Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a great day. I started the day at the dermatologist at 8 a.m as the biopsy on my back was cancer but not melanoma. PTL! But I had to have another biopsy on my cheek so I won’t look too hot for Christmas pictures! Emoji It’s Donut Day so had treat when I got home!  Last night we decorated the church before Bible study and got it done in 1 hour as many came to help. Record time! This afternoon Al will be leading the Bible Study here and is a blessing as many usually share .
Devotions from Judy’s heart
One morning I woke to a lingering sweet aroma in the apartment as I had made Al’s favorite cookies before going to bed the night before. Even when I was briefly awake in the night, I noticed how good the scent was. It caused me to think of the sweet aroma of Christ and wondered what aroma I leave behind after I have been with others. As it says in II Cor. 2:14-15 (ESV), “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
Perhaps the question is something we all need to ask ourselves. When we are with a friend or a group of people what is the fragrance that we bring and then leave behind? Is it sweet smelling or could it be even offensive?  It is good to pay attention to how we live our lives, for others notice our attitudes and behavior, and are either attracted to the Lord or turned away. I’m sure we have all been with a person who seems to bring a beautiful essence into the room just by their positive, loving presence. Then there may be another that is negative and brings an offensive heavy scent.
Each day is a day to live for the Lord and the Holy Spirit wants to continually help us walk in love, to be kind and tenderhearted. That means we don’t have to push our opinions on others or say hurtful words but be respectful and loving with soft answers. As James 1:19 (ESV) says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
Let us all ask the Lord to show us  how we need to change and to become more like Him. May we each become a sweet-smelling fragrance that will draw others to the Lord.
Challenge for today: Daily ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His love that the fragrance of the Lord will touch others through you. 
Blessings on  your day and prayers and love, Judy