NQC, Memorial Concert, Moving Ahead.....

I have intended to write for some time, but life tends to get in the way. NQC week was great, and I have SO many stories to share at some point from that time. The week, however, was exhausting, and I have spent most of the time since, trying to recover...........I felt MUCH older this year than last! By the time I got home, my back was out (yet again, this is getting really old), and now I am in AR for the 2nd annual Roger Bennett Memorial Concert, tomorrow night in Batesville, AR at the Community College. This year's guests are the Hoppers, and I am looking forward to that, as well as visiting with friends and family.

Back to NQC, though. As usual, it was a week that I initially both dread, and look forward to. As soon as I get there, though, and get set up (a CHORE, let me tell you!), it feels like "home". I see good friends that I only see once a year, and it feels like being enveloped in love to have all of the prayers, hugs, and great memories shared there. What I first thought could be an awkward time, given my new "circumstances", turned out to be incredibly healing. I came home with a new-found sense of well-being, and yes, the freedom to move forward. I will share a few of the stories that were shared with me about Roger in a future (but soon!) post. I continue to be so proud of that man. His service to God, not only in a very public way, but also in a very humble, quiet way to so many individuals is still a shining example of how we should strive to live our lives. Even I will never know how many times he gave of himself to someone in need. He wanted it that way. He never came home boasting of what "he" did. If I knew of his generosity, it was usually because I had either been there at the time, or it involved finances that he felt he needed to consult with me about. I never denied him, because we both learned long ago that you can NOT outgive God! Our blessings have been multiplied greatly simply because God promised us that obedience to His leading would never come back void. I am still being blessed today by Roger's actions, by getting to meet people whose lives he touched, and by hearing such wonderful stories about how inspirational Roger's life was. That was the legacy he left us. We are truly blessed.

Thank you for the prayers for my dad. He seems to be a bit better, but lacks a lot of energy to do the things he used to do. The scope of his world has shrunk a bit, and I am enjoying being in AR for a few days, getting to visit with my folks. I had a great lunch with Doug, my father-in-law, today, and I always enjoy those times with him. If you are in Batesville, or the near-enough vicinity tomorrow night, come on over and join us at 7 pm for the Roger Bennett Memorial Concert. I know it will be a lot of fun, just as the first one was last year. 

OK, gotta run for now. In addition to all of the other things going on, we are having a yard sale next Friday at my Mom's house, and there is much to be done there. Whew! I am getting tired just thinking about it all! But, isn't it great to know that, whatever we do, we are held lovingly

In His Grip!

Debbie 

Comments

[Becky]

As always it is great to hear from you. I get tired just reading about your adventures! God is definitely using you, and he most certainly always will! Have a wonderful memorial celebration of Roger's life. Take Care,
Becky In Wisconsin

[Ann Woodward]

Hi Debbie,
Busy is a good thing but I am sorry about your back. It was good to say hi at the convention. As always your smile and greeting are so warm.
I hope you were able to see some of the events at the convention and not just be at your booth. It was especially good this year with the afternoon session of Fire in the Choir. It was something new and just awesome. I hope you can see it next year.
Hope your yard sale is successful. I did that just before the convention. Now I'm getting ready for craft fairs.
I hope you have beautiful fall colors there. We have some here in the northwest but mostly evergreens.
Take care of the back.
Hugs,
Ann

[Maxine]

Hi Debbie so good to see a post from you. Its great to hear all is well with you except your back. I pray you get better soon. I would like to ask a question of you. What are your new "Circumstances"? What are you moving on with? Hope I am not being to personal but just courious. I hope the best for you as you are a precious saint of God and deserve all things beautiful. Look forward to another post soon.

[Judy Hicks]

Hi Debbie,
So glad the NQC went well..being there enjoying all there is to do and making all the venues are exhausting too, but soooo much fun.It sounds as though this year was healing for you. Always enjoy your post and look forward to a shot of inspiration..
Glad you are able to visit all your family and have a yard sale. I have been having one mentally for the past six months. It is a job but fun as well..my biggest complaint is when it is over stuff is left and has to packed up for the next one or hauled to the thrift store. I guess I am getting lazy in my mature years...Hope the back is doing better...back problems are no fun...It is good news that your dad is better...will continue to keep him in my prayers that he will become stronger...
Love and blessings,
Judy Hicks

[Cheryl Turnbull]

Greetings from Kansas City,
Was glad to see your post. What a blessing to read about how the Lord is moving you right along in so many ways. Was excited to read about all your adventures the past month. We continue to pray the Lord will continue to use you in so many ways to glorify Him...
Love from Lenexa KS
Cheryl

[Becky Arvin]

Hey Deb it was so great to see you and get hugs while at NQC I feel like we have been friends all our life. The video is awesome and so Roger, he is just smiling down on you know doubt. Losing my dad so soon before convention I had several "moments" but being surrounded by all the love and joy that is shared at that convention really did help. Thanks for caring on what you know Roger wanted to do. I really am happy for you and as I told you from the day you started taking over the writing of this journey that God will open many doors just be willing to trust and go thru them. You deserve the best and I will tell you I have lost my mom, brother, and my father now in the past 6 years, life is such a precious gift enjoy each day and move forward it is the right thing to do. I love ya and wish you the best you so deserve it.

[Sarah Tarzinski]

It is always great to read your posts. I just want you to know what a blessing Roger is to so many, even now. I listen to L/5 CD's in my car on a daily basis as I travel for my job. To hear over and over again Roger's testimony and encouragement just lifts my spirits. God sure did use him. You see when I was going thru a dark time (having 3 loses in 12 months) Roger was singing "Don't Be Afraid"......in the darkest of times..... You could hear his humbleness and even though he was a performer he was sent by God to show the way. I can be "blah" and turn on my CD's and Roger is so uplifting. The songs he chose were Godley songs.....How blessed you were to have known him and thanks for sharing him. God will bless you more and more as you GIVE. Giving is so healing as I know first hand. God Bless (((HUGS)))
SJT

[Pamela A. Jackson]

Debbi,

I was a fan of your husband when he was still with the Cathedrals. In fact, I was in the audience and their concert in Dayton, Ohio when George announced that Roger was leaving the group because of the cancer. I am so sorry to learn of Roger's passing, and of Glenn and George. I have lived in Maryland for the last 11 years, and had decided to see if I could find out what (if anything) the Cathedrals were doing. I read about all the transition since their retirement and George's passing. So I search for the group (Legacy Five) that Roger formed. Then to find out that he too had been called home was, to say the least, a shock!
God Bless you for keeping us all up-to-date on the Legacy Five concerts. I listened to some of their music on Lastfm.com and was so very, VERY impressed. God Bless You and God Bless the fellows in the Legacy Five.

Pam Jackson