OK, I'll admit that we have been fans of the TV series "LOST". Over the years, we watched almost every week and we both said a collective "What????" after every episode. Even though we were usually confused, we enjoyed it just the same. This past week marked the series finale. I think we may start watching the series over again on video, because we still are confused!!
The one thing that hit me was the very end of the finale show where Jack is led by his father, who appears to be perfectly alive, into the sanctuary of a church. Jack is surprised that there are lots of people in there and then realizes that they are from the island. They are all happy and seem to be very much alive. (even though we know that some of them had died on the island long ago). Then Jack's Dad tells him that they all made a pact in the past to gather at this church after they had died. Since Jack died just moments before on the island, it appears that everyone was waiting for him since after his arrival all of them sat down in the pews. Then they all watch as Jack's Dad opens the doors of the church which lead to a very bright light, presumably "Heaven".
It caused me to think about what it will be like when we get to Heaven. I've been told that I will be greeted by friends and family members and that I will recognize them. Will it be "old home week" like it was for Jack? Will my Dad be there to give me a big hug? I can't be sure until I get there. But one thing is certain, I will meet Jesus my Savior face to face!! I am reminded of the old hymn..."when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout victory!!"
I can't wait!!!
Showing posts with label heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heaven. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Looking forward to Heaven
Hi everyone! Happy Monday!
I would like to share with you something that the Lord taught me recently. As you probaly know, my Dad went to be with the Lord a little over a year ago. He had worked to restore a 1970 Dodge Challenger for several years before he passed. He went to great lengths to ensure that he used the proper replacement parts and when he was finished it was just beautiful!
In 2008 he found out that Dodge was comming out with a remake of the Challenger. He was so excited! The first year however, the car was only available in a few colors and since the car he had restored was bright red, he was going to wait until 2009 to get one because it was going to be available in Red.
When 2009 finally came, he found out that he had cancer. He still wanted to get the car but when he found out that he only had a short time to live, he decided that it would be more practical to get a new, reliable car that my Mom would like. I felt so bad for him.
Whenever I saw one of those new Challengers, I used to ask God why He took my Dad away. It made me feel sad because he never got to enjoy something that he had been waiting so long for. Then one day as I was passing by a car dealer, I saw a red Challenger, just like he had wanted. I started feeling sad as usual but God reminded me that my Dad is in Heaven with Him! He is perfectly happy! He isn't even thinking about cars or any earthly pleasure.
That totally changed my thinking. I was thinking in an earthly manner and not in an eternal manner. Being in Heaven is the ultimate reward! As Christians, I think we need to be storing up our treasure in Heaven. Afterall, life on earth is temporary but we will be with the Lord for all eternity!!
I would like to share with you something that the Lord taught me recently. As you probaly know, my Dad went to be with the Lord a little over a year ago. He had worked to restore a 1970 Dodge Challenger for several years before he passed. He went to great lengths to ensure that he used the proper replacement parts and when he was finished it was just beautiful!
In 2008 he found out that Dodge was comming out with a remake of the Challenger. He was so excited! The first year however, the car was only available in a few colors and since the car he had restored was bright red, he was going to wait until 2009 to get one because it was going to be available in Red.
When 2009 finally came, he found out that he had cancer. He still wanted to get the car but when he found out that he only had a short time to live, he decided that it would be more practical to get a new, reliable car that my Mom would like. I felt so bad for him.
Whenever I saw one of those new Challengers, I used to ask God why He took my Dad away. It made me feel sad because he never got to enjoy something that he had been waiting so long for. Then one day as I was passing by a car dealer, I saw a red Challenger, just like he had wanted. I started feeling sad as usual but God reminded me that my Dad is in Heaven with Him! He is perfectly happy! He isn't even thinking about cars or any earthly pleasure.
That totally changed my thinking. I was thinking in an earthly manner and not in an eternal manner. Being in Heaven is the ultimate reward! As Christians, I think we need to be storing up our treasure in Heaven. Afterall, life on earth is temporary but we will be with the Lord for all eternity!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
My Dad
This coming Friday, April 23rd, marks the first anniversary of my Dad's death. Its been a very "different" year for me.
Before he died, I depended on him to always provide good advice. Whenever we ran into a problem with the house or the car or really anything, I would call him first. He seemed to be able to fix anything too. Over the years he taught Dan how to do many things. Dan said that my Dad was more of a Dad to him than his own Dad (Dan's Dad had divorced his Mom while he was in junior high and moved away.) This past year it was strange not to be able to just call him and know that by the time we hung up the phone, I would know just what to do.
Another thing that made this year so "different" was his absence whenever we went to visit my Mom. I still think that as soon as he hears our voices there, that he will be coming up in a few seconds from his downstairs workshop and greet us. But, then I realize that hes gone and that he won't be "right up". It a lonely, strange sensation.
Holidays were "different" this year too. It seemed like there was a hole in our family. I realized that he was the one who really held our family together and made family get-togethers fun. Now that he is gone, I don't enjoy holidays anymore. They are just like normal days and I am not interested in celebrating.
I have watched my Mom struggle through the loneliness and grief. She depended on my Dad so much that when it came time to mow the lawn and removing snow from the driveway, she really had no idea how to get the mower or snowblower going. But, for each new thing that she had to, she found a note there with step-by-step directions that my Dad had purposely left for her. It must have been so hard for him to realize that he wouldn't be there to help her. I think it really showed how much he loved her.
When he died, I couldn't cry for him. I guess I was just numb. I also thought about him being in Heaven with Jesus, full of joy. How could I be sad when I knew that he was happy? But, just since Easter, my grief has finally shown itself. Easter of 2009 was the last time I saw him and talked with him. Just days later I saw him in the hospital and he was so pale and was in and out of consciousness. He died within 3 days of being admitted to the hospital.
He was such a good and loving Dad to me. I miss him so much. I am looking forward to the day I will be with him in Heaven. These lyrics from an old hymn come to mind often: "when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory" That will be a great day indeed!
Before he died, I depended on him to always provide good advice. Whenever we ran into a problem with the house or the car or really anything, I would call him first. He seemed to be able to fix anything too. Over the years he taught Dan how to do many things. Dan said that my Dad was more of a Dad to him than his own Dad (Dan's Dad had divorced his Mom while he was in junior high and moved away.) This past year it was strange not to be able to just call him and know that by the time we hung up the phone, I would know just what to do.
Another thing that made this year so "different" was his absence whenever we went to visit my Mom. I still think that as soon as he hears our voices there, that he will be coming up in a few seconds from his downstairs workshop and greet us. But, then I realize that hes gone and that he won't be "right up". It a lonely, strange sensation.
Holidays were "different" this year too. It seemed like there was a hole in our family. I realized that he was the one who really held our family together and made family get-togethers fun. Now that he is gone, I don't enjoy holidays anymore. They are just like normal days and I am not interested in celebrating.
I have watched my Mom struggle through the loneliness and grief. She depended on my Dad so much that when it came time to mow the lawn and removing snow from the driveway, she really had no idea how to get the mower or snowblower going. But, for each new thing that she had to, she found a note there with step-by-step directions that my Dad had purposely left for her. It must have been so hard for him to realize that he wouldn't be there to help her. I think it really showed how much he loved her.
When he died, I couldn't cry for him. I guess I was just numb. I also thought about him being in Heaven with Jesus, full of joy. How could I be sad when I knew that he was happy? But, just since Easter, my grief has finally shown itself. Easter of 2009 was the last time I saw him and talked with him. Just days later I saw him in the hospital and he was so pale and was in and out of consciousness. He died within 3 days of being admitted to the hospital.
He was such a good and loving Dad to me. I miss him so much. I am looking forward to the day I will be with him in Heaven. These lyrics from an old hymn come to mind often: "when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory" That will be a great day indeed!
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