Water - God's Signature

Great artists are usually associated to specific characteristics found in their masterpieces. These characteristics are used to distinguish them and associate the piece to the artist. For example, the structure of Michelangelo’s Pietà is pyramidal and the vertex coincides with Mary's head, sharing certain similarities with his Madonna and Child, which was completed shortly after. The long, oval face of Mary is a reminiscent of the Pietà. Mozart’s music is a wonderful representation of the Classical style; however, clarity, balance, and transparency are very specific characteristics of his work.

Interestingly enough, the same trend is also seen in science. The uniqueness of certain organisms are only found in specific species,  For example, the botulinum toxin, which is the most acutely lethal toxin known to man, is only produced by one species of the genus Clostridium, the Clostridium botulinum. Many people may not recognize that name at first, but mostly everyone has heard about Botox, which is a commercial product that contains the toxin in minute concentrations used as a wrinkle reducer.

Looking deeper into science, which by the way is my favorite subject, we can find the signature of the Creator everywhere in His creation; we just have to look for it! Let me open a little parenthesis here.  Being a scientist, I cannot (and emphasize the CANNOT) understand why scientists around the world and across generations do not believe in our Creator God or lose their faith, many times claiming that they could not find enough scientific evidence of His existence. On the contrary, the more I study science and living beings (from microorganisms to humans), the more I find God in His creation.

Water . . . so many people underestimate this simple substance. Water is composed of two molecules of Hydrogen and one molecule of Oxygen.  Very simple, right? Well, not really. As with the simplicity of Mozart’s work, we may underestimate the exceptional power of His finest masterpieces with simplistic notions of its delicacy. Water is so important that Jesus compared Himself to it (John 4:10-13, NIV), and He also said “no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5) The word “water” is mentioned more than 700 times in the Bible. The first mention of water in Scripture is found in Genesis 1:2 and the last in Revelation 22:17. In between those two books, water flows right through the pages of Scripture. Amazingly, there is no specific mention of when the water was created.  Water was there with God even before light was created. Genesis 1:1-2 (emphasis added) says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

A little bit more science . . . everyone knows that our cells are made of about 80% water, but that does not happen only with human beings. Earth is about 80% water.  All living creatures have about the same percentage of water, from a single cell bacterium to a complex body of a mammal. Therefore, we are basically water! Before creating the world, God was hovering over the waters, and after creating everything He still hovering over the waters. Just imagine the intimate relationship each creature can have with the Creator if we allow Him to hover over each cell of our bodies.

When God designed the living beings, including us, He placed His little signature, water. The composition of our body is so perfect that, by being made of water, we do not boil (literally) under the climatic conditions we have.  Animals can live under frozen lakes, rivers, or oceans because the water does not freeze completely (with few exceptions). In a frozen lake, the water below the frozen surface is always 4°C (39.2°F), which is suitable for life. In contrast, it is plausible to assume that the absence of water is, therefore, absence of life. There is a continuing debate in science about viruses; some scientists believe that they are living creatures and some do not. Personally, I believe that viruses distort the definition of life. Viruses lack most of the internal structure and machinery of cells, which characterize 'life', including the biosynthetic machinery that is necessary for reproduction and metabolism. In addition to all that, they lack water in their composition.

We also use the properties of water to teach children about the Trinity. Just like God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the same molecule of water can exist in three forms. We can get a little more technical and say that, as the Trinity, water can be three in one at the same time, and this is called the triple point of water. In thermodynamics, the triple point of a substance is the temperature and pressure at which the three phases (gas, liquid, and solid) of that substance coexist in thermodynamic equilibrium. The single combination of pressure and temperature at which liquid water, solid ice, and water vapor can coexist in a stable equilibrium occurs at exactly 273.16 K (0.01 °C) and a partial vapor pressure of 611.73 Pascal. We may have gotten too technical here, but all of that tells us that, if water can coexist in three different forms in equilibrium, why can’t God?

God uses simple things to show us that He is always present and that we can find Him in all creation because He was the One that designed everything. He is not an “unknown” artist. He wants us to know Him and understand Him through His marvelous masterpiece.

Fernanda Santos

PhD and Member of FHC

A Secret New Name by Todd Chobotar

I’ve been called a lot of names over the years. Some good, some bad, and some I can’t repeat.  But of all the names, two are among my favorites.  One comes from family and one from friends.  They’re nicknames.  Names given out of affection and friendship.

I know my parents meant well when they named me, but honestly I’ve never much cared for the name Todd.  Mostly because it’s rather common–and who likes to think of themselves as common?  I know dozens of guys named Todd.  Nice guys really.  But it always feels a bit strange meeting someone else who shares your name.  You think, Wait a minute.  That’s MY name.  I’ve had it my whole life.  It’s unique to me.  You can’t have my name.

Then there’s the uncomfortable feeling that comes with mistaken identity.  You’re in a public place and someone calls your name.  You turn around to respond only to discover with a flush of embarrassment that the greeting was meant for someone else.

Maybe that’s why I like my two nicknames so much.  They’re unique.  Different.  And they’re all mine.

The first nickname came from my family: Fuds (pronounced FUDZ).  Ever since I was a kid this has been my family name.  To the rest of the world I may have been plain old Todd, but to Mom and Dad I was Fuds–the baby of the family.  To my two older sisters, Sandy and Debbie, I’ve always been their little brother Fuds.

The name was derived from the famous Warner Bros. cartoon character Elmer Fudd.  You may remember Elmer Fudd as the intrepid rabbit hunter forever trying to bag Bugs Bunny.  His trademarks were his oversized bald head, his legendary nervous laughter and his mispronunciation of the letters r and l to sound like w.  As Bugs Bunny’s arch nemesis, Elmer Fudd spent countless cartoon capers stalking but never catching that “Wascawwy wabbit”.

I loved those animated adventures as a boy.  I could especially relate to Elmer Fudd because I shared the same embarrassing speech impediment as him.  Cruel kids often called me Elmer Fudd and mocked my mangled r’s and l’s.  Though I went to speech therapy to correct the problem, the taunts lived on long beyond the cure.  Knowing this, my family took the name used for my embarrassment and transformed it to a nickname of endearment.  Thus Elmer Fudd became Fuds.  Far from making me feel inferior, this new name made me feel special.  Special because I knew my family loved me despite any impediment I might ever have.  I will always be grateful to them for turning a term of belittling to a name of belonging.  For that’s what it is to me.  A name that shows I belong.

The second nickname came from friends:  Chobi (pronounced CHŌ-bee).  In high school and college it was not unusual for guys to call each other by their last names.  This was especially true if you had a common first name like mine that several other guys shared.  So among the boys I was called Chobotar.  But that’s a bit long and cumbersome to pronounce.  So with good friends, the name got shortened to Chobi.  My good friends still use that name today.  I like it.  It’s easier than my last name and more unique than my first name.  For me, it’s another name of belonging.

One of the quickest ways to put a smile on my face is to pick up the phone and hear the words “Hi Fuds” or “Hey Chobi”.  Because I know whoever is at the other end is either family or friends.  And I love talking to both.

Want to know something exciting about heaven?  Something that may put a smile on your face?  Each of us will have our own unique name there.  Look at this verse from Revelation 2:17:

“Everyone who is victorious will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven.  And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”  (NLT)

In my Bible, those words are printed in red ink.  That means they are the words of Jesus.  They were spoken in a vision to the Apostle John about the rewards awaiting God’s people in paradise.  For those who are victorious over sin, Jesus promises to give Manna—the bread of heaven.  To those who overcome the struggles of this life, Jesus promises to give a white stone with a new name.  A different name.  A unique name.  A secret name.  Does this mean I will someday bid the common name of Todd goodbye?  I don’t know.  Maybe we will keep our earth-born names in heaven, and maybe we won’t.  But one thing for sure is that we will be given new names known only to our Savior and us.

I like the way Eugene Peterson paraphrases this same verse:

“I’ll give the sacred manna to every conqueror;  I’ll also give a clear, smooth stone inscribed with your new name, your secret new name.”

A secret new name.  Will it be a name of power?  A name of mystery?  A name of victory?  A name of affection?  We don’t know for sure.  What we do know is the God who made you, will someday rename you.  How will it happen?  No one knows for sure.  But I imagine it will be something special.

Perhaps it will happen after you’ve been in heaven for a few days.  You’ve walked the golden streets, splashed in the river of life and chatted with Esther, Adam or Moses.  You’re just about to head off on a sight-seeing trip to the Horse-Head Nebula when you see God approaching.  He asks if you have few minutes to spare.  “I have all eternity,” you reply.  With spreading smiles you steal away together to a quiet place.  There you sit and talk about trials and triumphs of life on earth.  You blush slightly when your maker calls you a conqueror.  But then your eyes pop open as he pulls a blazing white stone from his robe and places it in your hand.  There in letters shining with the colors of a rainbow is a name.  A secret name.  A private name that only you and your maker will know.  A special bond that cannot be broken.

Why would God go through the extravagant gesture of giving you a new name?  Because you are unique.  Because you are special.  Because you are his.

“…The Lord who created you says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.’”  Isaiah 43:1 NLT

Question: Do you have a favorite nickname that only your family or friends call you?  Are you willing to share it?  What do you like about it?  (Share your thoughts in the comments)

Guest Blogger and Member of FHC, Todd Chobotar

BLOG | http://www.ToddChobotar.comTWITTER | http://www.twitter.com/ToddChobotar

FACEBOOK | http://www.facebook.com/ToddChobotar

The List by Kim Johnson

During my childhood years my parents always required us kids to make a list of what we wanted for Christmas. It had to be comprehensive and specific. One year, at age 8 or 9, I rebelled and said, “I’m sick of making lists. You won’t be getting any list from me!” They implored but I remained firm.

Christmas morning I opened my gifts with the usual gusto, but there was nothing I liked. After shoving the final undesirable gift aside in disgust, I stood up and told my parents in no uncertain terms that this had been the worst Christmas I ever had, then stomped angrily back upstairs to my room.

For years afterward I felt occasional twinges of guilt over that unfair outburst. My parents had sacrificed to put those gifts under the tree and done their best at guessing what I might enjoy.

Much later, in my late twenties, as another Christmas approached and my wife and I searched for gifts for our own child, my mind drifted back to that long ago incident. I felt the time had come to take care of what I considered to be unfinished business in my loving relationship with my parents. It was a mar that needed to be mended.

I composed a lengthy poem recounting the “no list Christmas.” It ended with a long-overdue apology and an expression of appreciation for all of their countless acts of generosity. I typed it on special paper and placed it in an elegant frame.

I then sent it to my parents for Christmas wrapped in silver paper with a large white bow. I phoned the afternoon of Christmas day eager to hear their response. My mother answered the phone and said, “Well, this is all very nice Kim. But, frankly, your father and I don’t remember that happening at all.”

I was initially surprised. And then I thought how their reaction captured the spirit of Christmas so perfectly. The season is indeed all about grace, new beginnings, and memory-erasing forgiveness.

Kim Johnson
Director of Resource Development at the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
FHC Member

   

Goin' on a Guilt Trip by Todd Chobotar

According to my wife, I have a Master’s Degree in giving guilt trips.  Most of the time I do it for fun–just to see what reaction I’ll get.  But on occasion, I admit, I’ve used it to try and get my own way.

What is a guilt trip?  It’s simply making someone feel guilty to get them to do what you want. Sound like fun?  It’s really quite easy once you get the hang of it.  Here’s how it works.

Let’s say a friend tells you about a wonderful day at the beach they enjoyed over the weekend.  You can usually start them on a little guilt trip by saying something like, “That’s sounds fun.  I wish I had friends that invited me to go to the beach with them.”  In theory, this will make your friend feel bad for failing to ask you to join them.  Bingo!  They’re on a guilt trip.

Need another example?  Let’s say you come home from work one day with tired feet. You casually mention out loud how good a foot massage would feel.  But your spouse tries to put you off with some statement such as, “Honey, I can’t tonight. I’m busy preparing for the big charity event tomorrow raising money for widows, orphans and abandoned kittens.”  Your guilt trip response could be something like, “No problem, Dear. I understand. If you need me for anything, I’ll just be lying on the couch writhing in pain and agony until the aspirin kicks in and hopefully brings some relief.”  (Note: the more cheerful your voice sounds, the better the guilt trip works.)

A co-worker once told me with a sly smile, “My mother is a travel agent for guilt trips. And my father? He’s an experienced guilt trip tour guide.” They sound like a great team! Do you know anyone like that? A friend, a sibling, a grandparent, who knows how to send you on a first class guilt trip?

Though it’s sometimes fun to joke about guilt trips, the fact is, for many of us the subject of guilt is no laughing matter.  Guilt can be a heavy burden to bear.  A weight on the heart that is hard to lift off.

Have you ever experienced true guilt? Real remorse? Perhaps it happened as a result of harsh words, broken promises, dishonest dealings, a lost temper, or neglected duties?  If you’ve ever done something you wish undone, said something you wish unsaid, then guilt has likely visited you.  That uncomfortable tugging of your conscience letting you know you’ve failed.  When confronted with guilt, many people push it down, wave it away, or just ignore it altogether. Why? It’s uncomfortable, sorrowful, or painful.

King David, the ancient Psalm-writer, understood the pain of guilt that comes from doing great wrong.  After committing adultery with the wife of one of his most loyal soldiers, David gave the order to have the man killed hoping to cover his own crime.  But David’s deeds were discovered and guilt hung heavy on his heart.  But unlike so many who experience guilt from their mistakes, David didn’t push the feelings away.  Instead, he poured out his heart to God. The record of his prayer is found in Psalm 51.  Here are a few phrases from David’s confession to God:

Have mercy on me, O God,
     Because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
     Blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt,
     Purify me from my sin…
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
     Renew a right spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:1-2, 10 NLT)

David was willing to come honestly before God and confess his wrongdoing.  As a result, God offered him forgiveness and lifted his burden of guilt. The record of David’s story reveals that God not only forgave David, but even called David a man after his own heart.

If you are experiencing guilt right now, why not pick up a few tips from David’s experience.  Don’t keep yourself stuck on a guilt trip when God is willing to lift your heavy burden through forgiveness.  Here are the steps David took that you and I can take as well:

1)    He honestly confessed his wrongs to God.
2)    He asked for God’s forgiveness.
3)    He was willing to make his wrongs right wherever possible.
4)    He asked God not just for a change of heart, but for a new, clean, pure heart.

Why cling to guilt that weighs your heart down when God’s grace can lift the weight off?  There is no offense you’ve committed too great for God to forgive.  The truth is, nothing from your past can keep God from your future if you embrace him in the present.

“Guilt is banished through love and truth.” Proverbs 16:6 MSG

Fun Question: What’s the best trip anyone has tried to send you on?
Thoughtful Question: Why do you think guilt exists? And is it a good thing or a bad thing?
(Share your thoughts in the comments)

Guest Blogger and Member of FHC, Todd Chobotar

BLOG | http://www.ToddChobotar.comTWITTER | http://www.twitter.com/ToddChobotar

FACEBOOK | http://www.facebook.com/ToddChobotar

Bring on October!

Shannon is a young woman from FHC who graduated from high school this past fall.  As graduation came closer, she decided to take a gap year before starting college to spend some time in the mission field since she had always been drawn to mission work.  In answer to much prayer, God presented Shannon with an amazing opportunity in Lunsar, Sierra Leone.

Shannon left on July 4 for four months in Sierra Leone with the parents of another FHC member. This was a return trip for them, and they had spent the last three years gathering donated sewing machines and sewing supplies to set up a women’s vocational center. They had been praying that God would provide someone to accompany them on this trip.  Several people had shown interest, but no one would commit.  The opportunity was presented to Shannon on May 4 and, seeing God's fingerprints all over it, the decision was made. Shannon's purpose would be to connect with the children (her gift), and she has had many wonderful opportunities to do that.  

An excerpt from a recent email from Shannon follows:

In preparation for coming to Sierra Leone, I talked with Ms. Shae, a friend from church who has spent considerable time doing missions in Africa.  She warned me in advance that the first month is the “honeymoon stage,” quickly followed by the second month in which the newness of it all wears off and you ask yourself, “What did I get myself into?”  The third month, she explained, is when you really come to love where you are and what you’re doing, and when you can begin to see God’s hand at work.  In mulling it over, I summarized her advice like this:

         

Second is the worst;

First is the best;

Third is the one with the treasure chest.

Thank you, Ms. Shae, for your wise guidance – it is so true!  I spent the whole of July enthralled with Africa and feeling like quite the "important little missionary."  Right on cue, though, during the first week of August I had a meltdown which pretty much lasted the entire thirty days.  I hated the heat, I hated the spiders, and I hated the fatigue.  I missed my family, I missed my friends, and I missed home.  I was disappointed in myself, in God, and in some of the people I was working with. 

Now it is September.  I still don’t like the heat, the spiders, and the fatigue.  I still miss my family, my friends, and home.  I am still often frustrated with myself and with some of the people I’m working with.  But I am no longer disappointed in God.  He does not owe me an explanation (or anything else, for that matter).  He does not need me to help Him do His work (but He loves me enough to let me be blessed by helping Him, if I’m willing to obey).  He does not stand distant from my life, waiting for me to get it right (instead He wants to be my Life, wants me to trust Him to get it – and me – right). 

He is good, He is Life, He is Love, He is all I need.  Bring on October!

Soft Cheeks & Face-Covering Kisses by Todd Chobotar

The trip from Florida to Michigan was miserable. Though the cheap tickets were nice, the two layovers and three plane changes weren’t.  Bitter union problems had caused many flight delays and cancellations.  Travelers were edgy, irritated, and exhausted.

Finally arriving at our destination, my wife and I deplaned and slowly trudged up the tunnel toward the terminal–pushed along from behind by our grumpy fellow passengers.  Apparently not even the prospect of soon seeing family or friends could cheer our bedraggled bunch.  Stepping into the open terminal, our footfalls echoed through the morgue-like hall.  A sea of silent, somber faces met our eyes.   Clearly our greeters had grown as tired of waiting for the delayed flight as we.

Suddenly, a squeal of delight punctured the silence.  Then a squeaky scream.  “Auntie Jeannine!  Uncle Toooooodd!!”  The crowd split, forming an alleyway as yet another squeal of delight emanated from the back of the crowd.  Then came the bubbling laughter as the squealer bounded across the concourse–blond curls bobbing, blue eyes dancing, stuffed animal flying.  My bags hit the floor as my arms were suddenly filled with an exuberant five year-old girl.  Small arms encircled my neck, small legs clung to my rib cage, soft cheeks pressed into mine, and wet lips covered my face with happy greetings.  I could feel a warm smile spreading all the way down to my toes.  As my wife, Jeannine, joined the hug there were more kisses and lots of “I love you’s” to go around.

With all the fuss we were making, I turned rather sheepishly toward the waiting crowd of watchers wondering if all the noise had ruffled any feathers.  But to my relief, every face turned my way wore a deep smile.  The unabashed joy of my little niece, Taryn, brightened the entire terminal.  My own fatigue of body and spirit seemed to melt away as I was drawn immediately into a world of talking stuffed animals, brand new dresses, and a detailed account of specially baked cookies for Auntie Jeannine and Uncle Todd.

Sometimes I wonder what it will be like to arrive in the Kingdom of God after our long earth-journey is over.  Oh, I know there will be many things specially prepared for God’s children to enjoy.  Magnificent mansions will replace our tiresome terminals.  Huggable real animals will replace our huggable stuffed ones.  White robes of glory will outshine even our newest dresses.  And a specially prepared banquet will out-taste even our tastiest cookies.  Nothing but the best will do for God’s children coming home to his kingdom.

But I wonder what it will be like to meet God himself.  When I see him, will the greeting be anything like the experience with my niece?  Will there be squeals of delight, running of feet, hugs of joy, peals of laughter, and faces covered with happy kisses?  It almost sounds too . . . well, too earthy for meeting God.  Won’t there be a greater display of dignity?  More respect shown?  More reverence felt?  A more gracious greeting?  Perhaps.  God is our Creator, after all.  He is the King of Kings and Judge of the entire universe.  Certainly good reasons for us to show respect and restraint.

But maybe, just maybe, God loves a good hug as much as I do.

Maybe, like me, he enjoys the noise of bubbling laughter and squeals of delight.  Maybe his feet will be faster than mine as we run to greet each other.  Maybe he adores nothing more than soft cheeks pressed to his.  And maybe, just maybe, our heavenly Father relishes happy, face-covering kisses from all his kids–be they 5, 55, or 105.  I can’t wait to find out . . .

“Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”  Mark 10:15  NRSV

Question: Have you ever wondered what it will be like to meet God someday? What do you imagine it will be like?  (Share your thoughts in the comments)

Guest Blogger and Member of FHC, Todd Chobotar

BLOG | http://www.ToddChobotar.com

TWITTER | http://www.twitter.com/ToddChobotar
FACEBOOK | http://www.facebook.com/ToddChobotar