Dear Ones,
Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Our Thanksgiving service last night was just beautiful with no sermon but many sharing, lots of musical numbers, and even a choir of men that Al sang in. I think we all went home so uplifted and full of praise and also pie!
Today I am doing food prep and going to Aldi’s and my exercise class; Al would appreciate prayers again as he goes tomorrow to get his second cataract taken care of. Then more drops 4 times a day!!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Soon most people will be gathering together with family for Thanksgiving and not long after Christmas. For many it brings up anxiety of unresolved issues with relatives, and staying home might seem a rather enticing option. But as followers of the Lord, we are to seek peace and pursue it and choose to love rather harbor resentment and bitterness.
  It means we must pray for wisdom as how to handle each situation and family member and to reconcile when possible. Whitney Hopler shares some thoughts on how to do it and we can start by actively listening to the other person and not interrupting them. We seek to understand where they are coming from and acknowledge their feelings. Our attitude should be one of humility and openness of heart to see any ways that we may need to apologize for what we have contributed to the conflict. But we also need healthy boundaries and if there is not a willingness on the part of the other, we may find support from a friend, Pastor or counselor. But like King David who was honest with his feelings prayed in Psalm 51: “Wipe out my rebellious acts. Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. I admit that I am rebellious. My sin is in front of me.” We can only deal with our part to ask forgiveness and to try to make things right with others, and then leave the other person up to God. I want to include Whitney’s prayer that you may want to pray if you are going through a conflict with a loved one.
  “My loving Father in heaven, I come to you with a heavy heart, in pain from the conflicts in my family. Please give me your guidance, wisdom, and strength to navigate these challenging situations. Help me to resist the urge to repay evil for evil, and to choose love and grace instead. Give me the ability to actively listen, pursue forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and set healthy boundaries when necessary. I know that living at peace may not always be within my control, but I ask for your help in pursuing peace to the best of my ability. May your love and wisdom guide me as I face family conflicts, and may you heal and restore our relationships when others are willing to cooperate with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
  Challenge for today: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there is a member of family that you need to reconcile with.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy