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some memorable places

 


Acts 3:20  NLT

Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

 

Some places are more special than others.  You probably have a few memories as I do.  Places that come to mind that I love to remember left a mark on my life and even some encounters I remember several different people. 

 

First, it really is about time with my God.  Several places hold a special in my heart.  Second, this includes people who shaped my life and have meant much to me.  Some are family.  Some are people who poured into my life.  All are significant.

 

1 Samuel 12:7  NLT 

Now stand here quietly before the lord as I remind you of all the great things the lord has done for you and your ancestors.

 

Here are a few that hold a special place in my heart.

 

--- In middle school I spent some afternoons working with my one of my teachers cutting grass.  I remember several of the conversations about faith and Christianity.  His name is Dan Korver.

 

--- Sometime around the middle of 1985 our youth group went on a retreat.  We went to a small retreat center near a beautiful river.  This was a few months after I accepted Jesus as my Savior.  I remember one afternoon sitting near that river and listening to the voice of God speak into my spirit. I think the place was called Shepherd’s Fold

 

--- Sitting in the passenger seat of a old Honda hatchback and learning how to love and share my faith with others.  My youth pastor poured into my life.  His name is Phil Dietz.  That is one day and many others are highlights that have shaped my life. 

 

--- My first year of college was one that really impacted my life.  It wasn’t an easy year.  In the second part of the year I remember sitting in front row of an Old Testament class and falling in love with a part of the Bible that scared me for some time.  I can close my eyes and hear this professor speak truths that still ring in my ears.  That professor was Gary Galliotte.

 

--- Not long after moving to Georgia I met a family that was a great encouragement to me.  They owned a small farm on the edge of town.  It had a meeting room where I remember some great prayer times.  It also had a dock on a small pond in the middle of the property.  On that dock was where I fell in love with the book of Psalms.  Sweet, sweet memories.  That was the Beasley family farm. 

 

--- Early in our years of marriage Julie and I went on some memorable retreats.  Many of those places that didn’t have TV’s in the rooms.  Those nights without the lights on we would talk for what seemed like hours.  I think I got to know her much better on those special nights.  I love Julie.


--- Right before my mom passed away she was in a sweet hospice home that had an outdoor chapel.  I remember a few quiet moments and a couple conversations in that room that I have visited several times since.  That was a very tough time, but those quiet moments have a special place in my heart.

 

Seek those moments.  Find those special places and people.  Spend time with God.

 

Mark 6:31  NLT

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

 

NOTE: much of this devotion was first shared in June of 2016

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