Month: October 2020

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Going Home

Debbie and her daughter

Since October 5, Scott and I have been in northern Minnesota, spending time with his mother as she had knee replacement surgery. She is doing well, and our daughter, Mandy, took this opportunity to come for a visit. Mandy and I also took a day trip to my family farm in northeastern North Dakota. I remember waking up each morning on the farm, listening to the cottonwood leaves rustle in the breeze. (Spring, summer, and fall of course. I don’t like to talk about winter in North Dakota!) I love cottonwoods. Yes, I know there are other trees that are more majestic, have prettier leaves, and live longer, but I believe my fondness comes from my early years and from warm experiences of my home.

We walked through the empty house. (My mother has been spending winters with my sister in Virginia.) There was a slight musty smell and a chill in the air. As we walked from one room to the next, we shared
memories of morning coffee and late-night talks. More memories were awakened as we walked around the property. We passed the sheep shed, the chicken coop, and the barn, and my thoughts went to all the forts my sisters and brother and I built. What an imagination we had! Mandy laughed as she recalled playing with cousins and helping Grandma in the garden.

It was heartwarming, going home. I had an ideal childhood and wonderful memories. No matter where I live, coming home to the farm gives me a sense of belonging. I’ve grown up, married, and moved multiple times. I’ve called many places home and have felt safe and happy wherever God has placed me, but I love returning to the place of my childhood.

I know this world is not my home. Heaven is my home. I have no doubt that when I enter through the gates of heaven, I will experience an even greater joy than I have when I drive to the family farm. I love that God gifts us with glimpses of heaven here on earth. I love that He gives us family and friends. I love that He, through grace alone, gives us His Word, so that we will always know we are loved, and that we have a home with Him in heaven. He is with me here on earth and He will welcome me into heaven.

I look forward to an eternity with my Savior, and I thank my Creator for giving me snapshots of home and security in a world with so many dark alleys.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Nothing Photo Worthy — Really?

It was a crisp, cool morning in the Rockies, perfect for a walk. I always take my phone with me in case there’s anything I want to photograph. (That is the only reason I’d bring my phone, as there’s no cell service outside of the house.) I was almost back home when I realized I hadn’t taken any photos. I hadn’t seen any wildlife, and the wild flowers have mostly gone dormant. “I guess there was nothing photo worthy,” I thought to myself. What? Nothing photo worthy? I stopped right there and looked around. The sky was bright blue with a few fluffy clouds. The ponderosa pines looked deep green in the
foreground and the aspens were turning yellow and dropping their leaves. The ground beneath my feet was solid. It’s not dirt, but rather a coarse granite that, when you pick up a nugget, is a myriad of colors.

Debbie's Shadow
Debbie’s Shadow

And my shadow — if I can see my shadow there must be light shining on me from some angle. At that moment I knew it was God’s light shining on me, and my body was casting the shadow. Often, when I hear the word “shadow,” I think of it in a negative way. And indeed, a shadow is an absence of light. Psalm 23: 4 comes to mind: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Even in the shadow of death, the Light is with me. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Many times in my life, indeed in one short day of my life, shadows fall across my path. Troubles and darkness can only prevail if I turn away from the Light, if I run from the One who cares enough to walk with me. Let me always, by the grace of God, run to my Savior. Let me hide in the shadow of the cross, remembering what Jesus has done for me. When I saw my shadow, I stretched out my arms and my shadow formed a cross. He suffered because of me, for my sins. What immeasurable love is this?

And to think, I almost didn’t take time for a walk that morning. Too much to do. Oh, my Lord and my God, thank You for giving me this time in Your kingdom to feel Your peace and find Your promises working in my life! I took a photo of my shadow as I felt the sunlight on my back..

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

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