When I was a child, I dreaded the Lenten Season. My mom would ask me each year “What are you giving up for Lent?” I would try to produce some clever ideas. I would stop eating chocolate. I would stop whining. I would stop fighting with my sister. The lists were about the same every year and by the second week in Lent I had failed at all the promises I made to my mom.

I no longer “give up” items for Lent. Instead, I try to find ways to enjoy the season. I turn the focus away from myself. I practice gratitude and compassion to others.

As women in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, we have chosen to serve the Lord with gladness — this includes during the Lenten Season.

Lent does not need to be a time for sadness and giving up things. It is a time to share the Gospel with those around you. It is a time to share what Jesus gave up for us as we go through Lent.

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

Debbie Weaver
Lutheran Women in Mission
Oregon District President

We are all exhausted. Demands never stop and failures pile up. Life gets hard. No wonder we are weary and need relief. We are tired because we think our identity and worth rests on our achievements, as if our works make us who we are or give us our worth. Broken people cannot fix brokenness. We need to be made whole, or justified, but we can’t muster it ourselves. 

How amazing, then, that our holy God, who set the standard for justice higher than we could ever reach, reaches down to us and proclaims over messy sinners who can’t ever get their own act together, “Justified! Forgiven!” In Christ’s death and resurrection is eternal justice and rest. Works don’t give us our identity or worth — they are what we do. Who we are is a baptized, redeemed, child of God. Sunday is a day of rest, not only from our daily work but also because we do not have to earn the Lord’s forgiveness. It is a gift, freely given.

Rev. Dr. Brian Mosemann
Lutheran Women in Mission
South Dakota District Senior Pastoral Counselor

The other day, between trips to our LCMS SELC District Convention and Presidents Assembly, I needed to do our laundry and repack our luggage. When I went to the laundry room, I realized that I didn’t have enough laundry detergent for the four loads of wash. Just then, I remembered that I had a packet of laundry pods stored in the garage. I read the directions and started the washing machine. As I was zipping the packet closed, I saw these words “3-in-1.” Every laundry product that I needed was right there in that little pod.

I immediately thought of the Holy Trinity. Everything that I need is in the Holy Trinity. It is through the lens of the Trinity that we as Christians comprehend the depth of God’s love, the extent of His grace, and the transformative power of His presence in our lives.

Just like the laundry detergent, we are cleansed, and the stains of our sin are taken away.

Peace be with you,

Carol A. Miksad
Lutheran Women in Mission
LWML SELC District President

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17 ESV).

I love it when our family celebrates a holiday or event. I spend a lot of time planning the menus, where everyone will sleep, and activities for the grandchildren. I contact my children to ask what they would like me to cook. A long grocery list is made, items are purchased, and I cook for days. As you can see, I sometimes lose focus. I will keep my focus for future gatherings by reading the Mustard Seed Devotions and completing my daily Bible study with my grandchildren. I will also use the LWML Coloring Scripture Resources for their activities. These actions will be a model for my children and grandchildren to keep our focus on His honor and glory. 

Leslie Koenck
Lutheran Women in Mission
Louisiana-Mississippi District President 

Our recent fall gatherings were under the theme “Seek the Lord.” Based on Hosea 10:12, Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you, we explored the seeking. Does God play hide-and-seek with us? Does He play as we do as young children? Most times obviously found? Does He play as teenagers? Hoping not to be found? Left up to us, we would never find or even seek Him. But God wants to be found! In the Old Testament, God told the people exactly where to find Him — in the tent and later in the temple. These places were leading to Christ Himself. Today, we find Him in His Word and the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. God promises to be here for us. We find Him in Jesus. 

Cheryl Long 
Lutheran Women in Mission 
Central Illinois District President

Recently my Pastor joined our LWML Hot August Nights potluck. He led us in an opening devotion and asked this question, “Which of you have beautiful feet?” We all looked at one another and said, “My feet are definitely not beautiful!” The devotion continued as he explained that the work that we support through the LWML gives us all beautiful feet, quoting the following: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7).

Knowing that the mission grants we fund and the places at which we volunteer are spreading the good news of salvation to not only other nations but also locally is beautiful — keeping our feet on the firm foundation of Christ.

So, look down at your feet knowing they are indeed beautiful. Continue sharing the happiness of knowing Christ and bringing the news of salvation to others. Fill those Mite Boxes. Your God reigns!

Roxan Schwab
Lutheran Women in Mission
California-Nevada-Hawaii District President