I am sure you were thinking that I didn't really go to Houston, but dropped off the face of the earth instead! I can only say that, yes, I have been incredibly busy, getting acclimated to a VERY different lifestyle. I know you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, but that old dog is pretty tired at the end of the day!
Tomorrow I finish my 4th week at work, and I can't believe it has been that long already. There has been so much to learn, and I have spent days in classes, with more to come. I appreciate the opportunity to learn so much, but, as I considered that the last time I worked a full-time job outside of the home was when Jordan was two (and he's 24 now........), it has really been an adjustment for me. Couple that with the fact that although I know the emotional and practical side of the situation the patients in our clinic face, the technical side is a whole new ballgame. But, I love it, and it is a very rewarding job. The days fly by, probably because we have little time to catch our breath. I am staying with a very dear friend who lives on the north side of Houston, and we have a bus that takes us to and fro, but the commute plus the work day mean that I am gone from home 13 hours every day, Monday through Friday. It's exhausting. By the time I get home, eat dinner, and get ready for the next day, it's bed time again. If I stay here (and I am still seeking direction there), I will definitely move in closer to work, so I have more free time. Meanwhile, though, I am enjoying where I am.
JB and Isaiah came down for a long weekend last weekend, and it was so good to have them visit. It was heartbreaking seeing them go back, but we are working toward resolving that situation as soon as we can. There are a lot of loose ends I need to tie up "back home" but for now, we are making the best of the situation we have.
I will admit that my job has been a bit more emotionally draining than I had anticipated. Actually, though, I knew it would either be very cathartic for me, or be very difficult. It kind of falls in the middle. Today being Roger's birthday was a bit hard, but like one person said, March is a pretty tough month, and next week won't be any better. I know, however, that he is in a better place, and I am so grateful that he is not suffering anymore.
I promise I will try to write more often, and I still don't feel God leading me to close this blog yet, so I will just say that if my posts or my situation in life bothers you, there are plenty of other blogs out there that may be more to your liking. I don't intend to stir up controversy, and if that ever becomes my plan, I will know I am not in God's Will. My goal, as always, is just to share a life that is full of blessings and trials, and let you know that even when life gets messy or rough, The One Who brought us to this place will certainly be The One Who will lead us out. After all, He is keeping us daily
In His Grip!
Debbie
Debbie, I check every day to see if you have posted. I started reading this about 2 yrs before Roger died. I am sure if you feel God leading you to close it, you will. But I am hoping that He never leads you to. Your posts are so inspiring and help people realize that everyone has trials....even Christians. I pray that the situation with your family will work out so that you can be together. I know your work is very rewarding and the patients are blessed to have someone like you working with them. In God's love, Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte | March 10, 2011 at 11:15 PM
DEBBIE,
WAY T0 G0 GIRL....SO G00D TO HEAR FROM YOU. YOUR JOB SOUNDS CHALLENGING AND REWARDING..WHO CAN BETTER RELATE TO THOSE THAT ARE EXPERIENCING WHAT YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH. AM SO THANKFUL THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE THIS BLOG. IT IS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH INSPIRING AIR.
LOVE AND PRAYERS,
JUDY HICKS
Posted by: Judy Hicks | March 11, 2011 at 12:04 AM
Hang in there, girl. Sounds as if you are right where God wants you to be. I am sure work there at the hospital in Houston is something that you - more than many others - may be able to do because you've "been there." Those many months you spent there - under stress most of the time - I'm sure prepared you for understanding other people's needs. JB and Isiah will have time to build a working relationship they need and in the future you can look back and see God's hand in all of it.
You are indeed "in His Grip." Hang on.!!!
Lola McVey
Posted by: Lola McVey | March 11, 2011 at 01:13 AM
I see I misspelled Isaiah. But you no doubt knew who I meant.
Sorry about that. Lola McVey
Posted by: Lola McVey | March 11, 2011 at 01:17 AM
Soooooooo good to see your post. While I didn't think you had "dropped off the face of the earth", had you done so, you would have fallen into the arms of Jesus and be home with Roger. But (for us) thankfully, you are still on Planet Earth with us, tho it sounds VERY busy. I'm sure there are moments when you question if you are in the right place, but for the most part, I can tell you believe and feel you are. I know one thing - wherever you are, you ARE a blessing to those around you. Praying you get the rest you need and that things will continue to "fall into place" and that God will cover you with His perfect peace.
Posted by: Robbie Nelson | March 11, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Yeah!!!!!! I also check almost daily to see if you have posted. You are doing well! My gut instinct of you being super busy was right. Everything will work out as it always has! Not the way we think but the way God thinks. I loved your comment on God from a past bulletin and I could not agree more. God is God and if we could even begin to understand His ways down here; it would most likely not be that good for us. We need a GREAT BIG GOD and we have a GREAT BIG GOD. March is moving along fast and soon the GLORY OF EASTER will be here. Try and find a few moments for yourself...am so glad you have a dear friend to stay with. I am sure that makes the weekends fun too! Lots of adjustments to make for everyone in your family. How is Chelsea coming along in her new house!? There are some exciting times for the Bennett family with many more to come. So glad you are going to continue to post. I am sure there are a lot of blogs out there and some very good ones too. The only ones I ever read are the good ones...(yours, L5,(current and former of course) Ken Davis. Yours being right up their at the top. In my devotions yesterday it talked about doing EVERYTHING you do for God and making sure EVERYTHING had a purpose...otherwise, why even do it. Let me assure you; you have a lot of purpose in what you do and this site is so wonderful. Take Care,
Becky In Wisconsin
Posted by: Becky | March 11, 2011 at 07:46 AM
Debbie,
So glad to see your post this morning. I too check daily to see if you have checked in. I look forward to hearing how you are doing. I have thought about you many times, and have wondered how things were in Houston for you. I am familiar with Houston as we vacationed at Galveston Beach several summers ago. The group at M.D Anderson are so fortunate to have you. What a blessing daily you can be to so many. The Lord has opened a wonderful window for you. I continue to pray for all your loved ones, and am praying for all adjustments and decisions you are making. Have a wonderful upcoming spring. Love from the Heartland...
Cheryl/Lenexa KS
Posted by: Cheryl Turnbull | March 11, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Hi Debbie,
It's always so good to hear from you and know you are well, even if exhausted. I retired almost 9 years ago and can't really imagine having to train for something new. I know you are up to the challenge and being closer to work would make a great difference.
There are so many of us who look forward to hearing from you I know you are such a blessing to those who are with you daily.
Be strong in the strength of our Saviour.
Ann in Washington
Posted by: Ann Woodward | March 11, 2011 at 03:13 PM
I am so happy to hear that you are going to continue your blog. There have been many times when I have received encouragement from comments you posted, so your blog is another way God is using you.
Thank you very much for taking time in your busy life to post.
Posted by: Jane | March 11, 2011 at 03:46 PM
Always good to hear from you, and glad you are continuing to post.
I continue to pray for you and your family. Sounds like you are extra busy, but I know you are a real blessing to those around you.
Take care, because we CARE
Posted by: Elfie Warner Hobgood | March 11, 2011 at 05:40 PM
Good to hear from you again. I also check often wondering what happened to you and how the new life situation is working out for you. God bless and may you be able to tie together all your loose ends real soon. Enjoy your blog.
Posted by: Janice | March 11, 2011 at 05:51 PM
Debbie,
It was SO good to read your blog today. I, too, have checked frequently to "check up on you." I am so lifted by your posts; they are such a blessing. As Christians in these last days, life is frequently messy and rough. I have told my grown daughter, who is a Christian and has so many difficulties, that satan is after her because he is working so hard to get her. But he will not succeed! It is the same with all of us. Life is a battle! But, as Roger sang, "I've read the back of the Book and we win!" I'm sure you are doing great in your classes. Debbie, you are a blessing to all of us, who know you from the posts (I met you once and got my hug!) and those at Anderson. God will sustain, strengthen and keep you. We truly love you.
Your friend,
Karen
Posted by: Karen | March 11, 2011 at 07:06 PM
I check every day to see if you have posted again and always look forward to "hearing" from you. Am glad that you are going to continue the blog. You are a blessing and an encouragement. We pray for you, JB and Isaiah, Jordan & Jessica and Chelsea. Have also been wondering how she is doing in her new home. God bless you. Keep on keeping on.
Posted by: Lynne Giesbrecht | March 11, 2011 at 08:25 PM
Debbie, I was so glad to come to this site and see a post from you. I have been wondering how you were doing with such a tremendous under-taking as this new job would surely be. (But I've never doubted that you could handle it either!)
You know Debbie, there are always those among us (no matter what we choose to do in life) who strife to discourage us. Please don't let this happen to you and your blog. You have inspired SO many women for so long with this blog. As you said, no one is forcing another person to read this. So with this said, I will simply wish you God's speed with your new job and tell you that we look forward to the next blog to hear how you are doing.
Patsy
Posted by: Patsy | March 11, 2011 at 08:50 PM
So good to hear from you. Sounds like work is a blessing for you and the work there has to be a special fulfillment for you. God starting preparing you for this work several years ago.
God bless you as you follow His ledership. And M.D.Anderson is lucky to have you working there.
Love and prayers.
Glyndene
Posted by: glyndene deaton | March 11, 2011 at 09:40 PM
I, like many who read this blog, look forward to your postings. If you ever feel led to close the Roger Bennett blog, I hope that you open a "Debbie Bennett" site so that we can continue to share in your life.
Posted by: Jeannie | March 12, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Hey Debbie, just wanted you to know that we're thinking of you and remembering Roger. I know that these two weeks are hard for you. We miss Roger as well, and can't wait for the day to be able to "catch up" once again.
Wendell
Posted by: Wgcarr | March 12, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Hey Deb, So glad to hear from you we missed you dearly but certainly feel our love and support for you. So excited about your new job and the opportunity that God has opened up for you. Things will work out cause this is GODS plan so you hang in there and keep busy keep us posted on whats happening with you, JB and the kids, and keeping blessing us as you have always reminding us that God is in control. We love you and I am so excited for all the doors that are opening for you and remember I can do ALL things thru Christ who continues to give me strength
Love your KY pal, Becky
Posted by: Becky Arvin | March 14, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Debbie I really enjoy your posts, you are living your life and life is not perfect. Don't feel bad about sharing, it helps all of us to know that we are not alone and that we all struggle in life but we also have a God that helps us through, so thank you for sharing your personal life with us and I am praying that everything will work out for you.
Posted by: Vickie Mitchell | March 14, 2011 at 11:02 PM
I look every week to catch up with you and read your blog. It does not get tiring. I am blessed every time I read it. For those of us who knew Roger through his music, it's nice to be able to stay in contact with you. Your struggles sometimes must be hard sharing them in a public way but it helps all of us to know we are not alone and many have the same struggles whether it's dealing with work and home, health issues, losing a spouse or whatever we face we are in this together. Praying for strength for you this week. A year ago today my brother died from cancer. My dad of leukemia in 2003. God bless you. connie
Posted by: connie nicholl | March 16, 2011 at 01:33 AM
It was so good to see you updating us on what you are doing. I represent a good # of ladies here in Saskatoon, Sk. Canada who continually ask me how you are doing. We have prayed for you many times and all have had some hard times in our lives but know God is leading you and will do whats best for you. I had the priviledge of personally talking to Roger a number of years ago as we shared the "cancer journey" with him and members of our family and you will be such a blessing to families as they go through the journey. God bless you.
Ruth
Posted by: RUTH REDDEN | March 16, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Debbie, enjoyed your post. I know the 10th and 17th are hard days for you. I talked with Doug on the 10th and he said it was a tough day and he was thinking about going to Nashville and dropping in on Chelsea. I tried to encourage him and need to follow up sometime today since it another one of those tough days.
Glad to hear that you are planning to make the Roger Bennett Memorial Concert in Batesville, AR on October 1. Everyone here enjoys your annual updates on your family. See you then and stay in his grip as I know you will.
James Mack
Posted by: James Mack Street | March 17, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Miss my buddy, Rog.
Posted by: Scott Fowler | March 17, 2011 at 03:16 PM
I am sad that I never meet Roger but, I am enjoying his hummer and his music. I know God has welcomed him with opened arms.
Debbie please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: Beccie | March 17, 2011 at 08:40 PM
I always look forward to reading your blog and seeing what God is doing in your life. I, too, miss Roger but know he is singing with so many of our favorite gospel singers but more than that, enjoying his time with Jesus.
I have followed this blog since day 1 with Roger's journey and will continue to check in on you. Thank you for keeping it up.
Posted by: Marilyn Crabtree | March 17, 2011 at 11:41 PM