Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a peace filled day!  We are getting a little rain here. This morning I studied and made stroganoff and went downstairs for donut day. This afternoon we have Bible Study here and we are blessed by the sharing of so many.  
Devotions from Judy’s heart
What does it mean to give our all to the Lord? When we freely give and don’t hold back, we have no idea what God will do. The little boy with his lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish didn’t know that his tummy would not only be full but also that of 5,000 men (plus women and children) after Jesus blessed it. God takes what we give Him and multiplies it, even though we never know the extent of the blessings that may result from it. As it says in Heb. 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Our part is to simply give what we have and leave the results up to God.
One such story comes to mind of an eight year-old boy named Biruk. He had an idea and asked his dad if he could have 8 chickens. That is an unusual request for such a young boy but his father, wanting to encourage entrepreneurship, not only agreed but purchased 100 chickens instead.  Once the chicks arrived and started to produce eggs, Biruk’s parents asked him what he would like to save his money for. They expected him to say a certain toy, but instead, heard him explain (in broken English) that he wanted to send the money he raised to Wuchale, Ethiopia. He had once lived there and had memoires of deep poverty, hungry days and nights, rain coming through the roof etc. He had a big heart and concluded that if he could send money back to Ethiopia, perhaps some kids would not have to live like he did. Biruk began to sell his eggs to relatives and neighbors, and after around a year, $10,000 had been raised. Biruk’s family helped and connected with the development director of the EECMY (“Home of Jesus”) church in Ethiopia, and a long-term relationship began. This project then began sponsoring 10 children, so the flock of hens was upped to 400. Before long Biruk was interviewed on TV and his story appeared in newspapers so more people began buying the eggs. A nonprofit was formed and since they continued to send 100% of the egg donations to Wuchale, Ethiopia, they were then able to sponsor 100 children. Soon a micro loan program was formed where single parents could attend classes and borrow money to start their own businesses. Last year they funded a maternal medicine clinic where expectant mothers come to visit and deliver their babies, and new born care is provided.
Just think of all that one young adopted boy began by simply giving his egg money to the Lord. What can we give to the Lord to let Him use as He sees fit?
Challenge for today: Spend some time asking the Lord what He would have you give to Him…no strings attached!
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy