Once again, I have been remiss in my postings. I do apologize. It seems that I just haven't taken the time to sit down and compse my thoughts, and now that I have, I have too much to say! I've said it before, but I will try to do better in the coming year than I have lately.
The holidays were more difficult this year than they have been in a few years. I'm not sure of all the reasons why, but I do know a few: This was the first Christmas without my Daddy; I had a car wreck the week before Christmas, which left me sore and unable to do all I needed/wanted to do with a houseful of guests; and, for whatever reason, I just felt very lonely. However, it was good to have friends and family around, and God was protecting me in that wreck; so many things that could have happened, did not, and I only sustained minor injuries, which are being helped with chiropractic care. The person at fault had insurance, and will cover my losses, and it could have been so much worse than it turned out. I confess that there are still days that I have to work hard at smiling. As many of you know, Tracy and Libbi Perry Stuffle (and family) are going through some very difficult times, after Tracy suffered a stroke, and is in ICU. For some reason, his journey has thrown my mind back to the days I walked that same path with Roger, and it has made me relive those days in great detail. With that pain, though, comes the realization that God brought me through that experience, and He will be with me whatever comes my way. Please remember to pray for Tracy, Libbi, and family as they await God's plan for their lives.
This past week, I had the unique opportunity of traveling across the ocean (to a VERY cold country!), delivering bone marrow. While I was there, I took a couple of days to sightsee, and had a great time seeing a new place. I was glad to go, and even more glad to come home. As I was approaching the Nashville airport, I knew that storms were predicted, and I was hopeful that I'd make it home before they hit. Flying at 36,000 feet, all I could see were fields of white, fluffy clouds, and the clouds in the distance looked like tall white mountains. The light was brilliant against them, at just before 5 pm, and there were hues of orange and pink beginning to show. It was so gorgeous, I wished I could take out my camera and capture the picture, but there were no electronics allowed at the time. Then, as we began our descent, the clouds became more gray; the air got a little bumpier; the light began to fade; and, as the city came into view, all of the beauty of what I had just seen, faded with it.I was struck with the thought that "above the storms", God holds beauty and light for us that is awesome.....and the farther away from Him we descend, the darker our lives will be, as the storms move in on us. Yes, I know that God doesn't reside up in the clouds, but the analogy was there anyway!
I hope your year has started out with renewed purpose, hope, and love. God wants to be our shining light, sharing His love and beauty with us. Our job is to soar above the storms, and remain close to Him. That's the best place to be:
In His Grip!!
Debbie
Hey, Deb!!! I hope you will be healed in a few days from your accident. Those can take a toll on a body! This week will be the final preventive chemo treament for my hubby's colorectal cancer; he had radiation and chemo before surgery, and then 6 months of the preventive chemo. As you can relate, radiation and chemo play havoc with a fellow's feelings and body. I am so very thankful for God's Goodness and Faithfulness during this experience. Deb, I trust you will have an easier time of it during the coming months. Take care. Thanks so much for your posts. Love and Blessings to you.
Posted by: Wilda | February 03, 2013 at 03:17 PM
Hi Debbie,
So good to hear from you. Am sorry about the wreck but glad that it wasn't any worse than it was. Sometimes it seems that timing of things just aren't convenient. I was wondering if you were still doing the donor trips. Sounds like this one came along at a good time and gave you a chance to relax. As nice as it is to get away the best part is coming home.
Take care sweet girl...
Love and prayers,
Judy Hicks
Posted by: JUDY HICKS | February 03, 2013 at 06:29 PM
Sure glad you were not seriously injured and that you are feeling better. I relate so much about the hard year. I am your Utah friend from NQC, and this was the seventh year since my husband went home to be with God, and it has been a HARD year here also. I did get to go to NQC this year.That was the highlight of the year. I had knee replacement surgery, which went well, but had other health issues that have made life very difficult. I also felt EXTRA lonely without my Rock to hold on to. I don't know how those who do not have God leading them make it. I hope you still have my address if you ever make a trip to Salt Lake and have a lay over I would love it. Thanks for the encouragement you always share.
I know so many appreciate it. My Prayers for you and your family.
Charlene
Posted by: Charlene Eddmonson | February 03, 2013 at 08:27 PM
Deb,
So good to hear from you. I was wondering how your time at the holidays went. Your post are so inspirational to me. Glad to hear you were not seriously injured in your auto accident. I look once a week to see if you have updated your post as they do inspire me. I think you should be a motivational writer. God bless.
Posted by: Susan Davidson | February 04, 2013 at 06:21 AM
Debbie,
This is a reminder of how important it is to constantly be praying a hedge of safety around our loved ones and friends. Will be praying for your recovery. I took a very hard fall a couple of weeks ago, so I understand the aches of pain, and the needed chiro treatments. We are praying for Tracy and Lib too. We know you understand their hearts and the need for prayer. Take care...God loves you,
Cheryl/Lenexa KS
Posted by: C turnbull | February 04, 2013 at 11:04 AM
Very nice post. I have thought of you a lot this past week too as we found out about Tracy. Loved your thoughts on God and the clouds. As a child I loved to lay on a blanket in my yard on a bright sunny day and look into the clouds and try and see God! :). I think we forget to do that sometimes when we get older and busier. Take care as I look often for your posts and they are always so helpful.
Becky In Wisconsin P.S. If you want COLD and you want to stay in the US no need to cross an ocean...just come and visit me! We have had windchills several days that were -30.
Posted by: Becky | February 04, 2013 at 11:38 AM
Debbie,
so glad you are doing ok. The holidays were a trial to get thru this year for many. I found myself glad to put away the last of the decorations and just be for a little while. I loved your analogy about the plane trip. That is so how life is isn't it. And also just how fast trials can arrive. What on earth would we do without the Lord to lead and guide us thru these days. I am so grateful for his gentle hand on my life. For his calm and quiet spirit giving me a calm and quiet spirit. Praise his name. Linda
Posted by: Linda | February 05, 2013 at 10:34 AM
This post as all of them once again holds a special place in our hearts. Your spirit encourages all of us in so many different ways. It was so good to hear from you and glad that you are healing. Traci and family are in my prayers. I have a friend that husband is going thru Rogers illness and the book and this site have meant so much. You are just real with your feelings and you show that is appreciated more than you know. thanks for sharing and hope 2013 is a great year. Your KY friend Becky
Posted by: [email protected] | February 06, 2013 at 07:47 AM
Hi Debbie,
I've been checking to see if you've posted and was glad to see you had some time to write to us.
I'm so sorry about the accident. I was in one a few years ago and it really shakes you up physically and mentally.
One of the best parts of flying is seeing the beautiful colors in the sky and the clouds.
I know what you mean about the holidays. Even with family all around it can sometimes feel lonely but through anything that comes our way thankfully we're always in His grip.
If you're not too sore here's sending big HUGS your way.
Ann your Washington friend
Posted by: Ann Woodward | February 08, 2013 at 04:13 PM
Glad to see your post. I understand how you feel about being lonely. My mother passed last year, and it destroyed our family. My brothers have not talked to my sister and I. Hurtful New Year with so many conflicts that can be avoided by just plain "Love." Pray for me and my family.
Posted by: Carmen | February 09, 2013 at 05:45 PM
Hi Debbie, I have read over your analogy of your plan trip in your Feb. post many times. Each time I read it it gives me a renewed sense of Gods presence in our lives. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I have really enjoyed using that in my life. Be Blessed, Linda
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