JOYOUS ONENESS

It is with great joy that I share with you that my second book, God’s Love Illuminated: Treasured Thoughts to Inspire Walking in God’s Abundant Love, received the Henri Award at the Christian Literary Awards in Arlington, Texas, on March 18, 2023 from Joy and Company. The Henri Award is chosen by a panel of judges who are given the task of reading the books in a certain category and voting on the one they feel is most deserving. The judges can be from different parts of the USA. God’s Love Illuminated was in the Non-Fiction: Victorious Living category.

God’s Love Illuminated
Henri Award recipient
Non-Fiction: Victorious Living category

 

What a wonderful journey God has orchestrated in my life since He put people in my path that led to the beginning of my website  8½ years ago, which has given birth to a  trinity of books in three years. I am in awe of Him, especially as it was never anything I planned to do.

Rose and Joy, two of the trio of Joy and Company

 

A friend said, “You must be so full of joy with receiving the award. It must have been a mountain experience.”

As I thought about it, I said, “I’m not sure how much joy I feel specifically with the award. It was more like an acceptance of the honor at the time. I want to remain humble. I feel joy each week from writing for my website and being able to share God in the ordinary. It keeps me in oneness with the Lord.”

She said, “It is okay to still feel that joy and to remain humble.”

When they announced my name as the Henri Award recipient, I did not feel any fear, which was a big step for me, nor was I overcome with emotion. It was like a peaceful acceptance of being in the moment. I had to quickly get my two-minute acceptance speech from my purse. I felt comfortable walking up on stage, taking the microphone out of its stand (it was too high for me), and starting my speech. About 3/4 of the way through, I realized my legs were getting very shaky, so I had to share that with the audience just in case I fell over! I think I must have been in a little bit of shock. I stumbled over my words a little, but then God helped me regain my composure to finish my speech, receive the award, and exit the stage.

 

Acceptance speech

 

When I got back to my seat, I closed my eyes, folded my hands, and felt a oneness with the Lord. It is what I also experience at times in church. A time of just being, of the joy of being in His presence, of letting Him love me, and of a peace that reaffirms that I am on the path He has for me. If I can utter any words, it is just “thank you.” My publisher leaned over and said, “Are you okay?” I responded, “Yes, I am just experiencing a oneness with the Lord.”

The night was even more memorable with my publisher sitting next to me. It was only the second time we met face-to-face. The first time was when she was giving a talk at a church in my area back in June 2019! Little did either of us know that night she would feel the Lord calling her to be my publisher. She was also the one who encouraged me to submit my book to two literary contests after its publication in 2021.

 

Mary Ethel Eckard, my editor, publisher, and friend

 

My friend mentioned the passage about Jesus’ transfiguration and wondered if it related  to my experience receiving the Henri Award.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.  –Matthew 17:1-8  (NIV)

Indeed, it does seem like the perfect description of what I encountered, especially when I returned to my seat. How wonderful it is to experience Jesus’ presence at the different mountain times of our spiritual journey! Just as Peter wanted the time to never end, don’t we feel that way too? Being immersed in oneness with Jesus transfigures our spirits. I believe in my spirit that I was giving gratitude and thanksgiving to God for being able to share Him through the written word. He has opened so many doors for me, allowing me to grow and stretch myself for His glory. I have met so many people who quickly become spiritual friends and breathe life into my spirit and faith journey. I pray that I am doing everything He wants as I experience His love for me through His orchestrations, and that He is well pleased.

I am in awe of the ending of this passage that says, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”

Three days before this discussion with my friend, my publisher texted me. She shared an encouraging story with me of how she was asked to teach a Sunday school class where the Lord pointed out the words “Get up” from Acts 9. She did some research and found the phrase in different stories in both the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, Jesus spoke the words often when He healed people. She personalized the message for me, saying, “Keep going, Christine. Keep getting up every morning and doing what Jesus says to do. You are right where He wants you!” Seeing the words “Get up” in the verse above is another confirmation for me. It’s the third passage I have seen since she shared it with me. I believe the Lord is telling me personally to “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” I will continue to step out in faith and obedience.

 

Photo courtesy of Chronic Joy® under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

This trip was the first time I visited Texas. My husband and I were able to sightsee in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas for two days, as well as take a tour of the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.  My goal for the trip was to just enjoy each moment, living in the present. I was pleasantly surprised to see that goal become a reality. From start to finish, I could not help but think what a gift the whole trip was. It was another beautiful ripple effect of this writing journey God has given me. I am so grateful and appreciate all the support and encouragement you, my friends and readers, have gifted me along the way.

 

The orange building is the Texas School Book Depository where Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated JFK from a 6th floor window. JFK was riding in a motorcade on the road to the left of the building

 

Springtime at the Dallas Arboretum

 

AT&T Stadium the star where the Dallas Cowboys take the field

The Cattle Run at the Fort Worth Stockyards

Be encouraged this week to see how…

…Jesus transfigures your spirit.

…you hear God calling you His son/daughter and loving you.

…Jesus is calling you to “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”

 

Can you please help me write another ending for this reflection? In the comment section below, can you share a mountaintop experience you have had? Thank you in advance.

 

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. –1 Chronicles 16:24 (NLT)