Following up my death, trip to Heaven, and return to life as mentioned last week...(click here if you're interested)...
...it's become more real in the passing days, particularly the tactile parts...the feel of the perfect grass, and...well, the hugs...I'm not a hugger, but hugs are a part of Heaven, and I will have to get used to that.
It may not be so hard.
What's also more focused is the experience, not of being taken up 'into God's arms', but being taken up into God, that, to repeat myself from last week, Heaven isn't where God lives.
It's HIM.
And I was sent back, and Barb (and others) asked if I was upset by that.
Not at all, because I was sent back with a job to do, to pass the word that you are made for Heaven, and it's made for you.
There's nothing to fear. You're safe.
And you are loved, far more than you could ever imagine.
You would think that this revelation would make me more serious and sober, less the clown and more the...
...more the...
...well, whatever.
Nice try.
I'm still me, and below is the second part of the weird title to this post, dedicated to a wife (Hey, Barb!) who most assuredly does not suffer fools gladly.
You really do not want to get
upon Barb's displeased side,
for I have not discovered yet
that there's safe place to hide,
and I said that she reminds me
of a major movie queen,
one whom it's delight to see
in her defining scene:
'Jurassic Park”, T. Rex set to leap
upon her fleeing prey
in a clearly foredoomed jeep,
who cannot look away
from the mirror facing rear:
“Objects are closer than they may appear.”
And here's the iconic scene from Jurassic Park. (If your device doesn't load the video, please click here.)
Encouraging words as a reminder that God does love me.
ReplyDeleteHe does indeed love you...that becomes clearer, every day!
DeleteWhat a journey you're on!
ReplyDeleteBarb, it truly is quite a trip, and every day, instead of fading, it becomes more clear and vivid.
DeleteNot memory, but real.
That sense of safety is everything.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, exactly right...knowing you're safe is a complete paradigm reset.
DeleteI love that you're able to hold onto such sensual detail from the visit you experienced! Truly things to savor as you begin to walk out the sharing of the incredible truth God shared with you.
ReplyDeleteEllie, it's just so wonderful that the details don't fade; they grow brighter, clearer, and more vibrant.
DeleteYour experience has intensified. Very cool and very wonderful. Has it changed you? I'm curious if it has.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Norma, it really has changed me...and Barb confirms this. There's more peace, and at the same time more energy and enthusiasm. I can let go of disappointments much more quickly, and she thinks I'm a better listener now. And my language is much better.
DeleteWell, not always. Whack my thumb with a hammer, and I can still peel paint from the walls. But not for as long, and I switch to laughter more quickly. laughter at myself.
Hey Andrew, glad to see you're still hanging in there. In the '80s and '90s, lots of churches held Judgement Houses where they tried to depict Heaven and Hell. I was always disappointed in how Heaven was depicted. I love that you spoke of how Heaven is Him. That's why we really can't comprehend that it's mostly about being in the presence of our Creator.
ReplyDeleteDuane, I've never seen, heard, or read of a depiction that comes close to what I experienced...I don't think it can be done, because the overwhelming 'impression' (which is not the right word) is one of limitless scope, both in space and in potential.
DeleteSeeing the Grand Canyon of the Colorado for the first time, feeling the light and the space and the colours...that's just a very, very faint echo of what awaits.
it's good to know that your experience has made you savour things a bit more. And yeah... don't get on Barb's bad side? :) visiting from fmf24
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I truly do savour life more...I have seen how important and precious it really is, that we really have purpose here.
DeleteYeah, and never get on Barb's bad side. Chomp.
Andrew, this is awesome! And if we could sit together and talk....wow, but this is your story, and you are in God's arms. Safe, yeah, me too. Thats why we can be who we are, crazy and fun. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." And you do! Praying still and always for you.
ReplyDeleteMary, being in God's arms, and knowing it to the depths of my soul...yeah, it's awesome.
DeleteYou'll find out! And oh, what a day that will be!
“You are loved far more than you can imagine.” Thank you so much for sharing this truth! I am praying for you and Barb! Now every time I think of Jurassic Park, I will think of you and Barb and smile. I am praying for you both.
ReplyDeleteJolene, I'm so glad that barb and I and the dinos of Jurassic park could give you a smile!
DeleteThe experience of being loved glows ever more brightly as time passes...but it's only OUR time that goes by; in God, the love's eternal.
We thank you so much for your prayers!
I am a little in awe of the journey you are on, however strange that may sound. And I know your experience had to be genuine because really? Mice and weeds? No one would make that up. Heaven sounded more perfect than perfection. I am happy you are here to share it with us. Visiting from FMF#19
ReplyDeleteSue, I'm kind of in awe of it, too...and determined to make the most of the time I have left (even on a day like this, when being too far from the dunny's not a good idea) to talk about hope becoming certainty.
DeleteI really want to honour the experience.
And, yeah, mice and weeds? But they were there.
What an experience! Very thankful for you and that you continue to be a faithful witness to God's love and truth. Many prayers for you both!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from FMF#25
Kym, thank you so much for your prayers...it is a true honour to be able to continue my work, witnessing to God's love.
DeleteToday it's really hard for a specific physical reason (don't ask!), but my heart is full.
Praying for you both during this very difficult and faith-testing time. May God give you comfort and strength for this journey! What a blessing and encouragement you both have been to so many people as you move through these trials with grace. Love and hugs and prayers! xo
ReplyDeleteGayl, I've been given so much strength and peace by God, both through this experience and through the support of folks like you...I am overwhelmed, and so honoured.
DeleteXOXOXOXO right back!
Thank you for blessing us with your experience, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Barb is happy to have you 'back' and teasing her!
Corinne, Barb did approve the poem before I posted it. It did give her a good laugh.
DeleteI'm happy with where I'm going, and happy to be here.
Sending love to both of you.
ReplyDeletePaula, this means the world to us. Thank you. This is a hard, hard day, and your words are a balm.
Delete(((((Andrew)))))
ReplyDelete(((((Barbara)))))
Annie in Texas
((((((ANNIE!))))))
DeleteThank you so much for being here, with your Texas-sized heart.
Stephanie, so true, and so very spot-on, that we don't need explanations...they won't be provided simply because of that, because once there, explanations are totally superfluous to the reality.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to be here, too. My wish is that I can share the true certainty of hope, in the time I have left.