Thanks for the Memory

I was singing that old song (way older than me), “Thanks for the Memory” last night. I remember Bob Hope crooning his famous theme song “Thanks for the Memory", that he originally sang in a 1938 movie and went on to end his TV variety shows with it.

I was thinking about it because my cousin and I have relived so many childhood memories that included our time here in Red River, NM. I remembered that drive here and the two of us from the back seat, belting out the 1960 song by Anita Bryant, “My Little Corner of the World”.

On Monday, we took a little stroll in the town area and the memories rolled on. As we walked by the Red River Stables, we remembered when we went horseback riding from those stables. Myra’s horse was obedient but mine was stubborn and kept stopping to eat grass. It was so hard to get him to move along. Then, in the intersection of town, he decided to lie down right in the middle of the street. I was mortified. It was almost too much laughter – at this age – if you know what I mean! I was told that I should feel very fortunate the horse didn’t buck me off before he went down. I was very grateful. I told the stable keeper our story. She laughed and agreed that's the way it was, but now they lead the horses to privately owned land and slightly up the mountain. No longer can riders go it alone and certainly not go down the streets of the town.

BTW – pictured here – right in the middle of town are deer that apparently didn’t get the memo about critters not coming into town. On the other hand, maybe deer are excluded!

I was raised as straight-laced as I could be which meant that I didn’t get to go to movies, but thanks to my Uncle Dewayne and Aunt Marie, I saw my first movie in Red River. If my memory serves me correctly, it was “Cimarron”. Myra pointed out that the "Alpine" is where the theater used to be. She also pointed out the cabins where we stayed, as well as the community center where we attended a church service there. I remember the square dancing and Disney movies shown there. The center is closed now because of the pandemic. Myra pointed out the little shopping square where we were entertained by Indian dances.

Oh, what precious memories we have shared but none compare to the strong faith that we were all raised in. Our families were believers in Jesus and were determined to serve Him with all their hearts. Best news ever was when we were talking about our own children and grandchildren who are carrying on the faith traditions that were instilled in them by us.

The sweetest of memories are those that include the blessings of faith – through many ups and downs of life – the one constant that remains – unchanging and unwavering. Sure, there are changes in this enchanting and vibrant little town of Red River. There is no longer a theater here, horses can’t be ridden on the streets, the community center is closed because of Covid, and all must wear face masks. Changes. We’ve changed also.
One thing does remain and stays the same. That one thing – rather, that One all-knowing, all-seeing and all-loving God and His unchanging ways. Thanks for the memories and the joys of the past, but living in this here and now is a great place to be with our God Who has never left us or forsaken us and will be with us forever, In the meantime, thanks for the memories!

"The memory of the righteous is a blessing...." Proverbs 10:7

Here Today and Gone Tomorrow

A fad is defined as an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived; a craze. See that cute little boy. That’s my son in this photo and guess what era that was when Nehru suits and Beatle’s haircuts were the craze. If you guessed the 60s, you’re right. We fell prey to a fad!

See that hairstyle in the 2nd photo – if you guessed Farrah Fawcett’s feathered long hairstyle of the 70s, you guessed right. I was inspired to write this blog from my friend, Joanne M. Bush's FB post. She said: “The word "fad" comes from an acronym which means 'FOR A DAY'. We can be good at fashioning our thinking from the fads given to us by others, who never meant it as a fad.” I didn’t realize it was an acronym, but it sure seems true – especially as it relates to the phrase “Here today and gone tomorrow!”

I remember some “slang” fads we used that had their season: “Don’t have a cow!” (meaning “Don’t get upset!) and “Put the pedal to the metal” (meaning: get moving). Anyone remember the buzz words: groovy, be cool, crater face, far out, bummer? Those buzz words and sayings were here today and gone tomorrow. Now, there’s a whole new string of fad words: hashtag, photo bomb, selfies, and even this year, new buzz phrases: social distancing, shelter in place, and one we do hope is here today and gone tomorrow: COVID-19. Another fad we hope here today and gone tomorrow is racial prejudice, discrimination, injustice, rioting, insensitivity, hatred.

All that to emphasize something, rather SOMEONE Who certainly banishes the “here today and gone tomorrow” mindset. As a matter of fact – this phrase of great assurance to all of us is “Jesus Christ -- the same yesterday, today and forever”. (Hebrews 18:8). That, my friends, is an unequivocal, eternal truth, hope and belief. And, that my friend, is where we find our hope, when all seems hopeless; where we find peace, when chaos surrounds us; where we find joy, when the world is in fear; where we find love, when hate abounds.

Like in my admitting to following fads and crazes in my examples above, my eyes opened to He Who our greatest example should be – emulating our Lord and Savior and the words He said and the life He lived. Joanna goes on to say in her post: “Scripture is clear. Jesus only did what He saw His Father do and only said what His Father said. Father was the source from which Jesus lived. He came to take us to the Father.”

I agree with her. I desire not to be a fad-seeker or people-pleaser, but a Father-seeker who emulates His unchanging ways -- the ways of loving each other, having faith and hope for a future of love, joy and peace for all mankind. Sound like a day-dream? Not, when ALL things are possible with God. It is God we turn to for refuge and for change -- change in us!