Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying this day and keeping cool. Al went to Men’s group and I did food prep and just took G.F. banana bread out of the oven. We have Bible Study here this afternoon and errands to run. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
   So many that go on vacations in the summer dream of leaving their worries behind. That means no more ruminating about stressful things at the office, refusing to focus on fearful or hurtful exchanges with others, and not being anxious about what may happen in the future. When we go on vacation, we want to attempt to leave all those negative thoughts at home and simply enjoy some free time and live without worries.                                                                                                 But we can be worry-free, not just at those special times, but all year long if we are plugged into the Lord and know that we can give all our concerns to Him. I was reading from Psalm 119 today and the Psalmist refers throughout this long Psalm of how to find joy in the Lord and to live in peace. Some of the ways mentioned are to walk steadily on the road He sets before us and to stay the course, carefully reading the map of His Word and following His directions. He says to let the love of the Lord shape our lives, and to live in truth. We are not to drag our feet but be quick to follow His leading. He is also to be our place of quiet retreat with our hearts open to let the Word renew us daily. Even though there may be detours along the way, we are to listen and let the Lord tell us the right way to go so we can live life to the fullest. It’s important to take stops during the day to worship Him and sing praises.  When difficult times come along the way the Psalmist asks the Lord to, “Put your hand out and steady me since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.” (Psalm 119:173) And if we are unsure of the way, we can go to His word and let it light a path for our feet.  
    He speaks well of God’s rules, for he realizes that they are given to help us be free from doing those things that trip us up. Instead, they encourage us to becomes more like Him and who He made us to be. As we read and treasure His Word, He will help us to avoid the pitfalls as we travel through life and to reach our beautiful destination. Let us go His way and have peace and rest, that every day may be a vacation day from worry.
Challenge for today: Pick a verse from Psalm 119 to carry with you for this day.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy