AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Back to Normal?

Everywhere I go — in Lexington at the LWML convention, at the grocery store, in church, at a restaurant — I hear people saying, “Isn’t it wonderful to get back to normal? No mask and no social distancing!” In many parts of the country, restrictions have been lifted, and we have embraced life as it was before COVID-19. Our lives are getting back to normal. But do we want our lives to get back to normal?

The word “normal” can be defined as “conforming to the standard.” As Christians, we trust in the promises God gives to His people in the Bible and live our lives accordingly. Romans 12:2 states Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Do we want to pretend that the pandemic is over and we can just resume our lives as if it didn’t happen? Please understand; I am well aware that COVID-19 is still a real threat to many in this country and around the world. It’s still an extremely dangerous virus. So we cannot pretend it has not touched every one of us. Let’s learn from the experience of self-isolating, respecting the concerns of others, and appreciating those who worked through the pandemic, putting their lives on the line for strangers. We certainly need to remember all those families who lost loved ones and all those who will have long-term effects from contracting the virus. Let’s remember, learn, and look for God’s hand in challenging times.

I thank God for technology; we had no choice but to embrace it! I thank God for the creativity of my sisters in Christ who found inventive ways to stay in the Word and share His message with others. They continued serving those who were in need and gave to missions without hesitation, trusting that God would provide. And He did — and He still does!

Yes, it’s really nice to return to a more normal life without masks and social distancing, but let’s thank God in every circumstance — even during a pandemic because for Christians, Jesus is our normal even in abnormal times. As we remember the isolation and the suffering of so many, let’s appreciate that, through it all, we were never alone. Christ has been with us and continues to be with us. Our LWML convention theme was “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” As our opening worship proclaimer, Rev. Dr. David Maier, reminded us, “We are all in the race, but we are never in the lead. We follow Jesus!” I will, each morning, pray that my “normal” is to follow Jesus and trust in His promises. Let’s all make that our “normal!”

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

Our Race Continues!

The LWML 39th Biennial Convention is over. We met in Lexington, Kentucky, together, “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” All those who planned and worked to make this gathering a convention that honored and praised Jesus are happy — but very tired. Many participants are still on their way back home. Travel safely, everyone.

I loved so much about the convention. I loved how the women of the LWML continue to put Christ at the center of all they do. I loved being able to meet face to face after so long apart. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new sisters and brothers in Christ. I loved the inspirational messages from missionaries and could understand the mercy and hope of Jesus that they spread around the world. I loved worshipping together as one body, praising one true God.

If you were not able to attend, I hope you were able to watch the convention sessions that were live-streamed. I pray you felt the joy we experienced throughout the proceedings. (These were recorded and will be available for you to view if you missed watching live).

So, what now? Our race continues! God provides all that we need as we run the race to His glory. Yes, He even provides us with rest! In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).

We do not know what God’s plans are for us in this world, but we know He has our best interests in His heart. In Exodus, Moses needed reassurance and went to God. And God said to Moses, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).

Today, I am still in Lexington. Scott and I are enjoying a trip to the Ark Encounter where we will see a full-sized Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Moses ran the race, looking to God. Noah ran the race, trusting in the Father. Today and every day, we trust in the Lord as our race continues.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

Wow! I’m so Glad We Pray!

“Now that you’ve had a drink, oh what a time to think,
‘Wow! I could have had a V8!’”
Remember that commercial from the 1970s? The producers of this drink wanted you to think of having a V8 before you had something else.

Every time I remember that commercial, I think about how I often plow headlong into solving a situation before I consult God. This is what I hum to myself:
“I feel like I’m going to sink. Oh what a time to think,
‘Wow! I should have prayed!’”

God’s saving grace is that it is never too late to bring my concerns to Him in prayer. It’s always a good time to pray! 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).

In less than a week, I will be in Lexington, Kentucky, making last-minute preparations for the LWML convention. For months, the LWML Board of Directors (BOD) prayed for God’s will for this gathering. We did not know if we would be able to hold a convention in-person or if we’d need to meet virtually. God knew His plan for this convention. Nothing that has happened in the last year is a surprise to our Father in heaven. Our role is to trust His guidance, “Running the
Race … Looking to Jesus.”

I am so blessed to serve with this BOD and all Lutheran Women in Mission across the United States. We, by the grace of God, are prayer warriors. By faith, we know God is in control.
“We will meet face to face, covered by God’s own grace.
Wow! I’m so glad we pray!”

And we will continue to pray and trust in the Father. We will continue “Running the Race …
Looking to Jesus!”
See you in Lexington!

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Memorial Day Prayers

The most wonderful places in the world are in someone’s thoughts, in someone’s prayers, and in someone’s heart.

Memorial Day is a day to commemorate those men and women who have given their lives while serving their country in the military. On this Memorial Day, I pray for every family that has lost loved ones in this manner. I ask God to bring them peace. I pray that He would help them to understand the importance of the military and the role that their loved ones played in the protection of the United States and its citizens. I also pray for all those serving today, that they find dignity in their duties and that God keeps them safe.

My father served in the U.S. Navy in Hawaii, and my father-in-law served in Korea. I don’t think anyone returns from military service without scars. Emotional trauma runs deep. Healing is often impeded because those scars are not visible. Today, I pray for all those suffering emotionally from their past military duty. May our gracious Lord help them find forgiveness at the foot of the cross and find dignity in their past service.

I thank God that I live in the United States of America. I thank Him for our military and their protection. I thank God that we are given this opportunity to honor those that have served or continue to serve in the military.

The most wonderful places in the world are in someone’s thoughts, in someone’s prayers, and in someone’s heart. Today I pray, remember, and honor those who have kept our country free. I ask that you would take time today to join me in praying for this United States of America and its military.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”.

Joshua 1:9

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

Uncategorized

When a Note Isn’t Just a Note

I am a fairly cheerful individual. I usually find the good in a situation — sometimes after a little whining session, I’ll admit! (Have I told you how patient my husband, Scott, is?) This last month, however, has been filled with challenges — challenges for LWML, as we continue to deal with restrictions and unknowns for the upcoming convention; challenges within my family; and challenges within our church. I find myself overwhelmed at times and saddened by many
things and situations.

cards

And then I receive a note card or letter in the mail from one of you. A card with a Scripture verse, printed on it or written by the sender, that speaks of God’s mercy and grace. The note in the card is encouraging, and very often I just sit down and cry. These are humble tears of joy. Cleansing tears that revive my soul and remind me that I’m never alone. God has provided me with an army of Christian friends — women and men who support me with prayers and encouragement, just when it’s needed.

I know God is with me always, but as we deal with the sinfulness of this world, He gives us an army of believers to keep us steadfast in our faith and ready to confidently continue “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus.” (This is the theme for the LWML convention in Lexington.)

I have not acknowledged each note card that has been sent to me. I don’t think that the senders expect that of me. I do save and cherish each one because they are not just notes, they are a confirmation from God that He has placed each of us where we are, to do what we can, to His glory.

Recently, inside a card I received, was this prayer: “Oh, God, A new month is upon us — although I don’t know what particulars my friend and LWML President Debbie has on her plate, You do. Please give her wisdom, strength, patience, courage, and love as she goes about the days ahead. In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.”

Another card said, “When we pour all we have into God’s hands, He sifts us like sand, uncovering the gems of His special gifts and letting our lives reflect the true and lasting beauty of His grace. Dearest Debbie, many prayers!” And the Scripture verse that accompanied that card was We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going … always full of the joy of the Lord (Colossians 1:11 TLB).

These aren’t just notes to me. They are a life raft in a sea of challenging waves and wind. I read them over and over. Do me a favor, please? Take time today to write a note to someone (not to me!) who God may be telling you needs encouragement. Be a blessing from God to someone today.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

I Snore

I snore. I suppose that’s not something anyone cares to admit, and it is not considered very ladylike. I really don’t mind. I’m not awake, and I hear none of it! My husband says he doesn’t notice, but my sisters won’t sleep in the same room with me when we have family get-togethers.

I also have been known to snort while laughing uncontrollably. I talk too loud and am easily distracted. I prefer t-shirts and sweatpants to suits and dresses. I guess I’m really not very presidential — but, here I am, the LWML President, chosen by the Lord to lead the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. I have been known to turn to my husband and exclaim, “What was God thinking?!”

For the most part, I don’t question God and His decisions. I know it was God’s plan, and I embrace this responsibility with humility and honor. God has declared me useful, forgiven by the blood of the Lamb, and He has given me the privilege of serving Him in this position. In addition, He has surrounded me with men and women who lift me up, pray for me, serve beside me, and hold me accountable. What an incredible privilege I have been given!

Why am I sharing my imperfections with you? Because I believe that, if God can use me in His service — He can also most certainly use you. He loves us, forgives us, and equips us with His Word. We truly can rest in the truth that we are HIS — Held by His Word; Inspired to share His message; and Surrounded by His grace.

How will the Lord use me to reflect His love today? How will He use you to share His Gospel with others? 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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you (Jeremiah 29:11–12).

My prayer is that my heart is always open to His direction and that my imperfections only show His strength. 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 (2 Corinthians 12:9). When God calls you and me — imperfections and all — we can say, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

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

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

Hope in the Midst of Heartbreak

This last week was a difficult one as news of a tragic death caused shock and helplessness. When someone you love is hurting you want to make it better. Many times, you simply can’t. When there is nothing I can do to ease the pain, I go to the only One who can provide hope, comfort, and peace.

When someone we love is suffering, the world often asks why. I ask why! Why does God allow such pain? I think the simple answer is we just don’t know. What we do know is that Jesus said there would be suffering in this world. He also said He has overcome the world. (John 16:33).

Many times, there seems to be no answer for why tragedy happens, at least no answers that we find satisfactory. We live in a broken world, filled with sin. Suffering and death are part of this world. What wonderful assurance we have that Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus conquered sin, death, and the power of the devil and, as His redeemed children, we live in victory with Him.

As a Christian, I still mourn when someone I love dies or when someone I love experiences a tragedy, but I know that this is not the end of the story. This world is not my home. I hope, when I spend time with those that have recently lost loved ones, when sorrow and pain overflow, that I can share the hope I have in Jesus. This hope is for all those who believe Jesus is their Savior.

I also hope that I never wait for tragedy to share the message of the Gospel. Indeed, tragedy will strike all of us at some point in our lives. Let’s boldly and confidently share Jesus now. It’s true that sometimes we just don’t know what to say. If that happens, I will call upon the Holy Spirit to give me the words and also trust that sometimes my presence may be exactly what a hurting friend needs, even without words.

Many good things happened this week. The LWML Board of Directors has decided that we will be “Running the Race … Looking to Jesus” in-person in Lexington, Kentucky, June 24–27 2021. Plans to move forward, trusting that this is God’s will, give me much to do and it is exciting to see events beginning to take place, even as we remain mindful of all safety protocols. As I make plans to attend a funeral, I’m reminded of the importance of sharing hope, especially
in the midst of heartbreak.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

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

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 15.3K other subscribers