Dear Ones,
Happy weekend! It is sunny out but cooler and seems more like fall. I cleaned the apt today and made an apple cake but not a recipe I will use again…but Al is happy since he is my taster! 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
   We have all been hearing and reading about the death of Queen Elizabeth who died peacefully a couple days ago at 96 years of age. She was loved by so many throughout the world and was the longest serving monarch with many titles. My favorite title for her is Defender of the Faith. The editor of Christianity.Com, Molly Law, wrote about the queen and how she was well-known for her faith in God, not just by her words but by her actions.
   We see her faith shared especially in the messages she gave at Christmas. In 2011 she said, “Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves—from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person-neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Savior with the power to forgive..It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.”
   The queen’s used the teaching of the parable of the Good Samaritan to share with others who is our neighbor. She said the victim who was robbed and beaten was not helped by a countrymen but by a foreigner who was despised. Her words, “The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.”
   The queen revealed her faith, not only through her words but in her deeds She said, “I know the only way to live my life is to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings and to put my trust in God.” She spoke of Jesus teachings as a framework to try to live her life like Christ’s example.
  As we remember the queen, let us hold fast those truths she spoke about but also that she lived out in her life.
Challenge for today: Be bold in your witness and let your faith be known.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy