An Announcement

Well, life just keeps rolling along. Last week, I became the mother of an engaged son! Although I have another year to wait, it would appear that I will have a new daughter-in-law around or about next July. I am very excited and happy for them both. Jordan and Jessica have been dating for over 5 1/2 years; they truly are "high school sweethearts". I couldn't have picked a sweeter girl for him. (Some of you may remember seeing her on stage at one of the L5 Celebrations in Nashville.) It was a bittersweet time for me, since it made me miss Roger, wishing he were here to see the happy day. I am sure he was looking down with pride and love, though. It was pretty cool how we made him a very big part of it all.........let's just say the ring plays into it.....

I spent the weekend in AR, getting to be with family, and celebrating Father's Day with my Dad and Doug. They are both doing well, trying to stay cool, as is the rest of the South (and other parts of the country) right now! My mom had a 2-day stay in the hospital last week with her blood pressure going sky-high, but she seems to be better now. She has had an ongoing problem with that for years, and it gets pretty serious at times. I was glad to be able to be there to help out a little bit. We had a house full of people on Saturday, and there was a lot of kitchen duty required!

On another note, I would like to thank you for your encouraging comments about my previous post. It WAS a very hard thing to write. I still struggle daily with it all. Roger expressed to me many, many times how he would like for me to find someone when the time was right. I, of course, told him I'd never consider it, but I learned a long time ago that what I want doesn't necessarily coincide with what GOD wants. I also knew that there would be those who don't agree with this new phase of my life, and I understand that, too. However, as was suggested to me via an email, I do NOT plan to shut down this site yet. I have had a LOT of doors close behind me, as I journey through these unchartered waters of my "new" life and as painful as they are to accept, I have been able to, for the most part, without too much complaint. But, I don't feel this door closing yet. I still feel like God has some use for me in this area. I don't feel like I am dishonoring Roger's memory, but rather, his memory gives me the fortitude to continue sharing what God lays on my heart, as we always did together. Given a choice, of course, my life would still be sailing along with Roger, but I wasn't given that choice. I know that Roger will be a huge part of my life, for the rest of my life...no question about that. I think that is what gives me the strength to move forward with my life. Knowing what I had once makes it less frightening to explore what may lie ahead, if that makes any sense...  At any rate, I understand if some readers may be uncomfortable with my moving on, and since I don't plan to use this forum as solely an update on my status (never have, never will), I will keep this site active, sharing what God lays on my heart, and hopefully being an encouragement to others. Feel free to discontinue your readership, if you need to. We all do what we have to do.

There are no guarantees in life while we remain on this Earth. Thank God, though, that we have a loving, caring Savior Who keeps us, through all of life's ups and downs, safely

In His Grip!

Debbie (hope I didn't ramble)

Comments

[Becky]

Good Morning,
No you did not ramble on at all! It is always so good and so encouraging to read your posts. I would like to say again how happy I am for you and for Jordan. Your family is growing again! Your site here is always eagerly anticipated by me and when I see a new post I am always excited to read it as I know you share openly and honestly what God is doing in your life. We should all be so honest and trusting. If there was such a thing of life membership for this site I would be the 1st to say sign me up for life!!!! You are a minister of encouragement to me. Please do not change anything you write on this. As I look back I have seen over and over again how people, especially women, have read your site and have been encouraged and have read your site and used it as perfect timing so send to a hurting friend. Myself included. Have a wonderful week, take a breath and experience the gifts you have been given in your family and the new gifts you will be experiencing in your family.
Becky In Wisconsin

[Ann]

Hi Debbie,
I appreciate this site very much and also the different comments you make. Keeping us kind of updated on your life a bit is very good too.
Congratulations to Jordan and Jessica as well.
Just keep on doing what you're doing. PTL
Ann in Canada

[Brenda]

You know Debbie, that sometimes God opens new doors to us, even after we've lost a spouse. I read your updates all the time, and I really don't know you, but I know what finding someone new cam do. As a widow 10 yrs ago, after a marriage of 36 years, I was never going to open my heart to another. Experience this as a new chapter in your life. You will not cancel all of the years with Roger,(I know) but follow your own heart, and do what it tells you. I have been married this wonderful man for 8 years, and wouldn't trade my life for a million dollars. Be happy, and take your time, and eveything will work out for the best. You are firmly,
IN HIS GRIP

Brenda From Missouri

[Geneva Speas]

Greetings my friend, Congratulations to Jordan & Jessica. Yes, Roger would be proud, too. You will be a great mother-in-law. Debbie, please don't stop writing. You are a source of blessing and help to many of us. You know how much Roger meant to Brandea and I. But life does go on. My husband has been gone 7 years. He had prayed that when God took him home, that God in His good time would send someone to stand by me. Well God hasn't sent anyone, but I live my life each with God's help and if the day comes, I will know God's will for my life. I am so happy for you. Life without the one tht made our life complete is a lonely road to travel. I know that you want God's will for your life. Stand firm in what He tells you to do and there will never be any road that God asks to to travel that He won't bless. Take care and keep the messages that God gives you coming to us. You are loved. God Bless, Geneva.

[Tina Reynolds]

Debbie, the ring thing brought tears to my eyes!! I already knew about the engagement from Facebook, but the ring was new news! How precious it is that you gave the ring Roger gave you to Jordan to give to Jessica! It's wonderful! Such a sweet sacrifice! Roger would be very proud of it all!
Keep this journal as long as you want, and I will keep reading! If God wants you to shut it down, do it and I will accept it. I happen to love to read this! Also, I'm with Roger on this one--you do need to find somebody. I can't imagine how some people would be upset that you would want to move on! It's your life you are living, they're not living it for you; I think that they're being ridiculous if you don't mind my saying. And this coming from one of Roger's biggest fans!! Long post, but I said what was necessary! God bless you, Debbie!

[Carolyn Hardin]

Dear Debbie,

I just want to say that I love to hear from you and no matter what happens in your life, I will continue to read your posts and look forward to them. God never intended for man nor woman to live alone. That is why He made Eve for Adam. I know that Roger would certainly want you to have someone else in your life.
Love you and look forward to reading your posts!!

[Judy Hicks]

Hi Debbie,
What wonderful news...a new daughter-in-law in the works. This is an exciting time and it hard to believe that Jordan is old enough to be thinking marriage, but they do grow up.A sweet thing to share your ring with Jessica that makes it more special.
I am glad that you are moving on with your life and that there is a special person. You need not apologize for any reason and I am looking forward many posts from you in the future. You don't realize how much you encouragement you are to all of us. I haven't been in your shoes as the Lord has blessed me with a fifty plus years of marriage but I can only imagine what it must be like to travel the journey alone. Enjoy the new journey depending on God's leading. I wish you well. Please do not do away with the posting you would be so missed as would your inspiration.
Love and God's blessings,
Judy Hicks

[Wilda]

Congrats to Jordan and Jessica and to you as well! I know you are looking forward to being an in-law and a GRANNY (in due course)! By no means should you shut this site down - until such time as you deem necessary. I always enjoy your postings and feel God's leading in every word that's revealed. God Bless you, Deb, as you anticipate the future...... Take care and give your Mom my regards!!!

[Becky Arvin]

Hey Debbie Wow have I been out of touch for a few months. My dad went in the hospital on Easter weekend and is still there so haven't got to catch up for awhile. I am so excited for you I can hardly stand it!!!!!!. If you ever look back at the past post from me, all along I have been saying to you that our precious Lord will be opening doors left and right for you and just trust and go thru them. This was one of the doors i was refering to. Your love for Roger was such a gift and he will be in your heart always. Your love was not selfish and he would won't you to go on and be happy. THat is what time does we just have to choose to move on and allow God to have control. I am pumped for all the good things going on in your life. Give Jordon my blessings and can't wait to see you at NQC this year. Debbie you keep writing these post as long as your heart desires. They have been a blessings to so many and will be down the road to many who have traveled your journey. It gives hope to all that life does go on and there is hope. We all love you so much and for those how have a problem with it I find it hard to believe that they have ever had to be alone with that broken heart and feeling like you just can't hardly stand it another hour. We will pray about that. My mom use to tell me I wake up everyday and just thank god for another day of life and try and enjoy it and find the blessing in it we all need to do that. Debbie just keep growing as you have done all along God has shined thru you to me and all of us that love ya. I don't have Facebook but i would love to read about the ring story. Love you so much and so happy for you Your Kentucky Friend Becky

[Peggy Bowdoin]

Debbie,
We see no reason for you to consider shutting this journal down. This is a journey through the life of a person who loves the Lord and tries to serve him in all that she does. Get ready for a whirlwind year and continue to seek the Lord's will in all that you do. You will remain in our prayers.
In His Grip,
Henry and Peggy B.

[Carol]

Dear Debbie,
I have been following this web site from the beginning, but seldom made comments. Roger's walk through illness and the lessons he shared with us because of his experience has been an encouragement to me. May God bless you as you walk through doors that He opens to you. May you walk through them with real joy in your heart and no regrets.

Here is a verse of scripture that I feel fits you well..."My life is an example to many, because You have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare Your glory all day long." (Psalm 71:7-8 NLT)

Congratulations to Jordan and Jessica.

Love and prayers,
Carol

[Fran]

Debbie, God bless you as you go on with your life. I totally understand your feelings that you could never accept another person in your life. But as God leads you just be blessed with where and how He leads you. I hope there weren't too many negatives about the situation. Until they walk in your shoes they could not understand.

[Janet]

Dear Debbie,
Congratulations to Jordan!! What a lucky girl to be getting you as a Mother-in-law.
I have read every word written on this journal & prayed many times for all of you. This journal has been a blessing & it is too bad that the world can't read it & live by it. I'm certainly not going to stop reading it now. It is sad that sometimes others are selfish enough to not want to see happiness for others.
After my Aunt had been gone for seven years ny uncle remarried & my cousins said, "Dad was lonely, & God sent Alice" That say's it all. Follow your heart & God & you can't go wrong.
Janet

[Doris]

Debbie,you go girl!!

[Dave & Eunice Slocum]

Hi, Debbie,

We are so excited to hear your news - about Jordan and Jessica and about your new friend, too!
I would love to read the ring story on Facebook - but there are a lot of Debbie Bennetts out there. Something for you to maybe consider - if you wouldn't mind a bunch of new "friends" on Facebook, would you be willing to pass along your new user name sometime?

We will always remember you as Roger's right hand gal and honor and respect you for the way that you honored your marriage vows, "in sickness and in health until death do us part." And we will continue to appreciate the encouragement that you offer in this journal, for as long as you feel the Lord would have you continue it. But you have so much to offer - does this new friend realize how lucky he is? :o) We will be praying that the Lord will lead you and guide you, in His time, in this new relationship!

God bless,
Dave & Eunice Slocum
Jackson, MI

[Dave & Eunice Slocum]

P.S.
A very belated "Happy Birthday," too!

[Patty Spicer]

Glad to hear that things are well with you and the family. I know you are excited about the upcoming marriage of Jordan and that this is just another new phase of your life. As other people have stated I do not see why you need to close this journal. Just as Roger used it as a journey through his illness you have used it a s journey through your greiving and I do not believe that God is through with this journal yet. It has been uplifting for too many people and it lets us see how you are staying In His Grip. Yes we would all rather not go through the journey you have been through but God has let people see through this journal how you have handled it.

[helena boyd]

Dear Debbie,
I would never stop reading your comments and I wish you the very best always.
You were such a rock for Roger and he would want only the best for you.
You take care of yourself and take one day at a time and see what the Lord has planned for you.
By for now,
Dale and Helena Boyd

[Marlene]

Hi Debbie
Thanks for all your newsletters--they are so uplifting to me. Please keep them up.Congrats to Jordan & Jessica--praying God's blessings on them! Thanks for sharing how God is leading in your personal life--Roger would want you to be happy & if God has brought this special person into your life,no one has any right to criticize. You go girl,and be happy!!
Marlene from Canada

[Sue Kovach]

Hi Debbie,
Thank you for your continued writings. I will join in with all of those who are supporting you in the way the Lord is blessing your life now. I will also say that we as believers in Christ are called by Him to be continually involved in His Kingdom work. You have had a wonderful ministry with Roger and are now continuing it through the work God has given you to do. And, I expect that as the Lord brings special people into your family again, you will continue to seek to be used by Him in unique and special ways to benefit those who do not know the Lord, and those of us who are believers. Roger is one of those in the great cloud of witnesses cheering you and your children on, as well as the rest of us! Keep on and enjoy the journey with those special people the Lord brings to you.
Blessings,
Sue Kovach

[Pat Mabery]

Debbie, It has been a long time since I read the journal. Just consumed with other things. In 1981 I lost the "love of my life" to cancer. I hate that word. I came to a point where I, too, moved on. Just think, that was 28 years ago and I could have spent that time in grief. You were a rock to Roger and he said that many times. I sincerely believe that you did all you could for him. Enjoy the years God has ahead for you. I would like to recommend to you Karen Kingsbury's series called 9/11, I think! It will speak to your heart at this time, especially the 2nd book "Beyone Tuesday Morning." God Bless You

[Janet Jones]

Debbie, I love reading your thoughts and about the new things in your life. As long as you are doing and staying (in) God's will and plan for YOUR life, go for it!! This has nothing to do with the deep love and respect that you have for Roger. I say have instead of had because he is a vital part of your life and your whole being. This is a new phase of your life, enjoy it. Love, Janet from California

[Kerri]

Debbie, I think you are an amazing, Godly woman. I thank you for your honesty in each post. It has been a hard year without Roger. He was a special man and I loved his piano playing and the DVD's that I still watch. May God lead you and your life. I know that He has plans for you and I love reading them in the posts. Congrats to your son. That is a special time and will pray for all the details to come together for them and their special day!

[amy Johnson]

hey Debbie...hope all is well this Sunday...May the Lord bless your son as he is preparing for this great chapter...Roger would be proud!!!!
Amy Johnson in Decatur, Ga.

[Helena]

I want to join those who are encouraging you to go ahead with the best things God is offering you. Anyone who has not lost a loved one has no idea how lonely life can be and they don't have the right to criticize you. Your vows with Roger have been fulfilled and you will move ahead with his blessing. He's smiling at you even now...as is Jesus!
Helena from Canada