God Hides in Plain Sight: How to See the Sacred in a Chaotic World

by Dean Nelson

Have you ever had a conversation that went far deeper than the words spoken or an experience where you felt you had participated in something sacred? Although these situations may seem unexplainable, they are reminders that God's grace surrounds us constantly and shows up in manifold ways. In this colorful, story-driven introduction to sacramental living, veteran journalist Dean Nelson offers all Christians a way to see the presence of God amid the chaos and monotony of everyday life. Each chapter emphasizes a different kind of sacramental moment, showing how it can be a lens through which we can see more of God.

Genres: Spirituality, Christianity

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jeff Bjorgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read anything by Dean Nelson before. The book had been on my shelf for a couple years. I had probably picked it up because of the endorsements on the cover and on the back. I didn't know what I had been missing. Nelson basically crafts his chapters after "earthy" sacraments -doors to the sacred found in every day life. The book was very well written. Every chapter was memorable and presented each subject matter, whether the sacrament of marriage or the sacrament of last rites, in a fresh manner. Warm and personal, here is an author that quotes Eugene Peterson every second page, uses Bob Goff as an illustration of the sacrament of service, and is endorsed by Donald Miller, Peterson, AND Buechner, and espouses on the poetry found in hockey. What is there not to love? And he carries a unique set of credentials: a non-pastor type that teaches at a Nazarene university and writes for the New York Times and Christianity Today. A highly recommended read.

[Louisa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those sort of books? Ah, go on, you do. Those sort of books that have the insane ability to keep you up at night. Thinking about it throughout the day. Leaving you scratching your head at the way it manages to get right under your skin and then answer lots of questions you've carried around for years, all at the same time of making you feel as though you've found a dear lost friend. No? Then I suggest you may need this excellent book.

This was SO MUCH MORE than I was expecting it to be.
I was intrigued by the title and then captivated by the sample on Kindle... and there I was deeply involved in this book that I know will never leave my thoughts and have me referring back to it time and again..AND... annoying others by saying YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
But I will annoy people sweetly by suggesting a coffee or a cupcake, as there is a wealth of conversations that will be born out of this book.

I will give you a head's up that you WILL need a tissue as this had me with a lump in my throat and a single tear running down my cheek followed by an unhealthy amount of mascara on the letters the author exchanged with a dying friend and then a story of outreach by a lawyer after a family visit to another country.
The way this is written is beautiful, stunningly so.
My dear Goodreads readers please stop by and give this a try. [Ohhh that rhymes yay me!]

[Milton Louie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not up to date with his references. But he wants us to see God everywhere. C+

[Betty Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated the many relatable references and encouragement to keep looking for where God can use me everyday. Also appreciated the Athens Ohio references,my hometown.

[Reenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - easy to read yet with some profound thoughts. Many poignant stories and some true-to-life tales I could identify with
Lots of good quotes - here's one:
"This journey didn't occur all at once, of course. And there have been other confirming, or sanctifying, moments that have turned me down other hallways into even more interior rooms. More revelation. But they all point to something that is both beyond me and within me, further into a Presence that is there, but seems to be ever more of a Mystery."

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I have only read small parts of this book so far, but I can't wait to start reading it (I am making myself finish other ones first). This is written by a really close family friend. He has even written about my dad, and his death in it. I even get mentioned! But besides that I am excited to read it beacause I love the idea of finding the sacred in our every day lives. I know Dean has written this from his heart, and it is a heart that everyone should get to know.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed Nelson's approach, truly finding God in the very ordinary days of our lives. His journalist's training allows him to observe the moments in his life where God is truly present, where "sacraments" occur without being the official, formal, traditional sacraments we think of. The chapters on baptism and last rites especially spoke to me.

[Jerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really very good at linking our every-day-ness to what's sacred and God given in our lives.

[Randine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing too new in this one. I guess seeing God all the time isn't an issue for me. Yay!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

God is in every situation if we just take the time to notice!

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the title alone is an incredible reminder of the continual presence of God and how often we are unaware of Him!

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth a read, but not great.