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Roller Coasters

Do you like riding roller coasters? It’s been a while, but when we lived in Houston, Texas, we spent a lot of time at an amusement park with our two kids. They loved roller coasters and so did I. Over and over again we rode high and low, slowing down as we would near the top and pitching forward in a race to the bottom.

On April 9, I received an email that the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) was nearing 2,000 registrations for the LWML Convention in Lexington, in June. Until further notice, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the state of Kentucky has limited attendance for us to 2,000 attendees. Thoughts and questions filled my mind. What do we do? We don’t want to disappoint anyone interested in attending! We must allow all delegates to register. Have all our speakers and special guests registered? Hard decisions intermingle with thoughts of insecurity. It’s another challenge to pray about; another reason to seek our Lord’s counsel.

I feel like the whole world has been on a roller coaster of feelings, decisions, and uncertainty — and this surely has not been a ride we asked for or wanted. COVID-19 has heightened the stress level of the whole country. Through it all, Jesus rides the roller coaster with us. I can’t even imagine surviving each day without the certainty of faith.

It’s easy to blame COVID -19 for our problems, and it’s sometimes difficult to continue “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus” (our theme for this convention), but through all the highs and lows of this life, our Lord remains constant and in control. I believe Jesus holds us tight in difficult situations and celebrates with us on the mountain tops. I also know that one of the great gifts He has given us is each other — our sisters and brothers in Christ. You all keep me accountable and encouraged. Thank you!

I have been lying awake at night, asking God what He would like me to learn from this new challenge and how others will be served and hear His message of salvation. I ask the Lord to show me how situations that I may see as roadblocks, now may open new opportunities to share His message. Stay tuned, because I have every confidence that He will lead the LWML and me as we continue to focus on serving the risen Savior!

Please pray boldly for this convention that Jesus is the reason for what we do and how we live. Whether you are able to come to Lexington or plan to participate via livestream with your local groups, we will strive to honor our Lord and Savior.

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

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Better When We’re Together

Scott and I are enjoying a family holiday. On March 28, we flew from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Roanoke, Virginia, where my youngest sister and her family live. My mother has been living with them each winter for the past four years and is now living there full time. We spent a most enjoyable four days reminiscing and making new memories. We then rented a Jeep and drove 10 hours to St. Augustine, Florida, to meet my son and his family at an Airbnb during their Easter break. After months apart, this time with family fills my heart with joy. As I write this, I am still in Florida. These are a few of my musings.

  • When you get together with family it’s like we’ve not been apart (except, now I am the shortest member of the Larson family).
  • Laughing is good for the soul and family is a gift from God.
  • Family vacations may not be relaxing but I can rest when I get home.
  • It’s best not to discuss politics.
  • Time goes too fast. Treasure each moment.
  • There is beauty in every corner of this world.
  • There is such a thing as too much ice cream!
  • Love continues to multiply and there’s always room for more.
  • There is no such thing as too many hugs.
  • Feelings don’t need to be reasonable. They need to be respected.
  • I sleep better in my own bed.
  • Hurts heal and anger fades when Jesus is your Lord.
  • I don’t feel as old as my grandchildren think I am.
  • Technology connects loved ones who can’t be together in person.
  • But it’s better when we’re together.

That’s all for now. I smell the coffee brewing. It’s family time!

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

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A Path Filled with Prayer

After a snowfall, I love to look out at the meadows and see the tracks made by the deer. They follow one another, taking the easiest path through the snow. We also have a little grey fox that visits us each night. (He, or she, always sniffs my upside-down flower pots that are sheltering my
perennial grasses for the winter. I wonder if that means I have a mouse nest under that pot?) As I look for the fox tracks, I notice he, or she, always takes the gravel road. Again, it’s easier walking.

When we walk, we take the gravel road. If I walk in the meadows or in the trees, I end up with burrs in my socks, and there are hidden rocks everywhere. When we do walk the property, I never take my eyes off the ground because I don’t have time for a sprained ankle! So, for exercise, the road just makes sense. The easiest way, many times, is the correct way.

Understanding all that my Lord has done, and continues to do for me, should make the path easy and joy filled. How can I not want to praise His name and follow His path? Our lives can be filled with tranquil paths; decisions clearly made, laughter effortlessly shared, and love simply
given. Our lives can also be filled with difficult decisions. His way is not always clear to me. Some decisions are just not easy.

May I please ask each of you to pray that the LWML Board of Directors will be filled with the Holy Spirit as they meet, discuss, pray, and decide whether to hold a convention in person or to hold it virtually? (FYI, the LWML convention is scheduled to be in Lexington, Kentucky, June 24–27). The theme for our convention is “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” We want to seek His counsel and do His will, to the glory of His holy name. We will meet on March 15 and again on March 18.

As I pray for the Lord’s will, I look to Scripture. These are just a few of the passages I meditate on. Add your own favorites and share them with me!

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol
(Psalm 86: 11–13).

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 4–7).

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:5–6)

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).

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

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).

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

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United at Home

Since mid-January, the LWML Board of Directors has been praying for a little three-year-old girl named Emma. (I’ve changed her name to protect her privacy.) Emma was involved in a very serious farm accident. She was run over by a tractor, taken by ambulance to the hospital, and then airlifted to a pediatric intensive care unit. The doctors were concerned about the intracranial pressure and monitored it for days. This was a critical and tenuous time for the family, who are friends of a board member. We all prayed for healing for Emma and comfort for her family.

As we prayed, we received updates on Emma. As she began to heal, we sang His praises and celebrated each step towards recovery. On February 10, Emma was released and was able to go home to her parents and sister! A family member who journaled Emma’s progress wrote, “I truly wish each and every one of you would have been able to witness the pure joy of two little girls, sisters, who were reunited today!” The hugs, kisses, and huge smiles were accompanied by giggles and heartwarming and soul-stirring obvious love.

As we received this update from our board member, she stated, “We are so thankful that this little family is all together under one roof again, and I’m pretty sure that the saying ‘home sweet home’ has a depth of meaning that is different than it has ever been before for them. As I write this, it occurs to me that it may be similar to the way in which we, as God’s baptized children, will be welcomed to our heavenly home when our earthly life is ended.”

What a lovely picture that painted for me! I close my eyes and imagine the joy of being reunited with all those I love who have gone to heaven. And seeing Jesus face to face brings a picture of heartwarming and soul-stirring love. I can just hear Him saying, “Welcome home!”

Emma’s journey of healing is a real-life miracle, and members of the LWML Board of Directors were just a few of those privileged to pray for her. As we endure challenges and tragedies in this life, we can rest in the assurance that we will all be united in heaven one day, and we will see Jesus face to face. I hope this truth fills you with joy.

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

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Life Lessons, Over and Over

My husband, Scott, sharpened all my kitchen knives. Of course, as he returned all the knives to the magnetic wall knife rack, he warned me to be careful. “They’re very sharp,” he said. Someone told me sharp knives were safer than dull ones because you did not need to force the knife through whatever you were cutting. This is probably true, but you still need to keep your fingers away from the blade. As I started chopping onions for my spaghetti sauce, I sliced my finger wide open.

I quickly went to the bathroom cupboard and got out the gauze and tape. Then I looked at my hand and realized I needed to stop the flow before I applied any bandaging. It took a while to figure out how to do this with one hand, but I finally wrapped the finger with enough gauze to cover our house and managed to get it taped up.

I returned to the kitchen to find Scott taking the almost burnt hamburger off the stovetop. “So, what happened?” he asked. I sighed and told him I had cut my finger. He didn’t say I told you so. He just asked if I was alright and wanted to know why I hadn’t called him to help. Well, that was easy to answer — pride. My pride.

Do you learn a lesson and then just remember it and live by it for the rest of your life? I need to absorb lessons over and over again. On this particular occasion, I learned three lessons:.

Lesson #1 — Knives are sharp. Use caution. Duh.

Lesson #2 — Don’t try to hide anything from my husband. I’m just not good at it. I remember telling my daughter, after we had been on a shopping spree, that it wasn’t necessary for her to tell her father how much those new jeans cost. No sooner did the front door close and I was telling him myself. See? I’m just not good at keeping anything from this man.

Lesson #3 — If your finger is bandaged with a lot of gauze, you don’t need to do the dishes! This worked for two whole days!

This blog contains no deep hidden meaning or life lesson. It’s just an observation on my life with Scott. I guess the best lesson, and the one I hope I’ll always remember, is that a good husband is a gift from God. And mine is a keeper!

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful

(1 Corinthians 13:4–5).

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

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Trusting in the Teacher

I became very ill on January 3rd . I had all the symptoms that led me to believe I had contracted COVID-19: a high fever, chills, body aches, coughing, and so on. Monday, my husband, Scott, took me to get a COVID test. On January 7th the test came back negative. My symptoms persisted on and off for the next week. Scott still believes I had COVID and that the test is not completely accurate. We really are dealing with the unknown.

This made me think about all the tests I have been subjected to throughout my life, or that I subject myself to: aptitude tests, medical tests, personality tests, vehicle crash tests (kidding!), pregnancy tests, stress tests, etc. Why do I take tests? Academic testing is a critical checkup to assure learning is on track. Medical tests are necessary to assess many conditions and discover
deficiencies or diseases. If testing helps me discover important things about myself, then when God tests me, He does it out of love.

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts (Proverbs 17:3). The New Living Translation says, Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart. I am quite sure that I fear being tested because I am afraid I may fail, but my battle with sin was won through Christ’s death and resurrection. Christ has passed the test for me!

The objective of testing is to discover the truth. Have I learned what was taught? Am I healthy or do I need treatment? When the Lord tests me and I fall short, through His Word and Sacraments, He reminds me of His love and forgiveness, and I learn once again to trust in Him. My faith is precious to my Father in heaven and my faithfulness is rewarded as I experience His peace and joy. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). I may deal with the unknown in this life but my faith in Christ is grounded in Scripture. I know the Lord is my Creator, Christ is my Savior, and heaven is my home.

Let me be clear. I do not enjoy being tested, whether it’s a blood test, an intelligence test, or an event in life given to test my faith. I am certain, however, that I am weak and I need to lean on the One who I trust above all else. His strength becomes my strength. His victory is mine as well.

How have you been tested lately? Trust in the Teacher!

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

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. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9–11).

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To Give or To Receive?

This week, in the grocery store parking lot, I received an offer of assistance from another woman. It was a kind offer, so why did I hesitate before accepting? I had unloaded all my groceries into the back of the Subaru and turned to look for the nearest cart return. This women, not much younger than me, asked if she could take my cart and return it for me. After a slight hesitation, I smiled and said, “Sure. Thank you!” That was it.

But, that wasn’t it. If you ask my family you will be told that I tend to overanalyze almost everything. I got into the driver’s seat and pulled down the visor, looked in the mirror, and wondered if I looked old and feeble. I prefer to be the person offering to help others in parking lots. I’m not the one that needs help — am I?

Do you have an easier time helping others or allowing them to help you? Do you find it easier to give than to receive? Think about it. When someone tells you they love your shoes, or your new jacket, etc., do you find that you tend to downplay the compliment? If we can’t receive a compliment with grace, we may find it difficult to show appreciation when receiving help.

When I need a fresh perspective, I often find it in the Scriptures. The story in Exodus 17 immediately comes to mind, where Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms during the battle with Amalek. Whenever Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed. Joshua led this battle, but it was the Lord’s victory. Moses needed
help, and the Lord provided it through Aaron and Hur.

I know that asking my Lord for help is good. I also need to appreciate that the Lord may ask me to give help to others, or He may ask me to accept help from others.

Looking back, in accepting the assistance of a stranger, God may have given her the boost she needed in that hour. God may have known that she would be blessed by heling. I know I feel blessed when I am able to help someone so, now, I will remember that I may, at times, be a different part of the equation.

“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). Yup — help from God is
not only acceptable, but necessary!

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

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

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Appreciating This World

I just listened to Andrea Bocelli sing “Hallelujah” in Italian. I closed my eyes and let the music lift me beyond my own English language to the universal language of praise and adoration to our Lord and Savior. I thought of all the different languages of this world and how my understanding of these languages did not limit my appreciation for the sentiment borne within the words, especially when they are carried on the notes of music. I thought of how God reached across the barriers of language, race, and culture, and stretched out His arms on that cross for all people. As Andrea sang the words in Italian, I sang along in English and felt my song ascending as a prayer of praise to God.

We have all just celebrated Christmas. My family has special traditions and I’m sure your family does also. I enjoy learning about various culture’s traditions for celebrating their Christianity throughout the year. Do you have neighbors or friends come from a culture other than your own? Is there someone in your congregation who may consider sharing their history and traditions? When we lived in Bismarck, North Dakota, we always sang one verse of “Silent Night” in German. Wouldn’t it be fun to learn a favorite hymn in another language?

I don’t know where I’m going with this blog. Even as I ramble, I pray that God will open my mind and heart to appreciate how the Spirit works in the hearts of all His people, in different ways, but for the same purpose of glorifying Him. My prayer is that I may appreciate every culture, language, and person as His creation, love them with His love, and understand that my traditions are good but are not all encompassing.

For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

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

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An “Aha” Moment!

Do you know what an “aha” moment is? The first time I heard that phrase was when past LWML President Linda Reiser spoke at the LWML North Dakota District Convention years ago. She shared one of her “aha” moments — a moment of clarity, a time of understanding — and I’ve used that term ever since.

I recently experienced an “aha” moment of my own. At our last LWML Bible study, someone was reading Scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5, and she misread, saying, “Give thanks for all circumstances.” She stopped and corrected the passage: 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). The “aha” moment hit! What a difference a preposition makes!

It had been a week of disappointments; a week of changed, canceled, or postponed plans, and I was struggling with finding the good in this present pandemic situation. As the Scripture was read, I realized I don’t need to give thanks for this horrific pandemic that has taken so many lives and continues to hurt the economy. But I certainly can give thanks in every circumstance.

I’ve lived a very blessed life, but I’ve also endured the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, the diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer, and the loss of family members I still mourn. In each situation, I can give thanks because my Lord and Savior is a constant comfort, a solid foundation, and a light in the darkness.

I pray the Lord gives you an “aha” moment today, and that you remember when His promises spoke to you and filled you with His joy. I pray we all find reasons to give thanks in all circumstances and trust in His promises, during good times and challenging times. With you, I will rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances!

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

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Thanksgiving Everyday

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.

Jeremiah 29:11

Well, that’s good to know, Lord, but could you share those plans with me?

We planned to go north to Bismarck, North Dakota, to celebrate Thanksgiving with my son and his family. But three of that household contracted COVID-19. They are all feeling better and I’m so thankful for the miracle of healing, but we were not able to travel as planned.

The LWML Presidents Assembly was going to be held in Lexington, Kentucky, in person. This would have given the 40 LWML district presidents a preview of our convention city and they would have toured the convention center. But COVID-19 cases are up nationwide so I made the
difficult decision to change our meetings to a virtual format. Our plans are not always His plans.

I don’t know the plans my Lord has for me or for my loved ones, but I can rest in the knowledge that His plans are always for the good of His people. Wow — that’s easy to say, isn’t it? It’s harder to do — to trust. Psalm 28:7 says, The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart
trusts and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. But I do trust, by the grace of God. Trust and my faith — both gifts from the Father — both reasons to give thanks.

It’s good to have a day of Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite holidays. But I think I’ll keep one of my Thanksgiving decorations out year-round, to remind me each day to give thanks. I have a vase filled with wheat stalks from my farm. My father is with Jesus and hasn’t farmed for a number of years, but they are still a good reminder of the gifts He provides and the harvests yet to come.

I don’t know when we will be free of COVID-19. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that I have a Father who has sent His Son for my salvation and who has a plan for my life. And that’s enough.

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.

Psalm 138: 1a

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