In the Old Testament, people often set up stone markers as reminders of their encounters with God. These stones served to commemorate victories and to remind his people of the great works God accomplished in their midst. They were physical markers of great spiritual revelations from God. They also provided an opportunity for people to teach others about the activity of God on behalf of his people.
There are defining moments in life when we encounter God and that encounter changes us forever. These moments define who we are and affect the course of our lives. The stories about these moments stand as reminders, just like the memorial stones in ancient times. They remind us of God's work on our behalf, and teach others about the activities of God in our midst.
Mary's Video Testimony: She talks about being brought up in an abusive home and then learning that her birth family was the ideal American family. Still, she says she wouldn't change a thing.
Peace Beyond All Understanding, Patty A
In 2001 I lost my dear mother to a recurrence of breast cancer that she had faced many years prior. Similarly, my mom’s sister also lost her battle with breast cancer some time back. Consequently, the high risk of contracting breast cancer was something my sisters and I always knew we could face this side of heaven. Risk turned into reality for me...
God’s Grace is Sufficient, Tina
When I was a child, I had no safe place to hide, or person to turn to. My mother was bipolar, manic, a hypochondriac, and addicted to painkillers and other drugs.
Then There Were Three, Dave
She looked into it, did some homework on the subject, prayed about it, and felt an undying need to serve kids. I, too, have always held a very special place in my heart for kids, perhaps because I do not have any biological children of my own.
A Walk With My Fathers, Theresa
I was a Christian for about a year when I faced the most difficult day of my life. The phone rang and I heard these words, "Your dad has had a stroke." I just fell to the floor weeping. How could this possibly be? He was only 49 years old.
Rejoice in Our Sufferings, Tori
When I held my son Euan in my arms for the first time, I had no idea the biggest trial of my life was about to begin. This was my first child, and although my delivery had gone well, my troubles began the next day.
The Lights of My Life, Mary
"I gadda go to the bafroom, Daddy!" Christopher demanded for the second time since we left Yreka just an hour before. My husband Don wasn't going to give in, though. Taking a five-hour road trip with a two-and a-half-year old and a four-year-old that hot August afternoon had definitely drained every last ounce of patience both of us had.
Psalm 88, Patty
I would like to say that I found Jesus, he changed me and I lived happily ever after—yeah, whatever. I did find Jesus and he did change me, but I still struggle with depression and “happily ever after” is for the Disney channel, not my world.
God is Faithful, Chrissy
Great is thy faithfulness, Oh, Lord! He is so faithful to His children. I became a born again Christian in the summer of 1981. I could resist no longer...
Knowing Him, Holly
My first experience with Jesus was when I was just five years old. My mother, who was single, took all four of us kids to...
The Divorce, Craig
DIVORCE! Most people assume it's a marital divorce. For me it was both, a marital divorce and a divorce from my church community...
Sowing in the Shadows, Beth
My journey of faith has been one of many ups and downs, times of growth and setbacks, times of obedience, half-obedience and full-tilt rebellion...
Your Story
Every person has a unique story to tell, a story of a unique encounter with God. These stories, when shared, can teach, encourage, bring healing, and increase the faith of those who read them. With this in mind, we would like to know your story. What is God doing in your life? How has he worked in your life to shape your faith and character? Has the quality of your faith been tested by trials and difficulties? How has the greatness of our God been revealed to you?
If you would like to share your story with the rest of us, please email it to us at: standingstones@touchstonecf.org. Below are some guidelines for what we are looking for in a story submission. May God bless you and continue to do His good work in your life.
How to Write a Standing Stones Story
Submissions should be approximately 300-1200 words in length.
Write in the first-person. Tell us your own personal story.
What was the problem, issue, or situation you experienced, and what did God teach you through it? What was your defining moment? Did he answer a prayer? Heal you? Shape your character in some way? Did He help you to accept something that you have been struggling with?
The best stories start with an action or dialogue (either internal—within yourself—or external—with others). Include relevant details that create a mental picture for the reader. Share honest feelings and struggles; the more transparent you are the better.
Your story should have a definite beginning, middle, and end. It should conclude with a lesson learned, a positive change, or pay-off of some kind.
Above all, let it come from your heart. Your story is important to all of us!
If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail us at standingstones@touchstonecf.org. We are more than happy to assist you with writing, editing, or putting together ideas for your story.
