What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Wondering About Heaven - Updated

I originally wrote this post two years ago...and this has been on my mind again today. I feel like the day ought to be remembered as it was a wonderful occasion, joining two beautiful hearts as one, and two families became united in a unique relationship that doesn't stop at the grave. Cancer is a deadly foe, but it can't destroy the love that lasts for eternity.
 
We miss our son in so many ways...but we are thankful for the marvelous memories that we have and also for the gift of our one and only grandchild that came as a result of this union.  Matthew's legacy lives on in his son and will continue on in the generations to come.

Nicole, Matthew, and their son Noah, February, 2014
















Original Post 8/7/2014:
Not sure what to write today.  It is the 21st wedding anniversary of my son Matthew and his wife Nicole.
But Matthew is in heaven...since May 25th of this year. I wonder if he has thought about this day at all from his vantage point in heaven?  Don't you sometimes wonder what people in heaven think about? I do.
Especially since my son joined my parents (his maternal grandparents), his paternal grandfather,
1993: Wedding Rehearsal party, Matt greeting his
Grandpa Mursch who just arrived.   Looking on
is his Granddaddy Steiner and Nanny Steiner.  I wonder
if this was how they greeted each other in heaven?
Granddaddy Steiner, Grandma Mursch, and Grandpa Mursch (my parents),
Who were all waiting for Matthew when he arrived in heaven.


I wonder if Matthew is dancing with his Grandma on the streets of gold tonight?
and all the other greats and great-great ancestors. And all the saints of old...and of course, Jesus Himself, first of all and best of all.

Regarding marriage in heaven, Jesus said, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven."  Matthew 22:30

This does not mean that people in heaven won't recognize or know their spouse or loved ones, but only that those relationships are no longer necessary in heaven. We will all be like the angels of God...everyone will love everyone equally is what that says to me. One very big family reunion!

The other day I was sitting on the sun porch, watching the birds in the back yard flitting to and fro, busily gathering seeds and flying back to their nests possibly to feed their young, and I was suddenly aware of the feeling that I was not alone.


I don't say this to give anyone the heebie-jeebies or make you think I'm weird. (You probably already do, so this will be no great revelation!)  I was actually thinking of how much my parents would have enjoyed this home and the surroundings, and how pleased they would be to know that I had such a home to enjoy. They both had already passed on when we were able to buy this house...actually it is because of their gift to their children as our inheritance that we were able to even consider this place. But that is another story...and a miraculous one at that.

No, what I was thinking was that perhaps my parents and grandparents and all those before them could be smiling down upon this scene and rejoicing with us. That's when I remembered that they were actually sitting right behind me on the shelves, well, at least their pictures were, and it gave me such a feeling of peace. Hard to explain, but it was a good feeling, and I had to stop and give thanks for such wonderful parents and grandparents...all who set a godly example for me...and who loved all their children with such a tender sweetness.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let  us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2

How can I sum this up? Here are some thoughts for my own self and perhaps for you as well:
  • When you are feeling sad or lonely, or missing  loved ones who have gone on to their heavenly home, picture them happy in heaven. 
  • Don't dwell on the sorrow or the emptiness.  Dwell on the joy that is now theirs, and will some day be yours.
  • Don't get bogged down by circumstances that you are unable to change here.  Focus your eyes on Jesus, "The Author and Finisher of our faith...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..."
  • Run your race with confidence and endurance...the reward of heaven is in sight.
  • "Be at peace among yourselves." I Thessalonians 5:13
  • "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  I Thessalonians 5:16-18
This gives me a sense of peace and comfort tonight. I hope there is something here for you too. 
Have a blessed day my friend.


8 comments:

  1. Beautifully said Pam. Peter is with me a lot and I am so very grateful. There is no death.

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    1. "Jesus said to her, 'I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25

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  2. Hi Pam! These are hard-won truths for you, thank you for sharing them. The 'firsts' must be the hardest...but I am so happy that you are surrounded by the thoughts and presence of your family past and present. I hope it will give you a cause to rejoice on days like today.
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Thank you Ceil. Yes, each new day is a lesson in love, patience,and tenderness. In the midst of this I am gaining new kinds of strength...coming only from the Father above. So happy to see you here again Ceil. I enjoyed your family reunion story too. Delightful time!!!

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  3. Dear Pam, I know it has been too long since I've made any comments about your wonderful posts. So sorry! I enjoy them so much and they are all so uplifting to me. You have a beautiful way of relating what is in your heart and am sure a help to many who read your blog. Praying for you and your family, dear friend.
    Nancy

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    1. Dear Nancy, Thank you so much for dropping by. Someday we will have that cuppa tea together and share our hearts regarding our precious children who are now in the presence of the Lord. Maybe they will get acquainted too! I do look forward to meeting you someday. Keep me posted about your "winter" plans. I'm so glad you have been encouraged by these writings. I so enjoy your delightful garden tea times...they transport me to a sweeter, gentler place and time...a very refreshing break for me. Blessings to you today dear friend.

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  4. Pam, Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. It's so hard to imagine what heaven will be like--that I think is a good thing--we have so much more to look forward to that way!

    Blessings!

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  5. Oh, my new found Friend, this is just beautiful. I know we all have our own thoughts about what heaven is going to be like and I do know that God sends us those feelings of not being alone, being surrounded by such peace and comfort that it's like a physical being in the room with us. As Christians, I think that happens to each of us from time to time, if we'll stop and recognize it (I so often don't). I'm so very sorry for your loss of your son. I can't imagine the pain of going through that (I did think about it when we thought our daughter had lymphoma). You are such a wonderful inspiration and I'm so very glad you found my blog and we now are going to be able to get to know each other better. Thank you for your sweet, encouraging comments on my blog. HOPE you have a wonderful Tuesday.

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Thank you for visiting here today. I would love for you to sign my guestbook and let me know you stopped by. I always enjoy reading your comments and words of encouragement! May you be blessed as you go on your way. Please come back and visit again soon.