AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection

A Journey

dirt road through the trees

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection

I’m a Squirrel …

squirrel sitting on tree branch

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Man and woman walking through airport smiling while pushing suitcase carrier with son riding on it.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Time Priorities

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Looking at Fear from Two Sides

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Realistically Imperfect

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Traveling Tales

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

bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

A Murder Mystery vs. A Salvation Solution

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. I hope you spent Holy Week reflecting on the events that led to our Savior’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Every event in Jesus’ life was for us — for you and me. From Christ’s birth, teaching, service, miracles, and especially His suffering, death, and resurrection, our Father sent His Son for us — for our redemption. Wow.

I wonder, if I came upon the scene in Jerusalem where Jesus was on trial or on the cross, and I knew how the proceedings were twisted, illegal, and unjustifiable, would I think of this as a murder mystery? Who would want to harm this man who performed miracles? Who could find fault with the love that was evident in His eyes? Or would I recognize Him as the Savior of the world?

I do believe this was murder, as evil intentions desiring a selfish end sought out the death of Jesus. Yet God planned all along to accomplish the salvation of the world by giving His Son over into the hands of sinful men with murderous hearts. Jesus’ death was foretold in Scripture. Our sin separated us from our Creator and in righteous judgement, we should be condemned to death and hell — but the Lord, in mercy and grace, sent His Son to earth — to be born in a stable, serve and teach His people, suffer and die, and rise again in victory — and He did this out of His great love for us.

How do you pick one Scripture verse to share with others this great revelation? My prayer is that as you read one verse, you will feel the need to know more about the Lord and His plans for His people.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16–17).

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1 Peter 3:18).

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24).

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Easter isn’t over. Easter is every day we spend giving glory to our Creator. Easter is every day some lost soul hears the true story of God’s amazing grace and learns there is hope.

Happy Easter, my dear friends! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

It’s all About Who’s in Control

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Let go and let God”? I like that phrase, but I’m not very good at acting it out. I tend to want to be in charge ‑— to be in control. How pretentious of a delusion is that?

I remember a long time ago, when Scott and I lived in Texas, we put our children on a flight by themselves to spend time with their grandparents in Minnesota. I watched them smile and wave, turn their backs, and walk into the jet bridge to the plane. Scott looked at me and asked me why I had tears in my eyes. I answered that I knew family would meet them as they deplaned, but they were now on their own — I wasn’t there to make sure they were safe. Scott took my hand and said, “Debbie, even when they’re by our side we aren’t in control. God will watch over them. He’s got this.”

Why do I think I am in control, ever? Why is it difficult to “let go and let God?” As I go through my day, I share all my concerns with God. I give my problems to Him — and then I take them back! I know in my heart it is my Lord in control of everything.

It’s a privilege to give my worries over to my Lord, so why do I grab them back? The answer is quite simple, really. I’m sinful. In my sin, I lack trust in the One who made me His own and loves me more than I can fathom. And in these times of uncertainly, He fills my heart and mind with His wonderful words. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Again and again, I call on the Lord, ask Him to forgive me, to strengthen my faith, and He provides His peace and encouragement.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 6:7).

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Matthew 11:28-30).

I find comfort in Scripture, knowing I am not in control. I am His child, and He walks with me and protects me as I navigate the perils of this world. He guards and protects my family.

Join me as I sit back and enjoy the flight, knowing the Pilot loved us so much that He sent His Son to suffer and die so that we would have life eternal with Him. The promise of Easter is ours. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Why Me?

(A day in my life last week) I lost my tooth. Seriously, I was just chewing on a delicious piece of taffy and I felt a gap — a really big gap — like the Grand Canyon inside of my mouth! Thank goodness I didn’t swallow the crown! How could this happen now?! I have a trip planned — I’ve invited six neighbors for dinner — my dentist is on vacation. Oh, just pick one! I’m an hour and a half from my dentist’s office and this will throw my schedule out the window. Why me? I hate the dentist!

First, I don’t hate my dentist. Actually, I really like him. He’s gentle, kind, and patient. What I hate is going to the dentist and having work done. I have a very small mouth — don’t laugh. Every dentist I’ve ever seen has told me my mouth is very small. Scott laughed when I shared that fact with him. He actually laughed out loud. That’s a whole other blog!

It’s been a rough day. I slammed a door and two bottles of wine fell off the wall, which holds a new wine rack that seemed perfectly stable. I spent the next hour cleaning up wine and glass. I pressed “Send” on an email that was just in draft mode. I forgot to take a beef roast out of the freezer and didn’t have anything to cook for dinner. Then, I lost my tooth. Why me?

Does this sound like a pathetic whiner feeling sorry for herself? It sure does. All of these events really did happen today. When I lost the tooth I gasped, spit it out, and showed it to Scott. He laughed (I seem to have this effect on him) and said, “You have a hard life.” And so came the idea for this blog. I really did say, “Why me?” And, immediately I thought, “Why not me?”

There is no reason in this world I should be exempt from difficult times. In fact, Jesus confirmed I would have trouble. But He also promised He would be with me, and He has won the victory for me. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

I think, instead of saying, “Why me?” when I have a challenging day, I must ask my Lord, “Why me? Why would You suffer and die for me?” And my Lord answers loud and clear! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He offers you that same response. We have a God of love and we are blessed!

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

Debbie