REMEMBERING
We can measure it, but can’t duplicate it. We cherish it but often disrespect it all the same. We talk about the uniqueness and grandness of it but tend to take it for granted. It doesn’t matter how much we get of it, we always seem to want more. We can’t touch it but it is as real as the air we breathe… And when we run out of breaths we run out of it too…
Time is fleeting. It is “like a vapor” to quote God’s word. Another unit of measurement of how we measure time is coming to an end. How did we use our precious commodity of time this year? My guess is that most of us could have done a little better, although we probably did “light years” better than we used to.
I’ve had so many years now that the oldest ones are fading from my memory. The sound and smells that used to take me back to the early years are all but gone now. The senses fade with time… Maybe that’s by design? As I get older I learn to rely less on my senses. My flesh; it’s easily fooled.
I’d say there’s something to be said about wisdom. Probably more than all the books in this world could hold… Save One.
As I ponder this last year and look forward to another one, I’m overwhelmed with the thoughts of remembering God’s grace in all the years He grants us. Redeemed. That’s what we are. We get another chance to be the people we always had in heart and mind to be. In the end, it is who we are that speaks of our legacy whether we’re here or not. What we have won’t mean anything to future generations or to God now.
As the year winds down the season of Christmas still lingers in my mind and heart. Our lights are still up. I dread taking them down, but more than that, I’ll miss the glow from the lights. That glow of the lights reminds me to shine my Light that lives within me. May we be mindful to shine our Lights this next year as we shape our legacies with not just our words, but more importantly our actions.
One of my favorite Christmas songs still lingers in my mind and heart as well. I pray it stays in my heart and mind along with yours. It’s that one specific verse that rings in my head. It’s been there for as long as I can remember… That one memory that isn’t going away and I refuse to forget.
The song is The Little Drummer Boy, and not just because I own a set of old drums. The verse that rings in my mind and haunts my heart I long for, “Then He smiled at me Puh-rum-puh-pum-pum, me and my drum.”
May God smile on you and yours this next year as we bring Him and ourselves honor.
Puh-Rum-Puh-Pum-Pum…
Hazel Moon
Sunday, December 30, 2012 @ 6:32 pm
May God continue to smile on you all during this doming year. The resolutions we make can be broken, but may we keep those we truely desire to keep. I have started on one of mine already. Putting my book two together. Memories do fade, that is the importance of putting it down in writing before we loose them. Age creeps up on us, and what we must do – should be done without delay.
Thank you for your encouragement duing this past year and I look forward to more of your excellent posts.
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 12:41 pm
Thanks, Hazel. That’s good advice and thanks for the fellowship and wisdom you’ve provided me and many this year. I look forward to more next year! But no pressure! God bless.
Effie-Alean Gross
Sunday, December 30, 2012 @ 9:44 pm
Floyd,
Such good thoughts about time…like a vapor. I know I should be more aware of how I use time. We all get 24 hours per day, so no one gets more or less than the next guy. I’m looking forward to 2013. I pray that many good things will come your way, Floyd. I really like the way you create suspense in the first paragraph. Good technique…good writing. All the best, Effie
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 12:48 pm
Thanks, Effie. I pray blessings into your life as well. Thanks for the fellowship and feedback this year. And thanks for inspiration as well. Your last post is still ringing in my ears… God bless, Effie.
Maureen Jepchumba
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 4:45 am
“In the end it is who we are that speaks of our legacy whether we’re here or not.” Not what we own, what we did or how we looked. May we shine as God desires in the new year.
I think forgetting allows other truths to occupy our minds, that is God’s own wisdom.
I pray that God may continue using you to encourage and share His grace. He is smiling over us already.
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 12:51 pm
Thanks, Maureen. Well said. He is smiling over us even when we don’t deserve it. I share your heart and desire for us this next year. May we continue to encourage one another along the way. That alone shows the world who we are and who our Father is. God bless you, Maureen.
tcavey
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 9:23 am
Little Drummer Boy and Oh Little Town of Bethlehem have always been my fav’s.
Your post reminds me of the sermon I heard yesterday about love. We were looking at the adulterous woman and for the first time I noticed the older people dropped their stones and walked away first.
Youth brings much energy but time gives us wisdom (hopefully). I pray I use my time wisely and learn as much as possible while God has granted me time (and energy).
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 12:55 pm
Why am I not surprised that those are your favorite songs? The two peas thing… Wisdom has a way of making the older people act first! I too pray my time would be used wisely and for the reasons that really matter in this life. Thanks, for all your encouragement and wisdom this year, TC. You’ve been a blessing to more than you know.
Ruth
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 10:40 am
Beautiful, and very true. Thank you for sharing ! As I look back and reflect on my time this last year, I am very Thankful to my Jesus for experiencing the true meaning of prayer and memorizing scripture which has allowed me to experience the fulness of Jesus Christ in my life. God is so wonderful! God give us the peace we need in this world. God Bless
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 12:57 pm
Thanks for that powerful wisdom, Ruth. I need to seek more to memorize the words of our Father this next year. I remember much, but the chapter and numbers I really struggle with. “God give us the peace we need in this world.” I pray the same thing. God bless you as well, sister.
Dan Black
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 11:01 am
Great thoughts. I want to be a better steward of my time in 2013. Time seems to fly by and want to make sure I enjoy and am productive in the years to come. Still learning in this area.
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 1:00 pm
I hear you, Dan. I think we’re all still learning in this area. Not sure if we ever get there on this side, but the striving toward what it is God calls us to gives us the peace and joy the lost world can only speculate on. May they see our Father in us this year. May He use us as we bring Him honor and the receive the manifestations of His grace in the blessings on our families and us as well. Thanks, Dan. And thanks for all you’ve shared and done this year. It’s been a real inspiration and wisdom finder.
Voni Harris
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 11:14 am
And may He smile on you, too, Floyd!
Blessings,
Voni
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 1:02 pm
Thanks, Voni. I couldn’t ask for a better Christmas gift! May God bless you and all of yours this year! And thanks for all the lessons in language and support this year. You’ve been a blessing to me.
Kristin
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 1:02 pm
This was beautiful and love the way you’ve been a “pondering”;) I truely have enjoyed your writings this year and look forward to many more of them. May you and your family continue to ponder the goodness of our Lord and experience the many blessings from Him.
Happy New Year!
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 1:24 pm
Thanks, Kristin. It is a blessing just to be able to ponder the goodness of our Father. I look forward to pondering this next year and sharing your writings and heart as well. I thought about you and the people that live under the bridge this last week when my family and I were downtown passing out sleeping bags and food. Thanks for the reminder and inspiration to live out what we are called to from God. God bless and Happy New Year to you too.
bill (cycleguy)
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 2:17 pm
May you know His pleasure this coming year Floyd. It has been a joy and an honor to get to “know” you this past year.
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 2:35 pm
Thanks, Bill. I pray the same for you, my friend. It has been an honor and blessing sharing in fellowship this year and I look forward to the next. God is good. Happy New Year.
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 2:52 pm
It’s been a blessed year in so many ways. I recount His goodness and faithfulness and I stand amazed. Our God is so good! Thanks for being a part of that, Floyd. You bless me and I appreciate you greatly. Have a blessed new year, friend.
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 3:57 pm
Thanks, Jason. All the same to you, my friend. Nice job this year and thanks for all you do. Happy New Year!
Lynn Morrissey
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 6:53 pm
A really lovely post, Floyd. Time fleets and waits for no one. But you have captured time with your words right here. THat’s what I love about writing. It helps us slow down, take notice, and capture moments permanently. Music, too, fleets, and we can only sing one note at a time……but we can savor each one. You’ve helped me to do that here. Thank you for sharing, and a very Happy New Year to you as you continue to let your light shine through your words about Him.
Blessings,
Lynn
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 6:59 pm
What an honor and blessing it is to have you here, sister. I knew that amazing wisdom would come with your words. What an honor it was to get a copy of your book today. I can’t wait to read it. I also can’t wait for you to set up your site and guest post here. God is good and I’m honored by the company He provides us with. It is fellowship. Thanks, Lynn.
Lynn Morrissey
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 6:54 pm
Oh, and I love your blog title, and my whole life is a testimony that THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I!
Floyd
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 7:03 pm
See there… We are brothers and sisters in Christ and share the same heart. What a blessing. Thanks, Lynn. Happy New Year to you and your family! God bless, Lynn. I’m not even good at reciting that phrase that so well describes all of us. It’s the heart that God counts… He’s good like that, huh?
Lynn Morrissey
Monday, December 31, 2012 @ 10:21 pm
Oh, He is so good, Floyd. Truly, He is! I have enjoyed making your and Diane’s acquaintance via cyberspace, where hearts are being knitted together in Him. It’s really quite an amazing phenomenon. I can’t thank you enough for your generous Christian fellowship and hospitality. I can’t believe you are getting my book! What a surprise that was! I pray that God uses it to bless you and inspire you and your wife to journal. You’re a man of words–His words–so I think that journaling would be a wonderful way for you to communicate closely with Him. God bless you both, and I wish for you a New Year filled with His wonder, love, and grace. Again, thank you so much for your kind words, counsel, and welcome in the world of blogging. You’re a good teacher!
Blessings,
Lynn
Floyd
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 10:40 am
Thanks, Lynn. You’re too kind! I’m looking forward to reading your book and fellowship in the new year!
Loren Pinilis
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 8:10 am
New Year’s always makes me think of Psalm 90 as well. Life is short. It’s something we don’t like to think about but scripture says it’s the beginning of wisdom.
Floyd
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 10:44 am
Great call, Loren. True wisdom starts with God. What a blessing we have to begin to grasp that. It is amazing and brings peace and joy. Thanks, Loren. Have a blessed New Year!
Hazel Moon
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 10:48 am
Thanks for sharing this post at Tell Me a Story
Floyd
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 11:55 am
Thanks for letting me share it over at your great site! It’s getting big! I’ve connected a ton of great and Godly people from your site, Hazel. It’s been a blessing!
Betty Draper
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 7:30 pm
Good post brother and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Just today I was thinking about the “time” issue. Often at this stage of life I find my self thinking I should be doing more. Recently God spoke to my heart that He has given us a rest of sorts. Our ministry is not really tiring if anything it is pretty easy. We get to see the country, take missionaries out to eat, listen to their hearts, give them a little direction if needed, love on their children, tell them they are too valuable to lose.
Every New Years I think of this old song, It Is No Secret.
The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you
You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be dishearted for I have hope for you.
Chorus
It is no secret, what God can do
What He’s done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do
There is no night for in His light, you’ll never walk alone
Always feel at home, where ever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you while God is on your side
So take Him at His promise, don’t run away and hide
Floyd
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 @ 5:00 pm
Wow. That’s a great song, Betty. It reminds me of a few things; The truth of God and His redemption for one. The other is you and your son singing that beautiful song. It was amazing… Time isn’t a friend to the lost, but to those of us who know Who it is we spend eternity with… it’s looking forward to a homecoming… Thanks for your heart, Betty. It is cherished.
Betty Draper
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 7:30 pm
Good post brother and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Just today I was thinking about the “time” issue. Often at this stage of life I find my self thinking I should be doing more. Recently God spoke to my heart that He has given us a rest of sorts. Our ministry is not really tiring if anything it is pretty easy. We get to see the country, take missionaries out to eat, listen to their hearts, give them a little direction if needed, love on their children, tell them they are too valuable to lose.
Every New Years I think of this old song, It Is No Secret.
The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you
You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be dishearted for I have hope for you.
Chorus
It is no secret, what God can do
What He’s done for others
He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do
There is no night for in His light, you’ll never walk alone
Always feel at home, where ever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you while God is on your side
So take Him at His promise, don’t run away and hide
Betty Draper
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 7:32 pm
opps, it posted twice…
Floyd
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 @ 5:01 pm
That only makes it twice as good!
Joanne Norton
Friday, January 4, 2013 @ 6:49 pm
Thank, Floyd. AND I have my tree up still, and it will be there for another couple weeks, at least. The same reason you mentioned. I like the lights and know that when I look at it I’m rejoicing over the Light.
AND, even though I knew the word “Redeemed”, of course, from the time I had been saved, it was after I married my husband 27 years ago that the word was buried deeply in me. Dave’s favorite word of the Lord is that one and it has blessed me very much. Why? The Lord is the Perfect One; I can try, but ain’t gonna be in spite of my efforts. SO HE did/can/will Redeem me through my whole life here on earth. THAT is a blessing that I rely upon.
Thank you for sharing your heart, thoughts, focus.
Bless you and yours.
Floyd
Saturday, January 5, 2013 @ 8:22 am
Thanks, Joanne. That was very well said and I love the passion! He is certainly worth being passionate about! Bless you and yours as well, my friend.