AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Resources, Lutheran Women in Mission, Missions for God

Sharing My Christian Legacy

Today is my 65 th birthday. I tell you this, not to solicit a response (at least not to my birthday), but to share reflections on my life. Sixty-five years I’ve lived on this earth. I’ve experienced much, cried and laughed often, and had many ups and downs. I’ve borne children and lost loved ones. That’s probably true for most of you.

I believe I was born to give testament to God, to praise Him in His glory, and share His Gospel each day with all those I meet. At the end of each day, I always ask myself, “What did I do today to share God’s love?” Some days I feel I have applied the opportunities He has laid before me and He may say, “Well done,” but some days I realize that there was little I did to share Jesus.
Each morning, however, God offers me another opportunity to be His ambassador.

As I reflect on my life, I think about those who do not know Christ. I believe God gave me the desire to share Jesus with others so they may feel the peace I feel, even when I mess up. Past LWML President Florence Montz (1971-1975) once told me she didn’t care if anyone remembered her name, but if anyone came to know Jesus because she walked this earth, that
was reason enough to live. I share the following information with you because I think it’s important.

LWML mission grants, chosen by members each biennium, share Christ’s mercy and Gospel message in our neighborhoods and around the world. I believe that a legacy gift, given through my estate plan to LWML, gives me the opportunity to continue to share Jesus even after I have gone home to heaven. I’m only 65. I may have many years left on this earth — or I may die
tomorrow. What a privilege to have a plan in place so that others can learn of Jesus! LWML has Gift Planning Counselors who can set up a plan at no cost to you.

Our LWML Gifts of Love Counselors, Linda Gage and Carol von Soosten, may be reached at (800) 741-4138 and would love to help you think through your Christian legacy gifts. Linda and Carol are employed by the LCMS Foundation and the LWML. They are professionally trained and have a passion for missions. They don’t make decisions for you. They just give you
information and guidance.

Also, right now, there are matching funds available to support the ministry of Gifts of Love. If you give to the Help|Love|Grow appeal by year’s end, you can double the impact! It’s a win/win.

As with any organization, LWML has administrative costs. But interest from our endowment, which has increased in large part because of the gifts given through estate plans, is beginning to cover the costs of operation. This allows more contributions to go directly to mission grants! I thank God for those who have remembered LWML in their charitable estate plans and for our Gifts of Love Counselors who have assisted them. Please pray about this and consider calling Linda or Carol for excellent guidance.

Today, I will strive to be God’s light and thank Him for the blessings He has given me. I praise Him for the opportunity to be His missionary now and into the future.

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Resources, Lutheran Women in Mission

Just When I Need It

Just When I Need It

Do you have “down” days, days where you feel lifeless and a little despondent? I’ve had a few of those these last couple of weeks. It’s just so disappointing when plans don’t work out. I’ve done my best to look for opportunities in all the challenges the world has thrown at us this year, but my optimism seemed to wear thin as the LWML Board of Directors and I made the difficult decision to cancel more in-person events.

Then just when I need it, I receive a card, a phone call, or an email from a Christian friend, uplifting me with kind words and Scripture passages. I receive cards every week with messages of love and encouragement, and I treasure each and every one. I thank God for the faithful women and men who surround me with His love and keep me accountable to my faith. I don’t think even one of these messages happens by chance. The Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of His people, spurring them to share His love with others who need it, and I know I am one of those people at times in my life.

A while ago I was walking and encountered a red-winged black bird that accosted me, as I must have gotten too close to her nest. She swooped and caught my hair. I have to say I was startled. I think sometimes that’s what the Holy Spirit does to me! He swoops in and startles me, gaining my attention and bringing me back to focus on what God’s plans are for my life, just when I need it most.

So today I thank God for sending the Holy Spirit to swoop in and bring me renewed energy and focus. And I thank God for each friend who reaches out, just when I need it! Swoop away, Holy Spirit!

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

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Resources, Lutheran Women in Mission

Be Prepared

As drivers approach Woodland Park, Colorado, from the west, there is a warning light that is activated and says, “Be Prepared to Stop” if the traffic light ahead is red. Because of a hill and a curve, drivers cannot see the upcoming traffic light so this is an important notification.

As we passed this warning light on the way to town today, I thought about other ways we are reminded to be prepared. During this pandemic, we are reminded to bring our mask and wear it while in public. Throughout the winter months, here in the mountains, we are reminded to check the weather report before traveling. Our wonderful LWML president at Faith Lutheran, Woodland Park, reminds us to bring our Bible and mite offerings to our local Bible study gatherings.

Every day I prepare in many ways. As I leave home to buy groceries, I put a cooler in the car (for the 30-minute ride home). I check to make sure I have my sunglasses and my grocery list. I prepare when I have an LWML event. I plan my wardrobe, print my agenda and any travel documents I need, and I make sure I have my laptop and phone chargers packed. When I prepare
a meal, I plan it out so everything is ready at the same time.

How do I prepare for the day I leave this world and meet Jesus face-to-face? I think I do this by living for Christ each day. Paul, in Philippians, stated his desire to leave this world and be with Christ, but he knew his time on earth produced fruitful labor to the glory of God. He said, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). I pray that this would be my heart’s desire also but, I must confess, I am very often not that noble.

I do find comfort and strength in God’s Word. I find understanding and direction when I go to the Lord in prayer. If I live each day to Christ’s glory, I believe I am prepared and eager to meet Jesus face-to-face. In Luther’s Morning Prayer, I pray that God keep me from sin and evil so my
very life and all that I do may please Him. I remember when I first realized that when I spoke those words, I was literally giving my life and day to God and to His glory.

As sisters and brothers in Christ, let’s continue to encourage one another, holding each other accountable as Christians. The busier our lives, the more time we need to spend in prayer and in the Word. When we look forward to an upcoming event, we prepare with pleasure. Can any event be more important than our eternal life? I am ready and eager to meet this day, whatever my Lord has planned.

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

Luther’s Morning Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may
have no power over me. Amen.

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Resources, Lutheran Women in Mission

Forgetfulness and Grace

Last week I forgot I was to lead the Thursday morning LWML Bible study. I’m not sure why it wasn’t on my calendar — I simply forgot.

In our local group, we take turns leading the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly Bible studies and hosting our bimonthly gatherings at church. I had missed the last Bible study and was looking forward to delving into the Word once again with this wonderful group. The night before our gathering I felt I was forgetting something. I checked my calendar — saw nothing, so I slept soundly. Again the next morning, I felt a tug on my conscience and called a friend. “Who’s hosting this morning?” I asked. After a slight pause (possibly shocked at my lack of preparedness) she said, “You are.” 

I know everyone can be forgetful, but I’m the LWML President! How could I forget something so important? I felt embarrassed and very humbled. I left everything and grabbed my coat and keys. It’s a 30 minute drive to town and I needed to purchase a coffee cake and fruit for refreshments! The Bible study comes with a leaders guide (thank you, Quarterly staff!) and I had already gone over the study so, if I hurried, I could accomplish what needed to be done. The morning went smoothly and everyone enjoyed our time together.

I did forget. I am an imperfect, sinful child of God. My hope lies in the simple and powerful truth that I can trust that my Lord will never forget His promises made through His Son, Jesus Christ. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory (2 Corinthians 1:20).

God also forgets, but it’s not His promises He forgets. God forgets for His purpose and for the benefit of His children. “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Isaiah 43:25). 

What a blessing to be surrounded by His grace. What a comfort to know I can count on His promises. What a privilege to share Jesus with others so they, too, have this blessed assurance!

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

Debbie

bloghome, Lutheran Resources

Gifts of Love

President Patti,
new Gift Planning Counselor Carol von Soosten, Gift Planning Counselor Linda Gage, new Gift Planning Advocates Beth Marth and Ann Carrick, and Gift Planning Counselor Pat Bilow.

I was fortunate to join our LWML Gift Planning Counselors, Gifts of Love Advocates and Supporters, and our Planned Giving Council last week in St. Louis, Missouri, April 10-13, 2019. These hard-working women received training and spent time preparing for the upcoming LWML Convention where they are excited about these opportunities to share information with you:

1. Contact your District President to register to attend the Thursday Gifts of Love pre-convention seminar,

2. Sign up and attend the Friday Gifts of Love luncheon,

3. Visit the Gifts of Love exhibit booth,

4. Attend the historic launch of the Legacy Circle at the kick off dinner on Saturday night. This is a special invitation dinner for those who have included LWML in your estate and/or gift plans. Contact our Gift Planning Counselors for more information. Will bequests and beneficiary designations can make a huge impact on Mites in the future to continue our mission work in the name of Christ. Many of LWML’s efforts this past biennium were linked to estate giving over the years. For example, the estate gift of 2 savings bonds years ago enabled us to move our offices and remodel with no use of Mite Box money!  

I didn’t realize how easy it is to work with an LWML Gift Planning Counselor and have them help you organize your estate. They do most of the work! Bill and I are putting our plan in place with the help of one of our Gift Planning Counselors.  We learned there are many options available to us that bless both our family and ministries. We are thrilled that our planning now will help LWML in the future to continue its important Gospel-focused work for generations to come. I encourage each of you to consider having one of our Gift Planning Counselors guide you in your planning. You’ll be glad you did, just as Bill and I are!  


Gifts of  Love Ministry training meeting last week in St.Louis

Contact LWML Gift Planning Counselors for more information at www.LWMLgiftplan.org or call 1-800-741-4138.  You can also email: Pat Bilow: pat.bilow@lfnd.org; Linda Gage: linda.gage@lfnd.org; or Carol von Soosten: carol.vonsoosten@lfnd.org

Patti

All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations (Psalm 145:10-13).

bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Resources, Lutheran Women in Mission, Missions for God

Best Practices Update

Several of us attended Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix, Arizona, Thursday through Sunday of this past week. For eight years, Christ Church Lutheran Lutheran Church and School in Phoenix has put on this gathering for people in the ministry of our church. It is to give encouragement, support, fellowship, and provide resources for these faithful workers. It’s to let them know they are not alone. It’s also to spur them on to spreading the Gospel, reaching the unchurched. I think I can answer for those women who were there with me that we came away encouraged and enthused!

LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission were chosen to present on two topics, “Resources on a Budget” about our Christian Life resources and “Money for Missions”, where we went over the submission of mission grants. This was to give help in concrete ways to ministries and churches and to encourage them as they build their outreach. I thank Linda Arnold, Jennifer Huecker, and Debbie Larson for doing the presentations with me. We received many “thank you’s” from grant recipients and got to tell about LWML to many attendees.

Sometimes we do feel alone in our ministry work in LWML, don’t we? It may be discouraging, especially as volunteers in a society where status is conferred often by job titles, pay grade, or celebrity. Don’t be discouraged if you feel overlooked. God knows what is in your heart. He can work through even the smallest things you do to bring about His will for the world. But don’t stop at the small things. Think big! Try something new in your group. Get with your Pastor or lay ministries head and partner with them on a new project to reach the unchurched in your area.

Unfortunately, we talked to many women who didn’t know what LWML was and what we do. They also did not know how to become involved. Would one of those women be from your church? Look around! If you need help or suggestions to build up your LWML, please, please, contact our Vice President of Organizational Resources, Debbie Larson, for suggestions and advice. She can be reached at depor@lwml.org.

Be encouraged and equipped as you engage with your congregations to spread the Gospel message that Jesus Christ is the Savior.

Patti

bloghome, Lutheran Resources, Missions for God

Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age

Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age is the subject of a three-session webinar that Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) putting on this Thursday, September 13 at 7 p.m. Central time. In this webinar, Rev. Dr. Tony Cook, will discuss LHM’s 2018 research with the Barna Group. Here is LHM’s description of the course. I encourage you to sign up for lhmlearn and take advantage of this learning experience.

LIVE Webinar on Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age

While technology and rapid cultural shifts have altered the face of evangelism, the Great Commission remains. This FREE three-session webinar presents findings from joint research done by Lutheran Hour Ministries and Barna about the state of spiritual conversations today. It explores changes in how and why people share the unchanging Good News in the digital age. This webinar digs deeper into our findings about the changes to faith sharing over the past 25 years, how people are sharing their faith today, the profile of those who are eager to share their faith, and how you can apply those insights to spiritual conversations in your everyday life.

Join Rev. Dr. Tony Cook, LHM’s Executive Director of United States Ministries, beginning September 13th at 7 p.m. CST for Session One, Sharing Faith Then and Now. During the presentation LHM staff will be answering questions followed by a LIVE Q&A with Dr. Cook after the presentation.

We look forward to sharing the research findings with you!

Go to  https://www.lhm.org/conversations/webinar.asp to sign up. All of us in LWML need to stay updated on current trends in communication because we have such a wonderful message to share! The message of the Gospel and God’s Grace!

Please keep the LWML Carolinas District in your prayers this week as the stormy weather approaches the location of their district convention scheduled for this week.

Patti

bloghome, Lutheran Resources, Lutheran Women in Mission

Where Love Abides!

“Where Love Abides” is now available for purchase and use to study God’s Word!

One of the emphases in LWML— is being in God’s Word. LWML provides many avenues to enable you to be in God’s Word. On our website there is a tab labeled “Word” and under that tab you can find different subject studies, different lengths, different formats, and see descriptions of what we have available.

This week is a big week as we debut the new DVD Bible study by Donna Pyle titled, “Where Love Abides”, based on the vineyard passages in John 15. This is an 8 part study with a lovely workbook that can actually be used for the study without the DVD. However, you are going to want to have the DVD.

Filming took place in Silver Creek, New York, in the vineyards at Gage Farms, just east of Lake Erie. The video work is beautiful as it shows the vineyard during different seasons of the year. Linda Gage is our LWML Gift Planner for our Gifts of Love Ministry that LWML provides for you. She and her husband, Don, grow concord grapes for the Welch company. They also have apples, peaches, gourds, pumpkins, and other seasonal crops. They most generously hosted the film crew and members of the Gifts of Love associates and Legacy Circle members who attended as the audience. I was also privileged to attend and although we shivered through a couple of days of filming, when the sun broke through and shown on the ripe grapes, the smell was heavenly! You will, like I did, learn thing about viticulture, as well as, taking a fresh look at a familiar part of Scripture.

 

Donna Pyle has been writing for LWML many years now. She is a member of LWML at her church, Salem Lutheran, Tomball, Texas. We thank her for her generous and enthusiastic support of LWML in all that she does. She is a beautiful singer, vivacious personality, and totally devoted to God’s Word and making it available in many formats so everyone can enjoy and learn from it.

Order your copy now and enjoy studying God’s Word as you appreciate the beautiful provisions He has given us for our nourishment and enjoyment and the gift of eternal life.

[Jesus said], “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1).

Love, Patti

 

bloghome, Lutheran Resources

Here Comes the month of June

… or “here comes the bride”. Doing a quick internet search I found figures reporting June as the highest wedding month with 10.8% of weddings taking place during June. Some reported September and October as surpassing June recently.

Are you invited to a wedding this month? Perhaps a bridal shower? As a Lutheran Woman in Mission is there an opportunity for you to share the love of Jesus and His Word with the wedding couple?

Yes, there is! First, you have to show up. Yes, you have to stop what you are working on Saturday afternoon to dress up and attend the ceremony or the bridal shower. Remember the wedding at Cana (John 2:2). Jesus showed up!

Secondly, you have to support the couple with prayer. Read Philippians 1:9-11.

And, finally, in your wedding or shower gift, share the Word of God with them through devotions centered on marriage from the LWML. These two inexpensive devotions (see below) can be tucked in gifts and they may just resonate with the couple when they see them. The Holy Spirit will guide that process in their hearts if you only get the devotions into their hands. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings (1 Corinthians 9:23).

I’m not just advertising product. I’m talking about resources LWML has developed to help you in your outreach to God’s people. Take advantage of the opportunity and then see how the Holy Spirit will use your efforts in the lives of newlywed couples.

Here are two resources to pass along with your gifts that are available from the LWML store.

Together is BetterWith This RingTogether is Better A small devotional book that includes scripture, devotions, activities, and prayers written by Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. It sells for $5.50.

With this Ring Mustard Seed Devotions 28 single-page devotions written by Rev. Wes and Sonja Baumeister. Sells for $1.50.

Be a woman in mission while celebrating the special event of a wedding this month!

In His Service,
Patti

Lutheran Resources

LWML History

On my blog this week I’m sharing the article I wrote for the Lutheran Layman. I was asked to write about the relation of women of the Reformation to current LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission. I learned some history while doing this and plan to dig deeper into the lives of these women of the time of the Reformation. I got the history information from our LWML history books by Marlys Taege Moberg and Ruth Fritz Meyer.

Throughout the 75 year history of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), the Reformation has been revealed in the work of women in this organization. In 1929 a committee of seven women, working with the encouragement of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL), began to organize district women’s groups under a national umbrella for better coordination of mission support efforts. One of the names they considered for the organization was, “Lutheran Women of the Reformation.” Continuing efforts to organize and be recognized were supported by the LLL and came to a conclusion when LWML was officially organized in 1942. In 1962 LWML became one of the official auxiliaries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS); the other auxiliary being the International Lutheran Layman’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries (Int’l LLL/LHM).

Women of today rejoice in the full salvation by grace through faith that Christ won for them and the reality of being a part of the priesthood of all believers. These components of the Reformation encourage women to share their God-given gifts and talents in representing the church in mission. This inclusive mission of serving all people through sharing of the Gospel and practical application of that Gospel, is key to the LWML as they declare the praises of Jesus.

Early women reformers influenced by Luther’s teachings exhibited gifts of service that continue in Lutheran women today. The most well-known, Katie Luther, is known for her hospitality, hard work in the garden and on the farm, and hymn writing. Argula von Grumbach wrote in support of the Reformation. She is remembered for her emphasis on Scripture and her support of the priesthood of all believers, including women. Katherine Zell, a gracious hostess, offered food and lodging to the Protestant travelers and floods of refugees who came through Strasbourg. She wrote hymns, campaigned for better run hospitals and visited troops in the field during the Peasants’ War. Working with other reformers, Elizabeth von Muenden developed guidelines and orders of service for Protestant worship. This faithfulness in every vocation in life continues in women of the church today. “How can I help?” is a familiar phrase.

In LWML we engage with and equip women to support mission work, write devotions and Bible studies, search for opportunities to serve, learn how to be leaders in their women’s groups, and look outward with Christ’s love.
Just as the Reformation brought major changes for women in the church, and necessitated a look into the future, so today we are faced with many changes. The new realities in communication, family life, and education have brought changes in human relations. These changes call for a new kind of commitment and focus on God’s mission in His world: new understanding of differing needs, new plans for effective programs, and new support for all Christian woman. LWML — Lutheran Women in Mission — continues to bring gifted women together to recognize, identify, and then address these pressing issues.

Equipping women to serve has fostered new family resources in the form of the “Balance” Bible study series on family issues, the “Dear Mother” devotionals for new mothers, and the “Together is Better” marriage devotion book; all written to address their specific needs. Service opportunities for families and women’s groups are evaluated and posted online. Flexible meeting and activity plans are suggested to involve working women and families in the mission outreach of the church while considering the best use of their time.

Equipping missionaries and missions and educating congregations about them is the work of the national and district LWMLs. These are funded through mission offerings and the familiar LWML Mite Box. Through these grants missions have been equipped to improve the physical and spiritual lives of families. One recent grant was to Lutheran Hour Ministries for outreach in refugee camps in Lebanon. In the same way that women of the Reformation worked to improve the physical and spiritual lives of God’s people, so we today continue that work in LWML.

Engaging, equipping, and encouraging women in the church continues from Reformation to the present and will go on into the future. The LWML — Lutheran Women in Mission — looks back on 75 years in 2017, but just as importantly, looks ahead to a future as women of the Reformation even now. We are embracing change while enjoying the delight of being a child of God and serving Him with gladness!