Contemplatin' Heaven in Florida by Heather Koerner on 06/09/2008 at 3:03 PM

I just got back from a week vacation to the Florida coast. (Yes, Ronnica, you were right. At least, about me.)

It was simply amazing. There were several moments during the trip (watching my kiddos giggle and play in the surf, basking in the sun with no "to do" list running through my head, walking arm-in-arm with my husband through a beautiful outdoor shopping area enjoying the cool, ocean breezes) when I would let out a great sigh and think, "it just doesn't get any better than this."

Thankfully, though, I had brought along a bushel-full of library books to enjoy and one of them, Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven, reminded me of something: It does get better than this. Alcorn writes:

"It doesn't get any better than this." Can you think of even one time in your life when, even for a fleeting moment, that seemed to be true?

Well, it isn't true.

The most ordinary moment on the New Earth will be greater than the most perfect moments in this life -- those experiences you wanted to bottle or hang on to but couldn't. It can get better, far better, than this -- and it will. Life on the New Earth will be like sitting in front of the fire with family and friends, basking in the warmth, laughing uproariously, dreaming of the adventures to come -- and then going out and living those adventures together. With no fear that life will ever end or that tragedy will descend like a dark cloud. With no fear that dreams will be shattered or relationships broken.

I really enjoyed this book. Alcorn challenged me about my thinking on Heaven. He tackles some tough questions that most of us don't want to admit we even ask: Will heaven be just one big boring church service? Will the Old Earth be destroyed ... or renewed? What will our resurrected bodies be like? Will we remember our lives? What will it be like to look on God's face? Whom will we meet in heaven and what will we experience together?

It was so interesting to read answers to those questions. (Spoiler warning: It will be anything but boring. Heaven will be a great adventure.) But what I enjoyed most about the book was that it really got me jazzed about heaven again. I think I had lost a lot of my childlike wonder at heaven. After all, there are some things that I really do enjoy about this life. But Alcorn reminded me that the good things I enjoy in this life are just a taste -- just the dimmest shadow -- of what is to come.

Alcorn also reminded me not to be wasteful of my time: "By God's grace, use the time you have left on the present Earth to store up for yourself treasures on the New Earth, to be laid at Christ's feet for His glory." Alcorn quotes C.T. Studd: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."

So now that I'm back to laundry and grocery shopping and games of Sorry on the living room floor, I'm still content. Florida was great. But Heaven...well... Heaven will be more glorious than I can even begin to imagine.

Contemplatin' Heaven in Florida by Heather Koerner on 06/09/2008 at 3:03 PM

I just got back from a week vacation to the Florida coast. (Yes, Ronnica, you were right. At least, about me.)

It was simply amazing. There were several moments during the trip (watching my kiddos giggle and play in the surf, basking in the sun with no "to do" list running through my head, walking arm-in-arm with my husband through a beautiful outdoor shopping area enjoying the cool, ocean breezes) when I would let out a great sigh and think, "it just doesn't get any better than this."

Thankfully, though, I had brought along a bushel-full of library books to enjoy and one of them, Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven, reminded me of something: It does get better than this. Alcorn writes:

"It doesn't get any better than this." Can you think of even one time in your life when, even for a fleeting moment, that seemed to be true?

Well, it isn't true.

The most ordinary moment on the New Earth will be greater than the most perfect moments in this life -- those experiences you wanted to bottle or hang on to but couldn't. It can get better, far better, than this -- and it will. Life on the New Earth will be like sitting in front of the fire with family and friends, basking in the warmth, laughing uproariously, dreaming of the adventures to come -- and then going out and living those adventures together. With no fear that life will ever end or that tragedy will descend like a dark cloud. With no fear that dreams will be shattered or relationships broken.

I really enjoyed this book. Alcorn challenged me about my thinking on Heaven. He tackles some tough questions that most of us don't want to admit we even ask: Will heaven be just one big boring church service? Will the Old Earth be destroyed ... or renewed? What will our resurrected bodies be like? Will we remember our lives? What will it be like to look on God's face? Whom will we meet in heaven and what will we experience together?

It was so interesting to read answers to those questions. (Spoiler warning: It will be anything but boring. Heaven will be a great adventure.) But what I enjoyed most about the book was that it really got me jazzed about heaven again. I think I had lost a lot of my childlike wonder at heaven. After all, there are some things that I really do enjoy about this life. But Alcorn reminded me that the good things I enjoy in this life are just a taste -- just the dimmest shadow -- of what is to come.

Alcorn also reminded me not to be wasteful of my time: "By God's grace, use the time you have left on the present Earth to store up for yourself treasures on the New Earth, to be laid at Christ's feet for His glory." Alcorn quotes C.T. Studd: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."

So now that I'm back to laundry and grocery shopping and games of Sorry on the living room floor, I'm still content. Florida was great. But Heaven...well... Heaven will be more glorious than I can even begin to imagine.

Comments

[1. Ronnica said the following at 3:28 PM on Jun 9:]

1

Glad to hear at least one person was enjoying their time away from the computer. =)

Thanks for the great reminder that the earth is not our home.

[2. Rachael said the following at 5:39 PM on Jun 9:]

2

Neat that Alcon's book renewed your excitement about heaven.

Wonder what heaven will be like. Will there be lots of service projects to be done? (*Fun if done in community!*). Will we be able to find and recognize everyone we may want to meet up with again?

No tears.

Being where God is and with Abraham, Paul, David, Rahab, with saved loved ones...

So glad this earth isn't the endall. Sure there are wonderful moments here to appreciate, but it's so nice knowing that believers who've gone before us are there and that wonderful knowing that one day we too will be welcomed into that hardship-free home!

[3. Tami said the following at 10:07 PM on Jun 9:]

3

Laughing about the "spoiler alert." I think I can safely say that no matter how much we read about how this story ends, our enjoyment of its resolution will not be reduced in any way by the knowledge we have of it today. :)

[4. BDB said the following at 10:59 PM on Jun 9:]

4

This is such a happy topic. Someone should comment on it. Ah, the ocean breeze...

[5. Amethyst said the following at 8:04 AM on Jun 10:]

5

this is an awesome post!! I had been thinking and wondering about heaven yesterday... and this gave me a fresh perspective.

Thank you!

[6. Matt from DC said the following at 10:54 AM on Jun 10:]

6

I just finished reading this book last month. It was a major perspective shift for me. Alcorn touched on many important and interesting topics.

For those of you who have read the book as well I have two questions about Heaven that Alcorn didn't cover.

Since he says that we sleep in Heaven what about dreaming during sleep? Answer and elaborate.

Since he covers God, angel, people, and animals in Heaven what about plants? Answer and elaborate.

[7. Lynne Davis said the following at 5:59 AM on Jun 14:]

7

I live in Florida. I'll never forget the sunset we saw last year at Panama City Beach. We had spent a day praying at two locations in Pensacola during the 40 Days for Life campaign. We were headed home and took a detour. What amazes we is that as unpredictable as the ocean is, God has it in His control. And how thoughful He is to give us such beauty by showing us the splendor of colors each night as they appear to touch the ocean. Whenever I see the ocean and a sunset/sunrise, I stand in awe of God. It is the perfect time to reflect on His majesty and might. When I think of heaven, I think of the beauty that awaits us. Have you seen the short film Tilly? There are a few scences of heaven in it. What is great is that I know no matter what I can come up with, it will be even better than I can imagine! That is why I want so much for everyone to be there!
As for Randy Alcorn, I have two of his books I am reading this summer!
Glad you had a good time.We all need to take time off and TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!

[1. Ronnica said the following at 3:28 PM on Jun 9:]

1

Glad to hear at least one person was enjoying their time away from the computer. =)

Thanks for the great reminder that the earth is not our home.

[2. Rachael said the following at 5:39 PM on Jun 9:]

2

Neat that Alcon's book renewed your excitement about heaven.

Wonder what heaven will be like. Will there be lots of service projects to be done? (*Fun if done in community!*). Will we be able to find and recognize everyone we may want to meet up with again?

No tears.

Being where God is and with Abraham, Paul, David, Rahab, with saved loved ones...

So glad this earth isn't the endall. Sure there are wonderful moments here to appreciate, but it's so nice knowing that believers who've gone before us are there and that wonderful knowing that one day we too will be welcomed into that hardship-free home!

[3. Tami said the following at 10:07 PM on Jun 9:]

3

Laughing about the "spoiler alert." I think I can safely say that no matter how much we read about how this story ends, our enjoyment of its resolution will not be reduced in any way by the knowledge we have of it today. :)

[4. BDB said the following at 10:59 PM on Jun 9:]

4

This is such a happy topic. Someone should comment on it. Ah, the ocean breeze...

[5. Amethyst said the following at 8:04 AM on Jun 10:]

5

this is an awesome post!! I had been thinking and wondering about heaven yesterday... and this gave me a fresh perspective.

Thank you!

[6. Matt from DC said the following at 10:54 AM on Jun 10:]

6

I just finished reading this book last month. It was a major perspective shift for me. Alcorn touched on many important and interesting topics.

For those of you who have read the book as well I have two questions about Heaven that Alcorn didn't cover.

Since he says that we sleep in Heaven what about dreaming during sleep? Answer and elaborate.

Since he covers God, angel, people, and animals in Heaven what about plants? Answer and elaborate.

[7. Lynne Davis said the following at 5:59 AM on Jun 14:]

7

I live in Florida. I'll never forget the sunset we saw last year at Panama City Beach. We had spent a day praying at two locations in Pensacola during the 40 Days for Life campaign. We were headed home and took a detour. What amazes we is that as unpredictable as the ocean is, God has it in His control. And how thoughful He is to give us such beauty by showing us the splendor of colors each night as they appear to touch the ocean. Whenever I see the ocean and a sunset/sunrise, I stand in awe of God. It is the perfect time to reflect on His majesty and might. When I think of heaven, I think of the beauty that awaits us. Have you seen the short film Tilly? There are a few scences of heaven in it. What is great is that I know no matter what I can come up with, it will be even better than I can imagine! That is why I want so much for everyone to be there!
As for Randy Alcorn, I have two of his books I am reading this summer!
Glad you had a good time.We all need to take time off and TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!