I Can Only Imagine


This past weekend I got the picture above from a wonderful poet, author, and artist friend - Jen Gurney.  

Jen and I have known each other since middle school and still keep in touch.  She is the kind of person friends gather to meet with when she visits from Colorado, because she embraces life with a most beautiful soul.

When she sent the picture she said, "saw this today and instantly thought of your blog... made me think of my Mom's reaction...and your Dad's.  Made me so happy!"

It made me happy too!

The band, Mercy Me wrote a song titled, "I Can Only Imagine".  Its lyrics go like this:

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


Jesus said this - "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God, believe also in me.  My father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am." - John 14:1-3

Have you got that?  I have a reserved spot waiting for me in heaven!!!  How COOL is that?

And if that weren't enough - we're told that in heaven there is no pain, no sorrow, no grief.  The incredible loss I felt when my Dad died will be replaced by the joy and wonder of seeing him again!  "He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Revelation 21:4

I have often heard the phrase, "the hope of heaven", and when you really think about it - it has the power to CHANGE EVERYTHING.

The thought of heaven, and my first meeting with Jesus, along with all of those beloved souls who have gone before me, makes me HAPPY!  For I now know that death is not the end of life, but the beginning!

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