“In
the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean? tell
them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of
the Lord. When it crossed the
Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a
memorial to the people of Israel forever.”(Joshua 4:6-7)
When God’s people entered the promised land, Joshua
instructed the leaders to set up standing stones to remind them of what God has
done. They were reminders of God’s
presence in human history. For the past
few years, I have created a “Thanksgiving Standing Stones List.” I usually draw stones in my journal and write
what each one symbolizes. This year, I
am sharing the list here—my reminders of what God has done.
Ordination! I was ordained as a Minister of the Word on January 1, 2012. Even most of a year later, sometimes I still can’t believe it. The fact that I am ordained is a testament to God’s faithfulness and sometimes mysterious ways.
Liz and Allison, friends who have been to the
heights and depths with me this year.
They celebrated my ordination with me, let me cry on their couch,
brought me Jimmy John’s in the hospital while my mom was having surgery, and
ate lots of meals with me.
My mom’s healing; she had a serious infection in her knee last winter which resulted in a hospital stay, 2 surgeries, and a long recovery period. She has recovered really well and been able to maintain an active life this summer and fall.
Starting the second year of my residency. It is fun to be going through things the
second time around, when I have at least an idea of how they go. It is also exciting to see the Holy Spirit
moving in our midst.
Rediscovering camping and hiking this summer and
fall. I loved getting away and spending
time outside in God’s creation.
Thanks Be To God!
Standing stone photo by Ian W Scott, http://www.flickr.com/photos/ian-w-scott/5752055707/,
November 12, 2012. Used under Creative
Commons License.
All other photos are my own.
