A Better Country

After seeing some rather heavenly photos the past few days, today, as promised, we are being visited by Dan Schaeffer, author of A Better Country. Several of you posed questions to the author after last Thursday's post. Dan has responded to them as follows:

Question #1 from Pearlie: Will there be a sense of time in heaven?

This is a really good question, unfortunately there’s not a really good answer. Some scholars and philosophers say in essence that since time will no longer have any meaning, it simply won’t exist. 2nd Peter 3:8 reminds us that “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” A popular hymn even says, “time shall be no more.” Yet in Revelation 6:10-11 we hear the martyrs in heaven told to “wait a little longer,” when they are questioned about when the Lord will judge the inhabitants of earth. Waiting is a measurement of time. In Revelation 7:15 we are told that the saints in heaven serve him “day and night” in His temple. In Revelation 22:2 we are told that the New Earth (earth that has been restored to its new condition for all eternity) has a tree of life and that tree “yields it fruits every month.” In other words, it appears that those people in heaven now are operating within the confines of time. Why should that cease? Time is not our enemy, death is our enemy. When we remove death, time ceases to be something that causes us stress or worry. Because we live in a world of deadlines and sickness and pain, time is a measurement that often causes us stress. But time will not distress us in heaven, we will not worry about “getting things done on time,” or feeling sad that the joy we are experiencing will fade away within a period of time. I believe that time will continue to exist in heaven and we will “sense it,” however all the negative aspects of time will be removed. Not long ago I went on a wonderful and much needed vacation. I do not ever remember being so weary both physically and emotionally before a vacation. One of my great joys was enjoying “time” as it passed without stress and without deadlines. Time was simply helping me measure sunrise, morning, noon, and twilight, all of which brought me great peace and contentment. I think that is the way we will experience time in heaven. Does this help? I hope so.

Question #2 from Sharon: I'd be interested to hear comments relative to "equality" in heaven. Example: Mother Teresa verses Joe Christian Average.

The Bible teaches that all are equal in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This eternal truth will not change when we enter eternity, in fact, it will for the first time be fully realized. Furthermore, the Bible makes clear that the “average Joe’s” might fare much better than those who are famous and well known here on earth. Jesus said, speaking of the coming Kingdom, “Many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” (Matthew 19:30). When Jesus said these words, He was saying them as a caution to those who might think that the way things appear (and people appear) on earth is the same way God sees them. Many people do externally impressive things (and even apparently selfless things) for very selfish motives which are hidden from our eyes. God alone knows these things. Honor will be given to those who have earned it, not to those who have bamboozled us here on earth. I have been incredibly impressed by the actions of people that no one will ever hear about. This is not to imply that there will be no special rewards for service rendered, the Bible makes it very clear that our lives here are the place we earn those eternal rewards. However that does not deal with the issue of equality. One can be an honored son, but one cannot be a superior son. Someone may have lived a life far more honoring to Christ than I do upon earth and receive greater honor than I do in heaven, but that does not close any doors to me. Christ will treat me the same, and I will have full access to all the benefits of being His child. All the joys of heaven, all the experiences of eternity; a glorified body, mind, and renewed earth, the entire creation will be just as much a part of my eternal inheritance as theirs. Being a son or daughter is conferred by your relationship to the parents, in this case our Heavenly Father. Since we were all equally adopted into the family of God, and were equally in need of the mercy of God, there is nothing that could make anyone in heaven better than anyone else. In other words, there will be no second class heavenly citizenship. I hope this encourages you.

Question #3 from Skip: Do our loved ones in heaven have a view of what is still happening on earth? Are they able to see their family?

That is an interesting question because we actually have evidence in the book of Revelation that those in heaven are aware of what is happening on earth. In Revelation 6:9-11 we are allowed to witness a scene in which the martyrs (those who had been slain because of the Word of God and the testimony they had maintained) in heaven called out in a loud voice, “How long Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” In other words, they knew and were somehow aware that this had not yet occurred. While it does not say in the scripture that those in heaven can see what is transpiring upon earth, it certainly seems reasonable that this might be true. It seems very possible to me that we might be able to see, or be made aware of, special events transpiring upon earth while in heaven. However, we must not think that our lives will be like those in books and movies who peer continually into magic crystal balls that are so popular in fantasy literature. Our existence in Paradise will not be spent totally engrossed upon earthly realities. Remember, we will be in Paradise, the city of the Living God. We will be fully immersed in the greatest joy, contentment and excitement it is possible for a glorified human to achieve. If we can see what is happening on earth, it seems unlikely we will see all things at all times. Frankly, that would become, at the very least, tedious. I would pity the poor soul who was constantly fixed upon me as I spent hours devouring books, or sleeping. Possibly we will be privy to special events upon the earth, or by special grace, special events in our human family, or those of close friends in our Christian family. I want to hasten to add that this is nothing more than an opinion based upon a possible understanding of the above passage, however it does seem a reasonable idea to me. Hope this helps!

Question #4 from Cathy: When someone hurts someone else, I often hear "When that person meets their Maker, they will be held accountable for that." I hear that about Christians and non-Christians alike. It conjures up the image that when someone reaches heaven, he will have to explain to God why he did something "bad". I picture having this interview with God where I am judged one more time before I am given the gift of eternal life, and the gift of never being separated from God again.That conflicts with my understanding of grace and forgiveness. It conflicts with the peace I feel when I think about being in God's presence away from earthly influences and sin.Is this a Biblical perspective that we will be judged by God one more time "when we meet our Maker"?

This is a very good question because it gets to the heart of our faith. The Bible makes it clear that there are two judgments in eternity, one for the saved, and another for the unsaved. The better known judgment is called the Great White Throne judgment and is the judgment at the end of all things. At this judgment the unbelieving world will be judged for their sins and their rejection of God and His rule over their lives. The judgment for the saved is called the Judgment Seat of Christ, or the judgment that Christ gives to His own. It can be found in 2nd Corinthians 5:10, and alluded to in 1st Corinthians 3:10-15. This is the only judgment that Christians will undergo, and it is not a punishment judgment. It is very important to understand that when Jesus died on the cross for sins, He died for ALL sins, for ALL time for ALL people. This is why Paul can say in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Or, as I like to paraphrase, “God is not mad at us anymore, forever.” To be “in Christ Jesus” does not mean you are in the top level of spirituality, but that you are in the Body of Christ, literally, that you are a Christian. All of our sins, past, present, and future, were paid for by the death of our Lord on the cross. As a result, we can NEVER be condemned again for our sins by God since that sin has already been condemned and punished. Sins we have yet to commit were already seen by God who is omniscient and knows all things past, present and future and were included in Jesus death. This is why the Bible says that God is “propitiated” or satisfied with the death of Jesus. His perfect life and death satisfied God’s righteous judgment against sin for all people everywhere. Since God has been propitiated, or satisfied, there is no longer any condemnation for those who have placed their faith in Jesus and what He did for them on the cross.

At the judgment seat of Christ we see that every Christian will be rewarded for their deeds, but those actions and deeds that were not good, or that appeared good but were done for improper and deceitful motivations, will be “burned up.” In other words, there will be no reward. We will not be judged, or punished for our sins, as those sins have already been punished on the cross. So the judgment of Christ for believers is a judgment of rewards. We will be rewarded for those things we have done which truly glorified Christ and honored Him. Some will reap much greater rewards, and some, quite frankly, will have little or even nothing to show for their lives, but their faith has still saved them. In short, your understanding of grace and forgiveness is rightly placed, and your peace is real and not imagined. I hope this helps. Blessings to you.

Cathy & Sharon were the winners of the drawing. The book is available at Discovery House Publishers or by calling 1-800-653-8333.

A Grain of Rice

Today in church, we talked about the story of Samson. This is my blog post for the day!

Snapshot Moments

Today in church, our intern talked about Snapshot Moments - these are times in our lives that are frozen in time and nothing afterwards is ever the same. Here is the link to the post I wrote for our church blog.

The National Cathedral

On our way out to the OBX, we stopped in Washington DC for the Sunday Morning Service at the National Cathedral, aka the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. We went to the early service of the Episcopal church. The part I will remember the most is when we took the Holy Communion. The priests said "The Body of Christ, Bread of Heaven" as you took the wafer which is not new, but what made it so remarkable is that one of the priests had a microphone, so you could hear this phrase being echoed over and over several hundred times through the cavernous building as hopeful people came forward. It was cool.

Mourning Has Broken

Last Sunday at MCC

We are always excited on Sunday morning to go to the warehouse where our church meets. If you look into the pansies to your right as you go up the stairs to the door, you will see this mother bird sitting on her nest. She is not afraid of any of us - she's more concerned about the 2 eggs underneath her. That's one great thing about her. The other is how she reminds us all that God takes care of us even more.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matt. 6:26

The Path Where You Find Rest

This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

Excitement Overload

This weekend was so outstanding that as I write this on Sunday evening, I'm filled with a little sadness that it's over - until I remember the words of Dr. Seuss and Edward's cross country coach - Don't cry because it's over, be glad that it happened. Maybe Friday night is catching up with me - I only got about 3 hours of sleep at the church women's retreat after a busy day of working, going to lunch with John, getting "lost" in Holland, talking and more talking. Many of these conversations still linger in my mind and I think of what a gift it is to be part of this church.

Saturday, I returned in time to celebrate Bridget's birthday by going to the wedding of an old friend and twin sister of my college roommate Linda - what a joyous occassion! It makes me laugh when I think back to how we screamed when we saw each other, my college roommate and I, because it doesn't happen nearly enough as she lives in New York. John, the girls & I had an awesome birthday supper at Olga's and came home for cake and presents. I then made 48 cupcakes for church right up until I crashed at about 10pm.

Sunday morning, my friend Cathy Withasee, of little red haired girl on the bus memory, gave me a package of little wax bottles with juice inside, Gracie gave me a handwritten note which is a wonderful gift the e-mail/cell phone days we live in and Pastor Henry talked about living in harmony.

My friends Linda and Joe came in the afternoon before heading back East so we could catch up - it had been a couple of years since we saw them and it was priceless to see them again. When they left, I stood in the driveway and waved until they were out of sight. Then Edward proceeded to beat me in 3 games of ping pong which is actually another exciting thing - I might feel bad if he couldn't beat his 45 year old mother...

What is the Mission of Submission?

The following is what I wrote for our church's blog today. Tomorrow, I will tell you the best chili cook-off story ever!

Today we read 1 Peter 2:13-3:7 and talked about submission. Pastor Amy encouraged us to think about how we define submission since the term sometimes carries negative baggage or connotations with it. Amy reminded us that submission does not necessarily mean that we are forced, threatened, or bullied into compliance.

We are given the example of Jesus as the best example of submission. His faith was not in those who judged Him unjustly but in God, and therefore He submitted to God's will by being obedient. As much as submission is an action it is also an attitude. Jesus was also humble, patient, gentle, loving and compassionate.

Our understanding of submission can be expanded to include the reason why we should be submissive. We should be submissive and live as Christ lived to be a witness to the world. As Amy said, "Christians are to live such holy lives that nothing can be lodged against the Gospel because of their example."

Hello Precious Friends

Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,
May the music of laughter break through your soul.

As the wind wants to make everything dance,
May your gravity be lightened by grace.

Like the freedom of the monastery bell,
May clarity of mind make your eyes smile.

As water takes whatever shape it is in,
So free may you be about who you become.

As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,
May a sense of irony give you perspective.

As time remains free of all that it frames,
May fear or worry never put you in chains.

May your prayer of listening deepen enough
To hear in the distance the laughter of God.

- John O'Donahue

Living Stones

See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. I Peter 2:6-7

This morning, we talked about how Jesus is the living stone or foundation and as we come to Him, we are built as living stones into a spiritual house.

True Things

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
-Stuart Townend

This Good Day

So the day finally arrived yesterday when I needed to wear the dress I affectionately referred to as a "hot babe dress." John & I were invited by our amazing friend Cathy to a benefit down at the Amway Grand Plaza featuring my all-time favorite singer, Fernando Ortega. During the day yesterday, I remember exclaiming to my girls between the orthodontist appointments and the haircut appointments, "This day is going so good." This Fernando song was the soundtrack to my day:

If the rain clouds come
Or the cold winds blow,
You're the one who goes before me
And in my heart I know
This good day
It is a gift from You.
The world is turning in its place
because You made it to.
I lift my voice
To sing a song of praise
On this good day.

We met our friends in the Ambassador Ballroom with great anticipation at 7pm. After supper, he sang his music while playing on a grand piano. If you have ever heard him, you know what a humble artist he is. He told us these really sweet and funny stories between songs that make you appreciate how he sees the world. He sang many of my favorite songs - I think I have 11 cd's of his music.

When it was over, Pastor Henry, who was at our table, went up to him and got his autograph for me. You can't miss Henry - he's 6'8". It said - exact words - "Julia, Grace and Peace to you, Fernando Ortega" I was so touched! Henry urged me to go up there, so John & I did and talked to Fernando for about 5 minutes. John took our picture together:



So what do you talk about when you meet your favorite singer? Leave it to me - I'll come up with something! I remember at one point telling him about how John is the Chevy Chase of vacation dads and we went to the Four Corners National monument once...

He closed the night with a favorite:

New Life

This past Friday afternoon, it started snowing profusely. We headed downtown to our Good Friday service in near whiteout conditions. A friend of mine at church said it reminded her that we have been washed whiter than snow - you gotta love that in a girl! She was trying to make the best of the situation.

Though we are just a month shy of having 3 teenagers in the house, we still had these:

Easter eggs on snow

Last night, I was going to bed just after eleven and John was headed out the door. He said he was going to get some dye so he & Maria could make Easter eggs. And around midnight, when Edward & Bridget came home, they joined in too. The best part is we get to have egg salad for supper.

He Lives

I love how the 93 year old lady in this video talked to her mugger. Thanks to my cousin Jodi in California who sent me the link!

Greener Pastures

Watercolor by Maria

Today in church, Pastor Amy talked about shepherds. At the end, we read Psalm 23 and were given the opportunity to pray silently about the phrases in that chapter. I was thinking about how God lets us rest in the green pastures and how His goodness follows us always. When we got home, Maria showed me the painting above which she just finished - a good reminder of very green pastures. Durning Bible times, the pastures weren't nearly so lush which makes the verse even more meaningful. If we follow Him, He leads us to what we need even if we are going through more arid times. I especially love the last verse - how His goodness follows us or pursues us always.

Dancing

I was hoping to post a movie of this, but will have to settle for a still life and your imagination.

This was perhaps the most memorable thing we did at the retreat this past weekend: we divided into 4 groups who were each assigned a verse of the song "In Christ Alone" by the Newsboys. We had to make up a dance routine to our verse. We, the people of group 3, ranged in age from 3 to 45 and we were given verse one.

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

Our group set out with the enthusiasm of High School Musical using pieces of cloth, roll-offs, lowering and raising up, and joining arms in a cross-formation to empasize different ideas in the song. The memories of our teamwork, the sights, and actions will add to the impact of this song whenever I sing it, though I will admit I am not ready for a career in liturgical dance.

Memories of a Favorite Professor

Yesterday, John & I went to Calvin College for a luncheon to see Don Wilson receive the Faith and Learning Award. This award is presented to a former Calvin professor for excellence in teaching, spiritual impact, concern for students and lasting influence. I can think of no one more deserving of this award. Don was an anthropology professor and my freshman year at Calvin, he became my advisor even though I was a math major. I visited him often in his office where a 10 foot snake skin hung from the ceiling and the African masks, drums and other artifacts decorated the shelves and walls. He always had the best stories and I could talk to him forever. Because of him, I acquired a love for learning about other cultures. He eventually performed our wedding, so now John & I both have a lasting tie to him.

Today, he sends out over 6000 postcards a year, so every year on each of our family member's birthdays, we hear from him. We still see him from time to time, and he always has a story to tell. Read this article about him which shows what a unique person he is.

Grass

Photo taken yesterday behind our house

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Ps.103:15-18

For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." 1 Peter 1:24-25

Morning Has Broken

This morning, I had to be at a meeting downtown at a church here in the city of churches by 8 am. The highways were very icy so I left early knowing that I if I had extra time I could take some photos during the golden hour of sunrise. This was a bit difficult seeing as I wasn't dressed for the bitter cold, I had coffee and tons of papers and high heels. Duh. (Stay tuned tomorrow for the proper photographic stance one must take.)



I took some pictures inside the sanctuary through the glass and when I came home and saw them, I saw that green thing floating by. I think it's cool, do you?

Grace

Baptism for new baby in our church this morning - a reminder of God's grace

This morning, we left at about 10:05am for our 10:30 church service. It was about 10 degrees (Farenheit) out and the roads were extremely icy, cars were in the ditch, and Maria was behind the wheel. We got there safely, in one piece, just a little late. I brought my camera in with me because I didn't want to leave it in the cold and so I was able to get the picture above of this young couple with their first baby. Nothing like being in the right place at the right time - with my camera in hand no less. It was amazing when after the baptism, we were standing around praying for the baby and everyone broke out into a most beautiful, a capella, Jesus Loves Me you have ever heard!

My Truest Resolution

I never jumped on the MP3 player bandwagon before, but this Christmas, John gave one to me. So now I'm cool. I put all 10 of my Fernando Ortega cd's on it along with some others of a more classical genre. It has been fun to listen to old favorites on random play as they greet me like old friends. When this old gem of a song by Third Day came on, I just said "ahhhhhhh":

All the Heavens

As Your children gather in peace
All the angels sing in Heaven
In Your temple all that I seek
Is to glimpse Your holy presence
All the heavens COULD NOT hold You, Lord
How much less to dwell in me?
I can only make my one desire
Holding on to Thee.

All the angels exalt You on high
What a kingdom to depart!
But You left Your throne in the sky
Just to live inside my heart
I will always make my one desire
Holding on to Thee



One really awesome thing is when I put it on repeat now, no one gives me a hard time about it.

Christmas Light

I was looking back through my Christmas pictures when I saw how many times I had that maddening habit of forgetting to turn my flash on when I would try to capture a quick second in time. It's never quite the same when you have to say, Wait a minute, let me turn my flash on! The second is ruined! I'm often met with the tease, "Ok , Judy" (my grandma-who-fussed-with-her-camera's nickname), and hence that second and the beautiful memory is lost forever. You can see how important it is to carry the Light with us through all of our seconds or life will be a blur.

Today, in church we were challenged to think about how God has blessed us this year and how we can use these gifts to bless others. I thought of this Chris Rice song(click on the play button):

Happy Birthday, Jesus (and Edward)!

God bless you all at Christmas and in the New Year! Edward is 18 years old today - another Christmas miracle!

Suburban Sunrise

Even here on our way to work and school, we have glimpses of unreal beauty.



1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Isaiah 60:1,2

Rejoicing

The Queen Mother sent me a couple pictures of their trip to Pennsylvania. Evidentally, she & her friends decided to do the camo look.


She also sent this picture of a mountainside covered with trees of many colors.


And I'm reminded of what John Calvin said, “There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice.”

More Trees to Hug

It seems the theme of trees is running through my weekend. John & I came across a great tree sale so we got 4 Maple trees, 2 Pear trees and 2 A