Celebration

I was privileged to once again be at the Legacy Five Labor Day Celebration on Sunday. As usual, it was a very uplifting day, and one that never fails to remind me what a great ministry Southern Gospel music is. The Celebration events are probably the most difficult events for me. Mentally, I always travel back to the last one I attended with Roger in 2006, where they filmed the DVD "Live in Music City", and also "Friday Night Favorites".........where he sang the song "Lord, Stay Close to Me" with such meaning........where he was just ROGER, in spite of running a fever, and being weak. I cherish those memories. Yes, it's very hard for me to go there, when so much has changed. But, I feel a duty, and an HONOR to be available to continue the legacy he left behind. It is so good to hear people still speak of him, and share stories, and testimonies. It is wonderful to see the group he loved so much still singing the Gospel and carrying on the traditions he valued. It is comforting to see the friends we made over so many years, and still feel the love and prayers coming our way. I was blessed to have Jordan and Chelsea with me at different times in the day, as well.

Now, on to prepare for a busy, busy time at National Quartet Convention next week. It's always a mixed bag of blessings and weariness, as well, and I love it! It seems I will be there all week now, as my Dad is not well enough at the time to travel to his WWII reunion (please keep him in your prayers - he is 87 now). It breaks my heart that he can't go, as this is the last one they will have. I confess I will miss all of the dear friends I have made in this wonderful group, as well. I guess I am feeling a little sad today, reliving memories, and wishing for happier times, but when all is said and done, I have the blessed assurance that God is in control, and He knows the outcome of everything I plan for, do, and live on a day-to-day basis. More than ever, I am so grateful to be always

In His Grip!

Debbie

Comments

[Tina Reynolds]

Debbie,

We are blessed to have you continue to share Roger's legacy with us, thank you for doing so! Have fun at NQC and be blessed! I do look forward oneday to meeting you! Love from Michigan,

~Tina

[Helen Johnson]

Debbie,
Thanks for checking in with an update of your time at Celebration. We were at the very first one when Roger was not expected to be there. I still get shivers as I remember him walking out on stage so unexpectedly and the house going up in a roar of applause, shouts and praise to God. There wasn't a dry eye in the audience. Precious memories.........
A Texas friend,
Helen

[Ann Woodward]

Hi Debbie,
So good to hear from you and I'll see you in Kentucky.
I too remember 2006 when Roger came on stage and I cried too. I got to talk to him a few minutes. Legacy 5 was one of the few groups that used to come to WA state each year.
I play those two cds over and over again they are so good.
Take care and see you soon.
Ann in Oak Harbor WA

[Raynell Weaver]

Deb,
Sometimes we just have to trust the grip to get through...but it won't rain forever...in God's good time.
I know I don't post but I do pray and think of you often.
We met in Alaska on the boat and you were so gracious to share breakfast with Gary and I.
Thinking of you,
Raynell Weaver

[Geneva Speas]

Greetings, Looking forward to seeing you at NQC. Great memories flood in. Roger will be an unseen guest. His persence will always be felt. My prayers go out to your Father. My you feel God's abiding presence in the days ahead. Can hardly wait to see you. God Bless, Geneva.

[Cheryl Turnbull]

Debbie,
Prayers for your Father, as well as NQC week. Glad you had a wonderful time Labor Day weekend. Glad to see your posts the last few days. Prayers for your journey...
Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[Becky]

Debbie,
Nice to hear from you. We all have those moments of wishing back into the past. My dad died when he was very young and I was barely 30 so this September 1st was hard for me as he would of been 80 if he had lived. I sometimes think I spend too much time thinking about him and how things would be different if he were here and better, much better. Than there are the days that I am afriad I can barely remember him and am afraid I will forget him. I recently (during the time of his 80th Birthday) had our family home place painted on a huge 36" saw so I could hang it in the kitchen and "always remember." My guys are hanging it up today as it weighs a ton and needs two men to hang. I am comforted knowing it will always be with me and know many will ask about it too. I am not quite so worried about forgetting now. I took abour 10 photos to my friend and she captured everything perfectly, dad's model A, the team of draft horses, the house, barns, out buildings, animals, everything. I am so happy to get it put into place today. So many memories now permanently etched. Hope you are having a great time at NQC. I hope we can make it there someday too!!!! Maybe next year you can come to L5 Memorial Day. Take Care,
Becky In Wisconsin

[Becky Arvin]

Hey Debbie It was great to hear from you and will see you later in the week at NQC can't wait. One of these days I am going for the entire week. I will see you soon and I am keeping your sweet dad who I met at a concert in TN before Rogers first surgery he and i talked trucking he was so sweet your mom is too. See you soon. Your KY friend Becky

[Becky]

Hi Debbie,
It is October today! We wait and wait for summer and than in comes and goes over night. We have had it in the 30's the past few nights here! Just making sure you are OK; it's been a while since you posted. Would love to hear all about your NQC adventures. Take care.
Becky In Wisconsin

[Mary Evelyn McMahan]

Today is Oct. 1, 2009 and I was thinking of you and and your family and said a little prayer for you. Hope all is going well.

Love in Christ,

Mary Evelyn McMahan