Joni Canastraro / Print Media Designer

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,

and what no human mind has conceived^” the things God has prepared for those who love him — 1 Corinthians 2:9

For me, whether or not heaven is for real is not in question. Heaven is a promise from God to those who put their trust in Christ Jesus. I could not have gotten through this past year with such peace without knowing and believing this truth. My husband Lou was gone one year on June 20th, but the sting of his death has not hindered my love for our amazing, perfect-in-every-way, God. In fact, my desire to know my heavenly father intimately has never been stronger in my life.

Lou is in his heavenly dwelling place, in the presence of his Savior and Creator. The joy he is experiencing is unimaginable. He now understands the “whys” of things on earth. It is very possible he is cheering the kids and me on as we journey in this life, holding tight to Christ’s hand. The promise of a sweet reunion is in our grasp. What a magnificent thought!

Paul writes “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 So I press on and I press in. As I press in and become more like Christ, the more He will flow out of me and draw others to himself.

Everything that I do and say matters in the Kingdom of heaven and more importantly, matters to those unbelievers God has entrusted me with knowing here on earth. More than anything, I want my life to be a beacon for His glory and future Kingdom. Praise His Holy Name!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16