Mail

I had an interesting (?) week via the United States Postal Service last week. Oh, not the Postal Service's "fault", they were just the messenger. I had a couple of pieces of mail delivered to Roger. Now, that in itself is not that unusual. I still get credit card offers, etc. for him occasionally. These two, however, seemed a bit quirky. First, his official AARP card came in. I guess AARP keeps up with everyone's age, regardless of whether they actually reach that age or not. You would think that if they had information that accurate, something could be done to monitor a person's living status, as well. But the one that got my rather warped sense of humor going was from a book club that Roger used to belong to. The envelope was addressed to him, and in bold letters emblazoned across the front it said, "Roger Bennett, what can we do to get you to come back?" After a moment of shock, I had to smile, thinking of what Roger would say if he could have seen that. I came very close to writing them back, saying, "I don't know, but if you find out, would you please let me know???" Ah, just those random things that happen to let you know that life does indeed go on.........

I had a moment this morning, missing Roger very much. Those crop up when I least expect them. I suspect that this one has to do with an upcoming trip and project that I am undertaking. I leave Monday for 3 weeks, headed once again to N. Ireland and England to do a project that Roger and I had discussed, but never got around to making happen. I will be filming a new DVD in the Cornwall region of England. This one will be different from the others, in that it will strictly be Roger's music set to scenery, with scripture imposed over the scenery. There will be no talking to interrupt the flow.....it is just for relaxation. The first project will be very mellow, and if it goes well, I plan to follow it up with a more up-tempo project. So, please pray for me as I undertake this endeavor. I especially covet your prayers for my stamina as I travel (alone this time). I have been battling a really bad back since the end of February, and I thought it was getting better until last Wednesday, when I re-injured it (while bending to pick up an envelope, filling orders - I wish I had a better story!). Long story short, after a shot of cortizone in the back, and an entire weekend of bed rest, I can move again, but I am VERY cautious, and in some pain still. Fortunately, I had enough air miles built up from the volunteer work to upgrade my flight to 1st class, so the trip over won't be as taxing. The domestic portion is on a small plane, though, so not much can be done about the comfort level there. However, I know that God, Who has been with me in all of the planning stages, won't abandon me at the last hour, and so I feel confident that all will be well. I have quite a bit of time in N. Ireland with my dear friends to relax with a cup of tea, and I am REALLY looking forward to my visit there! I will be working May 3-10, and the remainder of the time is pretty much leisure.

Besides this project, I have a couple more in the works, so stay tuned as those develop. I must say how much I appreciate all of the support and love all of you, my dear friends, give me and my family. I am fully aware that, as time goes by, the demand for the limited amount of new product that I can produce about Roger will wane. However, I am constantly overwhelmed by the requests that keep coming, and the wonderful cards, letters, and emails that tell of the impact he made in his too-short life here. We are all blessed to have had him as part of our lives.

We miss him, but he will always be with us. He taught us the value of being

In His Grip!

Debbie

Comments

[Marilyn Wilson]

This is the first I've read your journal. I know you continue to grieve that Roger is no longer physically with you; but that continuing his work keeps him fresh in many minds. I wanted to share my tape of his early "reflections" music with a friend who needed it. It has broken and will not play. It is comforting to know that his music, inspired by his journey, will continue to be available to help others heal in ways that only God can accomplish. Marilyn Wilson

[Tina Reynolds]

Debbie, I am NEVER tired of anything you do in Roger's name! I love him and appreciate all the work and thought you gave put into all that you've done. Thanks so much for the labor! I believe I will miss him for the rest of my pilgrimage down here, as I know for sure that you will more than I. God bless you, my friend in TN!

~Tina

[Cheryl]

Debbie, Prayers for the journey, the project, your good health, and travel. I will continue to pray for your new 'Roger' project. Take care, you will be in His Grip...
Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[Mary Jane Price]

I still receive mail addressed to my husband and he's been gone 19 years and has never lived at this address.

It was good to see you at NQC last year even if it was only a few minutes.

Hang in there, I'm proud of you.

In His Grip,

Mary Jane Price

[Becky]

Debbie,
Thanks for letting us know how to best pray for you. The AARP stuff is funny and a bit odd. My husband willbe 50 in May and he has been doused in AARP material coming in the past few weeks! I keep asking him (as late as last night) if he would like to "sign-up" but he does not think it is all that funny and does not wish to be included in "that" group! Have a wonderful time in Ireland!
Becky In Wisconsin

[Geneva Speas]

Dear Debbie, My prayers will be with you as you travel. Roger would be so proud of the work that you are doing. I am going to hear Legacy V aand Greater Vision tomorrow night. The excitement is not the same since Roger left us. He was a dear friend. Brandea decided she didn't want to go. But life goes on. I love his music and listen to him as I drive along. May the days with friends be a blessing to you as I know it will be to them to have you there. God Bless. Geneva

[Connie Moody]

Debbie,
I would like to add you to my facebook friends but did not know if you had an account there or not....I have thought about your family a lot lately and just wanted to catch up. You can find me as connie moody on facebook or you can just email me at the address I just submitted here. I stay in prayer for you.
Love in Christ,
Your old dorm buddy from Southern, Connie

[Judy Hicks]

Hi Debbie,
May God go with you as you travel and may He bless your work as well as your leisure time. May your back cooperate with your trip. Backs can be very contrary to say the least.
God's Blessings and travel mercies.
Judy Hicks

[Pat and Ed Lancaster]

Dear Debbie:
I have followed Roger's journal and felt like you all were part of my family. Last year my husband and I were at NQC and we bought the Journal so that I could remember and follow the whole story. I have never written to you because I know you were overwhelmed in loving people but now I need to let you know that the book is such a blessing to me. You see, in Nov of this year my husband was diagnosed with Cancer of the Pancreas with metastasis to the Liver and Lungs. As I have read the Journal, I have felt so relieved at times because someone already put down in words the feelings I am going through. Every day is a new fight and relinquishing control of our lives to the God of the Universe. He is in control and we are waiting for the next step of guidance. Yours and Roger's comments are like a lifeline to me. Someone knows just what I am going through. Thank you for taking the time and risk to put it down on paper. Thank you for continuing to tell your story. I am grabbing hold of the rope and hanging on so that we can stay in the palm of His hands. We have tickets for the Fan Fest in Fresno this weekend and I was hoping you were going to be there.
We are praying that my husband will be able to stay out of the hospital this week so that we can attend.
Have a wonderful trip and enjoy God's arms of Love as you travel and put together this project.
Thanks for all that you do for all of us who love Gospel Quartet music. especially Legacy Five.
Thanks for letting me share with you.

[Becky Arvin]

Hey Debbie, I am so excited for you that you are making your way back to Ireland for another great project. It sounds wonderful and can't wait to have it. You take care of yourself and we will all be praying for you. Enjoy the tea and some relaxation. We will look forward to hearing all about it when you are home. You are and will continue to be in my prayers and the couple above me will be in my prayers also. Your book has been a blessing to so many. Love your KY friend, Becky

[Becky]

Debbie,
Praying especially for you today as you are traveling abroad with all of the news that is going on. It seems each time I go on the net the levels and cases, ect. of the Swine Flu have gone up. I just keeping saying Phillipians 4:8! Safe Travels!
Becky In Wisconsin

[JandK]

Hi Debbie--Roger has been a special encourager in my life. In a very difficult time in my life, I watched the Cathedrals live in Denver over and over and I still love to watch it now, 10 yrs later. I have shared his song, Healing, many times with others. I did not realize he has gone Home. You must miss him so much! May God give you strength and comfort for your trip. May He help you persevere as you feel the limitations due to your back. May He show His care for you when you wish Roger could rub your back. Thank you for keeping this site.

[Jesse Franklin]

I am always getting mail and telephone calls for my son who doed in a falling accident right after Roger died.The mail I get the biggest kick from is from "Bosley" hair restorers.

[Becky]

Debbie,
According to the cal you finish up this week and will head back to the states. Pray you have had a great time and did not work too much. It is hard to believe L5 Memorial Day celebration starts in a little over a week! Will you be there next weekend?
Becky In Wisconsin

[Anne Franklin]

Hi Debbie. It's a while since I caught up with you and it's good to see that you are still making music. Your project sounds like something I not only would love but need as well.

We are coming to USA in 3 weeks. It will be our 3rd trip but sadly not enough time or dollars to come to Tennessee. Franklin, TN has to be one of our favourite places. This time we will be in N. California, Oregon, Washington & Vancouver to go on an Alaskan Cruise with the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship.

I found the following poem today and thought you would enjoy it. You probably already know it so this will be a reminder.

The Will of God

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the Arms of God cannot support you,
Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs.
Where the Power of God cannot endow you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the Wide of God cannot teach you,
Where the Army of God cannot protect you,
Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you.

- Author Unknown

Blessings from Anne, New Zealand

[Cheryl]

Debbie,
Having been thinking about you and your kids this Memorial Day weekend. Hope you are back safe from your trip.
Prayers...
Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[Becky]

Debbie,
You were very missed at the L5 Celebration. Pray you are doing as best as you can. It is always great to go to the Celebration! I asked about you a couple of times. Even though there were many there; when someone important and special like yourself is not there it makes a big difference. Take Care,
Becky In Wisconsin