Dear Ones,
Hope you had a wonderful weekend! We enjoyed yesterday at our son-in-law’s church and celebration of his ordination, and later picnic, swimming, sauna and tubing with family. I made cookies this morning and went to my exercise class.
 I just got word that my friend from childhood, Helen, died early this morning. Please pray for her husband Jim,who is a pastor, and his family. She was loved by so many! 
Devotions from Judy’s  heart
“Whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon, whisper a prayer in the evening, to keep your heart in tune.” That is a chorus I sang as a young girl and was encouraged to tell God my needs. The second verse goes, “God answers prayer in the morning, God answers prayer at noon, God answers prayer in the evening, to keep your heart in tune.” Prayer is so important in the life of Christians and we are reminded to pray without ceasing, Prayer is powerful as it says in James 5:16(NRSV), “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” We might ask then, why aren’t my prayers always answered?
  Jesus hears us when we pray but the answers come in many ways. Of course, we love when our prayers are answered immediately and we see God’s hand in it. On Saturday I had such an experience as I was concerned for my friend in Assisted Living. Each August she goes to the Art Fair that is outside and right next door to where she lives. Since she is legally blind and wheelchair bound, it is hard for her to shop. The past couple years Al and I just happened to be going through her town when the sale was on and I helped her shop for the many presents she desires to give to those working where she lives. Well, this year she just had gifts for her son’s family left to find but I couldn’t get there for the sale; I was concerned for her going up and down an incline to actually get to the sale and then trying to find gifts when she sees so little. So, I prayed and prayed that God would send help to her in some way, and when I went to see her yesterday, I was so astonished at how God answered. Just as she was about ready to go down the incline for the sale, one of the vendors asked if she needed help. He was a total stranger and had his own booth to watch but saw she was in need. He not only helped her down the slope but took her all over for the sale and found the perfect gift for her son’s family. Instead of individual gifts, the big gift that took all her money, was for the whole family. Afterwards the kind man helped her up the incline and took her all the way back to Assisted Living. I could hardly believe the specific answer to prayer and she and I spent time in prayer yesterday and thanked the Lord.
  As we know God doesn’t always answer yes for sometimes what we ask for would not be good for us. There are times we are to wait, and we need patience for the time is not right yet. But one thing we do know He hears our prayers and will answer according to His perfect will.
   Challenge for today: Give the Lord a need you have and thank Him that He hears and the answer is on its way.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy