By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Scripture indicates there is an unforgiveable sin. But, only one. 

Mark 3:28-29, “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; ²⁹ but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— ³⁰ because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

They later part of that verse shows specifically what, within the claim of the Pharisees that comprised “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.”

I have encountered Christians who were tormented through believing they may have committed the unforgiveable sin. Yet, it is God who draws people to Himself. Consequently, if you have any inclinations to pray, this is because God is drawing you to Himself. Clearly, if you had committed the unforgiveable sin, a desire to pray would not exist. You can rest assured by letting that tormenting question go is a good idea. It holds no reality within your spirit.

John 6:44 assures us that, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” So, it is God who initiates prayer.

Below is an excerpt from GotQuestions.org website offering excellent commentary on this topic:

“The term blasphemy may be generally defined as “defiant irreverence.” The term can be applied to such sins as cursing God or willfully degrading things relating to God. Blasphemy is also attributing some evil to God or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. This particular case of blasphemy, however, is called “the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” in Matthew 12:31. The Pharisees, having witnessed irrefutable proof that Jesus was working miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, claimed instead that the Lord was possessed by a demon (Matthew 12:24). Notice in Mark 3:30 Jesus is very specific about what the Pharisees did to commit blasphemy against the Holy Spirit: “He said this because they were saying, ‘He has an impure spirit.’”

There are three passages within the four Gospels that specifically address this matter. In (Matthew 12:24, we find what Pharisees specifically said: “‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.’”

God is not mad at people. God loves people! He inspires and enlivens us as we make our pilgrimage here on earth. We do encounter times of making choices contrary to God’s holy Word and beneath the goodness God is instilling in us. Yes, we make mistakes. Ideally, we learn from our mistakes. We discover what works and what does not work for our own good and the good of others. Life with God at the helm of our lives is a grand learning experience.

2 Corinthians 3:18, encourages us along the way to know there is glory ahead, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

We are given a lifetime to pull ourselves together for growing into all we can be–for the glory of God (not our own). John 6:44 promises that: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

However, we ought not to waste time, leaving our “doing business with God” for another era within life. For another pertinent truth is made clear in the very first book of the Bible in Genesis 6:3: “So, the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh.” The rest of the versus assures us that our days shall be numbered, No one gets out of here alive. The fullness of life comes through answering the call of Christ who will then abide continuously with us through His Holy Spirit.

Revelations 3:20 makes it plain that Christ intends for us to respond to Him so He can enter our lives, “dine with us” as He abides within our souls. “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Jesus Christ walked on earth, lived, the died carrying our sins on a cross, Why? So that we might be free. He alone will be the judge over all the living and the dead in the last and final judgment of humankind prophesied in the Book of Revelations. Matthew 25:31-46 shows the picture of what will happen on that ominous day:

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’”

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

John 5:22, tells us, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” 

He has prepared the way for us to live in His love, having an inner peace that the world can observe, but never understand.

“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children, (Matthew 11:25). 

It takes becoming as a little child to enter into the Kingdom of God (trusting and leaning on God’s provisions.) Matthew 18:2-5 explains: “Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation, (2 Corinthians 6:2).

It is simple to talk with God. Speak your thoughts and let Him know what you desire.

Many things spoke of the Power and Presence of God. The hardness of marble altars, stone floors and wooden pews spoke of strength. Then I looked at the people. They were soft. Vessels of earthen clay, yet filled with spirit.

Many shy away from being called “soft.” But the softness I saw was holy. That which makes us vulnerable, malleable and capable of love.

Back home this truth was clearly seen when I visited the home of friends who had just lost their 24-year-old son in death. Neighbors, family and friends from their parish came, some with arms loaded with food. Many offered prayers from caring hearts. And as they left each carried away a piece of the pain. So much pain to be borne there in that home. Yet the grieving family knew through the people that they would not be bearing this alone. The softness of human love was leaving its impact, as love in action extends strength.

At times like this we often feel inept. Words may seem inadequate. But what we do have to give is enough. That is empathy, wrapped in flesh. When we are weak, then we are strong. The Apostle Paul exhibited that throughout the letters he left for believers who would follow “the way,” which Christ revealed to him.

When we see a fellow human hurting, something incredible occurs. There is an urging within to stop—set aside what we are doing—and go. “Be there.” It is love in action, coming from the treasure of one’s heart. Tears convey release, as solace is received.  Such “holy water” grants clear vision that this love, as it flows from others, is a healing force.

We all endure grievous trials during this life? 1 Peter 1:7, portrays how it is through these hardships that our faith comes forth “much more precious than gold that is tested by fire.” So, there is a refinement process and if we yield ourselves to it, enrichment results. And, God is praised.

While alongside my friends, I saw no anger or resentment. No bitterness spouted, although these dear people had lost another son a mere 13 months before. God is their ally, not their foe. And because of this, peace reigns in their home. Philippians 4:7, refers to this as “a peace of God which passes all understanding that guards our hearts through Christ Jesus.”

So here we are as humans, ideally all “soft covers”—no “hardbacks.” Fragile, destined for much wear and tear. Yet durable beyond comprehension. Filled with strength, having quite enough to share.

People. Earth’s richest resource. Vessels deemed worthy by God to carry His love. A love experienced most vividly when seen flowing from one to another. Oh, holy ones of God, we belong to each other.

Thank God for our hearts of flesh, capable of expanding, stretching, growing—even at the risk of breaking. Yet it is in the breaking that we are formed afresh. As Christ’s body, broken in the Eucharist and given away for the nourishment of many, we live on loving life and one another. The “breakings” do come, challenging our souls and in the end, what is remembered is that faith does hold strong when we depend on the power of the Spirit. This is what makes us more than flesh . . . And able to live forever.

Carol explored various religions, yet said, “None fit the bill for me.”  She liked believing only in what she could solidly see, touch, taste and smell . . . along with what she felt in her heart.  So I simply shared the journey with her, offering prayer at points, which she did not oppose. For sure, praying helped me, in my determining to “walk alongside” my friend on this, her last journey.

Carol loved books and had great interest in researching topics, one of which was cuneiform writing. Discussing these helped occupy her dexterous mind. Pain was present.

We talked on many topics of interest, fairly often agreeing with one another. Disagreements came and went, but failed to slow us down. Carol was “rich”—not monetarily, for sure, but in depth of soul. Much time has passed, yet, I still remember her laughter.

As the end of her days grew closer, Carol showed me the gown in which she wanted to be buried.  She was a grand and beloved person, attending closely to the things in life that triggered her interests. The story of Carol’s last days on earth was published in our hometown daily newspaper, the Idaho Statesman, in Boise, ID. It carried the words of her family members, the hospice staff and mine, revealing how death can be when everyone pulls together while reckoning with the ins and outs of dying.

I was with Carol often those days before her death, even on the evening she left us. She knew acceptance was the key to moving through it. I recall being worried, though, as she decided being an atheist best described what she felt.

Weeks before her leave-taking I gave a note to Carol while sitting at her bedside. It read:

“My dear friend, tuck this away for when you are too curious and must read.

Just in case. Would you please say this little prayer to God?

“God, if there is a heaven and Jesus’ words are true, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me,’ would You please be there when I die and take me to your home in heaven?

“If I am wrong in not believing and you are there for me—I want to know you, love you and join my friends who have believed. If this comes to be, please have mercy on me and take me in. I just don’t have what it takes to believe. Perhaps you can yet bring it to be?”

Carol read the note immediately, then looked up with a big smile on her face, saying, “Oh, Joy, I have already done that!”

The laugh was on me; but today, I savor that moment.

At a viewing of Carol’s body, I sat alone in the room. Something unusual was felt. It was as if a golden glow filled the room. I thought of concerns that plagued after that last night with Carol . . . now wondering, was I as helpful to her as I could have been? Knowing the Scriptures well, did I share passages with her that could assure her that she would make it to heaven? Was I right in inwardly rejoicing over her response of “having covered that?”

Sometimes our surmising, when heartfelt, are all the guidance we need while seeking to discern something. Still, there were moments while sitting in that room with her body, during which I questioned, “Did I do enough for her?”

It is true, always within grief we experience some elements of guilt.

Many years have passed. Today, I think of the things I learned through relating with Carol. Sometimes relationships don’t end well. And, there, too, we meet with self-doubt.

And how do we work our way through self-doubt? By giving it room, deciding what’s true, and learning what we can from it.

Inside the cover of The Interlinear Bible Hebrew, Greek, English, with which she gifted me, Carol wrote, “Joy, Hope you enjoy this Book. I found your friendship very refreshing. Keep making good choices. Lots of love, Carol. Thank you.”

Within the golden glow sensed I held the essence of Carol and our friendship. My spirit was quickened by a Scripture passage, “Be still and know that I am God.” What a blessing it is to believe God takes us right  where we are. God’s love for us is grand—and knowing this is glorious!

An exasperating experience happened last week while working with an offshore tech about a software problem. Upon calling for help, the cue was looping; I couldn’t get a person. Then upon reaching one, he could not find my account. Forty-five minutes had passed!

People talk about “losing their religion. “Rankled, in the moment, I lost my perspective. Words like “d_ _ and h_ _ _,” were trying to surface. Yikes! I never swear! Now, my temper became the bigger concern. When I asked the Lord, “Help me understand what is behind this anger,” an old memory arose. Funny how early-life happenings can come vividly alive affecting a current situation.

What happened to trigger my anger and produce my energized tongue needed attention? But, first it was important to follow the advice I so frequently give to others: “Honor your emotions and identify old messages derived from wounds of the past—that can still affect your life.” Yes. There it was. The old memory had engrained a message. And, it was that message while working with the off-shore tech that forcefully came alive, “They didn’t care enough!” So, I am back to the drawing board for more inner work.

Once we get a taste of the freedom that comes with healing our emotional wounds, we are more inclined to invest time for dealing with difficult emotions and forgiving the past. Joyfulness results, springing up from the soul. 

The truth is this: We can’t reach our max in wholeness by putting a lid on our difficult feelings. Why? Because doing so also finds us capping off most of our joy as well. Ideally, we reckon with feelings that are difficult to handle, versus pushing those down deep inside. What a great pleasure it is to work through the pain and begin to praise God for all the goodness in our lives. Soon, more and more excitement, enthusiasm, gladness, and peace of heart are present. These are the keys to living a life of emotional freedom. We can live on “the celebration side.”  Voile!

Through the ages, wisdom has flowed to humanity. Socrates once said, “Know thyself.”  He knew well that “the life which is unexamined is not worth living.” Then, William Shakespeare wrote, “To thine own self be true.” These writers urge us to examine our hearts. King David’s words, after he looked within, are common to my own. He cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” (Psalms 51:10). The greatest of all wisdom comes to play when, after examining, we align our lives with what God wants of us. With God’s help, our hearts are made clean, and we are back on the ”solid ground” of righteous living wherein we respect ourselves, enjoy others, and abide within God’s intentions.

If we, as believers, can’t rejoice, but instead live and act as if life on earth is a trial to be endured—we are not living in truth. This world is only a brief part of eternal existence. Actually, we are just passing through. Life here, presents us with an opportunity to learn how to become more and more deeply involved with the Lord, our Creator. It is within this wonderful privilege that we hear God’s call and find how best we can develop our gifts and meaningfully serve the needs of our families and others.

Jesus talked much about joy, even as He neared the shadow of the cross. And, for sure, there is joy in the presence of the Lord. We can feel that joy and that Presence while reading Scripture. Within those pages, the character and wondrous nature of God shows up. We see that our Creator wants the best for us. We are meant to enjoy our lives and this beautiful earth.

Joy comes when we capture some of the essence of what God and His goodness is about. The Bible says us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil 4:4-7).

Contrary to what some people believe regarding a Christian’s life, God doesn’t limit our potential and possibilities. Rather, God vastly expands them.

We cannot avoid thinking about death as the numbers of those who die from the COVID virus are astounding. This fact prevails as we read the newspaper, or view the news. People are fearful—and this is not good. A study of muscle testing (kinesiology) suggests our muscular system is weakened when we know something is wrong for us, or we face a threat. It may be possible our immune systems are also weakened as we begin to realize the truth, “I could catch this Covid thing—I could die from it.” Could it be that we are less likely to become sick with the virus if we conquer the fear of it?

It is possible to make friends with death and come to live with the truth that death is part of life. It is said, “None of us get out of here alive.” (True, in a temporal sense.) One of the greatest mysteries of all is that we are here on earth for a short time and that none of us know how long we will have. This is the very factor that makes life so precious.

Embracing death, learning to accept it as a friend can make a huge difference with our quality of life. If we know it’s “there for us” as friend, not a foe, we are more apt to have peace and take care not to bring it on early. This is simply a matter of not doing something stupid, like racing a car or motorcycle at excessive miles per hour . . . or, driving while intoxicated. Of course, there are many other ways in which we can bring on death before it needs to come. Life is precious.

For twenty of my early years, I had a hard time staying alive until a surgery, a vena cava filter, was invented near my 35^th birthday. This was a miracle for me as it stopped blood clots flowing from my legs and abdomen into my heart and lungs. Now, my living long astounds me . . . when there is time to think about it.

How I made friends with death was through journaling, a practice that kept my mind on what I truly wanted to happen while here on earth, with God’s help. The Bible became my daily guide, allowing me to become more “spiritually minded.” Prayer flows easily and often.

Death became my friend by making it a part of how I live my life. Perpetually grateful for being alive, I celebrate life by giving thanks to God for the opportunities to help others on their journeys. One of the greatest of all blessings for a chaplain is to be there for individuals as they manage their fears in life and as they face death.

As regards handling the difficult emotions of fearing one’s end-of-life, it does no good to deny the fact that it will come. Dealing with that fear of it, honestly and squarely, takes a trust in God’s provision of everlasting life. Jesus came to be with us in order to provide our eternal future with Him. This world is our pilgrim-place. We will truly be alive in the “ever-after” once we are at home with God who created us. Meanwhile,” to be spiritual minded is life and peace,” (Romans 8:6.)

One of the good things that can come out of this pandemic is that most of us are living at a slower pace. Another, is that we see more clearly our temporal state. These factors prepare us better for “making the best of it,” while here. We can determine what we want to achieve in life, then get to the job of making it happen. Just be ready. Read the Bible daily. (Suggestion: start with the book of John, alongside the ministry of a pastor.)

Keeping one’s heart in God’s truth brings wonderful peace and comfort. “Always ready” becomes the best possible motto for life, while here on terra firma. What awaits will be glorious, beyond what we can imagine.

I would like to suggest a gift that we could give to ourselves with no cash lay out. No monthly payments hazarding 2021. Living in the now could be one of the greatest gifts ever received. It is something we alone can give to ourselves. And, doing so will benefit everyone around us. (Even God and the neighbors.)

Notice how ”the now” is where children live. Given the passing of time, most of us adults have forgotten how to do that. Life finds us letting that go. As adults, we are habitually inclined to press toward tomorrow, next week, or what we can make happen years from now. Yet, the habit of favoring elusive tomorrows with fervor and anticipation robs our todays.

When we are not projecting our thoughts into the future, we regress into the past. But what of “this moment”—as living is best done in the now.

Some hold a rather fatalistic view of the future, as Matthew Prior wrote in Human Life, “What trifling coil do we poor mortals keep; Wake, eat and drink, evacuate, and sleep.” Yet, life is so much more.  A 16^th century monk said it best: “Not where I live do I breath, but where I love.”

The Bible says we carry a precious treasure within these “earthen vessels.” This takes pondering to perceive the truth of it.

Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God being within us, righteousness (right doing), peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, as Romans 14:17 explains.

It seems the glory of God is most fully seen in us humans when we are daily submitting ourselves to the essence of that spiritual kingdom. This exemplifies enjoying the now. 

Of course, living in the now, does not always mean our experiences will be joyous. There are other emotions to be lived—and when we are honoring and identifying them, hard as they may be, at times, we are truly alive as we work through them.

Notice what happens when we are stopped in the present, prevented from rushing into the future? This can bring discomfort to our busy days. We can get “antsy” while waiting in line at the supermarket or waiting in the doctor’s office. What’s it like when brought to a halt in heavy traffic? Could this be a time to hum a tune, sing a song, or visit a favorite memory lived out with a loved one?

Why is it that we so often seem unable to receive these moments as gift? These times can be used for seeing more fully what is around us, even to notice people in more depth, here and there. Sending a blessing their way. Why not send them some love? We have a lot to give, right?

Rather than to rush past this truth in our hurry to grab the next moment, let’s stop to ponder the length and depths of what we are doing with our lives. This can show us our true heart’s desire. And, within the process of this exploration, we are living into the present moment.

 In a way, we are all “one”–all breathing the same air, most likely each of us are waiting to be set free of “the wait.” Do we really want to plunge into future moments, skipping the now? How about savoring each day that nourishes the soul.

We had three sons, Ted, Tim and Todd. When one of them would bicker with another, I would make him stop and think. At times, when one failed to share a goodie treat, I’d say, “Look closely at your brother. He has a tongue and a taster, too!” This worked, serving to make the little “perp” think beyond himself and remember that sharing is loving.

Surely, each of us shares a certain poverty. Not one of us can be certain of a tomorrow, a next year, or even the “next moment.”  We have this moment—tis all.

Do we love ourselves enough to live into this gift of “the now?”

Years back, Jessica Savitch interviewed Whoopi Goldberg on television. Whoopi told of her mother referring to her as “extra ordinary,” when she was a child. Whoopi said, “I used to think she meant extraordinary. But, all the time she just meant ‘extra ordinary.”’ Whoopi believed she could do extraordinary things. So, she has! Her keen ability to impersonate common people and ordinary events, while bringing humor to the mundane has enriched many lives. Historically, Whoopi has shared her extraordinary ability to shed delightful color on the simplicity and silliness of our everyday selves.

Clearly, the “extra ordinary” person Whoopi’s mother spoke of could best describe Hazel, my new found hero. She has not experienced fame, yet “extraordinary” describes Hazel well, as her dedication is carried with such grace and fortitude as to be challenging for some and encouraging for others.

So often we go through life longing for extraordinary experiences, eagerly awaiting the exceptional, the remarkable to take place. When all the time the real joy of living is found in being content with and discovering pleasure in the commonplace—in the present moment, especially while listening to the stories of others.

Extraordinary happenings of life, which always come, bring great surprise along with that occasional bit of rapture so good for the soul. However, if we are constantly on the hunt for the “peaks,” of finding what is superbly uncommon—the experiences that can titillate or otherwise thrill—then ordinary happenstances, like hearing the stories of another’s life, could just seem dull.

For sure, the conversation of a person who has traversed the earth for 7-9 decades can take a little more time and perhaps more patience while listening. Being in a hurry, may mean wisdom is lost. A prevalent “On with the action” mode of being is easy to slip into.

Fascinated by the unusual, all sorts of memorabilia entice us. We collect stamps, papers, dolls, books, bottles and old coins—antiques of every sort. And, what happens to people who have accumulated great age? Those seen as “spent” are warehoused far too often; as if human souls can be pushed into “attics” until “collected” by someone who stumbles onto the truth of their value . . . long after the person’s demise. Then they may exclaim, “Hey, this person had it together!” Yes, surely some must live out the last months and sometimes even years of their lives in care centers. But must they be deserted mentally and emotionally?

The following segment of a poem by William Wordsworth, the English poet (of 1770-1850), speaks of this:

“I heard a thousand blended notes,

While in a grove I sat reclined,

In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts

Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link

The human soul that through me ran;

And much it grieved my heart to think

What man has made of man.”

There seems to be a bit of “bareness” as people reach their later years. But, what if we determine to affirm the elderly—the “antique people” and seek out their stories. Envision our ability to validate them in such ways as they feel there is still beauty and purpose in being here.

My dream for this year is for growth in the ability to enjoy the ordinary, while also honing in on the stories of my fellow globe-trotters. I want to listen better and be able to perceive their richness, solidity and wisdom. It is similar to how those of us who live in the Arizona desert develop a keen ability to see past barrenness, as our eyes are ever finding the beauty that is there for those who have the “eyes to see it.”

The Bible holds great hope. Psalm 92:12-14, shows people “in old age” as “still bearing fruit . . . fresh and flourishing, declaring their faith in the Lord.”

Way to go!

I can’t help but think of my husband, Gary, who married me with three little boys to raise, ages 4, 7 and 9. Sure, he fell in love with me, but also he was a handsome guy with a good job as a ticket agent for Greyhound Bus Lines. There were women he may have preferred, but he chose me, one who had come out of a great struggle from a calamitous marriage, with hundreds of dollars still owed to her lawyer. He opted to come alongside me in life, making sure I, with my sons, had a nice home with everything we needed to help a family do well. He gave himself to us, out of love, yes, but he stepped in not knowing how it would all come down. He was, and is, my knight in shining armor—with amour in his heart. God saw it and blessed him. And, blessed us. As Christmas approaches, it is especially grand as we were married on Christmas Day and are about to have our 54^th anniversary. (Our “living room” marriage took place while Gary was on a brief Christmas leave from the Navy Seabees.)

Because of Gary’s sacrificial love, I could now know “our” family would be OK!

Early in our marriage. I experienced a sudden, life threatening illness—taking me right up to heaven’s gate. Yet, a risky surgery brought me back. Gary was beside my hospital bed for hours each day, then home taking care of the needs of three little boys. While spending much recuperation time in bed, I discovered that journaling, prayer and dream work were of great help as I sought healing. Consequently, these practices, coupled with studying the Bible, have continued throughout life.

Dreams can be teachers. A recent dream portrayed elements that show up within the lives of people who “truly live.” The dream infers that the “giving” we do in life will majorly influence what takes place once we reach the eternal realms of heaven.

Prior to this point in life, I’ve come to believe life is all about “how” we love . . . and that the more we love in this life the more we are like our Creator. Within last night’s dream another piece is added. The pictures and symbols portrayed that there is a very different “end result” in the next life when we give strictly from the heart, versus having an ulterior motive of gaining worth, needing something back, or giving out of fear of being “dissed if we don’t.”

This will be surprising to us in the next life, as we may not expect what comes. 1st Corinthians 3:9-14, came to me immediately after the dream, which speaks of us being “co-workers in God’s service . . .” Verse 12, says, “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.¹⁴ If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.” Wow! There will be a fire—to put our works to the test!

The dream showed how giving of ourselves and our abilities—not to be seen or admired, nor to gain power or appreciation—and not out of fear of any kind . . . but simply out of love, can never be destroyed. This is a giving that will STAND the heat of fire once our earthly lessons are over. I saw clearly in the dream that only what we have done on earth out of love will matter. And, speaking of the rewards, these will be empowerments. After the dream it was easy to believe our rewards will fortify and increase our natural abilities, expanding these magnificently throughout eternity. New, enriched understanding of all we have learned while here on earth will be ours. It brings joy to imagine what all may be ahead for us.

Thanks be to God for the gift of life and love—and thanks for the memories.

 That was the day I decided to become a sinner!

Church?!

Forever?!

I was in fifth grade. I liked singing, but it wasn’t as good with words like Ebenezer and prostrate. Mostly church was just stuff I didn’t understand, and an hour was already too long. Forever?!

Over time I began to understand. If she had said that heaven was a lot like Christian camp pool only forever, I would have gotten it immediately. Of course I loved the archery, the silly games, but I also sensed something was different about the people. There was a palpable love at camp. There was way less teasing and bullying and sarcasm, and if an adult was around when these things happened (sometimes I was the perpetrator) they handled it . . . gently. It was almost . . . as if . . . they valued us . . . even the fifth grade boys!

A few years later, I would have gotten it if she’d said heaven is like youth group only forever. Youth group was awesome–again, silly games and pizza. But there was also something different about youth group. My gifts were valued there, and my faults were tolerated and nudged toward better behavior. My school friends were into bad things. My youth group friends weren’t. They actually had two groups of friends, too, but we didn’t have to fit in with the crowd when we were with each other. We shaped each other’s lives for the better!

My senior year in high school, I actually would have gotten it if the teacher had said “heaven is like Sunday School, only forever.” That was the year that a close friend of mine died on a Saturday night. I found out in Sunday School. I burst into tears and ran from the room crying. Back in the 1900’s men didn’t cry in front of others. As soon as I got into the parking lot, I realized that I didn’t actually want to be alone. No sooner did I turn around than I found that my whole class had followed me into the parking lot and we cried and prayed together, and we did it for LONGER THAN AN HOUR!

Heaven is like the very best parts of church, only forever! Church should be a taste of heaven that one day we will have forever! Yeah! I get it!”

Thank you, Pastor Ken!

There are some essentials for any church that intends to effectively portray the love Jesus Christ has given to us . . . and hopes to effectively extend it to others. These non-negotiables have transcend time and culture:

1) Every church should uphold the gospel—the good news of Christ; 2) every church should teach God’s Word as its ultimate authority; 3) music is a must, as it helps a soul transcend the pressures of “last week;” 4) prayerful leadership and people able and willing to share their “ quest for heaven; 5)  opportunities to read the Bible together and study it as to how it pertains to our daily lives; 6) congregational prayerful worship; and 7 )Sunday school.

The last entry is extra important, as it makes a huge difference in a person’s life to grow up enjoying Sunday School. Never is Sunday School boring, as adults called to this ministry make it fun.

Ultimately, church is for worshiping God together in community. It is also a place where people can go to be renewed in spirit. It is a place to find truth. But, the best of all churches is where love is present and new comers are enjoyed.

People want to return when they feel cared about and welcomed to return. A copy of the church’s mission is the best gift to hand to them, along with the phone number of the pastor and the number of one additional person (like a deacon, or elder) who can be called to pray, answer questions, or assist in times of trouble.

Of course, no one is looking for perfection, right? For, while here on earth, there are no perfect people. We are a forgiven people!

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

Feelings are a funny thing. And, for writers we have a lot of them. Chaplains, even more. My heart wants to live heavenward, but my feelings often seem more earth-bound.

Many in “home town USA,” know me as a chaplain at our local hospital. Mostly, a great feeling comes through seeing, first hand, that people respond well to knowing they are cared about. Sometimes I hear confessions, although I am totally surprised when this happens. Maybe it is the name tag a chaplain wears . . . which one man called “The God Tag.” Hardly. Just being a loving, listening presence is the best I can do.

The caricature, here, was done by an artist after someone at a party shared a few words about my work as a chaplain. He approached me and asked only a mere question or two, then put his pen to paper. Upon seeing his caricature, truth hit: I knew that as much as I wanted to be classy and polished, this stranger truly “got the picture.” I’m just a little person, needing training wheels, but also loved–thank God–accepted by many and tolerated by some.

After twenty years of doing chaplaincy at hospitals, hospice and Mohave County Jail, my heart is full of memories. I’ve grown to know myself better, and to comprehend more about life. The primary battle here on this turf seems to be: 1) not to judge others, 2) let go of prejudice, 3) forgive what hurts, and 4) grow in the ability to love . . . while hanging out with harmonious people, especially those with a sense of humor.

As much as I wish to be finished, I can see much in my very own human nature that is fallible and unfinished. Surely, this is common for us humans–and lies beneath much of the anxiety in daily life.

For sure, it is an ongoing pain to see people hurt one another, innocent or not. This is rugged mountainous territory emotionally–hard places to traverse.

The link extended below will open my children’s book. My hopes are for helping children meet obstacles on their early paths and grow courageous. The book actually holds potential to open a window of reality for adults, as well as for children. It portrays how to overcome what hurts and scares the “bejeebers” out of us.

https://healingwithjoy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-little-mountain-goat-who-was-afraid.html

At www.healing-with-Joy extends many helps for people who know they, too, are not finished. Every entry is extended for use with family and friends, with only a request to please credit the site. Also, visit Healingwithjoy.blogspot.com–view her children’s book FREE titled the Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.