I don’t know why exactly, but it seems that God keeps calling me back to this place, to the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
My first time here was at age 15, between my sophomore and junior year of high school. I’d been given a chance to experience what is called a Girl Scout Wider Opportunity. The event centered on theater and dance and took place on the campus of East Stroudsburg University. But I flew into Scranton, and several days prior to event, stayed at a host family’s home in Wilkes-Barre. And it was there, at age 15, in a state of feeling a bit overwhelmed by being in a new place far, far from home, that the incredible, life-changing thought came to me: “God is here. God followed me here, and He will always go where I go no matter where in the world I am, no matter how far from home.”
I returned to the Pocono Mountains as a college student when I accepted a nanny position one summer for a family in Princeton, New Jersey. They had a cabin in the Poconos and we would travel there most every weekend. Again, it occurred to me that God had followed me to Pennsylvania.
It happened again this morning as I looked out the windows of the beautiful cabin where I’m staying during a writer’s retreat and workshop on the homestead of the Highlights for Children magazine founders, Garry and Caroline Myers.
In fact, as I walked toward my cabin for the first time last night, I felt as if it were God who was welcoming me there. It was as if He were saying, “Good evening, my beloved child. See how much I love you?”
And He was with me still as I took a nature walk after breakfast:
God is everywhere, through the beautiful things I see and the beautiful people I meet. I’m constantly reminded of His goodness and profound love for me.
God is with me when I’m in Fargo, every moment, and He’s most certainly here with me now in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, too.
Q4U: When do you feel the presence of God most strongly?
O, My. That is truly beautiful. What a place to write in.
I feel God close in my writing. In my books. when I read or write something and it’s like God says to me, ‘That is what I want to tell you today. I love you. Do you hear me?’ And I feel God when I am in my garden. He finds me in the simple things and in the little moments. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this 🙂 It was for me today. (and I hope many others)
Beautiful post and beautiful images, too.
These are kind of cliche, but I feel God’s presence the most right after I’ve had a baby (the miraculous marvel of a new baby is like holding a piece of heaven) and also in nature – especially at the beach. Then of course there’s the Eucharist. So often I’ll receive it immediately feel a profound sense of calmness that I know is God.
Thanks for a lovely Faith Friday!
Tabitha and Kate, your comments this weekend have brought such great joy to me. I’ve been slow to react because of the intensity of this workshop, but trust me, your presence is so appreciated, especially coming from fellow writers and kindred spirits. Blessings!
Roxane, the lovely pictures speak volumes about the beauty of God’s gift to us! I love being an online spectator. Enjoy your retreat and continue bringing great joy to your readers!
Clara.
There you were surrounded by beauty, love, and God. I love your photos. I can’t wait to hear about the experience!
Indeed, the Holy Spirit was alive and working miracles in Pennsylvania.