Shining Moments : Visions Of The Holy In Ordinary Lives

The Bible is filled with stories of shining moments — Moses’ face shone as he came down from the mountain with the ten commandments; Jesus’ face changed and his clothes became dazzling white in a transfiguration witnessed by the disciples; Paul was blinded by a light and heard the voice of Christ on the road to Damascus — and many modern Christians have had equally life-changing experiences of the Lord’s power and presence.

In this third volume of the acclaimed Visions series, 60 contributors share their authentic, intensely personal accounts of holy experiences. Rosmarie Trapp of the Sound of Music family tells of a moment of assurance when “the Lord visited me in a bright, golden light” whose “golden glow brought peace to my soul.” Ralph Milton, author of the historical novel Julian’s Cell, describes a visitation by his late sister: “We were singing together as we often did as children … I don’t recall ever having a memory or dream as clear and powerful as that one, and it left me with a sense of joy and peace.” Karen Steinke recounts the warmth she felt at the moment of her baptism: “I looked up to see the form of Jesus with an overpowering light surrounding him …”

Whether they relate transforming moments like visions, healings, or visitations by angels, joyous moments like being in the presence of a loved one who has died, or just the simple sense of God’s presence while singing in church or sitting in a sunny meadow on a warm spring day, the vignettes in Shining Moments are a testament to the indescribable comfort and peace of an encounter with the divine. And because each story also illustrates a scripture passage, Shining Moments is a valuable preaching resource and an excellent catalyst for small group discussion. But even more, this book provides inspiring and heart-warming reading for personal devotion and spiritual growth.