Tag Archives: remember

Memorial

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As we are well into the Memorial Day weekend I wanted to share some thoughts with you today.  As I was thinking about Memorial Day my mind went back to the Word of God.  I began to think about the children of Israel and all that God did for them.  Yet, they still rebelled against Him.  Then their enemies would take them captive and they would cry out to God and He would send a deliverer.

At different times in the Bible they were admonished to remember.  The one instance that comes to my mind of their travels and troubles can be found in Joshua 4:7, “Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.”

We have done a great disservice to the generations that follow us.  We have let our heritage slip.  I am guilty, I must admit.  I did not like history in school and so I did not apply myself to learn it in school.  Now I am an old man and I deeply regret it.  We have young people now that do not know history and care nothing about it or for it at all.  I am deeply sorry for my contribution to this.

In our verse of Scripture God instructed the children of Israel to gather stones and pile them up in a certain place.  He did this so that when the generations following asked about the piles of stones it would spark conversation and a teaching moment to teach the younger generations where they came from.  We need to have memorials in our lives too.

So, how are you doing?

Memories

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This week has been a tough week to say the least for me and my family.  On Thursday last week we said good bye to my aunt who was a godly woman.  It was truly a celebration of her life.  This was a life well lived for sure.  There is no doubt that when my aunt stepped out of this life she stepped into the presence of Jesus.

My wife and I were discussing what of my aunt”s personal effects that we would like to bring home with us.  We also discussed what of her things did we want to share with others that loved her like we do.  We began to talk about the homemade hot pads and afghans.  Then it hit me like a brick.  I remembered her making one particular afghan.  Se worked on it for a long time.  It seemed to me like a couple years.  Then as the memories flooded my mind so the tears began to roll out of my eyes.

As I was able to share in the celebration of her life I shared one thought with those gathered there.  I told them that the best thing they could do for their loved ones is to live a life so dedicated to Jesus Christ that there will be no doubt at the end of our lives.

This reminds me of the first part of Proverbs 10:7, “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”  “The memory of the just is blessed:…”   This is talking about the little mementos that we leave behind in the minds and lives of those we leave behind.  I pray that I leave good and godly memories or mementos..

So, how are you doing?

Thanksgiving 27

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Tomorrow we will celebrate Thanksgiving 2013.  I love Thanksgiving.  I find myself very frustrated at people who are already turning on their Christmas lights.  It is not Thanksgiving yet, so why are you passing over it?  The retailers are so desperate for your money that they are now going to be open on Thanksgiving day to try to get your business.  I hope you are not so foolish as to go Christmas shopping on Thanksgiving day.  Is it really worth saving a few dollars to blow off the family and forget the true meaning of the day we celebrate and reflect on the goodness and provision of our Heavenly Father.

Well, if you want to be absolutely truthful about Thanksgiving then you must admit that it should never be limited to just one day each year.  For the Christian every day of every year should be a day of Thanksgiving.

As I am thinking about Thanksgiving I remember my family gathering at my Grandparents house the evening before to help Grandma Ruth begin to prepare the Thanksgiving meal.  We even had a special meal that night too.  We always had Spanish Hamburgers, smashed potatoes and creamed peas.  I can see Grandma stuffing the turkey and making pecan and pumpkin pies.  This brings such joy and sadness to my heart.  We all miss Grandma so much; but, we would not wish her back to this vale of tears for nothing.  She lives in the memories of her family.

This reminds me of Proverbs 10:7, “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”  This year as you gather with your family I wish you memories that will last a lifetime.

So, how are you doing?

Remember Nhu

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In Cambodia there are over 1.2 million children sold into the sex trade each year.  I learned this  Friday evening at a fund raising event.  The organization “Remember Nhu” has twenty-one (21) homes in seven countries and their sole purpose is to rescue girls from the sex trade.  Their story is amazing to say the least.

While listening to the founder Carl Ralston speak I could not help but think of the verses in Jude 22-23, “And of some have compassion, making a difference:   And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”  My hat is off to Carl and Laura Ralston for having a burden and the faith to see it to fruition.  It was my pleasure to be asked back for the second year to photograph the annual fundraiser.

We here in America have life so good that we often forget that others are oppressed and even worse.  When was the last time God whispered in your ear some task He would like you to complete.  Carl Ralston carried the words God spake to him, “Remember Nhu” and it took him years to find her; but, God allowed them to be united and become a family.

Here is where the rubber meets the road.  Will you and I have the compassion of Christ and reach out to those less fortunate and: God forbid, tortured?

So, how are you doing?