Answering Some Questions

It always boggles my mind how time can pass so quickly. I don't realize it has been as long as it has, usually, when I look back at my last post. Needless to say, things have been very busy around here! I took another trip to AR since the last post, a quick weekend to help with some repairs around my folks' house. I have been on a couple of courier trips, transporting life-giving stem cells/bone marrow. I have been involved in many projects around my own house, as well. And, well, then there are the plans.....

I have received a few questions that I'd like to address in this post. And, just like my mind these days, they will be in no particular order!!

1. A few have asked about why there is no longer a link to either this site, or to my web store on the Legacy Five website. I don't know, and wasn't aware until the questions came in. If you think it should still be there, feel free to contact L5 @ www.legacyfive.com or you can always access these sites directly by placing them in your "favorites" list.

2. LOTS of you have asked me to tell you about the man I will be marrying. OK. His name is JB Savage, he is from E. Tennessee, he is a contractor/builder/realtor, and foremost a Christian. We have known each other for well over a year now. He has sold his house in E. TN and will be moving to Middle TN. In an economy like ours, he hasn't built much lately, and is hoping that Mid TN will recover a bit faster than E TN, as far as his business is concerned. ( Hope that made sense. ) We will be living in the home that I am still in  for a time, and in a couple of years or so, we will sell this home and build another one. We already have a smaller tract of land bought about 9 miles from here. It's 5 acres, as opposed to the 16+ I have now, so it will be easier for upkeep.

3. I am getting married this coming Saturday, November 14, at 2 pm. It will be a very small ceremony in a little country church, and will comprise of my kids, a couple of witnesses, and the preacher. So, if you are wondering why you didn't receive an invitation, I really wanted to keep it low-key for a lot of reasons. I am still sensitive to the fact that this is a difficult transition for my children, and I didn't want a lot of pageantry. We will be taking a cruise the weekend after Thanksgiving for our honeymoon trip. (Here's hoping the hurricanes decide to finally give it up for the season!)

4. Jordan's wedding plans are still coming along nicely. He and Jessica will be married June 16, 2010. He just completed a course on amplifier building and repair, to go along with his guitar knowledge. He works in a music store in Murfreesboro, TN, where he gets to use all of that. Chelsea has a lot of things going on, as well. Besides finishing up a semester at college pursuing a 2nd degree, she is planning to move out soon (as soon as we get all of the permits in place, she will have a mobile home put on our new land, until we get ready to build there), and preparing for a 3-month stay in Poland! Following her 2nd mission trip there this past summer, she has felt God's leading to devote more time to the one-on-one relationships the missionaries there are trying to develop. If all of the plans go through (they are in the works now), she will likely be over there from Feb-April. Please pray for her in ALL of these transitions, and pray for her funding, as she will be going as a volunteer for these 3 months.

5. Today is Veteran's Day, and I'd like to say a special thank-you to all of the veterans who have fought and died for our freedom. Now, more than ever, we need to be mindful of the price that was paid for the freedoms we hold so dear. And, we need to pray diligently for those who are still fighting for freedoms that are seemingly so precariously perched. We can NOT take for granted the rights that we have, yet, so many want to ignore the dangers we face, in the name of political-correctness. God help us, if we choose to let that happen. I'd also like to thank my favorite veteran, my daddy, who served in WWII. And, to all of those left from his unit, the 3463rd Medium Maintenance Ordnance, a division of the 3rd Army, who fought under General George Patton in the European Theater. Thank you for your service and bravery, and thank you for the special part you have all played in my life. I will never forget you.  Also, Happy Birthday to my baby boy, who was born on this Veteran's Day, 23 years ago. You are a blessing.

6. If I have forgotten anything, just let me know! You are all a very amazing part of my extended family, and your comments and words of love and support throughout everything life has handed me(us) these past years have been a gift. And, yes, I will continue to post on this site, so thank you for asking me to keep it going. Roger still has a lot of legacy to share, and I find that more each day. He will always be a major part of my life, and I am grateful for that. His memory still gives me strength, and I feel it is part of my own ministry to make sure that his message is still out there, helping to change lives. I am so happy to be

In His Grip,

Debbie

Comments

[Becky]

Debbie,
You have much to be THANKFUl for this Thanksgiving Season. I wish only the very best for you and your children and your new husband. Now that sounds funny doesn't it, NEW HUSBAND! Have a wonderful crusie and a uneventful blending of your families. I am happy for you. Your life is very rich, very full of excitement. You are a blessed woman. Thanks for sharing with us all. Continue to care for yourself and please continue to share with us.
Becky In Wisconsin

[Cheryl Turnbull]

Debbie,
So nice to hear from you, and all your life updates.
I will be praying for all the events that are in store. Have a wonderful wedding day the 14th. Continue seeking the Lord for all decisions...
Congrat's...
Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[Linda Lovett]

Debbie, thank you for sharing what is happening in your life. You are truly a blessing to many, many people. The least we can do for you is give you our blessings and best wishes for a happy and meaningful life. I am praying for Chelsea and Jordan as they adjust to the new family dynamics, recognizing that it is not easy for them. I am so thankful God has sent you to someone and someone to you. He must be pretty special for you to have made the decision to marry again. May God bless you and keep you forever IN HIS GRIP.
Linda from Syracuse

[Jim and Christine Campbell]

Lots of love and best wishes to you and JB. Tell Jordan "happy birthday" from his nanny, and of course, to you, happy anniversery of our meeting. You all are always in our thoughts and prayers. We always pray God's richest blessings on those who have been such a blessing to us, and we always pray over a list of our "kids".
Love always, Jim and Christine

[Jeannie]

Congratulations, again, Debbie, and thank you for sharing your life with us. It is kind of you to remember that friends have prayed for Roger and for you during these last difficult years. We are interested in your future happiness, so we thank you for sharing with us. Please keep us informed about you, your new husband, and your children. He must be a very special man. I have asked L5 by email why your link has been dropped from their website, but have not received a response. I DO think it should stay on their website, because of Roger's legacy. Jeannie

[Karen Hopkins]

Debbie,
Thank you for your terrific update! Congratulations on your new marriage! I was privileged to meet you once at the quartet convention and was so impressed by your sweet, loving spirit. I could see Jesus in you. I have several of Roger's piano solo books and use them at our church. I am so thankful you will continue the web site. It just seems right. (And I will email L5. I have missed your link, too.) God bless JB and you daily. I pray Saturday will be filled with the Spirit's presence, joy, peace for all of you. God will give grace and joy to your children.
Karen, IL

[Jenell McNeill]

I just want to wish you and JB well in your upcoming marriage. As young as you are, I don't think Roger or anyone who loves you would want you to spend the rest of your life single. My husband has been gone 5 years on the 28th and I am so lonely. I am 72 and am in bad health, so I don't see me getting married. You are young & in good health, so I am so happy for you.

Thank you for keeping us updated all these years. You feel like family to me.

God be with you Saturday. I feel Roger will be smiling down on you

Stay In His Grip,
Jenell McNeill
Palestine, TX

[Judy Hicks]

Hi Debbie,
Wonderful news....You and JB will be in my prayers. May God bless you two as you begin a new journey in your lives. Am glad that you will continue the posting...you would be missed so terribly if you closed this site....
God be with you and yours on your BIG DAY.
Love and Blessings,
Judy Hicks

[Wilda]

Congratulations on your wedding this Saturday! May you have many years of happiness in your NEW LIFE. You know that Roger will be smiling down on your little family and cheering you on in this new chapter!
Blessings...

[Donna]

Debbie, Thank you for keeping us up to date in the affairs of your life.
Its so nice to see how God is blessing you in large ways and in the small ways. I am so glad to know that you continue in His Grip!
Praising God for the blessings and favor he has bestowed on you. Be Happy, Take care and let us know how everyone is.

[Geneva Speas]

Dear Debbie, Congratulations!I am so happy for you. God has His hand on your life. Roger will always be Brandea's and my first love, but I know we have room for JB also.I am a step mother so I know some days it was hard, but it always works out. Life without your mate is a lonely life. I have been alone for 7 years and it doesn't change.I am so happy that God sent JB into your life. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. I know that it will be wonderful. Give my love to Chelsea and Jordan. May God continue to bless the plans they have chosen for their lives. God Bless. Love and prayers, Geneva. (Brendea sends her love.)

[Raynell Weaver]

I was glad to read your good news and am hoping that your special day will be breathtaking! Enjoy your cruise and may it be a start to many years of happiness!
Raynell

[Evelyn Wedel]

Hi Debbie:
Today is your wedding day! May it be very special! God bless you and JB as you begin this new and exciting journey! I think of you often and enjoy reading the updates of your life and those of your children. Perhaps our paths will cross sometime, somewhere!
With much love,
Evelyn-Vancouver, Canada

[Cindy Brunken]

Debbie,
Congratulations are in order! I'm happy for you as it has been a difficult time since Roger passed on!

Congratulations to Jordan and Jessica as well. It's exciting to see young people begin their lives together.

Also, Chelsea is doing a good thing in her work with missionaries!

You have every right to be proud of your children.

It seem as though God has all of your needs taken care of now and it's time to move on with your lives!

Cindy Brunken, Galena, MO

[Kathy Giles]

Congratulations to you and JB. I'm very happy for you and wish you all the best that God has to offer in this new chapter of your life. JB is getting a gem in you!

Blending families can be a challenge, but you all have Christ at the center of your lives and He will walk each step of the way with you.

Thank you for updating us. Congratulations once again.

All the best,
Kathy Giles and Rick Price

[Jake]

Will we be seeing a picture from the wedding?

[Herb & Myrna Styles]

Congratulations Debbie on your marriage to JB, we are very happy for you and trust your children will be happy for you as well.
Thanks for keeping us updated on your life as well.

[Barb In Minnesota]

Congratulations!! All that you have been through, you deserve this happiness. It can be very lonely not sharing life with someone.
I will keep you in my prayers and your children too. It will all work out. (I've been there).
You are a blessing to so many. Hope I can continue to read your posts on here. I've been looking for this site and wondered what happened.
Much Love & Happiness to all.
Barb in Minnesota

[Pat Crosswhite Spencer]

CONGRATULATIONS Debbie/JB
on your wedding last week.

My husband Ben/I were ever so blessed with having seen
/heard Roger at a lot of
the Cathedrals/Legacy Five
concerts over the past 13
years we have been married.

As Ben was a widower and I was twice divorced before
we wed, we too have wended
our way through some of the
issues involved with blend-
ing families PLUS starting
a new life for ourselves and the Lord has blessed us
all abundantly. However it
is amazing at how much my
three adult kids accepted
/admire Ben for how happy
he has made me as he also
treats my kids as his own.
I am thrilled Ben's three
kids who suffer from some
of the abandonment issues
from losing a parent earl-ier in their lives BUT they
have always embraced me and even call me MOM thus I
too am truly bless as well.
We are attending the Legacy
Five concert tomorrow night
here in Portland Oregon as
a belated 13th anniversary
celebration as we both love
gospel. KUDOS to you both
too. Benjamin Spencer and Pat Crosswhite Spencer

[Ann Woodward]

Hi Debbie,
I just returned from seven days at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to help with the grandchildren at the parks and checked your site.
I am so happy for you and JB and wish you many years of happiness together.
God bless you both.
Ann Woodward WA state

[Kelly Burton]

Hi Debbie,
I continue to admire your strength as you move forward. Congratulations of your upcoming marriage!
I sent you an email regarding SGN Scoops.. and I would still *really* love to feature an interview or write up from you if you have time. If not for December, any time in the future would be an honor.

God bless you!

[Fran Davis]

Debbie, Congratulations, May God bless you and JB. Knowing that you are following His leading will give you peace and patience.

You and your family are always in our prayers.

God Bless your new family.

Fran in Troy, OH

[Linda Copeland]

Debbie - I did click on this site from Legancy Five's site - and can't even put into words how happy I am for you. You are living your life in HONOR of Roger and he is proud of you. Keep On Keeping On.

Linda Copeland

[Becky Arvin]

Hey Deb I have been gone and just got chance to check in on you and wow was all your news awesome!!!!!
First of all Congrats, JB we are going to love you and trust that you are going to take great love and care of our sweet Debbie. I am so happy for you both. As time took care of lots of the issues you have faced before it will take care of any issues you face ahead thats just how the good Lord works. As my kids say "He has our backs". I am excited for both your children they have got exciting things going on in thier lives also. Roger is so happy for all of you no doubt. As I have said in the past I have lost 3 of the closest people in my life in the past couple of years and life is way to short to spend it unhappy. My mom said everyday count your blessing not just thanksgiving day but everyday, Thank you for being one of our dearest blessing. Allowing us to be such a part of your life and Rogers and now to take the new journey that God has opened up for you. Have a wonderful honeymoon, and we will look forward to getting to know JB even better Bless you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas and be happy. Your Ky friend, Becky Love ya

[Laura]

Hi Deb,

As so many others have said, CONGRATULATIONS and thank you for sharing your wonderful news with all of us! I am so HAPPY for you and JB. I hope he knows he got a wonderful lady! I know it is a huge step but you know that God is with you and has given you peace. I hope your wedding was beautiful and special and that you will have many wonderful years with JB!

Be patient with your family. It is always difficult to accept a new person into a family especially when Roger was so incredible. Not to take anything away from JB, just know that it takes time for everyone to adjust.

Your rope holders are all praying for your happiness and your family's happiness. We pray that God's hand will be on your new marrige and help you adjust. Since the Lord took Roger to heaven, He knew exactly what you needed and provided JB to be in your life. Our awesome Savior is walking right beside you every step of the way! Praise Him!

Thank you for your wonderful post and for all the great news. You bless us so much! Know that you are ALWAYS in our prayers,

God's riches blessings to you,
Laura