From: "Dwayne Savaya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Gods Work Ministry Inspirational and Encouragement E-Mail
Dear Friend, We are to never take for granted the precious moments that we have towards those who are closest to us, our family. We are to appreciate and enjoy each day that we have with each other and keep in mind that tomorrow is not guaranteed to us. There are times when we lose patience for one reason or another and miss out on the chance to make memories that last a lifetime. We should always be today minded and enjoy to the fullest the company of those around us. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11) (James 4:13-16) (Psalm 118:24) Doing simple things like sitting together and reading stories, singing songs or going for ice cream leave good memories that last a lot longer than you may think. Be encouraged to initiate a good memory cycle by offering to do things with your family and friends that are both enjoyable and will leave a good feeling deep down in your hearts. (Nehemiah 8:10) I hope you are challenged by today's message to do all you can to build memories that will fill your family's hearts in the years to come. NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN For those who were there, it is a moment frozen in time, never to be forgotten. It was my father's 90th birthday, and 30 or so of us had gathered at the Alzheimer's care center where he lived to celebrate with him. He seemed unusually bright and cheery as he was greeted, hugged and loved by his wife, his brother, four of his eight children and numerous grand- children and great-grand-children. His brightest smile came when he saw his eldest surviving son, Rick, for the first time in three years. Although he couldn't articulate what he was feeling, you could just see the flash of recognition and feel the wave of emotion. There were lots of photos, a couple of brief speeches, a little entertainment and, of course, birthday cake and ice cream. Dad seemed to enjoy it all -- especially the cake and ice cream. Then, suddenly, it was time to go. No one was anxious to leave -- least of all Dad -- but meal time at the care center was fast approaching, and we needed to clear the dining room. There was just time for one more rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday to You." "No -- wait," someone suggested. "Let's sing something that Dad can sing with us." On the surface, that seemed ludicrous. Although Dad was quite alert through the event, coherent expression from him was limited to two and three-word sentences: "I'm fine," "How are you?" and "Oh, no." He couldn't remember the names of those nearest and dearest to him; asking him to participate in a sing-along was an exercise in futility, wasn't it? A different song was selected, one of Dad's favorites from years gone by: "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." Just the mention of the song was enough to evoke tender feelings from those of us who remember the many times it was sung at family gatherings and as a way of passing the time during long family trips. In my mind, I can still hear the melodic blending of Dad's bold and brassy bass with Mom's rich alto resonating in the old Impala as we musically made our away across the California desert to visit family members on the Coast. All eyes were focused on Dad as we began singing: "Let me call you Sweetheart, I'm in love with you." His lips began forming the words of lyrics indelibly etched somewhere in his mind. "Let me hear you whisper that you love me, too." His eyebrows arched. His eyes sparkled. "Keep the love light burning in your eyes so blue." I was kneeling close to him, and could hear him singing. It wasn't the strong, vibrant voice that had embarrassed me as it boomed out mercilessly in countless church meetings through the years, but it was unmistakably Dad's voice. "Let me call you Sweetheart, I'm in love with you." He smiled happily as we harmoniously reached the end of the song. Tears moistened most eyes as we savored the magic of the moment. For a few measures, at least, Dad was Dad again, leading the family in singing one of our old favorite songs. I've thought about that moment a lot since then. There is real power in the music of our lives. I'm not sure I understand it, but there is something dramatic that happens when words and melodies mingle in our minds. It is burned into our consciousness. It becomes part of who we are and what we think -- for good or ill -- freezing moments in time, never to be forgotten. By Joseph Walker Be encouraged to make special time to be with your family and friends to enjoy this day that God has given us. Life is precious and the moments that we have been given are to be relished and made the best of and should never be wasted. Take the initiative to have a great day with those whom you love and build memories that will bring smiles fifty years from now. Read and meditate on these scriptures: Nehemiah 8:10 "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the Joy of the LORD is your strength." Psalm 28:6-8 "Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed." Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things." All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. Today's Selected Poem: THIS MOMENT Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem45.htm Today's Selected Testimony: HEALED FROM DEPRESSION Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony130.htm In Christ's Service, Dwayne Savaya Gods Work Ministry Please feel free to visit the Website to read more Encouraging and Inspirational stories, poems and testimonies. Our E-mail Archives are available as well to read the messages that have been sent in the past. You can also send Free E-cards to friends and loved ones with the many choices available. You are also welcome to post your prayer requests in our Prayer Forum. All this and more available at --- http://www.Godswork.org You can also send prayer requests to --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] Add your E-mail address if you'd like correspondence with the prayer partners. 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