Singing Owl from Revgalblogpals gives us this Friday Five:
I am in Seattle assisting with family stuff and preparing to attend a memorial service (Saturday) for my sister who died of complications of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
I am not grieving much, since the shock and tears and goodbyes and losses have been many and have occurred for a long time now. I am mostly relieved that my wonderful sister and best friend is free from pain and confusion, and I am thinking of eternity. That sounds somber, but I don't mean it to be. I decided to have a little fun with the idea. So how about we share five "heavenly" things? These can me serious or funny or a combination of the two.
What is your idea of a heavenly (i.e. wonderful and perfect):
1. Family get-together
Well, in my family get-together EVERYONE would be together, which hardly ever happens since my sister moved to another state. I think the last time we were all together in the same place was when everyone came to South Dakota and we drove to the Black Hills together. The last time my whole extended family was together was at my college graduation. I have a really fuzzy picture somewhere (polaroid) of all of the grandchildren, sitting at a picnic table. In my heavenly family get-together my Pentecostal relatives would agree that the Lutherans really were saved, and vice versa. And of course there would be good food (lots) and music: my sister and my husband would play guitar, my brother-in-law and neice would bring their violins, and my nephew's band would play.
2. Song or musical piece
I don't think there could ever be one. I love music, all kinds: in high school I used to lay on the floor of my bedroom and listen to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. I also like Faure's Requiem, and Thomas Tallis' song, "If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments". Michael W. Smith's "Lord, Have Mercy" moves me, too (if that's a heavenly sign).
3. Gift
Books. I have too many, and I don't know where to put them, but they are still my favorite gift. also: gift cards to bookstores.
4. You choose whatever you like-food, pair of shoes, vacation, house, or something else. Just tell us what it is and what a heavenly version of it would be.
A heavenly vacation....would be a world tour! I'd love to go around the world, with the time and the money to see all the high points (Scandinavia being among them).
5. And for a serious moment, or what would you like your entrance into the next life to be like? What, from your vantage point now, would make Heaven "heavenly?"
As in #1 above, EVERYONE would be there, God's whole family would be re-united, even and especially the animals. There would be music and food; I'd play the piano, and I'd be better at it. And of course there would be a wonderful feast, with all kinds of food from all over the world, and I'm tempted to say, No one would have to clean up, except for this story.....
After the death of a 99-year-old woman in my first congregation, her daughters were reminiscing about their mother. One daughter remembered this exchange:
"Mom, will I have to do dishes in heaven?"
"Yes...... but you'll like it!"
I am in Seattle assisting with family stuff and preparing to attend a memorial service (Saturday) for my sister who died of complications of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
I am not grieving much, since the shock and tears and goodbyes and losses have been many and have occurred for a long time now. I am mostly relieved that my wonderful sister and best friend is free from pain and confusion, and I am thinking of eternity. That sounds somber, but I don't mean it to be. I decided to have a little fun with the idea. So how about we share five "heavenly" things? These can me serious or funny or a combination of the two.
What is your idea of a heavenly (i.e. wonderful and perfect):
1. Family get-together
Well, in my family get-together EVERYONE would be together, which hardly ever happens since my sister moved to another state. I think the last time we were all together in the same place was when everyone came to South Dakota and we drove to the Black Hills together. The last time my whole extended family was together was at my college graduation. I have a really fuzzy picture somewhere (polaroid) of all of the grandchildren, sitting at a picnic table. In my heavenly family get-together my Pentecostal relatives would agree that the Lutherans really were saved, and vice versa. And of course there would be good food (lots) and music: my sister and my husband would play guitar, my brother-in-law and neice would bring their violins, and my nephew's band would play.
2. Song or musical piece
I don't think there could ever be one. I love music, all kinds: in high school I used to lay on the floor of my bedroom and listen to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. I also like Faure's Requiem, and Thomas Tallis' song, "If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments". Michael W. Smith's "Lord, Have Mercy" moves me, too (if that's a heavenly sign).
3. Gift
Books. I have too many, and I don't know where to put them, but they are still my favorite gift. also: gift cards to bookstores.
4. You choose whatever you like-food, pair of shoes, vacation, house, or something else. Just tell us what it is and what a heavenly version of it would be.
A heavenly vacation....would be a world tour! I'd love to go around the world, with the time and the money to see all the high points (Scandinavia being among them).
5. And for a serious moment, or what would you like your entrance into the next life to be like? What, from your vantage point now, would make Heaven "heavenly?"
As in #1 above, EVERYONE would be there, God's whole family would be re-united, even and especially the animals. There would be music and food; I'd play the piano, and I'd be better at it. And of course there would be a wonderful feast, with all kinds of food from all over the world, and I'm tempted to say, No one would have to clean up, except for this story.....
After the death of a 99-year-old woman in my first congregation, her daughters were reminiscing about their mother. One daughter remembered this exchange:
"Mom, will I have to do dishes in heaven?"
"Yes...... but you'll like it!"
Scout also played here
21 comments:
I am with you on the trip around the world. Heaven is where I like doing dishes? Interesting. Good play!
Books, that is a good one, I should have thought of that.
Nifty play.
I love Rhapsody in Blue too. And books! Great gift idea. Now we know what to get you this Christmas.
Smiling at your great post. Thanks!
Mmmm...great post, Diane!
I like your definitions!
I like Rhapsody also. Growing up we had a piano duet of it that I loved playing. Laughing with on the dish story.
mmm well diane i can practically hear you tickling the ivories now... while perhaps your husband does the dishes? maybe scout just licks them clean? oh wait... that'd be scout's version of heaven! =)
Oh yes, you can never get enough books!!!
Great play ;-)
World tour -- excellent idea!!
(And you could take great books along to read during the flights!)
I love books as you do--and it was fun to read all your different answers. I'm glad I'll like to wash dishes in heaven!
aaah....Rhapsody in Blue. Of course. Also, loved the story about the dishes...kind of zen, huh?
You inspired me to follow suit. Have a great weekend. And be nice to yourself. Jesus never asked for burned out clergy by the time Holy Week rolls around.
Oh Diane - this really lifted my spirits to read this!
Thank you. It is so you, even in the little bit of you I know!
Books, books, and more books. And a trip around the world -- heaven, indeed.
Yea, maybe in heaven, there'll be room for all the books.
Great play! books..books..books...definitely heavenly.
Right! In heaven, elastic bookcases! Why didn't I think of that!aaybg
I'm glad you included us dogs with our little golden tails!
No sermon this week?
no, Rowan, I'm sorry I only preach every OTHER week... unless I also post my sermons for Lenten Wednesdays. They are a little more informal.
Hey!
I tagged you for a silly meme....
when/if you have the time/inclination.
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