I have always loved to sing but never had a pleasing voice. In fact, my eighth grade vocal coach asked me to quit! In church, though, God doesn’t care if you have a beautiful voice. He loves to hear you sing HIS praises! In the Psalms alone there are 21 references to singing. Psalm 95:1 is a favorite: Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Joy and singing just seem to go together. I can think of no greater joy than singing praises to our God.

Do you begin your LWML Bible studies and meetings with song? LWML women love to sing. Try starting your next meeting with a joyful song of praise to our Lord! Then, try one of our program helps for resources on icebreakers, devotions, Bible studies, and mission service projects. Check out the 2019–2021 reSOURCEs for Planning Programs by clicking here.

Susan Donnelly

Public Relations Director 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Well, it happened again. Time stood still. Or in 21st century language — Daylight Saving Time started last weekend. I really miss that one hour. I know I’ll get it back in November, but I need it right now. I have things to do, deadlines to meet, people to cherish.

Did you know Daylight Saving Time started officially in the US in 1918? For over one hundred years we’ve been changing our clocks back and forth in the spring and fall, seeking after the perfect mix of daylight and darkness.

But is the focus really on having more hours in the day — or for better use of the hours we do have? The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

The LWML website has many resources that help us focus — and refocus — on our daily priorities:

• Leadership Resource: “Manage Yourself, Not Your Time”

• Multi-Session Bible Study: “The Task-Filled Life Bible Study”

• Single Session Bible Study: “Who’s Number One?

Deaconess Betty Knapp

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

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Spring is just around the corner! Are you ready for the spring-cleaning ritual? Each year my mom strongly urges me to donate clothing I’ve not worn in years, claiming that I use the majority of the available closet and drawer space in our home. I disagree with the amount of space I take! (smile) However, I will do it, and sort my clothes and shoes so I can contribute them to people in need.

What about spring cleaning of our hearts? Actually, we should not wait until spring to do this! We daily need to have our hearts cleansed by God so we can be one with Him. There is a great LWML devotion that you can use on your own or with your group to remember to clean your heart: Housecleaning — Heart Cleaning. Take a look at that devotion and others on the LWML website at Program Helps.

Enjoy your spring cleaning — and your daily heart cleaning!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Marie Chow

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Lent has arrived! This is a solemn time of repenting of our sins and remembering Jesus’ journey to the cross. Lent lasts for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday until Easter, without counting Sundays.

As a number’s person, I find the occurrence of certain numbers in the Bible fascinating. Lent is 40 days because it mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to each of the Gospels. Jesus spent 40 days on earth between the resurrection and the ascension.

Yes, numbers are fascinating. However I'm more excited about what the Bible tells us! It is more than just an instruction manual for living on this earth. It shows us the life we have in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All Scripture is … profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Journey with me over the 40 days of Lent by taking time to study God’s Word. LWML has many resources available to help you: sign up for LWML’s Mustard Seed Daily Devotions at www.lwml.org/stayintouch, or find a Bible Study at www.lwml.org/bible-studies.

Karla Koehler

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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I wrote the following article in 2018. I want to repeat it again this year and hope you take time to click on the devotion, reflect on the Scripture, and recognize that you are HIS!

Monday, February 17 (date changed to reflect the current year), is celebrated in honor and memory of all United States presidents, specifically George Washington, the first USA President. It is good to honor and remember these leaders of our country.

As Christians, we honor and remember our Lord (our Leader) and Savior, Jesus Christ. The LWML is founded on His promises of forgiveness, mercy, and love. Each Lutheran Woman in Mission honors our Triune God by ministering to the people of the world to His glory and in His name. And even as we are blessed to remember our Lord, He remembers us! Take a moment to read this short devotion and find comfort in His Word. We love because He first loved us.

If you are not yet involved in LWML I encourage you to find a local group near you and join their Bible studies, their mission service projects, and find joy in contributing to mites (mission dollars) to reach the lost with Jesus’ love. Find basic information on LWML here, and find out how to get involved here.

In His service, surrounded by His grace,

Debbie Larson

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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With Valentine hearts, chocolates, and red flowers filling store aisles, who could escape seeing a message about love this time of year?

Would you like to actively spread the love of God by serving as a writer? If so, a wonderful opportunity is coming with the first-ever LWML Writers’ Workshop scheduled for October 24-26, 2020 in St. Louis. Watch for more information at your district convention!

LWML offers many reminders of God’s most wonderful act of love for us. You can access an article, Finding Hidden Talents, in the February reSOURCEs for Planning Programs, or reach archived devotions like Abounding in Love or His Overflowing Love on the LWML website. Click on the “WORD” dropdown menu, then on “Program Helps.” There are several options at the bottom of the page to explore additional resources, organized by type. Use them individually or with a group.

your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing (2 Thessalonians 1:3b).

Love,

Terri Bentley

Chairman, Christian Resources Editors 2019-2021
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Several years ago, I taught an English as a Second Language (ESL) summer course for a group of Japanese students at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. My day began as usual, but when I walked out to the driveway, my face fell when I saw the flat. What now? Do I call someone? Do I fix it myself? That part of the story doesn’t matter, but the next part does.

Although rather late, I made it to class and began the lesson. God helped me turn my unexpected happening into a teachable moment. How? My students learned new vocabulary words — flat tire, unexpected, etc.

Maybe you’ve been asked an unexpected question, like a friend from church pleading, “I need a resource — now! — for tonight’s LWML gathering! Help!” Good things will happen if you refer her to this link: LWML Winter Resources.

When we fully rely on God, I believe He can turn any unexpected event into good thing. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

Char Kroemer

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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