You’re going to be so glad you stopped by today. I’ve prepared a pop quiz for you—a little trivia challenge! But don’t worry–it’s multiple-choice and short.
How many stars do astronomers estimate occupy the universe?
A. 500 trillion
B. 750 quadrillion
C. 1 septillion
What are the objects in the above photograph?
A. Virus microbes
B. Husks
C. Starfish babies
What is the average weight of a cumulous cloud?
A. Over 10,000 pounds
B. Over 100,000 pounds
C. Over 1,000,000 pounds
Number one is a freebie, because an accurate count is impossible. But there are those astronomers who would agree with Answer C—1 septillion. That’s a one with 24 zeroes after it![1]
For the second question the answer is B—husks. In a few select areas of the Western Pacific Ocean, live tiny organisms called Foraminifera. When they die, the tide carries their husks—millions of them–to beaches on the coasts of Japan and Okinawa.[2] Visit those places and you can walk on the stars.
The answer for #3 is C. Holding up even the largest of cumulous clouds is the air beneath them, which weighs even more.[3]
I’m guessing you know a few amazing trivia facts too. Isn’t it astounding that the body of information about the universe continues to grow, even after centuries of study?
The short sampling of creation’s wonders mentioned above gives us a glimpse of God’s glorious capacities at work: his inventiveness, engineering skill, power and more. But we also see evidence of his magnificence in:
- The Bible. No other book matches its wisdom. And when put into practice, it transforms a person’s life.
- God’s attributes at work in the world—his love, grace, faithfulness, and mercy—to mention a few.
- Miracles—happening around us every day. The problem is we’re so used to them we call them ordinary.[5]
- The gracious actions and glowing faces of his saints–miracles in themselves.
Truly, God reveals his glory TO us every day in countless ways.
But perhaps even more astounding: God—in all his magnificence—chooses to reside IN us when we say yes to his Son, Jesus.
Imagine. The fullness of God—all his glorious attributes—within us. And over time, as his Spirit instructs and trains us, we become more and more like Christ—more joyful, hopeful, and contented; less self-centered, dissatisfied, and distressed. Such a glorious reality![6]
“God is mercifully shaping our lives
into what is useful and beautiful.”
–Eugene Peterson[7]
And then God chooses to make us channels of his glory, working THROUGH us to impact others.
How?
Every time we choose to be generous instead of selfish, patient instead of peevish, mindful instead of thoughtless, or merciful instead of intolerant, we’re demonstrating the attributes of God to others.
And as we make ourselves available for him to work through us, we may very well become the answer to someone else’s prayer.
“To become the answer to someone else’s prayer
is to live a life of rich purpose.”
–Maggie Wallem Rowe[8]
* * * * * *
O God, thank you for revealing yourself TO us in numerous ways, producing joy in our spirits as we earnestly seek you. I praise you for dwelling IN us, providing all we need (and then some!) for the abundant life Jesus promised. And I thank you for working THROUGH us to positively impact others and give us satisfying purpose. There is no one like you!
[1] https://www.space.com/26078-how-many-stars-are-there.html
[2] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2085f_Japon_Hatoma.jpg
[3]https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/how-much-does-a-cloud-weigh?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
[4] The heavens don’t only include the stars, other planets, and moons. Our planet occupies a tiny corner of the universe, and everything in it also tells of the wonders of God.
[5] Hans Christian Anderson
[6] Ephesians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 3:18
[7] Run with the Horses, 79.
[8] This Life We Share, 242.
Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pixnio.com; http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.canva.com.
From the Inside Out 
I didn’t do so well on the quiz, although it was a ton of fun, Nancy. 🙂 Yes, every time I reflect upon the miracles of God’s universe and this wonderous earth upon which we live, I’m floored that He wants to dwell in each and every one of us. That might be the biggest miracle of all!
Blessings, my friend!
Couldn’t agree with you more, Martha! (Love your word-choice too–floored. A modern version of prostrate!)
Thank you, Nancy. So many marvels! (I especially like the H.C. Anderson quote.)
I think of prepositions as helping words, chiefly directional. Who knew they could be so potent?
The exact quote of Anderson (as I found it) is: “The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.” Good truth, that! If you enjoyed this post based on prepositions, you might also enjoy “Prepositional Praise” from a few years ago (https://nancyaruegg.com/2018/03/01/prepositional-praise/ )! Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment, Laurie.
Hi Nancy, I really liked what you said in this “Every time we choose to be generous instead of selfish, patient instead of peevish, mindful instead of thoughtless, or merciful instead of intolerant, we’re demonstrating the attributes of God to others.” It is a beautiful thought that we can show the mind of Christ when we are generous, patient, mindful and merciful to everyone especially those who are struggling. Again, thank you for writing such wonderful thoughts.
Sam
Thank you, Sam. May we spread the fragrance of Christ wherever we go!
I agree with Sam. The “…instead of’s…” are the essence of this post and a mantra to guide our every action. And the H.C. Anderson quote speaks to the wonders of your trivia quiz (which I failed miserably). Thank you, Nancy.
Thank YOU and You’re welcome, Dave!
Our God is truly amazing. I didn’t know the answers to any of the trivi questions 😔 thank you so very much for the information
You’re welcome, Brenda! The more I learn about our universe, the bigger my eyes grow with amazement! Pretty soon I’ll look like a lemur! : ) Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment, my friend.
I failed the quiz. But I am always in awe of our Creator and His creative work!
Me too, Pam! You must find magnificent examples of God’s handiwork every day in that stunning garden of yours!
Oh, Nancy, always a teacher’s heart. I loved this pop quiz–God’s amazingness on display. (Especially those minute “stars”….reminded me of Blake’s line in a poem about “eternity in a grain of sand.”))
Thank you for the smile today.
Yes, once a teacher, always a teacher–that’s very true! It’s in my blood. Grandma was a teacher (in a one-room schoolhouse), one of her sons became a teacher, as did four of her nine grandchildren. Did you also come from a line of teachers, Jody? I’d forgotten about that line from Blake’s poetry. Thank you for adding his artistry to the conversation. So glad to give you a smile today!
powerful post. amazing creative wonders too. Love that Hans Christian Andersen quote too.
Thank you, Jean. I have you to thank for that quote, you shared it on 4-20-18, and I copied it into my quote journal!
Beautiful truths! My prayer is that there will be people in heaven who say to me “I’m here because of you.” I try to not let an opportunity pass by to share that God’s Son, Jesus, was made a sacrifice for our sins. The gift of GRACE! My Mom and I have both renewed our commitment to share the Gospel with others. It is the most important decision a person will make on this earth.
Praise God for your (and your mother’s) passion for people to know Jesus. It is indeed the most important decision–to choose Him and accept his gift of eternal life!
Loved this, Nancy! I only missed number 2. But then, I had never even heard of those tiny organisms and their husks. I also love the Hans Christian Andersen quote. So good!
Thank you, Sheila. I had never heard of Foraminifera either. Can’t remember where I read about them a number of months ago. The H. C. Andersen quote came from sister-blogger Jean Wise. (See my comment to her above.) She often shares thought-provoking quotes, which I add to my collection. I even came across a quote about quote collections some time ago: “Most collectors collect tangibles. As a quote collector, I collect wisdom, life, invisible beauty, soul alive in ink”–Terry Guillemets. Isn’t that delightful?!