I am hoping everyone is receiving the blessing of another Christmas, knowing the joy of a tiny baby who came to earth so long ago to bring us eternal life. It can get so busy this time of year, and we can easily forget the true meaning of this season. Take a moment to stop and thank God for His beautiful gift to us all. The rest of the chaos will fall into place!
Today as I write this, I am also thinking of another blessing in my life. December 23, 2010 marks the 60th anniversary of two people who fell in love and began a family in 1950......my wonderful parents, Bob and Louise Westbrook. They are an unusual couple in this day and age to celebrate so many years together. I am thankful for loving parents. They have their health issues at this stage in their lives, but they know the value of a loving relationship, and it shows in the care that they give to each other. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being such a wonderful example to us all, and Happy Anniversary!
I was able to go to Los Angeles last weekend for a visit with Jordan and Jessica (and my grand-dog Charlie), since they won't be able to make it home for Christmas. It was a great visit, if a little soggy!
Keep us all in your prayers for travel safety, and for others who are traveling this Christmas/New Year's holiday. We will be heading to AR for a few days to visit with family, and snow is predicted for the travel days. It has been a cold winter already.
My prayers go out to those who are spending their first Christmas without a loved one. I have many friends and some family who are experiencing that painful event this year. My dear friend Becky lost her mom just a few days ago, for one. I am also thinking of Rick, and Chris, who are special people to me, too. May God bless all of those with hurting hearts this Christmas, and may He keep them, as He holds us all, lovingly
In His Grip,
Debbie
Prayers for your Arkansas jouney...Merry Christmas and may the Lord bless you and yours in the New Year Cheryl/Lenexa KS
Posted by: Cheryl Turnbull | December 23, 2010 at 09:37 PM
Merry Christmas and praying for a safe trip to Ar. and a great visit with your wonderful parents. What a beautiful testimony of their life and praying that they have several more years together. Happy Anniversary to them.
Posted by: glyndene deaton | December 23, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Merry Christmas Debbie... Just had you on my mind today...
Wendell
Posted by: Wgcarr | December 24, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Hi Debbie:
Merry Christmas to you and your children.I WATCHED Roger's video of him playing the piano,what a beautiful man of GOD he was i'LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU.Take care amd God bless you richly.
Love in Christ Doreen ottawa Canada.
Posted by: Doreen Johnson | December 24, 2010 at 08:04 PM
Merry Christmas to you and your family. You are such an inspiration to those of us who read your posts. Some of us also have serious issues in our lives, and it is an encouragement to read your posts and to realize that God has us "In His Grip" as we work our way through these issues. I hope that 2011 will be a good year for you.
Posted by: Jane | December 25, 2010 at 09:10 AM
Happy Christmas, Debbie. My husband gave me the "EHSS Tribute to the Cathedrals" DVD for Christmas and we watched it through last night - how lovely to see you on the DVD!
May you know God's presence, blessings and joy in 2011.
Your sister in Christ,
Sarah (UK)
Posted by: Sarah Littleton | December 27, 2010 at 06:27 AM
Merry Christmas a couple of days late. I decided I would not go on the net after early am on the 23rd until today the 27th. So I am just catching up. Safe travels for you and yours and yes for the so many who are having an unusally white Christmas. Here we have had 38" just this month. Yes I said we had 38" in just the first 23 days. There is a reason we go through snowblowers every few years here! God's Best to you Debbie and I so hope you are having a blessed and peaceful Christmas and God is working miracles in your situation in this season on wonder and miracles. I think of you often.
Becky In Wisconsin
Posted by: Becky | December 27, 2010 at 12:19 PM
Debbie-
I hope you had a lovely xmas with friends @ family. We had a lovely day with ours. Its now New Years Eve. I'm wondering where to for us this coming year. IT JUST HAS TO BE BETTER AND MORE POSITIVE THAN THIS YR HAS!!! Pray for us both for jobs mainly. Here where we live is a huge city @ theres so much competition for jobs @ so many out of work theres at least 1000 or more applicants for each job so we have been told we're too old etc. Yep we're over 60 but don't think we're over the hill yet but its so hard. Also for finances. I find it hard because my hubbys not a christian @ not interested so he can't pray with me.You're such a positive person even though you've been through a heck of a lot.Happy New year to you @ your family. God Bless Debbie
Judi
Posted by: Judi | December 31, 2010 at 03:57 AM
Debbie,
I wanted to tell you "Better New Year"! Oh how I would LOVE to be with the guys tonight at Opryland Hotel!!!! That would be a great start to a New Year. I pray God's Blessing on every area of your life for 2011. Becky In Wisconsin
Posted by: Becky | December 31, 2010 at 10:11 AM
HI Debbie
Just returned from our Dream Trip, a present for our 6oth Anniversary, fom our son in Oxford England. It was a hard trip for two elderly, not to well people, but we prayed our way over, and back, and the Lord took care of us.
I was so thrilled to read your blog honoring your parents on their 60th. I hope my children can feel the same way towards us.
Yes Beckey we have had lots of snow in Wisconsin, then we had over 19 inches in Oxford, and no decent snow removal.
Thanks for your continued optomism that helps so many of us. Barb from Wisconsin
Posted by: Barbara Weaver | January 01, 2011 at 07:05 AM
Happy New Year to all ! God's Blessings in 2011'.Cheryl/Lenexa KS
Posted by: Cheryl Turnbull | January 01, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Happy New Year Debbie!
Think of you often, and pray 2011 will be the best for all of us.
Posted by: Barb | January 02, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Wishing you a very peaceful 2011. We also spent Christmas in AR. It is always such a joy and a fun learning experience as our family is from the North and our daugher-in-law's family is from the South. We took my husband to his first ever Baptist church service, that was fun. Brother Hank was good.
One of my big lessons for 2010 was how great it feels to let go of my troubles and let GOD handle them for me. Oh what peace.
I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Posted by: Beccie | January 03, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I am still praying for you and hope you have a very Happy New Year and God will really bless you this coming year. Thanks for everything on your posts. You inspire me!
Posted by: Kerri Brain | January 08, 2011 at 02:16 AM
Hi Debbie,
Hope your Christmas was good and that 2011 will hold the best for you and yours.
This past Friday night found me at Roswell Street in Marietta for L5,Greater Vision and a new trio Freedom Voices out of Canada. It was a tremendous evening and always bittersweet. We have been going to this concert for at least 25 years. The Cathedrals held the first Friday night in January and isn't it wonderful that everyone in this area has continued to be blessed with L5 keeping it going. As I told Scott, this is the kick start for the new year for us.
Glad that your R$R was successful and gave you a new prospective on things that were bearing down on you. There are not words enough to explain to you how inspiring and encouraging you are to those of us that frequent this posting. You have been able to keep going what Roger started with his journaling his feelings as he traveled the "health road". I always look forward to your post and always receive a blessing. You sharing things that need our prayers are truly a blessing that we can hold you and yours before the Lord for whatever the need or situation.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Love and Prayers,
Judy Hicks
Posted by: Judy Hicks | January 09, 2011 at 01:11 PM
Hi Debbie, I also was at the Roswell Street Baptist Church last Friday evening. It was wonderful. However, Debbie i have been very concerned about you since we haven't heard from you since Christmas. Take care and I continue to pray for you and your family daily.
Posted by: Nancy Graham | January 13, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Hi Debbie,
I have been thinking of you alot these past weeks. I am hoping that all is well.
I will continue praying for you.
Posted by: Beccie | January 20, 2011 at 09:57 PM
Missing your posts, Debbie. Hope all is going well. You remain in my heart and prayers.
Marcie
Byhalia, MS
Posted by: Marcie Moss | January 21, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Debbie,
I am praying for you. I too am missing your posts, and am praying you are doing okay.
Cheryl/Lenexa KS
Posted by: Cheryl Turnbull | January 28, 2011 at 06:40 AM
You are in my prayers. Really miss your postings.
Posted by: PScott | January 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Hey Debbie: Just catching up on your posts. Congrats to your parents on 60 wonderful years. My husbands parents have been married 78+ years. Still living on their own, it's quite amazing. Always thinking of you (& Roger,of course). Take Care. Always Praying. Mary/CA
Posted by: Mary | May 12, 2011 at 06:41 PM