Friday, June 21, 2013

Revelation 1:7...



We've spent the last few days here, at my sister's house. 
This lazy little river runs through her back yard.
We've done nothing but relax.
I've read and rested and taken photos.
The Hubs has entertained himself fishing off the dock.
We've eaten my sister's good cooking, and talked and laughed together.
There's nothing like being with family, 
with those who know all of your faults and foibles but love and accept you anyway.

When I was a kiddo, the return of Jesus seemed like a scary event.
The songs about heaven seemed nice enough, 
but I liked life on this earth well enough that I wasn't looking forward to any sudden changes
 like Jesus coming.

Long ago,  tucking my own little girl into bed one night she said the same thing I had felt as a little one,
"I don't want to go to heaven, I like it here!"
She happened to be the one daughter who was quite a homebody, like her Mama,
 so the Holy Spirit helped me explain things in a way she could understand.
"You know how good it feels to come home after we've been gone somewhere for a few days,
how nice it is to be in your own room, in your own bed?  Well, that's what it will feel like when we're with Jesus.  It will feel like we're finally home.  I bet you we'll say, "Jesus, I thought that was my home, but now I know that this is where I've belonged all along!"
Somehow, in telling her this, the truth of it sunk deep down into my heart.
And now, now there's nothing I'd like more than to see Him,
the One Who knows all my faults and foibles and loves and accepts me anyway.


still following,



Scripture and Snapshot

20 comments:

  1. Dear Elizabeth
    Oh, I cannot wait either! Once we realize that we are only pilgrims on our way home after we have experienced Pappa's love, we know that we don't really belong here.
    Much love XX
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amen! I love how you've explained it.You make me long for my real home. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your kind encouragement, Villisi!

      Delete
  3. I've always thought having a sister would be the best thing. You make it sound wonderful. I have 3 brothers... and we don't live close to each other. I've never gotten too close to my s-i-l's. I do, however, enjoy visiting them. LOVE the way you explained heaven to your daughter. I've never felt all that "at home" on this Earth. I long for heaven. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have three brothers and three sisters. My oldest sister passed away 4 years ago. All the rest of my siblings, and many of our kids and grandkids rented a huge beach house next month for three days together. Can't wait!

      Delete
  4. Oh, I love this Elizabeth. The way you explained being home is so heartwarming. And your photo is majestic, truly. Glad you are enjoying being away in the company of those who make you feel right at home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're home now after enjoying a relaxing time at my sister's. I love the photo of the river in her backyard, too.
      Thanks for being an encouragement to me here, Shelly.

      Delete
  5. This is beautiful. First of all, what breathtaking scenery! I love the explanation you give of what it will be like when we get to heaven, like we are finally home! Longing for that day, some days more than others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some days, more than others....me too, friend!

      Delete
  6. So sweet and lovely! It is hard to imagine how we can long for a home that we've never been too isn't it? How gracious that He allows us to find and live glimpses of it here and now though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that, glimpses of it here and now... so true!

      Delete
  7. such an inspiration you are,

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh Elizabeth this is beautiful. I think I needed to read how your explained to your daughter what home with Him will be like. At times it still feels strange to long for being home with Him, but as I read your words I found myself longing for that day. Hope that made sense. And after recently saying good-bye to both an aunt and an uncle it brings me comfort to know they are both home were they always belonged. Thank you for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth, I appreciate your comment more than you know.

      Delete
  9. I love the honesty of children.
    They are such a blessing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great way you explained heaven to your little girl! Heaven is a wonderful place and we will all feel (and be!) so at home there! Yesterday I had a bit of a sentimental day as I was thinking about my dad who died last July. But, knowing that He is finally at home, brings such comfort and peace!

    Blessings, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  11. How neat! I've thought of using that same Word and a similar photo for some time now. Might have to jump in. It's one of my favorites, and I can hardly wait to see Him.

    Thanks.

    [Hope I can see you in a couple weeks. We gotta connect/talk; I'll be in your area around the 4th to the 18th... back and forth from Tacoma, usually. Sure don't want to NOT see you, meet your hubby, see the church(s).]

    ReplyDelete

The best thing about blogging is hearing from you!
I'd love for you to leave a comment! Click subscribe by email if you want me to be able to reply to you.