Lutheran Women in Mission | Lutheran Women in Mission

In my very first blog I shared with you the writings of Jan Schmidt, a sister-in-Christ from my home congregation. She is a gifted writer, and I share some of her thoughts with you today integrated with my own.

Prepare. This word has been on my mind and heart a lot as the LWML Board of Directors (BOD) has been preparing for this week’s Interdepartmental Meeting in St. Louis. All LWML national committee members come together to plan for this biennium (please keep us in prayer). Much time has been spent preparing, many prayers have ascended seeking our Lord’s guidance, and I would say thousands of emails have been sent back and forth. We want to be prepared.

Much of our time, yours and mine, is spent in preparation. We prepare meals every day. We prepare our bodies for the day, showering and dressing for the weather. We prepare for company and vacations. We prepare for going to bed. We prepare for retirement. We may even prepare to die.

Preparation is important for a better future. The probability of things going smoothly are greatly increased by good preparation. Does God want us to prepare for future events? Yes, I believe He does. Let’s look at the very beginning: Only six chapters into the book of Genesis, the earth is filling with people. Already things are not going well. … all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth (Genesis 6:12b). God could have just destroyed the whole earth, but that was not God’s plan. Our God’s heart is that of a Redeemer. He prepared a way for Noah and his family to survive the cleansing flood. Not only did God save Noah, but God designed the ark for the salvation of animals, birds, and every creeping thing of the ground. It was a good plan. But it involved a lot of preparation and trust on the part of Noah.

The LWML BOD is prepared to guide the various committees through the planning process so that they will feel prepared to step out in faith, trusting that God will lead them to develop programs and resources that can be used to share Jesus with our families, community, and the world.

As you engage in various preparations today, take some time to thank God for His work of preparation in your life. As you look back, can you see how He has prepared you for certain experiences? You and I are almost certainly unaware of how He is today preparing us for what tomorrow will bring. But we can be sure He is doing just that. We may not have to build an ark, but we are engaged in the work of preparing hearts to be ready for Jesus’ coming again. And that is good work in which to be engaged. Prepare. He is coming!

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

October is Pastors’ Appreciation month. Yes, we should show and voice appreciation year-round but I have a feeling that’s not always the case. Over the years, I’ve shared my fears and distress with my pastors. I’ve prevailed upon them for guidance over and over again in my personal life and with Bible studies of which I needed more interpretation. They have counseled me and I do appreciate each of those pastors I’ve had the privilege to know. I just don’t always tell them. Do you?

As we praise God for our pastors this month, let’s get out our pen and paper and write notes of thanksgiving to His shepherds. Consider asking your whole family to write notes of thanks. Get your children involved so they are made aware of the blessing our pastors are in their daily lives. If you are able, include a gift certificate for a restaurant, sporting event, or movie theater. Let’s admit that our pastors aren’t in it for the money. A special gift will be appreciated. I plan on bringing the subject up during our Bible study so everyone is reminded to show their love and appreciation in some way.

I guess this isn’t really a blog. It’s more of an appeal but I think it’s worthy request and a good reminder. If you agree, please pass it on!

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

Debbie

This weekend I hosted 12 women for my family’s annual “Girl’s Weekend” at the ranch. This tradition began with my sisters and I traveling to my parents’ farm and spending time together while our father and husbands went hunting. Time passed, we had children, they married and had children, and the group grew. This group now includes my mom, sisters, daughters, nieces, friends, and an occasional dog or two.

We all love to cook (and eat!). We plan a craft or two, stay up late, and tease each other relentlessly. We reminisce, enjoy our time together, and look forward to future gatherings. Yes, we have moments of irritation and impatience, our political views are best not discussed, and we may not agree on the best way to help care for our mother as she considers her living arrangements … but we are family and that trumps all.

Three sisters, born of the same parents and raised in a Christian home, is more than enough for which to thank and praise my Lord. I know they may not always agree with me or understand my actions but, if I need them, they’re there for me.

I am also blessed with sisters in Christ, my church family. I know they will also be there for me, to lift me up, hold me accountable, laugh and cry with me, and pray with and for me. This is a sisterhood of choice … Lutheran Women in Mission!

Today I’m exhausted, but I have a smile on my face and love fills my heart. I’m thanking my Father for the gift of sisters, all of them!

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

I have tried to write this today without crying and I think I’ll just give up and write through tears. Please understand, these are humble, happy tears!

Last week I received a large box delivered to my home. It was sent by last biennium’s Growth and Development Chairman Crystal Miller. As Vice President of Organizational Resources (2015-2019), I served with three committees: Leadership Development (Chairman Susan Brunkow), Growth and Development, and Structure (Chairman Arlene Naasz). The incredible ladies on these committees, spearheaded by Crystal, collaborated on a gift for me that brings tears of joy to my eyes. Stretched out in canvas on this wall hanging are photos of each of their hands praying for me!

I immediately took down a large picture in my dining room and hung this one. (OK, I didn’t do it … my husband, Scott, did. I can’t hang a straight picture for the life of me!) This gift has touched my heart like few others. You see, even though this gift is tangible, I see it as servant hearts praying for me as I serve the Lord in the LWML. I see women who love the Lord, women who seek His wisdom and praise Him for His mercies; women who put everything, including the LWML, in His hands. This is what I see when my eyes and my heart look at this canvas.

I know women across the United States pray for me daily. This is a humbling and comforting thought. Please know that I pray for all of you, too, on a daily basis. What an honor to kneel before our Maker, knowing He listens and answers. Thy will be done, oh Lord!

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers (Philemon 1:4).

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

Debbie

Waves, Water, and the Wonder of the Word

Today, I travel to St. Louis in preparation for this week’s meetings with the LWML Board of Directors. For the last 10 days, I’ve been in Minnesota at my husband’s childhood lake home. I spent much time working and preparing for this upcoming meeting but I was blessed to spend it looking out at a beautiful, clear, Minnesota lake. I listened to the waves hit the shore, smelled the fresh breeze, and felt the peace of God that is so evident in nature.

I’ve read analogies of Christianity and waves. Like waves wash the sand from my feet, I know my sins are washed away by the sacrifice of my Savior. Or I think of my sins as crashing waves causing me to sink into the depths and I find comfort in knowing my Lifeboat. As I looked out at the lake, I saw the sun’s reflections, like diamonds dancing across the surface of the water and I thought of Jesus speaking to the woman at the well in John, chapter 4. What Jesus offered to her, He offers to us — “living water”.

It’s been a challenging month as I’ve navigated the transitions of my last position and my new position in LWML. Scott and I have traveled (over 8,000 miles) back and forth to family, and I have traveled to the LCMS Convention in Tampa, Florida, and to St. Louis, Missouri. There have been waves, at times overwhelming waves, and yet God has kept us safe in His arms through every mile. Each day I find my Lord speaks to me through His Word. Each day I gratefully receive His “living water” and thank Him for the joy I experience in service to Him in LWML. Yup, sometimes I see the waves as a challenge and sometimes I see them as a cleansing of the soul as the Holy Spirit guides me.

A large part of my faith journey has taken place alongside the women and men of LWML. This organization can play a vital part in your life as well. Come, ride the waves with me and look for where God will use you and your unique gifts to serve, learn, and belong.

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

Debbie

I have just returned home from the LCMS Convention in Tampa, Florida. I was privileged to address the assembly where I remarked that the convention was a “bit more intense” than the LWML Convention. We also carry out business at our LWML conventions and rejoice, as Lutheran Women in Mission, that we are blessed to focus on inspiring and educating women. Our conventions are filled with mission speakers, mission service, Bible study, and prayer. We rejoice in choosing mission grants that will reach those who need to hear about Jesus.

Arlene Naasz, Bishop Makala, and Char Kroemer at LCMS Convention. — Arlene Naasz, Bishop Makala, and Char Kroemer at LCMS Convention

LWML had an exhibit booth at the LCMS Convention. Vice President of Communication Char Kroemer and Meeting Manager Arlene Naasz spent the week sharing LWML with convention attendees. As people stopped to visit, many thanked LWML for various mission grants they had received and talked of how God worked, and continues to work, through those grants. Char, Arlene, and I accepted thanks on behalf of each of you because you are the women who, by God’s grace, make these grants possible!

One gentleman who stopped by identified himself as the Bishop from Tanzania. With tears in his eyes, Bishop Emmanuel Makala passionately thanked LWML for the $25,000 Tanzanian Sewing Center mission grant from last biennium. “This was a mountain top experience for me,” Arlene said, “and I was humbled and honored to represent LWML.”

Arlene preparing to greet convention attendees. What a welcoming smile!

I want each of you to know that the money you put in your Mite Box is much more than dimes and dollars. It’s hope, healing, love, and Jesus’ mercy, and it reaches around the world. We’ve been blessed with our faith and we are blessed as we share that with others.

I want you to know I thank God for each of you. You are our Lord’s hands, feet, and heart as you share His love. I find myself smiling as I pray for you and I believe Jesus is smiling also!

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

Debbie

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.

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

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

That’s been my theme over the past four years while serving you as LWML President. As you read this I am already in Mobile for our convention this week. Monday in Mobile, the Convention Planning Committee meets in the morning. In the afternoon, the Executive Committee will meet to review the Strategic Plan goals and objectives and then start their pre-convention meeting. Tuesday afternoon the rest of the Board of Directors comes in and the board meeting starts. Wednesday, the Board meeting continues and registration opens and the exhibit hall is set up with 70 exhibitors. Thursday convention begins in earnest!

Amidst all the hustle and bustle will be some times of difficult good by’s by the outgoing board members who have been together for four years — four years of changes, challenges, questions, answers, highs, lows, discouragement, encouragement, learning, discerning, diplomacy, tolerance, togetherness, appreciation. The list goes on and on. When we talk about LWML sisterhood, it is SO evident in the emotional bonding that takes place as we work together.

We have worked in order to serve Jesus. We are sinners, being perfect is not a job requirement in LWML. Our imperfections many times served to God’s Glory as He worked through imperfect women to achieve His purposes. We thank all our LWML sisters for their patience, flexibility, love, and encouragement over the past four years which you have given to us. It has been a privilege to serve LWML and Jesus.

I especially want to recognize and thank these outgoing LWML leaders who I’ve worked so closely with.

Michelle Zollinger, PR Director; Leslie Jaseph, Meeting Manager; Carol von Soosten, Strategic Plan Facilitator; Debbie Larson, VP of Organizational Resources; Kaye Wolff, VP Special Focus Ministries; Marilyn Schroeder, Treasurer; Rev. Robert Mundahl, Senior Pastoral Counselor.

Please continue to engage the women of our church in mission opportunities and the Word. Remember to encourage women, church workers, and missionaries. Equip yourselves with knowledge of missions and the Word of God. Enjoy your work for the Lord and let it put a smile on your face and in your heart.

Love, Patti

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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them Ephesians 2:8-10.

Serve the Lord with Gladness!

This past Sunday was the celebration of Pentecost. At our church we also had a blessing for all those going to convention in Mobile next week, June 20-23. It really fit together well. Pentecost and the giving of the Holy Spirit to the church and our convention, which is focused on spreading the Gospel worldwide. The logo for Mobile is a globe with a heart around it signifying God’s love for the people of the world and it converges right over Mobile, Alabama.

The poetry of our hymns is so rich! This particular hymn spoke to me as a prayer to the Holy Spirit. One that I plan to copy and use during convention preparations which will be crazy busy this week. I hope you will pray it with me and pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Mobile during convention, “In Praise to the LORD!”

Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord, with all Your graces now outpoured on each believer’s mind and heart; Your fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Your light In holy faith Your Church unite; From every land and every tongue this to your praise, O Lord, our God, be sung: Alleluia, Alleluia!

Come, holy Light, guide divine, now cause the Word of life to shine. Teach us to know our God aright and call Him Father with delight. From every error keep us free; Let none but Christ our master be, that we in living faith abide, in Him, our Lord, with all our might confide. Alleluia, alleluia!

Come, holy Fire, comfort true, grant us the will Your work to do and in Your service to abide; Let trials turn us not aside. Lord, by Your power prepare each heart, and to our weakness strength impart that bravely here we may contend, through life and death to You, our Lord, ascend. Alleluia, alleluia!

LSB 497

Collect for Pentecost Eve

Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Patti

Preparations

Thanking God for Pastors and all Church Workers

Sisters

The Hands of His Servants

I Find Myself Smiling as I Pray for You!

All Stages of Life

The Afterglow of Convention

Engage, Encourage, Equip and Enjoy!

Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord

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