"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (heaven) except through me." John 14:6 Autumn Splendor in Sonoma
My grandfather died last week. In a way, it was expected – he hasn’t been well for a long time. But, it was also unexpected. He had lingered for so long I honestly thought he would linger longer.
There are many ideas of heaven, afterlife and what occurs when you die. Most people I have talked to about this have a ‘second generation belief’. They believe what they believe because it is what their family accepts as true, what their church has faith in, or what their Great-grandma told them when their dog died.
What do you believe and how do you know it is true?
I believe there is a heaven and that hell exists. Furthermore, I believe there is only one way into heaven. It is quite simple actually – accept Christ – go to heaven, reject Christ, go to hell.
My belief seems harsh – this or that, either/or, one way is the only way…but truth is like that – back, white and simple. When heaven’s entry becomes grey and muddy it is because we have added to the mandate - like we know more than God and the simplicity he provided is not enough.
How do I know it is true? Like the children’s song says “The Bible tells me so.” Some may call me foolish for believing an ancient text full of stories about creating out of nothing, war, adultery, prophets, miracles, kingdoms, kings, and romance. If this is your view, I ask: “Have you read it?” Really read it – not skimmed it or started in Lamentations, but really got lost in it, understood it for yourself…if not, I challenge you to.
Where are you going when you die? It is the big question we all face. It is also a personal choice – one you have your entire life to make. But I wouldn’t wait too long to think this over…life is fragile and can easily break.
Updates:
Living – at my relative’s house
Car – On May 24th I really felt God told me to relax about the car issue – that he would take car of everything…and he has. I have been asking lately about having a more permanent solution and on September 20th I received an email stating a rēp alumni is donating their car for my express use! It is being gifted to me! Once I get it I’ll post a picture of my newest God story! Samson – has got my relatives chatting with him. He sits in the window while my aunt gets ready for work and ‘entertains’ her with his vocalizations. She makes a statement “No, you aren’t going outside” and he responds…it is highly amusing!
Work – The travel season has started. The first staff members left this week with two more going next week, two more follow the week after that, then two more after that.
Financing – I have raised about $1900 a month – thank you. I am actively working to book LEMON seminars (www.lemonleadership.com) in the Bay area to raise my salary.
Requests:
Housing – I am with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin for the time being but, when the new rēp headquarters are determined, I need to a cat friendly space close to the office.
Car – We need to complete the necessary paperwork for the donation and get the testing done and it will be transferred – hopefully in the next two weeks!
Work – I need to book LEMON Leadership forums and I am hitting wall after wall after wall – pray that I can have strategy on how to proceed.
Computer – It is doing weird stuff. The mouse wanders off across the screen and won’t come back and programs just start doing their own thing – like turning on track changes. Strange.
Financing - Eventually my position will be salaried but at first I need to raise ~$3000 a month cover expenses. If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.
Happy First Day of Autumn / Spring depending on your locale!
Dena
