Twelve Stones

Photo source: 12stone.com

My children and I were reading out of the book of Joshua this morning, which tells the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River (see Joshua chapter 4). In this passage, God instructed Joshua to choose twelve men, one from every tribe of Israel, to pick up a stone from the river bed and pile them up as a monument, once they had crossed over to the other side.  This monument of stones was to serve as a reminder to the people of Israel, and to all the generations to follow, of God's awesome power, provision, and faithfulness as He led them safely into the Promise Land.

This passage of Joshua got me to thinking about all the ways that we--my family and I--can memorialize God's faithfulness to us.  What "stones" could we lay down to make a memorial to regularly remember God's power and provision and faithfulness in our lives?

So today, I'd like to share with you the "twelve stones" we thought of, in the hopes of encouraging you to do the same with your family this season!

1. Photo albums--with either old-school photo albums or digital photo books, it is encouraging to regularly look through pictures of the past to see how far everyone has come! (yay for surviving middle-school acne and 80s hairstyles!)
2. Scrapbooks--this unique format combines photos with journaling to record memories, impressions, and moments to share with future family members about special times in your life.
3. Journals--this is a space where I like to record inner thoughts, struggles, and reflections.  It is very encouraging to re-read them years later and see how God answered particular concerns or worked out circumstances in His perfect timing!
4. Calendars and planners--a handy way to see the interplay between your weekly or monthly to-dos and God's providence over all. (I especially love photo calendars for memory keeping!)
5. Family photo wall--a prominent place to hang family pictures, old to current, especially through the generations, for your children to see and appreciate daily.
6. Scripture wall--a special place to record a meaningful verse that is an encouragement to your family! (We have stenciled this one in two of our homes over the years.)
7. Prayers/Answered prayers journal--a perfect place to record praises, petitions, and answers given by God through the years.
8. Home movies--a fun way to curl up as a family to relive special moments! My favorite movie to show my children is our wedding ceremony and reception.
9. Family stories--a great and oh-so-portable way to retell God's faithfulness when you are together around the table or a campfire! 
10. Christmas cards and newsletters--a noteworthy way to see how God has been at work over the past year in your family.
11. Spiritual journey suitcase--check out this post to learn more about this one!
12. Circled Bibles--again, this one might need more of an explanation here!

All of these "stones", in some form or another, have blessed my family and me, and have enabled us to look back and reflect upon how much God loves us, cares for us, provides for us, and moves in awesome ways in our day-to-day lives.

I hope you and yours will take some time today to reflect upon how God has provided for you through the years, as well!  I promise you will be so blessed and encouraged as you and your family set aside time to build up your "monument of stones."