Falling behind... and loving it

There has been too much and I won't be able to capture it all. But I want to jot a word or two before everything that drives me so fast is over and I forget how much fun it was to fall behind.

We are heading back to India! I rather planted my feet and said I couldn't go. I wasn't going to make this wedding and miss Christmas glory. Then one day as I was going along on my way, the Holy Ghost said, "You know you didn't even ask, you just decided." I hadn't asked because I really didn't see that it could work. But I repented and asked, and the answer was that I am supposed to go. The tickets are bought, Katie VOLUNTEERED to take care of my kids (mwa, mwa!), and we will be going in two weeks. That's part of why I'm falling behind.

Something else developed a few weeks ago. We had some unanticipated and absolutely necessary, significant expenses a few weeks back. I was worried about making the family finances work. I said an effectual prayer while we prayed as a couple a few weeks ago. The next day I went to Savers for dollar Monday. I had been trying to buy Dave shoes without luck. That morning, though I went later than usual, and there were plenty of folks out shopping in the section I was in, I picked up three great pair of shoes. I called Dave and asked him to come try them on. They fit beautifully and they were Kenneth Cole and two pair of Dr. Martins in excellent condition. The sum total for all three was $20.00. Then I looked for slacks for Dave. I picked up a brand new pair of Savanes with the original tags, Eddie Bauer cords, Docker slacks, Banana Republic slacks, and a pair of Old Navy jeans, hardly used. Then I found two stacks of our corelle dishes. Moving on, I decided to check for dress shirts for Dave. As I was loading my sixth NICE shirt, a Pierre Cardin, I marveled. I never find that much great stuff on dollar day, mostly for a dollar. The spirit then revealed to me that it was a direct answer to my prayer. I stopped and wept in the isle of Savers. The grand total for the trip was $66. Sometimes manna falls from heaven and sometimes the cruze of oil wasteth not. I saw God's hand dramatically that day.

My Grandma and Grandpa Bramwell came to visit and take pictures for the Bramwells. Grandpa made frames for our family pictures and then took a new round to update us. It was so wonderful to visit with them. I really would love to have them live close. It's hard to see them because they live far enough away that I can't do it in one day, but close enough that I wish I could. They have planted a marvelous crop of family and I would love to see them sit in the midst of the harvest and reap in abundance.

Thanksgiving was a great break for us. We were able to visit with my entire family. I love Thanksgiving because it is a simple abundance holiday. We praise God for the plenty and the variety we enjoy and do it with the people we love most. Plus all our family cooks really well so it was just delightful.

On Black Friday we stayed home and deep-cleaned the main level. Phew! That was a lot of work. But the house feels happy and I have the hope of maintaining it through the week for our company party Friday. --- Did you hear that a Wal-Mart worker was trampled to death at the door opening on Black Friday? Well gee, I hope everyone enjoys their ultra cheep TV's and vacuums.

So this week was not a good week to know that we are going to India with the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. I remember just how conspicuous I felt in April when we were out touring. And I remember the pain of Sept 11. Somehow though, we still feel like we're supposed to go. Until we have information or revelation that changes that, we're going.

Lastly, we just came home from a delightful advent with Whitmers. Erika is such a dear friend. I miss her now that we're in two different towns and both so busy we could lose our heads for three days before we realized it. She served us raclette and chocolate fondue. I'm sure I over did it, but it takes longer to eat raclette so you don't feel stuffed. As we sang/performed our Chirstmas songs, Cambry and Riley played a song out of their band books. I was so impressed with my kids. They are amazing to watch grow up. Love them!

I've had days in this stress lately that I've felt the labor was too much, that I wanted easier solutions to my problems. But how can I complain when my every need is met and I live life with some of the most remarkable people the earth has ever seen? I must focus more on the things I have to be grateful for, the beautiful ways God meets my needs and helps me see the path to take for relief. I have never been left alone, even at the times I didn't recognize the support. I am grateful.