Today was my first day back in the office.

It's good to be back. Very good.

I think when you're away from the town you live in for a little while and then come back, you come to experience a new appreciation and thankfulness for it. :o)

I'm happy to be back.

Today was kind of a nice day. I was off from work still, since I arrived back a day earlier than I'd originally thought I would.

It was nice outside.

I had to go to McKinney to get a calendar but the trip was well worth it because of the pretty trees and little hills I saw (almost didn't look like Texas :o)) and the yummy free meal I enjoyed at McAlisters. Free because I had used up my nine entrees on my supper club card. They even let me have my drink free. Yippee!! :oD

Yesterday I drove in, but from Jackson so it wasn't nearly as long a drive. (YAY!) I stopped at the Terrell outlet mall and found some great bargains -- a really cute pair of khaki capri pants at the Van Heusen outlet on clearance for $10!! They even fit me perfectly, which is an amazing feat generally for pants or jeans. :o) Needless to say, I was pleased.

I also at at Schlotsky's, one of my all-time favorite restaurants.

I'm going through something kind of hard at the moment. Yet by faith (not my emotions yet!) I'm thankful if it will be used to drive me closer to Jesus. And I believe it will -- or can be! Oh how I need to stay close to Him. He is truly a wonderful God. There is none like Him. He will never leave us nor forsake us. How wonderful!

Tonight my mom and I ate supper with a big group of relief workers at the church. I have so much been touched by these dear brothers and sisters in Christ and their hearts to come from all over the U.S. and labor long hours on behalf of people in need. It is my prayer that just as we have seen many come to Christ through our tsunami outreach in Asia (www.gfa.org/tsunami), they too will see an incredible harvest of souls.

God is good. Even in the pain ... even in the midst of the storm.

Yesterday I made the 600-mile drive to my hometown. Yikes! I'd forgotten how long it was. It felt especially long for some reason.

But today was incredible. Worshipped at my beloved college church. Caught up with friends and supporters there ... and made new ones!

Ate lunch at Applebee's with this really fun couple who supports me. Enjoyed more fellowship at the church's Christmas open house. And the one-hour drive back to my hometown tonight felt small compared to 11 hours yesterday.

This week has been going by so FAST.

It's Thursday. WOW.

Things are going quite well overall!

I still have much to get done before my trip home in a week or so ... both at the office and at home ... and things to tend to with my car. But things have gotten done as well. I feel optimistic that everything will come together. :oD

Today I got a coupon in the mail for Arby's, buy fries and a drink and get a free Market Fresh sandwich (which I love but are kind of expensive!). I used it for lunch and was quite happy. :oD

It's the little things in life that matter so much sometimes.