Seasons Change

As November has rounded the corner, I am enjoying the frosty mornings, the honking of the geese flying south, the Thanksgiving planning, and the chance of a first snowfall. Changing seasons of the year, encourage me to consider the changes that happen in our life situations. Some, of course, are very joyous and others bring us to tears and worry. We don’t know what a day will bring into our personal lives. The question becomes, “How do you face change?”

Scripture gives us this advice: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Personally, I am not always happy when changes happen unexpectantly, and my plans are rearranged or gone all together. Sometimes, a change can bring a smile and joy to my heart. I recall the time a friend just showed up at my door and said, “Come with me!” I was taken on a beautiful walk and enjoyed an exceptional lunch that I had not planned. That change was a true gift which I remember to this day!

“Change is inevitable. Growth is an option” is a famous quote from Christian author John Maxwell. Change is going to happen to everyone. It’s the reaction to the change that can set the direction of your daily walk with the Lord. Ask yourself when a change comes your way, “How will I grow because of this change?” Talk to the Lord, ask His guidance, and follow His lead to find the growth awaiting you.

Blessings as you accept change graciously and grow stronger in your faith.

I encourage you to read the devotion by Mary J. Smith: Change

Karol Selle

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

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A Mighty Fortress is our God.

This week we celebrate Reformation Day. Reformation Sunday was observed on October 27 and many of us sang “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” This hymn, based on Psalm 46, is Martin Luther’s most well-known hymn.

Psalm 46 is my favorite Scripture passage and a source of comfort and strength in challenging times. We live in a fallen world and are daily surrounded by war, famine, natural disasters, illness, and death. And yet, at all times and in all circumstances, we can completely trust in a God who is faithful and has promised again and again to be with us always. We can rest in his promises no matter what life brings. What a blessing to be able to call on our Lord in all circumstances.

Debbie Yocky

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Christ-Focused

This week the LWML Convention Programming Committee and Board of Directors is meeting in St. Louis. While here, we begin and end each session with a devotion, Bible study, and/or a prayer.

The early Christian church is described this way in Acts 2:42, And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

As Lutheran Women in Mission, we are Christ-centered and Christ-focused. One of the best and most practical ways to keep that focus is to incorporate God’s Word in our meetings and events. With our resources, it is easy to find something that “fits” from the two-year planner “Equipping the Saints to Serve,” from our archives under Program Resources, or from Mustard Seed devotions. Isn’t it amazing to have these relevant, relatable, doctrinally reviewed resources available with only a few clicks on the computer or smartphone? We are indeed blessed.

May your times together be enriched by starting and ending with the Word and in prayer.

Eden Keefe

President, 2023–2027
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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“Thank You, Pastor!” — “You’re the Boss!”

And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15).

October is Church Worker Appreciation Month. As the coordinator of the Education and Family Ministry Team at our church, I was looking for a way for our 40+ Wednesday night students to say, “Thank you!” to our exceptionally talented and Christ-focused pastor. Lutheran Women in Mission had the perfect answer with their “Church Worker Appreciation Thank You Cards.” I downloaded and printed off several of each of the eight designs, and teachers distributed them to their students to write notes. It is exciting to read the kids’ heartfelt messages, and we cannot wait for Pastor to read these cards later this month.

Have you thanked your pastor and other church workers yet this month? There’s still time! Keep the Coloring Scripture webpage bookmarked as it also highlights resources for other seasons of the year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas! Happy note-writing as you thank others for their work and service!

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Our Past Inspires Our Future

What is LWML’s bread and butter? It’s Mission Grants, right? Our mission statement lists ‘supporting missions’ as one of our key focus areas. Did you know that since 1942, Lutheran Women in Mission have funded a little over 500 mission grant projects in 84 countries?

There are two documents that provide the history of these projects. The Mission Grants History lists the title of every grant by biennium from 1942 through 2021–2023. The Mission Grants Resume provides a summary description of every grant by country, by region, and a complete list by biennium. Did you know about these historical documents? Have you ever looked at them? Use the links to review this exciting part of our history. These resources serve as an inspiration to continually be involved in mission education and to motivate further mission service in your groups and zones.

Our motto “Serve the Lord with gladness!” includes our support of mission grants and the spreading of the Gospel through our mite offerings.

Serving in Joy,

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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All Grown Up?

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

As fall arrives and schools begin, I cannot believe how grown up my grandchildren are getting. Can it really be that the oldest is already in high school? I was sure it was just yesterday I was helping her brush her hair, and now I am helping her with algebra!

Growing up is what happens in this life. But what about growing up in our faith? God tells us that we are to grow up in every way, into Christ. How do we do that? We study God’s Word, go to worship, and join in fellowship with other believers in Christ.

The LWML two-year planner, Equipping Saints to Serve, is full of devotions, Bible studies, sketches, and more to help you to grow in your faith. Not just for LWML groups, it can be used by individuals, teachers, pastors, and anyone looking for resources to help them “grow up.”

Mary Smith

Christian Resources Editors Committee Chairman
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Active Partners

This week my husband and I will celebrate our wedding anniversary. I give thanks to the Lord for allowing us to share our lives for 38 years and counting! We have often been asked the reason for the success of our marriage. There are several reasons with God as the foundation for our blessed marriage.

1. Christ is a partner in this marriage.
   Through our shared faith, He provides us strength, helps us with challenges, and multiplies our blessings. Listen to this Mustard Seed related to the threefold cord.

2. Mutual respect and trust.
   John is my best friend and with friendships there is mutual respect and trust. We always have a friend in Jesus. Listen to this Mustard Seed about the gift of friendship.

3. Communication.
   We spend time each day talking about how our day has been. It’s a dedicated time to listen and show care with each other. Jesus teaches us to communicate love to one another in words and in actions and in so doing be Christ-like in our living. Listen to this Mustard Seed Devotion on communicating love.

I pray that you welcome Jesus as an active partner in your friendships!

Kathy Pavelock

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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