The Israelites were on a 40 year desert journey. I have been on a 36 year journey through arid desert and valley green, and mountains that lead to the holy camp of Gilgal. Our life stories are made up of the same geography.
Where did it begin for you? Mine began before I was on the road to Woodstock, on the back of a Harley, and continued on a road to ruin. It was six years later before my reproach (disgrace) was rolled away.
Every one of us have stories of value. My history is recorded in journals, my stones of remembrance, etched on parchment.
The ancient story of Joshua (chapter 5) tells how the God of heaven put Egypt behind the Israelite sojourners as they headed for Gilgal, the place of new beginnings. God had the anointed campers set up twelve stones of remembrance so they could tell their children of His power and provision.
The first stop to the promised land!
Many times we get stuck in the desert and it seems like we will never reach our promised place. Today, we can camp at Gilgal and receive the healing from the desert wounds.
Remembering.
Days will come when we will forget His goodness. Generations will come that will not get to know what He has done in our lives, unless we erect stones of remembrance today.
I recall the big things that have happened, certainly. But, when I record and review them, they become technicolor, taking me back to the very place of meeting.
Grateful to have logged along the way upon the stone of healing, the stone of provision, and above all, the stone of dramatic conversion from a life that was on a disastrous route. I saw how far I was allowed to go on the reckless path, so that I would recognize the grace stops.
Writing a book on the pieces of life has been awakening and humbling. I have written what I never thought I’d whisper. I’ve been reminded this is what reveals shekinah glory, therefore I will.
We returned to the site of the Woodstock festival for the 40th anniversary in 2009. The clean swept, mudless pasture that once held over 400,000 bodies and the most celebrated rock festival of all time. My ghost remains in the museum that is erected on the pig farm in Bethel, NY.
The journey has been a long one and uphill for most of the way. I have my Egypt behind me and receive healing in the remembrance camp of Gilgal, the land of do-over.
I have a small stone collected in the mountains with my wise friend, Sue. . . a stone that reminds me to keep writing because she took me along the journey that I had refused to remember.
I have a huge stone that is made from fabric. A testimony quilt that has stitched promises that reminds me of the turning point of my life, when God the healer came down in a relentless way to remind me I was now facing in the right direction.
There are rocks not yet written. I pray I will be faithful to lay them at His feet as an altar.
What are your life markers?
When the children ask, “What do the stones mean?” . . . tell them, richly.
The stones are a memorial, a documentation that God visited your life – big time.
When your children ask fathers in time to come, “What do these stones mean?” . . .then you shall tell them that Israel crossed on dry ground. For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you crossed, so that all the people of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may reverence Him forever.
Josh 4:21-24
Verna
Wow, beautiful, Verna! What a tribute to His grace, mercy, and love. Thank you for sharing it!
. . and thank you for your faithful visits and encouragement, Vonda!
Once again you captivated my heart and made me recollect my own story. Love you!
. . . and you have many stone stories, I know!
I’m picturing the stones of remembrance of God’s grace in my life. Placing stones…lest we forget. Bless you, Verna!
. . . if we piled them high, we couldn’t count, right? Thanks, Lori.
I love how God parted the waters for both generations. It shows He is yet gracious to us after we doubt or disobey. There’s a season of repenting and discipline, yet God parts the waters again. I find my best mile markers are painful lows that He turned into intimate highs in our relationship.
. . .and yet He parts the waters again . . . thank you, Jeanette.
Wow my friend! I love this new freedom in writing about Woodstock and grace remembrance stones. They keep piling up, don’t they?
. . . countless, dear friend.
It is such a blessing that you are heeding God’s call to write about things that would hardly dare whisper. It gives others, like me, courage to give voice in our own stories, though I prefer to weave mine in fiction. Those mile markers are important for grace, and yet so painful and often wrapped up in tendrils of yet-to-be-resolved shame that needs to be surrendered to God’s grace.
I remember my mile markers through the stories, journal entries, and letters I have written and received. The ones where God’s grace has shone through most clearly in the revelations and surrender of the burdens I and others have carried.
Thank you for writing this response so beautifully, Janeen . . . as we surrender together to God’s amazing grace.
This wilderness study has been visiting my mind from all sides. I am preparing a message on Exodus 17:8-16 for a women’s retreat in March. I am reading a book by Jamie Buckingham called, A Way in the Wilderness.
You have beautifully expressed the journey and the healing–the remembrances of His faithfulness. Every wilderness is an opportunity to encounter Him. I am so glad His presence goes with us.
Jeanne
You will have much to share with the ladies in March, Jeanne . . . and I may check out the book “A Way in the Wilderness” . . . thank you!
Wonderful reminder!
When I go back and read my old journals it is amazing the things I had even forgotten. How will the next generation know how amazing our GOD was to us if we don’t log it for them?
Keep writing!
Liz
Yes! I’m so proud of you, Verna.
You are such a talented writer!
Blessings to you my friend.
Linda Parks
I miss you, Linda! Thank you for the encouraging words . . .
Amazing! Who would think a ride on a Harley to Woodstock would lead to the promised land. God’s roads.
Thank you for “going there” Verna. Stones of remembrance tell stories of redemption. To know your story is to know God’s story and to see more clearly His story in my life. And together we praise Him!
Yep, it was a six year long ride, but I got there! (from 1969 until 1975) . . .and then I met the “famous one” . .so glad he allowed me in His grand stories!
Way to go, Verna! Praise God! Thank you for sharing this; and giving us all a good challenge and exhortation to erect those stones that we all have in abundance. We serve an amazing God. XO
Grateful to serve Him alongside of you, Laura.