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Today is my 65 th birthday. I tell you this, not to solicit a response (at least not to my birthday), but to share reflections on my life. Sixty-five years I’ve lived on this earth. I’ve experienced much, cried and laughed often, and had many ups and downs. I’ve borne children and lost loved ones. That’s probably true for most of you.

I believe I was born to give testament to God, to praise Him in His glory, and share His Gospel each day with all those I meet. At the end of each day, I always ask myself, “What did I do today to share God’s love?” Some days I feel I have applied the opportunities He has laid before me and He may say, “Well done,” but some days I realize that there was little I did to share Jesus.
Each morning, however, God offers me another opportunity to be His ambassador.

As I reflect on my life, I think about those who do not know Christ. I believe God gave me the desire to share Jesus with others so they may feel the peace I feel, even when I mess up. Past LWML President Florence Montz (1971-1975) once told me she didn’t care if anyone remembered her name, but if anyone came to know Jesus because she walked this earth, that
was reason enough to live. I share the following information with you because I think it’s important.

LWML mission grants, chosen by members each biennium, share Christ’s mercy and Gospel message in our neighborhoods and around the world. I believe that a legacy gift, given through my estate plan to LWML, gives me the opportunity to continue to share Jesus even after I have gone home to heaven. I’m only 65. I may have many years left on this earth — or I may die
tomorrow. What a privilege to have a plan in place so that others can learn of Jesus! LWML has Gift Planning Counselors who can set up a plan at no cost to you.

Our LWML Gifts of Love Counselors, Linda Gage and Carol von Soosten, may be reached at (800) 741-4138 and would love to help you think through your Christian legacy gifts. Linda and Carol are employed by the LCMS Foundation and the LWML. They are professionally trained and have a passion for missions. They don’t make decisions for you. They just give you
information and guidance.

Also, right now, there are matching funds available to support the ministry of Gifts of Love. If you give to the Help|Love|Grow appeal by year’s end, you can double the impact! It’s a win/win.

As with any organization, LWML has administrative costs. But interest from our endowment, which has increased in large part because of the gifts given through estate plans, is beginning to cover the costs of operation. This allows more contributions to go directly to mission grants! I thank God for those who have remembered LWML in their charitable estate plans and for our Gifts of Love Counselors who have assisted them. Please pray about this and consider calling Linda or Carol for excellent guidance.

Today, I will strive to be God’s light and thank Him for the blessings He has given me. I praise Him for the opportunity to be His missionary now and into the future.

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

Several weeks ago, most of the LWML Board of Directors met in Lexington, Kentucky. Yup, we met in person. We followed all safety protocols and physical distancing. Oh, how nice it was to get together and
have “just a bit of normal!”

What exactly is normal? Missionary Gary Thies often states that Christians are “not normal.” “Normal” to many would be believing only in what we can see and trusting only in what we can touch. Hebrews
11:1 says, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

I guess I am thinking more about the manner in which we would “normally” be living our lives. We would be meeting together without physical distancing and greeting each other with hugs and
handshakes. We would be eating out more often and sharing meals and pews with friends and family.

We would be unmasked and our hands would not require as much hand lotion (although my grandchildren are actually washing their hands on a regular basis — a great improvement). We would feel comfortable when we are out and about.

It may just be that we need to consider a new normal, a standard routine of common sense: stay home when we’re feeling sick or feverish, respect the concerns of others, and check on the welfare of our neighbors on a regular basis. We could make being kind and compassionate the new normal. We could own our mistakes and forgive others for theirs. (I’m getting off track here — but isn’t that what a rambling blog is supposed to do?)

When I returned home after three weeks of travel (two weeks in Minnesota with my mother-in-law recuperating from knee replacement surgery and one week in Lexington), it took a few days to “feel normal,” to feel comfortable in my routine. It took doing laundry, making meals, waking up to the smell of coffee, and a roaring fire in the hearth to feel normal. I like routine. We all do. I pray our routine, our “normal,” includes time with God and time with each other. God bless your “normal” today!

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

Since October 5, Scott and I have been in northern Minnesota, spending time with his mother as she had knee replacement surgery. She is doing well, and our daughter, Mandy, took this opportunity to come for a visit. Mandy and I also took a day trip to my family farm in northeastern North Dakota. I remember waking up each morning on the farm, listening to the cottonwood leaves rustle in the breeze. (Spring, summer, and fall of course. I don’t like to talk about winter in North Dakota!) I love cottonwoods. Yes, I know there are other trees that are more majestic, have prettier leaves, and live longer, but I believe my fondness comes from my early years and from warm experiences of my home.

We walked through the empty house. (My mother has been spending winters with my sister in Virginia.) There was a slight musty smell and a chill in the air. As we walked from one room to the next, we shared
memories of morning coffee and late-night talks. More memories were awakened as we walked around the property. We passed the sheep shed, the chicken coop, and the barn, and my thoughts went to all the forts my sisters and brother and I built. What an imagination we had! Mandy laughed as she recalled playing with cousins and helping Grandma in the garden.

It was heartwarming, going home. I had an ideal childhood and wonderful memories. No matter where I live, coming home to the farm gives me a sense of belonging. I’ve grown up, married, and moved multiple times. I’ve called many places home and have felt safe and happy wherever God has placed me, but I love returning to the place of my childhood.

I know this world is not my home. Heaven is my home. I have no doubt that when I enter through the gates of heaven, I will experience an even greater joy than I have when I drive to the family farm. I love that God gifts us with glimpses of heaven here on earth. I love that He gives us family and friends. I love that He, through grace alone, gives us His Word, so that we will always know we are loved, and that we have a home with Him in heaven. He is with me here on earth and He will welcome me into heaven.

I look forward to an eternity with my Savior, and I thank my Creator for giving me snapshots of home and security in a world with so many dark alleys.

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

It was a crisp, cool morning in the Rockies, perfect for a walk. I always take my phone with me in case there’s anything I want to photograph. (That is the only reason I’d bring my phone, as there’s no cell service outside of the house.) I was almost back home when I realized I hadn’t taken any photos. I hadn’t seen any wildlife, and the wild flowers have mostly gone dormant. “I guess there was nothing photo worthy,” I thought to myself. What? Nothing photo worthy? I stopped right there and looked around. The sky was bright blue with a few fluffy clouds. The ponderosa pines looked deep green in the
foreground and the aspens were turning yellow and dropping their leaves. The ground beneath my feet was solid. It’s not dirt, but rather a coarse granite that, when you pick up a nugget, is a myriad of colors.

And my shadow — if I can see my shadow there must be light shining on me from some angle. At that moment I knew it was God’s light shining on me, and my body was casting the shadow. Often, when I hear the word “shadow,” I think of it in a negative way. And indeed, a shadow is an absence of light. Psalm 23: 4 comes to mind: 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.

Even in the shadow of death, the Light is with me. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Many times in my life, indeed in one short day of my life, shadows fall across my path. Troubles and darkness can only prevail if I turn away from the Light, if I run from the One who cares enough to walk with me. Let me always, by the grace of God, run to my Savior. Let me hide in the shadow of the cross, remembering what Jesus has done for me. When I saw my shadow, I stretched out my arms and my shadow formed a cross. He suffered because of me, for my sins. What immeasurable love is this?

And to think, I almost didn’t take time for a walk that morning. Too much to do. Oh, my Lord and my God, thank You for giving me this time in Your kingdom to feel Your peace and find Your promises working in my life! I took a photo of my shadow as I felt the sunlight on my back..

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

Each fall, since moving to Colorado, I have picked up pinecones. Our property is covered with ponderosa pines and the pinecones are plentiful and quite large. We use these to start our fires each morning from autumn until spring.

As I write this, I’m listening to news stories about the fires raging across the west coast and here in Colorado. I love a fire in the hearth but I have also felt the fear of forest fires too close to my home. Several years ago, it was Scott and I that had to evacuate as forest fires were within a mile of our ranch. Fire, like many things, is a blessing when it’s under control. But lose control and watch out.

So many things are not in our control. Actually, nothing is in our control, is it? God is in control of all things. Fire and rain are controlled by His hands. How do we react to not being in control? We need rain… we wish the rains would end. We love a campfire … we evacuate and run for our lives as the forest fire approaches. What is God thinking? How are we to understand His will when catastrophes occur? In whom do we put our trust?

While I was out picking pine cones, two deer with three fawns that were still covered with spots, walked by. I just stopped and watched them come within 20 yards of me. I listened to the chickadees and nuthatches in the branches above my head and heard a squirrel scolding me for getting too close. I breathed in the scent of pine and sage and took a moment to look at the mountains that surround me. How could I not praise God for this incredible creation? How could I not trust all that the Holy Scriptures
reveal to me?

Where am I going with all of this? I guess you’ve just witnessed the inner struggles of this sinful child of God. It’s easy to trust God when all is going according to my plan. But I pray that the Lord will remind me of His promises when challenging and frightening times come. Each time I ask, “Why God?” I pray that I look again to those promises and ask the Holy Spirit to give me the strength to trust God in all things.

If you have the opportunity to sit next to a fire in the hearth or outdoors I hope you enjoy the ambience and warmth the flames offer. I also pray that you feel His peace in all circumstances, even when you don’t understand.

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).

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

On our Colorado ranch, those that live farther up the mountain call us the “low-landers” because we live at the base of this particular peak. It really is a matter of perspective. Our elevation is about 8,500 feet above sea level.

It amazes me how the flora and fauna change with the elevation. We have black (Abert’s) squirrels, and they entertain me on a daily basis. The babies were a delight all summer long. (Now, come winter, Scott is not too thrilled with them because they like to eat his carefully planned-out Christmas lights — but I think they’re worth the trouble.) Our neighbors farther up the mountain have very few squirrels, but are inundated with chipmunks. These little creatures cause an enormous amount of damage to wiring and
plants. I have not met anyone here who gives thanks to God for the chipmunks.

We have lived here for three years and have never seen a chipmunk on our property. About a month ago, they appeared and have dug in my gardens and like to spend time under Scott’s truck. They have not been a welcome addition, and I saw a chipmunk today that is, without a doubt, pregnant.

Do we get to choose what we thank God for in this world? I don’t think so. Ephesians 5:20 reads: giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Really? Do you give thanks to God for pests, pain, and problems?

I remember reading the book The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom. During World War II, Corrie and her sister, Betsie, found themselves prisoners at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. Betsie said they must thank God for all things, including the fleas that infested their dorm. As time progressed it became apparent that, because of the fleas, the guards would not enter their dorm. They were free to read their Bible and pray together.

Our Lord wants us to offer Him our thanks and praise for everything and to trust Him at all times. As I hear from my sisters in Christ who endured the force of Hurricane Laura and from those who evacuated because of fires, I read how they gave thanks to the Lord for sparing their lives, for the hope they have, and the faith they rely on. And so we will thank God — for all He has created and for everything He does to sustain and uplift us. So — I will do my best to thank God for everything. Join me in praising Him today!

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

Just When I Need It

Do you have “down” days, days where you feel lifeless and a little despondent? I’ve had a few of those these last couple of weeks. It’s just so disappointing when plans don’t work out. I’ve done my best to look for opportunities in all the challenges the world has thrown at us this year, but my optimism seemed to wear thin as the LWML Board of Directors and I made the difficult decision to cancel more in-person events.

Then just when I need it, I receive a card, a phone call, or an email from a Christian friend, uplifting me with kind words and Scripture passages. I receive cards every week with messages of love and encouragement, and I treasure each and every one. I thank God for the faithful women and men who surround me with His love and keep me accountable to my faith. I don’t think even one of these messages happens by chance. The Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of His people, spurring them to share His love with others who need it, and I know I am one of those people at times in my life.

A while ago I was walking and encountered a red-winged black bird that accosted me, as I must have gotten too close to her nest. She swooped and caught my hair. I have to say I was startled. I think sometimes that’s what the Holy Spirit does to me! He swoops in and startles me, gaining my attention and bringing me back to focus on what God’s plans are for my life, just when I need it most.

So today I thank God for sending the Holy Spirit to swoop in and bring me renewed energy and focus. And I thank God for each friend who reaches out, just when I need it! Swoop away, Holy Spirit!

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

I wear my purple (of course!) mask in public. It’s mandated in Colorado. I wear it because it’s the right thing to do, it protects others, and it reminds me not to touch everything in sight! Many of my sisters in Christ have made and distributed masks. Thank you all! This is a new and challenging world for us, and we are all doing what we can to safeguard ourselves, our families, and those with whom we come in contact.

Scott and I made a trip to Colorado Springs (an hour over the mountain pass) this last week. We picked up the windows for the shop he is constructing, and we ran other errands. Everywhere, people wore masks. It was entertaining to see all of the different styles and colors. “I do hope this ends soon, though,” I thought to myself.

Then I thought about how we tend to wear masks of a different kind. I certainly am guilty of wearing masks for the wrong reasons at times in my life. Have I worn a mask of apathy when I should disagree with what is being said or done? Do I wear a mask of conformity to the standards of this world when I should be protesting violence, hatred, and opposition to the standards of our Lord?

Sometimes it may seem easier to hide behind my own personal beliefs and my own ideas of what is right and wrong rather than to look to God for guidance. I searched for the word “mask” in the Bible — nothing. I searched for the words “conceal” or “cover up” and these verses, among others, came up:

In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered inprivate rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops (Luke 12:1-3).

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

It made me think and, I hope, it will make me more aware of the times when I wear a mask that does not reflect Christ. Each morning, I ask the Lord to give me the strength to be the person He wants me to be, to say the things He would want me to say. I think I will add to that prayer that I always reflect His love and stand strong in His truth.

I looked up “mask” in the thesaurus, and some of the synonyms were to “shield, cover, camouflage, and disguise.” The masks we are now wearing in public are to shield and protect those around us. But I will seek my Lord’s guidance as I do my best not to wear masks that hide my Christianity.

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

I spent all last week in Roanoke, Virginia. This has been the first time I’ve ventured into an airport since the COVID-19 pandemic caused a shutdown of travel and effectively isolated all of us. I felt totally safe and feel the airports and airlines are taking precautions that will help slow the spread of this virus.

I made this trip to spend time with my Mom, MaryAnn Young. Mom, who is 90 years young, has been staying with my youngest sister and her family for the past several years. She normally goes back to the farm in North Dakota each summer, but this has not been a normal year!

My sister’s husband’s family gets together at a lakeside resort in Minnesota each summer for their vacation. Mom has been experiencing severe pain due to a much-needed hip replacement and didn’t want to travel, so my sister asked me to spend the week with her in Virginia. This was not in my plans. Actually, my grandson was to visit us in Colorado, and many plans and schedules had to be changed. God, of course, already knew this — He just hadn’t shared His plans with me. Mom and I made meals together, played cards, enjoyed movies (Hallmark Christmas movies, if you can believe it!), sat on the deck filled with herbs and flowers, and slept late each morning. I guess it was a vacation for me, too!

My Mom cherishes her large photograph collection. She loves taking pictures and receiving them. At the farm she has countless albums, each sorted by years. Many of her favorite photos have been scanned
onto her iPad, and she loves the memories they awaken. It’s good to look back and remember, and it’s good to make new memories. That’s what Mom and I did last week. We laughed and we cried. Sometimes we just sat in silence and listened to the birds. What a gift this week was for me!

Today, I remember last week with Mom. I thank God for a safe and wonderful trip, and I look forward to the next time I get to be with Mom. Isn’t it interesting that everything works as God planned it?

Thank you, Father, for Your plans for my life. How good it is to know You are always with me!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

I’m tired of COVID-19. I’d love it if we could go back to meeting in public places, hugging, and eating in crowded restaurants. I wish we didn’t have to make difficult decisions about getting together or traveling. I want a cure for the Coronavirus or a vaccine — now. Yes, I may be having a pity party!

A while back, my good friend Jan Schmidt wrote a devotion about finding a cure and referenced Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria (2 Kings 5). He had wealth, he had power, he had servants, he had it all except his health. He was a leper. She also talked about the Roman army centurion who had a valued servant who was dying (Matthew 8:5). Both Biblical accounts give witness to God’s power to heal.

In this world and at this time, we also are looking for vaccinations or cures, particularly for COVID-19. Many companies and scientists are racing to find a vaccine. But let’s remember, only God has the power to cure.

I thank God for providing the knowledge needed for developing vaccines. I thank God for providing for
us as we live on this earth and I praise Him for providing the ultimate cure — the cure from eternal damnation caused by my own sin. Jesus Christ is the cure and we don’t need to ‘find’ Him. He seeks us out.

I am tired of COVID-19. I want everything to go back to normal but I need to remember that normal for many is dealing with poverty, depression, cancer, or other diseases that are chronic or terminal. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). I hope this blog isn’t a downer for you. I hope, in the midst of your tribulations you find refuge in the arms and promises of our Savior. By God’s grace, I will call upon the Lord and ask that He give me
patience (I need a lot of that!) and I will trust in Him and seek His will.

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

Sharing My Christian Legacy

Just a Bit of Normal

Going Home

Nothing Photo Worthy — Really?

Picking up Pinecones

Squirrels and Chipmunks

Just When I Need It

Mask — to Safeguard or to Conceal?

Time with Mom

Finding a Cure

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