Month: May 2023

As I near the end of my term as Lutheran Women in Mission President, I find myself reflecting on the last four years. In a recent podcast interview with Elizabeth Pittman from Concordia Publishing House, she asked me to share a few highlights of my time serving in this position. I realized that, while I have been privileged to attend and present at many conferences and events, the high points which brought me much joy and peace were when people shared parts of their lives. The encouragement I was given and the handwritten notes truly touched my heart.

Each week, I’ve received cards and notes of encouragement in the mail. A dear friend from my home state of North Dakota sent me my first card in 2019 immediately after my election. Carol said she was committed to holding me up in prayer as I served the Lord during this time. She told me she would be honored to remind me on a regular basis of my worth in Jesus’ eyes, and she would be sending me cards and notes of encouragement during my term. These handwritten notes from Carol and so many others, arriving just as I needed them, have been one of the highlights of the last four years.

I literally have a drawer full — no, actually two — of cards that aren’t just memories, they are resources! They are a constant source of joy and hope. When a card comes in the mail, I stop what I’m doing, sit down, and open the envelope. I read the words, “I said a prayer for you today.” I read the Scripture passages handwritten on the inside.

The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; (Numbers 6:25).

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).

I would love to sit down and write notes of appreciation, encouragement, and include information I think my sisters and brothers in Christ would like to hear. Time, surprisingly, is not my greatest enemy — the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands is the biggest culprit. I’ve never had great handwriting, so I think my typing ability is a gift from God.

Where is this blog going? Does it have a purpose? It does for me, and I hope it does for you.

1. When someone takes the time to write a handwritten note, attach a stamp, and put it in the mail, it is with joy I take time to stop, read, pray for that person, and thank God for the friendship.
2. Don’t ever regret sending a letter of thanks, condolence, appreciation, or encouragement. (I was not able to respond to each card or letter I received. It was just not possible). While you may not receive a response, trust that your letter was received with joy and you have touched the heart of the recipient.

Have you ever thought of the Bible as being a handwritten letter from God? Divinely inspired passages provide constant encouragement, joy, a foundation and direction to live by, forgiveness, and hope. What a privilege to share that with others.

Handwrite a note, type an email, or make a phone call. Share His Word and His love!

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

Debbie

My sisters and I have “Pity Parties.” If you don’t know what they are, let me explain. I can call any of my sisters and just say, “I need a pity party,” and they reply, “Oh, I’m so sorry! Tell me all about it.” They immediately sympathize and they don’t even need to know why I am feeling sorry for myself. I may have a nasty cold, or gophers just dug up my freshly planted flowers, or I’ve just had a very difficult day. It doesn’t matter — they are there for me. They know I’ll bounce back after a little compassion from my sisters.

No, I don’t think self-pity is a good thing. God allows difficult days, but along with those struggles, He offers His strength through His Word. We need only to stop looking inward and look to Him.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2–4).

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:3–5).

Wait! Do I count it all joy when I’m in the midst of trials? Do I rejoice in my sufferings? No … I wouldn’t say I rejoice in my sufferings — but that is exactly what the Lord asks us to do. In Deuteronomy 31:6, it states, Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” The devil loves my “Pity Parties” because it means I’m focused on my problems, not on the One from whom my help comes. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1–2).

Yes! I will rejoice in the promises of God and the salvation of my soul. 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).

I will also rejoice and thank God for my sisters. I appreciate that God provides family and friends to offer comfort and encouragement (and maybe even a stern rebuke) when I need it. I appreciate that I can, in turn, be there for them in their moments of sadness. I pray that, in the midst of any self-pity, the Holy Spirit will nudge my consciousness to realize that He has given me the power to focus on my Savior and all that He has given and continues to give.

These “Pity Parties” take place most often over the phone as we all live in different parts of the country. Our phone calls may begin with commiserations but, most often, turn from sharing an understanding of current circumstances to a soothing of our emotions and an assurance of better days to come. Blessed by faith and family, we turn our “Pity Parties” into “Praise Possibilities.”

Christ be praised!

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

Debbie

I seem to be a sheep, just following traditions without thinking of why I do it or where the tradition came from. May Day is just one example. I have surprised my children and other children in the neighborhood with May baskets — setting them on their doorstep, ringing the doorbell, and running away to leave them with a lovely surprise of candies. I’ve watched kids singing songs of spring and dancing around a Maypole. I am not sure I’ve ever thought about why May Day is celebrated.

So, I did a little research on the subject. In 1889, socialist groups and trade unions designated May 1^st as a day in commemoration of the Haymarket Riot in Chicago, which was a violent confrontation between laborers and police. President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making Labor Day the official U.S. holiday for workers and May 1^st went back to a day celebrating the coming of spring. This began as a pagan ritual in medieval times — and yet we celebrate it.

As a Christian, I am going to celebrate all that God has provided as I look forward to spring. I can celebrate God’s gifts in every season, and I find that, as I weary of winter weather (yes, some of us still have winter weather!) I look forward to His promise of making all things new.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23).

Whether the multitudes recognize the seasons as His gifts or not, He still provides.

for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance (Song of Solomon 2:11–13a).

Please, do make your children May baskets — and include a Scripture message. Celebrate spring and share God’s promises of hope with your family and friends. We are sheep — but we are His sheep!

Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3).

Read Psalm 23 right now — our cup truly overflows! Happy May Day!

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

Debbie