Welcome to my new friends! It's so good to have you stop by!
First thing I'm always asked: "why do you go by so many names?"Let me explain. Several years ago, I began using the nickname "Debi" by adding "i" (internet) to my childhood initials.
But as a child, I preferred "Doe" because my entire family referred to me only by this shortened meaning of my biblical name. Actually, I like all my names because each has a story behind it given to me that I treasure. Yes, even my very newest one - "debi-doe".
So, with all that in an introduction, I'm happy to call you "friend." It's been quite fun to begin a new chapter of life in a new home & whole new circle of friends. As many know, and I'm sure you're learning, I'll answer to any of these shortened forms of my birth name.
I began this blog in 2014. In reviewing this page as a repost, I'm quite surprised that although my surroundings have changed, my favorite things have remained strongly in place, displaying the loves I've chosen to surround my home & family. Looking back, I've loved being enriched with so many sweet friendships & fellowship times. Many of these conversations have continued, whether in person, in text, on phone, or email. The occasional snail-mail card brings of smile of yester-year when I waited for days or weeks to hear from those I loved. As a side note, please, add more than just your name to those seasonal cards - I wonder about what's been happening in the past year when I open your envelopes!
As I type this post, my heart longs to be in person. I know we'd become better acquainted with laughter & stories. I also know with certainty that we'd talk about our walk with Jesus, Savior Lord of our lives, and we'd encourage each other.
Since you popped in here, let me help you know some of my habits, interests and tidbits of those who hold my heart closely.
First, I'd instinctively invite you in for a cup of hot tea in one of my many teacups, but I'm learning in this hotter climate, that many prefer their sweet tea poured over ice. I'd invite you onto my lanai, a screened in back-yard & pool area. As we settle onto comfortable gliders, I'd probably offer you some English shortbread or Malaysian "digestive biscuits" from my international excursions.
As we munch on the sweets, our conversation would begin with "what's been going on in your life?" because I love to hear all the details of my friends' happenings. Actually, I'd apologize for the seemingly interrogation, realizing I'm asking too many questions!
My most important interest would be how you're growing in grace & knowledge of my dearest friend, Jesus Christ.
Our second daughter began her family in the hills of TN, moved to a city of tall skyscrapers, aged with historical architecture. We meandered through the bustling throngs of people rushing to & from their destinies! Lately, we've enjoyed other more peaceful sights of rolling hills, castles, and small shops huddled along older village streets.
Each adventure the Lord gave us through our girls' choices have blessed us over and over.
It seems now that our favorite memories are being built around performances and activities of our grandchildren. Our family times around meal tables continue to be full of healthy laughter as we listen to tales of their daily adventures with friends.
For sure, my journal would be nearby & upon glancing through the pages you'd enjoy my doodled edges & colorful notes. Mostly, I record my dabbled art attempts as I study to understand Scriptures. These doodles often extend into card making and even are added to my collected scrapbook treasures. I'd show you all my paper crafting tools and how much fun it is to make Christmas tags and seasonal greeting cards. I might even show samples of all the cards I've given sweet shut-ins to help them have cards to send their loved ones. One of my favorite things to do is venture away from my quiet home to fill some beautiful homebound saint's lonely hours with a visit.
You would see all the bins, organized by project, lining the closet floor. We'd laugh at my far-fetched hopes to complete all the projects piling up more than a lifetime of created quilts.
Most likely, you'd know there's no need for me to shop for fabrics!
You'd chuckle as you remember my favorite Scripture passage brought into our conversation. You know I would have to mention becoming a follower of Jesus Christ was the most important decision in my life. Malachi 3:16-18 "Those who feared the Lord spoke to each other & the Lord listened to what they said. In His Presence a scroll of remembrance (journal) was written to record the name of those who feared Him and always thought about the honor of His Name. "They will be Mine!"... declares the Sovereign Lord!"I look forward to that shout from heaven! I'm most thankful for Christ's sacrificial death to bring me to God. I definitely love to proclaim His Grace and share His friendship often with those who visit with me. My deepest desire is for each of my loved ones to be reconciled to God through Christ & that whenever we're together, we all would be learning from each other how to be better at following Him.
Because I know I walk within my King's covenantal Presence, each day is an adventure as He works all things for my good.
As we talk, you'd probably notice my eyes often gaze toward the eastern clouds, wondering when He will call His friends to join Him in the clouds.
But until we hear His shout, please continue to enjoy reading my journal posts as I slowly trek spiritually with the promised Holy Spirit & His Guidebook. I not only write here on Climb vertical with me, but I also have a Facebook group Worthy Workout for devotional thoughts.
Sadly, my quilting blog has been quiet since I moved to this warmer climate because I enjoy the luxury of spending most of my afternoons outside, floating in the pool & soaking in the warmth of the sun!
May these posts encourage your journey with the Lord as you fix your eyes on Jesus. Remember, have confidence because, although we dimly see now, His face becomes more and more reflected for others to see His grace as we live just like Jesus in this world. 1 John 4:17
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