Month: May 2021

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Memorial Day Prayers

The most wonderful places in the world are in someone’s thoughts, in someone’s prayers, and in someone’s heart.

Memorial Day is a day to commemorate those men and women who have given their lives while serving their country in the military. On this Memorial Day, I pray for every family that has lost loved ones in this manner. I ask God to bring them peace. I pray that He would help them to understand the importance of the military and the role that their loved ones played in the protection of the United States and its citizens. I also pray for all those serving today, that they find dignity in their duties and that God keeps them safe.

My father served in the U.S. Navy in Hawaii, and my father-in-law served in Korea. I don’t think anyone returns from military service without scars. Emotional trauma runs deep. Healing is often impeded because those scars are not visible. Today, I pray for all those suffering emotionally from their past military duty. May our gracious Lord help them find forgiveness at the foot of the cross and find dignity in their past service.

I thank God that I live in the United States of America. I thank Him for our military and their protection. I thank God that we are given this opportunity to honor those that have served or continue to serve in the military.

The most wonderful places in the world are in someone’s thoughts, in someone’s prayers, and in someone’s heart. Today I pray, remember, and honor those who have kept our country free. I ask that you would take time today to join me in praying for this United States of America and its military.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”.

Joshua 1:9

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

Uncategorized

When a Note Isn’t Just a Note

I am a fairly cheerful individual. I usually find the good in a situation — sometimes after a little whining session, I’ll admit! (Have I told you how patient my husband, Scott, is?) This last month, however, has been filled with challenges — challenges for LWML, as we continue to deal with restrictions and unknowns for the upcoming convention; challenges within my family; and challenges within our church. I find myself overwhelmed at times and saddened by many
things and situations.

cards

And then I receive a note card or letter in the mail from one of you. A card with a Scripture verse, printed on it or written by the sender, that speaks of God’s mercy and grace. The note in the card is encouraging, and very often I just sit down and cry. These are humble tears of joy. Cleansing tears that revive my soul and remind me that I’m never alone. God has provided me with an army of Christian friends — women and men who support me with prayers and encouragement, just when it’s needed.

I know God is with me always, but as we deal with the sinfulness of this world, He gives us an army of believers to keep us steadfast in our faith and ready to confidently continue “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” (This is the theme for the LWML convention in Lexington.)

I have not acknowledged each note card that has been sent to me. I don’t think that the senders expect that of me. I do save and cherish each one because they are not just notes, they are a confirmation from God that He has placed each of us where we are, to do what we can, to His glory.

Recently, inside a card I received, was this prayer: “Oh, God, A new month is upon us — although I don’t know what particulars my friend and LWML President Debbie has on her plate, You do. Please give her wisdom, strength, patience, courage, and love as she goes about the days ahead. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.”

Another card said, “When we pour all we have into God’s hands, He sifts us like sand, uncovering the gems of His special gifts and letting our lives reflect the true and lasting beauty of His grace. Dearest Debbie, many prayers!” And the Scripture verse that accompanied that card was We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going … always full of the joy of the Lord (Colossians 1:11 TLB).

These aren’t just notes to me. They are a life raft in a sea of challenging waves and wind. I read them over and over. Do me a favor, please? Take time today to write a note to someone (not to me!) who God may be telling you needs encouragement. Be a blessing from God to someone today.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

I Snore

I snore. I suppose that’s not something anyone cares to admit, and it is not considered very ladylike. I really don’t mind. I’m not awake, and I hear none of it! My husband says he doesn’t notice, but my sisters won’t sleep in the same room with me when we have family get-togethers.

I also have been known to snort while laughing uncontrollably. I talk too loud and am easily distracted. I prefer t-shirts and sweatpants to suits and dresses. I guess I’m really not very presidential — but, here I am, the LWML President, chosen by the Lord to lead the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. I have been known to turn to my husband and exclaim, “What was God thinking?!”

For the most part, I don’t question God and His decisions. I know it was God’s plan, and I embrace this responsibility with humility and honor. God has declared me useful, forgiven by the blood of the Lamb, and He has given me the privilege of serving Him in this position. In addition, He has surrounded me with men and women who lift me up, pray for me, serve beside me, and hold me accountable. What an incredible privilege I have been given!

Why am I sharing my imperfections with you? Because I believe that, if God can use me in His service — He can also most certainly use you. He loves us, forgives us, and equips us with His Word. We truly can rest in the truth that we are HIS — Held by His Word; Inspired to share His message; and Surrounded by His grace.

How will the Lord use me to reflect His love today? How will He use you to share His Gospel with others? For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you (Jeremiah 29:11–12).

My prayer is that my heart is always open to His direction and that my imperfections only show His strength. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9). When God calls you and me — imperfections and all — we can say, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

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

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