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October 28, 2002 - "The Presence of God"
Welcome to 2TheHeart!
"The seasons do not push one another; neither do clouds race the wind across the sky. All things happen in their own good time." ~Dan Millman
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ATTENTION WRITERS: Our Writing Jobs page has been updated! http://www.2theheart.com/writing_jobs
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For our new members, we normally run 2TheHeart Tuesday - Friday, but I am running a few "make-up" issues, since I was sick last week. Welcome to our online family! I am happy to share a very moving story from Nancy, and you can find a photo to go with the story on "Today's Story" page: www.2theheart.com/today_s_story
"The Presence of God"
by Nancy Julien Kopp
I have felt the true presence of God a few times in my life, so real I felt as if I might reach out and touch Him. Each one of those times has been etched solidly into my memory. It's safe there and can be called upon for renewal of my spirit whenever needed..
Recently, my husband and I had the good fortune to travel by river cruiser from Amsterdam to Vienna. The trip afforded us many pleasures as we traversed the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Cathedrals and castles, cobblestones and cafes?we saw them all on the land excursions we took each day.
Early one Sunday morning, our ship docked at the small town of Wertheim, Germany.
Here, we were told by our program director, we would have the opportunity to watch a glass blowing demonstration and then visit the retail shop that Hans, the Glass Blower, and his family operated.
"I'm so sorry that there are no other shops open since it is Sunday, but you can walk through the town and enjoy the buildings." Renata told us as she pointed out a Protestant church. "There is a service at 9:30 this morning, but it will be conducted in German."
Hans entertained us royally with his demonstration and lecture about the art of glass blowing. When we finished admiring the merchandise in his shop, we were given free time to stroll through this quaint little town which sat alongside the river.
Ken and I broke off from the others. We admired the interesting looking buildings and stopped to gaze in the shop windows. "You're lucky this art gallery isn't open," Ken said. "If it was, I would buy that picture." I looked at the picture and then at him and knew he meant it. Lucky for me, the door was locked, and we had to move on.
We found ourselves next to the church Renata had pointed out earlier. "Let's go take a look," Ken said. "The service is over by now."
We climbed the stairs and stepped into the cool interior of the church. No cathedral this one, but it was truly lovely. An ornate altar with splashes of gold dominated the front. We noticed about twenty or thirty people clustered near the front pews, talking softly and milling around. They began to arrange themselves with backs to the altar and facing the mostly empty pews.
It dawned on me that this was a choir of some sort getting ready to practice. We slid into one of the back pews and prepared to listen. We were treated to some of the most beautiful music I have ever been privileged to hear. The choir sang three songs, all in German. I could not understand one word, but there was no doubt that they were worshipping God with their music, singing from their hearts. It was as if we were listening to the voices of the angels.
Ken and I moved a little closer together, our shoulders touching. The light from the windows shone on the altar giving the gold leaf a vibrant glow. The voices seemed to surround us. Soft, but clear as crystal, the music flowed from front, back and sides, even though the choir stood directly in front of us. As the voices rose and fell with the melody, I felt the presence of God so strongly that it seemed as if there was nothing else in the world but this church, this choir, and the two of us.
I could not have spoken a word at that point as emotion rose high within me. My one thought was that I did not want this to ever end. But, end it did. The last notes of the final song were sung, and the people in the choir moved to the pews, picked up their coats and sweaters, and came down the aisle chatting and smiling as they passed us.
We sat there a bit longer and rose to follow them outside. The choir members were clustered in a group at the top of the steps posing for a picture. One of the men stood below on the cobblestone street adjusting his camera, and we slipped on by to continue our tour of Wertheim.
Minutes passed before either of us could talk, and, when we compared our feelings, we realized we had experienced something very, very special. No, we had not attended the church service that morning, but we found something never to be forgotten. It was one of those special times when God makes his presence known giving us His love and assurance that He is always with us. What a wonderful way to have it revealed to us.
When life's trials and tribulations seem to be closing in on me, I can close my eyes and bring the memory of that Sunday morning back once more. I will see the golden glow of the church, hear the angelic voices of the choir, and feel God's arms around me.
Nancy Julien Kopp copyright 2002
kopp@networksplus.net
Nancy and her husband, Ken, live in the Flint Hills of Kansas. She writes essays, poetry, and stories for children. Look for more of her stories in the archives. A few of them are "To Celebrate A Life", "To Touch A Child", "Sorting Out A Lifetime" and "Grandma and The Tea Party".
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2THEHEART BIRTHDAY CLUB!
Happy Birthday to:
Norma Lee Liles Oct 22 hoopla214@yahoo.com
Vicki Bamburg Oct 24 bambergv@yahoo.com
Send these sweet ladies lots of belated birthday wishes!
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The Letter Box:
2theheart,
I was at our Church family camp this weekend here in Melbourne Australia and when I got home & read my mail box I read about the "Make a difference day" & was amazed at the timing as one of my intentions when I went on the camp was to be able help or make a difference to someone.
On Saturday I was driving into the nearest town which is Marysville and to Stephenson's falls which are nearby & invited another friend, Joy, to come with us which she did. We went to the falls & then back to Marysville & looked around the shops there.
One of my friends had told me about Stephensons waterfalls close to where we were staying that are floodlit at night so we decided to go and see them as I had never been there before. On Saturday I asked a friend, Joy, if she would like to come with us to view some waterfalls that are floodlit at night, she said she would like to do that. I drove to the carpark from where we were staying & it was a short walk to the falls. These falls are beautiful during the day, absolutely stunning at night. We were all amazed at how beautiful these falls are at night. While we were there we shared some thoughts about God's magnificence & the wonder of nature in our country. Joy thanked me for taking her & said it was wonderful to be included in our outings. This did make a difference to her experience of the weekend away as it is something she would not have done otherwise as she does not drive.
Hi Susan,
What a glorious feeling to know that I did make a difference today. My first mission was to put out feed for all of the hungary squirrels and birds that frequent my yard. Their chatter and tweets were music to my ears. Secondly I wrote a long cheerful email to a special friend who is suffering terribly with severe scoliosis. It didn't take her pain away but it made her smile in spite of it. Thirdly I went to a store that I knew would be crowded with shoppers. I searched for the elderly who often look so sad, depressed and alone. To each one I met, I'd say "Hi, how are you today?" and give them my brightest smile. First they acted so surprized that anyone would care enough to ask and then they would give me a big smile. Also many hugs were exchanged. It took such little effort on my part to bring some cheer into these peoples lives and I know it made a huge difference.
2theheart,
Our whole family spent the day raking leaves for every elderly person in our neighborhood! We had a wonderful time and got hot hocolate at EVERY house! LOL!! What a good feeling we had at the end of the day - thank you for reminding us about Make a Difference Day!
Dear Susan,
I signed up to be a Chemo ANGEL! I can't wait to get started! Thanks!
2theheart,
For Make a Difference Day, I took all six of my sister's kids for EIGHT LONG HOURS so she could do whatever she wanted! She was so happy she cried. I have a new appreciation for her after my day! I'm a single male with no kids, so this was an eye-opener for me! Thanks for the reminder!
Jon
Your story brought back such good memories, of when my boy's and their Dad did the Pinewood Derby. I think Dad had the best time, though.
Sandy Smith
Shelly, Thanks for this great story so beautifully written. ~Margaret Drysdale
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