You are a Memory

My three-year-old brother was chattering incessantly when a family member interrupted and said, "If you don't stop talking, I'm going to cut your tongue out." Her words were sarcastic, but taken seriously, and he halted his conversation. Her words inflicted damage, and she forever became a bad memory.

 

I attended the  SSMT Celebration for completing Scripture memory work in 2013. Beth Moore taught about the gift of memory. Remembering God's Word builds our faith. She concluded by encouraging us to put good into people's memories. 

 

Many of the Bible verses I memorizes had to do with "words." Here are a few:

 

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18 (NIV).

 

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24 (ESV).

 

"Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say." Psalm 141: 3 (NCV).

 

What kind of memory are you? May we remember to speak wise, loving, good, and encouraging words to others.

 

LORD God, help us to be careful with our words. Remind  us to encourage and build others up. May we lovingly speak words that are good, kind, and true. Amen.

 

 

Who in your life is a good memory? Describe them in 3 words.

 

Holiday Letter (2014)

I enjoy receiving holiday letters from loved ones I don't see or hear from often. I like to send them, as well. One of my reasons for writing an annual holiday letter is to have a brief yearly summary for myself. It's a snapshot of my life.

Because we were expecting a grandchild in December, and I wanted to include information about the birth, I sent a "Happy New Year" letter and photo card. This is my 2014 Holiday Letter:

Aloha, and Happy New Year!

We had a lot to celebrate in 2013- our 25th anniversary, milestone birthdays, and a new grandson!

Mr. C and I renewed our wedding vows in Oahu, Hawaii. We were blessed to have our son, daughter-in-law, and the grandkids with us. It was a dream come true! We visited Pearl Harbor, hiked to a waterfall, swam, snorkeled, and played on beautiful sandy beaches.

We hosted friends and family for Mr. C's 50th birthday BBQ and pool party. I turned old enough to qualify for senior citizen discounts, so I guess aging has its benefits!

In December, we welcomed our fourth grandchild into the world! Mickey (my nickname for him) weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. and was 22 inches long. He looks like my son and his older brother as babies.





Mr. C  and I danced our way through 2013. We continue two-step and waltz lessons. I also make it a priority to attend the dances at my mom's retirement community. My regular dance partner is Mr. Dan. He's 90, served as a gunner's mate in WW2, and was married to his wife for 60 years. I'm honored to know him.

You are special to us. We wish you good health, success, and joy today and throughout the year. May God bless you with His Presence, His Protection, His Provision, and His Peace!

One Word 2014: WRITE

 

Her Facebook post read, "My one little word for 2014 is "PLAYFUL".  My friend intends to live  playfully, not missing any blessed moments of 2014.

 

"Hmmm...interesting," I thought. "What's this 'one word' thing all about?' My curiosity led me on a journey. In a nutshell, it's about choosing one word to define you the entire  year. One meaningful, challenging word to provide focus and direction,  and encourage growth - rather than a list of well-intended, but often broken resolutions. One little word. That's it...one. And I was inspired.

I tend to make some kind of resolution or goal for each new year. And I've learned...the fewer the better. I hate to call a resolution, a resolution, because resolutions get a bad rap. But this "one word" thing.. I have to say friends, has me excited!

Scanning a list of words, the word "WRITE" jumped off the page. It resonated. "That's it...that's my word." I was pleased.

But, I started to over think (another thing I tend to do). Maybe "WRITE" isn't the right word. I'm a blogger, after all. "WRITE" is something I already do. The truth is, I don't write every day. I get distracted and lose focus. "WRITE" also has spiritual significance. Those are the reasons  I chose it as my "one word".  I'm looking forward to the journey!


What's your "one word" for 2014? Please WRITE it in the comments section. And may you accomplish all God has planned for you in 2014! I wish you success.



 

Welcome 2014!

Happy New Year!

 

As I reflect on 2013, I remember joyful times- our 25th wedding anniversary Hawaiian trip, milestone birthdays, and the birth of a new grandson. I remember those we lost, and consider the legacy they left. I think over goals I accomplished, and some I didn't. I refocus. Some things will change; others will remain constant. I welcome 2014 with anticipation.  Each day is a gift from the LORD. I pray God's blessings upon you and your loved ones.

 

Our loving, heavenly Father, thank you for this new year. Give us a renewed passion for Your Presence and Your Word. Empower us with Your Holy Spirit. Help us be persistent in prayer. Give us a sensitivity to the needs of others. Fill us with compassion and mercy. Keep our focus on You. Thank You for Your Protection and Provision. Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice. May we bring glory to You, LORD in 2014! Amen.

 

May the grace of the LORD be with you. Have a wonderful New Year!

 

 

One of my resolutions is to read the New Testament in chronological order. How about you? What is your New Year's resolution?

Since posting, I've chosen "WRITE" as my one word for 2014. More details to follow...