Devotional Walk at Green Lake Conference Center

Written by Jan White and Marilyn Paulson, edited by Emma Mott

 

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” Psalm 24:1-2

Psalm 24:1-2 is evidenced at Green Lake Conference Center! Take a devotional walk with your Bible and a grounds map. Enjoy all at one time or in stages as desired.

 

Begin your walk at the Circle of Peace, the sculpture by Gary Lee Price, located in the Kraft Center garden area, just outside registration. This work of art portrays children playing and enjoying each other’s company. Note that there is space between two of the children with outstretched hands, inviting you to join them and complete the circle of peace, joy, and love. Read Psalm 100 and then offer your own Psalm of thanksgiving.

Walk into the Kraft Centre Lobby. Notice the beautiful display case bearing a replica of Aaron’s Breastplate. Read Exodus 28:15-30. Aaron and his sons were chosen to be priests in God’s temple. As Christians, we are all members of the priesthood because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Also, thank God for Aaron’s willingness to serve as a “support” person; are you willing? Do you serve?

Take a trip outdoors behind Roger Williams Inn (RWI) to Lone Tree Point. Walk out to the end. Know that thousands of people have shared morning devotions and evening vespers on this very spot since 1944. Before that, Winnebago Native Americans walked here, and many camped and worshipped here, believing that the Water Spirit lived in this lake. Observe the sky and then the lake, noting its colors and wave patterns. Meditate on the many water images in scripture: still waters, baptism, wells, foot washing, cleansing, living water … find peace and comfort in the consistency of God’s promises through the days, years, and decades of our lives. Read Psalm 96.

Follow the walkway along the lake to Memory Lane. (Find Memory Lane by facing the back of RWI and following the lake off to the left side. You’ll see the paved walkway.) Stop and read the memorials and linger on the messages that catch your eye. Think about whom you would honor, especially those who have helped you along your own spiritual pathway. And what would others say about you as a mentor? Read 1 Timothy 4:4-16.

Cross the road and walk up the service road to the right to enter the path to Hopevale Chapel. You will be moved by the poetry, which is noted on plaques along the short path. When you arrive at the simple outdoor chapel, pray for all those who serve and have served our country, for those who need prayer right now, and for acceptance of Christ as savior by those who are skeptical. Read Thessalonians 5:16-25 for guidance on prayer.

After exiting Hopevale Chapel, walk across the beautiful stone bridge. Note the evenness of the stones. About a hundred years ago, property owner Victor Lawson made certain the stone walls were even by “measuring” with his cane. He expected fine workmanship here. Victor and his eccentric wife Jessie were the publishers of the Chicago Daily News and were world travelers. They sought peace and renewal from their city lifestyle by coming here to Green Lake. Some of their buildings remain: water towers, cobble-style pavement, the greenhouse, and the barns near the main entrance, all beautifully designed and often reminiscent of European designs. They began with the purchase of 10 acres, Lone Tree Farm, and expanded to an estate 10 times that size. Read more about them in the book Just Do It Jessie’s Way, for sale at Kraft Center and Worldwide Gifts. Read Ephesians 2:8-10.

Take the easy climb up Teen Tower on the left, just a short distance past White House. From the top, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the lake, which is seven by two and a half miles, and is the deepest natural lake in Wisconsin: 237’ in spots, and often 100’ even near the steeper shorelines! Appreciate the farmlands, too. Observe the variety of trees close to the tower. Listen for birds and other animal life. Read Matthew 6:25-34; meditate on how you know that God takes care of you.

Reverse your steps, walking downhill back toward Bauer Lodge in the main conference area, back across the stone bridge, past Vesper Circle, making your way to the other side of Bauer Lodge. Walk through the iron gate by the Kraft Center into the Rose Garden. Find a bench and sit while you read Matthew 11:28-30. God gives us rest. Recall how easy it was to walk downhill, making it an easy return, since you may have been feeling a little weary. Take this time to leave your burdens at Jesus’ feet through prayer.

Expand your walk by going up the stairs on the far side of the Rose Garden to Spurgeon Chapel. Take time to focus on prayer. Use the model prayer as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13. Think through each section of this prayer and reflect on what you are asking and how God may answer.

Expand your walk even further by going left out of Spurgeon Chapel, down Avenue of the Flags, and over Stone Fence Road. Then go past Caroll Youth Center to Dawson Prairie. Dawson Prairie is a restored 54-acre prairie that highlights the area’s native grasses and flowers. There are mown footpaths that crisscross the prairie. As you walk the paths, spend time in quiet reflection on the majesty of God. In the middle of the prairie is a bench; take time to stop and enjoy God’s handiwork. Read Psalm 96 to focus on praise for his creation.

On your return to the main conference area, come out on the other side of the prairie near the campgrounds and go left down the gravel road. Pass by the playground with the “ark” and as you do, say a prayer that thanks God for all of the children who play there. Take a left on Cabin Road and walk past the tennis courts toward the lake.

Just across the road from Rysdon Recreation Center, climb the steps to the bottom of Judson Tower. Judson Tower was originally a 75,000-gallon water tower. It is named after one of the earliest missionaries, Adoniram Judson. Take time to consider your calling from God. Read Matthew 28:19-20 to discover the commission God has given as Christians. Get a key from Guest Services to climb the 121 steps to the observation deck.

Descend the stairs from Judson Tower back to Sunset Drive and go left toward the lake. Take a right that leads back to the main conference area. Stop at Chapel Car Grace. Chapel Car Grace is one of seven chapels that traveled on the railroads from 1891 to 1948. They were permitted to stop in towns and stay until a local church was established before moving on. There is seating for about 50 people in the chapel, and the back half of the car was the pastor’s quarters. Explore how they lived in their own tiny house as they ministered to people. Take a seat and reflect on what your local church congregation means to you. Think of the ways you can help them minister ot the people of your community and beyond. Read Acts 1:8 to be encouraged to move forward.

End your time at the lake across the street from Chapel Car Grace. There may be some hustle and bustle around this area with people walking and talking, and that’s all right. That is all a part of being a member of God’s kingdom; we do not live in isolation. We are on a journey. Remember the words you have read and be encouraged. Block out distractions and human noises. Focus on Jesus’ words as he teaches about real life; he understands us! Now listen to his advice! Finish by reading Matthew 7:24-29.