Heaven on earth

Well, it has been awhile since I wrote anything on this blog. I have lots of excuses....... but won't even begin to name them. Thankfully this past summer I have taken the time to focus more intentionally on what God is saying to me. I always did my devotions, but often did not take time to ponder, to really listen. Also was still feeling like the words I heard were a waste as I wasn't in full time ministry, had no pulpit so to speak. I realise this is so wrong to feel and think this way. This summer has been great. Thankfully we both of jobs that have allowed us time off. We took a full week and then broke down the holiday days by taking long weekends over summer. It has been wonderful! Also have read a couple of really good books. The first one was called  " All the Way to Heaven" by Elizabeth Sherrill. It is her own spiritual journey. She wrote books for people like Corrie Ten Boon.  The second one which I am just finishing is "Waking the Dead" by John Eldridge. It has a journal with it so it has taken longer. I would recommend this for everyone, especially pastors and leaders in the church!  I have recorded some of my thoughts this summer as I read. 

Today I will share with you some thoughts taken from the first book that I recorded back in May. This was during a stressful time with an outside source. I needed reminding of seeing heaven around me for sure! Here are my thoughts!

"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way." William Blake

 In her book Elizabeth is talking about seeing heaven around us; in all the details. It is always there, we just don't see it whether it is busyness or unwilling hearts. I think that we are out of focus for many reasons. Work, hurts that we allowed to settle in our hearts, busyness of life, dissatisfaction, the list could go on. I am sure you have your own thought you could add here. All of this gets in our way of "seeing." It all clouds our vision, keeps us focused on other things so we can't see past the issues. We remain out of focus. Only when we come to God through Jesus Christ can we see clearly through His eyes. We are able to then focus on what is important.  Kind of like the cameras now. The old ones couldn't focus the same. When there were too many people in the picture the old picture would become blurry. No bright colours. Now the new cameras can focus on what is important so we can see clearly the whole picture. ( anyone that knows me knows I love pictures!!!)

 That is what God can do for us.  He can help us focus, focus on the beauty even amongst the pain. Focus on His love, patience, His glory and grace to help us see heaven here on earth. To give us hope for the here and now. To keep us from just seeing a blur of grey. To make clear no matter what stage of life we are in, that there is purpose and that there is hope! To help us see heaven in front of us instead of only seeing the obstacles.  To see heaven even in the valleys. 

As I wrote this I thought about how God had given me glimpses of heaven through a tough time. As I have shared before I suffered from some depression  after moving back. Many Christians do and are often criticized for it. . I believe God understands as he did with Elijah and offers us rest and comfort.  He offers us his word always but  also uses people to keep giving us glimpses of heaven to give us hope. Maybe you understand and need some hope tonight.  The sadness may linger for a time, come and go- but we always have Him walking with us helping us to see through His eyes even when ours are clouded with tears.  

I can honestly say that stopping to see "heaven" here on earth even through the hard times really helped. I sat quietly and listed the things I was thankful for and really thought about them. I tried to see the good that was happening around me and reminding myself of God's faithfulness.  When I did this, focusing and remembering my wonderful husband who continued to support and love me through this time, I had a glimpse of  what it will feel like to be surrounded by love in heaven.  I kept praying through the anger, the hurt and tears and God helped me re- focus

There continue to be days of up and downs, more up then down thankfully.  Also realising this is so much more of a spiritual battle ( but more on this later). 

So back to the original quote " What are you seeing." Is the tree in the way or are you seeing its beauty?  Who's eyes are we seeing ourselves and our world through? How's your focus? I believe Satan uses our hurts, our situations to blur our vision, to keep us out of focus with God. Trust God is still there for you. Take time to journal and focus on the good even if it is one thing! Even when it is hard to get out of bed ( take your journal to bed with you!!) Put on some good worship music and just listen ( or cry!) 

Take time to think quietly. I pray you allow God to speak to your heart. He loves you and wants to help you through this walk !  Please let me know if you need prayer. You can message me through facebook ( private messages) or my email and it is private. Would love to pray for you!

" The Lord your God is with you. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.   Zephaniah 3:17