Practically every day I have to remind our children to turn off the lights or brush their teeth or pick up after themselves. Really? Again? Yes. And we are the same too.

I’ve heard it said, "People often need reminders more than they need instruction". Scripture tells us time and time again to "remember" what the Lord has done and we have numerous examples of places dedicated after God came through on a promise or provided in a time of hardship. I imagine them like pictures on a wall or a birthday calendar on my phone. They are reminders to be thankful, to celebrate.

My favorite account of the Israelites making a memorial is found in Joshua 4. I enjoy it for the sheer brilliance of God's request. As the Israelites were crossing the river Jordan on dry land, just as they had crossed the Red Sea, one representative from each of the twelve tribes had to pick up a stone from the middle of the river and carry them over.

What I know about any stones under a current of water is that they are smooth like glass. The twelve stones carried over would have been no different and would have certainly stood out like a sore thumb in the midst of the harsh terrain. Can you imagine the sight? Twelve highly polished river stones randomly sitting in a neat pattern, seemingly out of nowhere?

And that is exactly where scripture takes us, "in the future when our descendants ask their fathers 'what do these stones mean?' tell them,". God intended the future generations to be told and encouraged. He knew days would come when they would feel far from Him and they would need reminders. He knew you and I would one day need these accounts to remember the God of yesterday is the same God of today. He knew our children would need to see us remembering and celebrating because he is the God of the future too. He is the God of our children.

“Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 is a verse I’ve fallen back on countless times that carries a battle theme. We’ve all faced or been through something: death, divorce, disease, drugs, depression, or devastation of sorts. Some of us more than others; but, it’s the command that precedes this verse that I struggle with the most, “Be strong and of good courage.” No matter how many times I’ve been knocked down, dunked under, or “held captive,” my rebound doesn’t happen naturally.

            I wish I could be more like Jonathan was in 1Samuel 14:8 when he faced the Philistines. He told his armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows (let’s bust fear in the face!—my interpretation.) . . . Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” Jonathan knew who had his back—both physically and spiritual.

            Being the “concrete, black & white” thinker that I am, trusting hasn’t come easily. Regardless of how many people have told me, “You’re such a strong person” after recuperating from each of the first three “Ds” mentioned above, it doesn’t get easier for me. I still grow anxious; I forget to pray first; I doubt; I let my emotions get the best of me. So, how do I get up, get through, and go on?

            “’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’says the LORD Almighty.” (Zachariah 4:7) Emerging myself in God’s word on a regular basis helps me to soak up what I need in times of trouble. By rehearsing then releasing what I know to be true, God's Spirit within me becomes my “Fear” buster.

“Hello, my name is Katie.”

At one point or another, that is how all my best friendships have started. That is important for me to remember, because it is apparently easy for me to forget. When I moved down to the Lone Star State a couple of years ago, I missed (still do) my friends from ole Virginy terribly. Perhaps you’ve experienced a cross-country move too. I didn’t feel like making new friends in my new town. I couldn’t imagine that I would make friends as close as the ones I already had. I unwisely rode that attitude for a few wasted months.

I was remembering the great friends I had met while I lived in Virginia. I had made some aMAZing friends; friends I will have for life. I sure missed those folks.

And then it dawned on me.

Before I met them, I was nearly convinced I could never meet friends I loved and laughed with as much as those I had from Chicago. See, I was new to Virginia at one time too.

I realized this could only mean one thing: there was an undeniable possibility that great new friends awaited me here in Texas. All I had to do is muster up the courage to break out that brilliant opening line that had served me so well before.

“Hello, my name is Katie.”

Sometimes, being intentional about spending time with others just requires a little courage. And what a blessing a little courage can bring!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9