in heaven.

Tonight, I'm feeling that sad/joyful/peaceful/mournful angst that comes when remembering those we've loved on this earth who the Lord has taken back home. It is so wonderful when someone who trusts in the Lord is called home, amen? I mean, we can't even to begin to fathom the splendor and grandeur and GLORY that await them when they get to see Jesus! It's never hard for me to remember that my dad is in HEAVEN, in the throneroom of our Creator, and to be so thankful that I'll get to spend eternity with him and Him up there too!

There are also times when I know we can't help but grieve the loss of those who are so precious to us here on this earth, and to not feel the sadness that comes when we realize we won't get to see them for a little while. We don't get that special hug, that special greeting, that special gift that we know they picked out just for us. We don't get those special goodies that they bake and send in the mail, or get to see them for our family traditions at Christmas time, or get those little notes that they sent just to let us know they were thinking and praying about us. Even though THEY have gained something so much infinitely better and amazing, it still hurts sometimes to remember who I don't have here anymore.

I was reminded of this part of life, and the grieving that comes through losing someone we love yesterday, when I found out that Brian's Grandma Gardener had died. She was such a vivacious woman of God, who never ceased speaking His praise and glory in EVERY part of her life. Brian wrote about her being a 'prayer warrior' on the behalf of her grandchildren, and you just know it was true. Anyone who knows her knows that she's one of those people who wouldn't just take down your prayer request and forget about it - she PRAYED and beseeched the Lord for you. I wish I could have been there to see our Heavenly Father embrace her and welcome her into heaven! And I wish I could have seen her reaction. (She was also a Texan through and through, and I'm sure she was whooping and shouting and raising her hands in exultation for our Savior!!) The angels are rejoicing now, that's for sure.

Heaven's going to be a mighty great place to be.

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." ~ 2 Timothy 4:6-8