Happy 31st anniversary, Roger! December 17, 1981, we were married on a cold Thursday in Walnut Ridge, AR, in the very chapel where we first met. It has been 6 years now since I've gotten to say those words to him in person, and I really miss doing so. 2012 has been the toughest year I've had since he left us 5 years, 9 months ago today. I have missed my rock; missed someone "having my back"; missed those hugs and a hand to hold; missed the laughter, the ups, and even the downs.
But, in reflecting on those 25 years, 3 months we had as husband and wife, I am reminded of all of the lessons we learned together during that time. Life was not always easy, but it was much easier when the burdens were shared. It was also exponentially richer for having someone to share the blessings with. Learning how to weather life's storms together laid a foundation that has been solid for me during times when loneliness threatened to overwhelm me. Recalling the strength of a loving partner, who, while faced with the biggest adversity of all, still managed to smile and trust God for his daily needs, and reach out to others in the midst of his own pain, makes me know that the problems I face are not insurmountable. Knowing Who holds the future calms the storms of our everyday lives.
Roger and I wrote a song together, that, while not one of the most "popular" ever sung, has always held a special place for me; it is the cry of a lonely heart, and the joy of the Christian in knowing that we are never alone. I will include the words to the song at the end of this post.
We are gearing up for a houseful of family and friends for Christmas, and I am very much looking forward to it. I have Isaiah this weekend, as well as welcoming my brother's daughter and her husband and 2 year old daughter. My mother, a second brother, and Roger's dad are coming up on Saturday as well, and staying through Christmas. Jordan and Jessica are leaving California on Friday evening, and driving to Tennessee - with no stops - bringing their two dogs (oh, to be that young and full of adventure!), and staying through New Year's. I can't wait to have my family surrounding me, while we remember the true meaning of this special season. For that is what all of the hustle and bustle this time of year is about. As we scurry around, gathering all we think we need and want to make a perfect day; as we experience frustration with long lines and short tempers; as we search for the "one thing" we still look for to complete a list.........remember the busy streets of Bethlehem that day long ago; the long lines with no cell phones to keep connected; the search for a place to lay a weary head; the ONE THING that made everything in the world complete.........Unto us a SAVIOR is born, which is Christ the Lord! And, just as He came as a tiny baby in a manger to a world that was searching all those years ago, He is still here today. He is still the answer for the questions we have in the midst of life's inexplicable tragedies. He was, He is, and He will always be. And we are still held
In His Grip!
Debbie
He's Been There
I have been helpless,
I have been helpful,
I have been useless,
I have been used,
I have flown on the wings of the morning,
I have descended to a dark lonely place.
He's been there,
In good times and bad times,
He's been there,
When I could not carry on,
My Lord's been there,
When my heart had no words,
The loving Father still heard,
I've never been alone,
For He's been there.
I do not know the things you are facing,
Battles ahead or victories to win,
But I can tell you His love never faileth,
Jesus is always a compassionate friend.
He's been there,
In good times and bad times,
He's been there,
When I could not carry on,
My Lord's been there,
When my heart had no words,
The loving Father still heard,
I've never been alone,
For He's been there.
He's been holding me up when I stumble,
Guiding my feet in the night,
He's been there,
When my heart had no words,
The loving Father still heard,
I've never been alone,
For He's been there.
I've never been alone,
For He's been there.
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