Each time I go to town (Woodland Park, Colorado — about a 30-minute drive from the ranch) I am given an incredible view on the ride home. As I pass through Divide, Colorado, I am treated to a vista — a panoramic view of the snowcapped Collegiate Mountain Range in the distance and a picturesque valley surrounding me. It never fails to take my breath away. Each time (I’m nothing if not repetitious) I say, in a low-toned voice, “You’re welcome, Debbie. I did this for you.” Scott knows I’m imitating the voice of God.

I am continually amazed at the beauty that surrounds me here in Colorado. But I was equally amazed when I lived in North Dakota, Washington State, and Texas. The plains, the mountains, and the oceans are astonishing in their complexity and beauty. One can’t help but acknowledge only the Lord could create such magnificence.

So I give Him the credit and mimic His voice. Yup, it may seem pretty silly. I was with a neighbor on the trip back to the ranch a while ago (before the pandemic limited social interaction) and said my usual, “You’re welcome, Debbie. I did this for you.” She looked at me and asked if I really thought God created that scene just for me. It made me realize that I do believe I matter that much to my Father in heaven.

I believe. I believe that God loves me despite my sins and, because of those sins, He sent His only Son to suffer and die in my place, for my salvation. When I confess my sins, my God who is faithful and just, forgives my sins. I can hear Him say, “I did this for you, Debbie.”

Can we even begin to make a list of the gifts our Lord has given us? Baptism, sight, laughter, salvation, hope, family, tears, faith, love, Scripture, … we could fill pages. Maybe we all need to do that — maybe we need to make a list and add to it each day. This God who created the universe and all in it created you and me and loves us enough to send His only Son so that we may be saved. He did this for me — and He did this for you. This I believe!

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