Each time I go to town (Woodland Park, Colorado — about a 30-minute drive from the ranch) I am given an incredible view on the ride home. As I pass through Divide, Colorado, I am treated to a vista — a panoramic view of the snowcapped Collegiate Mountain Range in the distance and a picturesque valley surrounding me. It never fails to take my breath away. Each time (I’m nothing if not repetitious) I say, in a low-toned voice, “You’re welcome, Debbie. I did this for you.” Scott knows I’m imitating the voice of God.

I am continually amazed at the beauty that surrounds me here in Colorado. But I was equally amazed when I lived in North Dakota, Washington State, and Texas. The plains, the mountains, and the oceans are astonishing in their complexity and beauty. One can’t help but acknowledge only the Lord could create such magnificence.

So I give Him the credit and mimic His voice. Yup, it may seem pretty silly. I was with a neighbor on the trip back to the ranch a while ago (before the pandemic limited social interaction) and said my usual, “You’re welcome, Debbie. I did this for you.” She looked at me and asked if I really thought God created that scene just for me. It made me realize that I do believe I matter that much to my Father in heaven.

I believe. I believe that God loves me despite my sins and, because of those sins, He sent His only Son to suffer and die in my place, for my salvation. When I confess my sins, my God who is faithful and just, forgives my sins. I can hear Him say, “I did this for you, Debbie.”

Can we even begin to make a list of the gifts our Lord has given us? Baptism, sight, laughter, salvation, hope, family, tears, faith, love, Scripture, … we could fill pages. Maybe we all need to do that — maybe we need to make a list and add to it each day. This God who created the universe and all in it created you and me and loves us enough to send His only Son so that we may be saved. He did this for me — and He did this for you. This I believe!

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

I slept in this morning. I’ve just settled myself on the couch with a fire in the hearth (courtesy of my husband, Scott) and a cup of coffee warming my hands. (Yes, Scott also made the coffee. I know. I’m blessed.) My prayers began, as they always do, with my version of Luther’s Morning Prayer. I call it “my version” because I insert personal petitions as I include prayers for family members, myself, and others. 

It’s snowing heavily right now. Spring is officially upon us but, here in the Rockies, warmer temperatures are several months away. We are in the season of Lent and in the middle of a pandemic. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) dominates the news. Many of my activities continue even as we have been directed to isolate ourselves from others. Morning devotions are one of those activities.

My Scripture reading included this passage from 1 Peter 1:24-25: for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. This passage has nothing to do with a pandemic — or does it? As we deal with the cancellation of many events, we feel like we are losing control of our lives. If that’s how you are feeling, then I suggest you pick up the Bible and read. We have never been in control of our lives, and I thank God for that truth! Our Lord has been and remains in control. I take comfort in these words Jesus spoke: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Let’s not look at our confinement — let’s look to the cross for what true separation was like for our Savior as He hung on the cross for our sins.

Let’s not look at the stock market and despair — let’s look to the empty grave and find joy in the treasure of heaven.

We’ve been asked to isolate ourselves from others for our safety and theirs. God assures us we are never separated from His love. Look up Romans 8:31-39. God’s love is an everlasting love!

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

Debbie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

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

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

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

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

Debbie

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

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

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

In the center of the canvas back it says:

President Debbie

You are H.I.S.

Presidents Assembly 2020

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

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

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

Debbie