Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Treasured Memories

"O praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from dead... Jesus!
♥ If God is for us who can be against us?"
 Romans 8:31


They can never be destroyed or taken from us!  Creating meaningful memories for my family is one of my priorities in life.  “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal;
 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  (Matthew 6:20-21)

Time is the commodity needed to make good memories, not money.   Am I glad for that! 
 Today is January 6th, “Epiphany” for many believers.  This is the day that many churches celebrate the coming of the Wise Men.  For the Blue Willow household, Epiphany is a special day, the last day of Christmas.  We never take our decorations down until after midnight of this day.  And then there are “Three Small and Precious gifts”  for all.  We read and talk about the Nativity Story one more time, reflecting on the belief that Jesus was probably about 2 and a half years old when the Magi arrived.  We discuss the words Jesus  might have spoken, HIS favorite games and foods, and how HE responded to the camels and Royal Men.  There are ALWAYS 3 candles on our dinner table this night, and we eat with no other electric lights on. 
 One year, we read about an old tradition of leaving 3 candles in the window to tell the Wise Men that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were waiting up for the Famous Caravan bearing gifts.  And so now we, too,  place 3 electric candles in our front window to shine out all night as a tradition on this date.  It is my hope that all of this will be treasured up in Kimba's heart and pondered later during the year, and in future years. 
It is late now as I write this, and I am thankful to the LORD for the things in my life that can never be taken or destroyed:  Salvation, my love for my family, and my memories. 
Father God:
Please help me to continue to create meaningful memories for Papa and Kimba,
memories which keep us focused on the True meaning of Epiphany and Christmas!
In Your SON’s Name,
Amen