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After all the excitement, anticipation, and research, we set out to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We put the location of Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada, into the GPS, and arrived at this picturesque little town at lunchtime. We had seen glimpses of the sun, but it was mainly cloudy.
About 1:30 p.m., the skies began to clear. People had brought chairs, snacks, picnic lunches, and telescopes. As the time drew close for the eclipse, we could feel and see the anticipation of those around us, as people began trying on their eclipse viewing glasses.
Then it happened. It was very quiet as the eclipse began. We could hear the birds chirping and gasps from the people as they took in the event. The sky did not disappoint; it provided a picture-perfect canvas for the eclipse. When the sun was totally covered, the crowd let out loud cheers. We could hear the excitement in their voices as the darkness arrived, the street lights came on, and the eclipse glasses were laid aside. For what seemed like a good amount of time, we were shrouded in darkness, and we could feel the temperature drop. As we looked far out over Lake Erie, we could see bright sky in the distance during the actual eclipse. After four minutes, it was time to put the protective glasses back on as the sun began to reappear.
Numbers 14:10b-11 – Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. The Lord said to Moses, … "How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" (NIV)
What we witnessed was a bright, white sky and a shaft of light that was whiter than normal sunlight beaming down on us. It was beyond the words that I can use to describe it. As I have been telling people, it was like the glory of the Lord was shining upon us. As we watched it, I was truly in awe of Jesus, the light of the world. I still get goosebumps when I tell that to people. What an opportunity this day was for us to share the Lord with people who may not know Him!
What is etched on my mind is the huge numbers of people who were looking upwards toward the sky all across the continent, from Mexico to Canada. I wonder how many people will be looking at the sky when the Son of Man returns in glory! Jesus told His disciples, "For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes." (Luke 17:24 NLT) To whom will we have an opportunity to witness of the glory of the Lord before that happens?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, Your love and creation are so far beyond our comprehension. Thank You that You still continue to show us the glory of Your being. Help us and guide us as we share and bear witness of this to all we meet. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
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Monday, May 13, 2024 – In Ethiopia — The church in the north, which is very small, often faces persecution, however, there seems to be a new openness to the Gospel, and people, including leaders within the Orthodox Church, are asking for Bibles. Lift up prayers for people and churches in war-inflicted regions of our country. Join us also in interceding for the regions experiencing drought and food shortages.
Housing: "Update April 18, 2024: The judge granted the father 4 extra days of visitation per month. T is..." 
Thanks for sharing, Julie.
Thanks for your devotional. It was a pleasure to read and to contemplate.
Thank you, Julie. Really enjoyed your devotion and the challenge to reach others.
Wow, that sounds amazing, Julie. Thank you for sharing your incredible experience, definitely a sign of God’s greatness!
Like you the eclipse was a spiritual experience – the darkness of a troubled world is changed by the return of light, the light of Jesus our Saviour.
What an encouragement, thanks Julie!
Thanks,
(BC Canada)
Good morning, Julie,
Thank you for your good words this morning,
May the Lord bless you.
Thank you, Julie, for your very encouraging words today. Yes, when we seek the Lord and follow His ways, we will have a very “beaming” light in our daily life. Blessings for writing.
Good morning, Julie; a great read. I had to experience it through the clouds. How wonderful to hear your interpretation What a Blessing. Guess I wasn’t meant to see it; but I know God had His reason.
Oh Julie, I relived that wonderful experience as I listened to Robin read your devotional this morning! I remember the “oh wow!” as I put on my protective eyewear and saw the moon making its journey!
I don’t know if you saw this poster on fb but it’s a gem…like your devotional!
Good Morning, Julie, I so enjoyed your devotional. It is a reminder how we wait with great anticipation the return of Christ!! While waiting we have the gift of seeing the awesomeness of God here on earth.
Blessings and Joy!
In Christ,
(NC)
Today is a Blessed Day
Good morning, Julie,
I enjoyed reading about your experience and looked up to see where Port Rowan is. I liked the passages you chose from the Bible to enhance your point. God is awesome and so many people coming together to enjoy a pleasant experience at this time is also awesome. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Julie,
You described the eclipse perfectly. We are fortunate to live on a ranch in Texas away from anything other than nature. Our cat started to act differently. The birds carried on in an unusual manner. Our 24-year-old grandson said, “This is the most exciting thing in my life.” I am forwarding your message to our family members who were here with us. How blessed we were to experience God’s glory in this way.
What a great experience you had last week! It became fairly dark here in Ottawa, but not as dark as what you experienced. I’m a little envious. What a day it will be when Jesus returns.
I wish we could understand it all now – ie ‘SEE’ it all ahead of time. We humans have to believe without ‘seeing’ – both physically and spiritually. I’m always thanking God that my faith overrides my not knowing – in so many situations. Thank you for the lovely description of the experience – and the comparison. God bless.
Excellent devotional Julie!
Just read this encouraging devotional today. Thank you for sharing. The eclipse was blanketed by thick clouds here. We only caught glimpses as they parted. Sigh. Blessings.