Favorite memories in 2012
My favorite memory:
It wasn’t the person who would rather not hear about my faith or the one who suggested I pray to myself so the person across from me at a restaurant did not begin to feel uncomfortable that made my most memorable moment list. No — they are the ones who are a part of what boosted my most memorable moments throughout the year. They are the people who I’ll be praying for and wish they could experience God and have as much a joyful lifestyle.
Those moments I’ll remember, but they are not as memorable as talking to a homeless woman about God near the Market Street bridge or the police officer who was nearly crushed by a falling tree during a recent storm. Just a few words can ignite a conversation about God and His spirit – and you can usually gauge quickly if a person is a believer or unsure of where he or she may stand in their beliefs. It’s that sort of assertive approach that’s made my most memorable moments throughout my daily walk in 2012 stand out and worthy of sharing. Discussions reflecting our Lord, with so many throughout the year, including Pastor Ric Barnes — or the Fairbands in the middle of the fairgrounds during the fair or chatting in a back yard of a stranger’s home with Dave Denoyer while on assignment — will not fade.
All of these have lifted me up, but a memory that I consider a sign, or rather a kite in the form of a sign, was with Jeff Sabins, who was flying his (kite board) kite uncontrollably on the street where I live. I had to swerve recklessly out of its way so that I didn’t plow over it. Truth is, I have a strong desire to learn to kite board. I am sure He wanted me to stop and talk to Jeff about his faith that day and I feel Jeff’s relationship with God is deeper since then.
Then when my grandfather was suffering from congestive heart failure in October, I was able to find out whether or not he was a believer. Although I knew he was not a church-goer and didn’t spend time in prayer, I boldly discussed Jesus with him, and since I brought it up, we talked about our favorite God moments. He is no longer with us, but I am confident in his opportunity for eternity. It’s reality and I can no longer hold back, especially from what is real.
If I am told I should not pray aloud it will only make me more bold.
In Galatians 2:20, it reads “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
His spirit is everywhere, we just need to recognize it. Each memory has made me richer than I was a year ago.
These memories will help me start a legacy with my children for years to come.
Enjoy yourself it's later than you think – Merry CHRISTmas!
