After posting pictures of President Bush as he met returning troops at the Dallas Airport, someone sent me this Youtube video. Yes, I cried.
God loves you,
Debbie
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Who wrote the song, "Precious Lord"?
Some people have thought that the famous band leader Tommy Dorsey wrote this song. In reality however, it was Thomas Andrew Dorsey and he was the son of a Black revivalist preacher. According to the book, Then Sings my Soul by Robert J. Morgan, Thomas A. Dorsey was born in a small town in Georgia in 1899. When he was about eleven, the Dorsey's moved to Atlanta where Thomas was quickly enamoured with the blues and began playing piano at a vaudeville theatre. Later the family moved to Chicago where he attended classes at the College of Composition and arranging. Soon he was on stage under the name "Georgia Tom," playing barrel house piano in one of Al Capone's Chicago speakeasies and leading jazz bands.
Thomas was converted at the National Baptist Convention in Chicago in 1921, and began writing gospel songs and trying to get them published. It was discouraging at first. He later said, "I borrowed five dollars and sent out 500 copies of my song, "If you see my Savior," to churches throughout the country...It was 3 years before I got a single order. I felt like going back to the blues." He didn't and gradually his reputation grew and his work became known. In his life he wrote over a thousand hymns and is remembered as the "Father of Gospel Music". He is equally famous for the song, "Peace in the Valley".
The following is a wonderful story of how God can heal the broken hearted.
THE BIRTH OF THE SONG 'PRECIOUS LORD'
Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis . I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.
However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back.
I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.
The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was 'Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart.
For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.
From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows.
I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, once into my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.'
The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.
And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home..
-Tommy Dorsey-
If you are discouraged today, I hope this story and the following song will bring you great encouragement!
God loves you,
Debbie
Precious Lord, take my hand.
Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, and worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, lead me near,
When my life is almost gone.
Hear my cry, hear my call.
Hold my hand, lest I fall.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand.
Guide my feet, hold my hand,
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
Thomas was converted at the National Baptist Convention in Chicago in 1921, and began writing gospel songs and trying to get them published. It was discouraging at first. He later said, "I borrowed five dollars and sent out 500 copies of my song, "If you see my Savior," to churches throughout the country...It was 3 years before I got a single order. I felt like going back to the blues." He didn't and gradually his reputation grew and his work became known. In his life he wrote over a thousand hymns and is remembered as the "Father of Gospel Music". He is equally famous for the song, "Peace in the Valley".
The following is a wonderful story of how God can heal the broken hearted.
THE BIRTH OF THE SONG 'PRECIOUS LORD'
Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis . I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.
However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back.
I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.
The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was 'Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart.
For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.
From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College , a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows.
I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, once into my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.'
The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.
And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home..
-Tommy Dorsey-
If you are discouraged today, I hope this story and the following song will bring you great encouragement!
God loves you,
Debbie
Precious Lord, take my hand.
Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, and worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, lead me near,
When my life is almost gone.
Hear my cry, hear my call.
Hold my hand, lest I fall.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand.
Guide my feet, hold my hand,
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A class Act....that's one of the reasons he was my President!
I spend a lot of time looking at motives. Motives tell you a lot about a person and their character. One of the reasons I liked Bush so much is because when his motives are revealed.....he is a man of honor.
Someone sent me an e-mail about President Bush. I went to the facebook page for the USO and found that it was true.
Imagine being a "past" president who did NOT have to work on his image. Imagine having enough money to do exactly what you want to do every day of your life. Imagine being your own boss with no expectations about your current influence.
Knowing that doing nothing was perfectly okay, what type of person would get up and decide to go meet a plane from Iraq? A man of honor. A man of class. A man who truly appreciated the people he was trying to honor.
Now imagine getting off the plane. You are a tired and weary soldier. You are so glad to be home but you aren't expecting anyone except family. You walk down the long runway and at the end of the trail you see an older man and woman smiling at you. He reaches out his hand. You blink twice and realize that the former President of the United States and his lovely wife have made the effort to meet your plane and say "Thank you".
Now that's a class act!
The pictures were taken in the morning, 11 August 2010 at DFW Airport. George and Laura Bush greeted 150 (very surprised) troops as they arrived home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their expressions were so priceless!
To view these pictures and more, go to the following link USO Facebook album of President Bush meeting the troops
Someone sent me an e-mail about President Bush. I went to the facebook page for the USO and found that it was true.
Imagine being a "past" president who did NOT have to work on his image. Imagine having enough money to do exactly what you want to do every day of your life. Imagine being your own boss with no expectations about your current influence.
Knowing that doing nothing was perfectly okay, what type of person would get up and decide to go meet a plane from Iraq? A man of honor. A man of class. A man who truly appreciated the people he was trying to honor.
Now imagine getting off the plane. You are a tired and weary soldier. You are so glad to be home but you aren't expecting anyone except family. You walk down the long runway and at the end of the trail you see an older man and woman smiling at you. He reaches out his hand. You blink twice and realize that the former President of the United States and his lovely wife have made the effort to meet your plane and say "Thank you".
Now that's a class act!
The pictures were taken in the morning, 11 August 2010 at DFW Airport. George and Laura Bush greeted 150 (very surprised) troops as they arrived home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their expressions were so priceless!
To view these pictures and more, go to the following link USO Facebook album of President Bush meeting the troops
God bless you President and Mrs. Bush
God loves you,
Debbie
Sunday, August 22, 2010
You can't fix "stupid"
However, the nice, extremely polite anonymous person continued pushing that I was somehow persecuting the left. His next two comments were not published because he had missed the point (maybe my fault) about the blog entry. Is America Incompetent? My point was NOT about the left being dumber than the right or that conservatives are smarter than liberals. I don't believe that. But....what I do believe is that this country is seeking out and publicizing "stupid".
I'll admit it. I've always been prejudice. I love blacks, Hispanics, Chinese, Japanese, Mexicans and Africans. I love little people, big people, short people, tall people and really really fat people. I even like skinny people. I like people that can sing and those that can't. I like people who smile at me and those who simply look the other way. What I can't stand and will proudly announce that I'm prejudice against is STUPID people. Ignorant little jerks who graduate college and proceed to tell me they know more than I do about life need a quick kick in the backside. Dumb millionaire celebrities that think our lives are somehow enriched while we watch them squander a fortune on booze and fake bodies and then want me to think they are smart just because they made a lot of money dragging the rest of our spineless youth into sex and drugs - give me a break! They are stupid and dumb and don't deserve any attention at all.
Don't get me started on politicians. We have a boat load of ignorant stupid government officials who couldn't intelligently explain how to get out of a paper bag. Those types are the ones that deliver fuzzy math, have a string of miss-statements or miss spoke (translation - I lied!) and as my grandmother would say, "Could steal the hat off your head while they were a-talking to you!" Unfortunately my friend - all political parties are infected with the dreaded "stupid" disease. The only anecdote...."when the general masses (public opinion) begins to demand "excellence and intelligence".
That's what's wrong with our country. We are becoming more and more incompetent because (as I stated) we let ignorant people get away with thinking they are smart. I don't care if it's a Republican, Democrat, Independent or Indian Chief. If he makes a dumb statement, he should be called on the carpet for it.
And why am I so angry about this???? Because you can't fix stupid! You can fix a car tire, the economy, our faith, the water heater or even a crushed bone.....but you can't fix stupid. Stupid will just keep going and going until someone gets mad enough to look them in the eye and say, "Hey stupid, get an education, get a real job, get a life....don't be so stupid." Stupid will keep reproducing until the general public takes the stage and refuses to let "stupid" be heard anymore. Stupid is evil and will take down even the largest country. Forget his precious feelings, forget her sad little face. If it's stupid it needs to be rejected!
I am not allowed to watch reality shows on TV. Why? My husband can't stand the yelling. The entire time I'm watching I'm fussing about how stupid these people are. And....I just don't understand people that want to get on national TV so everyone can see how ignorant they really are! Duh! How's that for stupid. At least the dumbest of the dumb when I was attending school (eons ago) knew enough to try to hide how stupid they were. At least they had friends and family that was loving enough to let them know when they were being stupid. Now....we don't. How pitiful that some dumb little teen gets on national TV squawking like a wounded bird. Didn't anyone love that child enough to tell them that they sound like a junk yard crushing metal? Can't anyone stand up and tell some young man that's eat up with the stupids that he doesn't have enough intelligence to get a loan for a car much less run for public office! That's what's so pitiful. Is there no one in a Stupid person's life that loves them enough to spare them public ridicule?
I was watching the news the other night about this guy named Greene who's running for office in South Carolina. I felt so sorry for him. He thinks the attention from regular news media is good, yet everyone of them and 99.9% of their listeners are laughing so hard on the inside that they need a depends. And this guy is looking at the camera like he's a serious candidate. Please! Someone love him enough to say, "Don't do this!" It doesn't matter what side this bozo is on. Even Forrest Gump knew..."Stupid is as stupid does."
Sorry dear friend that posted very mannerly comments. Thank you for doing that. But...I still hold to my belief - you can't fix "stupid". God may love you and I may love you even if you are stupid.....but that doesn't mean I'm going to turn over something important to you. Nope....you just can't fix stupid.
God loves you,
Debbie
Pastor's Corner
Have you ever wished you could sit down with a wise pastor and pick his/her brain? Well now you can. Welcome to Pastor's Corner. We will present a question to the following ministers and post their answers. If you would like to be a guest minister, send your bio and picture to debbie@debbiejansen.com.
If you would like to ask the ministers a question, send your question to debbie@debbiejansen.com. Please label your e-mail "Question for Pastor's Corner".
Dr. Ken Crocker has been a minister, pastor, evangelist and missionary for over 60 years. He has preached all around the world. He has written thousands of articles, been an editor for the Haggai Institute and had a popular radio program. His doctoral Biblical studies will offer us great insight into our spiritual journey. This picture was taken just after he preached to a group of Buddhist Monks and told them about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. You can check out his website at http://www.pastorken.com/
Ken Jansen is a music pastor with a masters in music. His biblical studies have provided a strong structure for his music and his walk with God. His video, The Reinvention of Ken gives an insight into how hard he has worked to change his life and strengthen his walk with God. Ken will add a texture to our studies that will touch your life.
Debbie Jansen has a way of bringing Christ into the Kitchen. Her ministry is built on "telling it like it is" and creating "real life" stories that help listeners to weave Christian principles into their daily lives. Her website is http://www.debbiejansen.com/
We hope you will join us for "The Pastor's Corner" as we search the scripture for Truth.
If you would like to ask the ministers a question, send your question to debbie@debbiejansen.com. Please label your e-mail "Question for Pastor's Corner".
Ken Jansen is a music pastor with a masters in music. His biblical studies have provided a strong structure for his music and his walk with God. His video, The Reinvention of Ken gives an insight into how hard he has worked to change his life and strengthen his walk with God. Ken will add a texture to our studies that will touch your life.
Debbie Jansen has a way of bringing Christ into the Kitchen. Her ministry is built on "telling it like it is" and creating "real life" stories that help listeners to weave Christian principles into their daily lives. Her website is http://www.debbiejansen.com/
We hope you will join us for "The Pastor's Corner" as we search the scripture for Truth.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ron and Debbie Jansen 36 wonderful years together
Last Monday, August 9, 2010 Ron and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary.
How exciting to know that our love and respect for each other has grown every year! How wonderful to know that even when the howling winds of trouble swirl around us - we simply snuggle together knowing that nothing can destroy what God has blessed.
Ron is a tower of strength to our family. He is calm, logical and compassionate. When problems come up he's the first to take my hand and pray about it, the first to love and the first to believe that we will get through it. He's reserved and at college I used to call him my Mr. Spock. But, that's only an outward thing. Inside beats a loving and kind heart. Inside is a man that loves more deeply than anyone I've ever known. Ron is a tall, strong farmboy. He is confident and often his mere presence will let a hot head know not to mess with him. But...that strength is tempered by an understanding spirit that goes the extra mile to get to the truth and to amicably handle any situation. I've always been proud of Ron. I've always loved walking beside him and being his wife. Ron is the most honorable man I know and I look forward to another 36 years of holding his hand while we watch the world go by. I love him with all my heart. Debbie
Debbie is my excitement! She can take the most ordinary day and make it wonderful. Debbie's smile is intoxicating. Nothing gives me more joy than to do something fun with her - even if it's just riding through the country. She will pick out the most unique thing or idea and share it with me like it was a present on Christmas morning. She is smart and quick to see all sides to any situation. I love watching her chew on a situation until she has all the facts so she can make a better decision than most. I love her intensity for truth. She stands on her soapbox and bares her soul and we are all better for it. I've often said that my job in life is to support her and make sure she in directly in God's will. I have been privileged to watch her walk in the path of God's will and I'm so proud of her. She is the love of my life and I am blessed to have spent my life with her. I love her with all my heart. Ron
We both hope that you too will experience the joy of deep long-lasting love!
How exciting to know that our love and respect for each other has grown every year! How wonderful to know that even when the howling winds of trouble swirl around us - we simply snuggle together knowing that nothing can destroy what God has blessed.
Ron is a tower of strength to our family. He is calm, logical and compassionate. When problems come up he's the first to take my hand and pray about it, the first to love and the first to believe that we will get through it. He's reserved and at college I used to call him my Mr. Spock. But, that's only an outward thing. Inside beats a loving and kind heart. Inside is a man that loves more deeply than anyone I've ever known. Ron is a tall, strong farmboy. He is confident and often his mere presence will let a hot head know not to mess with him. But...that strength is tempered by an understanding spirit that goes the extra mile to get to the truth and to amicably handle any situation. I've always been proud of Ron. I've always loved walking beside him and being his wife. Ron is the most honorable man I know and I look forward to another 36 years of holding his hand while we watch the world go by. I love him with all my heart. Debbie
Debbie is my excitement! She can take the most ordinary day and make it wonderful. Debbie's smile is intoxicating. Nothing gives me more joy than to do something fun with her - even if it's just riding through the country. She will pick out the most unique thing or idea and share it with me like it was a present on Christmas morning. She is smart and quick to see all sides to any situation. I love watching her chew on a situation until she has all the facts so she can make a better decision than most. I love her intensity for truth. She stands on her soapbox and bares her soul and we are all better for it. I've often said that my job in life is to support her and make sure she in directly in God's will. I have been privileged to watch her walk in the path of God's will and I'm so proud of her. She is the love of my life and I am blessed to have spent my life with her. I love her with all my heart. Ron
We both hope that you too will experience the joy of deep long-lasting love!
Eating breakfast with friends
Touring Amish Country in the Vette
"Happy Anniversary, Debbie"
"Happy Anniversary to you too, Ron."
Friday, August 13, 2010
A beautiful wedding....
My daughter Amie Cherie was married to Derek Williams on July 31, 2010. Amie's brother Rev. Ken Jansen and her grandfather Rev. Ken Crocker officiated the wedding. Her brother Jamie Jansen provided coordination support as well as photography. Scott Watt Photography created beautiful pictures of the day and Eric of Shadow Studios documented the day in movie form. The wedding was held at the home of Derek's parents, Donna and Ricky Ray.
It was a wonderful day of remembering the past, enjoying the fruits of our talented families and looking forward to a future of new beginnings.
The newlyweds returned to Ohio to pack up Amie's stuff (no small task), stopped by Ken's church in Illinois, spent the night with Grandma Jansen in Iowa and then traveled to Tuscon, Arizona where Derek is stationed as a Sergeant in the Air Force.
I hope you will join me in wishing the newlyweds a beautiful life together. May they consecrate their home to God and stay securely in his will for their life.
It was a wonderful day of remembering the past, enjoying the fruits of our talented families and looking forward to a future of new beginnings.
The newlyweds returned to Ohio to pack up Amie's stuff (no small task), stopped by Ken's church in Illinois, spent the night with Grandma Jansen in Iowa and then traveled to Tuscon, Arizona where Derek is stationed as a Sergeant in the Air Force.
I hope you will join me in wishing the newlyweds a beautiful life together. May they consecrate their home to God and stay securely in his will for their life.
Congratulations Amie & Derek
We love you
God loves you,
Mom and Dad