Waves of GLORY

Posted: 22. 12. 2014 | Author: Ellie Sharpe | Category: Inspirational

When this journey began to get more intense, someone mentioned to us, “It will come in waves.” Immediately, we began to wonder what that meant. It never fails that when I sit down to write about what was, the way our angel graced us, it is not an easy task. I do not just wake up feeling great, and rearing to go. In fact, I always awaken prepared, yet truly feeling more like a freight train hit me.

It is unreal to me that in a little over 15 hours, it will be one year since Sarah Elizabeth went home. I try not to dwell on this. In fact, most days, believe it or not, it is NOT at the forefront of my mind, and our minds. I used to feel bad about that. But, I understand now, that no one who leaves the earth wants those temporarily left behind to hurt and be in anguish over what was.

The title for this entry came to me early this morning. I began to reflect on the TRUE intimacy of God. Did you know, or were you aware that GOD wants to be part of everything we do and are? I thought of this scripture in Revelations.

Revelation 3:20Amplified Bible (AMP)

²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

I had said to my husband, “We forgot to invite HIM in.” My husband then said, “You just did.” It is THAT simple. God does not need grand gestures. At least NOT the one that WE serve. Because, what He truly desires is holiness. He truly desires a pure place where HE can REST and REsidE.

Let’s look at what the word says about GLORY. It has a lot to say, and later specific scriptures will be posted for further research. What jumps out to me is HE takes us from GLORY to GLORY to GLORY. It says this so clearly. The definition of Glory is interesting.

It states that Glory is praise and honor. I am giving the simple definition. But that means the LORD takes us from worship, praise, honor, and so much more to each new phase in our life. When we dwell on what was, we receive the past. But, when we walk forward into and embrace what is, we receive HIS presents and presence.

When I was a child, I thought like a child. This scripture also spoke to me. In Corinthians Paul is explaining the best way. He is explaining the GIFT as well as the weapon of LOVE. He is, for all intensive purpose warning them and US to stay focused. It is a time where we cannot be moved by the appearing glitz and the glamour of the world we live in.

Do we always like the way the NEW feels? Well, honestly NO. In fact, sometimes we look at God and say, “Can’t you just turn back time?” Sometimes He gives us what we request. If only to show us that it is not the best way. There was a time, years ago where someone said to me, “Remember, God will often give you what you think you want, to show you that you did not really want just that. ”

I really believe that Jesus was speaking in that wisdom. As humans we tend to settle. You know, with what looks like the perfect family for example. We just want the surface to be clean and pretty. So that onlookers do not see the truth. But, WE are being called to go deeper. To clean deeper, to hurt deeper, to cry harder, and to endure through Christ.

When I was a child I thought Glory meant something good. That’s it. I thought maybe a reward of some sort. In a sense that was true, but the GLORY of God is so much more than that. The GLORY of GOD is feeling and experiencing down to your very breath, the nails, the beating, the excruciating HELL of the crucifixion of Christ.  So, the question is, “Are you ready?”

As a child, a very young child, I was a cheer leader. I never took that into high school, but at around age 9 I cheered. I remember one of my favorite cheers began with “ARE YOU READY?” I believe this is a question God is asking us today. Are the lamps full? Are we prepared in our spirit for what is going to arrive?

Are you willing to be FREED from the world’s hell and FILLED with Heaven’s JOY? Before you say yes, really let God search your heart. He wants to bring us the GOLD at the end of the rainbow. BUt, to truly receive it, we have to be OPEN to what HE desires alone. It can be a very tough road, this narrow way. But, there is no other destination that offers what the GLORY road does.

Just For Today For Bereaved Parents
by Vicki Tushingham
Just for today I will try to live through the next 24 hours and not expect to get over my child’s death, but instead learn to live with it, just one day at a time.
Just for today I will remember my child’s life, not just her death, and bask in the comfort of all those treasured days and moments we shared.
Just for today I will forgive all the family and friends who didn’t help or comfort me the way I needed them to. They truly did not know how.
Just for today I will smile no matter how much I hurt on the inside,
for maybe if I smile a little, my heart will soften and I will begin to heal.
Just for today I will reach out to comfort a relative or friend of my child,
for they are hurting too, and perhaps we can help each other.
Just for today I will free myself from my self-inflicted burden of guilt, for deep in my heart I know if there was anything in this world I could of done to save my child from death, I would of done it.
Just for today I will honor my child’s memory by doing something with another child because I know that would make my own child proud.
Just for today I will offer my hand in friendship to another bereaved parent
for I do know how they feel.
Just for today when my heart feels like breaking, I will stop and remember that grief is the price we pay for loving and the only reason I hurt is because I had the privilege of loving so much
Just for today I will not compare myself with others. I am fortunate to be who I am and have had my child for as long as I did.
Just for today I will allow myself to be happy, for I know that I am not deserting her by living on.
Just for today I will accept that I did not die when my child did,
my life did go on, and I am the only one who can make that life worthwhile once more.

This was posted recently in one of the groups I am in. It speaks so many volumes. I hope this helps someone. Because even though it is specific to a child leaving this earth, it really can pertain to any deep loss. ~

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glory

Another song came into my spirit today. It is such a great way to describe how GOD LOVES so passionately and deeply. Such a beautiful depiction of the RAW, REAL, and RELATIONAL God we serve.

“The Real Me”

By: Natalie Grant

How many of you can say you LOVE every inch of who God created you to be? It is a struggle for me personally. I have to look in the mirror, and consciously say thank you to GOD for what is staring back at me. For healing every muscle, joint, and cell. For transforming HELL to Heaven. For giving us the unexpected, and for teaching us JOY through very deep sorrow.

One of our children said to me recently, “You have JOY within you, because you have Jesus in you.” I’m not certain if she understood the wisdom in that statement. But, the fact is, even when it feels the JOY has been kidnapped, there is always a residue. IT is NOT always something we can taste, touch, feel or even embrace, but it is present.

Every child God has given us, has made a covenant of FAITH. A promise to GOD that no matter what happens, “FAITH will be the choice made.” That means that no matter what circumstance arises in each life or our lives as a family, the choice will be made to by FAITH surrender to God the Father, son, and holy spirit.

How do we go from GLORY to GLORY to GLORY? I always thought it was about each level. But, focusing on that can often be a distraction. I was playing a game recently. IT is one we love to play as a family. There is one portion that has clouds we have to jump. I personally am not great at this one. But, I am getting better. 😉 Last night while playing, I thought about Heaven. How when we take the hand of JESUS, we jump, and often FLY through the clouds and storms.

He takes us from GLORY to GLORY to GLORY….

The waves can feel refreshing, crushing, and exhilarating at times. They can be consuming at times as well. They can be HEAVEN and at times can be HELL. But, they must come. It ALL must come….because eventually it ALL must go. LIFE is a vapor. We are here but for a moment. It takes what it takes for HIS GLORY to shine. For some it takes what looks like a LONG time, and for others a much shorter one.

A dear sister gave me some GREAT and much needed wisdom recently. She said, “It is KEY to choose Christ over feelings.” It is the KEY to HIS GLORY door. When we choose to release how we feel to HIM, before the throne, He comes. It is the greatest reminder of NOT being alone.

What’s at the END of the RAINBOW?

Do you want the rainbows? Are you willing to give up? It’s gotten a negative rap. But, surrender is the treasure on His map. Is it fun? Well, no and at times it hurts like HELL. But, Heaven has to come. He’s not honored by tradition, unless Holiness is present. Is your heart unbroken before Him? Because sometimes what looks dead lives. Sometimes, it’s just breath that He gives. Packages can be small or large. Emotions good or dangersome. As this chapter closes, others will open. But, I cannot lie. It’s hard to say goodbye. Even in knowing the truth. Being comforted we are. Watching evil, we do. Knowing that somehow someway, it will change someday. Are you willing to cry tears of fire? Are you ready for pure desires? Soon the world will crack. For some, it will feel like a slap in the face. Those who’ve refused to repent, the torment will come. For some it’s already arrived. Is He a God of love? Yes, but love comes in many shapes and sizes. Forgive us for places we falter. Even when it’s hard to believe. We lie down on your holy altar, and receive. We receive ALL you want to give. No matter how it feels. Your hope is real. Your Love is here. You require everything. 100 %. We surrender ALL and renew the covenant.

it’s a picture of a girl, also VERY prophetic, realizing she’s bigger and stronger than she ever thought possible. By the grace and GLORY of GOD. 

These pictures tell a story. The first one is in part, because of a vision that we were told about, regarding the waiting room of Heaven, and JESUS giving our daughter Sarah the most beautiful Ruby Red slippers. The second is a simple reminder. It is Finished. The 3rd is that the BRIDE is a warrior.

EMBRACE the WAVES….He wants to SATURATE you in HIS GLORY. It is messy, it is difficult and it is BEAUTIFUL.

In His Grace and GLORY,

E and Fam