How many times have you heard someone say they wished God were standing right in front of them so they could ask him what to do? Have you said it yourself? I know I have.
Would it really make a difference? I know we all want to shout a resounding, “YES, of course it would make a difference.”
But would it really?
Consider Adam and Eve for a moment. They walked with God in the garden. Side by side.
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”
~~Genesis 3:8
Somehow, I missed this the first twenty or so times I read this. They walked with God in the garden. They spent time in his very physical presence. At least, we know for sure Adam did, because God brought the animals to him so he could name them. And Genesis 3:9 says God called out to the man, “Where are you?”
It seems as if God was used to interacting with them on a regular basis. Yet they still were faced with temptation and gave in.
Now consider the Israelites as they fled the Egyptians. They were constantly in the presence of God. He appeared to them as a pillar of cloud by day to guide them on their way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light. Exodus 13:22 says, “Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”
How reassuring that sounds. I just love the image it conjures up in my mind. A pillar of cloud. Can you imagine walking through your day with God going ahead of you in the pillar of cloud, leading the way? Standing watch over you at night in his pillar of flame?
I wonder sometimes…if Adam and Eve hadn’t of sinned, would God still be walking beside man in the physical sense? Would that make a difference in how we respond to everyday situations? It didn’t make a difference to the Israelites. They still sinned and disappointed the Lord.
When I recently read the scripture of God appearing in a pillar of cloud, I thought back to my childhood. I remember so many times where I would lay on a grassy hill on a sunny day, watching the fluffy white clouds roll by and imagine all kinds of animals in their shapes. I’m sure you did that, too.
I can remember looking for God in those clouds, trying to see him, trying to see his angels, never realizing at that time, that he was right here in front of me. Always with me. And later, living in me.
I pray that my eyes, that your eyes, that the eyes of those we love, will be open wide and able to see him walking with us.
Just for fun…do you ever look for shapes in the clouds? If so, what was the most memorable one you’ve seen? Or what was the most recent one you saw?
Friday, February 18, 2011
A Pillar of Cloud
Friday, February 11, 2011
If you’re a fan of a good Texas love story, you’ll want to be sure to read the latest book in Sharon Gillenwater’s The Callahan’s of Texas series: Emily’s Chance.
If you haven’t read the first book, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to pick this one up and read it without being confused. But when you’re done reading, you’ll want to rush out and buy Jenna’s Cowboy, because once you’ve read one book in this series, you won’t want to miss any of them.
People in Callahan Crossing have a lot of pieces to pick up after a fire destroys much of the town. Emily Rose Denny is there to work on the town’s historical museum. And though Chance Callahan doesn’t see how restoring the museum will help the town recover after the fire, he’s glad to help, and even more glad that Emily is here to stay for a while.
The romance between these two characters evolves naturally and delightfully, and the book is filled with touching moments between Chance, Emily, and his parents. She doesn’t have the best of relationships with her own parents, and yet she fits into Chance’s family so perfectly.
Emily tries to keep herself from falling in love, knowing she’s only in town for the duration of the job. When it’s over, she’ll pack her suitcase and head for the big city, where she’ll try to land an even bigger job. But will she find that God has led her to this town for a different purpose?
When she makes a shocking discovery while restoring the museum, it causes Chance to question everything he’s ever believed in. And as he helps with the project, he hopes to convince Emily to give up her dream of being a curator at a large museum in Dallas and stay in Callahan Crossing—with him.
I love the small-town feel of this book, as well as every book Sharon writes. The setting is so vivid, I feel like I’m right there. The characters are so real; I can picture them laughing, talking, and interacting with each other. Sharon never fails to bring a smile to my face and evoke at least one tear from my cynical eyes.
Like I did, you’ll fall in love with these characters, and the charm of Sharon’s natural storytelling voice. And be sure to watch for Megan’s Hero, the next book in The Callahans of Texas series, available in June.
Though she lives in Washington State, Sharon Gillenwater grew up on a ranch in West Texas. It’s hard to take the girl out of Texas, and that’s why she’s so good at creating her small-town Texas settings. You can visit Sharon’s website at: http://www.sharongillenwater.com/
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Heart to Serve
I'd like to introduce you to a very special woman: Amy Hauser is a soft spoken physical therapist with a heart and desire for helping others. One day while waiting for a meeting to begin, I heard someone ask her about a recent trip she’d taken. Immediately struck by the love in her eyes and the passion in her voice, I sat transfixed as I listened to her tell of her two weeks spent in Haiti where she was able to work with patients who were injured in the devastating earthquake January 12, 2010. I knew right away that hers was a story I wanted to share with others.
Amy’s heart for Haiti developed long before the earthquake, after she read Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. The book is about Paul Farmer, MD, and Partners In Health (known as Zanmi Lasante in Haiti), and their work with Third World problems. As Amy says, “Third World problems take special understanding, and Dr. Farmer certainly ‘gets it’.”
While keeping a close watch on a friend’s blog after the earthquake, Amy felt pulled to go and help. Her friend is an MD first-responder, and recommended the organization, Children of the Nations, as a good organization to go with. In April, Amy packed and left for Haiti, together with a group of other health professionals – physical therapists, nurses, and social workers. Their destination: Love A Child in Fond Parisian, Haiti.
Love A Child (LAC) is a unique orphanage, medical clinic, malnutrition clinic, school, and center to provide food for over five-thousand people a day. They are also the largest employer in Fond Parisian. Located on sixty-two walled-in secure acres, LAC is run by Sherry and Bobby Burnette. Amy describes them as “very forward thinking, generous people. Two of the coolest people you can find.”
A group called Harvard Humanitarian Initiative set up a field hospital on the front grounds. This is where Amy settled in for two weeks. The staff camped in tents, took showers with buckets of cold water in outdoor ‘stall’ showers. There were four to six patients per tent, as well as their families and caregivers. The patients slept on mattresses on the floor. Later, they received cots to put their mattress on. The patients were of all ages, and many were amputees, or had pelvic/hip, and upper and lower extremity fractures.
Most of Amy’s patients were adults, but she did treat a restavek (Haitian slave), who was also an amputee. The family who owned her were killed in the earthquake, so she was now free. Amy said there were several restavek children at the field hospital. Fortunately, there were also staff members who were there to try and unite families and keep the children safe. As Amy says, “Yes, slavery still exists in Haiti. Sometimes families, who are so destitute and starving, themselves, sell one of their young children, in hopes that somehow they (the child) at least won't starve and would be better off.”
Lifetime connections were cemented for Amy while she was in Haiti, and she went back for a second time in September. Guillene was one of Amy’s patient’s. When leaving Haiti, Amy gave Guillene a few small gifts. She gave her a number of bottles of nail polish in hopes that she could earn some money with them. Then, she noticed Guillene had pierced ears but no earrings. Amy gave Guillene her earrings. To Amy they were no big deal. But to Guillene, and her husband, it was a very big deal. Guillene was overwhelmed, and her husband, Maxim, threw his hands in the air as he went into his tent. Amy was confused, but Jeff (one of her young translators) said Maxim was saying, “She is giving us everything!”
They were overwhelmed with Amy’s generosity. Amy was overwhelmed that a simple pair of earrings meant so much to them.
Amy also became close with Jeff (the young translator), and he is now one of her “adopted” sons (emotional, mutually, but not legally). Another of her “adopted” sons is Neptune. She teased him about the fact that she’s old enough to be his mom, and their relationship soon evolved into him adopting her as his second mom. He calls her Mom2. Both Jeff and Neptune keep in constant touch with Amy via the internet and text messages.
I asked Amy if there was anything she learned about herself through this journey. Here is her response: “How blessed I am. Not only with material things, but certainly blessed by friendships I’ve made with these incredible people, how much joy that giving gives me. I used to think it would be more effective to give money, that’s important, too, but they also need people. They need bodies doing things, and then they have the opportunity to share with others. It means so much to them, how much we have to offer.”
The Haitian people are selfless. Amy describes the people she met as kind, generous and faithful. They don’t complain. They live in tents and own nothing, and yet they don’t complain. They’re kind, generous, and faithful. They appreciate everything that is done for them. Amy saw someone slice a potato, their only potato, into pieces and share it with six other people.
After two trips to Haiti, Amy would like to go back. She said it was wonderful to work in this community of Haitians. “People from all walks of life, thrown together by adversity, have now become a community. There are artists, educated, non-educated, and everything in between. And LOTS of kids. With BIG hearts!”
"It is SOOO important / meaningful to the people of Haiti, when people who were there to help COME BACK again to help! They are so used to being abandoned by the world. I think individually and collectively. I was impressed at how much it meant to those I met, when I returned."
There are some things she’d like to take with her when she does. Along with flip-flops and Crocs (footwear are in great need), Amy would like to take beads and teach the women how to make jewelry so they can earn some money.
For those of us who can’t be there to physically help, I think the situation is truly beyond our comprehension. At least, it is for me. I can’t imagine not having shoes to wear, or splitting my only potato with six people.
There is so much more to say on this subject. I can only hope that in this small space I have been able to do justice to Amy and the incredible gift she’s giving to the Haitian people – the gift of herself.
Thank you, Amy!
Amy Hauser has been a physical therapist for 27 years. She and her husband live on a small farm in Washington State, where they raised there two children.
Some of us are able to give money, some of us are able to give of ourselves. Together, we can all make a difference. I hope you will take the opportunity to read about these different organizations, especially Love A Child and Sherry’s Journal.
Love A Child: http://www.loveachild.com/
Sherry’s Journal: http://www.loveachild.com/blogs/journal/
Children of the Nations: http://www.cotni.org/
Partners in Health: http://www.pih.org/
Photo copyright Amy Hauser 2010
Monday, January 10, 2011
A Life Well Lived, A Tribute to Molly Hightower
I orginally posted this January 14, 2010, two days after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I'm reposting it now, a year later, in memory of a young woman who lost her life during the earthquake.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others." ~~Philippians 2:3,4
January 14, 2010: Thursday afternoon as I was listening to a podcast of my favorite radio program, I heard about a young Christian woman from Port Orchard, Washington who was missing following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Molly Hightower, a twenty-two year old with a true heart for service to others was in Haiti because she felt called to work with the orphaned children. Her family and everyone who heard she was missing was praying for her to be found safe. Yesterday as I listened to the program, they again spoke about Molly, but as the radio host began the show, he said he was speaking with a heavy heart. I knew what he was about to say. This sweet, amazing young woman had been found. Sadly, she did not survive.
My heart goes out to her parents, family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her. I pray they will feel the peace of the Lord surrounding them. Something about Molly’s story touched the deepest part of my heart. I’ve thought about her for hours. I've read about her, read her blog, and have been truly amazed by how much she’s done to help others in her too-short life.
Besides her work in Haiti, she worked with campus ministries, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations that reached out to help others. Here was a young woman who was affected by the plight of some of the world’s poorest children and went out of her way to offer them everything she could.
On the Dori Monson radio show yesterday, Dave Valle, broadcaster and former catcher for the Seattle Mariners, discussed Molly and the children she loved. He reminded listeners that Haiti is so unbelievably poor and these children, these precious little children are so hungry they eat cookies made from dirt.
The dirt!
Can you even imagine? I can’t. What must it be like to be so hungry you would eat the dirt off the ground? My heart is deeply grieved at the very thought. And that was before their lives were devastated by the earthquake. My spirit weeps to think of what they went through before the earthquake and how much more they’re going through now.
God bless Molly. I know she’s wearing the crown she earned, and is resting joyfully in His arms. She was driven to help, driven to serve. Would that we could all serve others with the same spirit as Molly.
Obviously, we can’t all go to a foreign country and help those who are poor, hurting and hungry. But if each one of us could do what we can with the kind of servant’s heart Molly Mackenzie Hightower possessed, just imagine what kind of world we would live in.
To see pictures of Molly and read more about her, visit her blog at http://mollyinhaiti.blogspot.com/ You can also read the news article about her at http://www.mynorthwest.com/ Before you read her blog, be warned. You’ll need lots of tissues.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Red Ink by Kathi Macias ~ Reviewed by Narelle Atkins
Red Ink (New Hope Publishers, 2010) is the third book in Kathi Macias’ Extreme Devotion series. Set in China and California, Red Ink is loosely based on the true story of Li Ying, a Christian magazine editor currently imprisoned in China.
Zhen-Li marries a Christian, adopts his faith, is disowned by her parents and imprisoned for ten years because she refuses to remain quiet about her Christian faith. Zhen- Li’s husband, their four year old son and her husband’s sister live in poverty and pray that Zhen-Li will survive her harsh prison sentence. Tai Tong is a guard at the prison who is determined to do whatever it takes to force his prisoners to recant their faith.
Julia, a former missionary in China, is living her twilight years in a rest home in a small Californian town. She feels called to pray for the people of China, and the granddaughter of another resident who seems to be heading for trouble.
A parallel story unfolds, and a number of characters are forced to face their worst nightmares and question their beliefs, or lack of faith. Zhen-Li draws strength from her faith as she faces extreme life and death situations.
Red Ink is an inspiring and challenging story that isn’t afraid to tackle tough issues. The true state of the hearts of the characters is exposed in an honest portrayal of the lengths people will go to achieve their selfish agendas. The power of intercessory prayer is masterfully shown as characters stand firm in the face of evil. I recommend Red Ink for those looking for a story that will touch that place deep inside them and lead them to question how much suffering and hardship they would be prepared to endure when standing up for their beliefs.
A complimentary copy of the book was provided for reviewing purposes.
Click here to visit Kathi Macias' website.
Narelle Atkins is a member of the International Christian Fiction Writers group blog. Click here to visit her website.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent
This week, my friend Narelle Atkins has dropped in to share her book review of Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent. Welcome, Narelle!
Catching Moondrops (Tyndale 2010) is the third book in Jennifer Erin Valent’s Summer series. A confronting and heart wrenching love story set in a small town in Virginia.
Jessilyn Lassiter lives in a town with a dark history. It’s 1938 and racial prejudices resurface after Tal Pritchett, a young black doctor, moves to town. Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, starts working for Tal as his assistant. Gemma falls in love with the kind hearted doctor, despite the danger she may face by working with him.
Nineteen year old Jessilyn has loved Luke Talley for many years, and it seems like Luke may soon be ready to act on his feelings. As Jessilyn dreams of a future with Luke, the townsfolk are divided over Tal’s presence. Klan members pursue their hateful agenda and Jessilyn is forced to deal with her own anger and faith issues.
Catching Moondrops provides an insightful and hard hitting perspective into the hearts of those who are full of anger, hate and prejudice. The harsh reality of racial prejudice and injustice, and the devastating consequences for all involved, is brought together in a brilliant climax with a page turning ending. I would recommend Catching Moondrops for those looking for a compelling and honest love story that deals with the tough issue of racial prejudice.
Tyndale House Publishers provided an Advanced Reader Copy of Catching Moondrops for reviewing purposes.
You can visit Jennifer Valent's website at: http://www.jennifervalent.com/
Narelle Atkins is a member of the International Christian Fiction Writers group blog at: http://narelleatkins.com/index.html
You can also visit her website at: http://narelleatkins.com/index.html
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Hugeness of God
Last week I attended a new Bible study class about the "hugeness" of God.
There is so much that could be done with the concept of God's hugeness; so many lessons that could be taught. But the first class in this study went in a direction I could never have imagined. Even now, almost a week later, I'm still filled with wonder as I think about it.
It was amazing, delightful, and almost overwhelming. I was awestruck as I watched a demonstration of just how big God really is.
We watched a DVD filled with pictures taken by the Hubble telescope. I'd seen a couple of them before. But most were new to me. There were galaxies I'd never heard of. These two, millions of light years away, were my favorites.
The Sombrero Galaxy
The Whirlpool Galaxy
I always knew the universe was big. But I was struck anew at just how huge this universe, called into being by God, really is.
We were asked to write down our immediate reaction after watching the film. My reaction surprised me. After watching this, I should feel incredibly small. But I didn't feel that way at all. Instead, I wrote, "I feel so loved." It was chilly in the room that night, but as I wrote those words a warm feeling encompassed me.
This week, as I've thought back over those amazing pictures taken in the huge expanse that is space, I thought about God and what his purpose was in creating the universe. Could it simply be about showing us the wonders he's capable of? About showing us his power? Maybe.
But then I had another thought. Maybe he wanted to show us that, in spite of how huge he is, God loves us as unique individuals. We're not just minute specks on a blip in this incredible universe. We are loved and adored by the very one capable of breathing all of this into being.
Imagine this. God knew us before we were even born. He knows our names, our thoughts, our hurts, and our laughter. In a universe so large, with so much happening every second, he never forgets about us. He still hears my prayers. He still gives me peace and comfort.
This is a picture of the center of the Whirlpool Galaxy, over twenty milllion light years away:
Wow. This struck me speechless when I saw it the first time. Even now, I'm still humbled by it.
I encourage you to take a look at some of the pictures taken from the Hubble Space Telescope and as you do, think about God and how huge he truly is, and that he loves us so much more than we could even begin to imagine.
Photos courtesy of Hubble Site:
http://hubblesite.org/
