Sunday, June 8, 2008

New Traditions

We are a very young family; and don't have a whole lot of traditions. We just started a new one that we hope will take off really well- especially as the kids get older.

Have you heard that song that goes:
"Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by Thyhelp I come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home....."

I can't remember how it starts at the moment, but I can remember it from there. Anyway, have you ever wondered what in the world it means by "Ebenezer"?? It's an untranslated Hebrew word (according to my pastor), that literally means a pile of stones. A pile of stones for/of remembrance. You know- in the OT all the time the people are stacking stones to remember something God did. Jacob- when he dreamt of the angels going up and down the ladder made a stack of stones to commemorate it. The Israelites-when they crossed the Red Sea, and the Jordan, and in lots of other places. Abraham-when he covenanted with the Lord. There's lots more.

We were in a Home Community at one point that had an "Ebenezer jar". Every time someone had a story of God's providence, or a really great praise, they would put a stone in the jar to commemorate it. It was a rad idea.

So last weekend, DH and I were talking, and we decided to have our own "Ebenezer jar". The difference is, that instead of putting a stone in, we will put in a slip of paper that has the incident of God's awesomeness written on it. Then, at Thanksgiving, when we can't remember everything we want to praise God for, we will pull out our Ebenezer jar, and praise the Lord for His Awesomeness! I like new traditions. ;-)

5 comments:

Knittingmama said...

That's a terrific idea. our Thanksgivings from now on should be so special!

Rena said...

That is awesome! I love that song, and what an wonderful way to "raise an ebenezer" and proclaim His mighty works. Did you know that there is a story in Samuel where Samuel set up a pile of stones and called it "Ebenezer" (Literally, Rock of Help.) When I found that it totally made the song come alive for me.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love that! I've always wanted to leave stones around the house in places where God showed up in a big way. But I couldn't figure out logistically how that could happen--safely. I thought of stickers. But your idea sounds great. We love rocks around here so much, I might wrap a stone in a piece of paper telling of His faithfulness. I love new traditions!

Bercik & Agatka said...

I wasn't sure if you knew what the song was that you mention. So I'll mention that thsoe words are from one of my favorite hymns "Be Thou My Vision."

Bercik & Agatka said...

Grate. Now I look like I went to public shool with mi last comentt.