Heaven & Death

at 05/14/13 8:30AM

Recently I have had moments where the thought of death leaves me with a nauseous feeling. I've never really given dying much thought until I had to have surgery to keep living. It's not that I fear where I am going at the end of life, when it comes down to it I just love living. I hear people say, "I look forward to when this life ends and receive my heavenly reward." That has never been my outlook. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe neither is wrong. God gave us the blessing of life and I don't want to give it up, even when things get a little tough and a ethereal home would be more pleasant.

I haven't studied the topic of heaven in years and it is something I intend to remedy. I would love your thoughts on the subject as well. Words of comfort from friends has spurred me to delve back into the topic. I've heard numerous times, "your babies are waiting for you in heaven, won't it be wonderful to see them there one day", etc. I have to be honest, I find no comfort in that, fact or not. Which brought me to this question, Will I know my children 'when we all get to heaven'? They passed from this life not much bigger than an appleseed, that's not how I want to meet them at the end of this life. The only scripture (and I can't recall the particular reference) that comes to mind regarding heaven is that we will not know one another when we get there. And this is where I am looking for your input based on what you have studied over the years, not what you "feel" or "think" but what God's Word says.

The Resurrection

The Resurrection of the Body

by deusvitae at 05/14/13 6:17PM
Thoughtful posts and good questions! I don't really look forward to my "reward." I don't deserve anything. I just want to be with Jesus. I want rest, safety, and goodness surrounding me. I can't wait. Seriously, I found it stressful to pick everything back up and carry on last year, when my situation was resolved. It was confusing, because I knew I "should have been" elated. There was comfort in knowing God was in control and that it was all out of my hands. That still is the case, but I now know my work here is not done. It's a good life and I can't think of one I would rather live. Life isn't intended to make us happy or be easy. It is intended to mold us and when the blessings and good times do come along, they are gifts from God, because He loves us so. (James 1:17) I am thankful for every breath, hug, smile, lesson learned, memory made and bite of chocolate. But, this life is a quick journey, meant to bring me closer to Him, to glorify Him and get me home to Him. I certainly am not arguing with your perspective, just also offering mine.

I have many of the same questions about the resurrection, although from what I have read, it seems like there are several scriptures that could lead us to believe we will recognize each other there. Great articles Ethan!

by mamahastings at 05/21/13 6:50PM

Life and Music

at 04/14/13 3:59PM *

I love music. It gets me through life. Good times and bad. When things get tough I tend to close out the pop genre, too much noise for brain. I've started listening to almost only praise and worship genre. Things seem so much clearer when I'm listening to someone praising God. Casting Crowns have always been a favorite, Skillet when I need a little rock. I love this song so much and I find myself listening to it multiple times throughout my day. In all of the "adventures" that have come my way I've never felt the urge to be angry at God. I may not show up at church every time the doors are open but I always find myself leaning on Him for strength, love and guidance no matter what is going on. When things get really tough I can feel Satan lingering, waiting for me to be angry at God. In fact on my way to the hospital a couple weeks ago I remember saying out loud in the car, YOU WILL NOT MAKE ME ANGRY AT GOD. MY GOD IS AWESOME AND LOVES ME. GO AWAY, LEAVE ME BE. Some people walk away from the Lord and blame Him for events in their life. I cannot imagine going through life NOT having His strength to draw upon. I was feeling a little run down today, Tuesday marks three years since my miscarriage and Thursday marks a month since my tubal pregnancy. Trying to stay positive but also let myself mourn. That's the challenge, finding a balance of those two things. Right now though the times that I want to break down emotionally I'm at work, not really the place I want to be when I have an emotional moment. lol Oh well. It is what it is and I'm pressing on. That's all for now I guess. Thanks for "listening". :)

HUGS

by curlie at 04/15/13 8:37AM
Good post :) Glad you are leaning on Him.

by mamahastings at 04/19/13 4:56PM

Deja Vu

at 03/25/13 3:56PM

Having a feeling of been here done that the last ten days. Losing an unborn child was a sorrow I hoped I would never know again. Round two is no less sorrowful. I feel more at peace though than I did three years ago. To be honest I've only let myself focus on healing until about yesterday. I didn't have the energy to waste on anything else. So my second week off work will be more focused on my mental health as I continue to physically heal. I have enjoyed everyone's kind words and cards. Thank you so much for being there for us.