That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
—1 John 1:1 NIV
We all have a longing to step outside our comfort zones and explore new places. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a hike, or a trip far from home, these experiences help us create special memories and grow closer to those we love. On our last family trip, I played a lot of golf, visited stunning ocean cliffs, enjoyed delicious meals with family, and spent plenty of time with my granddaughter, creating memories for her to treasure as well.
In times like these, I am reminded that God is present with us in our daily activities, giving us blessings to notice and cherish. Even simple adventures can become invitations to recognize His goodness and presence in our lives. So, when I’m with my granddaughter, I say things like, “I love you, sweet girl,” and “God loves you.” I also reinforce godly character, saying, “You are kind, you are loving, you are compassionate, you are gracious, you are joy-filled,” and more. Sharing God’s truth with Ellie helps me plant seeds of love and faith in her heart, making memories of being cherished and belonging to God who made her and loves her deeply.
My relationship with my granddaughter reminds me that God invites us to spend time with Him, simply being together. In this relationship, I am like the baby, and He is the loving adult. When I read about the promised land in the Bible, I sense God saying things like, “I love you, Marlene,” and “I will never leave you or forsake you, sweet girl.” “You are safe with me. I will guide you through every circumstance and comfort you in sorrow and pain. You are kind, you are compassionate, you are mine.”
Similarly, I have made memories with my Heavenly Father through years of exploring His Word. Time spent with Him is never wasted; it fills me with hope and enriches my life. Even when I imagine standing in ancient Jerusalem at the foot of the cross, I am comforted, knowing my sins are forgiven. When God applied the precious blood of Jesus to my heart, He said, “You are forgiven, made new, wholly mine and righteous.” This truth, proven by Jesus’ resurrection three days later, brings me lasting joy, because the life He has and gives is everlasting. These are memories I treasure even more than time with my grandchild—and that means a lot!
Moreover, the close memories of Christ’s friendship and the reality of His love gave the apostles strength to keep going after He ascended. Think about the apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest friends. Many years after Jesus returned to heaven, John was an old man writing his first letter. He didn’t focus on abstract ideas; instead, he shared his memories. He wrote about the Savior “whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands” (1 John 1:1 NLT).
Maybe the time we spend making memories with God helps us build a bond of love that inspires us to live for Him. I believe it does. There are many simple ways we can make these memories with God today—taking a prayer walk to enjoy His creation, keeping a gratitude journal, remembering answered prayers, or setting aside a few quiet moments to reflect on His goodness at the end of each day. Even reading a favorite Bible passage and praying can become a special memory shared with Him.
So, as you nurture the desire to explore outside your comfort zone, dive deep into the vastness of God’s Word and make some lifelong memories with your Lord and Savior as you walk with Him. Let every new step, every quiet moment, and every heartfelt prayer become a cherished memory of His presence and love in your life. In the end, it’s these memories with God that will anchor your heart, strengthen your faith, and fill your days with lasting joy—reminding you that you are never alone on this journey.
… and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” —1 Corinthians 11:24 NIV
Father, bring to mind all the beautiful things You have done in my life. Remind me of the promises You have shown me in Your Word. Fill me with hope as I trust You to create even more memories of Your faithfulness until I see You face to face. Then give me a heart bursting with adoration. Amen.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)
Marlene McKenna
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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