Monday, June 23, 2008

In appreciation

Good morning everyone. It's a fine day here in Vancouver. Looks like the sun will shine on us today. I'm busy getting ready for company tomorrow night. Some friends who are important to me are coming for dinner and games. I've wanted to have them over since before Christmas - looking for an opportunity all this time - and finally it's happening. I'm trying to make everything just right - clean house and good food. Yes!! So looking forward to this!

If you read my last post you will know about my new understanding of what Jesus meant by the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven - of this being here, starting today. And I hope this doesn't upset any of you, because I know it's different from what most of us have been taught in Sunday School. But I believe we must listen to what Jesus said and not what people say he said. We need to listen to him first.

This new understanding is making me look differently at the world around me.

I remember clearly what happened when I first became interested in photography. I became very aware of everything, looking for things that would make good pictures. I came to appreciate the world in a different way - looking for beauty everywhere I went.

Yesterday I went for a walk with my husband, thinking about God and his presence with us. And I appreciated the sun and the gardens and the precious time with my husband. And I thanked God for all the good I saw and for the good time with my husband. And I experienced God's kingdom. I experienced a bit of the kingdom of heaven. And I felt full and happy.

It's so important to be aware of what is good and to do what is good and to be grateful. So important to love. There's nothing better for our mental health!

2 comments:

Nancie said...

Dear Marja,

Thanks for all your prayers, encouragements and support. Thank God for strengthening me daily and I am feeling better.

Truly knowing God and our Lord Jesus Christ is experiencing heaven on this earth! I look forward to the day when we can be with the Lord forever to enjoy His love and fellowship without the hindrance of our frail body and mind. But meanwhile, each day with the Lord on this earth is a little taste of heaven for me.

I love each day that the Lord give me to live for Him and serve Him. Clinical depression can at times make things very difficult but I try, by God's grace, to focus on His Precious Truths knowing that He is with me always and will uplift and deliver me in His time. Meanwhile, He is sustaining me and working all things for His glory and my good, and that of His people.

Trust you have had a lovely time with your friends. You are such a precious and dear friend. May God bless you always and continue to make you a blessing to others, spreading God's love and grace, that they too may something of the heaven on this earth.

Love,
Nancie

marja said...

Hi Nancie,

I'm glad you're feeling better. So good that you are trusting God and staying close to Him.

Yes, eternity starts now. We don't have to wait till we die before experiencing His peace and joy.