The Real Women Behind the Podium: The Conversation Continues

What do you love to do to relax?

HG: As I said, I love to read.

BD: We live on the beach and we really enjoy the ocean. We go boating every summer. I feel so close to God with the vastness of the ocean, the different shells and the fish – each created by God. They didn’t just happen. I’m very fortunate that I’m able to enjoy doing those things I love the most.

IM: Watch sports in person and on television.

VVS: My husband, Burnell, and I sing in a community chorus where we participate in at least two performances a year. We like to travel and spend time with grandkids. Recently we traveled to West Africa for the Board for World Mission with Linda and Ron Reiser, where we both enjoyed seeing another part of the world. I also spend a LOT of time with a camera in my hand so photography is one of my hobbies. And I enjoy the time spent scrap booking all those pictures!

LR: I play golf and love to take walks with my husband, In nice weather — remember I live in Nebraska — several other friends from church and I walk about 3 miles at 5:00 a.m. I love Nebraska football, volleyball, and baseball!

What book(s) have you read recently which you’d like to recommend to others?

HG: I love reading mysteries and biographies.

BD: I’ve just received funny book as a gift, The Lutheran Handbook: Here We Stand. It’s fun to read. I’m currently reading Islamic Imperialism, the history of Islam. The last book I really enjoyed reading was by George Bush — a collection of letters he received and wrote. I could hardly put it down, it was so fascinating.

IM: The Mitford series by Jan Karon.

VVS: Let’s see — my reading is usually just for fun now! I’ve read Nicholas Sparks, The Wedding, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Currently reading The Christmas Blessing by Donna Van Liere.

LR: John Maxwell’s Leadership Bible

Team by Jane Fryar

Jesus CEO by Laurie Beth Jones

Women in League With the Lord by Marlys Moberg Taege

Please share a Bible verse, character, or principle that guides you as you lead others.

HG: Hebrews 10:25 — We must consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things.

BD: Romans 8:28 — “according to His purpose…” That verse sustained me all the way through the death of one of my daughters. I knew the Lord didn’t mean harm. There had to be a reason. It wasn’t that it wasn’t hard, but that verse was a great comfort.

I do a lot of public speaking, motivational speaking, and workshops. Two thoughts I leave with all my audiences:

Priorities — the Lord is number one and then your family and then education. Those are core values.

Everything that happens to you in life — good, bad, traumatic, whatever — the Lord is preparing you for whatever is to come. And I’ve been able to comfort women who have been abused, divorced, or who’ve lost a child. The verse has been comforting to me and I have just shared that with all. It’s not what happens to you in life that’s important, it’s how you handle it. I guess that’s why my children always ask my how I’m so calm all the time.

IM: Joseph of the Old Testament, Nehemiah, and Jeremiah 29:11. Because of my years as LWML Planner, Jeremiah 29:11 became very important to me. During my term as president, I used this verse on much of my correspondence.

GE: The following verse I used throughout my term. In fact the Executive Committee gave me a framed calligraphy of this verse as a parting gift. It hangs in the entry of our home where I see it daily. I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Psalms 121).

In recent times I have been very encouraged by Joshua, Moses’ helper and eventually the new leader of Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you: he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8).

VVS:Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).

LR: I have several favorites:

Ephesians 4:1-8 Team Building

Philippians 4:11-13 Positive Attitude

Deuteronomy 31:6 Not Forsaken

Ephesians 3:20-21 To God be the Glory!

What involvement do you continue to have with Lutheran Women in Mission?

HG: I have served on district committees. I am currently Christian Growth chairman for my zone, and I am a speaker for rallies and other events.

AB: I still serve as parliamentarian of the Ohio District!

BD: We’ve just reactivated the society at Christ Lutheran at Cape Canaveral, and I attend our zone rallies. And I was there to help and encourage Tampa Host Committee Chairman Marilyn Trainer during the last convention. I try to do more encouraging of others to be active. I don’t want to take any office because I feel we need to get new people involved.

IM: I participate in my local LWML group. I enjoy serving, as requested, such as writing Bible studies. Most of all, I happily serve as advocate for LWML.

VVS: I remain active on the Nebraska North LWML Board by advising as parliamentarian and other ways. I still serve as a MMV Consultant in this area, and look forward to serving the LWML for many years in whatever way the Lord offers.