Happy Birthday to me!

Let me start by saying Happy Birthday to my twin, Mike Ferguson. We've shared the exact same birthday day our entire lives even though we first met when we were 11. 36 years is a long time to be friends; I'm blessed to know him - he's a special person.

So, I'm actually reading two books right now at the same time - I don't recommend it - I'm not making much progress on either one. So, nothing to share from the readings.

But I am sitting here pondering life. Not sure why! Tomorrow is my birthday; I'll be 47 - not really a huge milestone. But just 3 years from 50 so that's pretty cool! But since this has been by far the hardest, most painful year of my life thus far, I feel that reflecting, as I start another year, isn't necessarily a bad thing!

Ok, so I get the goal is heaven. I get that we need to share the Good News about Jesus to everyone we care about. And we are to care about everyone! I am cognizant of the fact that the absolute best way to stop feeling sorry for yourself in the midst of a crisis or when we are feeling blue is the serve others who are less fortunate. And I love feeling thankful. I love helping others reach their potential. So, why do I struggle - like all of us do - with feeling so insignificant. I guess it just depends on how much rejection and disappointment that we've had to experience - I know I've had my share. Your story is likely similar. How do we break out of our daily ruts and routines and get involved in front-line, life changing ministry?

Tomorrow starts my 48th year on this planet. I don't want this year to be like the past 47 years - ups and downs - hurts and disappointments - me being selfish and egocentric. I really want to make a change; I want to make a significant difference in others lives. I have decided that I am going to work with orphans/foster kids and give my disappointments over to the Lord and try with His help to make a positive difference in these young people's lives. Pray for me; pray for sustained momentum for me.

I still desire to complete SWAY and we will, but I just want this to be so much more about serving others and less about me fulfilling the desires of my heart.

Just my thoughts on my birthday eve.

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Heaven On My Mind

Do you think about going to Heaven? Often? Or just at church when the pastor’s message topic is Heaven? I know that I didn’t think of it very often; my schedule is way too busy. As a Christian, I had confidence in the fact that those who love, obey/follow and confess that Jesus is Lord get to go. But since, like the Trinity, it’s a bit hard to wrap my arms (mind) around, I haven’t thought a lot about it. It's beyond my ability to comprehend. I do know that I have an opinion of what I would want it will be like and I’m 100% sure to be wrong!

I’ve just finished reading The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis (for the first time, I know you can’t believe that, but it’s true) and I highly recommend it.

I want to know which bus passenger are you? Will you get to heaven and have an excuse as to why you want to stay in purgatory/hell? Will you just plain feel more comfortable in twilight?

Will just the mere sight of God’s glory brightly lighting your surroundings, send you packing?

How about the way that heaven is “managed?” What if they aren’t as organized as you think they should be?

Will you leave Heaven if you run into someone you feel isn’t worthy to be there? You find fault with the forgiveness of their sin.

Would you be able to give over your addiction to Jesus no matter how painful it might be?

Would you rationalize away Heaven?

Will you reject unconditional love to hold onto what you find comfort?

Would you leave if you couldn’t be the one in control? In charge?

I think it’s amazing to watch these characters process the chance to stay in Heaven.

Unfortunately, I relate to a few of them. I may not have ever said it out loud, but I know I’ve thought: I hope that I get to live here on the earth until I get married. . . . Until I have children. . . . Until I get that perfect job. . . . Until I have grandkids. It’s always something.

Our lives here on earth are just practice for the real dance! We put so much stock into “things” that won’t last. “He who has the most toys, wins” for example is a mindset that we too often find here on earth. Wins what?

So what am I doing today to prepare for heaven? What are you doing? Will there be people (friends and family members) who are not in heaven, because you or I didn’t tell them about Jesus?

My prayer is that we can focus on the true goal and focus on the one who gives us true meaning and sustained momentum to our lives and that as we meet people, we can share with them our hope and good news in Jesus and they in turn will be able to live eternally with God in Heaven.