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, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Going Home

Debbie and her daughter

Since October 5, Scott and I have been in northern Minnesota, spending time with his mother as she had knee replacement surgery. She is doing well, and our daughter, Mandy, took this opportunity to come for a visit. Mandy and I also took a day trip to my family farm in northeastern North Dakota. I remember waking up each morning on the farm, listening to the cottonwood leaves rustle in the breeze. (Spring, summer, and fall of course. I don’t like to talk about winter in North Dakota!) I love cottonwoods. Yes, I know there are other trees that are more majestic, have prettier leaves, and live longer, but I believe my fondness comes from my early years and from warm experiences of my home.

We walked through the empty house. (My mother has been spending winters with my sister in Virginia.) There was a slight musty smell and a chill in the air. As we walked from one room to the next, we shared
memories of morning coffee and late-night talks. More memories were awakened as we walked around the property. We passed the sheep shed, the chicken coop, and the barn, and my thoughts went to all the forts my sisters and brother and I built. What an imagination we had! Mandy laughed as she recalled playing with cousins and helping Grandma in the garden.

It was heartwarming, going home. I had an ideal childhood and wonderful memories. No matter where I live, coming home to the farm gives me a sense of belonging. I’ve grown up, married, and moved multiple times. I’ve called many places home and have felt safe and happy wherever God has placed me, but I love returning to the place of my childhood.

I know this world is not my home. Heaven is my home. I have no doubt that when I enter through the gates of heaven, I will experience an even greater joy than I have when I drive to the family farm. I love that God gifts us with glimpses of heaven here on earth. I love that He gives us family and friends. I love that He, through grace alone, gives us His Word, so that we will always know we are loved, and that we have a home with Him in heaven. He is with me here on earth and He will welcome me into heaven.

I look forward to an eternity with my Savior, and I thank my Creator for giving me snapshots of home and security in a world with so many dark alleys.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Flat Tires, Friends, and Faith

In my last blog I shared with you that the LWML Board of Directors, along with many Lutheran Women in Mission, would be meeting in St. Louis for planning purposes. Much preparation took place to get ready for that week, but I was not prepared for the flat tire I found on my car the night before I needed to drive over the mountain pass to catch my flight at 4 a.m. the next morning.

One should be prepared for a flat tire. I should have read the manual for my Subaru. I should have known where the spare tire was stored and how to access it. I should have determined the location of the tire jack and where to attach it to the undercarriage of the vehicle so I could lift and lower the car safely. I should have carried gloves in the car for this purpose. All these thoughts ran through my mind on that Saturday night as I stared at the flat tire.

I don’t want to offend women out there with my lack of feminism, but I will shamelessly state that I do not have any wish to ever change a tire, clear the snow from the driveway, or chop wood. I’m not saying I can’t do those things, but I am stating that I’d rather my husband Scott take care of those tasks. Alas, Scott was in Minnesota.

Before I could even formulate a plan of action, my neighbors drove up. Gary and Loretta have become forever friends here on the ranch, and I have no doubt that God directed them to be there just when I needed them. Gary assessed the damage, changed the tire, and told me I was not allowed to drive over the pass to Colorado Springs with that spare. Loretta announced that she would pick me up and take me to the airport (think mountain roads at 4 a.m.), and I had better have coffee for the ride. Tears sprung forth, not because I was frustrated, but because I was overwhelmed with gratitude and love.

With no time to ask, my Lord provided help and comfort. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations (Psalm 100:5). His grace abounds and my faith rests in the promises of His Word. I am blessed.

Tomorrow we buy new tires. 

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

All Stages of Life

My twin grandsons, Brenden and Logan (12 years old), have come to visit and I’m watching them head out to the tree fort they built with Grandpa Scott last summer. The sun is shining and the air smells of pine and sage. It’s so easy to see the blessings of God on days like this.

The first of July, after a family reunion (my side) in North Dakota, we traveled to Bemidji, Minnesota, to visit Scott’s parents. Scott’s father, Lloyd, is in the last stages of his life. He is frail. It’s difficult to watch as a once spirited man finds no joy in this life. He is ready to be with Jesus in heaven. I look for the blessings of God in situations like this.

The first of July, after a family reunion (my side) in North Dakota, we traveled to Bemidji, Minnesota, to visit Scott’s parents. Scott’s father, Lloyd, is in the last stages of his life. He is frail. It’s difficult to watch as a once spirited man finds no joy in this life. He is ready to be with Jesus in heaven. I look for the blessings of God in situations like this.

And so, today I ponder the stages of our lives. My grandchildren, children, Scott and I, and our parents are all experiencing this life at different stages. Through it all our God reigns! Through every stage He is with us. “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand” (Isaiah 42:6a). What peace this blessing of God brings to me.

Last week, I transitioned with Past LWML President Patti Ross in St. Louis. Hers will be big shoes to fill but I was blessed as she generously shared insight and encouragement. I spent time with the LWML Office staff and with LCMS leaders exploring opportunities to glorify our Lord and serve Him by serving His people. Next week I will travel to Tampa, Florida, for the LCMS Convention and God will shower blessings on those who put Him at the center of their lives. This is a new stage in my life and, each morning, my prayer is to let God use me to His glory, recognizing His blessings and sharing Christ at every opportunity.

What stage of life do you find yourself in today? How is God blessing you through the events in your life? God blesses His people in all circumstances!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,

Debbie

bloghome, Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML Convention

The Afterglow of Convention

I’ve never written a blog before but I’ve also never been short of words, so I’ll just write and pray this missive will help you get to know me as we serve the Lord together in the LWML. 

My husband Scott and I arrived home Monday night with no travel issues. That was certainly not the case for many of you. I am enjoying, what I am calling, the afterglow of Convention. I am filled with the Holy Spirit, through His Word and Sacrament, and with the energy and love that comes from spending a week with women and men who love our Savior and seek His direction in their lives. But I also spent much time praying for those who had canceled and delayed flights, both coming to and returning home from Mobile, Alabama. 

In my home congregation, we are blessed with an LWML member, Jan Schmidt, who loves to write devotions and shares them with us each morning. The following is a part of her email sent upon arrival back home. I love her perspective and want to share it with you: 

For months over three thousand Lutheran women planned for and looked forward to gathering together in Mobile, Alabama for the LWML Convention “In Praise to the LORD!” But, once the sending service was over, our thoughts turned toward home — our families, our own beds, the familiar comfort of routine in our own homes. The first hint that we may not get home as planned came when we met a fellow traveler who said that flights going through Dallas were questionable due to bad weather. There had been women who got to the convention late because of bad weather and now it seemed hundreds would not return home as planned. 

Fortunately, we found out our flights were canceled before going to the airport and we were able to get a hotel room in Mobile and spend Sunday night in a bed! Some of the women, we heard later, ended up spending the night in the airport. For us, as I am sure was true for most of the women, the delay only intensified our longing for home. 

Until the Lord calls us home through death, we are stranded here on this sin-filled earth longing for home. We long for the promised new heaven and new earth where there will be no sin, no tears, no sickness. … and no delays as there will be no time! We long for the comforts of that home. But, praise be to God, while we wait, God has come to us! Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). While we are stuck in this “bad weather,” the Holy Spirit comes to us in Word and Sacrament and lives with and in us. It doesn’t make life perfect, but it makes life immeasurably better. 

Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus! Thank You, Jesus, for sending the Spirit. Thank You, Spirit, for making Your home with us until Your work on earth is done! 

And so, I hope you are experiencing the afterglow of this LWML Convention and find that travel delays only give us the opportunity to share Jesus’ love with those along the way. 

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,

Debbie