years-old, and he put me to shame. He was even doing chin-ups with little effort.

Made a couple of attempts to visit Patty, but she was gone from her room both times. Listened to two more Bible courses. I believe God is giving me a strong desire to learn not only for a growing intimacy in my relationship with Him, but also to teach others. God prepares us with others in mind.