Debbie Larson

This is the season of harvest. We recently returned from a trip to North Dakota, and I think the best tomatoes are grown in North Dakota. I grew up on a farm in the northeast part of the state so I may be a bit biased! I brought home a box full of tomatoes and have been enjoying BLTs, bruschetta, salsa, and salads. I also brought back corn on the cob and a whole box of cucumbers. Yum!

For most gardeners, the harvest is their favorite part of the process. I haven’t had a vegetable garden for years but, when I did, I enjoyed the planting much more than the harvest. I know, this is most unusual indeed! I loved the planting when the weather was mild and the soil cool. I even enjoyed the first couple times of weeding. But in August, when the produce was ripe and ready to be canned, it was hot and sticky, and the mosquitos were awful. After working a full day in the office and fixing dinner for my family, I would harvest the produce, bring it inside, and begin the process of canning in a kitchen without air-conditioning. I remember falling asleep at the table in the wee hours of the morning while waiting to unload that last canner full of beans. After several years of this, I simply began getting my produce at the farmer’s market and buying green beans, already canned, in the supermarket.

Please don’t judge me. Vegetable gardening is a favorite pastime of many — I know this. I think, if I would have just enjoyed the fresh produce “in the moment” I would have had a different experience. I was missing the joy of the harvest.

As I look to Scripture, and recognize that all my blessings come from the Lord, how can I not find joy in all He gives me? The Lord of the Harvest supplies the seeds, and He also supplies the harvest. All that we have, God gave us. As I celebrate this harvest season, I pray the Lord will remind me that I am blessed to experience the spirit of harvest each time I share His love and mercy with others. This is a joy of which I do not want to miss!

I pray that the joy of His harvest abounds in you. I pray that you won’t do what I did and look upon His blessings as a chore but find joy “in the moment” and spread His joy to those around you. We are truly blessed by the Lord of the Harvest, are we not?!

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10).

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

Debbie

This summer has been quite a journey of traveling to district conventions, visiting relatives, and hosting welcome visitors. When you travel, do you enjoy the journey — or do you just focus on the destination? I hope you enjoy the journey as you look forward to the destination!

If you will, travel with me to the inner workings of my mind. Warning — you may not be able to always follow my train of thought!

Scott and I are putting a patio on the east side of the house. While in the middle of a discussion on the paver pattern, I asked him this question, “What is your ideal picnic lunch?” He stopped what he was doing and looked at me. “Are we now talking about food?” I said, “Of course.” He said, “I never know with you.” He shared that his ideal picnic would be a hotdog and potato salad. I realized that my question may had seemed to come out of nowhere, so I asked him if he worried about his wife’s train of thought. He replied, “No, but sometimes it’s an interesting journey!”

My train of thought does not follow the train tracks. I don’t want to travel so fast that I miss the sights along the way. I like the backroads, where I can stop and photograph the cows along the fence, run through the ditch and into the field to discover what crop is growing, or stop at that historical marker for a look into the past.

Here was where my brain traveled while we were discussing the paver pattern: I was envisioning the completed patio. I thought about how nice it was going to be to enjoy meals outside again (we dismantled the wrap around deck two years ago and this patio will finally bring this project to completion). I began thinking about the gourmet lunch I could make to celebrate our first meal on the patio. Then I realized Scott’s idea of gourmet food may be vastly different than mine and decided he should have input on the menu. That’s how I came to ask him about his ideal picnic!

My journey on this earth will end someday, and my destination is a place in my Lord’s house. I look forward to the peace and joy that I know will surround me as I join thousands worshiping the Lord in heaven — but I also thank God for this journey I’m on right now. He has given me His Word to guide my way, companions that encourage my steps, and an incredible world that allows me a glimpse of the glory of heaven.

We, as Christians, do look forward to going home to Jesus, but the Lord has also given us the gift of this journey on earth. This journey has a purpose — to glorify our Father and share His message of salvation with those around us. Every journey has a purpose, and I propose it is not always the destination. Let your train of thought jump off the tracks once in a while. As you travel through each day, look for the beauty in each moment and thank God for the gift of the journey.

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

Debbie

I would classify myself as an organized person — most of the time. I like everything in its place. My files are up to date, my spice drawer is alphabetical, and my closet is arranged seasonally. But — I am also a squirrel.

Have you seen the Pixar/Disney movie Up (2009)? If not, I highly recommend this animated film. Dug, the dog, can’t seem to keep his mind on one subject for too long. In the middle of a thought, his attention would be interrupted by a furry rodent in his peripheral vision, and he’d say (if dogs could talk!), “Squirrel!” I’m quite sure my brain works that same way.

Last week, I had four morning conference calls. Between the second and third call I had a 20-minute break, enough time to fit in a quick call to the LWML Office. I headed down the hallway to the living room and my phone. As I walked by the kitchen, I realized I had not yet washed the breakfast dishes — and promptly set about clearing the counter. There in the middle of the kitchen counter was a new ivy plant I had purchased. “That needs to be transplanted into a nice ceramic flowerpot,” I thought to myself. I grabbed some newspaper to set on the counter so I wouldn’t get dirt everywhere and the plant was carefully repotted. Have you guessed? My 20 minutes was up, and I realized that the squirrel in me had taken over. The dishes remained on the counter and the phone call to the office was put on hold. Sigh … But I had accomplished the plant thing!

Just to be clear, this “squirrel” within me also allows me to perform multiple tasks at the same time and, with a few exceptions like the morning of the conference calls, I can complete those tasks in an organized and efficient manner. Really!

This is how God made me. I also know He gives me the will and ability to focus when it’s necessary — or when it’s needed. In this fast-paced world, we grow to expect instantaneous responses and results. I thank God for the gift of discernment, allowing me to distinguish what is worldly and what is from God. This Scripture verse comes to mind: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2).

I believe diversions are part of His plan for me. There are worldly diversions, and there are diversions set in our paths that provide opportunities for our own spiritual growth, or the encouragement of someone in need. My plans to make a fast trip to the grocery store may quickly change when I meet a friend in the cereal aisle who needs encouragement.

Even as I pray to my Lord, sometimes my mind goes off in many directions. This is when I call upon the Holy Spirit. He filters out all the dust, listens to my heart, and brings my thanks, praise, concerns, and petitions to my Lord.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26–27).

To all you fellow squirrels out there — let’s thank God for creating us exactly as we are, and let’s intentionally resolve to remain focused on Christ, our Savior. Everything else will fall into place!

I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

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

Debbie

I was sitting in an airport last week watching a young couple with a very small child. I remember traveling with my children when they were small. I look back, not with regret but with nostalgia.

I wish I would have cherished each moment much more — just stopped and let the scene form into a cherished memory, complete with the happy feelings that surrounded the occasion. Do you ever look back and wish you could do it all over again? — not just to fix your mistakes, but to relive the really good parts of your life? — the birth of a child, touching the soft skin of a newborn, their baptism, cheering at their first soccer game, getting soaked during family water fights, my son’s excitement as he got ready for his first hunting trip, and the list goes on and on. I don’t want to live life all over again. I just wish my memory was much more vivid.

In the airport, my attention turned to an elderly man, shuffling past me with a walker and an oxygen tank. He looked tired but determined. Traveling through airports is challenging for all people, at any age and in good physical shape. I took a moment to pray for this man and ask God to give him the strength to get to his gate and the joy of a reunion with family or friends. I also asked God to give me the patience and perseverance He has shown me in this man.

Of course, I have regrets as I look back at some of my life decisions. I think we all do. But I have sought forgiveness at the foot of the cross and His grace was poured down upon me. How can someone be given so much and not want to thank God?

I didn’t feel any older when I looked at the elderly man and I didn’t feel a yearning to be young again when I looked at the young couple with the newborn baby. What I felt was blessed. I am blessed to be right where I am, right now. God gave me life and my parents had me baptized into the Christian faith. I am thankful for my past — even for all the mistakes made and lessons learned that God has used to build my character. Now, He has brought me here to this time and this place, and given my life purpose. I am thankful for this moment.

I am blessed. So are you. Let’s reflect His light everywhere, even in the chaotic airports of our lives.

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

Debbie

I can’t believe it’s mid-July! Where does the time go? Time just seems to fly by, doesn’t it? Why do we say time flies? Time is one of the most consistent things measured. One second = one second. It’s constant and every living being is given the same amount of time each day.

In a recent Bible study, we were asked to write down the most important things in our lives. I earnestly made my list.

God
Family
Friends
Spending time with them

We were then asked to write down how we spend our time each day. We were to write down how many minutes we actually spend on our activities. Then, we were told to compare the lists. Did those important things on our list correspond with what we spent our time doing? How we spend our time exposes what is truly important to each of us.

Take a few minutes and make your own lists. When compared, do they confirm what’s important in your life — or convict you? I’m not sure I want to share with you what my list revealed …

Time is free but it’s priceless. You can’t own time, but you can use it any way you choose, and you can never get it back. God has a perfect plan for our lives. He gives us time in increments, teaching us with each step how to walk by faith.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

In my narrow vision, time may fly by quickly or seem to slow down, but God’s timing is always perfect and beyond my comprehension. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9).

Ecclesiastes 3 is quoted often. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … By faith, I believe that is true and I ask God to realign the things I do to correspond with what He has put in my heart. At the end of my life on earth, I pray, by the grace of God, I will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Thank you, Lord, for each moment you give me. Let me use it to glorify Your name and share Your love. In my Savior’s name. Amen!

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

Debbie

Anyone who has spent any time around me knows I am scared of spiders. I don’t want to be afraid of a little creature that, in most cases, won’t harm me. I’ve been told spiders are fascinating creatures. They can build the most incredibly designed webs, they can walk on walls and ceilings, and they spin silk. But I don’t see spiders as fascinating creatures. I jump out of my skin and shriek if I see one skittering across the floor or wall.

Yesterday, I was sitting at my laptop when a large spider (approximately ¼ inch in diameter) came from under the desktop and scurried under my laptop. I screamed — piercingly. Scott says he always knows when I see a spider because I have a “spider scream.” I jumped up, flipping the chair onto its back. In a moment of logic, I realized my overreaction — but the spider was not in sight, and my heart was pounding. I picked up my glass cleaning cloth, moved the laptop a few inches, and out came the spider running straight at me! I screamed again (the moment of logic gone) and crushed it with the cloth. Then it was over. I always have a split second of regret after killing a spider, and I always have a moment of embarrassment at my reaction. Mostly, I feel relief that the crisis is over.

As I think about this phobia, this irrational fear, I wonder if I am as afraid of sinning against my God as I am of these arachnids. Each time I am tempted to sin, I wish I would recognize the danger and jump away from it — squashing the thought, word, or deed that may cause me to turn from my Lord. Yet, I do sin, many times knowing full well what I am doing or saying — and our gracious Lord provides a path back into His arms in the person of Jesus. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 3:23–25). Each time I confess my sin I am in awe of the grace of our God. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

My arachnophobia, by definition, is an intense and irrational fear. Fearing separation from God, however, is sensible and wise. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name (Psalm 86:11). We are to fear God, not in the way I fear spiders, but to respect Him and center our lives around Him. If I see a spider, I don’t take my eyes off it until I’ve crushed it. It has my whole attention. Now, that’s a negative way to look at it but I think I’ve made my point — to fear God means He is the focus of my life. Phobias may be irrational, but The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Proverbs 9:10). Well said, my Lord!

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

Debbie

I was invited to a wedding in Estes Park, Colorado last week. This incredible venue offered many benefits but also meant the wedding was limited to very few guests. What a privilege it was for me and two of my great friends to receive an invitation. We enjoyed a “girl’s trip” and spent a couple of days exploring Rocky Mountain National Park before the wedding festivities.

Around every turn we encountered another amazing view and I took many photos. When I take photos, I save a number of them for future watercolor painting ideas. If there happens to be a dead tree in the photo, I will incorporate that feature into the painting. I believe it reveals a much more realistic landscape.

The next time you are out for a walk in God’s beautiful creation, look around and notice the “imperfections.” There are always dead tree limbs among the healthy branches. There are always decomposing leaves on the ground. These “imperfections” are natural.

Our Lord created a perfect world where everything worked together in harmony. Then man sinned — and God, in His mercy, loved us enough to prevent us from living forever in a sinful world. Death became part of life (Genesis 3:19) and with the promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15) we received the hope of everlasting life in heaven.

A plant dies, or leaves drop from the branches of a tree and become compost that will nurture new plants. We are born, grow strong and have children, guide and teach them, and then grow old as we watch our legacy carry on. Of course, not all of us marry or have children, but we are all given opportunities to mentor and nurture others. Yes, we are imperfect — sinful. Through His Word, He provides all that we need — to forgive and seek forgiveness, to share His message of salvation, and to love as He loves. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:12–13).

I will continue to seek His will each day but, I’m realistic, and I know I’ll mess up. So, my Scripture verse for today will be But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God bless your day, my friends!

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

Debbie

I am recovering from a nasty case of COVID-19. I guess it’s inevitable that everyone will contract this virus at some point, just like we do with the common cold and flu. Everyone seems to experience COVID-19 differently. Some are extremely sick — some have mild cold symptoms. We also know many have died. I count myself blessed, but I need to tell you — COVID-19 fatigue is a real thing.

The worst of the symptoms were over in about 5–6 days, but I still am experiencing fatigue. Walking the length of the living room leaves my knees weak. My concentration is limited (no comments from anyone who knows I lack concentration on a good day!).

Yet all is well. Daily chores can wait. God has given us a body that combats the virus in ways we can’t even fathom. He brings healing in His time and in His way. In my weakness, my Lord is my strength. In my lack of focus, my eyes remain on the cross of Christ.

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).

No other insights from me this week — I rest in the knowledge that I am HIS!

Held by HIS Word;

Inspired to share HIS message; and

Surrounded by HIS grace.

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

Debbie

I think I have my day planned — and then the phone rings. Everything changes. I find myself very self-satisfied about making the right decision and find out that I’ve hurt someone’s feelings because of the action taken. Everything inside me changes. As I go about my day, events, attitudes, and plans change constantly inside my home and around the world.

That’s a pretty negative way to look at change … Let me try again.

I think I have my day planned — and then I meet Jesus in my devotion and prayers. Everything changes! He takes my plans and makes them His, He takes my worries and gives me comfort, He takes my sins and washes them away. Jesus shows up and everything changes — in a very good way!

I received a message from a friend this week. Her father is dying. My heart aches for her and her family. I began to mourn their impending loss and tears fill my eyes. As I close my eyes and let the tears fall down my cheeks, I feel Jesus’ presence and I begin to pray. My heart quiets and His comfort surrounds me. I know He will do the same for my friend, her father, and her whole family. Jesus’ presence transforms my sorrow into compassion and trust.

On May 16, 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had been waiting days for that dreaded call. When the phone call finally came and cancer was confirmed, I felt no fear — only peace. How can that be? The call came just before I entered church for worship. I looked up and saw a banner that said, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace” — and He did — I was filled with His peace. The God of hope changes everything. An update: I am now cancer free, but if I wasn’t, the God of hope still would transform my heart and fill me with peace because I know my salvation is secure.

I’ve written the phrase “When Jesus shows up” several times. I know Jesus isn’t missing and then “shows up.” I know He is with me always. He reveals Himself and “shows up” in my thoughts and in my heart when I need Him most. My prayer is that I’ll recognize His presence each moment, every day, because when my Savior shows up, it changes everything!

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11).

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

Debbie

I wrote a message for this blog — and now I find I must edit that message. I began that blog by saying I love to travel — and then I traveled. Flight delays, lost baggage, and snarky gate agents can make travel more stressful.

Even in this crazy time of cancelations and what I see as a lack of customer service, I still do love to travel. I love getting on a plane in freezing temperatures and stepping off into a tropical climate. I love walking through an airport amongst the diversity of people and wondering where they are going, what the purpose of their trip may be, what their family life is like, and if they know there is a Savior who loves them. Yes — this is really where my mind goes!

I’m always amazed when I ask my husband what he’s thinking about and he says, “nothing.” How is that even possible?! That’s another blog …

Sometimes it’s apparent by their dress that they are an Orthodox Jew or a Sikh, etc. As I walk through the airports I wonder if I could be identified as a Christian. I have a cross on my forehead and on my heart, not visible to the naked eye, so how can those around me know I am a Christian? I have a marvelous necklace — a large cross, black onyx set in gold — but I don’t wear it anymore. I’ve been stopped too many times by people asking me if I was a pastor. Maybe I should wear it as an opportunity to open a conversation!

It’s true that when I wear clothing with the LWML logo on it I am given opportunities to share Christ. The lady standing in line next to me may say, “That’s a beautiful pin.” I’ve been asked many times what LWML stands for and used that opening to share, “It is an organization called Lutheran Women in Mission. We focus on supporting and praying for mission agencies around the world and we enjoy serving in our communities so we can share Christ.” … or whatever comes to mind. It’s different each time, as the Holy Spirit helps me say words that may touch someone’s heart.

Each time I want to say something judgmental about the customer service, or comment on rude behavior or a canceled flight, I really try to remember Who I belong to and why I am here on this earth — in this place, at this time. I try to remember to ask myself, “Will my words give glory to God? Will the person to whom I want to say it be hurt or helped?”

God did not command me to like everyone, but He did command me to love as He loves. Ouch. That’s an impossible task — for me — but with God, everything is possible. But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

As I travel anywhere — whether it be across the country or to the grocery store — I hope the Holy Spirit nudges me to keep my mouth closed when a gripe wants to pop out, and to speak up when I’m given the opportunity to share Jesus’ grace and love.

Our journey in this world has bumps but we never walk alone. Let’s enjoy the trip and the company!

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

Debbie

Ah, the Harvest!

A Journey

I’m a Squirrel …

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Time Priorities

Looking at Fear from Two Sides

Realistically Imperfect

COVID-19 Fatigue

Everything Changes!

Traveling Tales

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