Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a great weekend! It looks like we got some fresh snow in the night as everything is all white again. Tonight is the time to turn our clocks ahead as Daylight Savings Time begins. I plan to do food prep, scrub floors and study today.
Devotions from Judy’s heart                                                                                                                     When the days of our life are over, how would we like to be remembered? It’s a good question to ask ourselves, as it will influence how we live today and each day of our lives. Do we want to live it for the Lord and His kingdom, or is life centered on ourselves, what is comfortable and pleasing to us?

Recently, a good friend whom I have known for many years went home to be with the Lord. She could be described as one who always showed up. I met Florence when we lived at the lake and both of us worked at Share and Care, a place where people come to get clothes and house goods very cheaply and visit the food shelf. No matter when I helped there, Florence was always there working tirelessly and helping others get what they needed. When I asked her for something specific that I needed, she searched on all three floors and always seemed to find just the right thing. Even after we moved away, she sent things to me through our daughter.

Florence didn’t have an easy life, and yet was aware of the needs of others. Her son and granddaughter were living with her when I first knew her, and she provided a place for them, babysitting, etc. When Al retired, we went to the church where she had been a member for many years, and whenever there was a gathering, Florence was there and usually behind the counter serving. She came early and was often the last one to leave, and I don’t remember her ever complaining she was tired, not even after hours of making lefse! Whatever the need was, whether it was to help with the women’s group, quilting, or decorating the church, etc., we could count on her showing up. She had a great sense of humor as well, and could be seen in style shows, and fun skits, etc.

Florence had some health needs, and there many times through the years I thought she wasn’t going to make it, but somehow she would recover and be back serving others. We often referred to her as the Energizer Bunny. In life, our importance is not in an office we hold, or how much we accumulate, but to serve however the Lord directs. I will always remember Florence. She was an example to me of a faithful servant of the Lord who always showed up and one day will hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matt. 25:23)

Challenge for today: Ask the Lord how you might serve Him, and then show up!!
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy