Dear Ones,
Happy Weekend to you! We are going on our walk in a few minutes as it is just going to keep heating up today and I have to stay out of the sun. I cleaned already and am busy fixing salmon and halibut given to us. What a treat! 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
   In the days ahead it is going to be imperative that the Body of Christ be closely knit together if we are going to be able to stand against the onslaught of the enemy. We can see more each day of the animosity towards the church of God and how we are losing freedoms that we have held in the past. We can’t stand alone but we can stand strong together to make a difference. Paul says in Eph. 4:4, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling.”
  But that doesn’t mean we all come from the same mold and similar denominations but rather that we embrace the truth of the gospel, believing Jesus died for us, rose from the dead and will come back for us one day. We don’t have to capitalize on the differences that some churches emphasize, and others may not, but rather to see our common ground in Christ. We are only one part of the stream that flows from the cross and many others who join along the way, of those that embrace Christ. Each has something to contribute and broadens the stream and enriches our lives and helps us become more balanced. I came from an evangelical background, but I have enjoyed dipping into the other streams and especially embrace the contemplative in my present life. I love to be alone in our bedroom where my desk is, and spend time in quiet and seeking to hear the Lord, reading contemplative books and the lives of those who are led by the Holy Spirit etc.
  But for all of us we are to be open and receptive to all other streams and unit with others. In the future we may need the ministry of those who show compassion and give care, or we may be called to missions to share the gospel to a diverse group, or we may sense the need of power of the Holy Spirit to help us stand against accusations against us. We are to be open, stretched, always learning and open to the new things the Lord has for us.
  Let us not try to go it alone but to join with others and be strengthened together to stand in the difficult days ahead.
Challenge for today: Ask and learn from other Christians that aren’t just like you!
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy