Dear Ones,
Happy weekend to you! I went early to the store today to avoid the many who will be getting ready for the holiday. I also made G.F. cookies and pork chops smothered with an apple topping and the house smells so good. Tomorrow we are heading to the lake and the forecast isn’t for very warm temperatures. Emoji But thankfully it isn’t rain. Emoji
Devotions from Judy’s heart
 Loneliness is a big problem today and made worse by COVID-19. Today there are 35.7 million Americans that live alone and loneliness is only exacerbated during this time of isolation. But we don’t have to live alone to have feelings of separation from others, for many going through divorce and traumatic times are left feeling depressed and separated as well.  Our health is often affected, for our bodies feel the effects of loneliness that can result in anxiety, heart conditions, dementia, chronic health problems etc. We would think that since we have cell phones, zoom and video chats that it would help solve the problem. But if we see others enjoying fun times on Facebook, it can make us feel worse for what we feel we are missing. But we have a place to go, someone who understands and One who is there for us. Jennifer Slattery writes about how God deals with us in our anxiety and gives the example of the prophet Elijah. After his victory over the 450 prophets of Baal he was threatened by Jezebel and fled to the desert. He felt so alone and depressed that he wanted to die. But instead of rebuking him, God sent an angel to strengthen him and gave him food and water; he slept and was renewed from exhaustion and ate and was nourished. Or when Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane before his death, he agonized to the point of sweating drops of blood. God sent an angel to strengthen Him. When we feel alone and abandoned, we can look to the Lord and He will use whatever means He chooses to help us and to give us peace. We are told in Isaiah 41:10 (The Message), “I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you. Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Even when we may be by ourselves, we are not alone for the Lord is with us and will fill those empty places inside us.
Challenge for today: When you feel lonely, take time to spend with the Lord and hear His comforting words.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy