Blog

By Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Well, it’s not a stone or even a pile of stones. Instead, it’s a swing. And it serves as my reminder “of what happened here.” 

These stones will remind the people of what the Lord has done. In the future, when your children ask what these stones mean to you, you will tell them that the water of the Jordan stopped flowing when the Lord’s Covenant Box crossed the river. These stones will always remind the people of Israel of what happened here. Joshua 4:6-7 (Good News Translation)

I have a favorite swing on the campus of Ridgecrest that is somewhat of a memorial to me. I’ve prayed in this one particular swing since the first time I attended Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference over a decade ago, and I make time each conference to meet the Lord there. 

Obviously, there’s nothing magical or even truly sacred about that one swing, but it is my tangible, visual aid that reminds me of the miraculous ways God has shown up in my writing journey. 

I pray on that moving bench. God listens. God answers. (Sometimes the answer is “yes,” and I celebrate. Sometimes the answer is “no,” and I change courses. And sometimes the answer is “not yet,” and I persevere.) Regardless of yes, no, or not yet – God performs miracles in my journey. 

Often, the “miracle” is just for me. Many pieces go unpublished and yet, I grow. Other times, I pray my writing miracle blesses someone else when my newspaper article, magazine story, devotion, or book finds a home.

God catches tears during my back and forth movement in the swing. Sometimes, they were joyful tears – the editor said “send it to me.” More often, the salty tears held sorrow – I didn’t get the appointment I wanted or the agent passed on my proposal. 

God hears my pleading during swing-time, too. Remember the persistent widow in Luke 18? 

But I think I’m most excited that God’s hears the sweet aroma of my praises from my special spot at Ridgecrest. In the sweet time of the conference, I tell God how grateful I am for conferences that allow me to learn and grow. I remind him – because that’s not the only place He hears these praises – that I’m so grateful for writing friends and mentors and instructors. I thank God for the freedom I have in this country to write and publish my thoughts without persecution. I praise Him for publishing opportunities and successes. And I let Him know just how happy I am that Blue Ridge Mountains Conference Center exists to meet my writing needs and encourage me continuously on my journey. 

Do you have a spot like that at Ridgecrest Conference Center? Is there a place somewhere else that consistently points to the writing opportunities, creative ideas, or publishing credits that God has gifted you over the years of your own journey? I hope you have a special place that serves as your own memorial for “what happened” and what continues to happen in your writing life. Because He is worthy of our thanksgiving and remembrance. 

Julie Lavender worked on the computer for many nights until the wee hours of the morning to complete her newest book, Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles for Nurturing Boys of Faith and Characterthat releases the second week of April. Julie co-authored the book, published by Penguin Random House, with her hubby, David. It’s their first faith-based collaborative effort, though they’ve also recently written twenty-two books for the children’s educational market. Julie is also the author of A Gingerbread House, published by End Game Press.