For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 

I love the annual seasons in Kansas — each one has its own unique appeal and marks the movement of time in a visible way. Summer follows spring, and crisp fall days usually lead to some snow during the winter. 

A life in Christ follows seasons as well. Baptism begins the spring of a faith “year.” Faith is nurtured with spiritual milk throughout life’s spring and summer, growing in knowledge and being strengthened by family and friends as we converse over and share the word of God. Worship and service to others are added as the “year” fades from summer into fall, and winter expands our service to others to include accepting service from others as the need arises. 

As Lutheran Women in Mission, we have the opportunity to share seasons of life, both physical and spiritual, with many around us. The LWML devotion book titled Devotions for All Seasons has 20 devotions to read and/or share with friends and strangers alike. I pray it will help you as you share the love of Jesus with others during the seasons of life.

Elaine Engelman 
Lutheran Women in Mission 
Kansas District President

Last year our group had its first “annual” Fall retreat. Many women commented that the
highlight of the retreat was the prayer walk. Away from the hustle and bustle and
responsibilities of everyday life we were able to walk quietly in the woods and reflect on the
wonderful love of our Lord.

I'm reminded of the old Gospel song, "Just a Closer Walk with Thee." According to Google,
“circumstantial evidence” suggests that this song dates back to southern African American
churches of the nineteenth century, or possibly even as far back as prior to the Civil War
as slaves working in the fields were known to sing a song about “walking by the Lord’s
side.” The lyrics of the song allude to James 4:8a, Draw near to God and He will draw near
to you.

Look up the words to this song and take a walk with the Lord today.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV), Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Lori Steele
Lutheran Women in Mission
Oklahoma District President

Summer will soon be here! Some groups do not meet during this vacation season and there is nothing wrong with this practice. Just as a vacation is good for the body and the soul, a break from meetings can be refreshing. How many of us though, whine when vacation is over and we go back to our daily routines? What if we do not give our sisters time to whine? Find a way to stay in touch with your members. Share a special prayer request or Bible verse each week. Social media makes it easy to “follow” our friends, but do not forget that many times it is that special personal touch that can keep the members bound in harmony. That just might be the inspiration — the motive — to return in the fall.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:14–15).

Frances Molitor
LWML Texas District President

Several years ago, when my mother was seriously ill, my three sisters and I had several conference calls to keep us all aware of her situation. After my mother went to be with Jesus, the calls continued. Now, four years later, every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Central Time Zone, the four of us gather on Facetime to catch up on the weeks’ news.

This same sisterhood is found in Lutheran Women in Mission. We regularly gather together in our groups, and twice a year we attend gatherings to catch up on what is happening in the LWML. If you missed attending one of those meetings, you have an additional opportunity to hear what’s happening by attending the LWML convention in odd years and your district convention in even years.

Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the opportunity to gather with your sisters in Christ in order to catch up on the missions you support and explore the Bible with each other. Attend your group meeting, gathering, or convention! Embrace the sisterhood!

Joan Berquist
LWML North Wisconsin District President

Advent. The time of coming prior to the birth of Christ.  A time of anticipation; waiting; preparation.  In this Advent season, we are preparing and waiting to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas, while waiting to welcome Him aright in His final coming in glory.

Many years ago, Mary and Joseph were anticipating the birth of the baby. As they traveled the road to Bethlehem, did they discuss what was ahead? Or ponder the events which had already occurred? I can imagine Mary’s discomfort in her final weeks of pregnancy, and Joseph’s care and concern for her. Did they remember the words of David, Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14). They would need strength in the coming days; for the birth of the baby; for the miracles which would unfold.

Waiting can be difficult. As we wait with anticipation for Christmas, we hold these words in our hearts as we prepare for His coming.  In preparation, keep your focus on Christ with one of the LWML Advent devotions. One of my favorites is “Be Still” by Alli Bauck. We wait for the Lord.

Carolyn Holbrook
LWML Washington-Alaska District President

Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts (Malachi 3:1).

Our LWML group always has their Christmas party early in December and uses a resource from the LWML website for our program. One of my favorites is “Advent by Candlelight.” It takes us through the life stages of Mary, mother of Jesus, and helps us to understand our own life stages. It helps prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the baby Jesus.

As I get closer to Christmas Day and life gets more hectic, I refer back to this beautiful devotion, to recenter and remind myself what is the most important part of this season; the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. May your Advent season be blessed.

LaDonna Stanosheck
LWML Nebraska North District President

Trees fascinate me. There are so many different kinds. There are dwarf ones and giant redwoods. There are evergreen trees, trees that change color in the fall, and the ginkgo tree that drops all of its leaves within a few hours. We see sturdy oaks and flowing willows. There are ones with much character gained from many years of life right beside little saplings and trees showing enough growth to be sturdy on their own. I have also seen trees that look gilded by the sun shining on them.

These trees remind me of LWML women. Whenever we gather to serve, worship, and praise our Lord, there is a beautiful mixture. Let’s remember to stand tall together while we bask in the light of God’s grace, study His word, reach out with the Gospel, and appreciate all women.

Martha Hartwig
LWML Iowa East District President