I can only imagine...

Lots of emotions today…

My 102 year old grandmother went to be with Jesus today! She was one of my mentors and such a prayer warrior! She loved the Lord and truly lived for Him. She lived by herself until she was about 95! Since then she has been in a nursing home and the past few years, she has not really known us. She has wanted to go “home” to be with Jesus for years so I know she is so happy being reunited with my grandfather and seeing Pete!

Of course, this brings back all the memories of when Pete went to be with Jesus a few weeks ago. You know how often people will kindly say “Rest in Peace” when someone has passed away? I know people mean well but I will tell you that I have been thinking, “You better not be resting, Pete Richards! Since you left us waaaay too early, you better be dancing and singing for Jesus and busy building our homes up there!” :)

I have been reading a lot in God's Word and in other books about Heaven. I believe Heaven is a very real place God has prepared for us to live with Him for eternity when we know Him as Savior....and I believe His desire is that we all come to know Him! I shared with  a dear friend the other day that sin caused a deep valley between us and God. Jesus is the only bridge over that valley. Jesus said, "I am the way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) Thinking about Heaven seems to help me feel closer to Pete. I have also been thinking a lot about the words of this song, I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me.

"I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine what it is like for Pete and for my grandmother right now! I am sure it is incredible!!! They are experiencing something beyond our imagination but oh, so real when we know Jesus as Savior! Be sure you know Him! Life knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord is precious here on earth…I can only imagine how it will be in Heaven!

“For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life!” John 3:16

                                           I can only imagine!