Remember

Have you ever had that moment when your mind goes blank? No matter how hard you tried, the memory had escaped you. This happens to most of us on a daily basis. Who in the world can remember a phone number anymore? Smart phones have them all saved by name, and I hardly even see the numbers anymore. I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into the grocery store with just a few things to buy, and I get in there and forget half of them. I am bad about forgetting people's names too. I meet so many people from different areas of my life and when they friend me on Facebook, I have no idea who they are.

In my Sunday class we are reading a book titled, The Forgotten God, by Francis Chan. (YES, I am actually reading it!!!) The book is hitting me deep in the gut. Isn't that the purpose? No one ever said church should be all goose bumps and hairs standing on your neck. I believe Jesus said it best when He said, "In this world you WILL have tribulation..." John 16:33. There is more to that verse though. Go look it up.

As I have been reading about forgetting, it has caused my mind to run towards remembering. I don't ever want to get to the point where I cannot remember all the amazing things He has done in my life. He has done so much for me that I cannot even begin to list it all. I want to share just a bit of it with you in hopes that it will spur you on to your own list of "rememberings."

I remember my great grandma Maudie. The Lord knew before I was even born that I needed her. He gave her to me for just the right amount of time. Gosh I miss her!

I remember middle school and high school. It was a dark time for me. Friends tell me now that they thought I had it all together... Little did they know I was a wreck on the inside. How did I make it out in one sane piece? By His grace!

I remember going to tour college a week before it started. My pastor at the time said, "the Lord can get you in if it's His plan." It must have been. I started the first day with everyone else.

I remember the day when I was 19, when I finally gave control of my life to the One who had been helping me all the time!

I remember when I paid a whole year's with of sponsorship to a needy child during college with a car payment due the next day. A check came in the mail the day after for exactly the amount I paid for the child sponsorship. To this day I don't know where the check came from.

I remember when I was raising support to be a semester missionary in Senegal. I opened the mailbox to get find a check inside a card. I glanced at the check and then did a double take. I thought it was a 100 dollars which was thrilling. On 2nd glance I noticed it was $1,000. It was from someone I didn't even know. I bet you can't guess how much money I still needed at that time... Yep, $1,000!

I remember when I was in the village in Senegal. There was a robbery during the night. I heard gun shots and lay terrified in my hut. I prayed for safety and remained unharmed. I feel back asleep and had a great night's rest.

I remember starting my MAT at Converse college. My place of employment at the time promised to pay for it. They changed their mind after I enrolled. I had no money at the time, but somehow...It was paid for.

I remember countless nights as I waited tables at FATZ that He would send just the right customers to my tables. He knew my needs. He was faithful even when I wasn't.

I remember that August day in 2003 when the kiddies walked in for the first time. Was it really possible that He had given me this great honor? Blessed to do what I do!

I remember pulling over in the Eckerd's parking lot just off of Pine Street while getting some bad news. I could hardly drive home for the tears... Now, that day is a far away memory that has been healed with the most amazing gift! He gave the gift!

I remember being so afraid to build a house. What if I couldn't do it all alone? The Lord gave me a best friend who wanted to help! What would I do without him?

I remember when I got the news about my blood work being so bad. I cried myself to sleep that night. I was so afraid. I was too young to deal with that I thought. The Lord calmed me that night, and put a will power in me that night only can be credited to Him.

I remember when I crossed the finish line to my first marathon. Some people collapse, some people shout, I wept as I hugged my mom and sister. I was overjoyed at what the Lord had given me the strength to accomplish.

I remember the blog I wrote about remembering. I wept as I typed, and wept as I reread. I will probably weep again reading it later. It reminds me of the hymn Maudie used to sing...

"Count your many blessings name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done..."