Dear Ones,
Happy Weekend! Take time to enjoy it! Today is Birthday Party day here and we go to pick up the cake at Costco when it opens. We have a retreatant coming today for the weekend and we look forward to time with him. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
   We are told many times in scripture to seek the Lord and to do it continually. Today I read the song that was sung before the ark found in I Chron. 16:11 (ESV), “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that He has done, His miracles and the judgments He uttered.” We are to search for the Lord daily and remember the amazing things He has done and is doing. He loves when we keep our spiritual eyes open for Him and our antennas up to be alert for signs of His presence.
   We can probably remember times when we are out and about and someone loudly calls our name and says, “Oh _____, so wonderful to see you!”  We are recognized and shown love and appreciation and it gives us joy. I suspect the Lord is pleased when we recognize Him in our day and see His hand at work in our life and circumstances. It must give Him joy also. But it could mean that we have to turn away from things that distract us from knowing Him more intimately. We can get too busy doing things that fill our time and occupy us but have no lasting value.
   During this Lenten season, it is especially good to set apart some time to be still and listen to Him. In solitude, we may hear Him speak to our hearts things that we are deaf to when we are overcome with busyness. He continues to speak to us but are we silent enough and eager to listen to Him. Our Spirit is strengthened in such times alone with the Lord.
   When we read scripture, it should be with the intention of drawing closer to the Lord and hearing Him speak, not just to accumulate knowledge. It is like a deep friendship rather than just a simple acquaintance with Him. I have saved all of Al’s love letters and I remember how I anticipated mail time when we were separated. May we have an open spirit and an anticipation for what the Lord has for us each day! He has so much to give us and as it says in I Peter 5:7b,” For He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”
  Challenge for today: Be awake to the presence of God in your life and take some time to quietly listen to His words of love.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy