The Ozarks Chronicle/Ozarks Literature

It’s true. Good things come in small packages, as proven by The Reflection of God written by Rolla author Tonya Heavin. In a little over 100 pages, the book takes us on a journey of faith and family life through the eyes of mother, wife and teacher.

Although born in Panama as part of a military family, Tonya moved to Rolla in high school and hasn’t left since. Tonya knows a lot about children. Over the last 15 years, she has taught first and second grade at Truman Elementary School . Her greatest wisdom and challenges occur from raising her own two children – Kelton, age seven and Brenna, age five – as husband Geoff, a flight paramedic, is often away from home.

“Writing has always been a hobby,” says Tonya. “Because of my schedule, I don’t have a set time to write. More often, it’s at night when the kids are in bed and the chores are done.”

On one level, The Reflection of God is a kaleidoscope of 16 common experiences like school picture day, roller skating and finding a stray kitten, and offers uncommon insights into the sometimes tug-of-war relationship between parents and children.

But it doesn’t end there. As a woman of faith, Tonya writes “Why not try God first instead of last?” and transforms each challenge into a reflection on God’s love for us.

Encouraged by her husband to “write what you know,” Tonya formed the foundation of her book. “I know about my children, and I know about my relationship to God. I saw a connection, a mirror image, between the relationship parents have with their children and the relationship God has with us.”

The Reflection of God is meant to be an inspirational book using a devotional format. Each story begins with a scripture passage and concludes with a brief prayer.

The book costs $10.99 and is available through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com or Walmart.com. You can also order a copy through your local bookstore, ISBN 1-5988678-1-4.

Tonya is also working on her first novel, a romantic comedy with a little adventure. “It’s much more difficult. I’m not sure how to get there.” In the meantime, she’ll continue writing about her two favorite subjects––her family and her God.

By the way, they did keep the stray kitten.

God the Father offers words of comfort, security

An excerpt from The Reflection of God by Tonya Heavin:

Even though there was nothing I could do to take away the pain and physical attributes of (Kelton’s) night terrors, I wanted and needed to be with him trying something, anything, in the hope that this time we would know the right thing to do. We wanted to protect our child from something we could not see or experience for ourselves. We needed to be near him, sitting beside him, offering words of comfort and security.

We can view God in the same way. God sits beside us offering words of comfort and security. It’s okay Tonya. I know you are hurting right now. Tonya, let me take the burden from you. You don’t have to deal with this alone. I am here with you.

There are times when we are so wrapped up in our own little trials and daily responsibilities that we are blinded to God’s promises. We lock our hearts and put up signs for no admittance…God stands at the door knocking. He wants to protect us from our mental terrors and fears. He wants to protect us from our own shortcomings. He wants to love us. We don’t always let Him, do we?

Just as I often sit at Kelton’s bedside wanting to ease the pain that he endures, God desires to do the same. He wants to guide us back to the safety and blessed security of His arms and His love.

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