When I was called to God’s truth, I was in my early 20’s. At the time we believed Christ’s return would be soon, so I thought I would surely still be in my youth when the end came. Amazingly, 42 years after my baptism, we are still here. Time can get away from you before you know it, but I have wondered why I have stayed, believing God for those 42 years when so many others have left. My three Books of Remembrance are what have made the difference for me.

God’s Word, the Bible, is my first and most important Book of Remembrance. Through it, I have looked up to God and learned of His ways and His promises. The hope of God’s promises has gotten me through many trials. They are the strength upon which I know I can stand through dark times. They are the joy that brings light to all my days.

As I continue to study the Bible, I remember God’s promises, like the resurrection to come of all of our loved ones and the great family reunions there will be. Maybe we will have an opportunity to teach about God’s wonderful family plan for all mankind. Those images are deeply engrained in my mind and are what I think most about in this life – the future, the fulfillment of God’s purpose, the Kingdom, true peace on earth, God the Father coming to earth in person to be with us forever. Those are such awesome promises. I am overwhelmed to contemplate them.

Second, I have kept a personal Book of Remembrance, a record of my own life history. In my Book of Remembrance I record the significant events that have occurred in my life, those faith builders, the miracles, the blessings in time of need, the special people in my life, the family I cherish, the new friends I’ve made and value, inspirations, prayers of need for myself and others, desires of my heart, favorite scriptures, and God’s promises. It reminds me to look back at all the times God has helped me, back to the times He protected me when in danger, back to the times He blessed me when I was in need, back to the times He answered prayers, and back to the times He comforted me when in sorrow. Through my life I have developed a history with God. I see how He intervenes, how He cares for me and how He is always involved.

A few years ago my grandson and I were involved in a serious car accident, and came very close to getting killed. I know God spared us, and spared our family from that sorrow. As I look back and remember the God I began following so many years ago, I know He helped me then, and He will help me now. It always gets me out of a slump when I look back at those memories.

My biggest personal trial occured four years ago, when my husband died from a heart attack. He was building our retirement home northern Minnesota at the time. So, amidst my grief, I had some big decisions to make. The house was just a shell. Even though it looked like a house on the outside, there was no kitchen or bath, no plumbing, or flooring done. There were only a few walls, some roughed-in electricity for lighting and a fireplace for heat. Through many prayers and tears I asked God to be my partner, and got the help needed to get the house to a point I could move into it. That took about six months. After passing the electrical inspection successfully, it took two more years to get most of the work done. During this time a friend with whom I had lost touch began to call me every Sunday night and gave the caring and comfort that helped me through a dark time.

The last Book of Remembrance is the one found in Malachi 3:16-17. God has a book about us, in which He is recording our life, what we do, and how we talk about Him to others. He says He is making up His jewels—that’s us if we are faithful.

I believe these three Books of Remembrance have helped me along the way to stay on God’s course, love His ways, and remain faithful to Him. We may not have to wait another 42 years before we are in God’s Kingdom, but God doesn’t tell us how long it will be. You may want to begin a Book of Remembrance of your own, and record all those special treasures in your life along the way. Maybe you will be able to leave it for your grandchildren as a record of your journey with God.

By looking up to all that God has promised, looking back to the remembrances of his help and comfort along the way, then you will be able to look forward, for as long as it may be until God says, “Inherit the Kingdom”.