PJ’s Page –
Here I raise my Ebenezer, “Hither by thy help I’ve come”, and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandr’ing from the fold of God; he to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.” ~ Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, ELW # 807
One of the great joys of our new home is that we once again have outdoor space…a manageable front and side yard and no back yard. Perfect for enjoying time outside without the responsibility of too much yard work. I enjoy watering the plants early in the morning, carefully avoiding the spiderwebs that spring up overnight. Tall trees tower over our home, shading it from the heat of the sun. It’s a lovely spot.
Recently, as I was wandering through the yard in my garden shoes, watering can in one hand and spade in the other (weeds!) I came across a small stack of rocks, balancing one upon the other. Somewhat startled, I took this picture with my phone: 
In Scripture, Samuel set up a stone or a stack of stones, to mark the site where God helped the Israelites defeat the Philistines in a ferocious battle. Samuel called it an Ebenezer, which is a conflagration of two Hebrew words, and means “stone of help.” From that time, the Ebenezer reminded anyone who passed by of God’s faithful help and presence.
Robert Robinson wrote the hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing with an entire verse (see above) about an Ebenezer. Robinson wrote of Jesus’ intervention on our behalf, guiding us safely to our home in him.
Today, Ebenezers are a sign and symbol of God’s presence in our lives. I would count among the Ebenezers in my life this congregation, each of you, and the unique gifts you bring to the mission of the Church. The tall trees that stretch out over our home remind me of the covering of God’s presence with us. The pictures of my parents, grandparents, great grandparents and children remind me of the way the love of God is passed from generation to generation.
As it turns out, Bruce put those stones upon each other in our yard, wondering how long it would be before I noticed them.
Where do you find reminders of God’s presence in your life? Where do you find Ebenezers?
With great hope,
Pastor Julie+