ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

How many times have you looked back over your life and wondered why memories are so important? Today I am thankful for them. Memories can be a blessing or a curse. Most often there are lessons learned because of them. Some are a reminder of failings or humongous mistakes we’ve made along the way. I am glad that God has given me a good memory so far. I pass the test every time I go through remembering three words at the doctor’s office. I’m good at remembering names. I have a habit of tucking away the bad memories, however. The things that bring anxiety or depression are high on that list.
Every once in a while, one of those difficult times returns in the form of a dream or as I face a new challenge in life. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. When our personal history is filled with bad memories, it’s time to turn to God for help. It’s also helpful to turn to Him in any situation. In reading His Word, the Bible, you will meet all kinds of people who made poor choices, strayed from God, decided to go it alone – people just like us. Their situations led them back to God and made them stronger. Every day we have a choice. It can be the start of something wonderful and new, or we can dwell on our past mistakes and wallow in self-pity. Thank you, Jesus, for another day – to make new memories.

A rusted pail, a broken wheel within a vacant field,

A house that once was filled with love, the hands of time has stilled,

The remnants of those days gone by, where bounty once did stand,

Show lives wrapped up in simple things as meaningless as sand,

To let them go is difficult, but go they simply must,

These worldly things are useless if in them we put our trust,

The only constant in our life, is Jesus, Christ our Lord,

We find our peace in knowing Him and studying His Word,

Our God will give the things we need when in that hope we trust,

But faith is vital to our hope, and talk to Him we must,

Our God knows just what’s right for us, He’ll never let us down,

So, open up your heart in prayer and you’ll receive a crown,

Those remnants soon will go away and new life will begin,

When we let go and give it up and put our faith in Him.