Greeting Friends,

'a closing look'

 Today, let's take 'a closer look'.  I will try to share 'Eternal Life in Heaven'.  This might put some light on the questions I mentioned in my earlier post.  I will list them so we have them at hand.  Remember each one of these questions were asked to me.  

I am bringing them to light and decided to share this Series on 'Heaven, Death, Dying, Letting Go' as I pondered the questions, myself.  So, I pause to thank this individual for this.  Sometimes it is helpful to stir our thoughts, feelings and beliefs in these areas. 
I will pen a poem that I have written as we conclude this Series. 

• What is Heaven like?
• Will we know one another by appearance in Heaven?
• Will we know when we are dead?
• Will it be scary when we die?
• Will we know we are dying?
• What will we do in Heaven?
• How does divorced couples see the other in Heaven?
• How does divorced ex-couples and/or remarried couples relate?
• Will God forgive me for going through a divorce?
• Do we talk in Heaven and see people as we see them today?
• What will we know in Heaven?

Please remember, anything that I share is from my thoughts, beliefs, questions and comments.  I share to help us all ponder, wonder, search, study, discern and hopefully shed light on these subjects that most people find difficult in talking about or even have a desire to think about.

 

I feel that the greatest hope of all humans is that they will live again someday in heaven forever. The yearning to live again in a better place after death is an almost universal desire.  I think that there are many that think it is an 'inborn quest' placed in the human heart by God.  And, I believe that the only quest that 'can suffocate', if you will, is by the rebellion and from a person that 'just does not believe in God.  Again, I will take the risk and share my belief here. 

 

I have gathered from the Bible that while most people will admit to that distinctive yearning for life in a better world, only Christians and Jews have any definite knowledge of heaven.  

 

As we review the Garden of Eden 'before the Fall'.  It was gorgeous: a place of beauty, peace, and not just between humans and animals but the entire creation.  I believe that Heaven will be even better.  And, to me, that is the key---heaven is indescribable and so beyond our imagination for all of us.  
As sad as it feels for our loved ones, I feel going through 'a near death experience' was/is a blessing to the ones that have experienced it.  I know since I have experienced it, it has never left me in reflections of trying times, especially.  There is a sense of glory, hope and 'a cushion', so to speak, that I hold dear in my heart.  That is the only way I know to explain it.  It is something I will treasure and I will try, even harder, to continue to be a 'gimper' for God because of it.  {For those that do not know what a 'gimper' for God is.  A 'gimper for God' is a person that wants to always and ever discern what it is God wants them to be about in being a helper for Him.  'Jabez' was a true 'gimper for God'.} 

 

I will share in our next post 'A Place Prepared For Us in Heaven'.  There will be more specifics in shedding more light on our questions.  WE all know that the Bible doesn't give specific answers to a lot of our direct questions, but it does give us a guide to what it is that satisfies those questions.  I feel this is vital in how we live today.  It is our 'road map' to continue our journey here for our peace and in fulfilling our purpose for our life.  God has a purpose and plan for each and everyone of us.  Would it not be glorious to know that we are on purpose for the very reason we are all here? Well, God knows, God cares, God will show us that plan when we are in His Will and have a Desire to know it.   

Until next time

God Bless

Doris 

Questions/Concerns: 'Heaven'

Hi Friends,

As I pondered this post, it has been difficult for me to pen my thoughts and look beyond what people might think the purpose of my post is today.  

However, as I lingered from day to day with these same thoughts coming back to me, I have decided to take the risk and share.  The purpose is possibly in 'my lingering thoughts'. 

Not long ago, I was chatting with an individual and the subject came up about death, dying and aging.  Sound a bit morbid?  No, not really, to me. I think at a very early age and/or when the parents think the child will understand, it is good to share a bit about death and dying, especially. 
First, might come the dying of a pet to the child and this is a good time and a way to share with the child.  The subject projects thoughts to the child that 'we are not going to live forever'.  This is for every creature and human.  Well, this is established but where do we go from here, maybe, nowhere, for years to come.  So, this is where I will begin.  

'Natures' Wonders' 

After explaining to a child at an early age, what/where do we go from there.  It is amazing how whatever we shared with a child will effect this child for a lifetime.  And, do we continue on our journey giving it much thought?  Years go by and than the child become a parent and the cycle starts all over again.  I feel it is important to realize the importance of this subject of 'Heaven' before life has passed us by and we have questions that we do not know how to answer. 

I think it is obvious that most will have an answer that 'they believe' but is it an answer that has had much thought/prayer put into it or is it an answer that we can hurriedly put aside and not have to think or talk about it?  This is easy to do for most of us.  

'Nature's Beauty' 

I have chosen to share/suggest a few thoughts and possible opinions and/or beliefs as we walk through these subjects in the posts that will follow.   However, today, let's begin with some basic thoughts. 

The subject that I am referring to today is 'HEAVEN'.  The first, likely, conclusion to the subject of Heaven is that the persons that have an interest in even reading this post is that 'there is a Heaven.'  For, if there is any body out there that does not believe this, than obviously this post will not interest you.  I feel that is an 'individual decision' and I do not intend to impose my beliefs on anyone.  I am seeking persons that have thoughts/beliefs and would like to ponder and share in my 'comment section' or just feel free to read my post and do whatever you feel led to do.  I feel these are some 'thought provoking' questions that come to a person's mind that do believe and want to know more about 'Heaven'.  I seriously cannot believe that it has not/does not ever cross one's mind from time to time. 

Let me ask you, would you have answers and/or concerns to the following questions, if they were asked to you today?  As we begin, just pretend you are having a comfortable conversation with a friend and these questions arise.  How would you answer them and could you relate to them in comfort as to where/how you feel about them?  

• What is Heaven like?
• Will we know one another by appearance in Heaven?
• Will we know when we are dead?
• Will it be scary when we die?
• Will we know we are dying?
• What will we do in Heaven?
• How does divorced couples see the other in Heaven?
• How does divorced ex-couples and/or remarried couples relate? 
• Will God forgive me for going through a divorce? 
• Do we talk in Heaven and see people as we see them today?
• What will we know in Heaven? 

The questions could go on and on.  Questions by the young and old and can be similar in nature to some measure.  Let's go slowly as we walk this mission together. 
This will conclude my post for today.  I encourage any body that is interested in sharing, regarding this post, please feel free to do so on my 'blog comment post' or 'comment' on Facebook.  

The continued subjects are 'heaven, dying, death and aging'.  And, I will conclude on the subject: 'letting go'.

'God's timing is everything' 

I do not find these subjects morbid in the least.  They can be the beginning to 'a refreshing renewal' and 'a new beginning' forever.  It all depends in 'the eye of the beholder' and/or 'the willingness of one's heart'.

Until next time

God Bless

Doris 

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'



I pen today a few reflections as I review several events in recent times.  'HOPE' can be vital in our everyday living.  The circumstances of a situation can be 'earth shattering' but 'HOPE' can be 'the seed', if you will, to see us through.....this is a link to the power of Peace, Comfort, Prayers, Faith and Trust. 

Listening to a friend this week, there is great concern as their nephew is very ill from an auto accident.  Hearing of a young man that is hurting in his back and waiting on tests results as to what is next in his journey.  Hearing of a friend's passing, this saddens our hearts.  These are just a few in a very small circle.

If you have followed my writings, you might recall my experience of my plane flight returning from Houston, Texas early on in my diagnosis of RSDS.  God revealed to me that there is 'HOPE' through Him in all things. 

There are no exceptions in age, race, or religion background and/or perils that prevent the link to 'HOPE'.  This brings me to sharing this poem that God gave me the words to pen.

 

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'

 

'HOPE' is a Golden Rope.

Perhaps, a 'Heavenly Rope' we cannot see.

Love can cushion many fears

and comfort 'Hope' to free.

 

'Hope', trust and understanding people

help us to appreciate any gift of love.

It is vital to know when to let go

with gracious patience from above.

 

Sometimes it takes years and years

to believe there are true friends to be found.

And, not from just your well known and supportive class,

but, from simple folk from 'common ground'.

 

'Hope' is the 'Golden Rope' to heaven.

May we give thanks for even things we do not want or see.

Faith, Hope, Trust in 'one's Spirit'

are some key essentials that set all of us free.

 

copyrighted by Doris (M) Swertfeger 1992

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

Hi Friends,    'TIME TO MOVE CLOCKS FORWARD...WHAT ABOUT  'OUR CLOCK'?'

Today is the day that we move our clocks forward!  This brings many thoughts to mind as to how this effects other dimensions in our lives. 

There will be 'little ones' waking up a little later than they did this morning, there will be more light outdoors when persons get off of work at 5:00 p.m., there will be 'bellies' feeling hungry pains a bit earlier and sleep patterns will change.  Isn't this amazing?

This small move of the clock's knob will effect numerous other moves that we make because of this one hour time change.  Unbelievable, isn't it?  

On the other hand, this could be a time that we may choose to change a bit.  We might want to reflect on something we would like to change in our day that would effect more than an hour of our life and others but it might take only fifteen minutes to do. 

Perhaps, call a friend, take a walk, read, start a journal, exercise something, eat a different fruit, drink a different drink, laugh everyday.  Do one act of kindness for somebody.  All of the things that I have listed, we can do in less than fifteen minutes per day.  And yes, I am right in here with you. I can/will do this, too.
All of us have 'our muddy ruts' of struggles we walk in from time to time, but we can travel a bit easier when we try not to walk it alone.  I understand when one walks in mud, if they hold the hand of a friend, they tend to stay in a upright position better.

Let's take a minute to reflect on what we wish and pray for at times.  Sometimes, we act as if we want it ALL but do we?  What is ALL?! 

'WELL, I WANT HEALTH'?  BUT,  I DON'T HAVE IT OR DO I?  I feel that we all have 'Health'.  It just might not be in the way we would want it.  Health is what we make it?  Is it? Health is a teacher?  Or is it? I said in my last post that Health is Priceless and Problems are Priceless.  Did I loose you?  I hope not.  Soon, I will share with you how Problems can transform into Inconveniences.  This I can testify to because I believe;  His Grace Is Sufficient. 

This brings me to sympathy and empathy.  Remember my sharing in an earlier post, I did not like sympathy during my times of great pain and I longed for empathy.  Have you ever thought of what sympathy really is:  It is given to support the weakness in a person.  When a person gives another sympathy in loss of a loved one, this is sympathy and it helps comfort.

Empathy is given to support the strength in a person.  When a person gives another empathy during a struggling time in their life to cope, this is empathy and it offers encouragement.  

I read recently from a daily calendar that is on my desk:  I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.  I think maybe next time I'll just be content being weak! (are you laughing yet?)

The next line read:   2 Corinthians 12:10  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. 

Now, this was the beginning and the end of what was on the Calendar.  Sometimes, I feel it helps to read more for clarity.  Things are taken out of context and this is why I am very guarded in sharing biblical scriptures and/or do I listen to cliches.  I have heard many and they don't set will with me.  You will not hear me preaching or quoting tons of scriptures.  I am not a scholar in the Bible by any means.  I share my experiences and beliefs. 

Nevertheless, I read the rest of the scripture just before this in my bible and it reads: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9
(It just might help to write this scripture on a piece of paper and keep it near you.  I find it powerful.  It is in little things as these steps that will be building blocks to your transforming those problems into inconveniences)

I close with this.  My views and beliefs will be different from your views and beliefs.  My mission is to share my story humbly and in empathy from my heart to your heart.   We are all on a journey and if our paths cross for the reasons that are 'Divinely Meant To Be' than I feel it is a worthwhile effort to walk together for awhile. 

Let's never loose sight of Hope in all that we do.  God has a Purpose For Your Life and His Grace is Sufficient To See You Through.

God Bless!
Doris

February 23, 2013

TIME FOR CLARIFICATION

I find a need to clarify my writings regarding RSDS/CRPS.  FIRST, and far most, my wish is for anybody reading my posts to realize that anything on my posts are coming from my view and experiences.  My only intent in taking this leap of faith in sharing, as I am not usually this bold in the public eye, is my hope to help somebody in some way. 

As one reads my posts, they will read many emotions and ups and downs regarding this condition called RSDS/CRPS.  I pen as I think, feel and have experienced at variable times during these 25 years that I have been diagnosed with RSDS/CRPS.

This last post where I penned the poem RSDS/CRPS PERSONS were written from the view of a person that has been going through terrific pain and this is their thoughts and feelings expressed.  The latter part of the poem is written from the view and feelings from a person that has RSDS/CRPS but has allowed it to become a part of their life and have learned skills and is leaning on a higher power than themselves to cope.  They are living a life that they see is worth while and on purpose. 

I will not linger in my clarifications of the posts but just wanted to share this as there might be persons out there reading these and have a misunderstanding of the intent in my heart as to why/what I am writing.  I feel this is worthwhile in penning because I do not want to leave any room for any help to be missed or interruption in the flow of my intent. 

Life is better or worse many times in the way we make our choices and accept what we have no control over.  I feel when we are willing to always and ever think and act beyond ourselves and look for ways to help others in the process of living, the rest will fall into place.  Hopefully, at the end of our journey, we will have come full circle.

Have a thankful day. I know that I am.
God Bless!
Doris