Fellowship -- Walking in the Light

We hosted our very first Dinner Party at our new (well, old) home yesterday. I somehow managed to seat all 18 of us! It was a nice evening of nice fellowship.

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

1 John 1:3-4

Walking in the light

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

1 John 5-7

Giveaway Winner and FRIDAY FAVORITES

I am pleased to announce the winner of my first giveaway is

Kimberly from Kimberly's Korner

(#26 using random.org) 

Hope you enjoy!

I really wish I could have given you ALL one! Thank you all for participating. Keep checking back as I have other great giveaways planned for the near future.

My Friday Favorites is going to be slightly different this week. I had such a great week spending time with some special friends, all at different times this week. So that is what my Friday Favorites are for today …

FRIENDS

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I am truly blessed with some amazing friends. I have found throughout my 30 years that TRUE friends aren’t the easiest to come by. Sure I’ve had some great and fun friends along the way, many of which I still keep up with. But I had the chance to visit with one of my dearest friends this week – just the 2 of us, and it reminded me how important my true friendships are.

I was devastated when she and her family were relocated this summer and had to move 2 states away. We went through so much together … the births of our first children, just a few months apart, then struggling through bedrest together at the very same time with our seconds. Talking each day and lifting one another up made this worrisome time a little less worrisome. She came home for a very brief visit to pack up their old home. I already miss her so much, but the distance between us won’t keep us apart. That’s what true friends do … no matter what life brings you and what obstacles you face, you stick together and are always there for one another.

I had the pleasure of spending some time with another dear friend that very same afternoon. She and her new beautiful baby came over and we just played with the children, talked, laughed, and just hung out, talking about anything and everything, understanding one another without having to explain or justify things. It was so nice just being together. I’ve only known her for just over a year, but you know how some friendships just click, and you feel like you’ve known each other forever. She is a beautiful person, inside and out, and I just love spending time with her.

Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

I also get to spend the entire afternoon today with another dear, dear friend. She always finds the positive side of things and always knows just what to say to me, regardless of what I have going on. She is always willing to do ANYTHING for me, and sometimes I just say, “yes!” She is one of those that I feel so comfortable with and can be so real with. We always have so much fun together but never seem to get enough of that time together.

And another friend is one that I unfortunately don’t get to see as often as I’d like simply due to schedules and the fact that our children are at different stages right now. We still talk when we can, and I tease her that she better not call me or answer my call unless she has an hour to kill! We just understand each other and share too many of the same thoughts. She is always there for me no matter what and I admire her in all areas of her life. She is an amazing mom.

Rejoice with those who rejoice;

mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15

All these friends love me for who I am. I don’t feel as if I need to be someone else when I’m around them. Just me. And that makes such a difference. You know how there are some people that unfortunately make you feel yucky when you’re around, like when you leave them, you know all they are doing is talking about you behind your back and trying to stir things up?

A perverse man stirs up dissension,

and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 16:28

I have tried to limit these types of people in my life – people that bring me down. I am trying my best to only keep happy and positive influences around because I just don't need that. That’s how these friends are to me. They lift me up just being around them. I have shared in all my joys and exciting moments with them and also my frustrations and difficult moments. And they are always nothing but supportive. But mostly, all these women are Godly women. They love the Lord and you can see it in all that they are and all that they do and also all that they are NOT. The values of these women are true and honest and their character is genuine.

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 22:24-25

He who walks with the wise grows wise,

but a companion of fools suffers harms.

Proverbs 13:20

A righteous man is cautious in friendship,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26

I do have some other very special friends that are true to me, and I regret that we have lost touch. Writing this post has made me realize this, and I plan on pursuing some of those very special relationships because friendship is so very important and I am so blessed God has brought these people into my life. I realize this post is a long one, but I hope that by reading this, it will remind you how important your friendships are to you and how important it is to nurture them.

Fun First Giveaway!

I am so excited to offer you, my loyal readers, my very first giveaway! You have been so encouraging to me and supportive of me through my first month of blogging and I want to find ways to give back to you as I can.

I found this fantastic, fun, and functional product that I thought would be perfect for any reader. This product would be perfect for me for the stage I am in right now, which is a mom of 2 young children.

It's a Trifold "Grab and Go" ... I have my license, a debit card, a credit card, 10 business cards and some money! And it's a keyfob too! And wait until you see these beautiful fabrics ... I LOVE THEM! I have included some pictures of some of my favorites. I wish I could decorate my whole house in these Amy Butler fabrics!!!

I often run into the grocery or drugstore for a quick couple of items and hate taking my cumbersome diaper bag. When trying to pay, I have to dig for my wallet, also while holding a baby who is trying to get out of my arms and holding the hand of a preschooler! After paying, my keys always find a way to fall to the bottom of my bag, causing yet another frustrating obstacle to overcome. This adorable product eliminates all of these not-so-fun issues!

It also brings me back to my college days of keycard holders. I would have loved to have had one in such a pretty and fun fabric instead of the plain, boring black leather one I bought from the bookstore! So college girls, this product is for you too!

It is also great for working ladies who may have to flash ID frequently or need a key card to enter your office building. Perfect for storing a supply of business cards to pass out quickly and conveniently.

Well, this item is probably just perfect for anyone, to be honest! Also makes a perfect gift. In fact, I'm giving one away to you, but I am going to buy one for myself!

Deelain, the owner and creater, very graciously and generously offered this product "WINNER'S CHOICE OF FABRIC!" So you, my friends, check out her etsy shop here and ENTER AWAY!

TO ENTER, all you have to do is:
Leave me a comment under this post telling me your favorite fabric.
(Each comment (can only enter once for this) = 1 Entry)

TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING:
Mention & link my giveaway on your blog = 5 entries
(If you do this, leave 5 separate comments under this post stating you mentioned it)

Mention my giveaway on your Facebook Wall = 5 entries
(Also leave 5 separate comments telling me that you did)

Include my blog link under your Blog List = 5 entries

Become a Follower = 2 entries
(If you already are a Follower, you may still enter)


This giveaway will end this Thursday night, August 26 at 11:59pm and I will announce the winner Friday. Winner will be chosen by random selection.

As always, thank you for your faithfulness and continued support. And a BIG thank you to Deelain from cassylaintotes on etsy for sponsoring this great giveaway!!! Check our her adorable shop!

A Praying Parent

There is great power in praying for our children. Begin now – even if you have yet to become parents, or if your children are already grown. PRAY for them. It’s one of the best gifts we can give them.

Trust in God. He can take better care of our children than we can. Give your child’s life to His care and keeping, and acknowledge that He is in control.

Pray for every detail in your child’s life. But be careful not to force your own will on your child in prayer. This would only lead to disappointment, discontentment, frustration, and unhappiness for all involved.

Remember that while God has a perfect plan for your child, Satan does as well. Satan’s plan is to destroy them through ways that are sometimes obvious and sometimes not. He uses means such as drugs, rebellion, sex, alcohol, among many others. Satan can damage so many lives if we let him. But if we make God in control of every single detail, then He will protect us and carry us through anything that comes our way.

If we guide our child, help them learn to make Godly decisions, teach them to respect God’s ways, teach them the power of prayer, teach them the importance of inviting God’s presence into their lives and into each circumstance, encourage Godly habits, and teach them to surround themselves with others who are also walking down God’s path, then they will be SO much more likely to resist temptation when it comes their way. We, as parents, can’t be everywhere, see everything, and know everything, but God can. So depend on God, and ask Him to be with us as parents to teach them, guide them, encourage them, and pray for them.

“Train up a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not depart from it”

Proverbs 22:6

God is such a loving God and He is going to do amazing, incredible things in our child’s life. His love for our children is so much more than we could even imagine. When we give our lives and our children’s lives to God, He will bless us beyond measure. Let us, as parents, give our child’s life to His care through prayer.

“I have no greater joy than this,

to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

3 John 1:4

FRIDAY FAVORITES

I have another “Friday Favorites” I’ve been waiting all week to share with you! (Remember, I only recommend items that I personally love and feel you can benefit from too.) If you do ANY online shopping, you must sign-up for Ebates!
It’s simple to begin getting CASHBACK on your online purchases from thousands of companies such as …

Target, Ebay, BabiesRUs, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Overstock, Dillards, Hotels.com, Expedia.com

All you do is complete the simple sign-up from the link below,
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Y6N2opeu%2F8pPLlDOM6u4dg%3D%3D

With every online purchase, login to your account at www.Ebates.com, type in your online store, find additional coupons, and it will take you directly to that store to make your purchase.

You will receive anywhere from 1-12% cashback by check each quarter directly to your mailbox! I just received my check for $68 this week, all for logging into my account before each purchase. I don’t do a lot of online shopping, but most of this came from my few ebay purchases from buying children’s clothing.

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and make a little extra cash while doing it! Again, you can find many great additional coupons that you can easily take advantage of too! My sister-in-law shared this with me a couple of years ago and I'm so glad she did ... thanks Courtney!

Enjoy getting PAID to shop!!

A Box of Socks

Do you believe that God really does hear your prayer? Sometimes I feel that the things I pray for or talk to God about are insignificant -- things that I almost feel guilty about praying for, especially when there is so much pain and suffering out there. I am so incredibly blessed, however sometimes I find myself asking God for the smaller things. I realized once again tonight that God truly does care about everything that is important to us, even if it does not seem very significant. I was reminded of God's love for us when I came across this devotion. If it's important to me, then it's important to God, and God wants to hear me tell Him all about it.

Enjoy this heart-warming devotion and share it with someone. You never know when a friend needs some encouragement to know God loves us and hears us, no matter how small our thoughts seem, and that our Mighty God wants us to share it with Him. He does hear us and says, "Let me take care of you!"

A Box of Socks

By: Mary Southerland

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Matthew 21:22

My sister loves socks! One day, we were shopping and happened to walk into a department store where neither one of us could afford to buy one single thing. We were just passing through, on our way to find the bargains we could afford. With a sigh and a wistful look on her face, Betty said, "I wish I could afford to shop in this store." When I asked her what she would buy, she immediately replied with a smile, "Socks! I want a big box of socks. I would wear a different pair every day." I could think of several things I would have liked to buy in that store and socks was not one of them. I guess it is a matter of perspective. What was important to her was not important to me.

I sometimes think my prayer requests are insignificant and unimpressive to God. After all, He is God. Does He really have the time or the desire to hear and answer my prayers? Yes! The truth is that if it is important to me, it is important to God.

Each Christmas, Operation Shoebox collects and sends over eight million shoeboxes stuffed with small gifts such as candy, school supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo to children across the world. In Mexico, hundreds of boys and girls gathered at the church in a small village, excitedly anticipating the arrival of their precious shoeboxes.

Delightful chaos erupted as bulging shoeboxes, wrapped in brightly colored paper and ribbon were passed into the small, eager hands of each child. Wrapping paper was hurriedly ripped into pieces and tossed aside, a smile spreading across the face of each child as their long awaited Christmas treasures were revealed. However, one little boy dissolved into tears as he lifted the lid of his box and peered inside to see what he had received for Christmas this year.

One of the Operation Shoebox volunteers spotted the little boy and hurriedly made his way across the church to see what the problem could possibly be. With the help of an interpreter, the volunteer asked the now sobbing little boy, "What is wrong? What is in your box?" With tears streaming down his face, the little boy said, "Socks!" The worker instantly understood and assured the little boy that he could trade his box of socks for another box that might have crayons or a piece of candy in it.

Alarm spread across the face of the child as he vigorously shook his head and quickly jerked the box away from the now somewhat confused worker. Clutching the shoebox to his chest, the boy began sobbing out an explanation to the interpreter who listened for a few moments and then, with tears spilling out of his own eyes, turned to the volunteer and said, "You won't believe this!"

Taking a deep, steadying breath, the interpreter explained, "This little boy has a rare skin condition with which he was born. It seems to affect his feet more than any other spot on his body. The doctors have tried various medications and treatments but finally told the little boy that nothing will work and his feet will never heal unless he begins wearing cotton socks. His parents cannot even afford food for this boy; much less provide socks for their son. So, all year long, he has been praying for socks."

Socks were at the top of the little boy's prayer list. As a matter of fact, they were his list. The mere sight of ordinary cotton socks brought tears to his eyes as he stared in awe at the priceless gift in his hands - socks. You see, they were more than just socks. They were the profound answer from our extraordinary God to a child's simple prayer. One unknown and seemingly insignificant boy in Mexico prayed. God heard him and said "Let me take care of you."

No matter how small or trivial your prayers may seem, remember God's perspective. If it is important to you, it is important to Him.

Let's Pray:

Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You in prayer. I want prayer to be as natural to me as breathing out and breathing in. I refuse to believe the lie that my prayers are too small or unimportant for You to hear. You are my Father. You are my God and You long to hear my voice. I will bring every prayer of my heart to You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.


Now It's Your Turn:
Do you have your own "box of socks" for which you are praying? What is it?
Do you really believe that God will hear and answer your prayer?
Read Hebrews 11:6. How does your faith measure up to the faith described in this verse?
Today, pray in faith and see what God does!


Taken from http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

My incredibly sweet, tender, kind, thoughtful, generous little girl turned 4 this weekend. We had a wonderful time spent full of friends, family, and very memorable times together. I don't think I have ever seen Ella beam quite as much as she did the entire weekend.

We started it off with a fun party full of girlie activities such as ...
Sock-doll making

Nail-painting, Princess tattoos, glitter, beading necklaces and bracelets

Then headed outside for a pinata and cupcakes.

The next day our little family of 4 enjoyed time at the park together. Everyone was just happy being together.

I am overwhelmed with love for this precious little girl.

Psalm 129:14 says, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." God made her so very special. He made her with such care, thought, and love, and I praise HIM for that.

It overwhelms me that our amazing God knew, before I was even created, that this precious, gentle, loving, pure soul would bless me and make my life whole each and every day. I am so thankful God gave this exact child to me.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above." James 1:17

Happy Birthday baby girl, my best friend and little buddy! I love you with all of my heart.

A Greater YES!

Ever since I read this, I have had it on my heart to share with you. My blogging friend Lyndsie from A Love Worth Waiting For, has an incredible spirit and more courage and strength than you can imagine. She is a beautiful, Godly woman that gives all glory and honor to our loving God. She encourages me to be a better person, a better Mom, and mostly a better and bigger heart for God. Read her profile and be touched.
She wrote this in a post a couple of weeks ago and I just loved her words ...

"I'm Loving that the Lord knows the desires of our hearts, and even when we think we know best but it seems like God has said "No", that could just mean that God has a greater YES!"

I hope this brings you some encouragement and hope on this hot, summer Monday as it did for me!

Friday Favorites

I thought I would try featuring a product that I love each Friday for awhile. These products will be items that are personal to me, products that I feel beneficial to share with you.

Feel free to leave me feedback on any products, if you use them personally, or any likes or dislikes.
As always, thank you for reading and for all your encouraging words.

My Friday Favorite is ...

Minute Maid Premium Kids Orange Juice! Jason and I discovered this a couple of months ago and we love it. It has a ton of additional vitamins including extra Calcium. With a preschooler in the house, unfortunately picky eating comes with her, especially at this age, and sometimes the battle is too tiring to fight. But this OJ she gulps ... along with me and Jason!

If you decide to try it, let me know how you and/or your family like it!

Happy Friday! I'm off to planning Ella's birthday party weekend at our new home!! Busy, Busy!

Prayer While Doing Laundry

I came across this prayer and found it worthy of sharing ...


"I find you so close to me right here, dear Lord. Surrounded by the dirt and scattered clothing of my family, I find this an ideal spot to pray with you. No one comes near here so it is quiet, and it gives me a chance to reflect on the many blessings of my life.As I pick up their clothing and sort it, I ask you to give each of them what is needed most in their lives.

I fill the washer with my husband's shirts and socks, and ask that you bless him as he wears them to work each day. Give him the grace to see that his work is holy and open his eyes to see the sacredness of each moment of life.

As I sort the tiny socks or the overalls of the children, I smile and remember how blessed I am to have them in my life.

I sort the larger teenage clothing and wonder at how fast these clothes have become larger sizes - and how quickly children grow up. I ask your help as I guide them through each new phase of their lives.

Give me a love that is endless, a heart that forgives them and the humility to ask for their forgiveness when that is right. Help me keep them from danger, and help me to let go and trust you when it is time to do that.

I try so hard to be perfect but lead me to remember that it is here in the smudged, disorganized and disheveled part of life that I find you the nearest.

Thank you, dearest Lord, for so much grace in my life!"


Taken from: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Mothers/

A Little Time Found

God has really blessed me with some of the best friends! Thank you for all your calls, emails, and texts checking on Wilson ... and me! It means so much. Thankfully, he is finally completely over this little bug, or whatever is was that lingered for so long.

It's funny how God works sometimes. Ella always let and wanted me to rock her (and still loves it). This was always a time I really treasured with her. We would sing together and I would tell her all about all sorts of things.

I have missed that time with Wilson. While he is a loving child, he would never sit still long enough for me to rock him. However when he was so sick last weekend, all he wanted me to do was rock him and cuddle with him. And I certainly did just that.

We love because HE first loved us.

1 John 4:19

I have been praying for God to show me a perfect time to be in prayer each day -- a time that I can really talk to God and spend time growing in my relationship with Him. The past few nights, Wilson has been waking up just as I'm settling in for bed. I go in, pick him up, and rock him as he lays his sweet little head on my chest, every now and then looking up at me with a smile as if to say, "I love you Momma." This is the time I have spent praying and talking to God about all things on my heart.

God has given me this very special time. He has shown me a quiet time to be with Him, and also a time to treasure with my son. This might just be my favorite part of each day right now. I thank GOD for that. He knows what we need, and He knows the desires of our hearts.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart ... Proverbs 3:5

God's Ways ... Not Mine!

How do you get through each day? Is it through God’s strength, power and wisdom, or your own?

God has been trying to remind me this week that it is HIS strength, power and wisdom, not mine, but I wasn’t listening. He tells us, through His Word, numerous times that we need to stop relying on ourselves and to start calling on Him when we realize our own abilities are inadequate.

I finally reached a moment of pure overwhelming exhaustion … mentally, physically, and spiritually. God was trying to tell me, but as I do too often, I wasn’t listening. I tried to handle things myself. I realized it when God reminded me that I had gone all week not truly in His word. I had been so overwhelmed by day-to-day living, and did not take the time to spend with our loving and understanding God, asking for HIS help through this exhausting time.

Being a mom brings a tremendous amount of joy to me. I am beyond blessed to have such a healthy and happy family. What incredible gifts God gives us in children! As much as I enjoy life as a stay-at-home mom and wife, I still haven't found a way to balance and juggle being all that I need to be, and all that I want to be.

I am overwhelmed with anxiety right now. My little Wilson has been sick for 7 straight days. I worry about my children. I let this anxiety consume my life, but I know I shouldn’t. I should give myself to our Lord and trust that He is with my family with each step we take. He wants us to lean on Him and He wants to protect us. He loves us so much that He died on a cross so that we can live and sin.

I am overwhelmed in trying to keep a fun-filled, entertaining and safe environment for my children daily yet also find time to keep a clean and organized household, while finding time to be a wife to my supportive husband and a friend to my understanding friends. Not to mention, when do I have a minute for myself?

But most importantly, I am overwhelmed with knowing I need and want to spend time with God, but not knowing when that quiet time will be for me, to really be in His Word. I have trouble simply finding time and energy unloading the dishwasher, yet alone a time when some little one doesn’t need me! How awful that I haven’t made time this week to spend quality time talking and building my relationship with God. And God was trying to tell me, but I wasn't listening. This should come FIRST. This should be my #1 priority with each and every day. And I know everything will then fall into place.

When I give it to God,

 put my life in His hands,

resign myself to His care and keeping,

give all control to Him,

I know He will not give me more than I can handle.

He will take care of me. He wants to take care of me. He wants to see me happy.

I tell Ella that praying and talking to God is the most important thing we do each day. Pray for me that I also make time. I want to grow closer to God each day and learn more about His wonderful ways. I want to SHINE for Him in all that I do. I want to grow closer to Him and grow in my love for Him, as He is so amazing and awesome. Pray for me. Pray that I figure out a good time each day to be close to Him.

An Evening Out ... Just the Girls!

I decided the girls needed an evening out. My family is so very fortunate to have 4 generations living in the same town, something that I truly treasure.  Last minute, I planned for us all to grab dinner out, something both Ella and I needed.

(My Grandmother, Mom, Aunt, Cousin, with Ella and Me)

It was this time last year that I had to cancel her birthday party due to my being put on bedrest at 27 weeks pregnant. So, this year I am making it up to her by celebrating several different ways over a couple of weeks, all in simple ways. But those simple ways are all Ella cares about. It doesn't matter what we do, or how much money we spend. It's just about being together. She absolutely adores all the ladies in my family, all for different reasons, as do I. We had a wonderful time just being together. Ella beamed all night.

My sister-in-law and precious niece (who is 9 days older than baby Wilson) weren't able to join us. But we will definitely do it again soon!

Wilson and his daddy had fun at home too. With Jason's busy work schedule, quality time for just the 2 of them is somewhat rare, so I'm glad they were able to spend some time together, too.

A Little of This ... A Little of That

A random post about random things ...

• We got our Electric /Power bill and I am pleased to share with you that it was 24% LESS than last month's!!! And this was after only about 2 weeks of being more energy efficient. Can't wait to see what next month's is!! See my previous post here on ideas to save money each month, knowing that you are helping our Earth along the way. I would love to hear if you have had any luck with your savings or if you have any ideas you'd like to share.

• I saw someone both yesterday and today park in handicapped spaces and I KNEW that they didn't have a need for it, had anyone in their families that needed it, or had a handicap sign in their cars. This bothers me for so many reasons. There are SO many families out there, children, elderly people that truly NEED these spaces. With 2 small children, I understand that it is sometimes less convenient or tiring to park further away, but please don't take advantage of your own health and the health of others that truly do need special parking. especially in this summer heat.

• I have heard over and over ... don't wake a sleeping baby! I know this, BUT my little Wilson has been sick and thankfully he is finally feeling better and getting back to his sweet, happy, funny little self. I went in to check on him last night around 10:30 and just stared at him wondering how anyone could hurt or abuse a child, an innocent little child. I think I must have kissed his soft chubby little face 3000 times! Of course, he woke up, stared at me for maybe 2 seconds, then burst out into the biggest, happiest grin you could imagine. I just couldn't put him back to sleep yet, so I scooped him up, loved on his some more, then took him out to the den where Jason and I sat together, playing with our son, praising our wonderful God for giving us 2 perfect and happy children. There are so, so many people that are struggling with infertility, cancer, unhealthy children, or hurting from the loss of a child. I have had this on my mind so much lately, as I have come across too many blogging friends that are hurting, especially as I look in awe at my 2 healthy children. And so many of these people give every bit of glory to our loving and wonderful God and still manage to share how blessed they are. These "friends" amaze me with their strength and courage. Reading their stories and seeing their struggles has made me count my blessings even more so. I am trying to be more aware of complaining about the smaller things, because I truly do "have it good."

Heaven ... we GET to go!

A few nights ago, Ella asked God to please let Target get a big, soft purple blanket so we could buy one. Mind you, she's not quite 4. Can you tell where we like to shop?!
She has been asking a lot of questions about Heaven lately.

Still not having much concept of time, she asked me if we would get to go to Heaven in 100 days. I told her that I hope not, because I want to enjoy our wonderful life together here on earth that God created for us. BUT if that was what God wanted, then we would be just fine. I told her, as I have in the past, how wonderful Heaven is and that there are no sicknesses or bad things in Heaven. It is a perfect place. Her response to this was, "God will tell us to just come on up!"

Isn't this such a pure and beautiful way to think about things, especially dying? Notice she asked if we would get to go to Heaven, not would we have to go. How awesome is that way of thinking?! This reminds me of a good, old hymn that I love. I can't help but beam with happiness and joy when I sing this ...
          "When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!"
Next time you hear this, think about how we get to go to Heaven!

The Bible tells us all about Heaven.
It is a perfect place ... it is paradise.
Luke 23:43 tells us: "Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

It is a beautiful place.
Revelation 21:2 says: "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."

Heaven is eternal.
Psalm 23:6: "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
John 10:28: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
2 Peter 1:11: "and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

It is a place of great joy and satisfaction.
Psalm 16:11: "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
Isaiah 49:10: "They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water."

There will be no more sickness, pain, or sadness.
Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

And so, let's all live our lives to God's glory and bring praise to Him in all we do, and repent, asking forgiveness for all our daily sins, and through God's grace we will get to go to Heaven.
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" Hebrews 12:28