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Rosewood Estate
Rosewood estate consists of approximately 58 acres. The property hosts a restored Federalist Colonial farmhouse, guest house, equine indoor and outdoor arena and several other buildings. (The guest house is featured on our history page.) The equine center is home to boarders and the "Northland Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC)", a not-for-profit organization, which provides equine assisted therapy to physically and mentally challenged individuals.
For more information about Rosewood contact us either via e-mail or call us at 816-320-2435. |
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Rosewood Labyrinth
The labyrinth has been a tool used for untold centuries for prayer and personal and spiritual growth. A labyrinth is not a maze, though it is often confused. Because there is only one way in and one way out (no dead ends, tricks or blind spots as with a maze), the center can always be seen, allowing the participant the opportunity to contemplate, focus, and meditate on the issue at hand.
The labyrinth’s single path is formulated on a symbol found in God’s creation all around us: the spiral. Examples are endless but a just a few include, the nautilus shell, the vortex of water spinning down a drain, the hair on your head as it spirals from the crown, the spirals of DNA coding, the cochlea of our inner ear, even the whorls on our fingertips. And so the single path of the labyrinth is symbolic of a journey: the beginning point of the spiral to the end.
There are many forms of the labyrinth, (depending on many things inclusive of the space being available), but one of particular interest is the Chartres labyrinth, named after the permanent stone labyrinth found on the floor in the nave of the Chartres Cathedral in France built during the 13th century. It is thought that the Christians during this time found it too difficult, dangerous and expensive to travel to Jerusalem and utilized the labyrinth as their symbolic pilgrimage to the city.
Consider the journey at Rosewood’s labyrinth to be one of anticipation, reflection, and, prayer. It is your path. It is your journey. Whatever is happening in your life, focusing and prayerfully seeking the answers on a beautiful path under the canopy of trees with fresh air and sky, we hope, will assist you on your path.
The many hands and hearts, which helped to construct the Rosewood Labyrinth, wish you many blessings on your journey.
Ebenezer - Stone of Help
The memorial stone set up by Samuel to commemorate the divine assistance to Israel in their great battle against the Philistines
The story:
Samuel was the son of Hannah (who prayed in the temple at Shiloh in earnest for a son and God graciously granted her request) and Elkanah who was brought to the temple in Shiloh by his mother to be consecrated to the Lord and live as a Nazarite for life. Eli cared for Samuel’s religious training. Samuel grew in favor with God and man and became a prophet for the Lord.
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In 1 Samuel the Philistines are the oppressive rulers of the land and there is a fierce and disastrous battle fought at Aphek near Ebenezer between them and the Israelites. The Israelites are defeated leaving 4000 dead on the field. Without asking Samuel, the chiefs of the people thought to repair the disaster by carrying the Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of Jehovah’s presence into battle and so they took the Ark from Shiloh.
A second battle ensues with the Philistines and 30000 are left dead as well as the loss of the Ark. The battle disaster news makes its way quickly to Shiloh where the tabernacle and furniture are taken to a safe place. The Philistines seize the moment and plunder Shiloh, continuing their oppressive rule.
Samuel continues to be a spiritual voice in the land of his people and continually exhorts them to awaken from their sin. He was successful in that the people “mourned after the Lord.” Samuel summons them to Mispeh, one of the loftiest hills in Central Palestine, where they fast and pray and prepare themselves under Samuel’s direction for a great war against the Philistines. The Philistines bring their entire force upon the Israelites, desiring to crush them once and for all.
Samuel’s intercessory prayer to the Lord causes the Lord to come to the Israelites aid and the Philistines were utterly crushed. They flee in terror before the army of Israel and this great battle puts an end to 40 years of Philistine oppression.
In memory of this great deliverance and in token of gratitude for the Lord’s help, Samuel sets up a great stone calling it Ebenezer-Stone of Help.
Applications:
History repeats itself.
• The people have fallen from the Lord.
• There are those who pray for others and themselves for encouragement to seek the Lord.
• The people are awakened and fast and pray, preparing themselves for the battles ahead.
• Intercessory prayer of “prayer warriors” allows God to work in their lives and bring resolution to a difficult situation.
• A stone is placed in thankfulness and commemoration of God’s help in their lives: an EBENEZER-- a memory to continue to cause those that pass by-of our awesome God who is our help in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.
Today:
While in all likelihood, the EBENEZER stone placed for all to see was probably very large; on a smaller scale, the stones/rocks you bring today are symbolic for the Lord’s help in your life. Placing them here in this place, will serve as a memorial to all who come and see that there have been those who witness the Lord’s presence in their lives.
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