I’m not sure where or how it all started, but TBT on Facebook is one of my favorite days to peruse friends and family status updates. Whether I knew them “back when” or not, seeing what once was draws each of us into different world. A world that perhaps no longer exists, but one in which we can say, “I remember.”

A college freshman!

So today is Thursday and I will join in the fun on Facebook, but thought I’d share a few blasts from my past here first. These pictures are from some of my favorite times with my favorite people. Go ahead. You can laugh. I did!

Remembering can be fun. Throw-back-Thursday helps to transport us to those fun times. I suspect that’s why “vintage” is so popular. Everything from clothing to advertisements, going back seems to bring out the smiles.

I suspect that recalling people, places and events gave the Apostle Paul something to dwell upon as he sat in prison. Otherwise, why would he have written such things as “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3 – NIV) Or, “God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:8 – NIV).

To the Church at Colosse, Paul wrote these words. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” (Colossians 1:3 – NIV)

We also see his great love for the Ephesian believers. “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:15-16 – NIV)

Paul remembered. He spent time thinking about and praying for those who had touched him in this special way.

Terry, Becky and me

About a year ago, I received a stack of old photos from the brother of a dear friend. She had recently died and he wanted someone who had a connection to her to have these photos. Terry was one of my best friends through high school and college. These photographs are great reminders of our times together.

I was blessed to have two best friends through high school and college. In this group of pictures were some of Becky and me. My heart and mind are saddened by the fact that Becky is also no longer with us either. All I have of Terry and Becky are a stack of photographs and a heart full of memories.

I’ve learned through throw-back-Thursday’s to embrace those who have touched my life in some way. What I’ve learned from the Apostle Paul is to thank God for these special people and pray for these folks as well. Something I need to be a little better at.

I pray that you’ve been touched in a similar way through throw-back-Thursday’s. Remember those with whom you connected. Pray for them. Thank God for them. And maybe even re-connect. Laugh. Smile. Chat. That’s what friendship is all about.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna