Finally Back

OK, so I have actually been back in the "real world" for a time, but just haven't really known what to post, so I have been putting it off (sorry). I do want to thank you for the posts and prayers. They were certainly felt.  I had a great time with my parents, and then an amazing time alone with God for about 10 days or so. He showed me so much, and I can say that the peace I had longed for was restored to me. God knew I couldn't last much longer without going crazy without that sense of peace!

I wish I could say that the circumstances all got magically sorted out, too, but they are more or less still with me. However, I have come to a place where I know that even though things might be rocky, GOD is never shakable! One of the first verses He gave me in my study time was "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)  What that taught me was that God is wanting to work on ME to be the person He needs me to be, and to bring me back to the faith that He is always in control. When I am pleasing to God, all of the other things will either (a) fall into place or (b) not get me down, because I have the faith to stand firm and know that, as we are told in Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good, to those that love God, and are called according to HIS PURPOSE."

So, after my sabbatical, I headed back to TN with a renewed spirit, and a gladdened heart. Well, as you can imagine, it took less than a day for Satan to start throwing some pretty poison darts my way. I was surely glad to have on the armor of God to deflect them! Honestly, though, I am aware that just because I have a different mindset, it doesn't change anyone else's thought process. I have been through some extremely difficult times before, though, and I know that God is the only reason I made it then........so I just have to remember that He loves me, and wants the best for me. I'm giving it all I have, and I still fail a lot, but I have a God Who never fails, and Who has a plan of redemption for me, and for all of us. How much more do we need? Like I said before, that peace is back, and although the trials may still be ever-present, I know that GOD IS..........and that's all I need to know for now!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are remembering during the busy times leading up to Christmas, just what the real meaning of the season is. If not for a miraculous birth that first Christmas, there would be no hope for any of us. And, a life without hope is just too hard to live. So, keep focused, and rejoice in the birth of a Savior Who wants to keep us all lovingly

In His Grip!

Debbie

Comments

[Cheryl Turnbull]

Debbie,
Peace Peace Wonderful Peace coming down from the Father above...I''m sure you know this tune. It's true our peace comes from our Father above. So glad you have that peace in your heart again, and that your time with the Heavenly Father was a precious time. I will continue to pray for you and those you love. Have a Merry Christmas, and blessings for the New Year. Glad to see your post...Merry Christmas from the heartland,
Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[Marilyn]

Could you be more specific please

[Jane]

Loved your post. I have been going through some difficult times recently too, and this post was a great encouragement to me.

I hope you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas and that 2011 will be a great year for you.

How is Isaiah doing?

[Becky]

Debbie,
Glad you are back and had that wonderful quiet time with God. Satan will always attack us when we try and get closer to God. I winced when you announced satan's attack on you soon after coming back to TN. Even as a child I remember how satan would always be so on the attack after a week at bible camp. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I do wish a very peaceful 2011 for you.
Becky In Wisconsin

[Robbie Nelson]

Debbie, I was so happy to see your most recent post. I have prayed much for you since you last wrote and had asked our loving Heavenly Father to meet you in a wonderful way as you spent those two weeks with Him. There was never any question that He would answer that prayer for the longing of his heart is that His children draw close to Him. I'm grateful to know you came away from that time spiritually renewed, and yes, isn't is just like the enemy to hit you with full artillery as soon as you return.

God has never promised us a life without pain or difficulties. BUT He's clearly given us promise after promise in His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us.

I pray that His presence will overshadow your Christmas celebration in a precious way. And I pray that in the new year, you will continue to see Him leading and guiding you day by day.

You are such a blessing to me as you share from your heart. You are "real", Debbie and God is using that to make a difference in our lives.

You are my precious sister in Christ and I love you! Robbie Nelson

[Becky Arvin]

Debbie, I am so glad you are back and as Robbie said it all before my post you are amazing and so good to hear you back and feeling better and blessed. Thanks for sharing how Christ has worked in your life. You have been such an inspiration to all of us. I am just glad to know you feel better and know that are prayers are with you. Have a wonderful Christmas we love you. Your KY friend Becky

[mari]

Every time I am here, I see the quote that Roger left from a special book ... "why is it that God who IS light, who created light, does so much of his work in the dark? The answer, because that's where WE are. We struggle in darkness, our weakness is more pronounced in the darkness and we feel so alone in our darkness. But....God is not intimidated by the dark! He invades it and speaks to us there!"
Amen. and Blessings.

[Janet (from KY)]

Blessings and much peace. I so appreciate your update, and look forward to future posts as you remind us all that we are "In His Grip."

[Ann Woodward]

Hi Debbie,
I've been checking to see if you were back. So glad you had a good time with family.
I pray you have a blessed Christmas. It's so easy to get busy with all the STUFF going on this time of year and forget to stop and say thanks for the greatest gift and the peace He gives.
Hugs,
Ann in rainy Washington

[glyndene deaton]

Good to hear from you.

May you have a blessed Christmas and remember, we love you.

[bobandlindareed@juno.com]

Debbie, I have never posted before but read each one of your posts. I was so worried for you in your taking a break e-mail and was so glad to hear that you were one on one with Jesus for a few days. There is not a single problem that is to big for him to handle. I am so glad you are committed to Jesus. With him you are safe. Merry Christmas

[Linda Trout, Plano TX]

Praying for you...remembering you...concerned for you...loving you.

[Barb]

Debbie ~
Just noticed you are back...YEAH!
Miss you, and have been praying for you too. I love reading your posts, it gives me a lift with my everyday struggles, as life is sure a journey!
Hang in there girlfriend & keep strong. We love you and hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
Barb

[Beccie]

Thank GOD that you have found that wonderful peace that only GOD can give you.
You have given me much encourage ment and I look forward to hearing more from you. To me you are a Blessing from GOD.

[Marcie Moss]

Lifting you up in love and prayer.

Best wishes to you and your family for a blessed, happy Christmas.

Your Byhalia, MS friend,
Marcie

[Elfie W. Hobgood]

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We love you and continue to pray for you. Love, Elfie Warner Hobgood

[Linda L. Hodges]

Debbie,I have really miss your posts, especially this time of year.So glad you had time alone with God to help renew your strength. Hold on to Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13. Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.
Linda, Fairfiel,Il.

[Doreen Johnson]

Hi Debbie:
So glad to hear God met with you and gave you that awsame peace we all long to have.Isa:26-3 SAY'S He will keep in perfect peace Him whose mind is steadfast on thee because he trusts in thee.I'am praying for you Debbie.I love you in Christ.
Doreen,ottawa

[Nancy Graham]

Debbie,
Just wishing you and your family the happiest and merriest Christmas ever. Love you
Nancy, Augusta GA

[Becky Arvin]

Hey Debbie Just want to wish a blessed Christmas and a wonderful 2011. Thanks for the love you have shared with all of this year and you and your family are in our prayers always. Love you Your Ky Friend Becky

[Cheryl Turnbull]

Merry Christmas Debbie to you and yours...We are praying that your 2011' New Year will be blessed, happy, and healthy for all of you. May the Lord richly bless you...Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[Evelyn Donahoe]

Debbie
Missing your posts and praying that your Christmas will be a Blessing and that the new year will find your circumstances to be not as big a burden to bear.

[Kerri Brain]

praying for you still :)

[Marion Namusone Kibalama]

hello Debbie,
iam a new reader to your posts- its amazing how God does his thing!i happened to get to know you more from your late Husband story 'amazing man of God'.
i recived a daily devotion from word for today dated 20th Jan 2011, with heading - The Domino Effect of Praise (2) and they were talking about Roger Bennet. Out of curiosity i googled him up just to know more about this pianist. there i got acomplete revelation of your family, the trials, and what you are up to .....and i kept looking out for more , my soul was touched with the story.

i am glad to see that you are still keeping strong in the perfect will of God, and i pray that his word follow to accomplish what it states; he can never bring anything our way that we cannot handle - be encouraged & strengthened in the shadow of the most high.
Great family, wonderful story -continually keep under his grace.
Touched my soul, May GOD be with YOU.
Marion - Uganda