We got to hear about baby foxes and the newest book Cheryl is writing, as well as the spiritual bands that tie everything together in her life and writing. With an extreme love of nature bordering on lifelong, Cheryl writes from the perspective of an experiencer versus a researcher and this shows in her stories.

We talked about nature elements in God’s world and how they relate to eternity and spiritual life here (never worshipping nature above the Lord). Cheryl, guided by the Holy Spirit, shared some wonderful tidbits that I am sure you will derive much from, as I did.

Thank you, Cheryl, for joining me for the Heaven Blog Author Talk!

Thank you also , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video with ! I apologize that the chat was frozen for me so I could not see if you had questions or prayer requests. I will hope to catch those next time with a Live scheduled on July 20 with and me.

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No books! Intentionally! I don’t often avoid books, as you know, but this past year I have specifically avoided books that teach about being assigned or speaking in a heavenly language. Although I now look forward to learning more from other people’s experiences, I wanted to learn only from the Holy Spirit for a time and enjoy what He taught me directly.

Now I shall pass what I have learned to you. But please do comment! I am ready to learn more from those with boots on the ground.

The Practice Formula. Practice may not make perfect but practice keeps it rolling. I have to practice my heavenly language almost every day. When my (now) friends, J, C, R and L activated my holy language for me, they said, “practice 10-15 minutes every day.” At first this was not a problem because I couldn’t shut up. I mean everywhere and anywhere, when I was by myself. As soon as people left the room or I went on a walk, I leaped at the opportunity. Hubby walked into a room several times only to hear me ‘waxing on eloquently’ in my heavenly language. Once, I was listening to Speedy Gonzales on YouTube because I was trying to figure out if I could understand him, it sounds a bit like him and —go figure—I can roll my R’s in my heavenly language and do all the time but STILL cannot roll my R’s in English. LOL! Well, Speedy G and I do not have the same language. Eventually, it became obvious that setting a regular time to practice, just like I have with my devo/quiet time, was the best option.

The Singing Side Job. I have a prophetic friend I connect with occasionally and when he prayed about me and my new language, he kept hearing that I needed to sing in this language to find more healing. We talked about it several times and I tried once or twice, but just found it really difficult. It’s like my mouth could not form a tune and new words at the same time. I gave up multiple times. In the meantime, I had another Zoom with friend M and he stressed it again. Argh. I might have even rolled my eyes. I didn’t know what He was hearing but maybe it wasn’t for me! LOL! (sending hugs if you are reading this, M.!)

A couple of weeks later, I was listening to Christian radio while driving and discovered that I could do this—if I already knew the song’s tune (what was coming) and added the prayer language along with it. That worked, whew. But the Lord wasn’t done with me yet. I was driving along, praying for someone else’s healing the other day and HE said, “pray with music and praise” and I gulped!

But, yes, Lord! And what do you know, I opened my mouth and basically started writing brand new songs, tune and new words included. I found myself wishing for a piano on the road to write them down. But no, they were holy and precious, and just between the Lord and I, for now. And before you ask, I had planned to call and pray with this gal the next day, and there was no need. She was released from the hospital that night in very good health. Whew. Thank you, Jesus.

He Mourns When I Do Not Use It. God is not an angry accountant tracking each time we use our gifts. But we see in Matthew 25 that He is a deeply invested Father who hates to see His treasure buried in the mud. When I hide the voice that He places in my heart, I am not being humble. I am letting fear rob the Kingdom of the return on His investment in me. The ultimate heartbreak of the Parable of the Talents is a gift that never met its purpose. I never want the Master to ask me why I hid or refused to continue practicing what He gave me. No, thank you!

Timing & Environment. I learned discretion in how and when I use this gift. Not in front of crowds per 1 Corinthians 14:27–28, even though I believe we should consider that the Word says that to prevent others from deceiving us. I have been shy to use it with others and I am not sure why but in this past couple of weeks, He also called me on that.

News flash! I am, at times, supposed to use it when praying with people individually. Thank you to and what she unintentionally taught me (plus gave me practice). She pulled me aside at our CCW writing conference and said, “Let’s find a quiet spot. I feel like we are supposed to pray together in our tongues.”

What?! Well, I trust and love Lynn so OK, I would try. Yee gads. Did she realize how much that request stretched me?

I admit I didn’t go there right away. I started in English but then grew a bit more comfortable. And gradually, He brought the words. I am now becoming more comfortable as I do it more. But it was really weird at first and still is sometimes. And of course, I am learning to ask first so other people are not uncomfortable.

Our Uniqueness. I believe all our languages are very unique. I have yet to meet anyone who has my language—or anything like it! Google Translate and other translation software fail to understand it either. I’ve tried! This is a bummer in one sense and comforting in another—this language is truly from Heaven. It transcends earth. Nothing man-made about it. And yet, my Lord understands me as He gave it to me and that is all that matters.

He Reveals. He has revealed words to me at times when I find myself repeating them, and I ask what they mean. This is, of course, at His discretion, and I have no idea of the meaning of every single word. But He has told me the meaning of a few, such as: father, speaking, enemy, satan/minions, friends, thank you, I love you, God, praise, hallelujah, mama, kids and a few others.

It transcends the human mind. I cannot think in tongues—I have tried so many times. It just gets stuck. One of the gals who helped me activate told me that it surpasses the human brain. Well, I have learned that it also bypasses the human brain, and of course, the AI models trained by human brains.

I’ve often had Words of Knowledge for people throughout the years (without realizing what it was), but the Lord told me (one of the P words) when I was being healed (last chapter- Routed to Heaven) that He would expect me to be prophetic at times. Yikes!?

Well, the first time it happened was at the Heaven Encounters conference and it just flew out of my mouth. The young man was eating lunch and I interrupted him to thank him really quick for something. Then suddenly, words flew out that I hadn’t planned on. I had actually started to turn away when my forehead wrinkled up and I turned back. “Do you know?” I asked. “That the Lord is getting ready to elevate you?” I know I still looked puzzled—even as I was speaking! Because I was!

His sandwich bite almost dropped out of his mouth, and to my great relief, he swallowed, then grinned and said, “Thank you! I take that as a Word from Him.”

I nodded fast. “And it is Him, not you.” Which he completely agreed with.

I walked away shaking my head. That was so weird! You see, with Words of Knowledge, I have ALWAYS had time for my brain to process things a bit (even if just a moment) before I say it. That was not the case with this prophetic word (and ones since).

The reality is, the Lord bypasses my brain and just uses my mouth. The end result is that I am actually processing the information in my brain at the same time the other person is processing it. It happened at Bible study the other day, too. One of my attendees was like, “huh? Do you know what that means” at the same time I was shaking my head, looking at the ceiling and saying, “Uh-where did that come from?” Ha ha. What a glorious mess.

Throne Room Express. Early on, I asked “why” because, as you know, I am a Gideon, sometimes a doubting Thomasina, and always have questions of Him. “Why me, Lord? Why a new heavenly language? What difference will it make?” And He answered me this time (He doesn’t always!). He said, “prayers in your heavenly language go directly to the throne room.”

Interesting, I thought. Don’t all our prayers go directly to You?

It was only later that I understood. He gave me a new memory of something that had happened while I was in Heaven. I saw prayers from earth become a physical object, and I saw angels picking them up, gathering them and taking them to the throne room, where He indeed spent all day and night interceding for us. But there is no gathering needed of prayers in that SOS heavenly language, apparently. They land straight at the bullseye.

You might have it too. I have also learned that likely, if you have ever had the desire for a heavenly language, He has already given that to you. Or will. It just needs to be activated. Why did I want it? Certainly not to sound like a weird mumbling woman as she walks around the neighborhood (although I think I do!) but because I felt it would draw me closer to HIM, and help me help others—and it has. I see this verse a bit differently now:

...to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:9–10, NIV

Spiritual gifts are not a random inheritance dropped on us from a distant sky. Because the Spirit lives in you, the fullness of His gifts is already within your reach. He doesn’t dictate your assignment from afar; instead, He honors the free will He gave you. He invites you to bring your whole self to the table—your history, your unique personality, your scars, and your passions.

He isn’t withholding His power—He is waiting on your partnership. He stands back, inviting you to use your holy free will to look at your story—and choose how you will serve. The gifts are already available. The choice to step into them is yours.

Stop waiting for a lightning bolt, and start choosing your offering.

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I want to learn from those of you who have had a heavenly language or other Holy Spirit gifts long before I had them! Wisdom? Am I off track?! What do you know that you want to share? Or maybe you are a newbie like me or even better, looking to obtain the gifts He provides to us? PLEASE, tell me more! I am honored to hear from you.

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New! Click here for my interview this week with Mike McKinsey, the bestselling author of I Held the Hand of Jesus in Heaven and now, a great podcast host—because the Lord told him to DO IT. Thank you, Mike. (Please like and leave a comment on YouTube) THANKS, FRIENDS!

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Perhaps it has always been hiding inside small rehearsals. In the way golden light spills across a kitchen floor at five in the evening. In the way a child runs toward someone they love without slowing down before impact. In the way a wayward adult-ish child finally wanders home. In eyes of an adoring pet. In campfire smoke caught in sweaters and hair. In blackberries staining fingertips purple at the edge of August. In the hush that falls over a lake before dawn fully wakes.

Maybe earth has always been scattering clues. Maybe that is why beauty aches.

Because somewhere inside, our souls recognize a place untouched by ending.

Heaven feels like recognition.

Like every lovely thing we have ever known finally freed from gravity and decay, multiplied. Mountains without erosion. Gardens without winter. Oceans without storms. Ground without shakes and ensuing danger-cracks.

Bodies without exhaustion. People without pain. Love without interruption and broken heart-pieces.

No doors closing. No clocks dimming then stopping. No final phone calls. No hollow chairs left at tables nor unread books on the recliners. No working without the joy of producing and serving.

And yet Heaven will not erase the earth—not yet.

It will gather much of it.

Laughter around crowded tables. The smell of something like flowery rain in reach of noses. Dogs collapsing beside their people, panting in contented joy. Bears and lions wandering through the forest. Visuals too magnificent to describe. A joyful peace while connecting with neighbors, friends and family. Sparkling fireflies. Ocean salt. Sandy feet. Someone reaching for your hand just to show their love. And Him.

Not lost.

Completed.

As though every earthly wonder was only a lantern lit along the road toward something vast enough to hold all of it at once.

love exists in both places. But only Love exists there.

Here, it arrives and leaves in fragments. In gestures. In temporary things. In gardens that bloom and fade and bloom again.

But there, Love remains fully awake forever.

No fear touching it.
No grief thinning it.
No asking it to loosen its grip.

Just the steady astonishment of being known completely and still welcomed nearer.

And maybe that is why certain moments on earth stop us cold.

The blue hour over mountains.
Choirs echoing through old churches.
The first glimpse of the sea.
A father carrying a sleeping child.
Candles glowing in quiet houses while snow gathers outside.

For one impossible second, the veil thins.

And the soul remembers home.

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Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

But I know trusted friends who did.

How scary, we think. Is this when I will be judged? When all the things I’ve ever done wrong in my entire life flash before my eyes? Will everyone in Heaven also see it? Will my embarrassing sins be flashed in the skies above everyone’s head? How about that sin I repented for and tried so hard to avoid but then did that one last time?

While I stood in Heaven, my Lord made me aware of His second personality trait—second only to His incredible love. And it was practically indescribable (a bit like Heaven!) because in His presence, soaking in all He gave me, I became aware of His deep and lasting compassion for all of us.

Those life reviews? Many say they saw their bad choices, and they also saw the impact of those choices on other people—the view there is more than 360 degrees, you see.

However, I see another commonality—so many of my friends relate that He was with them in every scene. Saving them from worse. Stepping in wherever He could and still allowing humans their free choice.

Yes, love means allowing us our choices.

I told this to a group of abuse survivors last week and saw tears well in their eyes. I shared with someone at church who then had to clear his manly throat three times. I wanted to tell my pastor, and I haven’t had a chance. But now I’m telling this to you.

I can no longer view things on earth the same way that I did.

What do I see now?

I see a victim, shot down on 82nd street, lying in the street, gasping for air. And I see my Jesus, kneeling next to him, tears running down His cheeks. Reaching out to cradle his head, to lift him a bit so he can breathe better, until help arrives.

I see a mother as her husband pulls in the driveway, mad at yet another unproductive day when he couldn’t earn much (he has bombarded her with texts all day), even though he tried. I see her tense as the car door slams, the furtive look at the front window, the sudden move to hustle the kids into the playroom—as she closes the door behind them and waits with held breath. I see my Lord stand near. In fact, by placing His hand strategically on the front door, He prevents it from slamming when the guy enters. And then He hurries to her side. He will be there to shield her as much as possible, and to guard the kids behind her from their daddy’s words. And to ensure it doesn’t get physical, today.

I see a church gathering and a pastor who feels he is the only one who can be in charge—because no one else will do it right. I hear him misconstrue scripture to keep women in their place and give men permission to do whatever it takes to keep ‘order’ in their home. And next to him in the choir section, Jesus shakes his head sadly before He walks down the stage stairs, finds the woman in the most pain, and whispers reassurance in her ear. He later directs her to receive a hug in the foyer, and make a new understanding friend.

I see Him sitting next to a little girl hiding in a closet, His knees drawn to His chest, shoulder to shoulder as she trembles. “Why don’t we color?” He whispers. And her face briefly lights up the semi-dark as He hands her a crayon and a notepad. “I will help. Hey, can you draw a sheep? Oh, wait, I gave you a blue crayon. Let me scrounge up a different one…”

“I love blue sheep!” She uncurls her arms and legs because there is something that feels more like the beginnings of an adventure fluttering in her stomach now. “How about stars?” She whispers loudly a few moments later. “Shouldn’t sheep have stars above their heads to guide them when it’s dark?”

His turn to smile. “Indeed, they do.”

Oh, the pain of sin! And oh, the pain of suffering from other people’s sins!

Yet, in the depths of our deepest trials, we are never alone. His compassion is so vast that He does not merely watch our suffering—He carries it, feeling our grief even more deeply than we do.

I see Him in the ambulance next to me, as He firmly squeezed my hand. And then surrounding me as my physical body continued to pass out, deteriorating from something my body deemed poison. I feel Him throw Himself on me, pushing on my chest even as we enjoyed time in Heaven, then later helping to pull my gurney into the hospital hallway, calming the tremors as my body shook the surface. I hear Him whispering words from Psalm 23 and “I will never leave you” over and over in my ear. And then, cracking a grin at me when I can finally smile back, “didn’t we have such an adventure?”

Wink!

Surely we did. Much better than coloring in the closet.

I got better then. And hubby finally came. But Jesus declined to leave, and for the next week, I remained so hemmed in by His presence that I felt like a child bundled up against a winter storm—completely covered, physically warm and utterly safe.

Heaven changes your perspective. Choosing to focus on Heaven will change your perspective.

My view changes when I choose to trust Him, knowing that He is always my greatest cheerleader, and that just as He promised, He never left. He’s never left you either.

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (and multiple additional verses)

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One gentleman in the book, Manny, while in a medically induced coma, experienced a reprimand. Multiple faces flashed before him as God said, “These are the people I called you to witness to, and you didn’t witness to them.” The book continues, “He saw names he recognized, ordinary encounters he had rushed past, moments when someone’s eternity had brushed against his own. And he had been too busy, too tired, too distracted to notice. Manny wasn’t condemned. He was recalibrated.” 1

Yay, Manny!

I immediately thought of the times the Lord prompted me to chat or pray with someone, and I did not. One, I should be able to fix this week, but I am sorry, my Lord. Forgive me and help me to never hesitate again.

Lately, I’ve chewed on the idea that perhaps the verses in the Bible about “one person leaving and one left behind” (Matthew 24:40–41 and Luke 17:34–3 ) are not about a believer being pulled off this earth but instead about the unbelievers leaving us. After all, the days of judgment are compared to the days of Noah and the days of Lot, and in both cases, only believers from one family were saved. I’m not sure then where the Tribulation would fall if this is the scenario but I am looking at these things. Consider this:

Many versions say ‘they did not know about the flood,’ but in the original text, it only says they did not know/recognize/understand. So in the NIV, which I use and love, it says, ‘and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.’ The original translations basically say people intentionally remained unaware that God was preparing to judge them. And certainly did not repent.

Even Luke indicates that they were intentional about living the best of their non-spiritual lives:

God works with us where we are, and He always has. He understands us, knows our every activity, speaks our language and adapts to our communication levels (or brings us up to His). So He knows I am studying this and prepared a dream last night. He woke me with the words, “This will be the year of the cleansing of the LORD!”

He also briefly sent me back to lie down after breakfast and brought the intertwined themes as I grabbed my notebook that a writer must always keep bedside. Here are the themes of last night’s dream that I can share with you.

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1. God is supreme, over all the signs, wonders and prophetic words we hear. Even the signs that mean something important to us or have been a bit (or a bunch) of our ‘gospel.’

2. The number seven plays a role. Of course. In the dream, we all enjoyed a two-week vacation in an amazing place, and we flew over the landscape (in what felt like a roofless vehicle) with warmth beaming down on our heads. We laughed, ate delicious food, socialized, and attended events. Later, I was told that seven houses there had been purchased. What a great marketing technique, I thought. Bring us here for vacay first and give us an amazing time! LOL. Yes, He has been doing this with so many people’s visits to Heaven.

3. I seemed to be on the fence. Now (whew), I know this is not the case in real life as I long ago ‘purchased’ my home in Heaven, or rather He purchased it for me and I just had to sign the deed. But I understood that in the dream, I represented people as a whole.

4. I had just attended an event and the same lady on the ‘phone’ (gadget thing) who told me that seven houses had been purchased there during the vacay, was insistent that I meet with a man who signed up for monthly consultations with me. I asked, “but what if we decide not to buy a house here? Does he not know how to use Zoom?” Ha ha. She said, “Well, you committed to do this.”

5. When I got off the phone-thingy, people gathered and I experienced an obvious chance to be unfaithful. These types of dreams have always bugged me a bunch, and if I am ‘unfaithful’ (whatever that might mean in that dream), I often spend time considering why, lamenting it, and even calling satan off when I awake. But the Lord revealed that it was not about me. It was the people here on earth who continue to choose unfaithfulness and mostly, it was about His incredible faithfulness to US regardless. We can trust His Word, His plans, His voice.

6. We obviously have a choice. YOU have a choice also where you will spend eternity. Is the Lord Jesus building your house? I’m not sure if I gave up in the dream or not and bought a house (although I remember thinking I should consult with hubby first) but of course, buying due to pressure from house-lady or because I told someone I would commit would have been the wrong reasons to come to Jesus. That is when He woke me up with a resonating voice, “This is the year of the cleansing of the LORD!”

So, as He gets ready to clean the earth-house, we should all consider our dirt. Have you opened the door to Him? Are you allowing Him to clear away what doesn’t belong and cultivate what does? Is there a burden, habit, or sin that needs to be surrendered to His care?

As He continues His work within us, may His fruit grow so abundantly that others cannot help but see the beauty of the Gardener through His people-garden.

P.S. My pastor gave a great reminder this morning. We are all experts in our own stories. Perhaps the Lord is just asking you to share yours. :-)

—

Not into Apple? Here’s a Heaven Songs Playlist on YouTube instead. (please like and subscribe to my channel there)

God Spoke: What He Said and What Happened Before That? on TikTok (please like and subscribe)

Join me at the summer conference for Cascade Christian Writers in beautiful Oregon, and don’t forget to visit the beach while you’re here. You won’t be sorry! Registration ends JUNE 3 at 10PM Pacific!

Julie Bonn Blank Ministries and Broken Souls Restored are a 501©(3). Your gifts are tax-deductible and go toward the important work of helping survivors of abuse and trauma begin to thrive as the Lord intended. THANK YOU!

I met Chris recently at a writer’s conference and am enjoying his book: By Faith: Strength and Hope for Life’s Challenges. We do have a lot in common in the trauma and mental health space—as well as, of course, our closeness to Jesus.

Chris and I chatted about how faith impacts mental health, what to look for in a Christian or biblical counselor, the effectiveness of various healing modalities, EMDR therapy, the role of Satan/spiritual warfare in our calamities, and much more. I enjoyed our time and I hope that you also find the video helpful. Please do share if you feel that it might help others.

My advanced abuse recovery program, Broken Souls Restored, has passed all the checks and balances now as an official 501©3 ABN under Julie Bonn Blank Ministries and is in the beginning process of fundraising and seeking grants. First goal - staffing dollars, but God also recently asked me to sketch out the beach healing retreat center He showed me in a dream many months ago.

Image by Sunrise from Pixabay

Funny story - I’ve been using a tiny sketch book during my Quiet/Journaling times, and I then attempted to send pics to my dad of the “plan” (he has quite the experience in construction), and knew it was way too small. Well, just then, Amazon made a delivery: the full-size sketchbook I had ordered several weeks ago and had forgotten about.

But God didn’t forget. :-) He is a timely God.

Enjoy the video and please do not hesitate to reach out to me or if you have questions.

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I was asked this week to expand on what the Lord told me about the church not being urgent enough in preparing for His return. It was during a group video interview, so we didn’t have time to go through the list Jesus gave me. But then it dawned on me that I hadn’t yet shared this with you, and it is likely past time for that.

Yes, Jesus told me that His church is not expressing enough urgency in these last days. Most are responding with life as normal, and some are replying with complacency. He told me to remind you of the importance of preparation for His return.

We are supposed to live as if we have died, my friends. We are supposed to live like we have already been to Heaven because yes—when you visit there, it changes everything.

We are not our own.

So when we plan a big vacation trip, what do we add to our schedules? What are the priorities?

Time, Activities & Finances

We study the country or area we are heading to, plan to visit sites that interest us, and maybe even learn about the people, weather, standard dress and customs. Are you studying Heaven, the most incredible vacation destination that won’t be temporary at all?

Financial planning for our extensive travel must happen. Funds are put aside. We study the exchange rates, and we plan to tell the bank where we are headed and for how long. We may purchase travel insurance, plane/train/boat tickets and pre-rent a vehicle. We might budget for food and expenses while there and even for some gifts to bring back to loved ones. For where our treasure is, there also is our heart.

Although the days of needing to purchase what were called traveler’s checks are past, time is usually invested in ensuring the money cards will work if we are heading into another country, and perhaps we even initiate monetary transfers. Are you putting your treasure toward others’ eternal destiny and investing in them —or are you stashing it in a ready-to-grab suitcase or preparing to hoard?

We sometimes learn the language of a country that we will visit, at least the basics, but hopefully more deeply. Who wants to become stuck at the trolley station with a rumbling tummy, looking around desperately for the nearest and greatest food joint?

And what about developing communication skills? This astronomically increases in importance when a foreign language surrounds you, burying you so deep in the crowd that you don’t know how to say, “I need coffee, please.” Or even worse, “Where is the restroom?”

Are you working to learn the language of Heaven? Our Lord is calling us to increase our studies and focus on Him during this period. This means more reading the Word, more time praying, more time in spiritual journaling (if you do that), more effort and time in remaining in His community, additional time in praise/worship, increased scripture memorization, and extra time listening to Jesus and to trusted spiritual leaders.

How should we be feeling?

Dreamy Distraction

As we prep for a big vacay, do we not get distracted by the thought of leaving? Yes, we dream about going, each day seeming longer and longer until we can hit the highway for the last time and head toward freedom and those amazing sights we’ve looked forward to all our lives. If you do not feel this way right now about Heaven, He wonders why. He has prepped this incredible place for you, you know it’s real, you connect with those of us who have been there and He sent us back to help you get there too. Heaven is not complete without YOU.

Consider your very last week or day in high school or college. Remember feeling this? I never have to walk into this building/log onto this site again. I’m pretty much sick of it. I am almost free, thank you, Jesus!

Remember that euphoria?

Are we distracted with thoughts of our heavenly home? Trust me, the euphoria we will feel there is never-ending. Yes, even better than escaping school for the last time, finishing a job we never really liked, buying a new car, falling in love or obtaining a new place to live. Be excited.

We Prepare Our Family

We also prepare our family when it is time to vacay-plan. What good does it do if you are the only one in your family who knows some of the new language, and then your family gets split up while there? What if your teen-kid is highly likely to find the locals or connect with a good group? They will need the skills to make that happen.

We Prepare Things at Home

Perhaps we have pets or plants that need to be cared for while we are away for several weeks. A house sitter to hire? Someone to walk the dog and clean the litterbox? Certainly, we tend to work to prevent our homes from appearing vacant.

Our home preparation might mean things like verbally prepping our people that He could come at any time, encouraging family scripture reading and memorization time, spending time together in prayer, ensuring everyone knows the plan of salvation, creating a Rapture Notebook and leaving it in a visible place for after-the-people-moving-event, paring down on non-essential items, filling your library with books that will help those left behind (digital items will be scrutanized and erased), buying extra paper Bibles to shelve or box while you are at it, perhaps even working on a storm shelter/safe area for significant weather events or a hiding place for any who need to flee later on.

Some who are mid-trib or post-trib thinkers might also be stocking food, cash (which may not even work), propane, batteries and lights-out supplies. They may also prepare for off-grid living, installing solar panels or planning for large potato-stocked victory gardens. Even if you are a pre-trib thinker, your preparations may someday help someone else left behind. Your home and items could become a lifesaver for them, potentially even for family members or friends.

We Help Plan For Others

Our schedule affects other people. Our vacay time likely affects the neighbors, who need to pick up the mail, water the garden and peek out their windows to make sure our porch light shines as scheduled. It certainly affects the schedules of any family members or friends keeping an eye out, feeding the chickens or watching our house. It might affect someone’s pocketbook if the chicken feed runs out early or a window gets broken.

I recently discovered a time-saving feature: ordering many of our groceries via delivery. So far, our local grocery store has not come after me—but you can bet that with the rise in delivery, they are watching numbers and keeping lists. Why else did they also start a delivery service? They sent me a $10-off coupon a couple of weeks ago, and I drove to the store, purchased the minimum required, used the coupon, and then returned to ordering online from the other supplier. I hope I didn’t affect anyone’s paychecks, but you can bet that if more and more of us start ordering elsewhere, it will affect our local stores. We’ve already seen small biz affected when the big-box stores move in.

Our vacays also affect others, and our final trip to Heaven will have a HUGE impact on those left behind. What can you do to both speak Jesus to them and also allow some of your preparation to help them? Please list some ideas in the comments.

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If you plan and prep more for your annual beach trip than for your eternal heavenly destination, please reconsider your priorities in this season of time and ongoing. I have now done what He told me to do—please also go and do your part. My friends, this worldwide and upcoming change will happen—and it requires all of us to stride out of the dugout and get up to the plate.

Batter up!

Truly spoken in love,

Jules

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‘Where are you off to now?’ Dragonbit asked Rabbitfast in a very bored voice as he slowly swiped at a dragonfly fluttering nearby. He longed to hold it in his hand and study its delicate and beautiful wings.

‘Oh hurry, hurry!’ Rabbitfast paused, her breath pushing out rapidly, thinking she should have at least brought her inhaler. ‘I’ve an appointment with the Great Wise One! I need to update Him on this project that He has me on.’

‘Oh!’ EleEeyore moaned. ‘You mean that book?’

‘Book, yup. Stories too. And that article I meant to post last week! Oh! And I think a second book too! But I have such a hard time sitting still.’ She hopped forward a few steps. ‘Perhaps I have it all wrong. Hey, didn’t you also make an appointment for today, EleEeyore? If so, I believe you might be heading the wrong way down the trail!’

‘What is it with your kind?’ Dragonbit nodded at EleEeyore. ‘Seems to me you’re either lumbering the wrong way or hanging out in trees all the time.’

‘We don’t need to show our faces,’ EleEeyore sniffed. ‘Unlike some of you. I prefer to remain as unobvious as possible.’ She moved her great trunk to the side, peering at Rabbitfast. ‘Although I’m happy to carry you there, Rabbitfast.’

Rabbitfast blinked, knowing she could hop ten times faster. ‘Err- thanks for the offer. Ah well. It takes all kinds, indeed.’ She paused her hopping once more. ‘What about you, Dragonbit? Did you set up an appointment?’

Dragonbit sniffed, preferring to search out the next great insect beauty of the forest. ‘Appointment? Oh yes, I met with the Great Wise One last year. Spent quite a bit of time anyway…’

‘And? What did He tell you?’ EleEeyore rumbled and sat, shaking the forest floor.

Rabbitfast startled but Dragonbit didn’t even jump. He seemed in a stupor as he blinked and then crossed his claws on his chest. The dragonfly fluttered off. His face rearranged into a thoughtful expression. ‘Uh… teach. When I find these beautiful creatures, I am to teach them of their beauty. Their uniqueness. And of their Creator…’

‘And how is that going?’ EleEeyore heaved a sigh and flopped her trunk on the ground. Rabbitfast shot her a warning look and EleEeyore shrugged. ‘What? I’m just trying to help.’

‘Tragically interrupted,’ Dragonbit huffed. ‘No thanks to the two of you. And besides, who am I to tell them what they probably already know? I would probably scare them off.’ He moved into the forest, breaking limbs as he went.

‘I think he got distracted with the finding beauty part,’ EleEeyore sighed. ‘Hey, have you seen Unispoke? I haven’t seen him since he climbed up and yelled on the top of that big rock, informing some creatures of The Words.’

Rabbitfast grinned. ‘Sabbatical, maybe. Maybe we needed a break, too. Oh dear, now I must run. Good day, EleEeyore! Enjoy your nap.’ She turned and bolted into the forest, her large pocket watch clanking against her hip.

And across the clearing, ChickNana ran the other direction, squawking, ‘Pray? I’m supposed to pray? What in the world difference will that make?! I wanted to do something!’

In Matthew 25, we read of the Talent Parable and the three who received their gifts. It is interesting that this story resides in this area, because this entire chapter focuses on the End of Days. This is not just a story about using our gifts and talents, but a Parable of being especially chosen for this last season of Days and our responsibility within that.

The Parable And What It Says

One man (Rabbitfast), having received his talents and assignments, brought back more than what the Lord expected. With a go-getter attitude, a competitive personality, and possibly an overachiever bent (while still wanting to please His master), he invested those gifts and talents wisely, doubling the impact. And the Lord was very pleased.

The next man (EleEeyore) received ‘lesser’ talents, but for the sake of this story, we will call them what they really are: Quiet. The Lord states that He gave them each talents according to dynamis, which is translated as ‘ability’ but actually means ‘powerful/miracle.’ Yes, these people were capable, in the Lord’s power, of more than they thought possible. This man also quietly and humbly doubled his portion of his gifts. As we see, EleEeyore had helper gifts of mercy, service and likely hospitality—and used those to serve her friends.

Although certainly, she could have been more cheerful about it. :-)

And then we have the third (Dragonbit), who buried his gift, seemed insecure, and grew worried about what the other creatures might think. The third man said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So, I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

The word for ‘afraid’ (phobeomai) actually indicates that he was afraid, or reverent of the Lord, but in an improper way, as it can be an impediment. He basically said, ‘I know what you are capable of, Lord. I hid it away, nice and safe.’ Basically: You can do it on your own, Lord, and with your other servants. You do not need me. I am afraid. Besides, won’t it all happen as it is supposed to be, anyway? With or without me?

The Lord called him wicked, lazy and his actions worthless. ‘You knew of my power and my ability to use you, no matter what, and you hid what I gave you. You could have at least made a deposit, and my gift to you would have earned interest.’ And he gave those gifts instead to the ones who would multiply them.

What I Observe In His Parable

Let’s peek at the following observations:

• In verse 15, it says: ‘Then he went on his journey.’ Jesus, having given us our assignments, returned to Heaven.

• In verse 19: ‘After a long time, the Master returned to settle the accounts.’ This is a nod to our earthly-time. The Lord knows how we feel—we’ve waited so long for Him to come, even though it has been just days to Him, but just as ALL of His promises have been kept, He is coming!

• To the first two men, He uses the words often heard in Heaven after arrival: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’

• He also says, ‘You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Yes, this is indicative of someone’s future Heaven-role if they are faithful with their gifts and talents here on earth.

• Verse 29 says, ‘For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance…’ He is ready and willing to provide overflowing abundance to those of us who use our gifts well here on earth.

• Yes, ‘investing’ in your gift can be scary and at times, seem off-track to what we thought we were supposed to do. We see a bevy of excuses, including: I’m too old; That’s not me; I’m not talented enough; Who me? A pray-er?; I don’t relish being on stage—or whatever.

But in these pivotal times, investing in your unique gifts isn’t just about personal fulfillment—it is a vital part of stewardship for a world in transition.

When the shadows of uncertainty grow long, our talents serve as lamps intended to illuminate the path for others.

Image by Hans Benn from Pixabay

Take the raw materials of your gifts, your compassion, your intellect, your life experience and your creativity and refine them through consistent, courageous action. By refusing to bury our potential in the soil of fear, doubt or distraction, we participate in a spiritual momentum where every small step of faithfulness attracts an abundance of clarity, strength and Kingdom Impact.

Please do not wait for ‘perfect conditions’ to contribute. Offer what you have now, trusting that your commitment to your purpose is the very thing that will anchor you and light the way for those around you when it matters most.

Don’t be a Dragonbit, no matter how cute he is.

Love, Jules

Your Heaven Reporter

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning. Give me oil in my lamp, I pray. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning. Keep me burning til the break of day! (Author of Song: A. Sevison)

P.S. Here is a recent Substack Live that and I did on fasting and praying. Feel free to share!

Echoes of Memory by Sally Cave

Live with Julie Bonn Blank, Heaven Blog and Sally Cave

Another great conversation with Julie, this time focusing on prayer and fasting. There is so much more to say about this topic, so watch this space. There may be a part two…

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3 months ago · 8 likes · 1 comment · Echoes of Memory by Sally Cave and Julie Bonn Blank, Heaven Blog

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History was often written by the loud—by the clamor of swords and the shouting of decrees. But in the celestial architecture of the Bible, power wears a different face. It is a face that is at once terrifying and tender, ancient and electric.

The Living Compass

The image of the Lion doesn’t appear by accident—it is woven into the very geography of faith. In the Book of Ezekiel and again in Revelation, four living beings surround the throne of God: the Lion, the Ox, the Man, and the Eagle.

Centuries before John saw these in heaven, the tribes of Israel camped in this exact formation around the Tabernacle. The Tribe of Judah, bearing the standard of the Lion, stood at the front and always moved first. It was a living compass, an earthly shadow of a heavenly reality.

The Lion Personality: Authority at Rest

We associate lions with the hunt—the prowling, the pouncing, the violence. But the first time the Lion of Judah is mentioned in Genesis, the patriarch Jacob describes something counterintuitive:

“Judah is a lion’s cub… like a lion and lioness he crouches and lies down… Who dares to rouse him?” (Genesis 49:9 ESV)

This reveals the true ‘Lion personality.’ A lion is the only creature in the wild that can afford to sleep deeply in the open. He or she does not pace nervously or look frantic or desperate as they find a resting spot. They just plop down and rest. This is the image of leadership and unquestioned authority.

When we consider a lion as the apex predator, the absolute top of the food chain, we see a creature with no natural enemies, entirely secure in its dominion. In the same way, Christ answers to no higher authority. He rules a spiritual kingdom where His power is absolute and His sovereignty is unchallenged.

Earthly rulers sometimes scream to be heard or use force to validate their status. But the true King simply exists in His power.

When Jesus walked the earth, He didn’t need a crown to be a King. He spoke to the storms with the calm of a confident lion waking from a nap, and the waves obeyed. He possessed a “mussed,” untamed holiness that made religious leaders uneasy and the broken-hearted feel safe.

The Shadow and the Substance

Throughout the Old Testament, lion encounters served as prophetic echoes. When David rescued a lamb from a lion’s mouth, he was practicing for his role as the Shepherd-King who would protect God’s people. When Samson found honey inside the carcass of a lion, he proved that “out of the strong comes something sweet”—a hint that from the fierce victory of Christ would come the sweetness of eternal life.

Even the story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den serves as a parallel to the Resurrection. A righteous man, falsely accused, is sealed behind a stone in a pit of death, only to walk out untouched in the morning light. Daniel survived the lions, but Jesus is the Lion. He is the one who enters the den of death and shuts its mouth forever.

Image by Alexa from Pixabay

Here are some other ‘contradictions’:

The Apex Predator who is the Ultimate Protector

In the wild, the lion is a lethal force of nature. However, the male lion’s primary role in the pride is not actually hunting—it is guarding. He patrols the perimeter and absorbs the brunt of any attack to keep the cubs safe.

• The Christ Connection: While He has the power to destroy, He uses that apex strength to stand between the prowling enemy predator and us. The most dangerous Being in existence becomes our safest Refuge.

Lethal Weapons vs. Velvet Paws

A lion’s paw is a marvel of engineering: it contains claws that can disembowel an opponent, but those claws are retractable. A lion can strike with 100% of its force, or it can bat a cub with a velvet touch, keeping its weapons hidden to ensure it doesn’t harm what it loves.

• The Christ Connection: This is the definition of meekness (power under control). Jesus could have summoned legions of angels to destroy His accusers, but He retracted His claws. He possesses the ‘fur-osity’ to end a rebellion, yet He chooses to touch us with the softness of grace.

Solitary Majesty vs. The Heart of the Pride

Lions are the only truly social cats. While other top predators (like tigers or leopards) are loners, the lion lives in a family. He is a King, but not a hermit.

• The Christ Connection: God didn’t stay distant in His solitary majesty. He created a ‘pride’—the Church, His family—and chose to live in the middle of it. He is the High King who refuses to be a King without His people.

The ‘Lazy’ King vs. The Ever-Watchful Sovereign

Lions can spend up to 20 hours a day resting. To an observer, the lion looks lazy, but that rest is actually a display of total confidence. He isn’t worried about being hunted, so he doesn’t need to stay busy.

• The Christ Connection: This is Authority at rest. He isn’t a frantic God. He isn’t worried about the news or the state of the world. He sits on the throne with a calm—proof and in total trust of His complete victory.

The true Lion of Judah does not roar to scare His children. But I did recently learn that he roars to call us and also to declare His triumph.

The Roar of Command vs. The Purr of Intimacy

A lion’s roar can be heard up to five miles away; it is a sound designed to claim territory and shake the soul. Yet, that same lion uses gentle vocalizations—grunts and huffs—to communicate deep affection within the pride.

• The Christ Connection: He is the Voice that shatters the cedars of Lebanon, yet He is also the One who speaks in a still, small voice to the broken-hearted. He commands the cosmos, but whispers your name.

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My Lion of Judah Vision

Last week, I had a vision. It took me almost a week to work through it and decipher what He wanted me to share with you.

Here is the symbolism provided in my vision:

The live-wire hair and the Amish-style beard of the Father (who works alongside His people) paint a portrait of the Ancient of Days that is both primordial and pulsing with vitality—a rejection of a static, ‘statue-like deity’ in favor of a Creator who is the very Source of all energy. The specific structure of the beard highlights a patriarchal authority rooted in wisdom and humble work, while the mussed hair suggests a wild, abandoned beauty that refuses to be tamed by human expectations of order. In many biblical encounters with the Divine, God’s presence is associated with energy, fire, and light (the Burning Bush, the pillar of fire, the tongues of flame).

Within this encounter was a restoration of innocence, as my younger self appeared without the big hair or cultural markers of a specific era, glowing in the light of His gaze. In the presence of the Father, we are stripped of the masks and trends of the world and returned to our original design. He sees us in our purest, most joyful forms.

Most profound is the morphing of the Father into the Lion. This visual shift reveals that the Lion of Judah is not a mask God wears, but an overflow of His very nature. In Revelation, the Lion is revealed to be the Lamb. It’s the same message here. God’s ultimate omnipotence isn’t found in a show of force, but in the strength of His love and sacrifice.

When He roars, it isn’t a separate act—it is the Father expressing His heart through the Lion’s strength. The fact that His whiskers twitched with mirth indicates that God’s power is never disconnected from His joy. It is a wink to the believer that His roar is not a threat to His children, but a protective declaration and calling over His Pride/Family.

My lack of fear when faced with the powerful jaws and teeth of the Lion is a testament to a Spirit of Sonship—the deep and confident knowledge that the Apex Predator is my Father. While the rest of the world might see the roar as a sign of impending judgment and tremble, I laughed because I heard a shared secret, a joyful invitation to follow Him into the depths of a Kingdom where the Lion’s strength would serve as the ultimate refuge and we would never be apart again.

P.S. I wrote out my vision before finding pictures of lions. I had no idea that many lions have hazel-golden eyes. The one above was perfect.

A Lion’s Roar, A Father’s Wink

He does not pace a gilded cage,
Nor fret beneath the weight of years;
The Ancient One, from age to age,
In wild, abandoned grace appears.
His hair, a crown of living light,
Like wires of white and holy fire,
A face that puts the sun to flight,
The end of every soul’s desire.

The Apex King, the top of all,
With golden eyes of hazel depth,
Who hears the wounded sparrow fall
And gave the stars their rhythmic breath.
He wears a mane of silvered mist,
A longer cut than Jesus wore,
By thunder and by lightning kissed—
The Spirit’s "mad" and beautiful roar.

He retracts the claw to touch the child,
The Predator who protects the prey,
With 'fur-osity' both fierce and mild,
He drives the prowling thief away.
The mouth that shakes the mountain’s base
And makes the proudest kingdom blink,
Now twitches with a mirthful grace—
A Lion’s roar, a Father’s wink.

Please read this post from Randy Kay. It's entirety is at this link.

“I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” — Zechariah 12:3

'Notice what this verse does not say. It does not say some nations will injure themselves by opposing Jerusalem. It says all. Every nation that aligns against Israel in the last days injures itself. Not as a future possibility — as a present, ongoing, accumulating reality. The nations trying to ‘move’ Jerusalem — to resolve the Jewish question, to internationalize the city, to divide the land — are not just failing. They are being broken by the attempt...'
***

If you are wondering why Randy and I cannot shush, it is because we have both been to Heaven, and we have a testimony that God told us to share. To me, the Lord said, 'Don't just write it, speak it' (LOL. He knows me well.) And to Randy, He asked Him to hold the message in his heart for many years before giving him permission to speak it. Jesus told me that 'they' had reserved it 'for such a time as this.' 

Revelation 1:1- Testify all that you have seen.
Matthew 24:46- It will be good for those the Master finds studying when He arrives.
Revelation 6:9- For those who had been slain because of the Word of God and the testimony that they maintained.
Revelation 12:11 - And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...
Matthew 24:14- And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Luke 21:12-15 (in the middle of listing the end days signs): Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom...

Do YOU have a story to tell? I am compiling more Heaven visions, NDE's and encounters for Book 2. Because God has given me a complete outline and direction for Book 2, I'm pretty sure that it will be published. I am not as confident (timing-wise!) about Book 3. Complete this form here, and please DO restack and/or pass on to others who might finally be feeling ready to share their story. 

Love, Jules
Your Heaven Reporter

(please ignore the internet freezing in the beginning. We had some warfare going on!)

Thomas and I had a great chat about the stories in ‘Routed to Heaven’ that touched Thomas deeply, including one on suicide victims, Jesus’ deep love for us, and also one about a three-year-old taken by angels after a car accident and healed on Jesus’ lap.

We chatted about our Lord’s requests of us in these Last Days, why I was told that my life has had multiple trials, Fears, Sticky Sin and confession and the importance of a Call of Prayer. Thomas shared a tender story of his brother’s death and about his own car accident that showed him God’s deep, deep love and twisted his life in a completely new direction.

God willing, my next post will be about the vision God gave me a couple of days ago regarding the Lion of Judah.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into our live video! Hope to see you at the next one too!

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The Bible does not describe Heaven as a vague cloudscape or a distant glow on the horizon. Instead, it gives us structure. Shape. Texture. Walls. Gates. Foundations. Streets. It is as if God wanted us to know that eternity is not an abstract dream but a prepared place, built with intention and meaning.

In Revelation, John sees a city with great, high walls made of jasper. Walls in our world often speak of fear or exclusion, but Heaven’s walls tell a different story. They are not built to keep the faithful in or to keep God out. They stand as a declaration that nothing unclean, cruel, or broken will ever cross that boundary again. The walls represent protection, holiness, and separation from anything impure (Revelation 21:27). It also shows that entry is purposeful and intentional.

The walls of Heaven are not barriers of suspicion but borders of safety. They say, “Here, nothing will hurt you anymore.” A great example of how SAFETY is part of His desire for us is found in Song of Songs 4:8, where He pens:

Heaven Built Upon Rocks

Beneath the walls of Heaven are twelve foundations, each decorated with precious stones and named after the apostles. The foundations are decorated with twelve precious stones, including: Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony, Emerald, Sardonyx, Carnelian, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Turquoise, Jacinth and Amethyst. The jewels suggest beauty, permanence, and divine craftsmanship.

Foundations are what hold everything steady. They are rarely seen, but everything depends on them. In Heaven, the very base of the city reminds us that our eternal home is built on the testimony of those who walked with Jesus, suffered for Him, and carried His message into the world. The jewels are not there merely for beauty. They are a reminder that what God builds is both strong and radiant. Truth is not dull. Faith is not gray. The foundation of Heaven glimmers.

The city itself is shaped like a perfect cube, equal in length, width, and height. This is the same shape as the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament temple, the place where God’s presence dwelled.

This message is truly simple, yet breathtaking: in eternity, the whole city is the Holy of Holies. There is no small room for God’s presence anymore. His glory fills everything. Heaven is not just where God lives but where we live with Him, if you know Him and love Him.

Heaven’s Gates & Highways

Around the city are twelve gates, each made from a single pearl. There are three gates on each side: East, North, South, and West.

The gates carry the names of the tribes of Israel, and angels stand watch beside them. Yet Scripture tells us something interesting: the gates will never shut. (Revelation 21:25) In earthly cities, gates close at night for protection. In Heaven, there is no night, no threat, no fear. The gates will remain open, a symbol of peace, welcome, and complete redemption.

What does this mean when those of us who have been there experienced a closed gate? Well, note the verse says they will be open. Our Lord constructs barriers as needed. In my case, He popped down two kaleidoscope panels that were quite distracting in their beauty and the pictures they created. Other visitors describe a cloud in the way, or a wall or barrier. But it sounds like once we are all there inside and safe, those gates will remain open.

Let’s talk about pearls. A pearl is formed through suffering, created when an oyster covers an irritant with layer after layer of beauty. The entrance to Heaven is a reminder that redemption often grows out of pain, and that Christ’s suffering opened the way.

Inside the city runs great streets of pure gold, clear as glass. Gold on earth is hoarded, guarded, locked in vaults. In Heaven, it lies beneath our feet. What humanity prized most becomes pavement in the presence of God. The things we chase here are not the treasures that last.

Many visitors to Heaven who returned to us saw not just clear streets, but clear mansions, as clear gold is the most pure gold of all.

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River of the Water of Life & Water, Water, Water

Down the center of that golden street flows the river of the water of life, bright and clear, coming from the throne of God and the Lamb. Many accounts of visitors talk about the water—not just rivers but lakes. I am looking forward to receiving Gabe Poirot’s Book (he also endorsed 'Routed to Heaven’) because he saw great waves, which made me so happy to hear! I’m a beach gal! For those of you who feel the scriptures say that there is no sea, it appears that many theologians agree that this is not about a body of water, but more how they saw the sea in the first century—a living force of chaos.

The River of Life: Revelation 22:1 explicitly mentions a “pure river of water of life” flowing from the throne of God.

The Sea of Glass: Revelation 4:6 describes a “sea of glass, clear as crystal” before the throne. This is not a raging ocean, but a calm, tranquil, solidified body of water, indicating total peace.

Perfected Nature: The “new earth” will likely have water that is perfect, safe, and beautiful, without the capacity to harm, destroy, or separate. 1

Many accounts now indicate that baptisms occur in that Water of the River of Life. In addition, people happily swim and splash, and can breathe while underwater. What fun!

Tree of Life

On either side of the River (which is miles long, btw) grows the tree of life, bearing fruit in every season. This indicates the restoration of Eden, not as a fragile garden that can be lost, but as a thriving, eternal reality. Life flows freely. Nothing withers. Nothing dies. Not even the blades of soft, velvet grass.

The Messages For Us

Every part of Heaven’s design carries a message. The walls say, “You are safe.”
The foundations say, “You are held by truth.”
The gates say, “You are welcome.”
The streets say, “What you valued on earth is not your true treasure.”
The river says, “Life flows from God alone.”
The trees say, “What was lost has been restored.”

Heaven is not just beautiful architecture. It is theology in stone, gold, and light. It is a city that preaches without words, where every surface tells the story of redemption.

The architecture of Heaven is the architecture of hope. A place where safety replaces fear. Where permanence replaces uncertainty. Where beauty replaces sorrow.

And where God Himself becomes the center of everything.

Last Days Message For Writers

This is from my friend . I have known her (in person) for many years and she attends my home church on the coast. She is a deep pray-er and walks very close to Him. Yes, I trust her words (He has revealed something similar to me, more on that later) and I thought that it might encourage you too.

This morning as I awoke, I had a picture in my mind: a vision for Christian Writers
I was at a large gathering in an auditorium.
Jesus appeared on the stage. Everything else blurred from view. He had a loving smile on His face.
We all fell on our faces.
He said:

We enjoyed talking about Heaven this morning! If you couldn’t join us, I hope you can watch it here and find it helpful. <3

We spoke about Sally’s view of ‘Routed to Heaven,’ from what she says is her first reading (LOL), some of her story (what she got to see in Heaven and what Jesus did), what’s next, the presence of the Holy Spirit “woo-woo,” the main message Julie brought back, your true value in Him and much more.

Thank you , , , and many others for tuning into my live video with !

FYI the ‘Routed’ ebook will be free on Amazon all day tomorrow. Please let your friends and family know.

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(Enjoy this condensed version of Jennie’s story from Routed to Heaven: How Near-Death Experiences, Afterlife Testimonies And Heavenly Insights Can Help You Live With Intention)

While visiting my youngest daughter at her ranch, I sat around a campfire with family. At one point I stood up, saying, “I’ll be right back.” But as soon as I rose, I collapsed like a timbered tree and began seizing. It happened so fast I didn’t even try to catch myself.

I struck the rocky ground and fractured both my skull and neck. Family members performed CPR while waiting for help. I was airlifted to a major hospital in Phoenix and rushed into surgery for a traumatic brain injury and neck damage. A local preacher came and prayed over me, telling my family she saw angels around me and that I would not die that night.

But I wasn’t really there.

Jesus took my hand and lifted me from the bed. Though I had always believed in God, I had struggled with organized religion. He wore a white robe, and His blue-green eyes were full of light. His presence felt warm, powerful, and comforting.

“I’m sorry, Jennie,” He said, and showed me scenes of the present—my daughter telling the children about my accident, my mother with Alzheimer’s, my sister, and my husband surrounded by others. I felt peace knowing he was not alone.

Then Jesus showed me the future—wildfires, floods, civil unrest, trafficking, and people turning against one another.

“All these things must happen before my return,” He said. “But if you keep the faith and carry on, you will be just fine.” He repeated that my faith would be my greatest defense.

At last, He returned me to my body and told me He was coming soon.

I woke up intubated, though I was not expected to survive and had a DNR on file. With my arms restrained, I asked for my phone and typed, “Get this out of my throat now. God’s coming. I met Jesus!”

Routed to Heaven Topics

What if Heaven speaks—and your heart was made to hear? True stories. Real encounters. Lasting impact. More than stories—a summons to eternal purpose.

Routed to Heaven is now available in Paperback, Hardcover and Ebook versions. Audio will be recorded soon. The Companion Study Guide will be published at the end of March or before and you can pre-order it now.

Check it out

In Routed to Heaven, in addition to the true stories of Heavenly Happenstance, we cover the following topics:

Fundamental Foundation:
How He Speaks – Magnetic Microphone
Your Value & Purpose – Priceless Purpose
Spiritual Warfare – Clashing Combat

List of Blocks/Potential Strongholds or Idols:
1.	Guilt – Third Strike Sins
2.	Tribulations – Course (De) Construction
3.	Fear – The Terror Tunnel
4.	Waiting – Divine Delays
5.	Mental Health – Boxed Brain Barriers
6.	Dreams – Devoted Desires
7.	Wounds – Abiding Apologies
8.	Disobedience – Steady Say-So
9.	Grief – Cement Chasms
10.	Strongholds – Misaligned Malice

List of Tools to Use:
1.	Knowledge – Learning Lab
2.	Prayer – Profound Petition
3.	Pre-Praise – Please & Praise
4.	Love – Abundant Agape
5.	Thankfulness – Final Fun
6.	Service – Jesus Joy
7.	Belief – Hermetic Hold
8.	Restoration – Radical Refurbishing
9.	Worship & Praise – Amazing Acclaim
10.	Holy Spirit – Unexpected Utility

Here are some of the messages I’ve been receiving about my Lord’s book from you all:

“I just started Routed today. I am going to take it slow and do the work because I can already tell it will be a big part of my spiritual healing.” -Beth

“It reminds me of Chicken Soup For The Soul. Your book is a such a gem!” -J.H.

“So good, Julie! I love how you made the book personal and interactive. Awesome!” -R.S.

“Currently reading Julie Bonn Blank’s new book, testimonies about remarkable visits to heaven. I love how Julie addresses our doubts and uses these stories to encourage us toward our main Mission Manifesto for Christ! Thank you, Julie! (And I love how your personality comes through in this book as well!) -Jen N

…So, when I found out Julie Bonn Blank—someone who has also died, gone to Heaven, and been sent back—was writing a book like this, with many Heaven experiences, I knew I had to have it. And it did not disappoint…Some of the stories really hit me in the gut, but I’m grateful they had the courage to tell them…In Julie’s book we get to see how God uses our pain for good, how He rescues us time and time again from the world and from ourselves. And how He sends so many back because they’re still needed here to fulfill a purpose. It leaves no doubt in my mind that every single one of us who are still here has a purpose to fulfill. -Jessica Redmerski

‘Routed to Heaven’ is a truly powerful and moving collection that paints a vivid picture of what heaven is like. Julie Bonn Blank shares her extraordinary encounter with Jesus with humility and sincerity, and her story leaves a lasting impression on the heart. This is not only a meaningful book, but also a great read. It draws you in, holds your attention, and leaves you changed. I highly recommend ‘Routed to Heaven’ to anyone who desires a deeper awareness of heaven and a renewed sense of purpose here on earth. -Lea Peters

Awww. Thank you, friends, for seeing my heart, loving the book, and helping to get the word out.

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I was eighteen and already exhausted by living.

Faith was supposed to make things better. That’s what everyone said. Christians weren’t meant to fall apart. They weren’t supposed to sink into despair. But here I was—betrayed, silenced, and abandoned by the very people who should have protected me.

God, where were You when it happened?

Where are You now that everyone has turned against me?

Do You even see me anymore?

If family couldn’t be trusted—and God hadn’t stopped it—who could?

I didn’t feel dramatic when the thought came. I felt calm. Numb. Certain. If I was ruined, if I was no longer worth defending, then maybe there was only one way to end the ache.

So I walked.

(Note: This story discusses a suicide attempt.)

Image by Christoph Partsch from Pixabay

The coast was raw and unforgiving, a stretch of cold sand and angry water beneath a sky the color of bruises. Rain stung my face. Wind hurled grit against my skin. Waves crashed and retreated, endless and gray. I kept walking, waiting for peace to find me.

It didn’t.

Not in the storm. Not in the empty shoreline. Not in the bare dorm room I’d left behind.

So I turned toward the sea.

The waves rushed forward, foaming and dark. All it took was a change in direction. One step away from the hard-packed sand. One step toward the water that would wash everything away.

I breathed in. And tried to move.

But my feet wouldn’t budge.

I pushed again. Nothing.

Fear flared. Then anger. I shoved hard against whatever held me back, but the force was unyielding, solid as stone.

“No!” I whispered, fighting it.

That was when I felt it.

A hand—warm, steady, unmistakably real—pressed against my chest.

I could feel every finger. The heel of the palm. The strength behind it. My body was soaked and shaking from the cold, but that touch was alive with warmth.

There was no one else on the beach. Not a single soul for miles.

And yet I was not alone.

The struggle drained out of me. Slowly, I leaned into that unseen presence, letting it hold me upright while the storm roared around us.

It stayed just long enough.

When it faded, it left something behind—a broken heart made soft again. A peace I hadn’t known was still possible. A quiet, steady hope.

Tears came, not of despair this time, but of release.

I turned away from the waves.

The first step back felt impossible. Then it happened anyway.

The road ahead was not easy. Healing never is. There were setbacks and long nights and hard truths. But I walked it knowing I had not been abandoned on that beach.

Someone once asked me if it was an angel—or Jesus Himself.

I don’t pretend to know.

I only know this: Love stepped in when I could no longer stand on my own.

by Julie and Laisa. Thank you, Laisa, for sharing your angel story!

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(Lindsay visited her son in Heaven not once, but twice. Her full story is featured in Routed to Heaven: How Near-Death Experiences, Afterlife Testimonies And Heavenly Insights Can Help You Live With Intention)

After multiple miscarriages, a struggling marriage, and the loss of my grandmother, my heart was already fragile. Then I lost my four-year-old son, Jordan.

Life didn’t just fall apart—it collapsed. And it never really recovered.

I had been raised in church and had always walked closely with God. But when Jordan died, I turned away. I could survive many things, but not that.

While pregnant, a routine ultrasound went quiet. A second technician was called. Finally, the doctor explained Jordan had Truncus Arteriosus—a rare heart defect that would require immediate open-heart surgery. Only one surgeon in the state could operate.

“I need to close the nursery,” I whispered when I got home. I knew my baby might not live.

Jordan did survive that surgery and several others. At one point, we spent two months at a Ronald McDonald House while he recovered, tubes feeding him because his heart couldn’t handle the strain of eating.

When we finally came home, my husband left us. I became a single mother to a medically fragile child and his big sister, Emma.

But Jordan was joy. Sweet, affectionate, glowing with a laugh that filled rooms. Sometimes I wondered if Heaven had slipped a piece of itself into him.

At four years old, after his seventh surgery, he was finally allowed normal activity. One afternoon he jumped on the trampoline, ate dinner, and danced to Lion King songs. Then he suddenly became sick.

In the bathtub, he began vomiting and growing weak. His eyes wouldn’t focus. Something was terribly wrong. I carried him to the couch and told Emma to call 911.

The EMTs rushed him to the ambulance. His heart rate dropped. CPR began.

“Stay with me,” I begged. “I love you.”

Then they told me his heart had stopped.

At the hospital they worked on him, then stopped. Jordan was gone. Later I learned an undetected infection from surgery had taken him.

I was destroyed. I raged at God. I drank. I stopped caring for myself. My house mirrored my grief.

I Went To Prayer

But one day, something shifted. I started praying for hours at a time. I prayed—really prayed—for peace, for truth, for a sign that Jordan was okay.

A week later, I was given one.

In a vivid dream, I found myself in a beautiful neighborhood filled with joy and music. The sky glowed. The grass shimmered. Two men approached me.

“Would you like to meet my son?” one asked.

Then Jordan ran toward me—healthy, laughing, glowing. I held him. We spun. We walked hand in hand. He was whole.

Eventually the man told Jordan it was time to go inside. I panicked—but the door opened again and Jordan returned, older now, calling, “Mommy!”

We sat together. He smelled clean and fresh. He was vibrant, not tired or sick.

Then we moved toward a ladder rising into light. I handed Jordan to the tall man at the top. Jordan laughed as he climbed and ran joyfully into the crowd above.

And then I woke up—crying tears of joy.

“Thank you, God,” I whispered. “I just needed to know he was safe.”

And now I do.

-Lindsay Wessinger

More of Lindsay’s story is included in the book, Routed to Heaven, along with over twenty additional stories of Heaven and Heavenly Encounters.

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Dear Jesus, once a gentleman posted a comment here saying I had not traveled to Heaven because You say no one can see Your face and live. I chose to not parley because I hadn’t seen Your face anyway.

But then, when I traveled there a second time, I did!

My painting of You is on its way to me in the mail! Woot!

I’ve interviewed several who have seen Your face. Some argue with the concept in that verse, saying that they saw Your face, not the Heavenly Father’s, and many were unable to see Your features, or Your Father’s features, clearly. Certain features remained blurred, veiled, or brightly lit, making them hard to decipher.

I know that when I saw You in a conference room when I was teaching an abuse recovery group several months ago, I viewed Your hands clearly, but not the rest of you.

Here on earth, You shielded me.

To be fair, I had not yet returned to Heaven for a second time. But when I did, I looked fully into your beautiful ocean-deep eyes with glowing/flaming pupils.

And boy was I Holy-stunned, starstruck, Godsmacked and joy-soaked.

What Does The Bible Say?

Scripture teaches that no one can see God’s full, unveiled presence and live. The Father tells Moses plainly, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). This theme also appears elsewhere: “No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18), and God “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16).

But this isn’t about You concealing Himself—it’s about the reality that Your holiness and glory overwhelm fallen humanity. To put it simply, You are more than we humans can bear.

The Bible records people who do see God and live.

• Jacob declares, “I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared” (Genesis 32:30).

• Moses and the elders of Israel see God and survive (Exodus 24:9–11).

• Isaiah sees the Lord in His temple and lives after atonement (Isaiah 6:1–7).

These encounters show that while Your/God’s whole essence is unseeable, You can reveal Yourself in ways that humans can endure—through visions, manifestations of glory, or divine mediation.

And manifestation is ultimately fulfilled with a “reduced” version of You when You came to earth. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14), and Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Since Your unfiltered glory is too much for fallen humanity to endure, then You were glory mercifully veiled. You did not cease to be God. You chose to clothe divine radiance in human flesh, translating holiness into a form we could approach without being undone. Power was restrained by love, majesty softened into touch, story, hours of companion-walking, and shared meals. The infinite did not withdraw but drew near—revealing not less glory, but glory expressed at a human scale, so that we might see, hear, and live. You did not diminish your holiness but clothed it in mercy for us.

And doesn’t it make sense that You also do that now—just as You always have?

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Surviving Our Lord’s Face

People survive these encounters not because they are capable, but because You chose to reveal Yourself with grace.

Dean Braxton, at the Heaven Encounters Conference in San Diego last October, who was privy to the Throne Room when he visited Heaven, said it the best. “Yes. I saw Him. But no one, NO ONE, can see the FULL glory of God. We cannot and will not see that until we are interacting with Him forever, face to face.”

When Richard Sigmund visited Heaven (he is now there for good), he not only had an extensive tour of things I’ve never heard of before, but also spent time in the Throne Room.

• “There were waves of liquid love coming out of God. The fragrance would choke you here on earth…”

• “I noticed that people in Heaven didn’t necessarily get to see God right away. Sometimes, they had to wait for a long time. I think they have to be there a while to be able to withstand being in His presence.”

• “While I was in the glory cloud, I was not allowed to look very far. When I would try to lift my head, something would push it back down. It was not as if I could see God clearly—I couldn’t—but I could tell there was a Being on the Throne. I never saw God plainly, except for one of His feet. His foot seemed the size of the United States and His toe the size of Tennessee…” 1

The Bible does point to a day when this limitation is removed entirely: “They will see his face” (Revelation 22:4).

Until then, Scripture holds both truths together—You are too holy to be seen fully, yet loving enough to make Yourself known. And those of us who have caught a glimpse also have yet to see Your full glory.

Dear Jesus, I can’t wait to see and experience You fully!

Love, Julie (Your Heaven Reporter)

P.S.

I’m thrilled to share that Routed to Heaven is almost here! The Companion Study Guide is coming too. I know you’ll love these books.

I’m incredibly grateful to the authors who shared some of their powerful stories.

Thank you Pam Farrel, , Kelly Fritz, B.B. Brighton, Jason Cotter, Jeff Schmidt, Kevin Conner, Kim Robinson, LeaAnn Neilsen Sweeney, Karen G., Jenna Rose, Laura M., Andresen, Claudia Martin, Rhema Whitlow, Michele Weisman, Jennie Ersari, , , Holly Kingensmith, Lindsay Wessinger and Patti Tasa! And my undying thanks to , for an incredible Foreword/Intro.

📖 Ebooks: Preorder now on Amazon at a special launch price
⬇️ Download date: 2/10

🖨️ Paperbacks Available:
• Routed to Heaven: 2/10
• Study Guide: 2/28

⭐ If you do read it and LOVE IT—please leave a review. They make a huge difference.

📣 Want to help? I’m still welcoming a few people to the launch team. Even sharing one graphic or emailing friends helps more than you know.

A sample of the graphics are below, and more are available in my Google Drive folder (request access if needed).

Thank you so much for being part of this journey. 💛 YOU GUYS ROCK, and I am so grateful for you!!!!!

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Other posts in this series:

• I love reading stories of transformed lives by encounters with Jesus.

• Because you’re awesome and I feel this is a book the world needs.

• I have been super interested in hearing about near-death experiences lately, and love that you are a friend and sister of the Lord of mine, and not only had these experiences, but wrote a whole book about them! Excited to read it! I had a heavenly experience when I was 7, although never named it NDE as I was not having health issues, nor "died" then. It was in the middle of the night in my bedroom when I experienced what many who have had NDE felt … I hope I can be part of your book launch team :)

• Want to support your book launch! I have had my own experience of going to heaven, and I love the author of this book.

• I want to support Julie and share this reality with whomever will listen.

• Love the topic and the author!

• I know Julie and her writing and it’s powerful and uplifting.

• I would love to read one of Julie’s books. 😊

• People need to be reminded in these difficult/sometimes very dark times of the hope we have of being with Jesus forever and what it will be like. I believe shared NDEs provide this in a unique way.

• To help you!

• I know Jesus is coming soon and want to help others believe that He is King before it’s too late!

What’s a Launch Team?

A launch team simply helps get the word out about the book. I will send you a freebie copy (only paperback and ebook will be available at first) and will ask you to read and review it on a few sites, IF you loved it. :-) You can also post about it here on Substack in a post or notes, or consider having me guest post on your blog with one of the stories or a Heaven topic.

I will share graphics with you, and you will earn points by sharing those and completing a few tasks. Of course, you will have my eternal thanks, and “top fans” will receive the extra gift of a gift card! Or more books (if you prefer!)

I have only ten slots open now, but I would love it if some of my friends here on the Stack would consider coming aboard. There are also some friends here who have a story in the book - YAY! Thank you, friends!

Express Interest Here.

I’ve recently realized the futility of this because Heaven is still being built.

I’m reading a brand-new Heaven experience book published in October and loving it. It is called “I’ve Been to Heaven” by Steve and Kathy Boyls. An angel named Marzuka, who toured Steve around Heaven, says: “There are many wonderful things to see here, and it will take an eternity to see them all. The Lord continues to create in Heaven, and it’s amazing to see His creation.” 1

Isaiah 40:22 just might agree with this. “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2–3), while Hebrews describes God as the “architect and builder” of a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:10).

Isaiah speaks of God’s future work in “creating new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17), and John sees the New Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven… prepared as a bride” (Revelation 21:2). And least you say “well that’s the new Heaven,” as I did, remember that this action will create a change in the current Heaven since it is indeed a physical place.

Alongside this, creation itself is still moving toward completion, “groaning as in the pains of childbirth” (Romans 8:19–22), and believers are being transformed with “ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Together, these passages suggest a Heaven that is not static, but lovingly prepared and revealed as God’s redemptive plan unfolds.

Several friends who have visited Heaven also saw New Jerusalem (still in preparation) in the center of Heaven, including B.W. Melvin and Randy Kay. 2

So now that we largely suspect that the current Heaven is still developing and expanding, let’s review what the scriptures say about Heaven’s physical features.

What Does He Say For Sure?

Drawing from Revelation 4:1–3; Revelation 22:1–5; John 14:2–3; 1 Corinthians 2:9; and Revelation 21:1–4, 10–27, Scripture offers breathtaking glimpses of Heaven and the world to come. John describes Heaven opened, revealing a throne with One seated upon it—radiant like jasper and ruby (green and red?!), encircled by a rainbow shimmering like emerald.

From this throne flows the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, with the Tree of Life growing on both sides, bearing twelve kinds of fruit. In Heaven, there is no night, no need for sun or a lamp, for the Lord God Himself is the light, with an extra-brilliant shine.

Jesus assures us that this heavenly home is not small or scarce, but filled with many prepared dwelling places, lovingly made for those who will be with Him. And even with these images, we are reminded that Heaven exceeds our imagination—what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived is what God has assembled and is still preparing.

Final Heaven

The Bible also gives us a vision of the final Heaven built on earth—the New Jerusalem. This Heaven that will never be challenged by evil, for the original one who chose evil will (finally) be no more.

John sees a new Heaven and a new earth, and the Holy City coming down from God, shining with His glory like a priceless jewel, clear as crystal.

God Himself will dwell with His people there, wiping away every tear, ending death, mourning, crying, and pain forever. There will be no temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. There will be no sun or moon, because God’s glory is its light. Nothing impure will enter—only what belongs to Him.

Heaven, both now and in its final fullness, is radiant, alive, prepared—and overflowing with the presence of God. Yay!

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Scope and Dimensions

We read about the completed measurements and dimensions of the Final Heaven as shown in Revelation 21:15-17:

2.25 Million Square Miles of Heaven!

The Final Heaven will be 12,000 stadia in length, width, and height. This describes a perfect cube.

A stadion (plural stadia) is an ancient measure that scholars typically equate to roughly 185 meters (607 feet), making 12,000 stadia around 1,400–1,500 miles on each side. That’s a massive cube — roughly 2.25 million square miles of surface area, and with height included, a staggering volume.

144 cubits thick walls: Cubits were ancient units of length (based on the forearm), and while the exact modern equivalent varies, this description underscores strength and completeness in armish-symbolic terms.

***

SO what did Julie just do? Attempt to tell you some of the physicality of Heaven anyway! Of course. Tamp this gal down. LOL.

Coming Soon in This New Series:

• Heaven’s Walls, Gates and Streets

• Foundations and Materials He Used and Still Uses

• Welcoming Meadow and Welcoming Building

• Bodies of Water

• Houses, Meeting Areas, Throne Room

• Heaven as Country/Heaven as City/Heaven as Forest/Heaven as Mountains

• Heaven as Up & Above, vs. over, under or across

• Beauty and Aesthetics

• More!

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Other Opinions On Those Biblical Texts

1. This measurement is of the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city — not necessarily the total “size of heaven.” The Bible doesn’t describe the full extent of heaven (God’s dwelling place beyond space and time) in terms of dimensions.

Well, if that’s the case, Heaven will be even bigger.

2. The dimensions may be symbolic. Many theologians understand these numbers (such as 12,000 and 144) as symbolic of completeness and perfection in Scripture (12 tribes, 12 apostles, etc.), rather than as literal measurements in earthly units.

I disagree, as I learned since visiting Heaven to read the scriptures very literally and not to just assume it is symbolic when we don’t understand something. Cop out!

3. “Heaven” in the Bible is often poetic or metaphorical. Other passages talk about the vastness of heaven or God’s throne being above all creation (example: God’s dwelling cannot be contained by the highest heaven — Isaiah 66:1; also implied in Revelation 7:9’s innumerable multitude). Scripture frequently emphasizes Heaven’s greatness, but only Revelation gives specific city dimensions.

Plus, re-read #2.

COMING SOON:

1. “Routed to Heaven” plus a Study Guide will soon be available for preorder on Amazon. Release dates: Feb 10 (in time for Valentine’s) and Feb 28.

2. Another “Jesus, I Still Have Questions” post.

3. Paid Post for my Invested Subscribers with a special gift!

Links are affiliate and toss a few pennies to my Heaven Research Addiction. All scripture is provided courtesy of the NIV.

The Nativity itself became a sermon.

BARN - He began with a barn, a place meant for animals, not infants. Luke records that Mary “gave birth to her firstborn, a son… and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:7, NIV). The stable spoke to ordinary people everywhere: God is not intimidated by our mess. Heaven was willing to arrive in a place the world would overlook.

Image by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay

ANGELS - Then there were the angels, bursting into the darkness with glory. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God” (Luke 2:13, NIV). They declared what human eyes could not yet see—that this child was Savior and Lord. God came humbly, yet His glory remained unmistakable.

MY FAVE DONKEY - Nearby stood the donkey, faithful, loyal, willing to carry weight, and unassuming. Scripture often associates donkeys with peaceful kingship rather than conquest: “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, NIV). Long before Jesus rode one into Jerusalem, the donkey quietly testified to God’s preference for humility, loyalty, and endurance. The donkey also tends to protect the areas where it is placed.

MANGER - The manger, a feeding trough, became a resting place for the Bread of Life. Jesus would later say, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (John 6:35, NIV). What once held animal feed now held Heaven’s provision for the world.

STAR - Above them all shone the star, speaking not to Israel’s kings but to foreign seekers. “We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2, NIV). God used creation itself to invite those willing to follow light without certainty, reminding us that “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1, NIV).

BABY - Even Jesus as an infant preached a message. Paul later captured the meaning of that moment: “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7, NIV). Divine power arrived wrapped in vulnerability.

Salvation began small.

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SHEEP - The sheep surrounding the newborn Lamb spoke silently of what was to come. John would one day proclaim, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NIV). From His first night, Jesus was surrounded by symbols of sacrifice.

DARK - YES! He shone victory over the dark. The angels announced good news to shepherds who were “living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” (Luke 2:8, NIV). God did not wait for daylight. Was this on purpose? I think so. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5, NIV). Only the night would work for His Star to be born.

SHEPHERDS - The shepherds themselves carried a message. Considered unclean and unimportant, they were the first to hear and the first to tell. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them” (Luke 2:17, NIV).

God entrusted His announcement to the overlooked and underserved.

BIRTH TOWN - How often are we asked our place of birth? Yes, it is a way of identification. But even the location spoke. Bethlehem—small and easily missed—had been named generations earlier: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2, NIV).

God delights in bringing greatness from unlikely places. And for the rest of time, Jesus might also have been asked: “Where were you born?”

SILENCE - Perhaps the loudest voice of all was silence. Mary treasured and pondered these things in her heart (Luke 2:19, NIV). Joseph obeyed without recorded words. God spoke through trust, reminding us that “blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her” (Luke 1:45, NIV).

The Nativity reminds us that God still speaks—through ordinary spaces, unexpected messengers, and quiet faithfulness.

If we miss Him, it may not be because He is silent, but because we are listening for the wrong voice.

This Christmas, may we listen again—not for thunder, but for whispers.

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