Dear Ones,
  Hope you are enjoying the day. This morning I made a big pot of stew and went downstairs to sample yummy bars made by one of the men. Soon I will go to my exercise class and this afternoon we are expecting a couple from our first church in Edina that were in our youth group there in the 1990’s. They have since married and this is the first time we will have seen them after all these years! 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Each of us is created in the image of God and endowed with gifts that may differ from one another. All of His gifts are good, but not the same, for they reflect different aspects of God. When we view others, it is not good to compare but simply to appreciate their unique qualities that resemble the One who also created us.
   Al and I live in an independent living complex with 60 apartments of married and single people. You have to be 55 to get in and one man is only 54 but able to live here since his wife is a year older and qualifies. We can gather in the community room every day or evening if we choose, and converse and have coffee with others who show up,There are also planned parties and events and we can participate in the ones that interest us but no pressure. Some may be introverts that prefer more alone time, and others seem to meet together every morning and afternoon, sometimes out in the courtyard on sunny days.
   Lately, I have asked the Lord to show me His unique gifts in the people around me that display His nature. I could fill pages but will only tell you of a couple. I think of my neighbor and friend who is 63 and came from our former church. In Lynn I see God’s generosity and gracious hospitality and joy. She is constantly on the go, helping at her church and on worship team etc. She doesn’t miss her grandchildren’s games which is often nearly an hour away. She helps with classes here on card making and daily fills a candy dish outside her door for all who walk by to take. She is full of joy and wears a warm smile and welcomes others, no matter who they are.
    Next, I think of a man who also lives down the hall and his life speaks volumes to me on how to grow old gracefully. Dan just turned 91 and has many health concerns. He doesn’t let those issues deter him from coming to Bible Study and at times he shares stories of faith from his own life. What impresses me most is that he never gives up. Sometimes he has to go to the hospital to have fluid removed so he can breathe better, and when he returns, he is out slowly walking the halls again with his walker trying to regain strength. He likes to do things for himself and is always eager to talk about the Lord. He and his wife are invited out often by loving family and they never say they are too tired to go. Dan is like an energizing bunny that just keeps going in the strength of the Lord.
  Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to appreciate and teach you through those people He has in your life.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy