These pictures were taken on and around a huge sculpture based on Jacob's dream (Gen.28:11-22) where he had a lifechanging encounter with the Lover and said: "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." 
We all need special places. Our first special place has to be within, where we can escape the chaos or business or whatever of our lives and find peace. But it also helps to have physical locations on this green earth where we can get away and keep that inner place vibrant. To me that place can be anywhere with water, or some nights under the stars, or just an "aha" moment as I see something beautifully amazing in nature. 
Some places seem more sacred and hold within it a sense of awe: Niagra falls, the northern lights, an ocean wave, indian pictographs, grave sites, old houses. Today is the internment for Gordon. I know that his place of burial will be a holy place for us, a place where heaven seems closer, not that his soul resides there, we know he is already with the Lover, but the seed which is his body reminds us of the glories of heaven.
I was never very good at quiet, but I'm learning. Brian has helped. I'm getting to the place where I often don't even want the radio on. I like the stillness, the peace, being able to think and rejuvenate and connect with divinity. Of course this is not always easy with the business of life, the fast pace we seem to be propelled on, but sometimes Brian takes the kids and I can sit and be honest with myself and with the Lover. Othertimes I can connect through walks. Walking is a good way to slow down for me. This blog also helps me to reflect and pause and give thanks.
Of course, one of the most sacred places for me is a 30lb wonder named Ivan. Heaven seems so much closer to me as I contemplate his life, his being, his laughter and learning. AMAZING! Knowing and sharing and living and growing alongside Brian is definitely another gift of heaven. So often I am struck with awe at how refreshing it is to have someone know me so completely and share in this journey together.
I can sink into her blue eyes and know pure delight. Her laughter sets my heart to dancing. Her recognition of me and her smiles of love are to me yet another gate to heaven.Where or what are gates of heaven to you?
3 comments:
Sunrises, sunsets, the moon, smiles and laughter, looking into someone else's eyes and seeing their soul
P.S.
Great pictures of great subjects.
EXCELLENT!!!!
The gate of Heaven? They are in Ireland. Or in Austria? Maybe in Germany...or over in Canada.
I don't know where they are but all those places have a special spot in my heart.
Germany because I was born there. It's great place to live and I have so good friends and a great family. And the landscape is beautiful.
Austria because Spring and Autumn are breath taking there. You need to sit on a hill, looking over wine plantations with wonderful organge, yellow and red colors, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying the autumn sun.
Canada because of Andrew, because of you, the snow, the calmness when it snowed, the wideness of the land. This unending land that is so wide, so full of different landscapes, so breath taking.
Ireland because it is so green, so beautiful green. It is History, it is celtic. And the people are wonderful and friendly although it was never easy for them. But they welcome you and you are one of them instantly.
There are not just places but also people, things, sounds, smells, colours that make me feel oh so calm and good.
A good night sleep, sun on my skin, the smell of the ocean, the smell of a forrest, the noise there. The sound birds in the spring, the colours of the flowers, the green of grass, the tast of my grandma's food, the smell of hot chocolate....
You see, I could go on and on about that. But I think I should stop now. You probably got the picture.
Love
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