Crystal Clear: Reflections on Gemstones in our Lives

Product DescriptionGemstones in the Bible: "Crystal Clear" is an elegant, refreshing book that illustrates gemstones' human qualities and the ways gems inspire us by their development and natural attributes - both emotionally and spiritually.ReviewOne of the clearest impressions of our contemporary culture is its lack of a sense of the transcendent. It is as if we are living in an enormous bubble, the only frame of reference being what is visible, measurable, and touchable. Outside the bubble, there is nothing. All judgments are made against the background of the material and the secular. Crystal Clear is a perfect antidote to this kind of horizontal thinking. It is a wonder that the idea of relating transcendent verities to gems has not been explored before. These beautiful, enduring stones, which have taken centuries, if not millennia, to become what they are, remind us of the infinity of God. Joan Randell, writing out of a profound faith in the eternal, makes this connection between the timeless beauty of gemstones and the eternal God and His plan for the ages in Jesus Christ. --Richard C. Halverson, D.D., Former Chaplain, United States Senate.We were so interested in your book as its such an unusual subject. Few of us have any knowledge about gemstones, but now when we look at rubies, sapphires and other gems we ll be reminded of their special characteristics and how they reflect the uniqueness of the human personality. --Saint Albans Rector Aid Group (Washington Cathedral)This is a beautiful coffee table book. My wife has been sending it to hospitalized friends instead of flowers. It s uplifting and brings hope and they seem to appreciate it so much more than flowers. --Federal JudgeAbout the AuthorJoan Randell was born in Washington, DC. Raised in Virginia, she also lived in North Africa, where her father was an architect. She graduated from Canyonville Bible Academy in Oregon and earned a B.L.S. degree from Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mrs. Randell has been a Bible Study Leader for more than twenty years and spent four years as a Young Life leader and camp counselor. She was the founding coordinator and trainer of Stephen Ministry, a lay care-giver program in Fairfax, Virginia, where more than 100 laypeople were engaged in one-on-one community caregiving for four years. For ten years, Mrs. Randell has been both a goldsmith and jewlery designer. As a gemological student of the Gemological Institute of America, Mrs. Randell has earned credits in Colored Stones and Gem Identification and has completed Diamond Appraising. Her background in gemology inspired her look at the rich symbolism of gemstones in the Bible. Mrs. Randell worked in Washington, DC for the World Bank, the United States Senate, and the House of Representatives. In Philadelphia, she worked for Scott Paper Company, traveling extensively while working in advertising and promotions. She was a volunteer with the Educational Department of the Corcoran Art Gallery, Washington, DC, for eight years and founding member of the Office of Social Responsibility. Currently, Mrs. Randell serves on the boards of directors of Federal News Service, Capital Speakers Club, and Welcome to Washington International Club, and she is a member of The Washington Club and the Biblical Archeology Society. Her oil paintings are exhibited with Washington Art Works. She resides with her family in Virginia and is a member of Glory Tabernacle Church.
Author: Joan Randell

Publisher: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0787210013

ISBN-13: 9780787210014