Dear Ones,
Hope you had a relaxing weekend. Today is Al’s birthday and his desire is to go to Duluth so we are leaving early and going to spend some time by Lake Superior but also at the bookstore, his favorite place.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
The Lord loves to give to us His children, even as we love to give to our loved ones. Giving is good for our hearts as we express our gratitude for all we have been given. Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to give gifts and often went to hot sales, enjoyed running a Clothes Closet at church where free clothes were given, happily planned for Christmas and birthday giving to all the family, etc. But one night I had a dream with a word that seemed so clear to me…I was to no longer spend time searching and buying gifts, but only continue with the grandkids monthly treat money and birthday money. I was quite sure it was the Lord speaking, as I would not have wanted to receive that word.

I have been trying hard to honor that message, but I want to share the delightful experiences I am having. Here at Northern Lakes, we have what I call a “giving table” on second and third floors, down near the trash chute. It is a card table where unwanted items can be put that we no longer want or use, and whoever desires any item can take freely. I can’t tell you how many times the exact item we need is on that table. When we first moved here, we looked and looked for a floor lamp for the corner by our dining table with no luck. Then one day the perfect one showed up by the giving table, and I probably danced with it in my arms all the way to our apartment. When I was going to order a t-shirt for our country’s 250th celebration, there on the table was one that was my size and another for a friend I would soon be visiting. I often say, “Lord, I know that was you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Another instance lately was my sadness that we were going to meet with our former Board, and I have always brought a little gift for them. I didn’t want to be disobedient, but told the Lord of my desire and the answer was right before me next time I went to the “giving table”. There were three brand new double decker plant holders to be assembled with the note that they had been sent by mistake. I thought, Lord this was no mistake, as this was your way of letting me pass on to each couple a gift that is really from you. Also, instead of buying prizes for the birthday parties, I am using things that appear on the table which could be the answer to someone else’s need.

God is the giver of all good gifts, and they don’t always come in wrapped packages but are far more valuable. Most importantly, He offers the gift of salvation for all those who will receive Him. John 1:12 says, “But to all who receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

Challenge for today: Thank the Lord for all His gifts, and use your gifts to serve others. (I Peter 4:10)
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy