Because I am old enough to have a lifetime of memories, I often find myself indulging in them. For years I invested in numismatics, which is the history of coins. When I decided to give them away I had to decide who would get them.

Children were my final choice for they could carry the tradition farther than parents or grandparents. Looking over the coins, each had a handwritten price and description. Each container told me who the dealer was. We spent time in Davenport, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Marshalltown, Fort Dodge, other states; even Jerusalem. Many of the dealers of sixty years ago are deceased but memories are vivid.

One numismatist was Joe Marschek from Cedar Rapids. He was always helpful, honest and willing to share his philosophies about coins or those I shouldn’t buy. Just seeing the coins brings up memories of this man. One day, I took time off from work and drove to Cedar Rapids. I had some silver to sell, his wife was there too: she was Mrs. Grump.

As I dealt with him, she kept up a display of antagonism. She reminded me of Walter, the dummy of the ventriloquist, Jeff Dunham. Old Walter never had a kind word for anyone. She even had a sneer like he does.

If I could choose one dealer to lift up, it would be Joe. His life could not have been easy but he was always a jovial man in the face of his adversity.

What is the point of this message? “Cherish your memories” for they may bring comfort and peace. They can be a source of contentment. I often wondered why I had to encounter angry people. Could it be that God wants the whole world to know the difference between his Kingdom and Satan’s?

One would think living would be easier in the Christian Community but some of these folks can also be the toughest to be around. They are positive in their own ideas and what little spiritual truth they have found, that becomes their total truth.

God has a way to live life. It is with love, peace, kindness, forgiveness and patience. Being the master of these, will bring a good life. God is praying that we give his Kingdom a try; are you willing?