With one more day left in this year of 2025 I noticed this past post had a few looks today. I went back and read it myself. It made me realize that my only resolution for the coming year is to live a life where an unbeliever would have cause to ask me how or why…and my answer would be Jesus.
We should all live our lives as believers in every situation; sharing the Gospel to all we encounter. Let’s help bring a few more home this coming year.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6
The other night, just before we were about to go to bed, I looked over our Christmas shopping list to see who my husband still needed to check off. It caused me to ask him where a gift certificate was that had come in the mail the day before. It is an “old school” paper certificate for $100 to a local attraction. Thus began an all out search for this thin piece of paper.
At the same time, I know it sounds odd, I was also searching for a brand new bra that disappeared about a week ago. Since I don’t go around tossing my bra off outside my house I just knew it had to be inside somewhere! So, here we were at 9:00pm going through trash cans, drawers, paperwork, sheets, towels, etc searching for a piece of paper and a bra.
At one point my husband was ready to give up. He was going to call the shop the next day and ask for a duplicate gift certificate. He told me to just buy a new bra. But I’m not a quitter so we kept searching. At last, I looked in one last place for the gift certificate — the office recycling bin. And there it was stuck to an empty Christmas card envelope! Moments later my husband was digging around in the clothes hamper and he pulled out my bra displaying it like the Lion King Mufasa holding up the baby lion Simba. How I didn’t see it the other 10 times I looked in there I have no idea.
As we fell into bed laughing about our search I said, “We are practically like a Bible story — you know, the ones about the lost coins and the lost sheep! We didn’t give up and we finally found our precious things.”
As so often happens when I’m in the midst of writing, my everyday experiences lead me to ponder on the glory of God. In this instance, how He also never gives up. He goes into our trash heap of sins and pulls us from the depths. He seeks us out under the dust and brushes us off. He cleans us up and makes us righteous before Him through our faith in Jesus.
"And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:9-10
Christ not only welcomes us home but He runs to meet us like the father to the prodigal son. Through His bountiful mercy (not dishing out the punishment we deserve) and grace (giving us the love and justification we don’t deserve) He celebrates our entrance to His Holy Kingdom.
Think on the last time you lost something and finally found it. You may have performed a little, silly dance or shouted out in glee. Now imagine when you accepted Christ as your Savior how God must have danced in joy because He is a God of great celebration. While we can’t change someone’s mind about God, He can. He asks us to join with Him in the search effort. Imagine each time you share the message of your salvation with an unbeliever how God must be saying, “YES! LET’S DO THIS! Let’s bring another home!”
Give all honor, praise, and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
"...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5
What’s the difference between discipleship and sanctification? If you’ve been justified why does any of that matter? You might even ask what does it mean to be justified? Is your faith a private or public matter or maybe both? Are you prepared to hold fast to Jesus during the trials of life or are you worried that you might lose your faith when disaster strikes? Did you lose faith when disaster struck? And when someone sees that cross dangling from your neck or wrist are you prepared to give biblical answers about God? Lastly, has your church, if you attend one, been at your side to help you answer all these questions?
A few of my friends volunteer with an online Christian ministry that helps both believers and non-believers find answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our faith. Of the 38 students I’ve worked with over the last eight months, nearly all identified as Christians. Yet, without fail, they all admitted that they didn’t truly know the God they claimed to follow. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. A nationwide survey found that only 1% of churches have active discipleship programs—programs specifically designed to strengthen our foundational understanding of Christianity. These programs aim to fulfill Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19: to make disciples.
But really, what is the goal of all of this? It’s two-fold. The first is sharing the Gospel across our communities. But the second, seemingly most overlooked part of the job for our churches and each believer, is helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ remain steadfast and on the narrow path. In other words, becoming more Christ-like or sanctified.
I’ve gone through quite the trial these last few months and I’ve come to realize how much work, not only I had put in, but was put in to me to help me through it. There was death, deep forgiveness, immeasurable love and patience, a church loss, joy, and tears. Holding my hand through it all was the gift of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of God’s Word and many, many fellow believers (some who know me well and some who will never know me at all!).
When life took an unexpected turn last year, I had just finished my last series, “30 Days of Worship.” I missed writing and missed connecting with all of you. I found myself gazing longingly at my computer. But God whispered, “Not yet. I’m teaching you a new thing.” So here I am, still in the midst of my new thing. But looking back to what I have learned, ready to do my part in discipleship. Sharing with you the Good News and how we can hold fast to it.
I hope you join me over the next month or so as I share with you my new series, “On Being Sanctified.” Why? Because we can all use a little help getting through the fires as God purifies our hearts, preparing us for the day we see our LORD and Savior face to face. Please follow the blog for my posts and share with your friends!
Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. John 15:20-21
Praise be to the Lord for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. Psalm 31:21
One of my church pastors provided me with not only an “ah ha” moment a few weeks ago during his sermon on Philippians but also a “duh” revelation. Here’s what he said, “We have to remember the letters written by Paul to the churches were not written to individuals but to the church body as whole.” As readers and students of scripture we can get caught up thinking a verse was speaking directly to me and my life.
It’s an important change of perspective, especially these days when folks who call themselves Christians promote the idea that we don’t need to go to church. Or we can just do church by watching it on TV. Not only are we directed in scripture to be part of a body of believers we are also to actively participate in that community.
But why? Let’s first look at what happened to those of us who lived in areas where our churches were shut down during COVID — some for two years. People became disconnected, dispirited, lonely and worse. Be completely honest, watching someone on TV preach the Word is not the same as being in the same room with other believers. We get distracted, make a snack, check our phones, etc. Instead of exiting the doors and talking with those who just listened to a powerful message. Sharing our questions, our revelations, or how the message truly lifted us.
When we don’t have that community, we also don’t have the support to sustain us when trouble hits. Standing in the face of trials even when it seems almost unbearable. We don’t have the ability to look around at all the faces of those who know and love Jesus like we do.
God provides every opportunity to help us when darkness wants to have its hand on our lives. When the world calls us crazy, we can stand firm and announce, “there’s quite a few of us crazies and we celebrate our God and Savior every week across the world!”
Just like we can forget the epistles were written to bodies of people, we can also forget every word written to encourage and support them was done so because they were facing trials –greater than any westernized church today. If they could stand while facing death for even meeting, for proclaiming that Jesus is King, then we can stand too. Let’s do it in community, together.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome. John 1:4-5
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Psalm 36:9
When I was little my brother used to hide under my bed at night and make scary noises. He would reach out and grab any of my body parts that hung over the side. Needless to say, as an adult I am still terrified of the dark. And I never, ever allow my legs or arms to hang off the side of the bed. You would think that after 50 or so years I would have managed to overcome those fears.
But here I am. I never walk my dog after dusk or before dawn by myself. I check the locks on my doors a few times before I go to bed when my husband is out of town. I pray for the peace of God to descend on me so I can sleep. If I get up at night, I still have twinges that something might grab me from under the bed. Of course, some of my fears (not the one where a gremlin grabs my leg) are justified.
Let me just take a moment for a public service announcement – women should never walk alone in the dark, ever. We can’t change that fact no matter how much we’d like to, no matter how unfair it might seem. It’s the result of a fallen, sinful world.
But I digress — thankfully, many of our fears, which so often are about our worries for tomorrow, can be turned over to the Holy One who brings His light to our life. When Jesus shines His light over us, He pushes back against the dark thoughts that can overwhelm us. He overcomes all. Evil trembles at His name. He lavishes us with peace.
The beauty of His light? He wants us to share it for all the world to see. He reminds believers we are the light of the world. It’s our testimonies to our friends, family, neighbors and strangers that passes the light of peace to those in darkness.
Friend, we all have fears. Some silly like ankle grabbing gremlins. Some that may actually keep us safe. But some are because we try and control others or the future. Those can destroy our peace. Lift them up to the God of Light and ask the Holy Spirit to help you not take them back. And then shine the light of overcoming your fear out to others.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breathenter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’ Ezekiel 37:5-6
Sometime last year I began a new morning routine. I had heard a great podcast from White Horse Inn about how each morning we are faced with the return of our old self like a mummy at the foot of our bed rising up. Each day we need to call on the Holy Spirit to help us kill off that old self and instead dress our minds, hearts and bodies with the new self which Christ has bestowed upon us.
So, each morning before my feet hit the floor, before I pick up my phone, I lay in bed picturing that old me that seems to so easily want to rear its ugly head. I pray to my Father to do the seemingly impossible – bring the new me to life. To guide me in the fruits of the Spirit in order to serve Him to the fullest. It’s His resurrection power that brings that new me to life.
I have to laugh when unbelievers (and some believers) say the truths in the Bible are lies because the miracles and events defy logic and “laws of nature.” Folks, He created the cosmos. He brought us and every living thing seen and unseen into existence. That sounds like a being that can do absolutely anything. Heal blind men with spit and dirt, darken the sun, make a woman from a rib, and yes, resurrect the dead.
The LORD God can bring the worst sinner back to life, back into sync with His plan. I know, I’ve got quite a few sins in my own past. And that’s exactly where I want to keep them. I want to live refreshed, renewed, reborn.
“ In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”Ephesians 1:11-12
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen
Awhile back I was listening to a podcast that broke down how and what to pray. They started with what we call “The Lord’s Prayer,” (Luke 6:9-16) the beginning of which was my prayer for today. They looked at the use of the word “Father.” Our Christian faith is so unique in this view of our most Holy God. We don’t pray to some mysterious, unattached, non-relational being. In fact, one of Jesus’ missions while on earth was to show believers this new relationship – that of a loving father.
I have read other people change the word “Father” to “Daddy,” and that seems to go a bit far as the pastors on the podcast also agreed. It’s almost too familiar, without the reverence God deserves. While others who have been terribly hurt by fathers or father figures may go to great lengths to dismiss even using a father reference at all. But God is always seeking to realign us with His kingdom – not the world of sin. Jesus draws us into this new relationship showing us what God’s glorious Eden will look like when we arrive. And it is full of love, kindness, grace and forgiveness.
20 “So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”Luke 15:20
I’m not sure if there’s any better story in the Bible to describe God’s role as “father” to His adopted children than the one told of the prodigal son in Luke 15. When I heard a pastor speak on it, especially verse 20, it transformed me. You see, the father didn’t meet his son halfway, he didn’t make him come all the way to the house. He didn’t even first require repentance or repayment. “While he (the son) was a long way off…” When word came, probably from people on the outskirts of town, that this wayward son was coming home, his father lifted up his tunic so he could run. He ran to his son – filled with compassion and love.
God seeks us. He yearns for us to believe – without needing us at all. How beautiful and glorious is that? I recently read in a study that we aren’t all God’s children. Yes, you read that right. We are all made in the image of God; but can’t all call Him “Father.” We must at least start that journey back to Him as the prodigal son did. He realized he needed the protection and blessings of his father.
Friend, the day we told God, “I believe in you and I believe you sent your Son to free me of my sins” we received our adoption papers. He wrote us into the will for the inheritance. Whatever type of father you’ve had on the earth pales in comparison to the one who has adopted you into His heavenly kingdom. I, for one, count that the most glorious blessing of all.
“For all the promises of God find their yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”2 Corinthians 1:20
Perfect and majestic Father! How is it that you open your heavens, reach down and invite us in to your perfect world each and every minute of every day? I don’t want to miss a chance to say “yes!” back to you when you put out your glorious hand to me. Holy Spirit, I RSVP today to you, “Yes and Amen!”
A few weeks ago, my church was studying Proverbs 27 and the theme of friendship which runs throughout it. It hit me how God is always inviting us into relationships that mirror what He wants with us. Jesus, himself, changed the status of His relationship with the disciples in John 15:15 when he said, “No longer do I call you servants…but I have called you friends.”
The role that Jesus plays in the work of the Trinity allows us to create a personal relationship with the most holy of all holies – God almighty. In fact, a few of my friends who have spent years in Christian denominations where fearing God the Father is placed higher than other parts of the Trinity, recently discovered that it’s this close, personal friendship with the Lord that has brought them farther along in their sanctification.
God knows the value of friendships. He has defined what a healthy, beautiful friendship is through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus provided gentle honesty, selfless attentiveness, stubborn loyalty, and intentional pursuit. He didn’t overlook sin and He didn’t call out sin without love. He doesn’t lie to us or betray us.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”Proverbs 27:17
Jesus didn’t meet a couple of guys, sit around having a beer listening to their woes and their sins then sign off for the day with a “see ya!” He invested. He pursued. He sharpened. Isn’t it amazing that God wants this type of relationship with little ‘ole us?
The sermon that day about friendship featured a pin drop moment. The pastor said, “Me and Jesus, it isn’t enough.” The crowd was silent. We’ve always heard that’s all we need, right? But we were made to be loved and to love. We were made to be in communion with other believers; to be friends, loyal, intentional and wise. We know that because it’s what God wants with us and models for us.
Friend, today ask the Holy Spirit to put someone on your heart to reach out to. Someone that you need to make an effort to get to know. Let’s honor and glorify God by making a new friend to whom we can sharpen and they will sharpen us, in His name.
"Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?"Exodus 15:11
“Wow, God, just wow. Amen”
A few weeks ago, I was travelling across country by plane. My headphones were plugged in, my video played loud enough so I wouldn’t hear anyone around me. My snacks were laid out and my drink delivered. I was set up in my little bubble. We were heading west, chasing the falling sun.
About halfway on my journey my eyes took a break from my Ipad screen to look out the window. I expected to see a muted landscape below flying by without much interest. Instead, I was treated to the glory of God. We found ourselves skimming the tops of a blanket of cotton. Fluffy white clouds just below our plane for as far as your eyes could see. Because we were so close it made our airspeed more obvious. As my eyes adjusted to this phenomenon, I could almost feel the weight press me back into my seat like on a roller coaster. And we floated. Yes, that’s what it felt like. Floating through the heavens. Some unseen force was blowing us across the sky skimming the cotton fields. And the majesty of God was present in all His glory!
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”Genesis 1:1
As I sat there watching the clouds fly beneath us, I couldn’t help but smile and thank God for such beauty. It felt as though if I could just reach through the window I would touch the Father. I can’t explain why exactly it felt different than other times I’ve seen clouds from a plane. But it seemed as though God were putting on a show for us. There was no beautiful sunset. No purple and rose sky. Just white clouds slightly below and blue sky above. And all I could say to God was, “wow….”
At that moment I realized the huge difference between believers and those who refuse to acknowledge that everything in our lives has been created. They could look out the window and think, “hey that’s really pretty.” But I looked out the window and said, “wow, what a cool thing You have done!”
I mean imagine walking up to the painting masterpiece by Piero della Francesca, “The Resurrection,” called the most beautiful painting in the world by famed author Aldous Huxley, and saying, “Hey that’s kinda pretty. It must’ve happened by accident. Some cosmic dust or something. Like maybe there was a canvas and some paint fell from a window and people accidentally stepped on it and ‘voila’ a painting is made.” There’d be no credit to the master painter. No recognition of his ability or desire to create something beautiful for the world to see.
But there is always a creator. And God is the ultimate Creator. Our recognition of that fact brings an awe inspiring sunset into clearer view. It allows us to see the Grand Canyon from a new perspective. That brief encounter I had on the plane that late afternoon with God’s glory and creation almost brought me to tears. Of joy. Knowing He loves making beautiful things whether we are present to see them or not.
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:14
“Glory to you oh, God, for through you I have hope and peace! The world cannot give me peace but only unfulfilled desires and longings. The world relies on the seen and external for their hope but faith is through the unseen and eternal! Today as the world spins out of control I place my peace and hope in you, God. Amen”
I promise myself each day that I won’t check in with the chaos of the world and yet time and again I find my fingers creeping over my keyboard to read the latest news. As a Christian and a citizen of this world it’s been difficult to find the balance of my responsibility as a “not yet.” By that I mean I’ve been saved but not yet home with God. I long for the day to see Jesus’ face and be free of this chaos. But Jesus clearly wants us doing God’s good works while here on earth.
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12
So that means we have a responsibility to be good citizens of our communities. Spreading God’s Word through deeds and words. It means we need to know what stresses and pains our world is experiencing so we can be God’s message of hope and therefore glorify Him.
In the book of Jude he admonishes to take steps to help those who are new believers and not yet believers. It’s important to note the danger he warns of by getting too close to the fiery chaos of the world.
“…save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”Jude 23
Mixed with fear. I think sometimes we Christians like to dabble in the world of chaos thinking a little bit is ok. But each time we turn on the news or start discussing politics we should first give thanks to God for where our eternal hope lies and then proceed with a bit of Jesus’ Teflon surrounding us. He let the Pharisees ignorance and at times evil ways bounce off Him. Because He knew who He belonged to. And He consistently gave glory to God when speaking back into the chaos.
Friends, it’s not wrong to be actively informed or involved with the goings-on of the world. Jesus and the apostles jumped in with both feet to tell the world about the Father. They didn’t turn away from the troubles of the world, they came to spread hope and glorify God. But we must always remember the Kingdom awaiting us.
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.1 Corinthians 15:12-13
Among your friends and family there’s probably an atheist, fence-sitter, and a fog dweller. While you might understand the first of these two, let me explain the “fog dweller.” Someone who goes about their life not seeking answers to the big questions, not thinking about creation or death, not pondering if there is a heaven. Just getting by day to day. And if you don’t have some of each of these in your life, you might want to take up Jesus’ admonition to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Because when you do your own faith will be tested, honed and hewed.
Each of the letters in the Bible by the disciples gives us examples of believers struggling to define their faith and the true meaning of the gospel. The planted churches all were in places hostile to the message of Jesus – whether by Jews or pagans. So, developing believers that understood and stood firm in their faith was crucial.
14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.1 Cor 15:14
Ouch! That’s a pretty bold statement. And Paul had the experience to back it up. He himself saw the risen Jesus! And while the members of the church in Corinth believed in Jesus’ resurrection, they were surrounded by a culture that almost celebrated death. The Greeks of that time saw the body as a prison and welcomed death to escape from it. They laughed at the idea of resurrection. And friends, there’s people around you that believe the same thing today.
While sitting bedside of my quickly waning mother-in-law who was on hospice, I had to ask myself, do I really, I mean really believe in, not only Jesus’ resurrection, but the resurrection of the entire body of the church? Do I believe that Bev will be resurrected one day? And therefore, I should only mourn this time “in between” and find joy in the “not yet.”
A friend of mine shared with me once how her son came to her with horrible news about an acquaintance of his. Their newborn baby had unexpectantly died. Her son, of course, was distraught for his friend. And although the death of any loved one can bring so much pain, the death of a child seems doubly so. My friend contemplated how hard it must be to experience so much pain without a belief in God. Her son, a non-believer, was apoplectic. “How could a god do such a thing?” The great “why?” He doesn’t believe the promised hope for the future and therefore doesn’t enjoy any of the comfort God can provide.
19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Cor 15:19-20
You see friends, if I don’t believe in the resurrection of the dead then what’s really the point of ever quoting in John 3:16? True belief in a resurrection redemption is what brings true comfort. And times of great pain, especially death, are the ultimate opportunities to show the world we live as saved and redeemed people trusting wholly in the stated promises by Jesus.
I realized while in my Cherith I was a fog dweller when it came to the resurrection. I hadn’t thought a lot about it, mostly because I haven’t had many people around me pass away. But as God has fed me the solid food of His Holy Word, I’m coming to understand the whole picture. The beauty of living in the “between” of Jesus has come and is reigning and the “not yet” of the promised resurrection and the new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1). And while Elijah didn’t have the comfort of knowing the risen Christ he surely contemplated his death during those two years in the ravine. Thank God we have more than just the Old Testament prophets to lean on! We have the truth, the proven, historical truth of a risen King!
I recently was listening to an episode of The White Horse Inn podcast — which for those of you interested in getting some solid Christian food I highly recommend it. They’ve been discussing what “the good life” means to Christians. They describe us as living in the “here and not yet.” I love the analogy by one pastor as like the marriage steps. We once were single, now we are engaged but not yet married. We shouldn’t act like single people because we have a commitment to Christ. But the marriage isn’t yet consummated and we need to stay in the preparation stage until the date arrives. So, we work with our Holy Spirit wedding planner in inviting friends and family to this holy event. The guest list is expansive but yes, limited to those willing to come. We live for our betrothed, His thoughts and ways becoming our ways. And we dream of the day we are sure will arrive. When all those friends are gathered up and Jesus is waiting at the altar for us.
As the hours wound down to when I knew my last goodbyes to Bev were near, I found I could look at her with sadness and with joy in knowing not only was she going to a place far more glorious than here, but that one day we would be reunited at a party for all the ages. A party that is to come. A party that I want you all to be at – so will you RSVP today and yes, you can bring a friend or two.
Do you truly believe in the resurrection of the dead?
Are you living a life preparing for the New Eden, living a life of a bride in waiting – excitedly planning, preparing, inviting?
Speaking of heaven — please enjoy this beautiful poem my daughter, Madison Dooley, wrote and spoke at her grandmother’s funeral.
To See What She Sees
For Grandma Bev
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees
To see you face-to-face, shining with glory. To grab your hand and feel it wrapped around mine.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To be clothed in robes of white. To be completely whole, totally fulfilled. To be without sorrow, want, or pain.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To feel roads of gold under my feet and see angels above. To look ahead and see you seated on the throne, pointing at the open seat next to you, for me.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the mountaintops glistening with glory. To hear the angels and the saints singing Your praise, oh what a melodious sound it must be.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the faces of those who have gone before me, shining with glory. To see the colors in all their vibrancy, the flowers in all their brilliance.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the brokenhearted, the disabled, the outcasted – healed and totally restored. To feel anew again. To dance freely to the songs of heaven. To know the true meaning of Paradise. To look upon life on Earth and finally see the masterpiece you are sewing. To feel your presence wrapped around me like a tight hug.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the river of life flowing from your throne, glowing like a crystal. To see the tree of life towering over me, boasting its healing fruits.
To have no need for the sun, or even a lamp, because darkness is no more, there is no night.
Oh Lord my God, to see what she sees.
To see the mysteries of heaven unfolded before my eyes. To look down and see cosmos swirling beneath my feet, looking small compared to You. To experience the love of the Father for all that it was, it is, and is to come.
To be without sin. To be exactly who You created me to be.