I recently finished reading the book of Joshua, and in chapter 4:1-7, we see an incredible moment. After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God instructed Joshua to build a memorial with 12 stones:

"We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7

Memorials played an important role in biblical history. God gave His people numerous festivals and celebrations, each one rich with meaning. Our Heavenly Father knows us well. He understands how easily we forget the things He has done once we’ve moved past them.

This got me thinking...

What kind of memorials do we have in our lives? What if we created physical reminders or traditions to help us remember and celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness?

Today, I want to share some ideas to inspire you to create your own memorials. These can serve as meaningful testimonies of all God has done for you. I think this can be particularly special if you have young children, as it gives them a tangible way to see and remember God’s work in your family.

5 Ideas for Personal Memorials:

1. Ebenezer Stone: Choose a large stone or build a small collection of standing stones in your backyard. Label it "Ebenezer" (which means "Thus far the Lord has helped us") to mark a significant moment when God intervened in your life.
2. Scrapbook: Create a scrapbook documenting answered prayers, miracles, and key spiritual milestones with photos and written reflections.
3. Family Heirloom: Pass down a special item with a story attached, highlighting God’s provision or guidance in your life.
4. Prayer Journal: Maintain a journal where you record prayer requests and their answers. Revisit it regularly to reflect on God’s faithfulness.
5. Special Meal: Establish an annual tradition of preparing a special meal to commemorate a significant event where God provided for or guided you.

These reminders can serve as a source of encouragement and a legacy of faith for future generations. Let’s be intentional about remembering and celebrating the goodness of God in our lives!

"Let all that I am praise the Lord. May I never forget the good things he does for me." Psalms 103:2

"Dear Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Help me and my household to honor You and count every one of our blessings. Help me to set standing stones as memorials of Your love and grace toward me. In Jesus' name, Amen."