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Time Priorities

I can’t believe it’s mid-July! Where does the time go? Time just seems to fly by, doesn’t it? Why do we say time flies? Time is one of the most consistent things measured. One second = one second. It’s constant and every living being is given the same amount of time each day.

In a recent Bible study, we were asked to write down the most important things in our lives. I earnestly made my list.

  • God
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Spending time with them

We were then asked to write down how we spend our time each day. We were to write down how many minutes we actually spend on our activities. Then, we were told to compare the lists. Did those important things on our list correspond with what we spent our time doing? How we spend our time exposes what is truly important to each of us.

Take a few minutes and make your own lists. When compared, do they confirm what’s important in your life — or convict you? I’m not sure I want to share with you what my list revealed …

Time is free but it’s priceless. You can’t own time, but you can use it any way you choose, and you can never get it back. God has a perfect plan for our lives. He gives us time in increments, teaching us with each step how to walk by faith.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

In my narrow vision, time may fly by quickly or seem to slow down, but God’s timing is always perfect and beyond my comprehension. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9).

Ecclesiastes 3 is quoted often. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: … By faith, I believe that is true and I ask God to realign the things I do to correspond with what He has put in my heart. At the end of my life on earth, I pray, by the grace of God, I will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Thank you, Lord, for each moment you give me. Let me use it to glorify Your name and share Your love. In my Savior’s name. Amen!

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 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

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

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Setting Priorities in the New Year

Another calendar year is almost over. Does time pass quickly for you or do the hours seem to crawl along like a sloth crossing the highway? I suppose it depends on what is going on in our lives at the moment I ask such a question of any of you. I know if I’m waiting for family to arrive for a special celebration, time passes slowly. If I’m enjoying time with a friend, time passes quickly. If I’m responding to LWML emails, time flies and it seems I’ve spent hours of the day to my laptop. (This is something I love to do — correspond with my sisters and brothers in Christ!).

I remind myself that we all have the same amount of time — you can’t buy more time. You have what you have been given. Every moment is a gift from God. So many things in this life can be bought, bartered, or borrowed, but not time. You can’t give your time to someone or share the time you’ve been given — or can you? I believe that’s what we do when we serve God by serving others. The time I spend packing Mercy Meals for Orphan Grain Train is time I’m able to give. The time I take to call a friend who has lost a loved one is time I’m able to share.

Yesterday, I found myself judging others and how they spend their time. Yes, I admit to doing this — forgive my sin, oh Lord! The Holy Spirit gently nudged my thoughts as I realized how much time I spend checking Facebook and on other non-essential activities in comparison to how much time I spend in the Word. Ouch ….

I can squander my time or make the most of it — we all make those choices. My priorities are evident through my actions. Today, I am the one who will choose how much time to spend with my Lord. I’m the one who will choose how much time I squander on social media. Tomorrow, I again will choose to spend time wisely or wastefully. With God’s help, I pray I choose wisely!

New Year’s resolutions are one way we express what we’d like our priorities to be. These are resolutions we know in our heart are priorities we should keep. I normally don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I may this year — and I hope that I will think of them as opportunities to set priorities that will delight my Lord.

Resolution #1: The time I have been given is a precious gift from God and I will give Him thanks each morning for another day to praise His name and share His love. As the Lord grants me a new day, I will put Him first and trust that He will grant me time for everything else that is necessary. I trust He will do the same for you.

A happy and blessed New Year to each of you!

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Enough

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Growing up Rich

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Stay Tuned!

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Living on the Ranch

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