Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

How Heaven Changes Me

Posted on By jennifer

I mentioned the promise of Heaven – the comfort that gives and the hope it offers – last week.  I have received several sweet comments, thoughts, emails, and prayers…and I am so very grateful for each one.  Without a doubt, they have made a difference.  As I said on Friday, hope changes everything.  The promise of Heaven changes everything.  Truthfully, it really should change everything.  The truths of Heaven not only make a difference but they should change me.  I can think of four (or five) specific ways that Heaven, and eternity, should not only impact but change me.  Perhaps I will mention just a couple today and finish up on Friday.

At the end of last year, I posted this acrostic on Heaven.  No need to repeat myself but Heaven is my future home where I will spend eternity.  Not only with loved ones who have gone before me but with Jesus!  It is a place of joy and victory where there is no more heartache or sorrow.  And, yes, that just scratches the surface!  I truly believe all of that.  And that changes my –

THOUGHT PATTERNS and ATTITUDE.  No doubt, there is much in life that is hard.  That breaks our hearts and grieves our souls.  But when I focus my thoughts on eternity, I more easily remember that this life is temporary – and fleeting.  The troubles and hurts are real but if I refuse to dwell on them, or allow them to consume my thoughts, they do not have to overwhelm me.  Or defeat me.  Similarly, my attitude will be different when my thoughts are focused correctly.  Rather than living as a victim of circumstances and life’s trials, I can continue living the abundant life Christ offers me.  Fear, sadness, discouragement, or even hopelessness do not need to define me.

BEHAVIOR.  If I am going to keep the attitude and keep my thoughts focused on eternity, I must order my days.  I will have to focus my time and have priorities that point toward things of eternity.  There are not only demands on our time but also limitless opportunities for using our energy each day. I don’t want to waste time and energy on things that are completely temporary.  Daily I must seek His wisdom on where and how to use the hours I have each day.  To know where to say yes and when to say no.  To realize when I am wasting time and to know what is needed, helpful and best.

OUTLOOK.  This is not only similar to my behavior and to my attitude but is also a result of my changed behavior and attitude.  When both of those of eternity focused, I more easily distinguish being fruitful from simply keeping busy.  I do not long to simply be happy but am able to be joy-filled.  I am also much more content rather not resigned to circumstances.  Again, this all is part of that abundant life He offers.  I mention it repeatedly because, apart from the gift of salvation, I don’t think there is a much sweeter gift offered.  And I don’t want my thoughts (that are so prone to quickly spiral downward), or my poorly prioritized days or just a lousy outlook to rob me of that gift.  The gift of abundant life here as I journey toward Heaven!

John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Tell His Story

Comments (2)

  1. One year at church during the Christmas season, my pastor preached a series of sermons based on the word “Hope”. My favorite week was when he preached on the hope of Heaven. I love thinking about Heaven and what it will be like! Especially the thought of seeing our loved ones who have preceded us in going.

    I love your thoughts on this topic and our earthly ways and tendencies. I love the verse Romans 12:2…it has to do with being transformed in our mind, not being conformed to the patterns of this world…and we get to that transformed state by reading the Word of God. I struggle in my thoughts sometimes and remind myself of this often.

    Thanks for sharing with us a bit of your real life, my friend. Praying the Lord continues to comfort you and to be the lifter of your head.

    1. Thanks much, Jennifer. How beautiful to remember that He is the lifter of our heads…we need never be overwhelmed!! Glad you stopped by today!

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