“Memories have a way of defining not only who you were, but who you are and who you will become.”

A thought by Erwin Raphael McManus (2003-09-04) from his book, Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul (Kindle Location 1815). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

And to some extent, memories are a choice. He also says, “I remembered a life filled with pain and disappointment, not because that was all I experienced, but because it was all I had brought with me.”

So what memories are you holding on to, what are you repeating over and over? What memories do you celebrate? That tells me what kind of life you are living. If all you remember are your failures, your pains, your rejections then you are living a life of deep hurt of deep despair, and probably a life with a lot of anger and no hope. Why do you do that when you also have good memories that could bring you joy?

Now some would say, “I am a realist” but remembering the good things is also being a realist. For some I’m afraid they like the attention that they get when they show how they are a victim. That is not healthy. That is not GOD’s way.

If you are having trouble with your memories, with what negative dates you highlight then why don’t you take some refocus time. Yes, I remember the day that we found out that Margaret had cancer but I don’t remember what date it was. My memory of that day is filled with gratitude for GOD bringing her through all of that and the fact that she is cancer free today. The day I celebrate is November 9, 1974, the day she became my wife. I also don’t remember the dates of some of our big fights which we have had. I try to live by 1 Corinthians 13:5b (NLT), “Love…keeps no record of being wronged.”

What memories are defining you? There are some memories you just need to forgive. Let the pain of that rejection go through forgiveness. Live with gratitude that GOD brought you through that horrible painful time and that HE hasn’t rejected you. That HE still loves you and that HE is out ahead of you preparing a way for you. You are not alone and HE has other relationship around you that love you. It is all in your perspective, in your focus.

Erwin went on to say, “I started to re-remember. There were great memories in my past, but I had to blow the dust off them. I journeyed back and found some wonderful places and experiences. You will be amazed how many wonderful memories are trapped behind the avalanche of the few negative ones. The painful memories were no less real but no longer dominant.”

So what great memories do you need to blow off the dust?

Comments

"Jesus comes in the midst of the torrent."

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, You Are Never Alone (p. 60). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) We all have storms in our lives, don't we? Max says, "No one gets through life scot-free. At one point or another the sky will darken, the winds will rage, and we will find ourselves in a modern-day version of the Galilean gusher." John 6:16–18 (NIV) says, "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough." Max goes on, "The hearts of the followers began to sink as their boat was certain to do. Their skin was soaked, throats hoarse, eyes wide. They searched the sky for a break in the clouds. They gripped the boat for fear of the waves. They screamed their prayers for help. But they heard nothing. "If only Jesu

“When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 57). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. To realize that from God’s perspective life is a test goes a long way in determining how you handle your life. It is important to see that in testing your character is both developed and revealed. Rick goes on to say that “even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.” So there is a God purpose behind each situation in your life. Even the bad ones are there to strengthen you and develop you. You see those bad situations are really good ones because they are there for your good. I start each day with a reminder that God is good. Not every situation that is going to come in my day is good but because God is good He will use e

“What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 35). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Rick posed this question at the end of his chapter, You Are Not an Accident. In this chapter he deals with the fact that God created you the way you are with a purpose. In other words you are not an accident. I am also reading the Apostle John’s view of Jesus and what He said and did while He was here on earth. In the beginning of Chapter 9 there is a story about a blind man. And the disciples who were with Him asked Him a good question, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind? ” Have you ever asked the same thing about something in you that you don’t like? Like that characteristic is a curse or something. Society has set a standard that is not a standard of God. Remember, He created you and you are not an accident. Jesus did answer the question about the blind

Just Continue That Thought...

Search This Blog