Why Remember

As I shared my story of "God on the Move" in days past, the thought may have crossed your mind, "Why remember?  What's the point of looking at the past?"  During this season of Thanksgiving, the answer is obvious--to give thanks to God for His great provisions, protection, and leading.  But also as a tool to train younger generations to follow in the way of righteousness and faith in this present day.  (If you've just joined me and missed the story, check out "God on the Move" Parts 1-3 written earlier in this blog)

We are nearing a season where we remember another time when God moved a people from there to here, from England to the new world.  These pilgrims burned bridges behind them on a large scale, but as they did so, also built bridges towards a godly nation.  What sacrifices they were willing to go through to honor God in their worship of Him!  What are we doing now, today, with those bridges to godliness which they started?

I've been reading "A Time To Remember" by Barbara Rainey to my children, a chapter at a time over the last  few weeks . . . slowly, so we might thoroughly digest it.  Then we each write a summary or report on that chapter.  It is interesting to observe how each person's report is different and catches various aspects of the story from what touches their heart.  I'm hoping to have them read their reports to the family as part of our Thanksgiving celebration this year along with pictures they've drawn to illustrate their writing.

One part of the book talks about feasting and where the idea came from.  It is not simply a holiday that our government leaders decided to establish because of incredible beginnings to our country.  Even before then, God set up various feasts for the children of Israel to commemorate great moments of His working in their lives.  I sometimes tell my children that God likes parties.  It is a good thing to celebrate what He has done for us, remembering the milestones.

And so this is why I tell you the story of "God on the Move".  I want a record of it, a summary, of God's workings in the life of our family so that we may remember and give God praise.

In this season of giving thanks we are ever so thankful for the church God has brought us to and for the way He provides for our every need.  We are grateful for His mercies upon us, that He would prepare us and chose us for a calling we are not worthy of.  We are in awe of God's faithfulness in that He continues the work He started.  He will bring it to completion in His time and His way.  But as long as I have breath, I would hope that I will always say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord".  And pray that my children will receive a heritage of faith that spurs them on to submit to God's working in their lives as well.

"Oh give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name;

Make known His deeds among the peoples,

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;

Speak of all His wonders,

Remember His wonders which He has done..."

Psa.105:1-2,5