Well, the PSAT went much smoother than I thought. The only question I think i"ll get a low grade on is the first math section.

I really need to file my nails. No way I could play Elise this way.

I double spaced my essay, slashed and cut away several paragraphs, and have it down to *checks quickly* 2 1/4. I still need to list scripture references, write a concluding paragraph, and get the paragraphs to flow together better. So a lot more work is in store for the red-ink-machete.

Dad is out of town tonight, Wednesday, and maybe Thursday and Friday. Tonight we're going to splurge and go out for hamburgers at Sonic. After which Ethan, Naomi, Joshua, and I will go to Java Dave's for chess.

Isaac and Caleb are coloring at the kitchen table right now. Mama is reading Beauty to Ethan, Naomi, and Joshua. I love that book. I wish I knew what Dad was doing. BJ and Samuel are probably eating supper at Speedway. Speedway is soooo fun even if it's a long evening after a longer day.

Ashley has been on my heart a lot. Brad is the second dad to leave her. She is such a light in Gallaway, and has such a sweet spirit. We need to pray hard for her, her siblings-Kaitlyn and Isaac, and her parents Brad and Mary. I don't know Brad or Mary well, or what the source of their conflict is, but it's certainly not worth what it's doing to Ashley, Kaitlyn, and Isaac.

Father, You knew the hearts in this situation better than anyone else could. Please reveal Yourself to them, and transform them into the image of Your Son. Please don't let any bitterness, anger, or hatred spoil this family. Please especially be with the kids, and let them throw themselves on You, because they don't have a dad to be there for them.

And Lord, I pray for all the kids there in Gallaway, at the schools, Scott St., Salvation Army, Speedway, and Chinese church. God, Memphis is known as a bad town, but I ask that You would transform it through this generation. May they shine like lighthouses, and may their parents be drawn to You by them. Let Memphis be a city ten times stronger for You than it is now for the enemy.