Wow, it’s almost 2016!  This struck me as I purchased a 2016 calendar.   

As a child I remember writing/drawing on a plastic film which covered a black, waxy surface beneath, a predecessor to today’s “Etch-a-Sketch.” When I messed up or finished drawing, I simply lifted the plastic film and just like magic everything was erased.

2015 is practically behind us - soon we’ll have a fresh start to the calendar’s blank sheets. One thing in our favor is the forgiveness of sins. Just like my childhood toy that carried the impressions of past works of art and failures, once I lifted the plastic film, the slate was clean. Likewise, with the Lord’s forgiveness comes a clean slate. He remembers our past no more as He grants forgiveness through His Son, Jesus.

This perhaps is a good way to think of what may lie ahead in 2016.  A fresh start. The Time is Now to engage in time set aside to daily be with the Lord in prayer and Bible study, meditating and absorbing His words for life, and walking daily with Him. “Serve the Lord with Gladness.”

Marilyn Schroeder
Treasurer

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“Detox” – That little word has been tossed around quite a bit over the past few years. It has become synonymous with de-stress. It seems fitting to use the word detox right now as we have been inundated over the past few months with holiday “stuff” – jingles, decorations, music, advertisements, traffic and the like.

However, these past few months have also been a joyous time, filled with the celebration of our church heritage (beginning with Reformation); giving thanks for the bounties God has bestowed on us at Thanksgiving; and completed with rejoicing throughout Advent and at the birth of the Savior at Christmas. Sadly, the commercialism and intensity of the world’s idea of how we should spend our days during the holiday seasons can stifle the pure joy of why we celebrate these holidays.

The Time is NOW… to detox! Block out the sounds, lights and cacophony of your surroundings, and sink yourself into quiet time with your Lord. Meditate on and rejoice at the riches that you have been given by Him – the gifts of faith, love, and eternal life.And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Cheryl Hamil
Christian Life Committee

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It’s everywhere. It’s constantly around you in restaurants, doctors’ offices, hotel lobbies, shopping malls, and elevators. You probably don’t even realize it because its purpose is not meant to be a distraction, but rather something rather calming and soothing — background music!

Unlike background music, we have the Word of God which is both soothing and comforting, and yet directive. After all, it is the Gospel! Soothing words of forgiveness, powerful words intended to change our lives, encouraging words to motivate us into action so that we live our lives completely for Him. It’s the Gospel we need to hear — it’s a melody that should capture our attention. It’s the power to change and a song that should surround our heart and life. The Time is NOW to share that Gospel song of forgiveness, encouragement, and motivation with your sisters in Christ!

Marilyn Schroeder
Convention Chairman 2015
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Have you struggled with “finding” time each day to set aside for actively being in God’s Word?  Do you often think that you have to tend to one more task first? However, there will be no better time than NOW to find the time; to be in God’s Word first.

What does God’s Word mean to me? How do I apply it to my daily life? I have determined to start with a steady, every-day-doable pace, realizing that it doesn’t have to be spectacular. I have started waking up a little earlier each day and reading my emailed devotions and looking deeper into the supporting Scripture readings. I pick one or two thoughts, sentences, or verses and write them down on an electronic document so that I can access it wherever I am, and strive to apply it throughout the day. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds (Psalm 77:12)

There is an undeniable peace in knowing I have started the day with my heavenly Father.  … the Lord hears when I call to him (Psalm 4:3b). Perhaps The Time is NOW to start your day in God’s Word!

Nancy Bogenhagen
LWML Vice President of Communication, 2013-2017

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