Meeting God in Quiet Place DVD

Here is "Meeting God in Quiet Places," the DVD which F. LaGard Smith so generously sent to me this week. As you see on the cover, the scenery in these 7 short videos is the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cotswolds of England. I love these parables on film that share God's handiwork with us, the natural surroundings God uses to teach us about His love and care for everything He has made, including you.

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These vignettes can be viewed separately or all at once, and I believe, would serve beautifully as the devotional centerpiece of your day. If you want your spirits lifted and your soul to soar, watch these videos with LaGard's fitting analogies. Is it possible that LaGard's delivery is more charming because of his location? The cover says: "Come on an exploration of faith in the beauty of the English countryside." And you get that beauty in every story. LaGard walks through the hills and villages close by his home in Buckland and lets nature puncuate the meaning of his parable. And what wonderful meaning there is!

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Like the idea behind the "Walking Stick." What does a walking stick mean to a person who is walking? It's not only a support as a staff, but it comes to be a companion. And in the same way, God is our staff of support and protection, as well as our companion, as we walk through life. And LaGard reminds us that God not only wants to be our protector, but our friend...our FRIEND! Jesus made that possible when He came in the flesh. He knows our every weakness. Do you understand that whole concept? He knows our weaknesses and gives us grace. And because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can not only talk to our Father in heaven through Him, but we can be friends. That's amazing.

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Another parable is called "Gates." Jesus is our gate to God and into heaven, where our mansion is prepared for us. And the good folks that have gone before us are waiting on the other side of that gate. In "Gravestones," LaGard makes the point that most of us aren't going to be remembered by those who come after us. But we can leave a legacy--something good that will give those who come after us both strength and courage. Shouldn't we all give this idea some deep thought? The vapor of our lives will disappear quickly, but not our good deeds and our good example.

And I really identify with "Dreamhouse." LaGard makes a tour of a beautiful house that is for sale. He says that it's his dreamhouse, but admits that it's way out of his price range. Then he reflects on the fact that the beautiful cottage he lives in was once his dreamhouse. Of course, the analogy is that human beings are rarely content: those who have prosperity want more of it, and those who have wealth never have enough. Sooo...shouldn't we all look to those things which last forever and be content? Don't most of us in the United States have plenty of stuff? And not only do we have physical blessings beyond imagining, but we also have many spiritual blessings in this country.

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I think my favorite analogy is called "Snowfall." Those of you who know me won't be surprised at this confession. I comfort myself with the fact that most of us are the same--choosing a wrong path when the right one was clearly visible. Looking back, we may wonder how we could have been so blind, but as the saying goes: it seemed like a good idea at the time. The prospect of having my sins covered feels delightfully magical. With a "snowfall," our sins can be covered, hidden from view and made white as snow--gone from our sight and from God's.

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So don't look behind you...look ahead and see what is possible for you. See your past as a snow-covered field, and your future as a brightly lit opening--a gate to go through to reach your highest and best. That is what we all really want, isn't it? God can lift you out of your present state and into a fresh beginning with His love--if you'll LET Him.

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I hope my thoughts on this DVD have helped you to know what it contains. I'm sure I haven't done it justice, but keep on looking for a summary of each chapter of the book each Sunday. I'll do my best to give you part of its message. I recommend that you read the complete chapers yourself. And if you do, I hope you'll share your thoughts as you grasp the rich meaning of each parable. And thanks to Quinlyn for taking the picture of the DVD cover.

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Blessings...Mimi