Happy Valentine's Day Update

I hope each of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Although it is not one of the "bigger" holidays we celebrate, it is a time to reflect on the love that we have in our lives. Even if there is not a significant person in your life, we can glory in the greatest love of all, presented to every one of us, every single day. Thank you, Lord, for the love that you have poured out on us, even though we aren't worthy!

I am sorry that it has taken me a few days to update my urgent prayer request, but time just seems to fly by. My Daddy is still in the hospital. His blood pressure is dangerously low (the bottom number continues to stay in the 30's) and isn't coming up. Additionally, being in the hospital tends to make his confusion worse. New medications for that have helped some, but he will remain there for the time being. My mother and brother are pretty worn out. Mom hasn't spent but a few hours (total) away from the hospital since Daddy was admitted. As I well know, it is something she is glad to be able to do; however, it is extremely tiring. It is also very hard to just sit and watch someone you love, and know there is really nothing you can do to make it better. I would appreciate your continued prayers, and I know they would, too.

Those prayers have been well-received in the case of my daughter-in-law, Jessica! She spent a few days in the hospital with a tear in her lung and trachea. This was allowing air to escape and be trapped in pockets in places in her body that it was not meant to (swelling in face, neck, chest, etc.). She was released to spend the weekend at home resting, and actually went back to work today, but she is still a bit weak and tired. I think Jordan is doing a good job of taking care of her. He is a good husband, and very considerate (and I am a proud mom). Thank you for those prayers, as well.

I had Isaiah over the weekend, and thoroughly enjoyed him. It gets harder and harder to take him back home, but like I said before, I am SO grateful for the time I do get to spend with him. He is such a delight, and is growing so fast! He has been on antibiotics lately. I think everyone I know has something going on this winter.(I was told it was because we have had so little cold weather, that the germs are just flourishing.) I will get to have Isaiah again this coming weekend, due to my not getting him last weekend because he was sick. Maybe I will have the "Thomas the Train Engine" theme unstuck from my head by then!

I have been struggling the past few days particularly with trying not to pick up the things that I have put down at Jesus' feet. I am aware, that, being human, it is a thing I will never master; yet, I press on, because the peace that comes with the laying down, and with the obedience, is such sweet relief.

Well, I am off to bed now, to rise early to take the cat into the vet for the 2nd time in as many weeks. Seems we have a rogue neighborhood cat bully, and this time, he has really injured poor Huw. If you have any cat prayers, I think he might need them.

I pray that you feel God's blessings, knowing that He holds us all in His heart, and

In His Grip!
Debbie

(I have been trying to post this since Monday night, but the site has been acting up, sorry. Huw went to the vet this morning, and although he has multiple wounds, he will be fine. He just needs to learn to run away!)

Comments

[Carolyn]

So glad to read your post and the part about laying things (burdens) at Jesus' feet. I am going thru a very difficult situation right now and it is very hard to do that. I do but then within a day or two - start the whole process over again. Our daughter-in-law decided to turn on us and we were ordered over two months ago to get out of their house and never come back. So the holidays were miserable and things have not improved. Have tried to talk it out to no avail. The hardest part is we have two small grandchildren out of that family that we cannot see unless their Dad brings them over which is not but once every three weeks. He is out of town on job a lot. Thanks for prayers to be patient and that this will turn around soon.

[Cheryl Turnbull]

Debbie,
So relieved to see your post. We continue praying for your Dad and will add Jessica to the list. Life seems to throw many things at us. We all have the worlds problems to deal with. But, how great it is to know one day we will be forever in His grip you always remind us of. Happy Valentine's Day Debbie, and remember so many of us love you and loved Roger too.
Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[Beccie Drew]

Hi Debbie,
It is so good seeing your posts.
What times you have been going through. Continue giving your burneds to Jesus. You and your family are in my prayers.

[Becky]

Debbie,
Always nice to hear from you. It does seem there is so much going on with everyone this winter. I have a dear, dear brother-in-law who has been fighting so hard with cancer and a sister who had heart surgery and mom is having surgery today. All this since New Years! I did want to share a happy note here and make someone, hopefully lots of someones smile! We had six babies born in 40 days! Yes I said that right...six babies born in our family, none adopted all born!!! In exactly 40 days aka 5 weeks and 5 days! They are so sweet. Two sets of IDENTICAL, identical in the fact that both babies in both sets of twins were even sharing the same sac! So we have four beautiful twin girls and two beautiful little boys. And they were all here by Christmas! We had the 1st baby shower this past Sat for one set of twins and one of the little guys. I am thinking that may be some kind of record! Six babies in 40 days...and none of them came when they were due! So life is a mixture of tears; tears of joy and tears of sadness. Watched NQC DVD last night and laughed hard as we watched Roger give "Old Red Socks," a hard time. No matter how many times we watch Roger we always laugh even though we know exactly what he is going to say. Even in his death his gift of encouragement lives on!!!!!!!! Do take care...I think I would rather have, "Thomas The Train," stuck in my head than Tim Hawkins, "Someone Broke Wind!" Stuck in my heard!!! If there is anyone out there who needs to laugh so hard they cry, go on youtube and watch Tim Hawkins...better yet go on his site and purchase his big combo meal..this guy is "seriously" hysterical. We had never even heard of him until our daughter showed him us on you tube. I got my husband his set for Valentines Day and we have been laughing so hard over Tim. (Sorry not sure if I should of given him a plug or not...honestly have never met him but he is such a stitch. If this post comes down I will know I did a wrong in posting on him).
Becky In Wisconsin

[Becky Arvin]

HI DEBBIE, WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS. IT IS JUST SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AND SOUNDS LIKE YOU AND ISIAH HAD A GREAT TIME. HE IS SO BLESSED. IT IS TRULY HARD TO LAY THINGS AT JESUS FEET AND NOT WANT TO HELP HIM OUT JUST A BIT. MAYBE ITS A WOMAN THING HAHA... I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND AND GIVE YOUR MOM AND DAD OUR LOVE. JUST TREASURE THEM FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN. LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON. LOVE YA KY FRIEND BECKY

[Debbie Stemmer]

Debbie,

Happy that you will be getting Isaiah again this weekend and hope he is feeling better. Happy to hear your daughter-in-law is home and feeling better. I know what you mean about not picking up those things you have laid at the feet of Jesus. I will continue to pray for you and have loads of fun this weekend! {{HUGS}}

[Gayle Stephens]

Hi Debbie,

Checking your posts and found lots to pray about! Just wanted you to know Jesus put YOU on my mind today.

I was a friend of Alma's and her dear daughter is a great friend of yours. She always used to "catch me up" on Quartet news, etc. I miss Alma so much. I met her at a credit union where I worked, and she was a dear.

Needless to say, you haven't had it easy, and my heart goes out to you. We love Roger's music and I rely on the Cathedrals, etc. for much support in my own life. God is faithful ALL the time, and I love Him for that.

My husband has ALS, so every day is a challenge. Music is such a comfort from the wonderful groups of Christian music.

Just want you to know I'm praying for YOU, your dad and mom, and your family. Thank you for ministering to me today as I read your post about amazing grace. It really blessed my heart.

Love you in Christ,

Gayle

[Rebecca Gardiner]

Debbie,
I am continually praying for you and your family, not only for the situation with your dad, but also as the 5th anniversary of Roger's homegoing is coming up. Roger is my hero, although I unfortunately never met him while he was here on earth. He's one of the first people that I want to see, after Jesus, when I get to Heaven. Lots of love to all of you!
Rebecca Gardiner

[Becky]

Hi Debbie,
Well here it is March already. I know March is a really difficult month for you. How is your dad doing? I pray he is out of the hospital. I also pray you and yours are safe from all the storms that have been so devastating to so many all across the country. Stay safe and keep us posted. Becky In Wisconsin

[Wilda]

Deb, it's been awhile since I've checked in with you. I'm currently listening to Roger sing for the second go-round on the TRIBUTE CD (oh, how he could sing!). And, suddenly, I thought of you and came here to the site and have read your recent posts just now. My, how you've endured so many tests lately. I and my hubby are having one of those tests now as he was diagnosed with colon cancer on Feb. 15 after a colonoscopy revealed a tumor. But, God is good and we are anticipating radiation before surgery; in fact, we meet with the oncology-radiologist on Wed. Please pray for us. I remember that tomorrow will be Roger's BD. Cherish those sweet memories of the past years. Take care and post when you can. Praying for you, Deb!!! Blessings to you.