Unsurprisingly, Lutheran Service Book contains a substantial collection of “Trust” hymns — and also unsurprisingly, many of those hymns are dearly loved by Lutheran ladies.

In this Hymn Sing with Sarah episode, Sarah tells the stories of over a dozen different trust-based hymns, a list informed by listener polls conducted earlier in the Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group.

Lyrics featured include “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart (LSB 708), “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me (LSB 715), “Jesus Lead Thou On” (LSB 718), “How Firm a Foundation” (LSB 728), “I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus” (LSB 729), “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (LSB 733), “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” (LSB 739), and “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” (LSB 740).

“These hymns confess what God promises to provide for us,” says Sarah. “They talk about how God will provide for us, how he forgives our sins, rescues us from death and the devil, gives us eternal life, and promises to be always with us. They also confess that nothing can separate us from God. We are His children, and literally nothing can take that away from us. There’s a reason they are favorites.”

Stay tuned at the end for a 2021 performance of “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart” by the Concordia Seminary Choir (including Sarah Gulseth) with Dr. Jim Marriott on the organ. (Used with permission.)

Links mentioned:

• "Trust Hymn" Facebook Group Poll facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge/posts/7257427070985875
• Hymn Sing with Sarah Episodes
• Good Shepherd Sunday kfuo.org/2022/05/06/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-136-hymn-sing-with-sarah-good-shepherd-sunday
• Hymns for the Nation kfuo.org/2022/07/01/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-144-hymn-sing-with-sarah-hymns-for-the-nation
• Two Year Anniversary Great Moments in Lutheran Lady History kfuo.org/2021/09/24/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-104-two-year-anniversary-great-moments-in-lutheran-lady-history
• Jesus Savior Pilot Me arranged by Jonathan Kohrs youtube.com/watch?v=Hvo4eQ8fNC8

Featured audio:

View the entire video here: youtube.com/watch?v=hSPDYsXpcWA

Lutheran Service Book 708 "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart"

Performed by the Concordia Seminary Choir, conducted by Dr. Jim Marriott.

Organ by Dr. Jim Marriott.

Audio performance used with permission.

Text and Tune: Public Domain

Setting: © 1950 Bärenreiter. Used with permission.

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

The Rev. Dr. John Kleinig is emeritus lecturer at Luther College, Adelaide, South Australia, and author of several books on Lutheran theology and spirituality, including Grace upon Grace, Wonderfully Made, and the volume on Prayer in the Lutheran Spirituality Series. In this warm and pastoral Kitchen Table Talk conversation, Dr. Kleinig answers vital questions on prayer from a biblical Lutheran perspective.

What is prayer? What different forms does it take? Is there such a thing as a “Lutheran rosary”? How does Christ teach us to pray, even today, through His Word? What does it really mean to pray “in Jesus’ name”?

For further reading, check out the following books by Dr. Kleinig, which were referenced in the episode:

• Lutheran Spirituality: Prayer
• Grace upon Grace: Spirituality for Today
• Wonderfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body

For further listening, check out our Lutheran Ladies’ Book Club discussion of Wonderfully Made.

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

How much do you know about Valentine’s Day? In her latest trivia challenge, Rachel’s quizzing the Ladies on the holiday that everyone seems to love (or hate, or not actually care about ... as Rachel says, “There are only really three options.”).

Was Saint Valentine real? What’s his story? Is it romantic? If now, where did all the lovey-dovey stuff come from? (Hint: the answer will probably surprise you.) And what, exactly, do postage stamps, black noodles, cow hugging, and riots all have to do with Valentine’s Day?

Resources referenced in this episode include:

• Valentine's Day - Wikipedia
• St. Valentine - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online
• The Love Birds of Valentine's Day - JSTOR Daily
• The young men and maids delight; or, the new English valentine writer; containing a variety of verses ... To which is added several new songs ... 1787
• Valentine’s Day: Countries Where It’s Illegal to Celebrate Season of Love and Why
• Parents' Worship Day - Wikipedia
• Commemorations - Church Year - The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (lcms.org)

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

On February 9, 2024, people across the nation are celebrating their love of the pizza pie on National Pizza Day. In light of this tasty festival, Sarah is asking the Big Question:

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Taking the opportunity to share her love of Detroit-style pizza (and why it's the best, in her opinion), Sarah then takes the ladies through the history of Hawaiian pizza, why she thinks pineapple does belong on pizza, if there's more than one philosophical question about pineapple on pizza, and what the ladies in the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook group think about pineapple on pizza. Share your opinion on the poll at facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge/posts/7197264107002172.

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

It’s an Iron-Ladle Challenge, and this time, the Ladies are tackling budget-friendly recipes.

The rules are simple:

• Make a balanced meal that you and your family will actually eat.
• Spend as little money as possible.
• Pantry items* are freebies.

*Shelf-stable foodstuffs that you buy in bulk and regularly keep on hand.

Will Sarah, Erin, and Rachel each rise to the creative challenge and bring a healthy, tasty, super-frugal meal to the table? Listen and find out!

Scroll down for featured recipes.

Erin’s Masaman Curried Cauliflower

12 servings

$11.61, $.97/serving

• 4 T oil (approximately)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 head Cauliflower, cut into large bite size pieces
• 1 can Masaman curry paste
• 1 large can diced tomatoes
• 1.5 lb potatoes, cut into large bite size pieces
• 2 cans chickpeas, drained (OR! 12 oz bag frozen green peas- small cost savings. But maybe less kid friendly.)
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Rice, cooked
• Hot sauce, optional

In a dutch oven, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the curry paste and stir to combine.

Add the cauliflower and toss well. Then add the diced tomatoes, potatoes, and chickpeas. Mix well. Cover and simmer until the cauliflower and potatoes are done. Add water if the pan starts to look dry.

When the cauliflower and potatoes are done, add salt and pepper to taste. Right before serving, stir in the cilantro.

Serve over rice. Add hot sauce, if you like-a the spice.

Serve with baked chicken drumsticks

Ericka’s baked chicken drumsticks

$.98/lb, ~$.25/serving

• Chicken drumsticks
• Mayonnaise
• Tony Chachere’s
• Seasoned salt

Brush/rub drumsticks with mayonnaise (it helps the seasoning to stick). Put in a baking dish. Season with Tony Chachere’s (if you like-a the spice) or seasoned salt (if you don’t) or a mix of the two (if you like a tiny spice).

Bake at 350° until the meat starts pulling away from the bones. Check at 1 hour. If there is a lot of juice in the pan, drain off the juices and put back in the oven for 5-10 minutes more.

Sarah's Coleslaw Beef Stirfry

Individual serving ( ~$3/serving)

• 200g (ish) bagged coleslaw (tricolor is best!!)
• 2.5oz (ish) slivered almonds
• 4oz ground beef
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: raisins, dried cranberries, cranberry sauce

In a frying pan on medium-high heat, sauté almonds and beef in about 2Tbs olive oil until done.

Add the coleslaw and a couple tablespoons of water. Cover and lower to medium heat.

Stir occasionally. It’s done the the coleslaw is just turning translucent and is “al dente.” If you have purple cabbage, you do not want it to turn blue.

Add raisins, cranberries, or cranberry sauce on your plate.

Options: use chicken instead of beef, or any leftover meat.

Rachel's Delicious Pantry Favorites

~ FREE per serving

A pot of beans, simmered on the stove.

Your favorite skillet cornbread recipe (Rachel used this one: gardenandgun.com/recipe/southern-skillet-cornbread)

Coleslaw (recipe in the Slaw-Yeah episode! kfuo.org/2020/07/17/lutheran-ladies-lounge-episode-043-erins-recipe-card-slaw-fest)

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

Dr. Erik Ankerberg joins Sarah, Erin, and Rachel to discuss the latest Lutheran Ladies’ Book Club pick: George Herbert’s The Temple.

An expert on Herbert’s poetry (as well as a longtime fan), Dr. Ankerberg shares a depth of insight as he helps the Ladies unpack this beautiful but obscure volume of devotional verse.

Who was George Herbert? To what extent was his Anglican faith influenced by Lutheran theology? What makes his poetry feel so fresh and relevant for Christians today?

Poems discussed in detail in this episode include the following:

• “The Pulley”
• “The Collar”
• “The Holdfast”
• “Love (3)”

At the conclusion of the episode, the Ladies announce their next book club pick: Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

Dr. Erik Ankerberg is president of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. Prior to his inauguration in 2023, he earned his Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature from Marquette University (dissertation: Toward a Re-Formed Confession: Johann Gerhard's Sacred Meditations and "Repining Restlessnesse" in the Poetry of George Herbert) and spent many years as an English professor.

Click to learn more about Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor or to read Dr. Ankerberg’s inaugural address (which includes George Herbert’s sonnet “The Holdfast”).

Learn more about George Herbert and sample his best-known poems at PoetryFoundation.org.

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

Thinking caps on, ladies! Class is in session!

Once again, Sarah’s sharing study notes from her graduate courses at Concordia University Irvine’s Townsend Institute for Counseling and Leadership. In this stimulating episode, she covers:

• Macro cultures and their effect on organizations and communities
• The value of articulating personal values, mission, and vision statements
• A helpful model for engaging in difficult conversations

"What happens when we avoid hard conversations?” Sarah asks. “Things fester, grow, become more of a problem, become more stressful, and become harder to manage, right? So if we have the confidence to deal with something at the start, we can manage things in a better, more productive way. ... We want to ultimately build up relationships and become closer to people, and dealing with conflict in a healthy manner can actually do that. Building up a culture of healthy confrontation means people live in truth with each other rather than avoiding the truth.”

Resources referenced in this episode include:

• “Having Difficult but Effective Conversations” by Dr. John Townsend
• Organizational Culture and Leadership by Edgar H. Schein

Click to learn more about CUI’s Townsend Institute for Counseling and Leadership.

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow

Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

Amy Scholz is director of church and donor relations for Lutheran Braille Workers. She’s also an LCMS pastor’s wife, a fellow Lutheran lady, and a veteran family caregiver, having walked alongside both her father and her husband as they navigated serious health conditions decades apart.

In this One-Question Interview, Amy joins the Ladies to share her story and talk frankly about caregiving. How does God prepare his servants (women especially) for the work of “caregiver”? What are the bad days like? The good days? How can women keep themselves and their relationships strong in a caregiver scenario? How can they stay refreshed and spiritually resilient as they fulfill this calling?

To dig more deeply into this topic, check out Kim Marxhausen’s Weary Joy: The Caregiver’s Journey (recommended by Amy Scholz and available from CPH).

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

Happy Epiphany from the Lutheran Ladies! To celebrate the day, we’re rebroadcasting one of Sarah’s favorite Hymn Sing episodes.

Sarah begins this deep dive into favorite Epiphany hymns with the so-called “Queen of Chorales,” Philipp Nicolai’s “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” (LSB 395). She then digs into the stories behind other beloved lyrics, including “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning” (LSB 400), “As with Gladness Men of Old” (LSB 397), and “Arise and Shine in Splendor” (LSB 396).

Click to listen to an entire podcast episode on Elisabeth Cruciger, the author of Sarah’s favorite Epiphany hymn, “The Only Son from Heaven” (LSB 402).

At the end of this podcast, hear “Arise and Shine in Splendor” (LSB 396), recorded at the LCMS International Center during the Epiphany of Our Lord Divine Service on January 6, 2023.

Text: Martin Opitz, 1597-1639; Tr. Gerhard Gieschen, 1899-1987, alt. Copyright: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission.

Music: Heinrich Isaac, c. 1450-1517. Public Domain. Improvisations by organist and performer Jacob Palmer. Used with permission.

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].

As they have for the past three years, Sarah, Erin, and Rachel are offering blessings, wishes, and prognostications for the New Year.

After revisiting last year’s prognostications to see if any came true (spoiler alert: NO), each of the Lutheran Ladies presents a good wish, a word of blessing, and a wild-and-crazy prediction for what life will hold in 2024.

Find LCMS Memory Verse resources at lcms.org/memoryverse.

Click to revisit the Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge New Year’s specials from 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at [email protected].