If you haven't figured this out by now, most of my "blogging" is done in my monthly Chronicles - and you can find those on another page on my website - under "Chronicles" oddly enough!

Today I just have to have a picture of my youngest granddaughter up to remind me of new life, because I am so sad about losing our sweet Dottie Rambo. If you're not aware of who wrote the songs you love, you could probably pick any of the 2500 or so that Dottie wrote, but my two favorites are "We Shall Behold Him" and "I Go to the Rock". (You can get We Shall Behold Him" as a ringtone on your Verizon phone - just as evidence of how wide-spread her influence has been. I just had to stop today and say I can feel the world is a poorer place without her. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure she's catchin' up with a thousand friends in heaven and writing more music for when we get there, but today...I miss her already.

Well, as usual it's been far too long since I caught you up on things. Hopefully you watch the newsletters on our website for more timely updates.

In August I was able to get together with family in California for several of our birthdays (including mine!!) which was lovely (you can see some of the pix above). But I came home to yet another hospital stay for my tummy problems. By the way, I am very grateful for those of you who have been willing to pray and not pry about my illnesses. Intestines are pretty gruesome to chit chat over! The good news is that a family practice doctor the hospital brought in to keep track of all the specialists they had poking, prodding and testing me, finally figured out the combination of meds in foods that was causing the problem. So, for the first time in almost 5 years, I am out of tummy pain. Yippee! I mean, Hallelujah!! Honestly, I am still waking up in the middle of the night when I turn over getting ready for the pain...that's not there anymore .

That meant that I had a few local concerts before heading to the northeast where Balm friend, Kathy Robson, booked area concerts for me for the second year in a row. What a blessing that help is! I got to see the leaves turning to absolutely stunning colors. I also got a week to visit with the East coast kids and grandkids.

Then I flew into Orlando where more Balm supporters had donated an old car to Balm for my sister who totalled hers in an accident recently (she was not injured). My sister and I drove like Thelma and Louise across country to get the car back to her home in California, stopping to sing, share and visit with her Baptist in-laws in Louisiana, where we were afforded true Southern hospitality. I drove with her as far as Phoenix before it was time to fly up to Joplin, MO for their 10th anniversary. What a great month, huh??

Cindy was not able to be with me. She is still working full time to keep us in health insurance. I'm still taking short term contracts as an RN. I've always been grateful to have that as a "tentmaking job". (The apostle Paul was a tentmaker to support his missionary journies in the Bible. He received offerings from local congregations when he traveled, but he never wanted to beg or demand from them.) That's where we are right now.

Coming up I have a concert in Vista, CA (it's only on Saturday night, that Sunday is open...hint, hint!), and a Christmas concert in Louisville with the same openings for Sunday so far. SO, let us know if you have ideas.

I'll try not to be so long between blogs. I hear this site is closing soon, so we'll find a new way to link you with it if it does.

Blessings on you all.

Yours in Christ's Service,

Marsha