SUMMER MEMORIES ...

MEMORIES - Barbara Streisand sang that song decades ago and its haunting melody will still occasionally drift through my sub-conscious; especially when there are transition points in life.  Below, I’ve shared just a few of my memories from this summer and ask that you reflect on these and your own, and then mull over the questions that I’ve provided.  Happy memories :)

 

... alone in the midnight

I can dream of the old days

Life was beautiful then

I remember the time I kenw what happiness was

Let the memory live again ...

Memory – This has been the most incredible summer in my short, and yet long life.  Seemingly endless sun, the scent of a beautiful spring lawn, the vivid color of growing flowers, the joy of those non-existent mosquitos (at least so far), and lying on a beach in Florida “watching” life and people with a group of surfers.

·         What natural and social joys have you discovered or re-discovered this year?

Memory – Spending four months on The Game, clarifying to the best of my ability the disciple making process that we use at Grace Church and challenging people to Get Into The Game.

·         Where are you in The Game and what are the next steps for your spiritual development?
 

Memory – Two weeks in India connecting with key disciple making leaders in that nation and from around the world.  In particular, a trip up a long winding river on an old diesel billowing boat, the shores lined by tall smoking chimneys that produced bricks from the mud of the river bank, the excited faces villagers as they ran to the shore and waved, and then spending a hot afternoon in a tiny village telling the inhabitants the story of Jesus.  Men, women, and children responded eagerly with many questions and in the process a new church was born.  I walked away smiling and thanking God for the chance to see the book of Acts in person and awed by the power of the Spirit in the darkness of paganism.

·         How have you seen God work in the midst of cultural and spiritual darkness, and in what ways did you partner with Him?

Memory – Spending time with committed workers and leaders of the church; hearing their pain, their failings, their joys, their dreams, their ideas, and the story of their lives has made me feel part of a team and part of something that really matters.

·         Who are those people that challenge you spiritually, encourage you emotionally, and refresh you socially?

Memory – Hearing the unmistakable voice of God while walking down a road, feeling His presence while discouraged, and recognizing His prodding to reach out, shut up, do right, and get going at various moments of my 2012 journey.

·         When have you felt God’s nudge upon your life in 2012?

I would love to have you tell me some of your favorite memories of the summer of 2012.  Send me an email and let’s share life …

 

... Daylight

I must wait for the sunrise

I must think of a new life

And I mustnt give in

When the dawn comes

Tonight will be a memory too

And a new day will begin ...