Throughout the holiday season, I do a lot of cooking and baking, and I’m sure you do, too. My kitchen is well stocked with needed utensils that I use daily, plus a few that I have never used, but I use my Dad’s wooden spoons every day, all year long.

My father, Keith Young, went to heaven in 2012. He was a farmer, an incredible mentor, and a great craftsman. In the winter, he loved to work with wood. He made dressers, stools, bookcases, children’s furniture — and he loved to carve spoons. Each time someone came to visit he’d give them a spoon. When Scott, our kids, and I went home to the farm, he’d ask me if I wanted another spoon. Of course, I did! I have quite a collection (see photo for a few of them), and I cherish them all.

I love my Dad’s wooden spoons. I treat them special because he formed them with his own hands and branded them as his own. In a similar way, God treats us very special. He formed us and made us His own in baptism. 

then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature (Genesis 2:7).

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).

In baptism, we have His cross on our forehead and on our heart. We are His. Let’s treat our bodies with respect because God formed us with His own hands. Let’s thank God for our earthly fathers and our heavenly Father today, and into the New Year!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie

Prayer

I like to think of prayer as a verb. This last week I hosted my annual Christmas lunch with the women of our ranch. It was a small group this year, as schedules become packed during the holidays, but seven women gathered for lunch, laughter, and fellowship. We are a close group, and one of the women shared personal news and asked for prayer. We prayed together, right then, for her, and asked God, the great Healer, to restore her health and grant favorable medical test results. Thy will be done, oh Lord.

I’ve often had friends share worries and frustrations, and I’ve caught myself saying, “I’ll keep you in my prayers.” True, this is a good thing. In fact, it communicates our dependence on and trust in our Savior. But many times I’ve gotten busy with life and have forgotten to include my friend’s frustration in my prayers. So I’ve come to realize I need to stop and pray — in the moment — together with those who need prayer.

I’ve learned so much from my LWML sisters and brothers in Christ, but one of the most valuable lessons is trusting in the power of our Lord and knowing He hears our prayers. I saw these words on a poster and I think they’re worth sharing:

  • Trust in HIS timing
  • Rely on HIS promises
  • Wait for HIS answers
  • Believe in HIS miracles
  • Rejoice in HIS forgiveness
  • Delight in HIS presence

In this season of Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Savior, I realize waiting may be a good thing. I think of Psalm 27:14, which says, Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! I also know there are times when we should not wait, but act now. So when it comes to communicating with my Father in heaven, I will pray. I will pray, now. 

Gracious Father, 

This morning I thank You for the gift of prayer. I come to You in thankfulness, in sorrow, in frustration and anger, and with requests that only You can grant. You hear my prayers. I ask You to help me keep You at the center of my life and give me the courage and faith to share You with others. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie

Soup on a Cold Day

I can’t believe I’m going to talk about food after we’ve all probably stuffed ourselves with a good Thanksgiving meal and all the leftovers … but I am. I do like a good turkey meal but my favorite days are the days following, with leftovers made into good soup.

As I write this it’s snowing outside — and cold and windy — but I’m inside by the fire. Yes, Scott makes a fire in the hearth each and every morning. It’s now slowing dying and I’m watching the embers and listening to the crackles of the last of the fire. I’m beginning to think about dinner and how good a bowl of hot soup would be. I love to make it in the morning so I can smell it simmering all day.

The making of the soup: I used to use a food processor to chop the onions, carrots, and celery. Now I’ve found I like to do this by hand. I love the process of dicing each vegetable and wondering where it was grown and marveling at how God has allowed us to have fresh vegetables all year long. I’m using the gifts God gave me to make this soup: a mother who taught me to cook, the ingredients themselves — a miracle of growth, the ability to purchase the ingredients, and the gas to boil the broth — all of these gifts and so many more for one meal.

The aroma and anticipation: The aromas start when the onions hit the hot oil and they continue to grow in intensity and complexity as more ingredients are added. Scott is out plowing snow and I know his first remark when he walks through the door will be, “Wow, it smells good in here!” God knows I’m not a very patient person and He knows I’ll sample the broth throughout the day but I think He’ll understand as He knows how much I appreciate these additional gifts. Do you ever marvel at how our Lord just keeps on giving?

The taste and fulfillment: And finally we dish up a healthy helping of soup and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Before the first bite, we are privileged to invite our Lord to join us: Come Lord Jesus, be our guest and let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen. As we enjoy our soup, my prayer is that each of you find joy and comfort in every gift God has given us. 

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie