My apologies - yet again - for taking so long to update this blog. It has been an interesting few weeks, with much going on, and new things taking shape. But, first, let me wish everyone a belated Happy New Year! My prayer is that 2011 will be our most productive year yet for God's Kingdom. Recent current events just bring home the fact that we are living in the end times. We MUST be about our Father's business. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day busy work of our earthly lives, and so lose sight of what will matter in eternity. I am preaching to myself here, too. I can honestly say that I desire that in my life this year, and every year. I want to be a good soldier for the Lord!
Our holidays were good. Times spent with family were precious. They were quite spread out this year, with different sections of the family being so far apart. It was a different sort of Christmas, but when you look at what is important, it was all good!
During the last weeks of 2010, I was presented with a new opportunity, which I have prayed diligently about. I have felt God's leading and peace in accepting this opportunity. However, the minor roadblocks that I saw in doing so, at the beginning of the quest, have become more complicated. It's a long story, but in a nutshell, it's this: We were waiting on the last court date to see what the outcome of the situation with Isaiah would be. The judge wisely, and wonderfully gave full custody of Isaiah to his father. We were rejoicing in this long-awaited edict! But, the day before this ruling, I was offered a position that I had long desired - at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX......a place near and dear to my heart, for so many reasons. And, miraculously, the position places me in the Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplantation Dept. where I have spent so much of my time! I am very excited, but really scared at the same time. What looked at first to be a way to start a fresh chapter of my life came now with the roadblock that JB has to stay in TN in order to allow twice-monthly visitations between Isaiah and his mother. We had not anticipated that being the case. So, much heartache and many prayers later, I have decided to go ahead to Houston, and see what happens next. What I thought was clear direction is now very confusing for me. BUT, I am trusting that God has a plan, and I am waiting to see what it is. I still feel confused, and lack a bit of confidence, but I know that this is something I have to step out on faith about. I also realize that this could be only for a season; I do hope to figure that out soon. It breaks my heart to leave loved ones behind, but I am hoping that will be a very temporary situation.
Meanwhile, I will be trying to get the house in TN ready to sell, etc. from a long distance. I am slightly stressed out at the moment! I leave next Friday to visit a couple of days in AR on my way to TX. I have some testing to do there on 2/9 and start my job on 2/14. I am spending the rest of this weekend trying to help Chelsea pack up some things, as well, as she is set to close on her first home on 2/8, if all goes well (please keep that in your prayers). I really need to be 3 or 4 people right now!!!
I appreciate every prayer you can spare for me and my family right now. I really don't try to make my life complicated. I learned a long time ago, though, that God rarely works in conventional ways in my life. Most plans I make come with a surprising "Plan B" that comes into play. It is for that reason mainly that I am going ahead with this course of action. I really felt peace about this decision, before all of the complications came in. Therefore, I am going with my first instinct. I know it doesn't make sense in a lot of ways, but there was an interesting thing that happened while I was looking in a drawer for something 2 days ago. I ran across an old church bulletin I had kept because I wrote something on it the pastor said in a sermon. It was timely, for me, anyway. It said, "Any god you can figure out; Any god you can understand - Is a god who is not big enough to serve." So, think about that one for a while, as I am, while also loving the fact that I am safely
In His Grip!
Debbie
Dear Debbie, God does work in marvelous ways to carry out his plans, doesn't He? We humans will probably not ever be able to figure out just why your life has turned the way it has. But God knows. And somewhere down the line, we MAY be able to see and understand what has taken place for you. At any rate, I feel confident that Roger would be pleased with what you have done in these past months since he has not been here for you to communicate with.And I think you will be pleased with how things are working out for you.
Please know that you are in my prayer as you make this move in your life.
I am grateful that both your children are getting settled in their own homes. They will "be there" for you when you need to get back to them.
I know Roger is pleased.
My love to you and yours.
Lola McVey
Posted by: Lola McVey | January 29, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Dear Debbie:
It's so good to hear from you again.I was checking everyday for your post.I've been praying for you, the scripture Isa 41-10 keeps comming to my heart for you.I'am glad to hear your kids are settled.Debbie we serve a faithful God ,he knows all about the journey you are about to take. He will always be in front of you.Joshua 1-9 is an awsesome
verse of scripture. Take care Debbie and God bless you richly.
Love in Christ
Doreen ottawa
Posted by: Doreen Johnson | January 29, 2011 at 12:35 PM
I know this will be so difficult for you to leave family behind, but I am so excited about your helping M.D. Anderson -- they are SO wonderful there! After being treated for Lymphoma there and being in remission for several years, my husband was released in November. We felt joy for this, but a certain kind of sadness about leaving a place that had been such a blessing to us! God bless you in your work!
Posted by: Ruth Gilbert | January 29, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Debbie,
I am excited for you and your new journey. I love the Houston area and Galveston Beach. I know you have a soft spot in your heart for M.D. Anderson, so I am thrilled for you. I will be praying for your new position there, as well as the situation in TN. Trust and Ask the Lord for His will for all situations and all concerned. I know you will be sensitive to follow His leading. It is wonderful that you are taking a position where your Roger spent so much time as well as you. I am hoping you will continue to post while in Houston and keep in touch with all of us who Pray for you. Have a great time in Arkansas on your journey to Houston. Enjoy your new job and home...Blessings,
Cheryl/Lenexa KS
Posted by: Cheryl Turnbull | January 29, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Hi Debbie,
I've been checking for a post too. It's so good to hear of your plans. Life isn't easy but our God is big enough to carry us through anything that may come our way,and His loving arms are always reaching out to draw us closer to Him.
I pray you are totally in His care now and through all that is ahead.
God give you a new year filled with His blessings and direction.
Ann Woodward WA state
Posted by: Ann Woodward | January 30, 2011 at 01:30 AM
HI DEBBIE,
SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU. I KNOW HAVING ISAIAH FULL TIME IS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER. PERHAPS MOM'S INTEREST WILL WAIN OVER TIME. YOU DID A GREAT JOB JUGGLING HOUSTON AND LITTLE POND ROAD IN THE PAST SO THIS SHOULD WORK WELL.WHO KNOWS WHAT THE LORD HAS IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE.
I WOULD IMAGINE THAT CHELSEA IS BEYOND HERSELF MOVING INTO HER OWN NEW HOME. ISN'T IT FUN TO WATCH THEM GROW UP AND FEATHER THEIR OWN NEST. IT IS AMAZING HOW GOD ENGINEERED US HUMANS. JORDAN AND JESSICA ARE ALL SNUG IN THEIR NEST. YOU AND ROGER DID A GREAT JOB WITH THE KIDS....MATURE,RESPONSIBLE AND LOVING ADULTS THAT LOVE GOD. YOU CAN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE...NOW IT IS ISIAH'S TURN.
GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU RETURN TO MD ANDERSON. YOU WILL DO WELL WITH YOUR NEW JOB. WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR POSTINGS ABOUT THE JOB AND JUGGLING TWO HOMES. I PRAY THAT GOD WILL SEND JUST THE RIGHT PERSON TO RESIDE ON LITTLE POND ROAD..
LOVE AND PRAYERS,
JUDY HICKS
Posted by: Judy Hicks | January 30, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Yes!!! You are once again showing us; encouraging us to step out in faith and serve a GREAT BIG GOD!!!! Thanks for the quote which will now be posted on my fridge. As always God's very best to you and your new journey in life. It seems to me that you just keep moving along with God. Not always in the direction you think but in His direction.
Becky In Wisconsin
Posted by: Becky | January 30, 2011 at 06:31 PM
praying for you during your new advanture. What a way to keep Rogers memeory alive with working in the same area of the hospital that you were with him so many times. You will be a real blessing for the patience there you can help them and they will now that you now what they are going through. Praise God for this opprotunity to help others like you have help us. Blessings from michigan.
Posted by: donna | January 30, 2011 at 08:33 PM
It's got to be a "God thing" that this has worked out for you. I know Roger is proud our are taking this big step. Stay close to the Lord and continue "in His grip".
Posted by: Judy | January 31, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Hey Debbie, Just check to see your post how great to hear from you we missed you. I had just read my devotion from David Jeremiah and read your post and wow how they related to one another the 3rd paragrap of his devotion today reads "If you have dreams or questions about tomorrow, commit them to the God of the future. If your dream doesn't come true, its only because God has something even better in store." I truly believe this. You are an amazing lady that I know is in his grip. You will be a great asset to MD Anderson anytime you have "real" people that can truly understand what some of the family of the patients are going thru and the compassion for the patients themselves it will be great. You and all your family will continue to be in our prayers. Post when you can to let us know how you are and thanks again for the blessings you have brought to each one of us who read these messages. We love you and support you 100%. God bless you Your KY friend, Becky
Posted by: Becky Arvin | February 03, 2011 at 08:49 AM
What type of educational background do you have to land you that kind of a job?
Posted by: susan | February 04, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Are you sure you are not running away from your problems?
Posted by: elaine | February 05, 2011 at 02:29 PM
YOU are so lucky to find a job!!! We have both been looking for so long, sought god about it... but NOTHING!!! Here where we live you never hear back from firms... they dont even have the decency to reply so you keep hoping...to one day wake up @ realize hey just another of those firms...We just want work!!! plse pray for us.
Judi
Posted by: Judi | February 06, 2011 at 02:29 AM
Your husband must be a very kind and understanding man - you are very fortunate.
Posted by: Jane | February 06, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Debbie-You are SO SO LUCKY TO FIND A JOB!!! THEYRE NON EXISTENT FROM WHERE WE'RE FROM- UNLESS YOU RE 16-30 AGE. But is it a wise move? are you sure your emotions arent getting in the way? Do you have the qualifications for the job?
You are brave going back there & to work there. But is it wise?
God bless anyway guess time will tell if its the right move or not.
Judi Jan & Anne
Posted by: Judi | February 07, 2011 at 02:06 AM
Debbie, knowing that you have sought God's will for your life as well as your family, you know that He will be your ever present help. One of my favourites, Ps 37 says to fret not, trust, delight, commit, rest, wait, then trust some more and rejoice in the goodness of your Heavenly Father. Your friends will continue to pray for you and family. God bless you as you keep firmly anchored in the Solid Rock.
Posted by: Bernace, Toronto | February 08, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Debbie
I guess youve sought god about this job opportunity. Sounds good but are you sure youre not creating a problem? You said your heart is very much there because you spent so much time there with Roger, you know what I mean? Youd certainly have had to really search yourself hard.
But congrats for getting the job in a time where jobs are non existent for our ages anyway.
I hope you enjoy the job.
Lynne
Posted by: Judi | February 09, 2011 at 10:44 PM
EMPATHY FOR THOSE SEEKING A JOB, FOR THOSE IN DEBT, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES, FOR THOSE REALLY STRUGGLING FROM DAY TO DAY---THAT'S WHERE OUR PRAYERS SHOULD BE DIRECTED
Posted by: elaine | February 10, 2011 at 06:54 PM
Some of these comments to Debbie are nothing but rude and anything but uplifting. No one knows all of the story here and we should trust that she is following the leading of the Lord and doing what is best for her and her family. I am out raged at some of you and some of the things you have said. WOW. Some of you need to pray and get over your jealousy.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 10, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Debbie,
Jennifer could not of said it better; actually she said it a lot better than what I had been thinking!!! Since when did this become a damn Debbie for sharing column. It is to be for sharing, encouraging and uplifting. It is
hard enough to move, sell a home, start a new job, etc. I think many of the recent posts are just mean and nasty; they have no purpose here. god bless anyway I guess.? What is that? No! God bless!!!!! Please stop being hurtful. Thank you.
Becky In Wisconsin
Posted by: Becky | February 11, 2011 at 08:12 AM
Continuing to pray for you and your family. We know you are seeking God's leadership in your decisions, and, therefore, everything is going to be fine.
Pray everything goes well and you will enjoy your new job. Take Care, because we CARE Love, Elfie
Posted by: Elfie Warner Hobgood | February 11, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Dear Debbie, I say this out of a heart of love and concern for you. I have read some of the comments made to you and about you and am appalled that people can be that rude! Debbie, I believe Roger started this blog with the intent to help people...not all this ugliness that is going on. I have been wondering what he would think of this. I'm asking if you might think that the time has come to end this blog and you go on with your personal life how ever you desire to pursue it. In Christian love,
Ruth Gilbert
Corsicana, TX
Posted by: curtis.ruth@att.net | February 11, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Personally I love the posts from Debbie and look forward to her updates. There are 5 comments that are rude and insensitive. I would hate to stop hearing from Debbie because of 5 people that need to keep their opinions to themselves. Speaking for myself, I have enough trouble keeping my own life in check. I certainly would never try to tell someone what to do with their life! Debbie is a precious person and a Godly lady. I feel confident that she is following God's direction for her life. Debbie, I could not be happier for you! Good luck in your new job and God bless you!
Posted by: Hope | February 12, 2011 at 08:42 AM
I realize that I had that last comment coming...I am never one to tell anybody what to do. I just felt a certain sense of hurt for Debbie in her pursuit of her life. Please forgive me, Debbie, for interfering.
Ruth Gilbert
Corsicana, Texas
Posted by: curtis.ruth@att.net | February 12, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Debbie- What wonderful news as you will be able to share in so many lives. Check out caring bridge for Nathan Robertson, a young hero of the faith who recently ran into the arms of Jesus at MD Anderson. His family serve as missionaries and used Anderson as a mission field.
Blessings, Ecklund
Posted by: Ecklund Leysath | February 12, 2011 at 12:34 PM