Gardening and Growth

My husband Carl was the gardener in our family, and it was his outdoor leisure. He would allow me to help plant onion sets because I could squat down, and I oversaw harvesting the bounty, but he had the green thumb. After Carl died, I thought I could try gardening since I love fresh homegrown vegetables. Truthfully, my gardens have never looked like his. I have encountered the notorious weeds, but I am to this day still attempting a small garden!

As I thought about the process of gardening – from seeds to produce, this verse came to mind: Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted, and built up in him and established in the faith (Colossians 2:6–7). It is only through God’s grace that our faith is rooted in Him. He allows us to grow and gives us the opportunities meant for us. We are so blessed!

In this growing season of your life, I suggest you read the devotion Day By Day — Growing in the Lord.

Karol Selle

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Be Kind

I have spent a lot of time in airports lately. My favorite travel shirt is my Choose Joy graphic t-shirt. Airports and airplanes are often stressful places. Wearing this shirt reminds me that I can be joyful even in the midst of difficult situations. I know that Jesus is at my side through every situation, and I don’t have to worry or be afraid. I have found that smiling and asking how someone’s day is going can be very positive for me and the employee or fellow traveler with whom I have engaged. We don’t know what burdens others are carrying but we can be kind. It costs us nothing to smile or be kind. As Lutheran Women in Mission we know that we have been and continue to be blessed with all that we have or need by God. Why not share that joy with others?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

Debbie Yocky

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Ocean Waves and Sunsets

Our God is amazing! His creation gives such pleasure as views of grandeur are evident all around us. On a recent camping trip, I had the privilege of taking in the views of one of His creations — the ocean. Its magnificent power and beauty are mesmerizing every time I see the rolling water. My heart swells and thoughts of thankfulness and praise fill my mind.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150).

May I always recognize the beauty in the world around me, giving thanks and praise to its Creator. To Him be glory and honor forevermore.

Char Kroemer

LWML Assistant to the President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Happy Mother’s Day?

To all mothers and those whose mothers are living, Happy Mother’s Day! Blessings abound!

For some women though, Mother’s Day is viewed through a different lens and may be a painful reminder of infertility, the grief of miscarriage, the untimely loss of a child, or the death of her own mother. Others, single or married, have no children. The informative Sharing Jesus’ Love in Action — Mother’s Day and Beyond suggests how to reach out to women who may not see Mother’s Day as a day of celebration.

As Lutheran Women in Mission, we thank God for ALL women who nurture in numerous ways — aunts, nieces, colleagues, medical workers, teachers, neighbors, friends, sisters, sisters-in-Christ, and countless more faithful, tireless, and loving servants.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you (Jeremiah 29:11–12).

Happy Mother’s Day — and beyond!

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Celebrate Mothers

This week we celebrate mothers! This is one of the best jobs I have ever had — being a mom! I have three Jesus loving kids. My daughter got married last summer to a wonderful Christian young man. My son is getting married in June to a lovely Christian young woman, and my youngest son is attending a Christian college in Phoenix where he has invested in Christian community. My prayer for them has always been that they would always follow Jesus. I am blessed that this prayer has been answered.

Do you know a new mom, or do you have a ministry in your congregation for new moms? LWML has a wonderful devotional book just for them. Those of us who are moms know it isn’t easy. New moms need our love and support! Why not bless them with this devotional book, Dear Mother — Devotions for New Mothers.

Anne Hartman

Gospel Outreach Committee Chairman, 2023–2025
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Sowing Seeds

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field” (Matthew 13:31).

Have you ever thought of yourself as a farmer? How about a “sower of seeds”? Many of you are gardeners and do sow seeds and tend plants. Our Lord gave us the parable of the sower to remind us how important it is that His Word be sown in this world. Lutheran Women in Mission can help in your “sowing” with the seed packets called Mustard Seeds. They are short devotions based on Scripture, either in single copy form or in a small booklet. Check them out here.

These devotions can be shared by giving them to your waitress at a restaurant, leaving them in your hotel room with a tip for the cleaning staff, including them in a card to a friend or loved one, giving them to a shut-in or someone in the hospital, and in so many other ways. May God bless your mustard seed sowing for Him.

Christie Steffens

Christian Life Committee Chairman
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Chosen!

I will celebrate my baptismal birthday this week. I am reminded that He has chosen me! “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

As God’s chosen one, I want to honor Him by showing love to others. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, (Colossians 3:12).

Because God sent his only Son to die on the cross for our sins, we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the blessing to be Jesus’ treasure. Every day, as Lutheran Women in Mission, we can remember that we are chosen and we can “joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others.”

An excellent resource for this topic is the Bible study “Treasured by God” on page 173 in the 2023–2025 Equipping Saints to Serve: A Two-Year Planner.

Thank You Lord for choosing me!

Kathy Pavelock

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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