We Have This Moment
So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12
This morning, I am 13,316 days old. This puts me somewhere around the halfway point of the average lifespan of 27,375 days. Around 10,000 days ago, one of my favorite activities was to visit with my maternal grandparents, “Ma” and “Pa.” They had everything a little boy needed to have fun – legos, toy guns, tanks, trucks, a big backyard good for catching snakes, lizards, and frogs, and even a Nintendo. We used to spend nearly every Sunday with them. It was truly a time of making memories.
The real treat came when we were able to stay the night. We’d stay up and roast marshmallows by the fire while watching anything from the Atlanta Braves to old movies to Star Trek. In the morning, we would get up and, before the day started, we would have a family Bible study. They would both read from their devotionals and then we would each take turns to pray. Without question, they put the Lord first in their lives.
In addition to their day job running the antique store they owned, they also operated Christian Television Ministries (CTM), a local TV station in Brunswick, GA. They were musicians and would often sing together on the air. Perhaps their favorite was “We Have This Moment” by Bill and Gloria Gaither, which describes the time we spend together slipping “through our fingers like sand.”
Leonard Nimoy of Star Trek fame said something similar shortly before he passed away – “Life is like a garden; perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory.” Ma and Pa have gone on to be with the Lord, and the moments I had with them on this Earth are gone, but they remain preserved in my memory and the memories of all who knew and loved them.
As you go about your life, I encourage you to make sure you take time to spend with those you love. Make memories, don’t take them for granted, and cherish those “perfect moments.” As the song says, “Hold them dear while they’re here, and don’t wait for tomorrow to look back and wish for today.”
Stephen Nichols
Director of Communications
STORIES FROM THE HOME
PAYH Receives CARF Accreditation
CARF, an independent nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services needed for the best possible results, has awarded PAYH a 3 year accreditation. “We are thrilled to receive this international accreditation as it earnestly demonstrates to our families we serve, our stakeholders, and other organizations that we not only meet but exceed the industry standards,” said Betty Burris, Vice President for Outreach and Compliance . We hope you will join us in praising God for this blessing and for allowing us to continue to lead young men to Jesus Christ.
2021 Chick-fil-A Race
The 2021 Chick-fil-A Vidalia Road Race is gearing up for the 6th annual race supporting both the PAYH ministry and Winshape Camps. Last year this race raised over $30,000 to help change lives in the local community, and is on track to do it yet again. “This year will be different because of COVID” said local Chick-fil-A Owner / Operator Britt McDade, “but rest assured we are committed to having an event that will be both safe and fun.” If you’re a runner (or a walker) in the local area, we would love to have you join us March 6th for this one of a kind event. Sign up is easy at RunVidalia.com. We hope to see you there!
Perfect Memory
Scripture memory is at the core of the PAYH program, and every young man is required to memorize a passage from the Bible each week. These passages are chosen intentionally to support our ongoing Bible studies, as we believe firmly what the Psalmist tells us in Psalm 119:11 – ” Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” This month, three of our young men recited each week’s memory work perfectly. Congratulations to Blake, Ben, and Evan for a job well done!
As we celebrate 60 years of operation and look to impact the lives of more young men, we are asking everyone to keep an open ear and open heart to spread the word about the Paul Anderson Youth Home and connect us with the families of young men who are struggling with behavioral problems and issues of discipline, anger, and depression. Through our spiritual counseling, character development, and accelerated learning program, we share Christ with these young men. He is the one who transforms their lives for eternity.
Stay Updated
Sign up for our monthly newsletter and weekly devotional
