03/04/2004: "Heaven"

By Carol J. Warren

Once there was a little girl name Jennie. She was having a hard time understanding about heaven. When her great grandmother died her mom and dad said she went to heaven but then Jennie went to the funeral and saw her in the casket. She was very upset that her great grandmother was not in heaven like she was supposed to be. How could she be? When it was evident that she was there in the casket. Her parents told her that even though her great grandmother’s body was here she was really in heaven. It was all very confusing to Jennie. How could she be here and yet still be there? What if her great grandmother didn’t like heaven, could she come back? Her parents assured Jennie that everyone loves heaven. But when Jennie asked them how they knew that was true, they just said things like it was a wonderful place where people went when they died and everyone was happy there.

When she asked for more details they just said that no one really knows until they actually go to heaven. Jennie couldn’t figure out how they could think it was wonderful if they didn’t know any more about it than that. Her parents just laughed and said she would understand someday. But Jennie wanted to understand now. She wanted to make sure great grandmother was there and that she was happy and taken care of; it wasn’t something to laugh at, this was serious.

Some people said that people became angels and floated on the clouds playing harps. But Jennie was concerned because she knew her great grandmother didn’t know how to play a harp, she didn’t know how to play any musical instruments. The more people she asked the more confused she became. They talked about heaven a lot but they didn’t seem to know very much about it. So she prayed about it and asked the Lord to please help her understand about heaven. She didn’t think it should be such a mystery and she was sure the Lord felt that was as well, it seemed grown ups didn’t think they were supposed to ask about it so much but Jennie was sure that was just foolishness. She was sure the Lord would find a way to help her understand heaven and that He not only wanted her to understand but He really wished all of His children would understand and try to find out more about heaven because that’s where the Lord lives and where we will live someday too. So how could He not want us to know about it?

That night when Jennie went to bed she said a special prayer asking for the Lord to show her heaven. She didn’t doubt at all, though her parents told her the Lord might not show her in the way she expected. She just smiled at them, she felt confident that the Lord would show her. Something about being growing up seemed to make it harder for people to believe in such things but Jennie had decided to be patient with her parents, after all they couldn’t help being grown ups.

That night Jennie had a very special dream. Really it didn’t seem like a dream at all. It seemed very real but Jennie knew it had to be a dream, right. The Lord Jesus came to her room. He told her that He was glad that she wanted to know more about heaven because there were a lot of things that people needed to know and perhaps she would share what the Lord was about to show her with others. Jennie promised that she would. The Lord took Jennie by the hand and soon they were rising higher and higher. They went right through the roof of her house and still they kept going higher until the earth looked like a tiny ball. She saw heaven in the distance as a beautiful glow and the closer they got the brighter it got.

They were ascending in what seemed to be a corridor that was surrounded by bright lights but as Jennie looked at the lights a little closer she began to realize that these lights were really beautiful angels twirling and worshiping the Lord surrounding them with glory and light. Jennie wondered what the correct etiquette is in such instances, does one thank such angels or just enjoy them. But before she could decide what to do they arrived at a beautiful green meadow. The green was so vibrant and bright that it seemed to be alive. There were so many flowers there and the fragrance was simply heavenly. She had never seen such beautiful colors and such a sweet mixture of fragrances. Jennie started to take a step and the flowers gently, gracefully moved to the side to make room for her foot. “Huh!” Jennie said, “Did you see that?” She asked the Lord. “The flowers are alive. They just politely moved aside to make room for my step.”

“Yes,” said the Lord said laughing, “everything in heaven is alive. Listen” he said. “What do you hear?”

Jennie got very quiet; she even held her breath for a moment. It was soft like a musical murmuring. It was almost like a hum but she could only catch a word here and there. Let’s see some of the words were, Lord, love, worship, they were so soft it was hard to make out and yet it was everywhere. “Where is it coming from?” she asked the Lord. “It seems to be everywhere.”

“Indeed it is everywhere.” The Lord said, “Everything is worshiping the Lord. All creation worships Him here. That is what you are hearing. It is constant worship.”

“Wow,” Jennie said truly impressed.

“Come now Jennie,” the Lord said holding out His hand to her, “the first thing all visitors must do is meet the Father.”

“You mean God.” Jennie asked amazed.

“Yes Jennie, He’s your God and your Father. Come now He is waiting for you.” The Lord said.

“He is waiting for me.” Jennie looked down she was still in her long soft pink nightgown. “I’m not dressed to see God.” She said.

Jesus laughed, “Is that how you see your earthly father when you go to bed at night and when you get up in the morning?”

“Well yes.” Jennie said hesitantly.

“Then it is just fine for your heavenly Father as well. You must understand heaven is a family and you are part of it. You must act like you are family and not just a stranger visiting. Your heavenly Father loves you very much. Didn’t you know that Jennie?” The Lord asked

“Well I have heard it again and again but I guess I never realized that it was actually true in such a real way. Is He big and scary?” Jennie asked

Jesus took her question seriously; He knew that people should not be made afraid to ask questions. They need to understand. “He can be very big and very scary Jennie but He will not show Himself to you that way. He could remove the earth with just a movement of His finger but He wont because of His great love and mercy. That is what you will see Jennie, great love and mercy.”

“I heard in the Bible that if someone looks at God they will die; He is so powerful they will just melt in the heat of His glory.” Jennie said getting scared.

The Lord Jesus stopped and held Jennie in His arms. “I am the express image of the Father, am I scary?” Jesus asked smiling. “Jennie the Lord God knows your frailty, He loves you enough to be very careful. He will put a veil between you and Him. You wont see it. To you it will appear that you are just talking directly with the Father and even touching Him. But this veil protects you from His intense power so that you can see and experience His love for yourself. So you can get to know Him.”

“Wow, that’s neat.” Jennie said, “You mean He would do that just for me? Just so I can be close to Him?”

“Yes, because He wants you to know Him so that you will let Him love you and allow Him to be Father to you.” Jesus said letting her go. “Come now He’s waiting.”

Soon they were approaching a bright light that Jennie could hardly look at. It was still some distance off and yet it was overpowering. Then suddenly the light dimmed enough for Jennie to see and Jennie could tell it was God. “He’s made of fire.” Jennie whispered to Jesus. Jesus nodded and kept leading her closer. She could feel the warmth of the fire getting warmer and warmer as they drew closer. Finally they were standing directly in front of His knees looking up at Him. Though the fire was intense Jennie did not feel uncomfortable. She was amazed.

The Father God looked down at Jennie and smiled. “I am so glad you have come to see Me little one. Come here and sit with Me.”

Jennie looked at Jesus; He nodded for her to go. She sat on the Father’s extended hand and He lifted her up to stand on His lap. His head was still so high it was hard to see it all but Jennie suddenly felt just like she did when she was loving on her earthly daddy. “Father I love you. I’m so glad that you let me draw near. I think it is so wonderful of you to shield yourself from being harmful so I can be with You. You are so thoughtful. I wish I could give you a great big hug and a kiss.”

“I would like that.” Father God said. So Jennie climbed easily up His arm and hugged Him around the neck at the base of His beard. Her arms didn’t reach very far but she squeezed extra hard so He could feel her love through and through. Then she gentle pulled His beard to bring His cheek close and kissed Him again and again.” Suddenly something wet hit her shoulder and then again. What was it, where was it coming from? She looked up at noticed the Father God was softly crying. “Oh no,” Jennie cried out, “what is wrong? Are you ok? Why are you crying?”

“I am crying for joy Jennie.” God said, “I am a very emotional, passionate God. Your love means so much to Me. You have no idea. I don’t get that kind of love very often. You loved on Me from your heart. You didn’t want to ask Me for something or win brownie points so to speak, you just wanted to love on Me. And I will always treasure your gift.”

Jennie looked and saw that the Father was holding a small plastic ring between His giant fingers. It was attached to a long simple string that was around His neck. “What is that?” Jennie asked.

“That is My treasure.” The Lord said, “The child like simple love you just gave Me. I will keep it here next to My heart forever.”

God was so neat; He was so wonderfully down to earth and real. Not at all like Jennie thought He would be. He made Jennie feel really special. “Thank you Father. I really do love you, you must know that I do.”

“I know,” God said, “I know what is in your heart. That is what makes it so special to Me. You see Jennie I don’t just call Myself Father I really am your Father. When you were created in your mother’s womb, I did that. I put something of Myself in you and that gave you life. That is why you desire Me so much and feel empty without Me, because you were made from Me and so there will always be something in you that desires to be near Me. Some people try to fill that in with other things like money and worldly things but nothing will ever make them happy until they realize that empty feeling is their desire to be with Me.”

“People on the earth have treasures of money and houses and cars but Jennie you are My treasure, you are My joy and My delight.” The Father said.

Jennie felt really special. “I don’t know very much about being your little girl.” Jennie said, “and I don’t know very much about you. Will you please teach me how to love you and how to let you love me?”

The Father laughed so loud that all of heaven shook and you could hear the spontaneous laughter of others as they rejoiced in the Father’s joy. “You make Me so very happy Jenny. You must promise Me never to grow up.”

“How can I do that?” Jenny asked, “Won’t I just grow up and there is nothing I can do to stop it?”

“No Jenny you misunderstand.” The Father said seriously, “Your body will grow and you will learn many things but inside you must remain a little girl, My little girl. I have far too many adults and I tell you it is a grief to Me. None of them are suppose to be adults with Me, they are all suppose to be children but they only know how to be adults. If you remain a child it means you will just trust Me without question, you will totally depend on Me for all your needs and desires. A child doesn’t worry about how to pay the bills or where their next meal is coming from, they leave that to their parents and I will always be your Parent. A child remains simple, innocent and spontaneous. A child loves to play and laugh and jump into My arms just to be near Me. No Jennie, you must never grow up and if you find others who will listen you should tell them not to grow up as well.”

As big and fiery as God was, really if you could just see past that, which is what He wanted Jennie to do, He loved her and felt about her just like her mom and dad on earth did. He wanted to laugh with Jennie and teach Jennie and help her know Him. She had been so wrong about God; He’s not so scary, He’s just pure love. More people should meet Him; they would all just fall in love with Him too.

Then God picked Jennie up and held her to His fiery chest. It was scary at first; Jennie wasn’t sure what was happening. But then it was like she was entering into the fire and it didn’t hurt. Then there in front of her she saw the Father’s heart. It was so big Jennie couldn’t see it all at once. The Father’s hand kept lifting Jennie until she was just in front of the middle of His heart and right there in front of her was a door. Why it had a name on it. Jennie stepped closer. It was her name. Her name was written on God’s heart. “Go ahead Jennie.” The Father said coaxing her on.
She opened the door. It was very strange and powerful inside. It felt like so much love Jennie felt like she would just explode with love but she wasn’t scared she felt like she was meant to be there. Then suddenly she knew that this was her forever home. Just like Jesus lives in her heart, she lives in the Father’s heart and that’s where she really belongs and there will always be a place for her there. Ready whenever she wants to come. How could she ever feel uncomfortable with God when He is her forever home?

“It’s time for your tour of heaven Jennie,” the Father said, “But no matter where you are if you look you will see Me watching you. As a matter of fact any time you turn to look at Me and talk to Me you will find that I am already looking at you waiting for you.”

“Wow that is cool.” Jennie said. She thought of the many times she wanted her mom to look at her. She would call out “look mom look” then her mom would turn and ask her what she wanted her to look at. Usually Jennie would have to think of something quick because really at that moment she just had an overwhelming desire to know her mom was looking at her. But she never had to worry about that with God because He would always be looking. That made Jennie feel safe and loved.

Jesus came again He looked so big and handsome; He was wearing a simple robe, she knew He was King and that He could make Himself really big but that was uncomfortable for Jennie so He just came with a simple white robe. The Lord took her to a pool of water. It flowed out from beneath the throne of God. There were two rivers flowing out from the throne, one was love. It was soft and glowing. The other river looked a lot like fire with bright rainbows running in and out of it like the rainbow around God’s head and above it was a strong swirling wind. This was the river of judgment. The Lord said if you receive that river in small doses like a medicine then it will never hurt you. The doses are when the Lord deals with something in your life that needs to change. So that is what it means to drink of the river of judgment in small doses. This little pool came from a side stream of the river of love. It flowed through a short tunnel like cave into a sweet round pool.

The Lord was standing in the water up to His waist. He had set Jennie on a large rock. She sat there dangling her feet in the water. The Lord reached out and grabbed one of Jennies wings extending it. Jennie was shocked that she had wings. The Lord just smiled. “It means you are an over comer.” The Lord said, “You will not see them on earth but they are still there. They help you fly above worldly things so you can be with Me. But yours have become dirty.”

With that the Lord dipped a rag into the water and rung it out. He gently began to spread Jennie’s wings out and wipe them with the rag. She could see they were dirty but where the Lord washed them the glistened white. “You need to be careful to wash in the Word Jennie.” Jennie was embarrassed that the Lord was washing her wings. “Oh Lord you mustn’t do that. You are a King. You are far too important to be washing “my” wings.”

The Lord stopped and looked at Jennie very seriously. “Jennie do you remember all the Sunday school lessons you have heard about having a servant heart.”

“Yes” Jennie said. “You want us all to have a servant heart.”

“That’s right Jennie I do.” The Lord said calmly, “But I also have a servant heart. I love you very much Jennie. I love to do things for you, even little things. I love to serve you. Please let Me do that. I can’t do it if you don’t let Me.”

Finally Jennie understood what the Lord meant. He wasn’t doing it because He had to, He was doing it because He loved Jennie and He loved doing the little things that she needed. Jennie gave the Lord a nod and He continued happily. Jennie looked at the Lord with a new love and respect. He really did love to be with her and do things for her. She would never doubt that again.

Then Jesus led Jennie to the other side where the river of love was coming out full force. “Come into the river with me Jennie.” The Lord said.

“I can’t swim.” Jennie said matter of factly.

“This is the river of life,” The Lord said, He looked at her sideways, “The Bible says the life is in the blood. If this is a river of life and the life is in the blood then this river must be flowing from the heart of the father and the current then is His heartbeat. The Father would never do anything to hurt you Jennie. You’ve been to His heart; you know that. Come on jump in.”

At first Jennie just waded in up to her ankles. “No Jennie. The shallow water breeds weeds. You must always be sure to go deeper than that.”

Jennie went deeper up to her waist. She saw things on the ground under the water. The water was so clear. There were all kinds of things; watches, rings, wallets, even keys and ID cards. “What is all this stuff?” Jennie asked.

The Lord just smiled, “This River washes away all the fleshly, worldly things that hinder you from living in the Father. Jennie you must go deeper. You still aren’t deep enough to see what I want to show you.”

Jennie was cautiously feeling her way along. She didn’t want to get in over her head. But the Lord kept motioning her on. She could just barely stand on her tiptoes now. But still He called to her. Finally she lost her footing and down she went. The Lord just stood there. Didn’t He know she couldn’t swim? Didn’t He see her slip? Wasn’t He going to save her? She just kept going down and down. She couldn’t hold her breath anymore. This was it. Then finally the Lord was there with her under the water. Surely He would save her now. But instead of helping her to the top, He tickled her. Which made her breathe in the water. She was so mad. How could He do this to her?

But suddenly she realized she wasn’t drowning, she was breathing, and she was breathing under water. “I told you there is nothing in the Father that can hurt you.” He said laughing. His laughter sounded funny under the water. It seemed like the water was full of tiny living specs of light. They swirled around Jennie and went into her and through her. It felt wonderful like a surge of power.

“That’s the life of the Father flowing into you now.” Jesus said, “You see when you are on the shore, you mentally agree with the Lord but you are not walking with Him. That is not safe. If you just stay in the shallow water or come in and out of the water the weeds of this world will choke out your blessings and rob you of your joy and peace. Most people never realize that so they end up blaming God for their problems.

Then other people come out part of the way, some even go pretty deep but never over their heads. They never let go and really trust God. As long as their feet can still touch the ground they are still trusting in the world and what they can do. But when you get in over your head the current of God’s heartbeat takes control and leads you and guides you pushing you along. It changes you and fills you with His life washing away the worldly things that hinder you. It is not enough to go into the deep water and get out you must live here in the deep water, in the center of the Father’s love for you.

Jesus took Jennie by the hand and brought her to the shore. He sat Jennie on a rock and then to Jennie’s amazement He reached into the water with a quick gesture and pulled up a good size fish. The fish was squirming franticly trying to get free from the Lord’s hand and back into the water. Jesus just smiled. “Watch this Jennie, this is cool.” He gently blew His breath on the fish and the fish just relaxed in His hand.

“Jennie you are like this fish sometimes. You want to do what’s right but when I put My hand on you without meaning to you find yourself fighting against Me wanting other things. You can’t help it. Just like this fish by nature will fight being taken out of the water and being touched, by your human nature you fight against the things of God without meaning to. But when you let Me breath on you it numbs the flesh so the Spirit of God can take over to change and guide you. You need to let me breath on you often. Then slowly but surely you will begin to change until you are no longer a fish that will fight against Me but made in My image to walk with Me.”

Jesus put His hand back into the water and let the fish go. “I don’t keep anyone against their will Jennie.” Jesus said, “Some people are willing but their flesh fights against them. They need My help to conquer their fleshly ways. That’s ok; I will help them. But some people don’t even really want Me or My ways. I will not hold them against their will. They must come to Me willingly before I can help them.”

When they had finished Jesus helped Jennie across the rocks. He turned His head sideways and smiled. “Jennie there is a very special place I want to show you. I hope you like it as much as I do. Special places are never as special as when you share them with someone you love.”

Jennie had never thought about the Lord wanting to share things with her like that just because He loved it and wanted her to enjoy it with Him. They walked across another meadow but instead of flowers there was tall grass that bowed to the Lord as He passed by. It was a very pleasant affect on the whole. The sound of the rustling grasses was like a gentle tune lifting in the breeze.

They came to a large arched gate. It was covered with trailing vines and beautiful flowers. By the gate stood a large angel. He had golden hair and he was very large and majestic. Evidently He guarded this special place. He bowed as the Lord came near. This giant handsome angel bowing to the Lord made Jennie realize how wonderful and powerful Jesus really was. He didn’t have to take time to be with her, or be so easy to be with. He was just making things easy for her because He loved her. The more Jennie realized about the Lord the more she loved Him. How could you not love someone so loving and wonderful?

They were entering a beautiful garden. There were large flowering trees and well-manicured walkways. Not far past the entrance was a sweet round fountain gently splashing water. The Lord held His hand for Jennie to come to the pool of water. Jennie came quickly and gazed into the pool as she saw the Lord doing. The reflection was not what she expected. It didn’t seem to be her. She jumped back startled and looked at the Lord. He smiled and gestured with His hand for her to look again. It was a beautiful lady dressed in a satiny white dress. The dress was embroidered with pearls and white sequins in a swirling pattern of leaves and flowers. On her crown was a satin crown circling her head like a wreath also embroidered with pearls and sequins that held a long veil in place. The veil trailed down her back and not over her face. She knew that was because the Lord didn’t want anything to come between them.

She had white satin gloves on and even white satin slippers. Around her neck was a simple gold chain with a silver whistle. She knew that was so she could call on the Lord whenever she wanted and He would come. “Who is that?” Jennie asked knowing somehow it was her.

The Lord smiled sweetly, “That is My bride. I love her very much. She is a child bride so she has much to learn but I will teach her. She makes me very happy.”

Jennie was still staring at her reflection in the pool. She saw the Lord place an unusual crown on her head. It had three stones blue for the Holy Spirit, White for Holiness and green for the anointing. There was a latticework of gold built into the gold rim forming the crown and at the top a glistening diamond. She knew that stood for the Father’s love for her. When she turned to look at the Lord He was wearing a similar crown. “I wear many crowns,” the Lord said, “But this is a crown of our joining. We were meant to be one.”

Then just as quickly as it had all appeared it was gone. The Lord walked on down the path and Jennie followed. She had forgotten that her real reason for wanting to check all of this out was to make sure her great grandmother would be happy. She remembered with a ting of guilt. The Lord looked at her like He understood. “We will visit her next.” He said.

Then He lay back in the sweet cool clover and gazed up at the sky watching the limbs of the large tree above them sway gently in the breeze. Jennie laid her head on His stomach and they just lay there quietly enjoying each other and the moment. They didn’t seem to need to talk. Finally the Lord spoke “This is my special quiet place to be alone. I would like it if we could come here together sometimes to be alone together. There are so many things going on in the world sometimes you just need to come aside and be mine.”

Jennie nodded in agreement. She was glad He talked about this place as though she could come here with Him again. It just felt right to be there with Him. She felt reluctant when He began to stir but she knew that He always knows best. They walked out of the enclosed garden and bid the angel goodbye. As they walked up over the hill Jennie could hear children laughing and playing. She and the Lord began to run to the top of the hill and there in front of Jennie was a huge playground. It was more awesome than anything Jennie had ever seen or could describe.

There were swings and big slides and merry go-rounds. There were trampolines where you could jump so high that you felt like you were flying. There were fun pits you could jump in a just bounce all around bouncing off the walls and floor and then back up again. Nothing in the playground could hurt you. There were angles watching every move. Protecting each child from being hurt. There were so many unusual games and neat rides that Jennie had never seen before. She ran off and began to play and to her surprise the Lord played with her. “All Father’s like to play with their children.” The Lord said smiling.

After they had been playing a while the Lord tapped her on her shoulder and pointed to a small child swinging on the swings. She looked somehow familiar to Jennie like she should know her. There was something about her; Jennie couldn’t put her finger on it yet but there was just something. Jennie walked over to get a closer look. She looked a lot like Jennie but her hair was a little lighter and she had freckles. Suddenly she turned and smiled at Jennie and in a flash Jennie remembered a very old picture of her great grandmother as a little girl that looked just like that.

Jennie stepped back, but this couldn’t be her great grandmother. This was just a little girl. She gave the Lord a questioning look for help but He just smiled and motioned for her to continue. Jennie walked up to the little girl who was now looking right a Jennie. “Hello,” Jennie started uncertain of what to say, “You know you will probably think this is funny but you look just like a picture I saw once of my great grandmother when she was little. Isn’t that funny?” Jenny said trying to laugh a little like it was.

But the little girl didn’t laugh she just smiled sweetly. “Why should that surprise you Jennie, we’re all God’s children and children love to play.”

“But you’re old.” Jennie said shocked

“Not here.” The little girl said. She took Jennie by the hand and began to lead her off. The Lord stayed and played with some of the other children as though He knew they needed sometime alone.

“I appreciate the fact that you were concerned for me.” The little girl said, “but I really am very happy here. And best of all I know one day you will come and live here with me too. Then we can play together. I couldn’t play with you very much on earth because I was too old but here we can have a great time.”

“Then you really are,” Jennie hesitated, “my great grandmother?”

“Yes I am.” The little girl said.

As they walked over the hill the little girl changed into a young woman that looked like a much younger version of her great grandmother. “You can just change like that?” Jennie asked

“Did I change really?” her great grandmother said. “Or are you just seeing a different aspect of me? Come Jennie I want to show you something.”

They had come into a small town. The streets were made of rock but it was a shiny rock. Soon they came to yards with huge beautiful houses. They stopped in front of one of the houses. “This is my house.” Jennie’s great grandmother said grinning. “The Lord had it all prepared and waiting for me when I came. It made me feel so much at home because it has everything I love in it.”

The house was a two-story house painted a soft yellow. Jennie remembered that her great grandmother loved yellow. It had a big front porch with a white porch swing and several rockers. The doors were big and beautiful made of in-laid wood with stained glass. There was the sweet smell of a wood burning stove and fresh baked bread when you walked in the house. She could see her great grandmother’s favorite things like her sewing machine and her comfy chair by the fireplace. The walls were paneled with cedar and the curtains were white lace. Even the tiniest details were in place. Jennie remembered how her great grandmother had cried about being in the nursing home because she missed the things that meant home to her. But here she had everything she needed and more.

Jennie’s great grandfather had passed on before Jennie could remember but there he was walking in from working in the garden in the back. He looked a lot like her dad but with more hair. “We don’t spend a lot of time here.” Jennie’s great grandmother said, “I know you would think we would but the truth is we love our Father God so very much we spend most our time with Him just loving on Him, worshiping Him and enjoying being His kids.”

Jennie thought about what she said. She was sure that God would prepare a special place for her one day as well but she knew she would not be interested in it as much as being with the Father God Himself. Jennie’s great grandmother took Jennie by the hand. “I want to show you something that means a great deal to me.”

Jennie followed but was very surprised when she took her to a large pool of water. “That’s very nice.” Jennie said and turned to go back in the house. She thought it was strange that there weren’t any pictures of the family in the house. That was one things that made great grandmother’s house so uniquely hers. Where were all the pictures?

“Jennie,” her great grandmother said, “please look into the pool. It is very important that you see this.”

“Oh ok,” Jennie said, “But I’ve seen pools of water before.” But when Jennie gazed into the pool she was shocked at what she saw. She saw her mother and father sleeping soundly. In another part of the pool she could see her grandmother and grandfather. She saw others of great grandmother’s children, grand children and great grandchildren in different portions of the pool. She could see where they were, what they were feeling and what they were doing. It was amazing. No wonder she didn’t need all of those pictures. She had them all right here.

Jennie was so happy. She knew her great grandmother would be watching her and praying for her. She knew her great grandmother was happy, happier than Jennie could ever have imagined. “You must go now,” her great grandmother, said, “He’s waiting for you on the hill.”

At the thought of being with Jesus Jennie felt a thrill of butterflies in her stomach. She really did love to be with Him. Jennie went running out of the house and down the lane. She saw Jesus standing on the hill in front of her. She ran as fast as she could but still she wasn’t out of breath when she reached Him. She really liked heaven. They both began to run together, they even ran up hill. It was fun. Soon the hill grew steeper but still they weren’t tired. Then at the top Jennie saw a beautiful castle glistening in the light. It was beautiful made of something that looked like crystal. It had a warm inviting glow about it that made her want to draw near. Jesus stopped and looked at Jennie. “I’ve been waiting to show you this.” Then He swept her up in His arms and carried her the rest of the way up to the castle and in through the giant gates made of pearl and alabaster. Jesus set her down just inside.

He was dressed now as King Jesus in all of His majesty. He had on glowing white clothes with a long flowing purple robe. Jennie could here angels worshiping Him as they walked through the corridors. At His side was a long beautiful sword in a jewel-encrusted scabbard. His crown was regal and denoted that He had great power and authority. Everywhere they passed people bowed and worshiped. At His other side He carried a scepter of His authority. When someone touched it they were pardoned, forgiven for their sins. The jewel in the end was dark red and she knew it must stand for the Blood Jesus shed so that all could be saved.

They walked through a large banqueting hall where there was more food than Jennie had ever seen. Jesus turned, “You may dine here with Me whenever you wish. It is all for you, you know.” Then He led her to the throne room. It was large and beautiful with a beautiful red carpet covering the floor. Around the edge of the tall vaulted ceiling were carved busts of people laughing. It was a happy place where Jennie could imagine people dancing and rejoicing. In the center was a large round golden fireplace. The fire in it blazed high.

“I want you to see the fire Jennie.” The Lord said as He led her right up to it. To Jennie’s amazement it wasn’t hot.

“Lord the fire seems to be alive.” Jennie said, “I know this is silly but it looks like it is dancing. I almost thought I saw a face on one of the flames.”

The Lord threw back His head a laughed. “Oh course the fire is alive. It is the fire of My spirit. Would you like to dance with the fire Jennie?” The Lord didn’t wait for an answer but pulled her into the center of fire and Jennie danced and twirled as the flames swirled and laughed rejoicing around her. It was the most fun thing Jennie had ever done.

“Would you like to ride the fire Jennie?” The Lord said, “When ever you want to come to Me you just need to ride the fire. When you worship Me instead of just sending up your worship like incense, ride the fire of your worship. You worship Me in Spirit and in truth, then ride the fire of the Spirit and come to Me to be with Me. All you have to do is ride the fire.”

One of the bluer flames flew under Jennie carrying her up into the air. Other flames yellow, orange and red danced about her as she flew. They spoke to her softly like many voices whispering excitedly. “Welcome little one. We are so excited to be here with you because the Father delights in you. We will help you worship Him.”

And with that they began to swirl around her as she flew and all the love she felt for the Father just seemed to flow out of her mouth in a spontaneous flow of song. The angels reacted to the worship like a light switch being turned on and began to worship with her. As they worshiped the flames grew hotter and bigger and more intense until Jennie felt she would surly just melt away but she was far too caught up in love for the Father to worry about it. They flew right past Him as they danced in the air. He smiled and touched her with His hand as she flew by. A peace settled over her that let her know the Father’s love in return for her. Then the flames became soothing and slowly brought her gliding softly to the ground.

Jesus smiled, “Worship is very important little one. It’s more than pretty songs it is your heart talking to my heart talking to your heart. Where My love meets your love all the answers come.” Then He was off again. He had a big grin on His face. “I love you little one.”

The Lord laughed deep and hearty and picked Jennie up twirling her around and around. Then He smiled at her sweetly and blew on her wings. They began to open up in response. His breath caught in her wings and began to lift her higher and higher. He rose to meet her in the air and they began to sail on the winds of heaven, gliding and soaring high above. It was wonderful. She had always wondered what it felt like to fly. If she faltered or was unsteady Jesus would simply fly under her and lift her up again. Until finally it was time to land.

Jesus pointed to something that looked like a flat rainbow at the edge of the river so they headed for that. The entire area was filled with brightly colored clear stones. Some were bright red and others were intense blue. There were so many colors. Jennie touched one of the red stones and immediately she began to cry. She felt intense sorrow and pain. The Lord gently removed her hand. “Not all of the stones are for you Jennie, at least not now.” Jesus said. Jennie looked at Him and then at the stone. Suddenly she knew that she had felt just for a second what Jesus had felt on the cross. It was awful. “Each of the stones holds an aspect of the character of God or something someone has experienced for the Lord. You can only handle these in small doses so to speak but they will help you learn the ways of the Lord. They will help you know Me.” Jesus said, “You said you wanted to know Me, did you mean it?”

“Yes,” Jennie said soberly, hoping she didn’t have to touch the red stone again.

“Some things in knowing Me cannot be explained, it must be experienced and shared. You must feel it to understand it.” The Lord said. “The colors stand for many things, love, strength, peace, gentleness all aspects of My character and life. But for now I want you to stand here.”

The Lord led her to a stepping-stone; it was a clear round blue stone. “Stand on it Jennie.”

Cautiously Jennie walked over and stepped on the stone. When she did a blue light encapsulated her. It was like beneath the ground there was a storage tank of peace that the Lord had filled just for her and now she was soaking it in. She felt so tranquil she almost went to sleep. The Lord waited patiently until the light went off and then they walked back to the Father. Jennie knew a small part of her had changed.

Without a word Jennie crawled up in the Father’s lap. She grinned at Him. “Can I stay please?” she asked

“One day you will,” The Father said, “But not today. I need you on earth to help other people learn how to love me. But Jennie do you not understand that you are always with Me and that you can turn and worship Me and be right here on My lap again. Heaven isn’t just for someday when you get old and die; heaven is a place in your heart where you and I can meet all the time. You can walk the earth and still ride the fire to be with Me too.”

“Your body is just a shell that you will shed one day so that you can come live here,” the Father said, “But until then you can slip away everyday and come be with Me in your worship.”

Jennie was glad, she couldn’t bear to think that she would have to wait until she was old and gray. “Jeannie what do you see in front of you?” The Father asked.

There in front of the Father was a crystal sea. It was very beautiful and full of colors that seemed to swirl and cast a glowing rainbow around the Father’s throne. “I see a sea made of what looks like crystal.” Jennie replied.

“Haven’t you wondered what that was for Jennie?” The Father asked.

“Well yes, but I thought maybe I wasn’t suppose to ask.” Jeannie said sheepishly.

“Do you remember the pool of water your Great Grandmother showed you? The one she could look in and see you and the rest of her family?” The Father asked.

“Yes,” Jeannie said, “It was really neat because you could not only see your loved ones but tell what they were feeling and what they are facing.”

“Jeannie, this is my pool.” The Father said smiling, “This is where I watch all of my children. I feel what they are feeling and I pray for them. This is where I will watch you and listen for you. Do you see the swirling colors Jeannie?” Jeannie nodded.

“When you worship Me with all of your heart so that you feel it deeply and passionately it creates these swirling colors. They come up through the Crystal Sea directly to Me and create a rainbow around Me of your love that is like a big hug. But you mustn’t stop when you reach that point, if you will wait for it I will then send the rainbow back to you with My love for you. It will become and endless circle of love and life between you and Me.”

“I couldn’t bear to be separated from you Jeannie. I love you too much. Anytime you look you will see that I am watching and waiting for you.” The Father set her down. “It’s time to go back Jennie.” Jennie started to protest but He held His hand up. “It’s ok Jennie.”

Jennie turned to Jesus. He was already walking away. He turned back and reached out His hand for her to follow. Too soon they were back in her bedroom. Then Jesus turned to go. Jennie clung to Him begging Him not to leave. “Jennie I’m still in your heart. I’ll never leave you. You may not see Me all the time but you can be sure that I am there. If you listen in your heart you will hear Me whispering I love you and talking to you.”

And then He was gone. Jennie lay in her bed for a while suddenly feeling very alone. She whispered, “Jesus!” Then she put her hands over her heart to see if she could hear Him like He said. That’s when she heard a still small voice in her heart saying, “See I told you I would be here. I love you Jennie. Go to sleep now. You have a long life ahead of you.”

Suddenly Jennie knew that heaven was more than just a place. It’s certainly not about floating on clouds and playing harps but it is about a love relationship. It is a place that the Lord has prepared to have a love relationship with His children. It’s family and God is the Father. She felt warm and happy. Heaven was made for the Father and His children and she would always be the Father’s little girl. Every Father need’s a little girl to hug Him and kiss Him and tell Him He’s her world.

Amen