Good Music, Good People

Thank you so much for all of the prayers that continue to come our way. I am feeling much better now, and am trying to catch up on two week's worth of stuff that didn't seem to go anywhere while I was sick! Things continue to be the same, or are progressing on the worse side, with Daddy. Although he is home, and hospice, and nursing services come to the house, Mom and my brother Bobby are still the only caregivers he has; the sitter didn't work out, for whatever reason. Mom is doing well, handling it, but I know she would love a break occasionally. It will still be a week or more before I get to go down; life here keeps getting in the way.

I was feeling better enough this week to get to go to two Southern Gospel concerts, an activity that I haven't done much in the past 5 years. It just so happened that two groups of friends were in the area. On Thursday, I saw Tribute Quartet, and on Sunday, I saw the Talleys. Both were blessings. I forget sometimes how good it feels to be around loving Christian people at a concert. I admit, the quartet singing is just slightly harder for me than the mixed groups, for obvious reasons - my mind's eye keeps seeing another pianist and emcee up there, and sometimes my heart spills over from my eyes.... Having said that, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the concerts, and plan to get back into seeing more groups, as they come near. The best part is being with friends and having love and support; you just can't beat good Christian fellowship!

Chelsea is due home in about 9 days from her journeys. She is having a wonderful time, and her descriptive writing about her trip is making me so "homesick" to go there myself! It has truly been too long since I have seen my N. Ireland "family" - I will have to do something about that, as soon as I feel like I can actually make a plan.

This past week or so has brought some situations that I have had difficulty in dealing with. I guess there will always be those people; those places; those "things" in our lives that keep it from being a perfect world. I have had to lean on my belief that God is still in control, and know that He already knows all of the answers. It's just funny how all of that head knowledge forgets to get down into the heart at times. But, when that happens, I have to step back, and reassess, and remember Who is in charge. It's not me, and for that I am truly grateful! I have proven time and again that when I forget that, it's a pretty quick downhill slide. So, I am reminding myself, once again, and in the process, reminding you, too: When life seems to be spiralling out of control, step back; know that God has it in His hands, and He wants the best for His children. Lay your problems and concerns down at the feet of the Savior, and He will pick them up, and hold them wisely, and lovingly,

In His Grip!
Debbie

Comments

[Geneva Speas]

Dear Debbie, I am so thankful that you are feeling better. Please be careful and don't try to get everything back in order. I think of you and pray for you every day.(And your family) May God give your Mom special strength in these days.Glad Chelsea is enjoying life. Bless heart.I would love to sit and have visit with you.Maybe someday.If not here we will have time in heaven. Brandea had a bad in March. She said to me Grandma, do you know what day this is. I said yea, but didnt give her the answer she wanted.I asked what made this day different.She said Roger went to heaven on this day. She misses him and will not go and hear the guys. Her answer is "Roger isn't there". But God is good and helps us each day. Love you. Hope to see you at NQC. God Bless.

[JUDY HICKS]

Hi Debbie,
Glad to hear that you are better...I know you are looking forward to Chelsea coming home and catching up on everything.
Whatever the difficulties are that you have to deal with will be put behind you soon. I guess if these "patches" didn't rear their ugly heads we would become too relaxed. There was a statement made at my bible study last week that impressed me and I would like to share it with you. Satan needs godly men to keep his enterprise afloat. Thank God that if allowed He will keep us in His Grip.
I am glad that you went to the concerts. It is always hard to go to see L5...especially when they come on stage minus my favorite pianist. It is getting better but there is that MOMENT..
Take care sweet Lady..you and yours are in my prayers.
Judy Hicks

[Jeannie]

Debbie, THANK YOU for your reminder to US that the head knowledge we have of God sometimes doesn't get to our heart. Thank you for reminding us that God is in always in control. The concerts you miss are the devil's way of keeping you from receiving God's comfort. Music is a soothing blessing to our souls, and although it is sometimes painful, it gives us peace. Stay connected, Debbie. Satan would love to keep you away from those sources of comfort!

[Gladys Perry]

Debbie,
Glad to hear you've recovered. God does answer our prayers. I sure do enjoy your posts. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Will continue to pray for you & all your family.
Love & Blessings,
Gladys

[Linda in Ohio]

Hi Debbie,
Thank you so much. I needed to be reminded today that the Lord has all of our trials, troubles, and frustrations, and even our fears in his hands. What better place to leave them than there. And while it is easy to say and so hard to do, I am thankful that he knows us and gently guides us back to him when we try to "grab" our problems back. How could anyone get thru a day without him? I am so gratefu that we don't have to find out. Blessings to you my friend.