Girl’s Weekend

This weekend I hosted 12 women for my family’s annual “Girl’s Weekend” at the ranch. This tradition began with my sisters and I traveling to my parents’ farm and spending time together while our father and husbands went hunting. Time passed, we had children, they married and had children, and the group grew. This group now includes my mom, sisters, daughters, nieces, friends, and an occasional dog or two.

We all love to cook (and eat!). We plan a craft or two, stay up late, and tease each other relentlessly. We reminisce, enjoy our time together, and look forward to future gatherings. Yes, we have moments of irritation and impatience, our political views are best not discussed, and we may not agree on the best way to help care for our mother as she considers her living arrangements … but we are family and that trumps all.

Three sisters, born of the same parents and raised in a Christian home, is more than enough for which to thank and praise my Lord. I know they may not always agree with me or understand my actions but, if I need them, they’re there for me. 

I am also blessed with sisters in Christ, my church family. I know they will also be there for me, to lift me up, hold me accountable, laugh and cry with me, and pray with and for me. This is a sisterhood of choice … Lutheran Women in Mission!

Today I’m exhausted, but I have a smile on my face and love fills my heart. I’m thanking my Father for the gift of sisters, all of them!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,
President Debbie

I have tried to write this today without crying and I think I’ll just give up and write through tears. Please understand, these are humble, happy tears!

Last week I received a large box delivered to my home. It was sent by last biennium’s Growth and Development Chairman Crystal Miller. As Vice President of Organizational Resources (2015-2019), I served with three committees: Leadership Development (Chairman Susan Brunkow), Growth and Development, and Structure (Chairman Arlene Naasz). The incredible ladies on these committees, spearheaded by Crystal, collaborated on a gift for me that brings tears of joy to my eyes. Stretched out in canvas on this wall hanging are photos of each of their hands praying for me!

I immediately took down a large picture in my dining room and hung this one. (OK, I didn’t do it … my husband, Scott, did. I can’t hang a straight picture for the life of me!) This gift has touched my heart like few others. You see, even though this gift is tangible, I see it as servant hearts praying for me as I serve the Lord in the LWML. I see women who love the Lord, women who seek His wisdom and praise Him for His mercies; women who put everything, including the LWML, in His hands. This is what I see when my eyes and my heart look at this canvas.

I know women across the United States pray for me daily. This is a humbling and comforting thought. Please know that I pray for all of you, too, on a daily basis. What an honor to kneel before our Maker, knowing He listens and answers. Thy will be done, oh Lord!

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers (Philemon 1:4).

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,

Debbie