Meeting God in Quiet Places~DVD

This morning, I want to tell you about the DVD which F. LaGard Smith so generously sent to me. I had asked him if I could use his book, Meeting God in Quiet Places: The Cotswold Parables, for my blog. He agreed to let me summarize the chapters to share with you, then sent me a copy of the DVD. As you can  imagine, the scenery in these 7 short videos is the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cotswolds of England. I enjoy these parables on film that share God's handiwork with us, the natural surroundings God uses to gently teach us about His love and care for everything He has made, including you and me. 

 These vignettes can be viewed separately or all at once, and would serve beautifully as the devotional centerpiece of your day. If you want to lift your spirits and your soul to soar, watch these videos with LaGard's fitting analogies. 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 punctuate the meaning of his parable. And what glorious meaning there is!

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 comes to be a companion. In the same way, God is our staff of support and protection, as well as our companion through life. God not only wants to be our protector, but our friend...our FRIEND! Jesus made that possible when He came in the flesh. God knows our weaknesses and gives us grace. And because of Jesus' sacrifice, we can talk to our Father in heaven and be His friend.

Another parable is called "Gates." Jesus is our gate to God and into heaven, where a mansion is prepared for us. And the good people who have gone before us are waiting for us on the other side of that gate.

In "Gravestones," LaGard make 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. The vapor of our lives will disappear quickly, but not our good deeds and example.

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 dream house, the analogy being that human beings are rarely content. 

I think my favorite parable is called "Snowfall." You won't be surprised at this, but I comfort myself with the fact that most of us are the same--choosing the wrong path when the right one was clearly visible. But 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 God's. 

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 self. God can lift you out of your present state and into a fresh beginning with His love--if you'll let Him. And that is your part. Take a look at this DVD. It's a beautiful companion to the book, and will bless you every time you watch it.

Blessings...Mimi