Remember to REMEMBER!

When I was young and energetic – I had a fascination for bags. I would aspire to match my handbag with my current attire. And so, I have to admit that I bought too many of them. Different types and colours – small ones, large ones, in between ones – stylish ones, quaint ones ... in black, brown, white, yellow, red, purple! I love to ensure that my clothes match well, handbag and all! However, changing bags is not something I indulge in any more. For one thing, the aspect of moving numerous items from one bag to another (not forgetting to leave out a crucial item like reading glasses) is far too time consuming.

These days I am lazy! I use two largish handbags, one black, the other blue. I use one for a few months and then change to the other. It works well. Matching clothes to a black bag is easy. To a blue, not so much – but then, blue is one of my favourite colours, so I own a number of blue outfits. I like bags that have a number of zipped areas – one for my keys, another for sunglasses, one for medicines, another for comb, perfume and lip-gloss, a large section for important items like purse, tissues, booklets, pens and so on. (Yes, being a Girl Guide, I carry everything and the kitchen sink! My motto is Be prepared!) A couple of years ago, my black bag had become old and ragged, so I bought a replacement. This one was different. It didn't boast as many compartments as I would have liked.

But I made it work and it became my favourite bag for a couple of years. Until recently … when items began to vanish. I soon discovered that a hole in the bag lining was swallowing up my lipstick and other small items. In addition, very annoyingly, my sunglasses kept disappearing among the many objects in the main section of my bag. Time to change bags, I decided! I transferred all the items in my black bag into my blue bag … an older one with adequate compartments. Voila! I was surprised to rediscover what a useful bag it was, too! I didn't need to keep looking for my sunglasses anymore – they were safely in their own special area. My water bottle was popped into an outer space and my phone had its own external section.

It was easy to use and I loved it. I'd completely forgotten what a boon all these separate compartments were, making life easy for me when I'm out and about. How could I have forgotten? There are times I forget other things too. Important things. But … when I stop and reflect, I remember and I return to the most significant facets of life. It makes total sense and refreshes me ...  a long cold drink flowing down my parched throat on a hot summer's day.

Let's stop right here and call to mind aspects of life that resemble my blue bag.

Truths that create a better life. Old stuff. Good stuff. Forever stuff.

Let's remember to REMEMBER!

1. Jesus is the Light of the world. His light overcomes the darkness.
2. God is good. Always! Even when life sucks. So let me live in the goodness of God.
3. Loving God and Loving others is what life is all about. Let me love well.
4. Jesus said, "Do to others what I would like them to do to me." How can I do so today?
5. He has brought me through many seasons, answering many prayers. He will do it again.
6. Words are powerful. Words bless and build. But they can also hurt. Use wisely.

7. Life is too short for offence. Become someone difficult to offend.
8. Kindness is underrated. Be kind. All. The. Time.
9. Mistakes are inevitable. Ask God's forgiveness. Get up and try again.
10. Life is rarely perfect. But I can enjoy each moment, because joy comes from the inside!
11. Gratitude changes my little into more than enough. Be grateful.
12. Today will not come again! Make the world a better place. Today.

What are some of the favourite things that you like to remember, dear one? I'd like to learn from you! 

Thank you for being in my life and in my world. The world is better for having you in it.

Let's Remember. Let's LIVE well! 

Let's create a ripple effect of lasting good in our world!

Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us.

He gave Himself for us—a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2 ERV