Parenting by Design - June 21

Stones of remembrance

Joshua 4:20-22:  "And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan.  He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?' Tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground'" (NIV).

The memorial of twelve stones was a great reminder of God's grace and power.  When Israelite children saw it, they would hear the story and learn about God.  It kept God's faithfulness fresh in their parent's minds, too.

We have memories of answered prayers and of God's work in our lives.  How often do you share these stories with your children?  When faced with trials, it can be easy to focus on our fear rather than remembering how God has provided for us in the past.  Each time you experience God's grace, make a memorial of the occasion in your mind.  These are your stones of remembrance. 

Offer strength and encouragement by sharing stories of God's faithfulness with your children.