6 More Weeks of Winter....

.....But if it's as mild as it has been, I am totally okay with it! I am not much on cold weather (I always said I could be a "snowbird"), so the mild temperatures have not bothered me one bit. The groundhog only told us what we figured was true, anyway!

Well, as you can imagine, life has continued to be a bit chaotic, and still stressful. I have been blessed through it all, though. I have been to court twice over visitation rights with Isaiah, and the judge has wisely ruled that I should be allowed to have him in my home every other weekend. While I wish it were more, I am truly, truly grateful to God for that gift! I have had one weekend with him, and will go get him again tomorrow. It was so great, and I am really looking forward to being with him again! He is such a precious little boy, and I feel so privileged to be a part of his life. I pray that I will be able to use my time well with him, and that God will multiply the love that grows in his heart. I also pray for safety, as I travel back and forth on Friday and Sunday to pick him up and drop him off (3 1/2 hours each way).
[UPDATE here: Halfway to going to pick Isaiah up on Friday, I found out he was sick, so I was unable to get him this weekend. Hopefully next weekend, though.....]

The stress comes in dealing with this entire situation, that is so foreign to me. I confess that I am having trouble some days in loving those who hurt me, and in praying for them......but I promised God I would try, and I am trying, even though I am human, and I fall short of the mark - a lot. Please continue to pray as we try to work out details, and move on.

Then, there are the everyday stresses that are a part of normal life. Ordinarily, these are situations that crop up and are dealt with, but as many of you well know, when added to more pressing issues, they sometimes seem overwhelming. (On that note, if anyone knows of an insurance company that will insure my house after the flood I had inside this summer, PLEASE help me.......apparently being a loyal customer of a company for over 30 years is not enough these days, and no one wants to insure me. What is that about??????)

Having said all of that, though, I know how very blessed I am. I have been able to be in Arkansas 3 times during January, spending time with my parents and father-in-law. I am aware how precious that time is, as my father's health, in particular, continues to decline. I posted yesterday on Facebook that I sure could use a hug, and I was amazed at all of the love that came my way! Again, I am so blessed. God has used you, my "cyber" friends, in ways that you will never know, and I want you all to know how deeply I appreciate and treasure each word you write to me. More than that, I feel prayers that come my way. And, I want you to know that I do pray for the requests you ask of me, too. I am not always able to respond individually to them, but I do take them to the Father on your behalf.

Earlier this year, I was reading a devotional that was centered around the old hymn "Amazing Grace". That day, I was able to see it in a new way. When I read the part that said, "Twas grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home", it suddenly hit me: Looking back over my life I see time and time again the way God has worked in my life; He never set a limit on the grace that He would provide - it is new every morning! So, that same grace that has brought me through past difficulties will still guide me through the challenges that come my way! Hallelujah! If I ever needed a concrete reason to have faith, I got it that day. While I (any of us) may not be able to see the "hows" and "whys" of the paths that lie before us, all we have to do is trust the God Who is ALREADY THERE! Enough said.

While we wait for the season of Spring to arrive in our respective areas, may hope and love spring eternal within each of our hearts...........as God holds us lovingly

In His Grip!
Debbie

Comments

[Linda Cooper]

So good to see a post, Debbie!

I'm so thankful that you will be
able to have Isaiah on alternate weekends! It will be good for him and you as well. I will be praying for traveling mercies for you -- and for God's strength as you get through all the stressful details.

Indeed where would any of us be without God's grace that covers us yesterday, today and tomorrow and (as the song says) "and grace will lead me/us home". The older I get, the more I understand what it is like to long for "home" -- and Roger's words in "Home Free" play over and over in my head and heart. "Soon and Very Soon" we will all be home free and "all our labors and trials will be over" "as we dwell in the house of the Lord forever"!
Love and prayers,
Linda Cooper

[Barb]

I'm so glad you will be a part of Isaih"s life, I just wish you didnot have to drive so far. Please be careful, you have a lot on your mind, and It's so easy to start focusing on other things when we drive. I know if we were all honest, we all have had trouble loving those who have hurt us. It doesn't heal overnight, it takes time and with God's help we will heal....don"t ask me when.. ha..Just some humor there..but it is a process.
Please take care of yourself, you are so special to us, even though many of us have never met you, we know you have a lot of love & kindness for others. It's just hard not to love a person like you. Take Care Deb.

[Diane Altes]

So glad to see your post! And yes, thank God for that AMAZING grace!! I totally understand about loving and praying for those who've hurt us. The love of my life walked away from our marriage two years ago after 38....38!!....years. But God has indeed been faithful. Hang in there, Debbie. Just take one step at a time knowing that God has promised to "make our paths straight". You are such a blessing!

[Barbara Weaver]

Thanks Debbie for your encouragement, I am trying to forgive an estranged son, and when ever I almost give up, you are there telling me ways to continue to forgive. Amazing Grace has new meaning.
Love you and prayers for Dad. Barb Wisc

[JUDY HICKS]

Hi Debbie,
As always glad to hear from you. Also glad that you will be able to continue to be in Isaiah's life. Just hang in and you will see the blessings God has in store for you and you will be amazed. As I have said before, Isaiah is one blessed little boy to have you.
Was sorry to hear about your dad's problems but it is good that he is feeling better and will feel even more so when he is able to get home. I pray that he will continue mending.
Insurance companies are amazing..you pay for years and never bother them then one thing happens and probably won't happen again in your life time...they write you off. Loyalty is a thing of the past.
Keep us posted on your dad...thanks for sharing with us.
Love and Prayers,
Judy Hicks

[Jeannie]

We had an insurance company for 30+ years with no claims and they wanted to double our rates. We went to 3A for everything. We are very pleased. Check them out, Debbie.

[carmen]

I am glad things are being worked through, and I understand about forgiving those who have hurt us.

[Sarah UK]

Hi Debbie,
So glad that you are still able to see Isaiah. I read a quote yesterday from Wess Stafford, President of Compassion International, " I have become convinced that if GOD stands a child before you, for even just a minute, it is a divine appointment." You will be such a blessing in Isaiah's life. Praying for you travelling and dealing with all the stresses. God bless you,Sarah (UK)

[JUDY HICKS]

HI DEBBIE,
HOPE ALL IS GOING WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS. JUST WANTED TO DROP BY AND WISH YOU A HAPPY VALENTINES. AS YOU SHOULD WELL KNOW BY NOW YOU ARE LOVED..JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE REMINDER.
LOVE AND PRAYERS,
JUDY HICKS