Hi. It's me. Yes, I'm still alive. Doing super-duper, thanks so much for asking. Sorry I haven't been around, but to be totally honest, I have been just ENJOYING life for the last two weeks...without giving so much as a thought to this blog. Horrible, I know. Especially for someone who was trying to develop a following - not good.

So please forgive me for not updating you...everything is fine on the homefront, other than the fact that I seriously need a haircut and oh my word, do I ever need a coloring...I look like a calico cat - tri-color...dark on tips, red in the middle and white at the roots. Verrry attractive. I'm starting a new trend...when people stare, I pretend that it's on purpose. (Hey, if people can walk around with earrings hanging out of their nose, what's wrong with my Neopolitan hair???)

I promise to update soon on all that has been happening, but I REALLY wanted to share a HUGE blessing that occurred on November 10th with everyone.

Remember me writing about this day? It was not one of my finer moments...broadcasting my financial woes on the internet...but it was enormously healing for me...and it was yet one more chance for God to show me just how much He cares about the "little" things in our lives...like our children's birthdays.

The morning after I wrote that, I received an email from a reader who shared the same birthday as my daughter...November 15th! She shared a small piece of her life's history with me as she described growing up as the daughter of a man who gave up a comfortable salary and going full time into the ministry because he felt the calling of God in his life. She went on to say that there were many times that others had "filled in the gap" for her family and that she wanted the chance to do the same for me by doing something special for Abby's birthday and possibly Christmas.

I can't even begin to describe the emotions that flooded over me as I accepted her offer, not knowing what she had in mind, but trusting that this was something God had orchestrated. Romans 8:27-28 came to my mind..."And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I know what you're thinking...this verse is about salvation, right? But it is also about HOPE...the blessed hope we have of Jesus' return. It was just a beautiful reminder that He is still on the throne and no matter how bad things get, He's there.

When I received Abby's gift in the mail Wednesday, I was speechless. It was far greater than I had ever imagined....and with it was the most beautiful handmade card I have ever seen. I have been asked not to reveal any more than I have, but I am very thankful for this gift...I consider it not only a gift from a new found friend, but I also consider it a gift from God. He knew. He cares. He's listening to our heart's cries...even when we can't say it, He knows.

So thank you. You know who you are. You have been a blessing to me and my family...pictures of the birthday party are to come in a couple of days.

See you all tomorrow...