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Made for Memories
- Pastor Daniel Krebs
- Jul 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Happy Monday to our CFC Family:
Yesterday afternoon, we hosted our daughter Taylor’s wedding shower in our backyard on the deck. It was a beautiful and meaningful day. Lovingly put together by my wife Lenise, our youngest daughter Aliyah, and some amazing friends who went out of their way to make it special—and it truly was. With over thirty ladies gathered, it became a joyful time of celebrating a big milestone in Taylor’s life.
After helping Lenise as best I could, I sat down in the kitchen and watched the celebration unfold outside. At some point, Aliyah came up behind me and snapped the above photo. She thought it was funny because it looked like I had been kicked out of the party—just a guy sitting alone while the women celebrated. But in that quiet moment, unknown to her, I was actually doing a bit of reflecting. I was thinking about that old deck and all the memories it held.
When we first moved into our house in 2005, it didn’t take long to see that the small deck that the house came with just wasn’t going to cut it. It was barely more than a tiny platform with just enough room for a small patio table and a couple of chairs. We quickly agreed that if we really wanted to enjoy our backyard and create a place where life could happen, we needed to build something bigger and better.
So, a year later, we made a decision: we sold our camping trailer and used the money to build a real deck. One that would be larger, more welcoming, and made to last.
I spent the entire summer of 2006 working on it—weekends, evenings, any time I could find. There were plenty of hot days, sore muscles, and probably a few frustrating moments, but by late August, it was done.
Now, nearly 20 years later, that deck has become more than just part of the house—it’s part of our family’s story. It’s hosted birthday parties, youth group hangouts, game nights, family dinners, and so many everyday moments that make up life. People have come and gone—some we’ve lost touch with, others have unfortunately passed on—but the deck is still there, holding all those memories.
Yesterday, as I watched Taylor opening her wedding gifts, a wave of family memories came over me. Memories of Taylor and her brother and sister going through each of their seasons of childhood on that deck. Taylor playing with her Barbies, bringing puppies home for the first time, family BBQs with their grandparents….you name it, all of these memories, just for a moment, came rushing back into my mind.
As I reflected, I was reminded of the story in the Bible found in John 12:1–8, where Mary of Bethany poured a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. Judas objected, saying the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus said,
“Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
That moment has always spoken deeply to me. It reminds us of the importance of pouring out love, time, and even when it stretches us— resources into the lives of others. Just as Mary gave what was costly and meaningful to honor Jesus, we are also called to give of ourselves sacrificially to draw people closer to Him, no matter the cost. Like Mary, when we give from the heart—especially in ways that build others up in faith—it’s never wasted. It creates moments that echo into eternity.
That deck became exactly that for us—and so much more. Sure, it cost a fair bit to build at the time, but it’s been worth every penny. It turned into far more than just a place for barbecues and birthday parties. It became a space of peace and prayer—a quiet refuge where people were encouraged, counseled, and lifted up. Over the years, countless prayers have been spoken on that deck—some shared with others, and many just between Lenise and me, quietly calling out to God for our family and friends.
And honestly, if I could go back and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change one nail or one board!
Have a great week and we’ll see you Sunday!
Christian Fellowship Church
417 Hanover Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 0G0
Church Office: 204-326-2228
