Do you ever notice the signature line of email messages?  Often the sender uses this as an opportunity to share something about themselves. Most of the time the signature line for messages sent from my computer includes Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

Knowing that God is in charge and that we can and should go to Him with our problems because He can handle them is very important.  We can feed the cat, take out the garbage, and make some decisions, but only as God allows. In the end, God’s plan for our lives includes our salvation and His victory!

I believe it is important to share this message with those I correspond with so that they too may know the comfort and security of God being in charge.

Pat Reichert

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

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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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