Remember This

Memorial Day Weekend - the kickoff to summer!
So I started thinking about the origin of the holiday and that we're to honor those who gave their lives for this country to remain free. That's cool. And my mind has wandered to the memory of a lot of others who have passed away - friends, family, acquaintances - people that came in and out of my life, who touched me and, therefore, changed me in some way. Most of them weren't veterans; some were.

I thought I might remember some of them here - I don't know how else to really honor them. Unfortunately, I know there are many that I'll leave out, so I'm not going to even try to make this a complete list - just some people that have been on my mind.

Rudy Aganski - My great uncle - He actually was a veteran. He was like a grandfather to me - spoiling me while at the same time teaching me discipline and respect.

Raymond Smythe - My 6th grade Sunday School teacher - explained a lot to me

Bunny Halvorsen - Soprano and Church Choir Director's Wife - gave me her sheet music collection (huge!) when I went off to college - gorgeous voice - dedicated Christian.

Terri Hallam - beautiful friend, mother of two, compassionate teacher, lover of the Lord and life.

Joan Varley - fellow actress and friend - total goof ball, fun to be around - gave her life to serve in Jesus' name - never met a stranger.

Randy Sundquist - Sunday school teacher for 3&4 year olds - loved those kids - taught me that kids aren't THAT scary - showed me that there is still pain and often failure when you're a Christian, but that doesn't make your worth to Jesus any less.

There are many, many more going further back, but these are fresh in my mind. Thank you, Jesus, for putting these people in my life! I know you're taking care of them now (always were); I can't wait to see them again!

Thank you for indulging me in this - I hope you take a moment to reflect on those who've come and gone in your life. Happy Memorial Day!

What Is My Worth?

I know I am a child of God. The Bible tells me so. I know He loves me. The Bible tells me so. I know I am worth God's Son. The Bible tells me so. I know there is nothing I can do to earn God's love and nothing I can do to lose it. The Bible tells me so.

And yet...

Sometimes I find I describe myself by what I do. Sometimes I feel unlovable. Sometimes I assign my worth based on others' evaluations (am I pretty, am I competent, am I hireable?). Sometimes I get so caught up in trying to do God's work, I forget why. Work, work, work. Do, do, do.

Today I rest in His love and hold onto His promises as long as I can. Until my next lapse, which will come, and hopefully not last too long.