Standing Stones

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 him.

 


 

Against All Odds, April

My name is April. I was born in Sacramento and raised by a well-intentioned, but emotionally and intellectually disabled mother, and, for the first three years of my life, by a father who turned out to be a child molester. I begin my story here to set the stage for the troubles I faced in the years to come, and to paint a picture of how absolutely doomed I was from the start…

Wouldn’t Change A Thing, Mary

VIDEO: Mary 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…

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.

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…

 


 

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 God been revealed to you?

If you would like to share your story with the rest of us, please email it to us at: info@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 to 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 had 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 info@touchstonecf.org. We are happy to assist you with writing, editing, or putting together ideas for your story.