I posted this on Facebook earlier but I thought I’d drop it here too…
https://www.facebook.com/331346723662785/posts/1493457250785054/
In remembrance of my conversion twenty-one years ago on Halloween I thought I’d share a few pics I snapped in July in Wisconsin... home of my ”younger years” (ch. 2) and my salvation experience—the “shattering of all forms and boundaries of my existence!” (184).
The farm with the smoke billowing is, to my best estimation, the same farm where my “Great Fire” occurred (185-87). Ironically, the new owners had a burn pile fire the day we drove by. The surrounding area had changed greatly with a new road cutting across where farmers fields were now developed. Interestingly, the new owner was a pastor.
The oak tree is still standing strong... the hill behind it was the “high place” (102-03, 158, 175) I often worshipped on and eventually sought out my Creator on. Behind it was the “oak grove” (100-104) and “the (my) woods” (101, 168, 174) lay behind it.
Much of the heart of Phoenix Road centers around these places physically and symbolically. If you’ve read the book I thought you’d enjoy seeing them; I did. If you haven’t read the book here’s a snippet that might capture some of the depth and vibrancy that these places held for me.
See Phoenix Road chapter 6: Higher Power, subheading: The Oak Grove (101-02):
“I entered the oak grove on the backside of the woods nearly every afternoon. . . . .Every day I felt honored and welcomed to enter their circular space, embraced by their peaceful ambience and lasting strength. The evening light shone down through their canopy, casting shadows amid playful twirls of acorns and dancing leaves. Autumn’s warmth comforted my spirit as I leaned back, propped up against the thick familiar bark of an old friend. Golden farm fields rolled out from my leather boots, hovering and emanating creation’s glory before vanishing into the west. The horizon aglow, soon it’s ember would die out and smolder into night. The oak grove was my hiding place.”
Thanks for being a part of Phoenix Road’s story! Here’s to another year on the road... Like always, “May your spirit rise and your heart burn! This is Phoenix Road.”
God Speed!
Jon
