Heaven-My Forever Home

I went to a funeral yesterday and felt such sadness. Yet at the same time I felt God's presence and love in that room. My friend and co-worker lost her 26 yr old daughter several days ago.  In addition to such tragic news, the reality that she left behind a 2 week old baby girl continues to drown my mind in sorrow. My friend stood for about 4 hours greeting each and every person who came to give their respect and prayers. I'm sure she must have found her strength in God last night. Only God can carry us through such trials. Do you sense other peoples sorrow? Do you feel their pain in the pit of your stomach? I do. I was very nervous about going to the funeral. The last funeral I attended was my aunt’s funeral last year. She fought cancer for 5 years. We were able to say our goodbyes. This family was not.

As I was preparing for the funeral I listened to Christian music and prayed. God gave me a vision that eased my mind. Funerals are for saying goodbye and honoring that person’s life; realizing that their life was important and made a difference to others. People are sad-they are mourning. They are grief-stricken. They wear dark colors. They are often in a state of numbness and shock. In the darkness however there is light...for Christians there is always The Promise. John 3:16 The Promise of eternal life-you see once we leave this life we begin our new life in Heaven. As we are mourning the loss of life here on earth, there is great Rejoicing and Light in Heaven. Now obviously I’ve never seen Heaven, but I imagine entering the pearly gates with a smile of excitement and a loving welcome party beside me ushering me in. I imagine it to be the total opposite of what we do on earth. No sadness. No pain-for the old things will pass away. There is a place waiting for me. John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

A few weeks ago my husband and I had a brief conversation. Here is how a part of it went:

Me: “You know what’s pretty neat?

Tim: What?

Me: That we will be together forever, for all eternity.”

Tim: Yeah that’s pretty awesome. You know it won’t be the same though. You won’t be my wife.

Me: I know. It will be even better.

Yes, indeed it will be better. Praise God for His Promise.

So in the depths of our darkest hour-the hour when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, whether it is our own or the death of a loved one, may we hold on to God’s Promise and know that we will be united with our loved ones again. For us, light can always be found in the darkness. Praise to Jesus! My forever home is HEAVEN. Read Philippians 3:20

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Holding onto that Promise.

Blessings,

Shawna

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Is Heaven Your Forever Home? 

“What do I have to do to go to heaven?

God isn’t waiting to judge you. God isn’t waiting to condemn you. He’s waiting to receive you with mercy, with love, with open arms, and forgive all your sins. Will you come to Him? Will you turn from your sin and promise to live for Him?

“If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

“To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” — John 1:12

He asked, “‘What must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.’” — Acts 16:30,31”

(http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/should-not-perish/)

Admit – that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior (Rom 6:23)

Abandon – self-effort and realize that you can not be saved by your works or your own efforts (Acts 16:31)

Accept freely Christ’s payment for your sins, required of the Father (John 3:16)

Acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal lord and Savior (Acts 4:12)

http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-heaven-15-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2GyJxT3An


                                              "I Can Only Imagine"

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine