CERTAIN MOMENTS

Conversation for May 30, 2011

Written by Lynda Kinnard

There are certain moments in our lives that become imbedded into our minds, hearts and souls. Childhood events, meeting someone who allows us to improve ourselves, or just hearing and seeing things that alter our view of this world and our place in it forever. The moment we invite The Lord into our hearts. And, the instant that we realize that the “still, small voice” truly is God, speaking directly into us.

Knowing God’s will and faithfully submitting every day, is challenging at best and feels impossible at times. Thankfully, He allows us to see and experience things that prove His power and love for us.

May 15, 2011 -- Twain Harte CA

Waking to a hush that let me know that the world outside the cabin windows had been transformed overnight. Speechless, still and awestruck by the power that has taken us from Friday’s warm and easy sunshine that carried the promise of summer to this delicate purity of new-fallen snow that is a beginning and an end unto itself.

Slipping momentarily back into my childhood, I wanted to tuck my yarn-tied pigtails into the hood of the jacket that I’d loved when I was twelve years old, so I could go out to play. But this is forty years and 3,000 miles away from then. This here and now is the Sunday morning of our retreat and time for us to gather for worship.

Window blinds raised and candles lit to allow us to maneuver in the sudden loss of power, we prepared to do what we needed, in spite of the darkness. We could see what mattered, and would not be dismayed.

So we worshipped as our mothers’ grandmothers’ must have done. In rooms that were made sacred because God was known to be there. Sharing the symbols of sacrifice through communion; we were carried back to the time that changed humankind through many generations to each of us.

We sang the worship songs that we all knew, and then moved as one outside to the porch. We stood under the eaves and sang to The One Who Loves Us Best. Our voices are all different, like the snowflakes that continued to fall. It was as if the angels from heaven were whispering in harmony with us.

Then, we stopped, silently caught in the powerful vision of the glory that awaits us all. Knowing that one day we would share a place far beyond the beauty that we felt in this moment. One by one, our worship began again. But this time, no one led and no one followed. One by one, we spoke or sang to the Lord according to our hearts. Our individual praise was as unique as the snowflakes, but our voices intertwined into the language of the angels.

We stood side by side in our faith, each alone in our time with The Lord. And in the silence that followed; the Small Voice of the melting snow began a change of season once again.

Added to by Corinne Mustafa 

We could have had a sunny day that Sunday or even a rainy day. Either of those would have been ordinary. This special Sunday in the middle of May it was snowing, and that made the day extraordinary. It was as described by Lynda. As I stood out on the front deck worshiping with my friends I believed that I got a message from the Lord. As I looked at the white blanket of snow on the trees I realized something. I know by faith that God is always near. He may be as near as a face to face encounter but we do not actually see him. On that spectacular Sunday I felt that the snow on the trees was a physical manefestation that God was nearby in a visible way. I was totally touched by His graciousness!

THE BATTLE

Conversation for week of 5/1/11

 

The wind became silent and the tall pine trees stood in respect, as the two spirits stood face to face. Both spirits were sure that what they held in their minds to be of truth. One dressed in a white robe that glowed as if made of star light, revealing all that is pure. The other dressed in black. No light came from this spirit, only darkness that cast an eerie feeling of despair.

The battle had begun.

As the golden sun made its appearance over the Eastern sky,

the spirit of light cried, “Holy is the Creator most high”.

With a tongue as if it were a flaming sword, the spirit dressed in black made his challenge known. For the one that could prove how all creation sprung forth into existence would be declared the winner.

The battle had begun.

Everything that had breath seemed to become frozen, not making a sound, not wanting to miss what was about to take place. Both spirits took their turn, first the one of darkness and then the one of light.

Each spirit proclaimed its own belief to be truth.

The battle had begun.

The dark spirit stood with an evil grin upon its face.

As the spirit of light stepped aside and waited patiently for his turn to speak.

He said,

“Millions of years ago, as matter turned faster and faster

A tiny speck exploded creating this disaster.

From underneath a rock did climb,

Our ancestors once made of slime.

Upon the land they did slither and crawl,

These slippery creatures were related to us alll.

From belly to upright without missing a beat,

Underneath the creature limbs sprung forth feet.

High into the trees they swung from branch to branch,

From a creator you say? Heck, it was all by chance!

Down from the tree and into the cave.

There is no eternal life; you just go to the grave.

Believe in Neanderthal man, that is the way….

This is how humans became what they are today.

Keep living a life that is pleasing to you,

It really doesn't matter what you say or do.

Building up chromosomes one by one,

This is how becoming a god is done.”

With head held high the dark spirit stepped aside, sure that he had won.

Without hesitation the spirit of light stood tall and firm,

speaking words of truth that rang across the land like a sweet melody.

He said,

“Not long ago, the one true God from above.

Spoke this world into existence with much love.

The trees and the sea were all part of His plan,

Right down to every detail which also included man.

A garden of paradise was a place He called home,

With all of God’s creation this man was to roam.

To finish the plan asleep man did lay,

A rib from his side God did take away.

With a command from the Creator woman appeared,

Protected by God there was nothing they feared.

All was theirs to enjoy except the forbidding tree,

But they broke God’s one rule and sin entered thee.

The world which was once filled with peace and joy,

The enemy began to tarnish and destroy.

It was easy you see, for Satan to do…

With man’s lustful desires and prideful heart too.

God should have destroyed us all with His mighty right hand;

But He gave us another chance when Noah took a stand.

A great flood came that covered the land,

Noah and his family was spared because they followed God's plan.

A rainbow was placed in the sky up above,

A promise from God that was sealed with great love.

Man was forgiven and the Earth began to heal,

But evidence that sin remained became very real.

Once again our Creator caught us when we started to fall,

By sending His only Son to die on the cross for us all.

Now we must live according to His plan,

Then and only then will He heal this Great land.

Accept what He did on the cross and you shall be set free,

Once again man will live in paradise for eternity.”

The spirit of light stretched forth his hands toward the Heavens, giving thanks to the Creator above. As the spirit of darkness hung his head down low, knowing he had been defeated. All of creation broke the silence with a song that echoed across the land. The trees began to dance with the wind as if celebrating. Good had overcome evil, light had conquered darkness, and victory had been won.

The battle has been won.

  

shared writing from
Storm Hendrickson
written

October, 2002