Have run across a few thoughts that have really made a deep impression on me. Thought I would share them with you beautiful, soulful people....

We get what we pay for. Isn't that true. What price are you paying for your place in heaven?

At Jonnae's funeral, the priest told a story of heaven. St Peter was leading a woman through the pearly gates past the mansions. She was getting really excited about what her "place" would look like. She was thinking, "These mansions are so beautiful. I can definitely handle this!" Well they continued on, passed the mansions, the two story homes, the ranches and finally arrived to a slab of concrete. "This is it!" St Peter announced. "This is your new paradise". "What???" the woman asked. St Peter explained, "We can only build your home in heaven with what you send ahead." With the sacrafices you find yourself offering up here on earth, you will have paid a price for your place in heaven. What do you want to "go home to"?

Also, another thought, (not mine but in one of my devotions) In the same reflection of, "you get what you pay for?"

"Is Christ getting what He paid for when he "purchased" you? He gave His life for you? Does your life reflect that you are His?"

I don't know about you, but I certainly am aware of the price He paid for me and I'm not about to "devalue" that by following the ways of the world, that aren't a reflection of the treasure He saw (SEES) in me.

One last thought about "price". We should take our eyes of the cost of our cross and see the grace of God that comes from carrying it with grace. For that mansion in heaven (next to my daughter's) I'm wiling to pay the price. I don't wanna be in God's mansion, I'm GONNA be!!! (one of those priceless lessons Jonnae taught me - replace wanna with gonna - man is it ever empowering!!!)

In His Amazing Name,
Denise

Denise,
My home in heaven was deeded to me the day I accepted Christ as my Savior. Thx for the reminder that I will fill it with my sacrifices made here on Earth! But I don't have to wait until heaven for the joy that comes with service to God through sacrificial giving to others. If my motives are pure, He gives me glimpses!

Warm Blessings to You!
Beth

I was speaking more about the sacrafice of carrying a heavy cross then I was of our giving of ourselves to others. Sometimes there is not joy in carrying a heavy burden, such as with the loss of a child or dealing with a terminal illness. But for bearing that cross gracefully and with our eyes on our Father, the joy we don't necessarily feel now, we will be rewarded for later. You are right Beth! Joy comes from giving and I have seen glimpses of what I will know in eternity. It's what keeps me going

Denise,

You and your family remain in my prayers and I am sorry for my insensitivity to the meaning of this post. You and Jonnae have helped thousands of us in your sharing of acceptance and grace of God's will in your lives. My attitude changes every time I look down at my purple bracelet that says "I get to" ! Please forgive my self-centered response.

Beth

No harm done Beth. I follow the Four Agreements. Speaking positively with my word. Making no assumptions, Not taking things personally and focusing on what my best is. I didn't take your response as being self-centered. Sometimes our thoughts don't come across as intended in the written word, even spoken for that matter. I really meant this as a positive reflection and was pretty stoked about how the "re-awareness" of focus on heaven rather than earth had charged me and was excited to share. I don't think this was a post that was well received, if responses , or lack of, are an indication. Sometimes, even with my own children, I come across as 'scolding' when that's not my intention at all. Thank you for wearing the I GET TO bracelet, for allowing it to empower you and for sharing it's story with others. It's all good

I think that my faith has been rocked an awfull lot the past couple years especially, and this week more than ever. I feel like god has foresaken me sometimes. I keep trying but my energy is gone, zapped. I ask god for the strength to get through the rough times, but sometimes I'm not sure I want to.
I too, ordered the "I get to" bracelet, and I wear it, and I try to remember, and be thankfull for what I get to do. I am just sad about what I don't get to do. I am sad for my son right now. I don't know where he is or what he is doing, and right now my whole family hurts.
I have always TRIED to live my life as a good person. I almost always think about other people first, and try to do for them. My wife, my children, my family, my friends. Have always come before me. I know I have made mistakes, we all have. I don't want the mansion for myself, I want it for those I love.