A Walk down Memory Lane!

 

The picture above is of the first house I remember living in. It was south of Indy right on County Line Road. Stephanie and I were down in Greenwood with our granddaughter at the Cheesecake Factory and it was really close to this house, so I decided to drive by and check out the old neighborhood. The memories just flooded back seeing this house yard and the neighbor's houses and yards. More than the house was the memories of the people. Great friends like Chucky Barr and Dougie Seal come to mind. I am not sure how long we lived in that house, but I know I started first grade from there and while we lived there man walked on the moon for the first time. So you know it was at least 57 years ago.

Even there at such a young age I remember God's presence in my life. While on this little side trip we also happened by the CHURCH my parents helped start. It is interesting to me how that house, those friends, that church are my first real memories. I was right around nine years old at that time and don't remember much before that house. 

Even though I have those great memories, the older I get, the more I recognize God's hand in my life. We were pretty good friends with the pastor at that church. I even remember his name. Robert Hunt. It is funny how I can remember so many of the names of pastors in my life. Besides Robert Hunt, I remember Jack Flockhart, Ted Blosser, and Harold Oechsle also. These men had such a powerful influence on me that even now I remember them and our times together. 

God placed these people in my life for a season. I learned from them, even Dougie Seal. God's hand, his unfailing love and faithfulness have been present throughout my life. Can you see God's hand in your life? Can you see his hand through the people and places you have lived? 

I am so thankful for God's constant activity in my life. My family, friends, and religious leaders, are a part of GOD'S ACTIVITY. 

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Why let the nations say, 'Where is their God?' Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes." (Psalm 115:1-3, NLT)

I had nothing to do with bringing Dougie Seal or Chuck Barr or Robert Hunt into my life. I had nothing to do with the places I lived or the faith heritage I grew up in. God orchestrated everything. He put the plan together and regardless how bad I try to mess it up, he always has the final say. God has been so present in my life. 

When I recognize God's presence in my life it means that I no longer take credit for the successes, the joys, or even the challenges I faced. God's power and might have had a hand in which direction I have taken and even when I tried to go a different way, making poor choices, sinning, and ignoring God, he. still gently guided me to where I am today. 

All GLORY, HONOR and PRAISE to GOD for his HAND in my life!

Heavenly Father, as we get closer to Thanksgiving, I cannot thank you enough for your powerful hand in my life. I could take credit, most people do, but I know to YOU belongs all the glory. I pray everyone in my family, my friends, and the people in my flock recognize nothing comes from me, everything comes from you. All power and glory to you O LORD. You reign forever and ever. Amen!

Reflect: In what ways have you seen God's hand in your life recently, in the past?

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If you haven't repented of your sin, accepted what Jesus did for you on the cross, dying for your sins, or if you have not committed your life to Jesus, TODAY could be that day. give your life to the Lord. 

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10, ESV)

If you gave your life to Jesus today, text the word "faith" to (765)-896-4302 and we will follow up with material for you and join you in your walk of faith!