Dear Ones,
Hope you have a blessed day!  We celebrated our grandson Joe’s birthday last night as he was on his way to the lake.
We had supper and chocolate zucchini cake with lots of frosting! This morning a friend is picking me up and taking me to a special coffee shop. Later I have Crafts and Bible Study.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
One day I was surprised when a book came in the mail for me that I had not ordered and I still have no idea who sent it. Usually Al gets the books and I read his, but this day it was for me. I leafed through it first of all, and thought, “This book may be just the one to lead me into the New Year.” It starts out with the importance of surrendering wholeheartedly to the will of the Lord, asking for Him to take away blindness and give me eyes to see Him; to take away deafness to hear His voice; take away hardness of heart to have a soft open heart for Him; and remove darkness of mind to be enlightened to the wondrous things He has waiting.
Last week Al and I had been sharing together about our recent visit to the Assisted Living building next door where he preached and later we also went for a party. There we saw many older than us, but also those younger than us who were now receiving care for their needs. When I returned home I felt so much peace and was left with the realization of how short life is, and had a sense that we are all on a journey, much like pilgrims who are simply passing through. I tend to hurry through life as I walk fast, work fast and eat fast, so Al is always telling me to slow down. But it is good to remember this world is not our home and we are here only a short time. We can’t see everything, buy everything or do everything. Rather we should love the Lord, find what He has called us to do, and to serve others.

We can ask ourselves: what matters most in our lives? How can I put the Lord first in my daily life? What does He want me to do with my life in this short time on earth? These are questions that are good to ask ourselves, as soon we will enter a New Year. Let us surrender to the Lord, put our full trust in Him in faith, and receive all that He has waiting to give us.

Challenge for today: Let nothing distract you from spending time with the Lord and begin with five minutes of quiet stillness.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy