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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

Lutheran Resources

LWML History Books

While researching for an article I wrote last week, I was deep into the LWML history books:

  • Women on a Mission by Ruth Fritz Meyer, 1967
  • Women IN God’s Service, WINGS by Marlys Taege, 1991
  • Women In League With the Lord by Marlys Taege Moberg, 2005

LWML History Books

The first two listed are now out of print. If you have extras of these lying around the house would you consider sending them to the LWML Office, please? Also, if you are cleaning up a house of a past LWML member who might be downsizing or has gone to her heavenly home, would you consider mailing them in? It’s a great resource for those who are called on to write about our history.

Carolyn Blum

Carolyn Blum

Carolyn Blum, former LWML South Wisconsin District President, former Associate Editor and News Editor for the Lutheran Women’s Quarterly, past LWML Vice President of Organizational Resources, and 75th Anniversary Committee member has taken the job of writing the next history book.

Our LWML history is filled with changes. Even our beginning as an organization was influenced by the changing role of women in society. They were looking outside the sphere of the home and family to become more involved in the work of their church. Missions, foreign and domestic, held their interest. Caring and loving outreach were the interests of others. Still others, gifted as writers, ventured into writing Bible studies and devotions. Pooling resources and focusing on certain joint ventures enhanced the effectiveness of women’s outreach in their church body. Coming together as a national organization gave strength to these initiatives.

As our 75th year anniversary approaches, we must embrace changes within our organization to respond to changes in our church, family life, culture and soccer. (Yes, soccer games on Sunday is one of my bugaboos!) (I’ll probably get some angry emails for saying that!) (I don’t do Twitter!)

Where am I going with this? Oh yes! We have some big changes coming up in LWML. Be prepared, as we step out of our comfort zone and change something.

Through it all Lutheran Women in Mission will continue to represent the church in mission, the all-inclusive mission of serving their fellowman though the preaching of the Gospel and the practical application of that Gospel. May all be done to God’s Glory!

Lutheran Reflection

My Favorite Part of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly

 

Sheila Lutz

Sheila Lutz

Do you receive the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly? That is our LWML magazine published four times a year (quarterly) for all women–not just Lutheran women and not just women participating in LWML. It is a great magazine. It has feature articles, mission grant updates, Bible studies (one is always translated into Spanish), news from LWML groups, a note from the Gifts of Love team and updates on new “witness wear” or resources.

My favorite part of the magazine takes up one column on one page. It’s called “Praying the Psalms”. Christian Living Editor, Sheila Lutz, takes a Psalm each issue and reflects on the text in poetic form. I take out my Bible and read the psalm she has selected and then read her phrasing of the verses. It becomes a study of what the psalmist is saying to us! Above all, it is beautiful to read.

I’ve often told Sheila, who is currently working on the Quarterly and also serving as LWML District President of Central Illinois District, that I love her reflections. She will tell you that she doesn’t always know what she will write but the Holy Spirit guides her as she sets about her task.I strongly urge you to read this part of the Quarterly and see if you will agree with me that it is a wonderful part of a wonderful magazine.

 

Lutheran Woman's Quarterly

Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly

This magazine is available in print or electronically. Every woman should receive a copy and find their own favorite part. Praise God for women who use their unique God-given gifts to encourage the rest of us in our faith walk! This is what LWML is blessed to do.

What is your favorite part of the Quarterly? We’d love to hear from you!

 

Blessed to serve with all of you,

Patti