And Joshua said to them, Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, What do those stones mean to you? Then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.

Joshua 4:5-7

There’s nothing quite like the Christmas season to give us the opportunity to be intentional about our families. This weekend, we had two of our three kids, our daughter-in-law and Patrina’s Dad, and my Mom for a few days to celebrate. We enjoyed several “adventures” in just a couple of days, but we made some memories we’ll be grateful for in the years ahead.

When was the last time you sat down and made a list of the things you are thankful for? Do you look back on your life and see key moments of joy or crisis where God has displayed his power in your life?

Do you remember stories others have told you? your parents? grandparents? a friend?

God realized the importance of a milestone in the lives of His people on many occasions, but after Israel finally entered the Promised Land, He instructed Joshua to take twelve stones and create a memorial.

Think of the memorial “stones” in your life. They will build your confidence and the confidence of others.