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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

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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

Just a Bit of Normal

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