Does it ever seem there is no end to the tasks you have to do?  We cook, clean, run kids to activities, attend meetings, and then start the whole process over again.  “I feel like I’m being used!” may be our cry.

Then, God places, in your midst, those who need help and we jump to support, nurture, and pray. Why?  Because we remember those beautiful, life giving words of Ephesians 2:8; “By grace you have been saved through faith. . . It is the gift of God.”  We remember that these opportunities for service are God’s opportunities.  God puts them in our path. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in" (Ephesians 2:10). What an honor to “get to” do the errands of the King!  God has placed these tasks in our path so that we can serve Him and our neighbor. 

When the to do list gets long … and it will … remember it is not your to do list, but rather God’s tasks that we are completing for Him.  Let us have our hearts prepared so that our errand going feet, working hands, and proclaiming lips will be ready to serve the Lord with gladness.  Then we can joyfully say,  “Lord, I want you to use me!”

Katy Gifford, Chairman

Mission Servants Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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My dad dizzily stumbled around the optometrist’s office, frustrated with his new bifocals. It was difficult to keep his balance as his eyes moved across the abrupt line in the middle of each lens. He was grateful when “no-line, easy-to-transition” bifocals became available.

Over the summer, our LWML will be transitioning leaders. New officers will be elected at Convention, and new committees will be appointed in August. Although names of people in each position will abruptly change, those currently serving will mentor and encourage the newly-elected to make an easy transition. As St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:31, “… so that all may learn and be encouraged.”

Please keep the Des Moines Convention in your prayers, for those planning it, as well as for all people on the ballot. Those elected will need God’s guidance for their new roles, and those not elected will need to hear God’s call for service elsewhere.

Carolyn Blum

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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When I was a little girl, I asked my mom and dad when my birthday was, and my dad said, “In the spring, when the grass turns green.” How I looked forward to spring and the renewed color of the grass in our yard and pastures!

Our heavenly Father gives us hope with a picture of grass, but one that comes with an eternal promise. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters … I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:2, 6). The certain hope of heaven, won for us by our risen Redeemer, is for all!

Nancy Bogenhagen

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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“The smallest good deed is worth a thousand grand intentions.” Author Unknown

I often catch myself with great intentions … and that’s as far as it goes. Then I feel guilty and sad. As a baptized child of God I repent of these failures and am forgiven, rejoicing that I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to go from just good intentions to actions.

Even the smallest deeds can make an impact – like making a phone call; sharing a Bible verse; or sending an email greeting, a mite donation, or a card with a Mustard Seed enclosed.

The Time is NOW to take action – even the smallest good deed is worthy!

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:18, 25

Eden Keefe

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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With the account of Easter morning still fresh in my mind, I have a renewed reverence for all that God has done for and given me. In thankful response, I worship and serve Him, joyfully contributing mites (offerings), and striving to show His love to others. Yet even as I give, God continues to shower me with His bounty.

When I worship, I am filled with new strength; when I serve, I feel a sense of purpose; when I show love to others, I know that very love comes from my Father in heaven. When I give offerings, I am filled with the joy of knowing the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be shared with the lost and needy. And when I sin, I am assured of my forgiveness through the blood of the Lamb. His bounty – His love, His peace, His promises – for you and me. Alleluia!

Because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to Himself. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:14-15).

Debbie Larson

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

He is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! What a glorious time in the church year as we reflect on all that our Lord and Savior has done for us!

We confess in the Apostles’ Creed that Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth as a man, suffered, died, and was crucified for our sake – for our sins! We further confess that He descended into hell, rose from the dead, lives and reigns in eternity, and will come to judge on the Last Day. This is the Good News of our Savior that we believe and confess.

Have you remembered to share that glorious Gospel news with the special women in your life? The Time is NOW to share your joy in your Resurrected Savior and tell about all that He has done for you. He is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Shari Miller

Strategic Plan Facilitator
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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He is risen! He is risen indeed! The Time is NOW to celebrate the most amazing event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!

Jesus’ resurrection is central to our faith. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul tells us, And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins . . . If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. The glorious reality that we celebrate is this, But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Jesus puts Christianity in a completely other category. The Christian story is about what God has done from His side. It’s about God’s search and rescue mission. It’s about God’s restoration of our broken relationship. This truth is too good to keep to ourselves.

It was this truth that compelled those early disciples – and every true disciple since – to go to every corner of the earth with the Gospel. The Time is NOW for you, too!

Rev. Dr. Robert Roegner

Junior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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