Category: Sister Judy (Page 177 of 279)

Devotions from Judy’s heart,

Sometimes less is more! Sometimes simple is better! Outside on our
back porch Al hung a single lighted angel that he bought to replace
last years ornament that had “expired”.  It stands out in the night
for the outline of the angel  is all lite up. Now if we had lots of
lights on our back porch or whole house, I doubt you would even
notice the angel. But since it is the only lighted decoration, it
stands out. Why do we “need” so much when a little may be more. 
Years ago at Christmas children received only one main gift and that
gift was cherished. Now they receive so much and still want more to
satisfy their wants, not appreciating any one thing in particular.
On Christmas eve we went to the Lighthouse church and the service
was held in a house that had been made into an office. About 50
people showed up and the service was very simple and yet so
meaningful. There were lots of children and they helped pass out the
candles, bulletins etc. Pastor had a ceramic figure of baby Jesus in
a wooden box and before he unveiled it, he talked all about the
preciousness of the gift. We will all remember the “sermon” as it
was simple and yet profound. Let us not miss the significance of
something simple when we think we “need” more!

Devotions from Judy’s  heart
The other day  I went to my neighbors to pick up a pkg left on their steps while they were gone. I had warm mittens on but on the trip home my hands still got cold and numb since I was not moving them. Usually I swing my arms as I power walk but then I was more immobile as I carried the gift. I thought of it in a spiritual sense how when we are not moving in the spirit we get cold and stagnant. We need to be alert and attentive, active and giving out to others or we get cold in our love for the Lord. Sometimes it happens so gradually we don’t even notice how cold our hearts are getting and we become numb. When I got home from my walk I had some hot chicken soup and sat by the stove and warmed up…it was wonderful. When we return to the Lord when our hearts have strayed, how great is the warmth of his love and peace also.

Devotions from Judy's heart
In one of the O.T. readings of the Christmas season we have, "Arise, 
shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon 
you." Isaiah 60:1
During Christmas we are reminded that the Light has come. Jesus came as 
the light and the darkness has not overcome the light.   The other night 
Al went for a walk wearing a device on his head that acted as a 
headlight, enabling him to see in the total darkness. Living as we do in 
the North woods, winter can be a time when we are engulfed in total 
darkness by 5 p.m.  He came back excited that he could now take prayer 
walks in the evening as well as during the day since he had plenty of 
light to see. I just read this prayer today from Daily Texts from Mt 
Carmel Ministries and maybe one for us all:  "Father of lights, I'm 
thankful that the light of Christ is stronger than darkness. In my 
weariness I often lose sight of your light. Whenever darkness threatens 
to overshadow me, reach out to me and fill me with your life, light, and 
love. Today keep me awake and aware of the needs of the others who have 
lost the way." We are children of the Light, let us walk in the light 
and share the Light of Christ.

Devotions from Judy’s heart

As you know after waiting over a month my new computer came when I was not at home to receive it. I missed out so made a point to be home the next day when Fed Ex came again.  So often we miss what God is saying to us as we are “not home” in the sense of listening , being so  preoccupied with  other things. It may be that we are  sick or depressed or just overwhelmed with pressures, but we mustn’t let that keep us from being alert to His voice.  I have to pray almost daily to be attentive to hear His voice in my ordinary life. Cardinal Basil Hume said, “Each of us needs an opportunity to be alone, and silent, to find space in the day or in the week, just to reflect and to listen to the voice of God that speaks deep within us. Our search for God is only our response to (God’s) search for us. (God) knocks at our door, but for many people their lives are too preoccupied for them to be able to hear.” God may speak to us through His Word, events, nature, prayer, people, news etc.and may we be attentive and alert to hear!

Devotions from Judy’s  heart

It’s hard to believe that a small item like a computer can be a treasure one minute and a frustration beyond words the next. I have also written lately on change and how we grow through it….but it isn’t always fun!  After about 8 years, I have a new computer but it is nothing like my old one. I’m sure one day I will get use to it and love it  but right now that is only in the future tense!  It’s hard to give up the old as everything worked so well and was familiar. Spiritually, the Lord can ask us to give up the old also and to enter into the new He has for us. Sometimes we are like the children of Israel and complain and long for the leeks and garlics of Egypt. But He says in Isaiah 43:18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ” Perhaps at times we must ask for eyes of faith  to perceive that what He is doing now is so much better than the old. Let us be welcome the new things He has for us.

Devotions from Judy’s heart