October 30th, 2026
by Alyssa Bailey
by Alyssa Bailey
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’”
— 1 Samuel 7:12 NIV
As the seasons change around us, I’m reminded that we, too, walk through many seasons in life. Each one holds its own memories, lessons, and reminders of God’s faithfulness. How important it is to pause along the way and set up our own Ebenezer stones—reminders that say, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
At the end of September, we took 25 House of Faith families to the H. E. Butt Foundation’s Laity Lodge Family Camp in Leakey, TX, for a special weekend of fellowship and making memories together. Our prayer is that these moments become more than memories—that they become family markers, tangible reminders of God’s goodness and faithfulness that families can look back on for years to come.
Throughout Saturday, families chose from several activities, including a group hike to the top of a cliff. Along the way, I witnessed families helping one another through difficult spots, working together to reach the summit and make it safely back down. When we reached the top, one family began stacking stones, and the first thing that came to my mind was the Ebenezer stones in the Bible that were built as altars of remembrance of God’s presence!
As we sat together, taking in the breathtaking view and fellowshipping with one another, we reflected on God’s provision and the journey that brought us to that moment. The stones became a beautiful picture of what we hoped families would take away from the weekend: reminders of the Lord’s faithfulness and the importance of walking through life together. Just as we helped one another reach the top of the cliff, we are called to support one another through life’s challenges.
Family markers give us something real to look back on and remember God’s faithfulness. Whether through answered prayers, lessons learned, or moments of His provision, these reminders strengthen our faith and encourage us to trust Him in every season.
We wanted to express a heartfelt thank-you to the H. E. Butt Foundation’s Laity Lodge Family Camp team for providing such a special place for our families to step away from the busyness of everyday life and immerse themselves in God’s presence. Surrounded by His beautiful creation, families had the opportunity to slow down, deepen their relationships, and share meaningful moments of fellowship and prayer. We are grateful for all the memories made this weekend that will become lasting family markers, reminding each generation of God’s steadfast love and pointing them back to Him, knowing that “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
— 1 Samuel 7:12 NIV
As the seasons change around us, I’m reminded that we, too, walk through many seasons in life. Each one holds its own memories, lessons, and reminders of God’s faithfulness. How important it is to pause along the way and set up our own Ebenezer stones—reminders that say, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
At the end of September, we took 25 House of Faith families to the H. E. Butt Foundation’s Laity Lodge Family Camp in Leakey, TX, for a special weekend of fellowship and making memories together. Our prayer is that these moments become more than memories—that they become family markers, tangible reminders of God’s goodness and faithfulness that families can look back on for years to come.
Throughout Saturday, families chose from several activities, including a group hike to the top of a cliff. Along the way, I witnessed families helping one another through difficult spots, working together to reach the summit and make it safely back down. When we reached the top, one family began stacking stones, and the first thing that came to my mind was the Ebenezer stones in the Bible that were built as altars of remembrance of God’s presence!
As we sat together, taking in the breathtaking view and fellowshipping with one another, we reflected on God’s provision and the journey that brought us to that moment. The stones became a beautiful picture of what we hoped families would take away from the weekend: reminders of the Lord’s faithfulness and the importance of walking through life together. Just as we helped one another reach the top of the cliff, we are called to support one another through life’s challenges.
Family markers give us something real to look back on and remember God’s faithfulness. Whether through answered prayers, lessons learned, or moments of His provision, these reminders strengthen our faith and encourage us to trust Him in every season.
We wanted to express a heartfelt thank-you to the H. E. Butt Foundation’s Laity Lodge Family Camp team for providing such a special place for our families to step away from the busyness of everyday life and immerse themselves in God’s presence. Surrounded by His beautiful creation, families had the opportunity to slow down, deepen their relationships, and share meaningful moments of fellowship and prayer. We are grateful for all the memories made this weekend that will become lasting family markers, reminding each generation of God’s steadfast love and pointing them back to Him, knowing that “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
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