Beauty In Nature
Capture The Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a powerful Christian contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in the National Parks Summers series which promises to be fabulous.
The novel, as the series suggests, is set in a National Park. Along with the characters, we get back to nature. There is so much beauty in the natural, and the animals roam freely. It is here, where we can commune with God. “This place… I am so overwhelmed… with gratitude to God for creating such a place. For giving me the gift of experiencing it.” There is so much beauty in the world that God has created.
A debate is sparked, where do we meet God? “Church doesn’t have to be a building. It can be wherever you find meaning.”
The church is also the people. Wherever we connect with others, there is always the opportunity to be the church.
When we know God, we can rest securely and trust His plans and His timing. We are called to live out the life that God has uniquely created for us. “Good intensions weren’t enough. You have to turn them into reality.” Whenever God puts a dream in our hearts, we need to grab it. We may try and fail along the way but it is in the trying and failing that we learn.
Characters have been hurt. This hurt either drives them towards God or propels them away. We learn about the dangers of anger. “Holding on to anger… It’s like a poison… Forgiveness is the antidote.” When we forgive, we can live in freedom. If we cling to hurt and anger, we risk becoming bitter. “He didn’t have to hang on to that hurt… anger was toxic.”
God wants us to live in freedom. “I told God everything that made me so mad at Him… I didn’t feel anger in return… I felt this overwhelming sense of love.” God is love. He takes our hurt and anger, and He exchanges them at the cross, for love.
Prayer is important. “Kate had no idea what to do next. Except… to pray.” Prayer unites us with God, who knows just what we need in any and every situation.
We are all unique. We are called to be ourselves and not someone else. The only person we should imitate is Jesus. “A tulip doesn’t struggle to be different from a rose.” We are all called to live out the life that God has created for us.
God’s creation is awe-inspiring. Whilst being immersed in nature, we learn a lot about the animals in the park, especially the bears who are the focus of the novel.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. It is beautiful to witness the enthusiasm and interactions of thirteen-year-old Maisie. There were traits in her that I recognised from my thirteen-year-old self. Her zest for life was infectious.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Capture The Moment and I cannot wait for the subsequent books in this marvellous series.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
