I am a mom of two children lost during pregnancy but waiting for me in heaven. God designed and knit them together in my womb, even though we didn’t get to meet them in person. Yet God still welcomed them into His family.

We are all God’s children, and He would like nothing better than for us to take care of each other’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. God enlarges our hearts during times of trials and joys, so we can understand the deep love He has for all of His children.

We are designed by God to be relational and to share His love and our love for each other. If you have experienced loss, trials, tribulations, sorrows, joys, and blessings, let God lead you as you comfort and/or celebrate with others, utilizing your empathetic heart and servant hands.

To find encouraging ways to show His love to others, check out the mission service activities at www.lwml.org/posts/mission-servants-activities/mission-service-calendar.

Karla Koehler

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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The LWML leadership alternates writing these home page articles, and I am so happy I get Thanksgiving week! As Lutheran Women in Mission, we have been given much for which to praise and thank our Lord.

We begin our “thankful” list with Jesus, who came to earth to teach and lead by example, and who suffered and died for us. He rose from that death, triumphantly defeating sin, death, and the power of the devil. This is a blessed gift and reason enough for thanking God every day!

We thank God for His continued mercy and love, His grace and presence, His comfort in times of stress, and His truth shared with us through His Word. We have faith in His promises.

Many do not yet know Jesus, which is why we offer resources on this website, to equip you to share His love with confidence. Instead of turning on the television today, consider exploring this website. Prepare to be amazed!

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day in worship, with family, and in praise to the Triune God. Eat some turkey, too!

In HIS service, surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie Larson

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me (Psalm 25:4–5a).

Fall in Colorado is my favorite time of year. The glorious colors and beautiful weather that the Lord provides just beckons you to get outside and enjoy.

This is a great time to retreat away from the busyness of life to listen to God’s Word and follow His leading. If you are interested in a retreat on your own or with a few friends, check out “Let’s Grab Our Shoes and Go” written by our Christian Resources Editor Committee Chairman Terri Bentley. This retreat contains everything you need for a wonderful weekend — two Bible studies, an Emmaus Walk, a mite devotion, and even name tag ideas. All available as a free downloadable resource.

Take time to enjoy the cooler weather and grab some time with the Word.

Mary Marten

Chairman, Christian Life Committee 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Between Halloween and Advent, I yearn to include the word “eucharisteo” (a Greek word meaning “giving thanks”) into my Thanksgiving preparations. Celebrations may be different this year; will you be adapting your Thanksgiving plans? If so, I encourage you to embrace those changes as opportunities to be creative in how you both count — and share — your blessings, giving thanks to God for His faithfulness!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7).

There is a new LWML resource available to enhance your Thanksgiving plans: a set of 10 “Encouraging Bible Verses” with lovely fall wreath images to print, cut apart, and use. Consider inserting them in Thanksgiving cards, including one with a donated meal, or using them as place cards, napkin rings, or favors on your dining room table. May His Word be your eucharisteo encouragement!

Eden Keefe

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In the midst of continual change in our world, we can trust that our Lord never changes. He is our rock; our fortress; our constant.

This last weekend a recurring change took place. For most of us, daylight saving time reverted back to standard time. Another change taking place is fall moving into winter, giving us shorter days of less sunshine.

Thinking about the changes in time and season remind me of how my Lord and Savior does not change. It is a comfort that I can count on Him every waking hour. It is a comfort that no matter what is happening around me, He is with me, guiding me through life’s changes.

LWML has not changed its focus for over 78 years. Our programs may change, and new resources may be developed, but Jesus Christ has always been at the center of what we do and who we are.

Click here for “Changeless!” — a Bible study from the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly.

Char Kroemer

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Research shows that there are about 75 apps installed on the average smartphone, only nine of those see daily use. Did you know the LWML has an app?

The LWML App is full of items that you might have separate apps for already. Did you know there is a Bible in the app? No need for a separate devotion app — devotions, Bible studies, and a prayer wall are available. Need information on a mission grant? It’s there along with the League Pledge and songs in case you need them for quick reference at a meeting or event. Read the LWML President’s Blog and listen to the Podcast LWML On The Go while you wait at an appointment.

There are so many things in this app that will assist you in affirming your relationship with the Triune God and enable you to use your gifts in ministry to the people of the world. Make it your #1 app today!

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge (Proverbs 18:15).

Joy Anderson

Chairman, Growth and Development Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Mrs. Peggy Fickenscher influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML as a newly installed teacher many years ago at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas. Her support helped me to say “yes” to joining LWML and later, to serve in several positions within the church organization. Her joy in serving and knack for hospitality was a definite example for me. She always encouraged me in whatever position I had, saying, “Christie, you can do this because I’m praying for you and God is with you.”

Peggy has been “serving” in heaven for quite a few years now, but I have always remembered her words. I have said “yes” to various LWML positions in several churches to which I belonged, serving in the LWML Missouri District, the Altenburg Zone, and national LWML. The blessings of friendship, encouragement, joy, and prayers are evident each day of my life. I remember and give thanks! To God be all glory and praise!

Christie Steffens

Chairman, Church Workers in Mission Committee 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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