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Comfort and Strength Found in the Word

I once had a warrant issued for my arrest. How’s that for an attention grabber? When bad things happen — and they do — we find comfort and strength in His Word. 

I should explain why I had a warrant issued for my arrest. From 1991–1996, Scott and I lived in Houston, Texas, and I worked at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church bookstore in Nassau Bay. It was south of our home and I drove through a school zone each day on the way to work. One day, I was stopped by a patrolman for speeding through the school zone. That morning they had increased the zone by two blocks and set up a speed trap. I traveled that way each day and was not in the habit of slowing down to 15 mph on that particular block. I was issued a speeding ticket, which I fully intended to fight.

I wrote the court date on my calendar and told Scott I was going to explain my situation to the judge and tell him/her that a flashing light, identifying the new speed limit, should have been in place or they could have issued warnings the first few days of enforcement. I was an advocate for enforcing speed limits in school zones but felt this speed trap was unfair. I felt I was justified in challenging the ticket.

One morning I picked up the mail and opened a letter from the court. Yes, a warrant had been issued for my arrest because I missed the court date. I checked my calendar, realized I had written down the wrong date, and promptly panicked. If I was stopped, the Houston police would have me on the ground with my hands cuffed behind my back in less than a minute. I was scared. What would you have done next?

Without realizing, I began to recite Scripture. God was holding me in His arms.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

“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” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).

No, I did not recite these versus perfectly or in any particular version, but I knew the intent behind them and they calmed my fears. With tears streaming down my face, I called Scott. He told me to get cash and drive downtown to the courthouse. Everything would be OK. I did just that, paid my fine, took a required course in driver’s safety, and resumed normal living. I did not, however, forget the comfort His Word provided. 

My dear friends, begin each day with God and feel the comfort and peace that being Held by HIS Word can provide. Absorb HIS Word, and the Holy Spirit will bring to mind the very words of the Lord when you need them most. And be more observant than I was while you are driving, especially in the area of schools!

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

Debbie

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No Bad Side

Have you ever worked on a needlepoint or cross-stich project? When we first got married, Scott and I lived in a hotel for three weeks until we could get into an apartment. To keep busy, I bought an embroidery project and worked on it each afternoon. I was pleased with how it looked until I peeked at the back. What a mess — knots and threads going in every direction! This project definitely had a good side and a back (or is it bad?) side. 

Many projects look like they have a good side and a bad side. I’ve sewn dresses, decorated fancy cookies, and stained dressers. Each project is meant to look better on one side. 

I received a canvas with my CHRIST logo on it from all the LWML district presidents while we met in St. Louis in January. I just love it! As I admired it, the district presidents told me to look at the back of the canvas. To my delight, each of these incredible women had signed their name with the district they represented, along with their years of service. 

In the center of the canvas back it says:

President Debbie

You are H.I.S.

Presidents Assembly 2020

I’m not entirely sure which side of this canvas to display. There is no bad side. And, as I think about the projects I’ve done, the side we don’t normally show to the world isn’t always the “bad” side, but it is the side that reveals the handiwork and the function. This beautiful canvas with the colorful CHRIST logo will be displayed proudly, but the heart of this piece is found on the back, in the hearts of my dear sisters in Christ. 

I thank God for all my sisters in Christ and for the opportunity to serve our Lord alongside these special servant leaders!

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

Debbie

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My Blessings Bag

Like the message of the Gospel, some things are just too good to keep to yourself. When I was first elected to this position of LWML president, I received the most incredible gift from all of the past LWML presidents: a bag of blessings. 

This Blessings Bag is a gift bag packed full of notes and cards with encouraging thoughts and prayers from each past president. It sits on my dresser. When I first received this gift, I thought I’d pull out one per day and bask in the knowledge that I was covered in prayer. I do that, but some days I just sit and read one note after the other, absorbing each missive as the Holy Spirit fills me with peace and comfort from each Scripture passage shared. 

I will share a few notes with you:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27). Praying for you, Debbie.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Sometimes it is hard to face what is ahead of us today, but our travel gives us time to pray, and our obstacles become opportunities with God. Rejoice that for today, God has given you a new day to share the love of Jesus! Blessings on this day because of Jesus.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14). Blessings, Debbie.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you (Jeremiah 31:3b). A promise to cling to, Debbie.

You must do the thing you think you cannot do, knowing God can do anything. Remembering you in prayer and thanking Him.

After I have read these notes I put it back in the bag. These are not dated. They are timeless. I don’t think I can put into words how much each note means to me. I thank God for these Spirit-filled women. Thank you, Ida Mall, Gloria Edwards, Virginia Von Seggern, Linda Reiser, Janice Wendorf, Kay Kreklau, and Patti Ross. Your gift of love is appreciated so very much!

Now, readers, take this idea and spread it around. It’s really too good to keep to ourselves. Write some notes which share God’s love and give them to someone who may need to read one after the other on days where support feels scarce. Our Lord is always with us, and each Scripture passage brings us closer to His truth.

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

Debbie

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Investments

We (the LWML Board of Directors and district presidents) have just returned from a week in St. Louis. With the restructure at the national level having been approved at the Mobile convention, the district presidents gathered together for the historic first meeting of the LWML Presidents Assembly. Business was conducted, training sessions were held, and discussion panels allowed the presidents to share ideas and concerns as they serve the Lord in their districts. These servant-leaders invested this time so they can be better equipped and informed to inspire their members.

When you think of investments, what comes to mind? The dictionary defines the word “investment” as “contributing money to make money.” But it also defines it as “giving power or authority.” I devote (invest) a large part of my day in LWML. This volunteer position gives me much pleasure, and I look forward to serving the Lord each day in this capacity. I must be reminded, however, to invest in a diversified portfolio. Ha! Don’t I sound like the financial guru? But every financial consultant will advise managing risk through diversification.

I find myself pondering how diversification works in service to God. I believe we must invest in our personal relationship with our Savior first. We must devote time to prayer and Bible study. I believe we must devote time to our families, to our church, and to our community. Sometimes it’s overwhelming trying to do it all — and then I remember I don’t need to. I just give it to God!

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

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).

Join me in prioritizing our spiritual investments. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). 

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

Debbie

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Forgetfulness and Grace

Last week I forgot I was to lead the Thursday morning LWML Bible study. I’m not sure why it wasn’t on my calendar — I simply forgot.

In our local group, we take turns leading the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly Bible studies and hosting our bimonthly gatherings at church. I had missed the last Bible study and was looking forward to delving into the Word once again with this wonderful group. The night before our gathering I felt I was forgetting something. I checked my calendar — saw nothing, so I slept soundly. Again the next morning, I felt a tug on my conscience and called a friend. “Who’s hosting this morning?” I asked. After a slight pause (possibly shocked at my lack of preparedness) she said, “You are.” 

I know everyone can be forgetful, but I’m the LWML President! How could I forget something so important? I felt embarrassed and very humbled. I left everything and grabbed my coat and keys. It’s a 30 minute drive to town and I needed to purchase a coffee cake and fruit for refreshments! The Bible study comes with a leaders guide (thank you, Quarterly staff!) and I had already gone over the study so, if I hurried, I could accomplish what needed to be done. The morning went smoothly and everyone enjoyed our time together.

I did forget. I am an imperfect, sinful child of God. My hope lies in the simple and powerful truth that I can trust that my Lord will never forget His promises made through His Son, Jesus Christ. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory (2 Corinthians 1:20).

God also forgets, but it’s not His promises He forgets. God forgets for His purpose and for the benefit of His children. “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Isaiah 43:25). 

What a blessing to be surrounded by His grace. What a comfort to know I can count on His promises. What a privilege to share Jesus with others so they, too, have this blessed assurance!

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

Debbie

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Dad’s Wooden Spoons

Throughout the holiday season, I do a lot of cooking and baking, and I’m sure you do, too. My kitchen is well stocked with needed utensils that I use daily, plus a few that I have never used, but I use my Dad’s wooden spoons every day, all year long.

My father, Keith Young, went to heaven in 2012. He was a farmer, an incredible mentor, and a great craftsman. In the winter, he loved to work with wood. He made dressers, stools, bookcases, children’s furniture — and he loved to carve spoons. Each time someone came to visit he’d give them a spoon. When Scott, our kids, and I went home to the farm, he’d ask me if I wanted another spoon. Of course, I did! I have quite a collection (see photo for a few of them), and I cherish them all.

I love my Dad’s wooden spoons. I treat them special because he formed them with his own hands and branded them as his own. In a similar way, God treats us very special. He formed us and made us His own in baptism. 

… then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature (Genesis 2:7).

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).

In baptism, we have His cross on our forehead and on our heart. We are His. Let’s treat our bodies with respect because God formed us with His own hands. Let’s thank God for our earthly fathers and our heavenly Father today, and into the New Year!

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

Debbie

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Don’t Wait. Pray Now.

Prayer

I like to think of prayer as a verb. This last week I hosted my annual Christmas lunch with the women of our ranch. It was a small group this year, as schedules become packed during the holidays, but seven women gathered for lunch, laughter, and fellowship. We are a close group, and one of the women shared personal news and asked for prayer. We prayed together, right then, for her, and asked God, the great Healer, to restore her health and grant favorable medical test results. Thy will be done, oh Lord.

I’ve often had friends share worries and frustrations, and I’ve caught myself saying, “I’ll keep you in my prayers.” True, this is a good thing. In fact, it communicates our dependence on and trust in our Savior. But many times I’ve gotten busy with life and have forgotten to include my friend’s frustration in my prayers. So I’ve come to realize I need to stop and pray — in the moment — together with those who need prayer.

I’ve learned so much from my LWML sisters and brothers in Christ, but one of the most valuable lessons is trusting in the power of our Lord and knowing He hears our prayers. I saw these words on a poster and I think they’re worth sharing:

  • Trust in HIS timing
  • Rely on HIS promises
  • Wait for HIS answers
  • Believe in HIS miracles
  • Rejoice in HIS forgiveness
  • Delight in HIS presence

In this season of Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Savior, I realize waiting may be a good thing. I think of Psalm 27:14, which says, Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! I also know there are times when we should not wait, but act now. So when it comes to communicating with my Father in heaven, I will pray. I will pray, now. 

Gracious Father, 

This morning I thank You for the gift of prayer. I come to You in thankfulness, in sorrow, in frustration and anger, and with requests that only You can grant. You hear my prayers. I ask You to help me keep You at the center of my life and give me the courage and faith to share You with others. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.

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

Debbie

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Soup on a Cold Day

Soup on a Cold Day

I can’t believe I’m going to talk about food after we’ve all probably stuffed ourselves with a good Thanksgiving meal and all the leftovers … but I am. I do like a good turkey meal but my favorite days are the days following, with leftovers made into good soup.

As I write this it’s snowing outside — and cold and windy — but I’m inside by the fire. Yes, Scott makes a fire in the hearth each and every morning. It’s now slowing dying and I’m watching the embers and listening to the crackles of the last of the fire. I’m beginning to think about dinner and how good a bowl of hot soup would be. I love to make it in the morning so I can smell it simmering all day.

The making of the soup: I used to use a food processor to chop the onions, carrots, and celery. Now I’ve found I like to do this by hand. I love the process of dicing each vegetable and wondering where it was grown and marveling at how God has allowed us to have fresh vegetables all year long. I’m using the gifts God gave me to make this soup: a mother who taught me to cook, the ingredients themselves — a miracle of growth, the ability to purchase the ingredients, and the gas to boil the broth — all of these gifts and so many more for one meal.

The aroma and anticipation: The aromas start when the onions hit the hot oil and they continue to grow in intensity and complexity as more ingredients are added. Scott is out plowing snow and I know his first remark when he walks through the door will be, “Wow, it smells good in here!” God knows I’m not a very patient person and He knows I’ll sample the broth throughout the day but I think He’ll understand as He knows how much I appreciate these additional gifts. Do you ever marvel at how our Lord just keeps on giving?

The taste and fulfillment: And finally we dish up a healthy helping of soup and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Before the first bite, we are privileged to invite our Lord to join us: Come Lord Jesus, be our guest and let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen. As we enjoy our soup, my prayer is that each of you find joy and comfort in every gift God has given us. 

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

Debbie


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Exclusively Inclusive

Amidst winter storms at the end of October, I flew to St. Louis and met with our seven, still serving joyfully, LWML past presidents. I was aware they got together every four years, but as I packed, I had no idea how to prepare for a meeting with these incredible leaders. How was it possible that I was now to be counted as part of this exclusive group of servants? How would I ever measure up to the responsibilities of the office?

The purpose of this get together, the sixth of its kind, was to allow these past presidents to encourage, challenge, counsel, and support me regarding the responsibilities and opportunities of the office of LWML president. And they did just that. Ida Mall (1991-1995), Gloria Edwards (1995-1999), Virginia Von Seggern (1999-2003), Linda Reiser (2003-2007), Jan Wendorf (2007-2011), Kay Kreklau (2011-2015), and Patti Ross (2015-2019), covered me in prayer during our time together. I know they will continue to pray for me.

I believe each of these past presidents would agree that while this particular group may be exclusive, God has called us to be completely inclusive as we share His saving Gospel with the world. 

The reason we share the Gospel? For there is no distinction: 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: 22b-24). 

And the reason we rejoice as we share? This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

We are children of the Heavenly Father. That sounds pretty exclusive! Let’s continue to share Jesus’ message of salvation and strive to be exclusively inclusive. This news is just too good to keep to ourselves!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday, my dear friends.

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Flat Tires, Friends, and Faith

In my last blog I shared with you that the LWML Board of Directors, along with many Lutheran Women in Mission, would be meeting in St. Louis for planning purposes. Much preparation took place to get ready for that week, but I was not prepared for the flat tire I found on my car the night before I needed to drive over the mountain pass to catch my flight at 4 a.m. the next morning.

One should be prepared for a flat tire. I should have read the manual for my Subaru. I should have known where the spare tire was stored and how to access it. I should have determined the location of the tire jack and where to attach it to the undercarriage of the vehicle so I could lift and lower the car safely. I should have carried gloves in the car for this purpose. All these thoughts ran through my mind on that Saturday night as I stared at the flat tire.

I don’t want to offend women out there with my lack of feminism, but I will shamelessly state that I do not have any wish to ever change a tire, clear the snow from the driveway, or chop wood. I’m not saying I can’t do those things, but I am stating that I’d rather my husband Scott take care of those tasks. Alas, Scott was in Minnesota.

Before I could even formulate a plan of action, my neighbors drove up. Gary and Loretta have become forever friends here on the ranch, and I have no doubt that God directed them to be there just when I needed them. Gary assessed the damage, changed the tire, and told me I was not allowed to drive over the pass to Colorado Springs with that spare. Loretta announced that she would pick me up and take me to the airport (think mountain roads at 4 a.m.), and I had better have coffee for the ride. Tears sprung forth, not because I was frustrated, but because I was overwhelmed with gratitude and love.

With no time to ask, my Lord provided help and comfort. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations (Psalm 100:5). His grace abounds and my faith rests in the promises of His Word. I am blessed.

Tomorrow we buy new tires. 

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

Debbie