Painting Pictures
If you could paint a picture that highlights your 2015 summer experiences, what would fill your canvas? Would it be picture of a cross with dirt/seeds, growing corn, and then harvested corn? That might be on the canvases of the 4600 LWML women and men who attended our LWML convention in Des Moines. Would yours be outdoor activities with family? Maybe your summer highlights canvas is waiting for upcoming events.
Unfortunately, every day our canvases are covered with the black of sin. But our heavenly Father loves us so much that we can start each day with a clean white canvas. His Son’s life, death, and resurrection have made us clean. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). May your day be filled with His mercies and may your canvas always bear the cross. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).
Nancy Bogenhagen
Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Posted on
August 17, 2015 8:55 AM
by
System Administrator
Everyday Celebrations
When I flip the calendar over each month, I take note of the “red marks” – the birthdays and anniversaries I have written in red ink. Then I can plan to send cards or gifts to celebrate those milestones. Sometimes I get to add new ones – the birth of a baby, confirmation, or graduation.
God designed us to be relational people. He wants a relationship with us, and He wants us to extend love and encouragement to others. One way to accomplish that is to include His Word into our words, so I have been including the new Mustard Seed devotions “Everyday Celebrations” product code LWML 40195; or a Bible verse in my cards. What ways will you find to include Him in your relationships?
The Time is NOW to include our Savior in our everyday celebrations!
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6).
Eden Keefe
Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Posted on
August 10, 2015 9:17 AM
by
System Administrator
A Lake in August
August is the perfect time of year to vacation by a lake. Cool waters lapping the shore soothe tired feet and take stress away.
God’s Word is so much better than a lake in August! When His people grow weary of this worldly rat race and the stress of sin, Scripture can transport them to a place of peace and joy, a place where their sin is recognized, forgiveness is sought, and redemption received. God has given His people His holy Word, a sanctuary in this dark world where we find His truth, mercy, and grace. How do we know this? The Bible tells us so!
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Debbie Larson
Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Posted on
August 03, 2015 9:00 AM
by
System Administrator
Shine On!
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Summertime is a season filled with light. The days are longer; the sun seems to shine brighter; the grass turns green and flowers bloom; the water is warm enough to swim outside; and outdoor recreation activities abound.
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows” is a quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Jesus our Savior, is the SON-beam that drives away all the darkness and shadows of our sin. He is the Light and gives believers in Him the light of life.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, share your faith story and how you have been “enlightened” by your Savior with those you come into contact with this week. Be a light for your Lord right where you are. Shine on!
Shari Miller
2013-2015 Strategic Plan Facilitator
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Posted on
July 27, 2015 9:00 AM
by
System Administrator
Change
We have seen many changes in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League over that past 40 years. Our structure has changed, officer titles have changed, and of course our bylaws have changed to reflect the changes.
Yet LWML still has at its “mission heart” thousands of volunteers who dedicate their lives to making a difference in their neighborhoods and in the world and who use their gifts of time, talent, and treasure to share the love of Jesus. Those familiar Mite Boxes continue to be the heart of this mission emphasis, funding over 100 million dollars in mission grants since 1942.
LWML changes, but our mission continues to be the same: to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world.
Most importantly, God has not changed!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever … (Hebrews 13:8).
Pat Reichert
Former Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Posted on
July 20, 2015 9:11 AM
by
System Administrator
What’s it Worth?
A catalog, from which I had ordered clothing for my mom, still arrives in my mailbox. Despite not having placed an order for nine years, they sent me a 14x17 inch “Certificate Suitable for Framing” because I am one of their best customers! A gold seal, a fancy border, and signed by the president … it looks very important.
Contrast that with my Baptism certificate, a small, plain piece of paper, signed by the pastor of the church.
Which would I rather frame; which signifies the most worth? The large, imposing one offered to me for something I did; namely, spend money? Or the small, non-descript one, offered to me because of something Someone did for me?
Do I want to be known as a shopper … or a child of God? You know the answer. We as Christians derive our worth from what Jesus did for us: He died, arose, and awaits us in heaven. By displaying my Baptism certificate, I can witness where my priorities lie and pray that those who see it will open their hearts to the Holy Spirit through His Word and Sacraments.
For the wisdom of this world is folly with God (1 Corinthians 3:19a).
Carolyn Blum
Former Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Posted on
July 13, 2015 9:00 AM
by
System Administrator
How do You Read “OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE!”?
For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve others (Galatians 5:13 The Living Bible).
God created us free and to serve others. We are free in this country to tell others of Christ’s death and resurrection. We are free to tell others of the gift of grace given by our Lord. We are free to show others His love by serving others with our love.
Our country was founded with the freedom of religion. Let’s use that freedom to tell others of His love for all of us. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to come to earth to live as a human. Christ willingly died on the cross for our sins that we might have forgiveness and join Him for eternity, confessing Him as Lord.
Don’t miss those opportunities to tell others of the hope you have in Christ.
OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE! How do you read that statement?
The Time is NOW!
Sharon Roegge
Mission Grants Committee Chairman
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Posted on
July 06, 2015 8:59 AM
by
System Administrator
