Brenda Marlin, PWOCI President

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” (Song of Songs 2:11-13 NIV)

I’ve seen butterflies everywhere lately. Have you seen them too? Butterflies and flowers are on clothing, shoes, scarves, advertisements, cookies, wall paper, and many other objects this season. Friends have called and emailed me with butterfly sightings on items ranging from Starbucks coffee cups to their children’s school curriculum. I was even served butterfly crackers on a recent flight to Korea! It’s as if butterflies have exploded everywhere!

I’ve noticed something else too. In my travels throughout the regions of PWOC, I’ve seen a common theme—an increased hunger for the Lord to arise—a desire for more of God. My awareness of the butterfly imagery and theobserved theme of increased hunger for Him began to merge in a message for hope for all of us.

The following Scriptures came to mind. The first one is the Song of Songs text above. It’s a beautiful description of the awakening love between Christ and His church, His belovedbride. But the Lord also reminded me of another truth:

…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (1 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

I love how the Lord sets the stage for us to be reminded of how special we are to Him and what He wants to do for us. A butterfly symbolizes new life, butterfliesnew beginnings, freedom in Christ and the fulfillment of destiny and purpose. I also love how the butterfly emerges after a cold winter season. They, along with the beautiful flowers, signify that spring is here. The new has come.

I could go in a myriad of teaching directions with this beautiful imagery, and you’ll probably hear more of them in the future. But the message I want you to focus on in this moment is this encouraging truth. You have a unique purpose in life. You are His beloved. You are a beautiful creation in Him.

Loving His Spring Time,

Brenda Marlin
President, PWOC International

Have you been to W.I.L.D. training yet? If so, you’ve already seen the new PWOC International theme for the coming year. Would you like to learn a bit more?

PWOC INTERNATIONAL YEARLY THEME
The PWOC International Yearly Theme, with its accompanying Logo and Music, provides continuity among the local PWOCs around the world. The theme can be used to inspire vision and direction for local PWOC board planning.

The new theme is introduced to local leaders in May of each year. The Board then begins using the theme at the Fall Kickoff meeting. The theme may be carried through the following summer or the local PWOC may choose not to use an international theme during the summer. (The Women’s Ministry Manual, p. 13)

Our 2009-2010 theme, “Arise, For the Lord Extends His Scepter,” is drawn from Psalm 45:6-9 and 1 Peter 2:9-10. These theme verses capture the work our Savior has done on behalf of His bride, the church, and the calling that exists on each of our lives as He works out His Kingdom purposes through us.

To learn more about the theme image (below), theme explanation or music, click here.

PWOCI 2009-2010 Theme Image

Feel free to contact Saleta Johnson, the PWOCI Theme Logistics Coordinator, at Theme@pwoc.org with questions or for more information.

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