Month: December 2020

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Appreciating This World

I just listened to Andrea Bocelli sing “Hallelujah” in Italian. I closed my eyes and let the music lift me beyond my own English language to the universal language of praise and adoration to our Lord and Savior. I thought of all the different languages of this world and how my understanding of these languages did not limit my appreciation for the sentiment borne within the words, especially when they are carried on the notes of music. I thought of how God reached across the barriers of language, race, and culture, and stretched out His arms on that cross for all people. As Andrea sang the words in Italian, I sang along in English and felt my song ascending as a prayer of praise to God.

We have all just celebrated Christmas. My family has special traditions and I’m sure your family does also. I enjoy learning about various culture’s traditions for celebrating their Christianity throughout the year. Do you have neighbors or friends come from a culture other than your own? Is there someone in your congregation who may consider sharing their history and traditions? When we lived in Bismarck, North Dakota, we always sang one verse of “Silent Night” in German. Wouldn’t it be fun to learn a favorite hymn in another language?

I don’t know where I’m going with this blog. Even as I ramble, I pray that God will open my mind and heart to appreciate how the Spirit works in the hearts of all His people, in different ways, but for the same purpose of glorifying Him. My prayer is that I may appreciate every culture, language, and person as His creation, love them with His love, and understand that my traditions are good but are not all encompassing.

For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

An “Aha” Moment!

Do you know what an “aha” moment is? The first time I heard that phrase was when past LWML President Linda Reiser spoke at the LWML North Dakota District Convention years ago. She shared one of her “aha” moments — a moment of clarity, a time of understanding — and I’ve used that term ever since.

I recently experienced an “aha” moment of my own. At our last LWML Bible study, someone was reading Scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5, and she misread, saying, “Give thanks for all circumstances.” She stopped and corrected the passage: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18). The “aha” moment hit! What a difference a preposition makes!

It had been a week of disappointments; a week of changed, canceled, or postponed plans, and I was struggling with finding the good in this present pandemic situation. As the Scripture was read, I realized I don’t need to give thanks for this horrific pandemic that has taken so many lives and continues to hurt the economy. But I certainly can give thanks in every circumstance.

I’ve lived a very blessed life, but I’ve also endured the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, the diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer, and the loss of family members I still mourn. In each situation, I can give thanks because my Lord and Savior is a constant comfort, a solid foundation, and a light in the darkness.

I pray the Lord gives you an “aha” moment today, and that you remember when His promises spoke to you and filled you with His joy. I pray we all find reasons to give thanks in all circumstances and trust in His promises, during good times and challenging times. With you, I will rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances!

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

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