This past week the world’s conversation has been centered around the tragic passing of, who I considered to be, one of the most gifted voices, Whitney Houston.

News reporters, media outlets, public opinions and worldwide speculations have sought for and offered theories on her gone-too-soon passing. Her voice has flowed through the airwaves and radio waves across the country while long ago interviews and videos remind us of her God given gift.

It would be easy for us to offer should’ve’s and would’ve’s, and perhaps even could’ve’s, however, I choose to remember her gift and her willingness to use her gift to the best of her ability.  As with all of us, she made mistakes, but her gift was and is undeniable.  What we can learn from her is our commitment to acknowledge what has been given by God and to know that He will supply what is needed in order to accomplish His Will for us and through us, regardless of what life brings, the encounters we experience or the circumstances that await us. For even in the darkest of moments while walking through the valleys of life, or even during our mountain top halelujah moments, we have the assurance that He truly knows what’s best for our lives and that, as Whitney Houston sang to remind us through the childhood hymn that resonates in the hearts of many adults, ‘Jesus Loves Me’

“Whatever, Whenever, Wherever. –  FATHER Knows Best”

Hey, FKB Family,

If your week has been anything like mine, it’s been pretty busy.  Though I must admit that busy is best for me  -  keeps me out of trouble (lol).

I’m a hopeless romantic and next Tuesday many will celebrate and express their love for others because it will be Valentine’s Day.  Flowers, particularly roses, will be purchased, heart shaped chocolate candy boxes will be given and even students will swap Valentine’s Day cards.  It’s the day when we’re reminded to tell, share and show that we love one another. 

 Yet, when I think of this holiday, if that’s what it truly is, I’m reminded that a love, unlike any other was expressed and shared as my Savior gave the ultimate sacrifice by shedding His blood for me.  When I think of what He went through, the pain He endured, the beating, the crown of thorns, the nails, and that He went through this before I was even thought of and conceived, my heartstrings are pulled and I am at awe at the love that He has for me.  To think that He loved me then, He loves me now and He will always love me, causes me to pause and to remember how blessed I am. 

On Tuesday, this Valentine’s Day, let’s take the time to remember the unconditional love that our Savior has for us.  Let’s think of His grace and mercy that has been shown to us over and over again.  As we go throughout this upcoming Valentine’s Day, may we be reminded of the ‘wondrous love I see, freely shown for you and me, by the One who did atone.  Just to show His matchless grace, Jesus suffered for the race, in Gethsemane alone…OH WHAT LOVE!!!

Talk to you next week,

Debb

Whatever, Whenever, Wharever…FATHER KNOWS BEST!!!

Hey, Father Knows Best Family, it’s been a while, and it’s my goal, from this day forward, to communicate on a consistent weekly basis.

A special thank you to my Los Angeles, CA; Newark, NJ; Morristown, NJ; Hernando, MS; Santee Retreat and San Diego, CA Families for your continued support, encouragement and prayers. The fellowship with you the latter part of 2012 was beyond uplifting and I am so thankful for your love for our Father and your commitment in striving to please and glorify Him.

Mr. Jace’s Lesson
My youngest nephew, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Jace’ just celebrated his first birthday earlier this month. I cherish each of my nieces and nephews, but whenever I see this little boy, I’m amazed by his carefree, fearless spirit. His curiosity pushes him to tackle life in a lionhearted way that causes me to shudder at the thought of him getting hurt. For instance, Mr. Jace will take off running down a hallway or reach out to grab anything without wondering if his path or the thing for which he seeks to grab will bring harm to him. When his father picks him up and holds him high above his head, though he’s suspended a few feet above the ground, instead of being afraid, he laughs and squeals with delight.
Mr. Jace teaches us a very powerful lesson. If we could trust God, our Father, without fear or hesitation, imagine the hurdles that we could jump and the mountains we could climb and even move out of our path. Our Father, asks that we trust Him, wholeheartedly and in every area of our lives. He asks that we trust that He knows what’s best and if we would allow Him to guide us, to lead us and to direct us, He will do His part and He will keep His promises. Our Father wants us to trust Him with the curiosity and lionheartedness of a child. It’s a trust in Him that anticipates the blessings that He has in store for us, looking forward to what He’s going to do next in our lives and pushing us to tackle life with a fierceness because wherever He places us, be it a valley, a dark road, a dirt road or yes, even suspended high above the ground, we should be able to squeal with joy and praise Him knowing that wherever we are, He’s holding us in the very palm of His hand.

Whatever, Whenever, Wherever…Father Knows Best

Debb Houston

Hey, FKB Family,

I know I’m doing a little back tracking, but I’m trying to catch up with my thanks and appreciation for all of your prayers, encouragement and support, so you may see quite a few entries within the next few days.

Here’s a shout out to a wonderful friend, professional advisor, dynamic speaker, encourager of women, and my sister in Christ,  Mikki Taylor.  Thank you so much for the recent book signing at the Newark Church of Christ.  It is always such a blessing to be in your presence and I am thankful to our Father for you!!!  You’re not just phenomenal, you’re beyond it.

Wherever, whenever & whatever…Father Knows Best!!!

Debb Houston

Here’s a shout out to Sis. Brenda Gilbert and the Sheldon Heights Church of Christ Women’s Book Club  -  Sister 2 Sister (S2S) for using “Father Knows Best” as their featured book of discussion.  Thank you so much!!!  If there are any topics of discussion or questions, please forward them to me at your earliest convenience.

My prayer is that “Father Knows Best” will remind you of the awesome power of God, His love for His children and His promise to always take care of those who are His.

Much Love, FKB Fam.

Debb Houston

Hey everyone,
Today while flying to Seattle, WA, I did my usual – continuously thanked God for the safe miles traveled thus far and asked for His continued blessings for my arrival. While I contined to journey to my destination, encased in an aircraft that was suspended between the ground below and the heavens above, my mind began to think of my to do lists, soon to come scheduled events and plans for the yet-to-be next week, when suddenly I saw one of the most beautiful sights imaginable. As the plane began its’ descent into Seattle, my eyes saw the Majesty of the Father in snowcapped mountains, that broke through clouds and appeared close enough for me to reach out and touch. What a blessing to see His handiwork, His glory and His power, that could never truly be captured on any postcard or canvas.
It was in that moment that I thanked Him for the opportunity to behold His magnificence and majesty, for I know that only He could have orchestrated its beauty and only He, my Father, Who Knows Best, could allow me to witness His creation.
HOW GREAT THOU ART!!!

Welcome to Deborah R. Houston Blog online. I am elated to share this experience with you. I solicit your prayers and patience as I continue to add content to my blog. My goal is to ensure that this blog serves as an affective vehicle of inspiration, empowerment and communication.  I welcome your feedback about your experiences with us and how I can enhance the quality of those experiences.