No Magic Peace

Life is not a fairy tale; therefore, happy endings are not guaranteed. Real-life happy endings come when people choose to focus more on others and less on themselves.

In real life, there are peacekeepers and peacemakers. Which one are you?

Our military personnel act as peacekeepers on a grand scale. I’m thankful for men and women who serve around the world in such a mighty capacity. They’re definitely focused on others and not on themselves.

Peacemakers serve on a more individualized basis. Children and adults both fit the words of this well-known song:   Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be . . .

It seems Vince Gil is the popular singer of this song, written in 1955 by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller. I learned it in elementary school, and its basic message has always stuck with me.

Have you ever noticed how peace can be so seasonal?

Think about it. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day these characteristics gradually appear - - - empathy for people in need, more volunteers for food banks and soup kitchens, an increase in charitable giving, and upbeat seasonal greetings outside our normal friendship circle.

Isaiah prophesied a baby would be born carrying the title Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This baby was Jesus, whose birth we celebrated once again this December.

Some of His most famous teachings are called The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). When I was growing up some called them “the BE attitudes.” Number seven, in verse nine, says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”  

Notice there’s no time frame or season attached. We can be a peacemaker all year long. Be alert; be creative! Don’t be afraid to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).

The fact that there’s no magic peace solution, no one-size-fits-all, simply increases its importance.

Memory Makers

Most of us never give a thought to being a memory maker, although we are - - - it’s a given as we interact with others. Consider memories of people in your own life, some positive, some negative, I’m sure.

I taught school and worked as an office administrator, but my strongest memories seem to be of church people. I guess that would come from being raised in a minister’s home, plus being married to an active minister for forty years.

It’s so great to be able to choose our thoughts. I enjoy happy memories of people who served alongside my parents, as well as my husband and myself. I’m in good company because the Apostle Paul felt the same way.

He said, “I thank my God every time I remember you” and “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:3-5). I feel strongly that no pastor can take total credit for church growth. It happens as people use their talents and abilities in a wide variety of ministries to all age groups.

You may think, I never do anything special in church, or out of it. The truth is that every person is a memory maker, even the ones who serve behind the scenes and never expect any recognition.

For example, in our last church, God blessed us with faithful volunteers in our office, Sunday School classes, summer Vacation Bible School, orchestra, choir, library, and kitchen ministries. That list is far from complete.

Another illustration would be the team of people who held an annual parking lot sale. It helped meet the church’s summer mortgage payments when the winter members of our congregation returned north.

Did all people create happy memories? Of course not, but my positive memories far outweigh any negatives. Believe me, doing whatever you can, in a helpful way, makes a big difference in this world.

I'm in total agreement with Bob Hope's famous song: Thanks for the Memories.

  

A Two-Way Street

 

I’m a mature driver with a good driving record, except for a weird accident two years ago. I was out of town, driving on a one-way street. 

Looking ahead, I saw the traffic signal on the right. Thinking I was on a two-way street, I decided to turn left. Oops . . . car on the left! 

I remember the weird sound as my car hit the side of their car. Even weirder was their passenger and I staring at each other for a few feet before I parked on the right and they parked on the left.

I walked over to them and called my insurance agent---a long call. I’m still grateful the college-age driver and her friend were both peaceful and patient. Since the cars were fully functional, we were finally able to go our separate ways.

One-way streets have never been my favorite. I think one reason is that I have rarely lived where I had to deal with them.

For whatever reason, the other day I thought love is a beautiful two-way street. I think there’s nothing better than the feeling of loving and being loved in return.

Is there anyone who has never been afraid of love? Perhaps someone has even tried to encourage you by saying, “Perfect love casts out fear.”

That comes from First John, chapter four, verses seven through nineteen. It’s a special section about God’s love for us, and our love for one another.

If we feel we have to be perfect to win God’s love, we are seeing it as a one-way street.

The truth is that God’s love is a two-way street. No perfection is required, only acceptance of His love. Do yourself a favor and check this out.

You don’t have a Bible? No problem . . . read it on your cell phone. 

My app is YouVersion, but some people use Bible Gateway. It’s nice to have choices!

 

Remember to Look Up

 

Since I no longer live in a metropolis, I sometimes try to enjoy the night sky. It's funny how, on a clear night, I think I see more stars from my front yard than from my deck in the back.

When I lived in the southwest desert, I used to enjoy night rides away from our community. We would open the top of our Porsche 914 and I’d enjoy warm summer breezes and multitudes of stars while my husband did the driving.

One night I was really excited to see “the man in the moon.” It was the first time I ever saw a face on the full moon, and I haven’t seen one since.

The daytime sky is enjoyable, too. The sun arcs its way around the world, and clouds of various shapes and sizes float by. Sometimes rain, thunder, and lightning show their power, and winter snows appear on a schedule all their own.

Some people can name all the planets, point out the Milky Way and locate the North Star. Others get to see the Aurora Borealis in all its colorful splendor. I don’t fit any of those categories, but I do enjoy the view above me.

Imagine the beauty of the skies when King David was a shepherd boy. With no city lights to ruin the view, there must have been an awesome display of stars in the night sky.

It’s no wonder he wrote Psalm 19. Verse one says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork” (NKJV). Verse three explains that God plays no favorites. All peoples of the world are treated to the same awesome overhead view.

The Message Bible says, “God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.” Think of that!

No matter where you live, remember to look up. And when you do, take a moment to reflect on the awesomeness of what you see. Even a simple “Thank you, God” will give Him glory.

 

Who Wants to be a Fool?

I don’t know anyone who would rush to raise their hand. In fact, fools often think their identity is hidden when it’s really on full display.

Here’s a big clue: A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back (Proverbs 29:11 NKJV). You could say a fool has a short fuse, but a more accurate description might be they lack self-control.

Can a fool ever appear wise? According to Proverbs, the answer is yes, but I wonder how often that happens? King Solomon’s observation was this: Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive (Proverbs 17:28 NKJV). 

Though we communicate with words, they’re not always spoken. Our modern world floods us with written words, as well.

Would I like to return to a pre-internet world? No, thanks. I appreciate my handy cell phone and laptop communication. How about you?

Faceless communication can be a boon or a barrier. In its early stage, telephones were set up on party lines. People would get upset when they knew people were listening in on their conversations.

I’d say modern internet communication might be an advanced version of those old party lines with a new twist. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to name a few, let us connect with others, but now we not only expect people to listen in, we want them to.

There is one problem, however, that can’t be ignored. Too many people jump to conclusions, belt off a negative wordy reply, then pat themselves on the back. “I really let them have it!” Like Solomon says, “a fool rages and is self-confident” (Proverbs 14:16 NKJV).

Just remember he who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32 NKJV).  

 Who wants to be a fool? Don’t raise your hand. I won’t either. I want to use my words to build people up, not tear them down. To quote mom’s adage: “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say it.”

No Need to Wait

Fall has arrived. Once again trees have turned orange, yellow, and red while summer breezes are turning into winter winds.

While shopping for groceries this week, I saw sales on traditional items for Thanksgiving dinner. I heard there was to be a shortage of turkeys this year, but you wouldn’t know it by the stores I was in. I do know that turkey on Thanksgiving Day is a family tradition for many.

Being thankful is a healthy choice. I grew up knowing a merry heart is good medicine (Proverbs 15:13 KJV). In fact, when I was fighting cancer back in 2007, I would crawl into bed and prepare to sleep by thanking God for 10 good things that happened that very day.

I was even thankful for small things that made me smile or gave me a merry heart. Things like the antics of a toddler at the mall, a courteous check-in at the chemo center, or a brief call from a friend.

I’m so glad I didn’t have to keep a list and then wait for Thanksgiving Day.

God invites us to give thanks daily. There is a lovely illustration of this in Psalm 100:4:

• ·     Thanksgiving gets us into His gates
• ·      Then we move into His courts with praise
• ·      And in His Presence we continue to give thanks and bless His holy name

If you need a jumpstart on thankfulness, try meditating on verse 5:

• ·         The LORD is good
• ·         His love endures forever
• ·         His faithfulness continues through all generations

Has He done anything good for you or your family in any of these categories?

I still choose to give thanks for ten things at the end of every day. In scripture, there are many admonitions to praise the Lord, but not many lists. 

God is interested in us as individuals, and reasons to be thankful vary for each of us, hour by hour and day by day.

There’s no need to wait for the fourth Thursday in November. Take advantage of your personal freedom and start giving thanks today!

 

Practice Pays Off

I used to encourage my piano students to practice. Of course, I knew from personal experience that practicing was not a priority. That emphasis came from parents paying for lessons so their children could learn a skill.

In my younger years, mom and I sometimes worked out a compromise. She would do the dishes while I practiced. I didn’t enjoy doing dishes any more than I enjoyed practicing, but in case you’re wondering, I did outgrow my childish preferences. And, yes, I did feel my practice paid off.

Practice is needed for many life skills. For example, lawyers, doctors, and counselors, after years of training, are expected to set up a practice. Dancers, sports figures, cosmetologists, chefs, tailors, and speakers all acquire job skills refined by practice.

Can you think of any area of life that doesn’t require some particular skill or ability?

Practice is personal, but appearances can fool you. Some people appear outwardly compliant while inwardly harboring resentment. They’re thinking when I get to be on my own, I’m not doing this!

Such rebellion is self-centered. Their mindset is it’s going to be my way or the highway. The problem? Rebellion cuts off good stuff in life.

Skills of any kind take practice. Even positive interaction with others is not automatic. Do you care how you approach or respond to others?  

Life could be less stressful if people gave relationships more thought. It requires no skill to float through life on a raft labeled Que Sera, Sera. That whatever will be, will be attitude doesn't mean you'll always have calm waters. 

A better choice would be a kayak labeled The Golden Rule. Then, even in rough waters, your personal choices would make a difference. 

Jesus made the premise quite simple: Treat others the way you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).  

Simple does not mean automatic. What part of your life would you like to see become more positive? What skill is needed?

Whatever you decide, get to work. In time you’ll discover practice pays off.

Keep the Peace

 

It’s a nice slogan, isn’t it? But it comes with questions: Who should keep the peace? How often? With whom? Let’s face it. . . there are no simple answers.  

I still remember a poem written by a little girl in my first-grade class years ago. It said: The sky is blue, the grass is green, and all the people, are different.              

That difference in people, plus a never-ending variety of situations, is what makes peace so elusive.

Some people are perpetual porcupines. You can’t be near them without getting pricked. I generally get along with people, and I’ve met all kinds. But years ago, I met a man who enjoyed being prickly to the point of exhaustion.

He always seemed on edge, coming up with negative views, and pushing back if you tried to remain positive. I finally gave myself permission to avoid him. It was my final solution, not perfect, but it worked most of the time.

It may be that peace with others comes after making peace with yourself.

I love the analogy of Jesus’ teaching on this subject. He compared criticizing others to looking at a small speck in someone else's eye while ignoring the log in our own (Matthew 7:1-5 NLT). 

The basic concept is beware! You will be judged by the standard you use to judge others.

We are to deal with ourselves first. After clearing out our problem log, we might have a clearer (less critical) view of that speck of wood in the eyes of others.

Another way to keep the peace is to avoid sharing your initial reaction. Unfortunately, life is not like Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy where your first response may win you a prize.

In real life, our first response, whether spoken or written, sometimes shuts people down. The result may be regret, with no option for overs at the moment.

Like the little girl said, “All the people are different.” That includes you!

Try to keep the peace for your own sake. Regardless of the outcome, knowing you tried is what really counts.

 

Ouch!

We live in a world of hurt. It’s not always physical, sometimes it’s emotional. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s endured a bruised or broken heart. 

Perhaps you trusted someone who lied to you. Did you experience the mental pain of self-incrimination --- “How could I have been so foolish as to believe them?” 

People seem eager to trust what they read on the internet or on social media. News pours forth day and night, but who is vetting it? Trust in dating apps seems to vary, depending on who’s telling their story.    

Overall, trust is a valuable commodity. It causes us to believe in the reliability, truth, or strength of another person. Without trust, society does not move forward well. If someone breaks our trust, or doesn’t live up to our expectations, we are reluctant to trust again. 

Who do you trust? Have you realized how trust is a major player in your life? It’s how you build relationships in your family, among friends, in business, at church, or in politics. 

On the other hand, has someone put their trust in you for care, advice, guardianship, or investments? Consider it an honor and handle it wisely. 

Confidence is another word for trust. Con men are trust swindlers. But sometimes we con ourselves. Instead of taking time to let a person prove their reliability, we rush forward. An example might be how few of us bother to check out political candidates. It’s so easy to take them at face value. 

King Solomon had a word about trust: Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble (Proverbs 25:19 NIV). OUCH! Recovery requires both time and special care, by others and ourselves. 

Who is always worthy of trust? My answer is God, for two reasons out of many: (1) He does not lie (Titus 1:2); and (2) His words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). 

David, as a shepherd boy, warrior, and king did many brave things, yet declared there were times of fear when he would put his trust in God (Psalm 56:3-4).

Hard times or not, who do you trust?

A Big Lie

 

 Did you ever hear this childhood chant? Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. 

How long did it take you to realize it might be fun to say, but in real life, it was a big lie? 

Even short and simple words have power. Sticks and stones may break bones and we’ll recover, but hurtful words can abide inside us forever.

I’ve worked with both children and adults who were timid and using less than half their awesome potential because someone in their past had said, “You’re stupid. You can’t do anything right. Get out of the way. You don’t know what you’re doing!” 

Through their ears, negative words entered their mind and spirit, remaining like a record with lifetime automatic replay. 

Never underestimate the power of your words! It’s not just what you say, but also how you say it. 

“You’re a fat little baby,” can sound harmless when said in a soft cooing way by a smiling mother with loving eyes. But the same words hold a different power when said harshly by a caregiver who is glaring at a little one while handling a diaper change. 

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body (Proverbs 16:24, AMP). Words, like bees, have the power to both sting and make honey. 

Honeycombs are six-sided cumulative structures, built and filled cell by cell. From birth we are like honeycombs, holding on to what we hear from people around us. 

As adults, we like to think that words can no longer hurt us. Let’s be honest - - - they do! 

Whether we are on the giving or receiving end, words have staying power. Sometimes we have the first word, sometimes the last. 

The question is, “Will it be a sharp sting or sweet like honey?”

 

Modern Anger

Anger seems to always result in negative spillover. I don’t think there’s a person alive who has never experienced it. Sometimes we see it coming and other times it takes us by surprise.

While cleaning files the other day, I found a paper where I had written about my father’s great anger toward me over several issues he had never mentioned before. In fact, he never mentioned them again, but I still wonder what brought that on?

Anger’s bottom line is emotional displeasure. Someone has mistreated us, misinterpreted our intentions, or opposed us in some way. Our first thought is retaliation.

Social media has done many good things. I can’t imagine our world without it, but I’m blown away by how it brings out the worst in so many people.

I’ve seen for myself some of the rabid responses to the most non-controversial postings. I always wonder why do people respond so harshly? Would they say that face-to-face?  I have my doubts.

Is it possible to have peace on social media? I read the other day that we are to forgive even those who have a difference, a grievance, or a complaint against us (Colossians 3:13 AMP).   

My first thought was are you kidding me? Forgiveness seems more important for those who have cheated, lied, or physically hurt me or my family. Then I had another thought.

In middle school, our choir sang, “Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin With Me.” That message stuck with me.

Can one person really create peace? Try this: Think of one media post as one penny, one hundred pennies add up to a dollar. Spread those pennies out over the world and you have a whole lot of dollars doing good.

Have you been accosted unfairly on social media? Ask yourself, “Is this negative or cutting comment really worth my response?"

Since modern anger seems easily played out in words, perhaps your lack of words (no response) could be a source of peace, even personal peace.

  

Little Diamonds in the Dark

Diamonds can create a lot of excitement, especially an engagement ring. My ring was not large, but it was mine. That’s what made it important to me.

The birth of a natural diamond can begin even one hundred miles below the earth’s surface. Pressure upon pure carbon creates this finite resource. A full-carat diamond is becoming rarer by the day.

It seems to me that babies are like little diamonds in the dark. I’m pretty sure pregnant moms would verify that there’s pressure involved.  

I’ve never been pregnant, but I have great respect for women way beyond the “baby bump!”

Just like diamonds, babies lie in the darkness of their mother’s womb until they are brought to the light. Blessed is each baby whose family and friends look forward to THE birth day.

Birthing babies and mining diamonds both require effort. Raw diamonds come in different sizes and weights, as do infants. Diamonds are graded on four C’s: Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut.

Newborns are given an Apgar Score. One minute after birth they are tested to see how well they tolerated the birthing process. Preferably no later than five minutes they are tested in five areas: Breathing effort, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color.

Just like a jeweler, parents are expected to shape their little diamonds in the rough.

Solomon gave some advice: “Train up a child in the way he should go (and in keeping with his individual gift or bent) and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, AMP).

The Message Bible simply says, “Point your kids in the right direction---when they’re old they won’t be lost.” This could include spiritual training, education, morals, and manners. It’s important to fit into the society and culture into which you are born.

If you have been blessed with a little diamond in the dark, consider it a treasure. Not everyone gets to have one.

  

Movies and Memories

I think it’s a blessing to have selective memories. Movies are just one way we are reminded of things.

Tonight, for me, it’s a movie where I remember the character, but not the title. Let me explain.

I was moved to tears as the female character was diagnosed with breast cancer. It wasn’t just her medical report, however, it was how she had to walk her journey alone.

I can tell you from experience that it’s a shock to be told, “You have cancer that has spread and you need treatment right away.”

Being told I had Stage Three breast cancer meant I was facing a huge health challenge. But it became even more challenging when, due to an insurance mix-up, I had no access to immediate treatment.

By the time I got an appointment with an oncologist, I also had Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) which is very painful. I was told having both a lump and IBC is not common.

It’s not unusual to count life events before or after pivotal years. For me, that became 2007. I had eight sessions of chemo, a modified radical mastectomy, removal of eighteen lymph nodes, plus nearly seven weeks of radiation.

It’s not hard to thank God for making my treatments work. I’m thankful for His answers to prayer for excellent doctors and technicians.

God’s presence was very real and His word trustworthy. He was the Good Shepherd who walked with me through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4).

I experienced His nearness to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). I also experienced hope and joy as I put my trust in Him (Psalm 33:20-22).

Fourteen years have brought many challenges and changes. What has not changed is my source of hope. I still read His word and pray personal prayers on an everyday basis.

Facing tough times? This hope can be yours, too. 

My Favorite Four-Letter Word

 

I used to say it was love, but I have moved on to hope. Love is a very good word, but it varies from the mundane to the sublime: I love lemon pie, I love going on vacation, I love my husband, I love God and God loves me.

As a personal choice, hope ranks first. Levels of love may vary, depending on other people. For example, I expected lemon pie with meringue but it came with whipped topping. As for vacations, did I really love them all?

If I’m honest, my love for my husband went down at times of misunderstanding. And, though I love God, I don’t always fully understand how much He loves Me!

Job is one of the best examples of hope despite a challenging relationship. His wife had no patience with his suffering. She said, “Why don’t you just curse God and die?” (Job 2:9-10).

Job let her negativity float on by. Hope was his choice and he would not give it up: “Should I accept only good things from God, and nothing bad?”

He had an even stronger answer when three well-meaning but non-comforting friends came by: “Even if God kills me, I’ll still trust Him” (Job 13:15).

Job’s hope gave him the strength to stay focused on his faith.

Hope results in joy. A characteristic of believers is to be joyful in hope, patient

in affliction, and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12, NIV).

Since patience and faithfulness are listed among the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), it would seem that hope, and the joy it brings, have a purpose.

Job’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and the ability to endure. The way I see it, hope might have been Job’s favorite four-letter word, too.

 

Labels Are For Pickles

 

I enjoy the taste of a good pickle and rarely meet one I don’t like.  As a child, I enjoyed going to our cellar for watermelon rind pickles or bread and butter chips.

There’s a certain beauty in row upon row of pickles in glass jars.

While living in an old farmhouse, I once got inspired to try canning pickles. The key word is once. During the process, I dropped a very large jar of pickles and brine. You can imagine the mess!

Labels remind me of another aspect of childhood. You could drive by any church in town and read their label. It might be Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Assemblies of God, Catholic, or a variety of others.  

Have you noticed that church labels today are more generic? I’m sure our town is not unique in the number of non-denominational labels and community church names.

Dad taught by example that labels are for pickles. As a minister, it didn’t matter what town we lived in, he always joined the ministerial association. 

He believed Psalm 133:1: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity. When I grew up, I came to appreciate his example even more.

As an adult, I was always surprised to hear people say, “When I was growing up, I could only be friends with kids from my own church.”

Dad's advice was, "Friends don’t have to be just from your denomination. You can always find a friend who loves Jesus.”

Thanks to Dad, my life was enriched by a variety of friends. We didn’t always agree on some points of doctrine, but our hearts were knit together in Christian love with God’s Word as our guide for living.

I associate labels and pickles with Dad because he had his favorites. But, lucky for me, when it came to people, he loved them all.

 

Weep With Those Who Weep

Doesn't it seem like lately we've had way too many opportunities to do this? Worldwide Covid-19 deaths, Hurricane Ida flooding, plus the Afghanistan situation have created plenty of tears. Plus, today was 9/11, complete with memorials for the unsuspecting citizens, twenty years ago, who were held hostage on rogue flights they never planned.

One of those planes hit the Pentagon. I saw a review of that tragedy on Friday. Today I tried to watch the other two memorials.

I started with the one near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Flight 93 National Memorial. As names were read of brave citizens who acted in solidarity to bring the rogue plane down, I couldn’t help it---I wept.

I tried switching to the memorial in New York. It only brought more tears. Twenty years have not erased the impact of this tragedy.

While listening to names read at Ground Zero, I had one question. Why did so many people have the same last names?

I was satisfied with the information in an article titled “The World Trade Towers Collapsed on Will Jimeno. How Did He Survive?” You can find this article by Garrett M. Graff (09/10/2021) on the web.

Never having been to New York, I did not know The World Trade Center actually consisted of seven buildings on sixteen acres. The Twin Towers famously dominated the skyline. Statistics say there were more than 50,000 daily occupants and over 200,000 daily visitors.

Will Jimeno, a NY Port Authority Police Officer trapped for thirteen hours in rubble between the two towers before he was rescued, has written a book: Sunrise Through the Darkness.

In his article, Mr. Graff, historian, journalist, podcaster, and author of a NY Times Best Seller (The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11), gave Will Jimeno’s book a thumbs up: “It’s the most hopeful and inspiring story from that day I’ve ever found.”

After speaking engagements, people usually say they can’t think of a worse thing to happen. Will, having dealt with physical injuries, survivor guilt and PTSD still has the heart to weep with those who weep (Romans 15:12, NLT).

He says, “Whatever tragic event is happening in your life, at that moment, you have your own World Trade Center. It isn’t comparative or competitive. At some point, in all our lives, we’re going to feel like the World Trade Center fell on top of us. It’s what we do in that moment---and who we are after---that matters most.”

Thanks, Will, for your example of bravery and compassion.

  

The Way I Remember It

Everything we do creates a memory. Memories are part of our human composition. 

Memories are like sunshine and shadow and that variety makes life interesting. It’s one reason I enjoy reading autobiographies. Thoughtful authors acknowledge that others in the same events may not have the same memories.

Have you ever noticed how memories seem to be triggered by our five senses? We smell something and a memory comes floating back. Or we see, hear or taste something that conjures up the familiar. Sometimes they pop up from something we’ve touched.

During the Exodus from slavery to freedom, out in the middle of the desert, people began to remember some tasty food from the old days (Numbers 11:4-6).

Conversations went something like this: “Remember that fresh fish in Egypt? Oh,

and what about those delicious cucumbers and melons we used to enjoy? This daily manna is so unappetizing. What I wouldn’t give to be able to flavor it with some leeks, onions, or garlic.”

Sometimes memories need a little help. The people above had positive memories, but they let them trigger negative attitudes. If caught in such conversations, try to be the catalyst for change.

Happy memories can be a choice. Sometimes I remember especially encouraging people. Other times I relive vacations or special events. I’ve had a variety of jobs and lived in a variety of places. That simply means I find even more memories to enjoy.

Was everything in my life positive? No, but why dwell on the negative?

Psalm 126:3 says, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Choice memories make it easy to give God thanks, and science has proven that being thankful is a positive trait for health.

If someone disagrees with your memory, you have an out. Simply say, “That’s the way I remember it!”