Lutheran Women in Mission

In Bible study last Sunday, the pastor recalled a student who wanted to know more than the Scriptures revealed. This student constantly asked questions, seeking to comprehend the mind of God. Our pastor said he finally shouted, “Enough!” I remember listening to my kids argue as they were growing up. They would call it discussion… Sometimes, if the conversation got a little too heated, I’d step in and say, “Enough!” Jesus said, “Enough” to His disciples when He returned (for the third time) in the Garden of Gethsemane to find them sleeping on the night He was betrayed. Maybe He was frustrated with their lack of understanding.

I’m a lot like that student. I want to understand the mind of God. I’m quite sure God tells me “enough” in many ways. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). Sometimes, when I recall this Bible passage, I think of it as a reprimand. Probably, because I know in my heart I need forgiveness for whatever has been interfering with my priorities. But most of the time, this verse gives me such peace, because I know the Lord is providing assurance that He is Lord of all. I may think I need to know the mind of God, but what I need is to trust and understand God’s will. This is exactly what He gives me through Scripture. Through the incredible gift of His Word, the Lord shares with me — with us — everything necessary for our salvation.

Enough with doubting and worry. Enough with coveting and envy. Jesus has many reasons to shout, “Enough!” Yet, even in my sinfulness and my zeal to know the unknown, my Savior reminds me He IS enough. This Son of God revealed His Father to sinners. He preached, taught, and gathered disciples to share His message after He ascended to heaven. Jesus willingly gave His life, and suffered temporary separation from His Father, to atone for my sins so I may have the assurance of eternal life in heaven. Then, with unwavering love and grace, He sent the Holy Spirit and gave me the ability to trust and believe.

His grace is sufficient for me. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2: 8). The next time I shout “enough” I will recall writing this and think of this word as it pertains to Jesus. This is a perspective worth sharing. My Savior is more than enough!

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

Debbie

Have you ever been melancholy for no particular reason? I woke this morning looking back at those that have gone to heaven and missing them, thinking of all that is happening in the world and wondering why even Christians don’t act like they belong to the family of God.

I look forward to what God is trying to tell me each day, as I come into His presence with a cup of coffee in my hand. Especially on those days when I’m a little sad, I’ve taught myself to put away thoughts of what I need to accomplish and ask Him to fill my heart with a peace that only comes from knowing how much I am loved. I block out the laundry, the emails waiting, and the phone calls I need to make — not because I’m so reverent — but because I’m not!

My sister always said I wake up like a piece of popcorn, exploding onto the scene. I used to think she was a “Mary” and I was a “Martha.” She had her priorities right and I seemed to be distracted with too many details. To combat my active “focus disorder,” I begin each morning with Jesus, and He doesn’t seem to mind if I get my coffee first!

Before I bring my worries and petitions to the Lord, I take time to acknowledge who He is, not for His benefit but for mine. I need to remind myself He is the Lord of all, and nothing happens in my life, or in this world, that He has not ordained. He is worthy of praise, honor, and glory. I like to begin there, praising and glorifying my Lord. Then, I take my cares to Him, knowing who He is and what He has done for me. I ask for His will in my life because I am HIS, bought with the blood of His Son, and I am precious in His sight.

Praising my Savior and Lord takes the sadness right out of me!

Is it OK to be melancholy? Yes. Is it OK to run to Jesus and ask for help before praising His name? Yes. Is it OK to cry out in anger and ask Him to heal me? Yes. When I realize He can see into my heart, I have no reason to hide my frustrations, or my sadness, or my fears. Because He already knows them, He just wants me to know He knows. He knows! He cares! He’s waiting to listen and talk to me! He’s waiting to listen and talk to you also. Join me each morning (and throughout the day!) as we bring our troubles to the One who cares beyond our comprehension. Today, and every day, I am lifted by Jesus — into HIS arms. And there is room for you there, too!

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

Debbie

While visiting with old friends, the conversation turned to memories of our younger years. None of us grew up in families that were well-off financially. Our mothers sewed our clothes and hand-me-down winter coats and boots were the norm. As we talked, my first thought was that we grew up quite poor. Then I realized it was just the opposite. We all grew up rich! We were rich in our faith, in love and family, and even in material blessings.

I grew up knowing that Jesus loves me. I was asked once when it was that I realized I was precious in His sight, and I listened to others share how they became Christians. I was baptized as an infant. I have always known I am a child of God. Yes — definitely, rich in faith!

I am so thankful for the gift of my parents, siblings, and extended family. I realize so many were not blessed with a home filled with love and laughter. Oh, we had squabbles. I’m quite sure I was a little monster at times. I’m also quite sure that Mom and Dad didn’t always agree — but my memories of my childhood are filled with love, forgiveness, and joy. I truly grew up rich in love and family.

There wasn’t a week that went by that didn’t bring extra people to our dinner table. Neighbors or relatives would stop by, and even complete strangers who drove into the yard to ask for directions — all were asked to stay for dinner. There was always enough food for us and our guests. We slept in a cozy house, had shoes on our feet, and joy in our hearts. Material blessings overflowed and I am thankful.

I look back and realize I grew up rich — rich in all that the Lord has provided. As His children, we are given what we need. I will choose one passage from Scripture to illustrate this point, but I know you can also share many others. I love these words and know they will give you comfort and joy, too.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In lovehe predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christas a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guaranteeof our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:3–14).

As Lutheran Women in Mission, join me in thanking God for the riches He has showered upon us!

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

Debbie

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Stay tuned.” Often, I hear it when I’m watching television. “Stay tuned for an important update.” “Stay tuned for a preview of next week’s show.” It’s a phrase used to keep you watching or listening. I think it’s a phrase we should be using when it comes to reading and living the Scriptures.

I had a boss that expected her employees to go over and above their regular responsibilities. I was OK with that. As a tour operator, I was sometimes expected to attend and present at events in the evenings. I enjoyed this aspect of my job but I also enjoyed and participated in several Bible studies each week. My boss tried to be understanding but at one point asked me, “When are these studies going to end? When will you be available on a regular basis?” I replied, “Oh, I believe the more you study and understand the Bible, the more you want to know, and the more time you want to spend in His Word.” That’s not what she wanted to hear at all!

I’m sure you will agree with me — when you are given a gift as precious as the very Word of God you can’t help but want to spend time understanding the truths He shares, the joy His promises give, and the peace that comes from knowing you are His child.

But wait – there’s more!” This phrase is another gimmick used by the advertising industry. This is also another promise given by our Father as we read Scripture. As I listen to the news, I am reminded of the urgency to share God’s message of hope and forgiveness. In this world filled with hurt, it would be devastating to think this was all there is — Jesus promises us, as His children, that there is so much more — we live in His grace and look forward to an eternity in heaven. Like a discovery too good to keep to ourselves, we need to shout and sing about the hope found in Jesus.

Stay tuned — the best is yet to come!

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

Last week, I was sitting on the couch enjoying a second cup of coffee when I heard the tractor start. Wonderful — Scott was already unloading the trailer of logs to be split for firewood for our winter fires. Well, I wasn’t going to miss out on that! I jumped up, threw on the clothes I wore the day before, grabbed the closest pair of shoes, work gloves, and a jacket, and headed outside.

There are few sites as beautiful as a morning in the Colorado Rockies. We had rain the night before, so there was dew on the grass and on the ponderosa pines. Normally, in this dry climate, we don’t see dew in the morning, so it was a rare treat. The jacket lasted about 10 minutes before it was thrown off. Yes, it was work, but I found it to be exhilarating. It’s nice to enjoy the autumn season and the crisp temperatures but it’s also fun to imagine our morning fires any day the temperatures dips below freezing.

We live on a ranch. There are cattle on the property, but they are owned by a neighbor rancher who rents out the land for grazing. I enjoy seeing the cows around the ranch and watching the calves play. On occasion, we chase them out of our front yard.

I grew up on a farm in North Dakota and I do know how hard my parents worked. I understand farming. We had cattle, horses, sheep, and chickens. I had chores around the house and gardens, and a few chores around the barns, especially during lambing season. My life now is vastly different, even if we live on a ranch.

Scott helps maintain the ranch roads in the winter but that is the extent of “working the ranch” for Scott. He keeps busy finishing the construction of the shop, replenishing our supply of firewood, and completing all the projects I put on the “honey-do” list. For the most part, my ranch life is porch life! I love sitting on the porch under the aspens,
enjoying the mountain views, watching the deer, the cows, an occasional bear, and listening to the coyotes howl in the evenings.

So, a little log hauling and splitting is a very good thing. This is our life living on the ranch. We love it and we are blessed! There is no point to this blog. I’m just feeling very thankful. I hope you will look at your life and find a multitude of reasons to be thankful to our God also!

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

I was blessed to attend the LWML Rocky Mountain District Retreat last weekend, with author Deb Burma leading sessions from her newly published Bible study, Be Still & Know. Approximately 50 women (and one pastoral counselor!) came to enjoy this study of God’s Word. I don’t believe I’ve ever attended a Bible study where I didn’t learn something new and find inspiration. The photo with this blog was a view from the deck of the lodge — this alone was inspirational! I’d like to share with you some of those insights and hope you find them as enlightening as I have.

Deb Burma asked the group, “Are you in the midst of a storm or between storms?” Isn’t that true? In this life, storms are inevitable and ongoing. Many storms are naturally occurring, and many are caused by man — all are allowed by our Father for our benefit. What? Yes, God allows storms in our life to strengthen our faith and to teach us to trust our Savior in all things.

One participant said she doesn’t ask why she’s been placed in a particular situation. She asks, “What is it God would like me to learn?” I’m not always that mature in my faith! I often shout, “Why, God?” Listening to women like this beautiful lady inspires me to look at every storm in a new light.

Deb continued by explaining that when God, in Psalm 46:10a, says, “Be still,” He is not commanding us with a heavy hand, but issuing a grace-filled invitation to rest in Him. How wonderful to be invited to come before our Savior and rest at His feet! Jesus may not take our storms away, but He is our refuge and our strength.

I’d rather have calm seas and smooth sailing than storms, wouldn’t you? I’m quite sure I bring many storms upon myself! But as long as I am not alone, I can endure the assault of the world, the barrage of criticism, and the downpour of overextending myself. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me (John 16:32b).

Take time to “Be still.” Rest at the Lord’s feet right now — in the midst of a storm or between storms — find refuge in God!

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

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the
earth!” .
Psalm 46:10

On Thursday, August 26, I traveled to St. Louis to attend a Celebration of Thanksgiving worship service for retiring and current missionaries, and newly trained missionaries just going into the mission field. What an incredible experience to see how God is using these men and women, and their families — these giants — to share His love and mercy around the globe. These missionaries aren’t giants in the sense that they are larger than life, but I am quite sure their faith and courage make them mentors — people I am privileged to admire, respect, and learn from. They aren’t larger than life. They are fellow Lutherans, living out their lives for Christ.

The next day, I attended the installation and inauguration of the 11th President of Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Dr. Thomas Egger. Again, I found myself among giants. I looked around the chapel and saw leaders of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and faculty members of both seminaries praying for Dr. Egger and all those who will teach and guide the students. I saw men and women that serve the Lord humbly and joyfully. As I celebrated and prayed with this group, I realized their focus was not on themselves, but centered on the cross and the Savior of our souls, Jesus Christ.

The central message, through both Thursday and Friday’s events was Jesus. The central focus was the Word of God and sharing it with others so all may be saved, by the grace of our Lord and Savior.

If I asked you today who your heroes are, I wonder what answers I’d receive. The world looks to sports and film stars, those that are rich, and those that are powerful. I pray that I will always consider those that serve others to be giants. I pray that I will always recognize our military, those in public service, all church workers, those in the medical fields, and those that quietly serve their neighbors as heroes. I am so honored to serve and live among these giants.

I may think about authoring my own dictionary. One of my first definitions will be giants — ordinary people, stepping out in faith, doing extraordinary things in the name and to the glory of God.

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

I returned home Saturday night after a very busy, fruitful week in St. Louis with the LWML Board of Directors, to a reminder on my laptop that my blog is to be posted Monday. Yikes! The hours had been filled with agendas, strategies, and planning, and I hadn’t even thought about my blog. What do you do when you find you need inspiration? I went to God. He has not failed to show me how He is working in my life.

Sunday morning at church, Rev. Ron Baker’s sermon was titled, “Wash Your Hands” and I was inspired with the following thoughts that I will share with anyone who cares to continue reading.

How many times in your young life did you hear someone say, “Wash your hands?” I was raised on a farm and, as I walked through the door Mom would often shout that phrase. As I grew up, I realized that our home, with a family of seven living in a small farmhouse, was often crowded and messy, but it was always clean — dusted, scrubbed, and sanitized.

Rev. Baker, during his children’s message, talked about washing our hands and then asked the group of children how they clean their heart. He pulled out a toothbrush and asked the kids if that is what they used to wash their heart. They said no. “Well,” he continued, “What about this, (a scrub brush) or this, (a sponge), or this?” (a bottle of sanitizer), and the kids thought maybe Pastor really didn’t know! “We can’t clean our hearts.” Pastor said. “Jesus cleans our hearts! He did that for each of us in baptism.”

Baptism literally means “to immerse.” In Biblical times there was a ceremonial cleansing, but in our baptism, water, together with God’s Word, offers us the miracle of washing away our sins and bringing us into His family. We become His children with all the privileges of belonging to the family of God.

As we continue to live through this pandemic, we are constantly reminded to wash our hands. Liquid soap, bar soap, and hand sanitizer sales remain high. We should be mindful of protecting ourselves and our loved ones from germs and viruses, but let’s always prioritize guarding our hearts against Satan.

We wash our hands using tools such as soap and brushes. I am thinking most everyone reading this has been baptized. Hands get dirty over and over. How do we guard our hearts? God provided the gift of baptism, and He continues to bless us with the gift of His Word. This is a “tool” we need to employ constantly. The Bible points us to Christ, gives us guidance for our lives, inspires us to pray and praise our Father, equips us in witnessing and listening, and teaches us patience and boldness. It’s our weapon against sin, death, and the power of the devil.

I heard this quote but can’t verify the author, “You can live without soap but not without hope!” Wash your hands, my friends — but more importantly, be in the Word.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13

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

Have you ever peeled a boiled egg? Did the shell come off easily — or did you have to torture the egg and massacre its lovely white exterior?

Scott and I have eggs each morning. Most of the time I scramble or fry the eggs but we both like boiled eggs. Some days the process of peeling the egg is a smooth one and I sit down to enjoy a perfectly peeled egg with no scars on its smooth white surface. Sometimes the shell, though cracked into a thousand pieces, refuses to part from the membrane.

This morning was not one of the smooth days. By the time I had gotten all of the shell off, I had less than half the egg in my hand. I voiced my frustration and Scott, peeling his eggs beside me, snickered. He snickered! “What is so funny?!” I asked. He replied, “Nothing — you want me to do that for you?” “No!” I replied, “I want it to come off smoothly!”

Life is sometimes like peeling an egg. I wake in the morning with ideas and good intentions and sometimes everything goes smoothly. Sometimes life happens and I don’t accomplish even half of what I set out to do. If I give a project all I’ve got, maintain integrity, and still fail to deliver good results, will God look at my efforts as a poorly peeled egg and ask that I begin again? — or will He see that I’ve done my best and, though imperfect, He will use what I’ve done for His glory and say, Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21a). I believe we all have the wonderful privilege of serving and sharing Christ. I will continue to hope for days that go smoothly, but I will trust that God will smile on all my efforts that strive to bring Him glory.

What kind of egg are you having today?

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(Colossians 3:17)

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

I often wonder how you go about requesting a national day of “something.” As I browse social media, I am amazed at the array of designations. A few of my favorites (or ones that caught my attention) have been National Taco Day, National Read a Road Map Day, and National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day.

I found this when I Googled the subject: only an official act of the legislature or government can make a holiday a national day. But it’s possible, in fact very easy, to declare a national day in recognition of something, even if it’s totally silly. All one needs to do to register the special day is to send an application to the people at the National Day Calendar website.

I hope everyone who reads this understands just because you see it on the internet, doesn’t mean it’s so! The preceding paragraph may be true, and I would guess there is a fee — but I’m not interested enough to do any research.

I think I will just come up with my own list and put them on my family’s calendars. I’ll begin with a National Pick Up the Phone and Call Your Parents Day. Then I’ll continue with National Pray for Your Parents and Children Day, National Take a Nap Day, National I’ll Do It Tomorrow Day, and National Do Something Kind for Your Neighbor Day.

This could be fun. I’ll need to make sure my ideas are filled with variety, laughter, and unexpected surprises. I enjoy keeping my family guessing about what I’ll come up with next. I think they’ll get into this project and come up with some good designations on their own.

Today — I declare it to be “National Make God Smile Day!” And now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will do my best to make the Lord smile down on me as I go about my chores, thanking Him for each opportunity to share His love.

If you have a great idea for a national day designation, just declare it so, and go a little silly! I’m already looking forward to tomorrow, which I am going to declare “National Eat the Whole Container of Ice Cream Day!”

P.S. There’s obviously no point to this blog. It’s just a bit of wit!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

Enough

The Weight of Sadness — Lifted by Jesus

Growing up Rich

Stay Tuned!

Living on the Ranch

Between the Storms

Among Giants

Wash Your Hands!

Peeling Boiled Eggs

A Bit of Wit

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