We have... Memory Loss

Think about your most prominent memory. Where were you? What time of year was it? Was it a good memory? A challenging experience? What type of details do you remember about it? 

Reminiscing can be a lot of fun. It might also be a little painful. Personally, my memories can be triggered by a location, sound, song, smell, person or experience. Some memories are so prominent that I literally get goosebumps-- it feels like I am traveling back in time, experiencing the specific event all over again. 

I don't want to brag, but I have a memory like a steel trap (much to my husbands occasional dismay: "How or WHY do you remember that, Sharita?!?)" I remember the most ridiculous things from kindergarten experiences, weird and random facts from some of my college classes and even  direct quotes of conversations I have had years ago. But even with this amazing memory, I still have memory loss... and often forget some of God's promises. 

Let's think about this for a second. We almost NEVER forget promises made by other people, especially when they don't come through for us. How many times (especially as children) do you remember saying "Heeeeyyyyy... YOU PROMISED?!?!" 

We don't forget the promises made by people in this world. But I always find myself saying "Whoops, sorry God... I forgot you already promised me that." God often says to me "Heeeyyyyy, Sharita... I PROMISED?!? Remember?"

Oh. Yeah. All those things I worry about or am uncertain about... yep. He already promised to help me out with it. God's multiple and never-failing promises can be found in His word.  His amazing promises are found in the Bible, in every book, every chapter. 

Concerned about your path? Check out Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Don't know if God is involved in your life and knows what He is doing? Look at Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Unsure if all things that come from God are legit? Take a peek at Romans 8:28-- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

God never promised it would be easy. But He said he will never stop loving. Never leave. Never forsake. His love never fails. It never runs out. It endures forever.  "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1) He PROMISED us this!! 

I vividly remember when and where I was the moment I began remembering parts of His word. I was parked outside of the Schnucks grocery store in Jefferson City, Mo in the winter of 2009, around 10:30pm. I did NOT want to go to work that night at midnight. I had brought my Bible with me and needed a reminder from God about His promises because I was in the middle of what would eventually become my recovery testimony. (Check out No Bologna Testimony Part 2 for the full story.) I forgot that God was in control and had a plan. 

I grabbed my Bible, trusting God to give me the reminder I needed.  I didn't have the verses memorized, but from the last few months of spending time in the word, I had a general recollection of where to look in the Bible. I (guided by the hand of God) narrowed it down to a book... then chapter... then read through and BOOM. Found the verse. "Ohhhh... NOW I remember. Thanks for that promise, God."  Memory: restored. 

Spend time in the word. Relish His promises. Overcome that memory loss. You never have to say "HEY GOD, YOU PROMISED." Instead, He says to us, "Hey you... I promised! TRUST ME." He ALWAYS comes through. And boom. No. More. Memory loss. 

Remembering fondly, 

SGK 

"O LORD, you are God! You have promised these good things to your servant." 1 Chronicles 17:26

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The Best is Yet to Come

So yeah. Yesterday was my birthday. (It was awesome, by the way. Thanks to everyone who shared the love with me!) 

But as I welcomed this new year of my life, I spent some time reflecting, where I have been, where I am now, where I am going. God has directed my path, and I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite poems. You might have heard of it: It's called "The Dash" by Linda Ellis. I have read it and/or watched it many times, but every time it still gives me goosebumps. 

To get the true impact of this fantastic poem, check out the following video link:  

Simple Truths: The Dash Movie

Awesome huh? I will give you a moment to collect yourself. 

I have also heard a few different versions of the following story, which is great perspective shifter when it comes to living our lives with all we have for Christ. 

A woman was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three months to live. She asked her Pastor to come to her home to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at her funeral, and what scriptures she wanted read, and which outfit she wanted to be buried in. Then she said, “One more thing… I want to be buried with a fork in my hand.” The pastor was surprised.

The woman explained, “In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably say to everyone, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite time of the dinner, because I knew something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep dish apple pie – something wonderful. So, I want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and wonder, “What’s with the fork?” Then, I want you to tell them, “Keep your fork, because the best is yet to come.”

The pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he bid the woman goodbye. He realized she had a better grasp of heaven than he did, and knew something better was coming. At the funeral, when people asked him why she was holding a fork, the pastor told them of the conversation he had with the woman before she died. He said he could not stop thinking about the fork, and knew they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. 

“Keep Your Fork. The best is yet to come.”

This post isn't meant to be a Debbie Downer. For me, it's uplifting and exciting! Life is short and that's ok! We will someday get to be WITH HIM!! God gives us a limited time on this earth to fulfill His purpose. Live for Him. He won't let you down and will empower you to make the most of your DASH. And make sure you keep your fork... Because the best IS yet to come. 

Doing the Dash with a fork in my hand, 

SGK 

“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath." Psalm 39:4-5