AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Looking at Fear from Two Sides

Anyone who has spent any time around me knows I am scared of spiders. I don’t want to be afraid of a little creature that, in most cases, won’t harm me. I’ve been told spiders are fascinating creatures. They can build the most incredibly designed webs, they can walk on walls and ceilings, and they spin silk. But I don’t see spiders as fascinating creatures. I jump out of my skin and shriek if I see one skittering across the floor or wall.

Yesterday, I was sitting at my laptop when a large spider (approximately ¼ inch in diameter) came from under the desktop and scurried under my laptop. I screamed — piercingly. Scott says he always knows when I see a spider because I have a “spider scream.” I jumped up, flipping the chair onto its back. In a moment of logic, I realized my overreaction — but the spider was not in sight, and my heart was pounding. I picked up my glass cleaning cloth, moved the laptop a few inches, and out came the spider running straight at me! I screamed again (the moment of logic gone) and crushed it with the cloth. Then it was over. I always have a split second of regret after killing a spider, and I always have a moment of embarrassment at my reaction. Mostly, I feel relief that the crisis is over.

As I think about this phobia, this irrational fear, I wonder if I am as afraid of sinning against my God as I am of these arachnids. Each time I am tempted to sin, I wish I would recognize the danger and jump away from it — squashing the thought, word, or deed that may cause me to turn from my Lord. Yet, I do sin, many times knowing full well what I am doing or saying — and our gracious Lord provides a path back into His arms in the person of Jesus. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 3:23–25). Each time I confess my sin I am in awe of the grace of our God. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

My arachnophobia, by definition, is an intense and irrational fear. Fearing separation from God, however, is sensible and wise. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name (Psalm 86:11). We are to fear God, not in the way I fear spiders, but to respect Him and center our lives around Him. If I see a spider, I don’t take my eyes off it until I’ve crushed it. It has my whole attention. Now, that’s a negative way to look at it but I think I’ve made my point — to fear God means He is the focus of my life. Phobias may be irrational, but The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Proverbs 9:10). Well said, my Lord!

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Realistically Imperfect

I was invited to a wedding in Estes Park, Colorado last week. This incredible venue offered many benefits but also meant the wedding was limited to very few guests. What a privilege it was for me and two of my great friends to receive an invitation. We enjoyed a “girl’s trip” and spent a couple of days exploring Rocky Mountain National Park before the wedding festivities.

Around every turn we encountered another amazing view and I took many photos. When I take photos, I save a number of them for future watercolor painting ideas. If there happens to be a dead tree in the photo, I will incorporate that feature into the painting. I believe it reveals a much more realistic landscape.

The next time you are out for a walk in God’s beautiful creation, look around and notice the “imperfections.” There are always dead tree limbs among the healthy branches. There are always decomposing leaves on the ground. These “imperfections” are natural.

Our Lord created a perfect world where everything worked together in harmony. Then man sinned — and God, in His mercy, loved us enough to prevent us from living forever in a sinful world. Death became part of life (Genesis 3:19) and with the promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15) we received the hope of everlasting life in heaven.

A plant dies, or leaves drop from the branches of a tree and become compost that will nurture new plants. We are born, grow strong and have children, guide and teach them, and then grow old as we watch our legacy carry on. Of course, not all of us marry or have children, but we are all given opportunities to mentor and nurture others. Yes, we are imperfect — sinful. Through His Word, He provides all that we need — to forgive and seek forgiveness, to share His message of salvation, and to love as He loves. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:12–13).

I will continue to seek His will each day but, I’m realistic, and I know I’ll mess up. So, my Scripture verse for today will be But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God bless your day, my friends!

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Women in Mission

COVID-19 Fatigue

I am recovering from a nasty case of COVID-19. I guess it’s inevitable that everyone will contract this virus at some point, just like we do with the common cold and flu. Everyone seems to experience COVID-19 differently. Some are extremely sick — some have mild cold symptoms. We also know many have died. I count myself blessed, but I need to tell you — COVID-19 fatigue is a real thing.

The worst of the symptoms were over in about 5–6 days, but I still am experiencing fatigue. Walking the length of the living room leaves my knees weak. My concentration is limited (no comments from anyone who knows I lack concentration on a good day!).

Yet all is well. Daily chores can wait. God has given us a body that combats the virus in ways we can’t even fathom. He brings healing in His time and in His way. In my weakness, my Lord is my strength. In my lack of focus, my eyes remain on the cross of Christ.

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).

No other insights from me this week — I rest in the knowledge that I am HIS!

Held by HIS Word;

Inspired to share HIS message; and

Surrounded by HIS grace.

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Women in Mission

Everything Changes!

I think I have my day planned — and then the phone rings. Everything changes. I find myself very self-satisfied about making the right decision and find out that I’ve hurt someone’s feelings because of the action taken. Everything inside me changes. As I go about my day, events, attitudes, and plans change constantly inside my home and around the world.

That’s a pretty negative way to look at change … Let me try again.

I think I have my day planned — and then I meet Jesus in my devotion and prayers. Everything changes! He takes my plans and makes them His, He takes my worries and gives me comfort, He takes my sins and washes them away. Jesus shows up and everything changes — in a very good way!

I received a message from a friend this week. Her father is dying. My heart aches for her and her family. I began to mourn their impending loss and tears fill my eyes. As I close my eyes and let the tears fall down my cheeks, I feel Jesus’ presence and I begin to pray. My heart quiets and His comfort surrounds me. I know He will do the same for my friend, her father, and her whole family. Jesus’ presence transforms my sorrow into compassion and trust.

On May 16, 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had been waiting days for that dreaded call. When the phone call finally came and cancer was confirmed, I felt no fear — only peace. How can that be? The call came just before I entered church for worship. I looked up and saw a banner that said, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace” — and He did — I was filled with His peace. The God of hope changes everything. An update: I am now cancer free, but if I wasn’t, the God of hope still would transform my heart and fill me with peace because I know my salvation is secure.

I’ve written the phrase “When Jesus shows up” several times. I know Jesus isn’t missing and then “shows up.” I know He is with me always. He reveals Himself and “shows up” in my thoughts and in my heart when I need Him most. My prayer is that I’ll recognize His presence each moment, every day, because when my Savior shows up, it changes everything!

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11).

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Traveling Tales

I wrote a message for this blog — and now I find I must edit that message. I began that blog by saying I love to travel — and then I traveled. Flight delays, lost baggage, and snarky gate agents can make travel more stressful.

Even in this crazy time of cancelations and what I see as a lack of customer service, I still do love to travel. I love getting on a plane in freezing temperatures and stepping off into a tropical climate. I love walking through an airport amongst the diversity of people and wondering where they are going, what the purpose of their trip may be, what their family life is like, and if they know there is a Savior who loves them. Yes — this is really where my mind goes!

I’m always amazed when I ask my husband what he’s thinking about and he says, “nothing.” How is that even possible?! That’s another blog …

Sometimes it’s apparent by their dress that they are an Orthodox Jew or a Sikh, etc. As I walk through the airports I wonder if I could be identified as a Christian. I have a cross on my forehead and on my heart, not visible to the naked eye, so how can those around me know I am a Christian? I have a marvelous necklace — a large cross, black onyx set in gold — but I don’t wear it anymore. I’ve been stopped too many times by people asking me if I was a pastor. Maybe I should wear it as an opportunity to open a conversation!

It’s true that when I wear clothing with the LWML logo on it I am given opportunities to share Christ. The lady standing in line next to me may say, “That’s a beautiful pin.” I’ve been asked many times what LWML stands for and used that opening to share, “It is an organization called Lutheran Women in Mission. We focus on supporting and praying for mission agencies around the world and we enjoy serving in our communities so we can share Christ.” … or whatever comes to mind. It’s different each time, as the Holy Spirit helps me say words that may touch someone’s heart.

Each time I want to say something judgmental about the customer service, or comment on rude behavior or a canceled flight, I really try to remember Who I belong to and why I am here on this earth — in this place, at this time. I try to remember to ask myself, “Will my words give glory to God? Will the person to whom I want to say it be hurt or helped?”

God did not command me to like everyone, but He did command me to love as He loves. Ouch. That’s an impossible task — for me — but with God, everything is possible. But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

As I travel anywhere — whether it be across the country or to the grocery store — I hope the Holy Spirit nudges me to keep my mouth closed when a gripe wants to pop out, and to speak up when I’m given the opportunity to share Jesus’ grace and love.

Our journey in this world has bumps but we never walk alone. Let’s enjoy the trip and the company!

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

Debbie

bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

A Murder Mystery vs. A Salvation Solution

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. I hope you spent Holy Week reflecting on the events that led to our Savior’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Every event in Jesus’ life was for us — for you and me. From Christ’s birth, teaching, service, miracles, and especially His suffering, death, and resurrection, our Father sent His Son for us — for our redemption. Wow.

I wonder, if I came upon the scene in Jerusalem where Jesus was on trial or on the cross, and I knew how the proceedings were twisted, illegal, and unjustifiable, would I think of this as a murder mystery? Who would want to harm this man who performed miracles? Who could find fault with the love that was evident in His eyes? Or would I recognize Him as the Savior of the world?

I do believe this was murder, as evil intentions desiring a selfish end sought out the death of Jesus. Yet God planned all along to accomplish the salvation of the world by giving His Son over into the hands of sinful men with murderous hearts. Jesus’ death was foretold in Scripture. Our sin separated us from our Creator and in righteous judgement, we should be condemned to death and hell — but the Lord, in mercy and grace, sent His Son to earth — to be born in a stable, serve and teach His people, suffer and die, and rise again in victory — and He did this out of His great love for us.

How do you pick one Scripture verse to share with others this great revelation? My prayer is that as you read one verse, you will feel the need to know more about the Lord and His plans for His people.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16–17).

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1 Peter 3:18).

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24).

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Easter isn’t over. Easter is every day we spend giving glory to our Creator. Easter is every day some lost soul hears the true story of God’s amazing grace and learns there is hope.

Happy Easter, my dear friends! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

It’s all About Who’s in Control

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Let go and let God”? I like that phrase, but I’m not very good at acting it out. I tend to want to be in charge ‑— to be in control. How pretentious of a delusion is that?

I remember a long time ago, when Scott and I lived in Texas, we put our children on a flight by themselves to spend time with their grandparents in Minnesota. I watched them smile and wave, turn their backs, and walk into the jet bridge to the plane. Scott looked at me and asked me why I had tears in my eyes. I answered that I knew family would meet them as they deplaned, but they were now on their own — I wasn’t there to make sure they were safe. Scott took my hand and said, “Debbie, even when they’re by our side we aren’t in control. God will watch over them. He’s got this.”

Why do I think I am in control, ever? Why is it difficult to “let go and let God?” As I go through my day, I share all my concerns with God. I give my problems to Him — and then I take them back! I know in my heart it is my Lord in control of everything.

It’s a privilege to give my worries over to my Lord, so why do I grab them back? The answer is quite simple, really. I’m sinful. In my sin, I lack trust in the One who made me His own and loves me more than I can fathom. And in these times of uncertainly, He fills my heart and mind with His wonderful words. 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). Again and again, I call on the Lord, ask Him to forgive me, to strengthen my faith, and He provides His peace and encouragement.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 6:7).

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Matthew 11:28-30).

I find comfort in Scripture, knowing I am not in control. I am His child, and He walks with me and protects me as I navigate the perils of this world. He guards and protects my family.

Join me as I sit back and enjoy the flight, knowing the Pilot loved us so much that He sent His Son to suffer and die so that we would have life eternal with Him. The promise of Easter is ours. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Why Me?

(A day in my life last week) I lost my tooth. Seriously, I was just chewing on a delicious piece of taffy and I felt a gap — a really big gap — like the Grand Canyon inside of my mouth! Thank goodness I didn’t swallow the crown! How could this happen now?! I have a trip planned — I’ve invited six neighbors for dinner — my dentist is on vacation. Oh, just pick one! I’m an hour and a half from my dentist’s office and this will throw my schedule out the window. Why me? I hate the dentist!

First, I don’t hate my dentist. Actually, I really like him. He’s gentle, kind, and patient. What I hate is going to the dentist and having work done. I have a very small mouth — don’t laugh. Every dentist I’ve ever seen has told me my mouth is very small. Scott laughed when I shared that fact with him. He actually laughed out loud. That’s a whole other blog!

It’s been a rough day. I slammed a door and two bottles of wine fell off the wall, which holds a new wine rack that seemed perfectly stable. I spent the next hour cleaning up wine and glass. I pressed “Send” on an email that was just in draft mode. I forgot to take a beef roast out of the freezer and didn’t have anything to cook for dinner. Then, I lost my tooth. Why me?

Does this sound like a pathetic whiner feeling sorry for herself? It sure does. All of these events really did happen today. When I lost the tooth I gasped, spit it out, and showed it to Scott. He laughed (I seem to have this effect on him) and said, “You have a hard life.” And so came the idea for this blog. I really did say, “Why me?” And, immediately I thought, “Why not me?”

There is no reason in this world I should be exempt from difficult times. In fact, Jesus confirmed I would have trouble. But He also promised He would be with me, and He has won the victory for me. “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).

I think, instead of saying, “Why me?” when I have a challenging day, I must ask my Lord, “Why me? Why would You suffer and die for me?” And my Lord answers loud and clear! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He offers you that same response. We have a God of love and we are blessed!

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Lent is Personal

Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday. As we begin this season of Lent, we gather in church for corporate worship — and for me, it’s also a very personal time. We observe this 40-day period (from Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday) to meditate on the suffering Christ endured on our behalf. We also take time during this Lenten season to reflect on our baptism. How much more personal can you get?

The relationship between Christ’s death and resurrection and our own baptism is strong — read Romans 6:1-11. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3). As we contemplate the passion of Jesus, we can’t help but be awed by His indescribable gift of salvation. His gift-giving continues in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

During this Lenten season, I plan to reflect on the reason for my Savior’s suffering and death — my sin. This is also a time for me to remember my baptism. Through Holy Baptism I have received the benefits of Christ’s death on the cross. My sinful nature was washed away by water and the Word. I was baptized into His death and resurrection. My new life began. As a child of God, I become His and am alive in Christ. I can live in the peace and joy of Easter! For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his (Romans 6:5).

Worship with your church family during this Lenten season but remember — Jesus did this for you. It’s personal.

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

We Hold the Cross Before Us

This last weekend I was in Phoenix, Arizona for the Best Practices for Ministry Conference. The conference was wonderful. Over 2,300 Christians joined in celebrating Jesus while learning how to better serve and share His message within our communities and around the world. LWML presented a session offering a Prayer Walk.

Why do Christians gather like this? The answer is so simple to us — to hold the cross before us. We are united in Christ’s death and united in His life! As I’ve done before, I share with you the writing of a dear friend and member of my church, Jan Schmidt. These words are relevant every day:

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadow flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. (LSB #878, verse 6)

The evening worship comes to a close. The lights in the church are dimmed. But the huge cross behind the altar is backlit, glowing in the twilight. The organ plays softly, and we sing, “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes.”  

I don’t know if I was awake or asleep the hour I was baptized. But I began my life as a child of God with the cross of Christ before my eyes. I was marked then with the cross of Christ forever. If the day comes when my mind is no more aware of myself and my surroundings than on my baptismal day, I will need someone to once again hold the cross before my eyes and point me to the skies where my Savior waits to welcome me home.

The cross. There is no more shameful way to die. But typical of God, He has taken the shame and changed it into glory. The cross is empty. Jesus’ body is not there. It is not in the grave. He is risen – just as He said! I can say with Job, “For I know that my Redeemer lives; and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:25-27).

As I wake each morning and fall to sleep each night, the cross of Christ is ever before me, and I rest in the truth of my salvation. Let’s keep gathering — let’s keep sharing this message of salvation with the world until the Lord calls us home.

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

Debbie