A Quiet Time

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:2

Camping is the favorite summertime activity for my husband and myself. We love camping at Camp CILCA, Central Illinois Lutheran Camp Association, near Springfield. The camp is over two hundred acres of woods, a small lake, and lots of hiking trails. We love the quiet evenings by the campfire visiting with friends, but I especially enjoy the peaceful early mornings. Often I’ll take my devotions to one of the many outdoor worship areas. I spend this quiet time worshiping God and enjoying His beautiful creation with only the bird songs to interrupt the quiet.

This summer take time to enjoy God’s creation.

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10a

Check out www.lwml.org for great devotions and Bible Studies and go find a quiet place to spend time with God and enjoy His beautiful creation.

Betty Dietrich

Gospel Outreach Committee, Chairman
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Freedom

This word can conjure up many images.

Children enjoying summer vacation — freedom!

Youth getting their driver’s licenses — freedom!

Fourth of July — celebrating freedom!

Those suffering persecution and slavery who are seeking — freedom!

Those of us who have our freedom in and through Christ desire to respond. How? In his letter to the Galatians Paul declares,
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:13-14).

Need some ideas? Check out the Mission Servants Activity of the Month here.

May our loving response as redeemed children of God glorify our Savior!

Eden Keefe

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Reunions

Edie Norris

75th Anniversary Committee Chairman 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Dealing with the Shock of Death

The news is full of tragic shootings, bomb blasts and other works of evil. I found this Mustard Seed Devotion from the Mustard Seed Packet, “In Times of Need”, to share with you.

Dealing with the Shock of Death

And there followed [Jesus] a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him (Luke 23:27).

As Jesus was being led away to be crucified, the community was in shock. Mourning and lamenting ensued. From triumph to tragedy, He was being led out of the city to die. Things had changed so quickly.

When news breaks of unexpected, often tragic, deaths in a community, the shock spreads rapidly. The lives of police officers, firefighters, public officials, even innocent children can be ended suddenly while going about their daily routines. Communities are shaken to the core in the wake of such deadly tragedies.

Coping with tragic community deaths is difficult. But Jesus understands such circumstances. He walked in them. He died for them. In the midst of mourning and lamenting He brings hope and consolation. St. Peter reminds us, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1Peter 5:7 NIV). Tragic times call for transcending faith in Jesus who overcame death so we can spend eternity with Him.

We pray: O Lord, help me to cope with death and tragedy in my community, looking to You for hope and consolation because You went the way of the cross for me and for my salvation. In Your holy name. Amen.

May your hearts and minds be filled with God’s peace as only He can give.
President Patti

Taken from “In Times of Need” Mustard Seed Devotions, written by Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, and Rev. Kris Whitby.

Be sure you are signed up for emailed Mustard Seed Devotions and LWML eNews by going here.

Patti Ross

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Walking for Missions

Imagine taking a walk with several thousand individuals who are all wearing the same color shirt, all of them walking for the Lord. Yes, it has happened in the past, and it can happen again, and it will be done when you attend and join the Mission Pledge Walk at the LWML convention next summer in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 22–25, 2017.

In 2015 at the LWML convention in Des Moines, Iowa over $101,500 was pledged and received for the 2015–2017 biennium’s new $2,000,000 mite goal (the largest goal ever), all as a result of thousands of individuals putting one foot ahead of the other and walking together for the Lord’s work in mission fields around the world. Let’s do it again! Put on your comfortable shoes and walk with joy-filled hearts for the Lord’s mission of bringing the Good News to those around the world. You’ll never regret your commitment to Serving the Lord with Gladness! I’ll be walking with you.

Marilyn Schroeder

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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God’s Time or Yours?

2015-2017 Nominating Committee

Years ago, a friend gifted me with a framed and embroidered saying: “God is Never Early.”

It took me a few more years and some additional spiritual maturity to grasp the significance of that adage. God is never in a hurry, but He is always on time.

The Bible is filled with various examples of God’s perfect timing, such as Moses wandering in the wilderness for 40 years before receiving an answer to his question, “Is it time yet?”

Is this the time for your service in LWML or is God nudging you to nominate someone you know? Nominations for the following positions are being accepted through August 15, 2016:

• Vice President of Christian Life
• Vice President of Communication
• Vice President of Gospel Outreach
• Recording Secretary
• Nominating Committee (5)

These offices will be elected at the 2017 LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Check out nomination information on the LWML website.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Carol von Soosten

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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