Hi Deb, thanks for this powerful reminder to pray. Too often we use prayer as a last resort instead of the go-to source for help that it should be. Thanks so much for the Christmas card. I sent you a long letter in response. Sorry for the long delay and silence. We had our kids from the USA here in Ecuador for Christmas. That was a true gift and didn't even need the wrapping paper and the bow. Many blessings to you and yours in 2026! OX Ned
Hi Ned!! So GREAT to hear from you! I just received your letter yesterday! Thank you so much! Our Christmas was scattered too. I usually have a picture card, but our little Jack was missing (our corgi, who we adopted from our daughter passed away on a roadtrip emergency last August) and so I was a bit blah on a photo. He was such a good boy and kept us in line! lol! Boy, you have been busy and seeing your kids is the BEST gift. You have been so far away from each other. And you’re right - prayer should be our first go-to. Just today in church another reminder that prayer in numbers is a very, very powerful thing. Good medicine. God hears.
Wishing you, Marisol and kids a healthy, safe and blessed new year.
Thanks so much, dear Deb. Sending love right back to you and yours. Although this is somewhat confidential, I want you to see it right away. Just videochatted with Mom. The end is near. She had pneumonia last month and has not recovered. She is in the Lord's hands and receiving good care at the rehab and from my 3 siblings. Still, it is hard to be so far away. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you, it means a lot. OX
Dearest Ned, oh my heart is breaking for you. Thank God for video chat. She knows how much you love her and have honored her in your life. I am so very sorry and will keep you, Marisol, the kids and your siblings in my prayers. These are the hardest days, yet your mom loves Jesus and is ready. Thank God for her life and her love of Him. Your mama loves you so much and i know she is very proud of you Ned. Both John and I send you our love. Thank you for sharing with me. ox
Thank you so much. Mom seems to be holding steady for now. Appreciate the prayers.
As for WALTONS events, not too much happening. There is something in Pigeon Forge, TN, in May with a few members of the cast. Lots of LITTLE HOUSE events over the past year, though.
The weaving of Martin's "Politik" with original poetry about Iran is powerful. I remmber when that song came out after 9/11, and it still carries weight today maybe even more so. The line about "afflict my weary soul" alongside freedom being the goal captures something about how the path to liberation is rarely painless, both individually and collectively.
Thank you so much for reading this and for the thoughtful comment. Politik is a great example of how human we are "in the instant" of something tragic. And usually it is that deep discernment we need to steady ourselves on. Sad that politiking has wiped out spiritual ability and discipline. Patience in the process.
Deb, I feel the same way...praying for the people of Iran, so oppressed and crying out for freedom. I will never understand why some humans crave POWER, especially power over others?? Life goes by so quickly and is so brief! We held up Iran in our Discipleship group last night, along with our prayers for one another. We take so much for granted here in our beloved nation! I have two family members who died in war, one in WW2 on D-Day and buried in Normandy and one brother who died in Vietnam in 1968, a war we had NO business being in. Godspeed to us all, who hold fast to God, sometimes in desperation... Bless you always, evocative Deb! W.E.W.
Wendy, you have lived this terrible power of wicked leadership that has taken so many loved ones. My hope is that every single life taken knew His love. I'm seeing, through underground church pastors, innocent children being captured in Iran. This is beyond heartbreaking and our news is not talking about it. Praying over the earth and for principalities to completely fall. Ephesians 6:12
Deborah, I have felt the "terrible power of the wicked leadership" indeed...with the loss of two family members to war. War is the sad ground history of humanity. From that loss, we hold fast to God. I would have been dead long ago, if not for the mercy of God. He has His ways, which we do not understand. I read Ephesians 6: 10 to 18, every single day! Blessings always to you, amazing creative Deborah, honored to know you. W.E.W.
And this one! I was completely heartbroken when I first read your story. War is a terrible thing. My mom and nana survived WW2 and their story is amazing. I am so grateful to be here. We do hold fast to God. Sometimes we lose sight, but it’s keeping our eye on Him that keeps us going. It’s an honor to know you and to know through such a hard story, you have chosen life with Him. Love you dear friend. ox
Deb, war seems unfortunately the shaping tool of the world...over and over and over again. I know why people get old, they accumulate sorrow and pain...and yet, God can renew us, from the deepest wounds and sadness. I was a Prodigal to my Christian faith for 35 years...awash in grief and camping out in sorrow. Somehow, as I wrote in a recent piece about "collapsing on God's front porch", in 2002...He called and called me back and from the sorrow...I am slowly emerging to serve for however many years left to me, to say "learn from my mistakes, don't carry the burdens, cast them daily on God and Son. " It actually works...for a curmudgeon like me to "get it " finally... it is amazing the MERCY of God! Love to you, dear friend, WEW
Yes, it is the unfortunate “shaping tool” of man and history. There seems to be little hope, other than in heaven that anything will change. As in Ecclesiastes, there is a time and purpose for everything under the sun. I must read your piece. I will confess something. I have been having daily headaches that are not good. I have made a dr.’s appt., although I have been trained by horrible healthcare not to EVER want to go to the doctor. My first appt. on Medicare and I need to wait a month :( So, I am not lying down or stopping - but I struggle with them so I go do my other things, push through, as I did as a young mom — and work outside — so that I am not straining on the screens or in books with small print (which I have way too many of). Also, I saw your “recommendation note” and I cried — which made my head pound and nose fill up (laughing out loud here!! oh boy, can we escape our emotions!?) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hold your words and friendship very dear as my heart has been hurting a lot these last five years and I know that the pounding is the physical result. Love you. ox
Darling Deborah, I have been a lifelong headache sufferer…and I know the depth of pain, believe me. Some of it for me, was accumulated tension at the back of my neck, the occipital area. Thinking, brooding, ruminating. Sometimes a deep massage can help…and handing the whole pile over to Papa God, as the Great Physician. Easier said than done…but I try! I am so glad you discovered my recommendation for your site, on my own site. You are one of a handful of extremely dear Christian women, with whom I have bonded here on Substack, totally a God thing. I will add you to my prayer list!!! Much love, have stuff to do. I will be back on tonight and I WILL email you. Hands of God gently rest on your brow and headaches,ease… WEW
Thank you so much Cori! And I just noticed you are a paid? subscriber?? this is CRAZY because you and a few other people I just found out last night. I never received a notice.
I discovered this by looking over data (which I never do!) Thank you for your love and kindness. Honestly, I am amazed. Thank you isn't enough. ox
Brava, Debs. 🙏🤗
Thank you friend. Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend. ox
I went second hand book shopping with my son, so yes! 🤗
Favorite things!! So good. ox
Hi Deb, thanks for this powerful reminder to pray. Too often we use prayer as a last resort instead of the go-to source for help that it should be. Thanks so much for the Christmas card. I sent you a long letter in response. Sorry for the long delay and silence. We had our kids from the USA here in Ecuador for Christmas. That was a true gift and didn't even need the wrapping paper and the bow. Many blessings to you and yours in 2026! OX Ned
Hi Ned!! So GREAT to hear from you! I just received your letter yesterday! Thank you so much! Our Christmas was scattered too. I usually have a picture card, but our little Jack was missing (our corgi, who we adopted from our daughter passed away on a roadtrip emergency last August) and so I was a bit blah on a photo. He was such a good boy and kept us in line! lol! Boy, you have been busy and seeing your kids is the BEST gift. You have been so far away from each other. And you’re right - prayer should be our first go-to. Just today in church another reminder that prayer in numbers is a very, very powerful thing. Good medicine. God hears.
Wishing you, Marisol and kids a healthy, safe and blessed new year.
Thank you again friend. oxox
Thanks so much, dear Deb. Sending love right back to you and yours. Although this is somewhat confidential, I want you to see it right away. Just videochatted with Mom. The end is near. She had pneumonia last month and has not recovered. She is in the Lord's hands and receiving good care at the rehab and from my 3 siblings. Still, it is hard to be so far away. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you, it means a lot. OX
Dearest Ned, oh my heart is breaking for you. Thank God for video chat. She knows how much you love her and have honored her in your life. I am so very sorry and will keep you, Marisol, the kids and your siblings in my prayers. These are the hardest days, yet your mom loves Jesus and is ready. Thank God for her life and her love of Him. Your mama loves you so much and i know she is very proud of you Ned. Both John and I send you our love. Thank you for sharing with me. ox
Know that your standing with us at this time means the world to me!!! OX
Holding your mama and family in prayer.
“I carry your heart with me.” — e.e. cummings
Thank you so much. Mom seems to be holding steady for now. Appreciate the prayers.
As for WALTONS events, not too much happening. There is something in Pigeon Forge, TN, in May with a few members of the cast. Lots of LITTLE HOUSE events over the past year, though.
Powerful cry for freedom, Deb. Love you.
Thank you my friend 🙏🏻
“me + music + life”
If you know me. You know 🙏🏻😘
Fur sure!
The poem reads like a voice trembling between hope and exhaustion, trying to stay honest in a world that keeps fraying.
Hewitt doesn’t just weave lyrics and prayer; she exposes the soft underside of someone begging for clarity.
Each call to Jesus feels like a hand reaching out, not for doctrine, but for a moment of steadiness.
There is a raw ache here the ache of wanting truth without cruelty, freedom without someone else’s suffering.
America appears not as an idea but as a wounded friend, confused, loved, feared, and never fully understood.
The mural’s shadowed face becomes a portrait of all of us when life’s noise cracks our calm.
Her lines move like someone learning to breathe again after too much shouting, too much silence.
Love is not decoration in this poem; it is the last fragile thread keeping the world from tearing.
“Open your eyes” lands like a plea whispered to someone you don’t want to lose.
In the end, the poem feels like a small act of care a reminder that tenderness is still possible, even now.
Thank you so much Adrião for the lovely breakdown. My mind is being read well. oxox
The weaving of Martin's "Politik" with original poetry about Iran is powerful. I remmber when that song came out after 9/11, and it still carries weight today maybe even more so. The line about "afflict my weary soul" alongside freedom being the goal captures something about how the path to liberation is rarely painless, both individually and collectively.
Thank you so much for reading this and for the thoughtful comment. Politik is a great example of how human we are "in the instant" of something tragic. And usually it is that deep discernment we need to steady ourselves on. Sad that politiking has wiped out spiritual ability and discipline. Patience in the process.
Deb, I feel the same way...praying for the people of Iran, so oppressed and crying out for freedom. I will never understand why some humans crave POWER, especially power over others?? Life goes by so quickly and is so brief! We held up Iran in our Discipleship group last night, along with our prayers for one another. We take so much for granted here in our beloved nation! I have two family members who died in war, one in WW2 on D-Day and buried in Normandy and one brother who died in Vietnam in 1968, a war we had NO business being in. Godspeed to us all, who hold fast to God, sometimes in desperation... Bless you always, evocative Deb! W.E.W.
Wendy, you have lived this terrible power of wicked leadership that has taken so many loved ones. My hope is that every single life taken knew His love. I'm seeing, through underground church pastors, innocent children being captured in Iran. This is beyond heartbreaking and our news is not talking about it. Praying over the earth and for principalities to completely fall. Ephesians 6:12
Love you friend. ox
Deborah, I have felt the "terrible power of the wicked leadership" indeed...with the loss of two family members to war. War is the sad ground history of humanity. From that loss, we hold fast to God. I would have been dead long ago, if not for the mercy of God. He has His ways, which we do not understand. I read Ephesians 6: 10 to 18, every single day! Blessings always to you, amazing creative Deborah, honored to know you. W.E.W.
And this one! I was completely heartbroken when I first read your story. War is a terrible thing. My mom and nana survived WW2 and their story is amazing. I am so grateful to be here. We do hold fast to God. Sometimes we lose sight, but it’s keeping our eye on Him that keeps us going. It’s an honor to know you and to know through such a hard story, you have chosen life with Him. Love you dear friend. ox
Deb, war seems unfortunately the shaping tool of the world...over and over and over again. I know why people get old, they accumulate sorrow and pain...and yet, God can renew us, from the deepest wounds and sadness. I was a Prodigal to my Christian faith for 35 years...awash in grief and camping out in sorrow. Somehow, as I wrote in a recent piece about "collapsing on God's front porch", in 2002...He called and called me back and from the sorrow...I am slowly emerging to serve for however many years left to me, to say "learn from my mistakes, don't carry the burdens, cast them daily on God and Son. " It actually works...for a curmudgeon like me to "get it " finally... it is amazing the MERCY of God! Love to you, dear friend, WEW
Yes, it is the unfortunate “shaping tool” of man and history. There seems to be little hope, other than in heaven that anything will change. As in Ecclesiastes, there is a time and purpose for everything under the sun. I must read your piece. I will confess something. I have been having daily headaches that are not good. I have made a dr.’s appt., although I have been trained by horrible healthcare not to EVER want to go to the doctor. My first appt. on Medicare and I need to wait a month :( So, I am not lying down or stopping - but I struggle with them so I go do my other things, push through, as I did as a young mom — and work outside — so that I am not straining on the screens or in books with small print (which I have way too many of). Also, I saw your “recommendation note” and I cried — which made my head pound and nose fill up (laughing out loud here!! oh boy, can we escape our emotions!?) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hold your words and friendship very dear as my heart has been hurting a lot these last five years and I know that the pounding is the physical result. Love you. ox
Darling Deborah, I have been a lifelong headache sufferer…and I know the depth of pain, believe me. Some of it for me, was accumulated tension at the back of my neck, the occipital area. Thinking, brooding, ruminating. Sometimes a deep massage can help…and handing the whole pile over to Papa God, as the Great Physician. Easier said than done…but I try! I am so glad you discovered my recommendation for your site, on my own site. You are one of a handful of extremely dear Christian women, with whom I have bonded here on Substack, totally a God thing. I will add you to my prayer list!!! Much love, have stuff to do. I will be back on tonight and I WILL email you. Hands of God gently rest on your brow and headaches,ease… WEW
This is so well done Deb!🙏✨
Thank you so much Cori! And I just noticed you are a paid? subscriber?? this is CRAZY because you and a few other people I just found out last night. I never received a notice.
I discovered this by looking over data (which I never do!) Thank you for your love and kindness. Honestly, I am amazed. Thank you isn't enough. ox