Suffer from memory loss????

Remembering events and people from our past is very important. Events and people from our past are the very fiber of our personal history, and contain threads of character building DNA that have formed us into the people that we are. At the annual Murray reunion, we release balloons in memory of the family members that have passed away that year. This tradition is both moving and tearful. As the balloons rise in ascent from the earth, my mind gravitates to ways that each honoree, impacted my life. The fact is that if we did not have this ceremony, those memories would be pushed back in lieu of the festivities and food. So I am glad that as a family, we are intentional in remembering those who have gone before.


I remember the first time that my Dad told me that he loved me. I hold that memory dear, because he was not a man who said “I love you.” I knew he loved me, without him saying a word, by the way he cared for our family. He was stability, strength, and protection. He loved the Lord and made sure he passed that heritage to my brother and I. My first memory of his declaration of love for me was in 9th grade. He and my mom had taken a job in Colorado and I would not see them for 6 months. He did not pass his sentiments on through my mom as in time past. He came into the living room wrapped his big arms around me and with tears in his eyes said “I love you Melanie, you be good and we will see you in a few months.” I have not thought of this in years, and as I sit here through teary eyes, I am thankful for the memory.


Luke 22:19
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”


It is important for us not to have memory loss where Jesus is concerned. You see no one took Jesus' life, He laid it down in a supreme declaration of love. And He wants us to remember that declaration. In the act of communion we are given the opportunity to remember, rejoice, repent, and be reconciled.

I Corinthians 11:23-29

• Remember what Jesus did for you. (vs 23-25)
• Rejoice that Jesus died for you, and that He will return because he did not stay dead. (vs 26)
  
• Repent of any unconfessed sin. (vs 27-28)
  
• Reconcile yourself to God. (vs 29)

Communion should not become, just another rote “religious” ceremony. It is a very beautiful opportunity to remember Jesus' loving sacrifice. We take communion at our church monthly, but communion takes on a deeper meaning when taken in our home. Just me and God, reflecting on His word with the physical elements of juice and crackers, reminding me of the first time Jesus said “I love you Melanie, be good, and I'll see you soon.....as I sit here through teary eyes, I am thankful for the memory.

Hold Me Daddy

In the pre-dawn hours as I am still stuck somewhere between floating in peaceful bliss, and awakening to the demands of a new day, I am jolted into reality by the sound of coffee beans being ground into a much needed fuel to jump start my morning. I then hear the familiar sound of tiny feet rhythmically slapping against the tile floors. The tapping pauses and I know what the next request will be ---- “I need a boppy”. For those of you that are not fluent in Aubry-nese that is what he calls his sippy cup. I lay still in bed listening to the exchange between Father and Son, anticipating what the dialogue will be. With boppy and silky (his blanket) in tow, Aubry will grab his Dad's hand and guide him to his chair, saying “Sit down Daddy, hold me”. Scott will sit down, and Aubry will climb into his lap, clutching “boppy”, in the same manner I will be clutching a coffee mug in a few minutes. He will fully recline into Dad's chest and snuggle into the most comfortable position possible. As I stumble out of the bedroom I see both Father and Son with looks of complete contentment, just enjoying that moment together.

Many of us have forgotten that God is our Father. Not a father with imperfections, and flaws, but a perfect Father. He desires to spend time with us, but “religion” has depicted God as sitting on a throne, waiting for us to mess up so he can hurl lightening bolts down at us. If your Dad was non existent in your life, or worse yet, your Dad was abusive, then your view of fatherhood is probably skewed. Even if you had a great Dad, you are still seeing a Dad with flaws, and imperfections. We serve a God that is our Father; a perfect Father, and he wants to spend time with us just being with Him, not “doing” anything. Do not confuse doing with being. We were created to be human beings, not human doings.

John 15:7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Romans 8:15For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

The word Abba is much deeper than Father, the word Abba is a very intimate word, that is translated Daddy. God has a deep love for us, and a desire for us to abide in Him. Going to church, and serving is great and is required in scripture, but it is no replacement for quiet time with the Father. It is in these intimate moments that we learn about His character and we build a trust relationship. These are the times that we need to be enjoying with our heavenly Father.

So at the onset of each new day, grab Abba Father by the hand, climb up in His arms and just sit quietly with Him for a while.