Family Memories

On the west side of K-15 highway, in southern Kansas, is the big city of Dexter. In Dexter sits an old, white, two story building in the downtown area that is about to fall down.

It was the old Henry’s Candy store. When I was a kid, my grandmother and grandfather would drive us down from Augusta on a Sunday afternoon after church for homemade candy. We loved it, especially at Christmas time when they made very special candies.

Today, the candy store has relocated and is on the east side of K-15 in a newer building. They still have over 100 varieties of candy and continue to give free demonstrations on Sundays.

I took Brian and Craig there on several occasions as they were younger to show them the candy store that was made special by my grandparents. Memories of the past are so important. Memories of special family times are priceless.

We have those each Sunday here at Central when we gather as a family to worship our Heavenly Father. We share our lives - some good times, some not so good - but they are precious moments when we encourage each other and make memories that will last a lifetime.

I enjoyed reading the Thanksgiving messages from many of our members here at Central in the bulletin this month. The number one message that came out throughout all the different stories was the memories and special times we have as a family here at Central.

To become a member of God’s Family is a very easy process. The problem that so many have is, it’s a change of life. It’s a commitment. It’s saying goodbye to how I once lived and allowing God to take me and use me for his will.

The story of the rich man in Mark 10:

“And as [Jesus] was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property.”

Such a sad story because this man remembered what he had in earthly possessions and couldn’t give them up. He remembered the stuff. He remembered the pleasure he received from all that he had. It was such an important part of his life that he couldn’t give all that up and follow Jesus.

I’m thankful God has given us our minds to remember the good things and not so good things in life. It helps us on a journey towards Jesus each day. It helps us remember what Christ did for us at Calvary.