“And Mary Also Went Up....”

A little over two weeks ago, Mary enjoyed a leisurely visit with her daughter Sherryl, who left the house about 8:30pm. As she walked down the hallway toward her bedroom, she felt a slight pressure in her head – some minor discomfort, but she thought nothing of it. She decided to get ready for bed, opened the door into her bedroom and stepped inside. She was about the reach for the light switch when she realized it was already light in the bedroom. “That is odd,” she thought. She was tired, ready for bed. Very tired. In fact come to think of it, she had been tired the last couple of days. She turned toward the light, and saw a man standing in her bedroom. She normally would have been shocked, except for two things: first, a feeling of peace seemed to radiate from him, and secondly, he began to speak:

Luk 1:30 And the angel said to her, Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold! You are going to see someone. You ... call His name JESUS....33 And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. 34 ....Mary said to the angel, How shall this be....? 35 And the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit shall come on you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you... KJV

She was about to ask him a question when

Gen 2:21 ... the LORD³⁰⁶⁸ God⁴³⁰ caused a deep sleep⁸⁶³⁹ to fall⁵³⁰⁷ upon⁵⁹²¹ Mary and she slept:^{3 KJV}

As she felt herself drifting off to sleep, she thought – “I am still dressed. I need to get ready for bed.” But, she was so tired that she could not make herself undress. She just lay down on the floor by the bed and went to sleep. While she slept, she dreamed.

She dreamed that she was young again - that her blood pressure was normal. That she didn't need to take any of her pills anymore. She dreamed that she stood by her bed beside the angel. Puzzled, she finally gave voice to the question that burned in her heart and caused a strong sense of anticipation: Is it time for me join Nelson and Earl in heaven? The angel spoke again:

“Mary, I have come to take you on a tour of heaven. I will show you what you have to look forward to – but the time of your departure you must decide. It will not be an easy decision for you, but remember....

Rev 21:4 ^.... God shall wipe away all tears from your eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things (KJV) will pass away.

The angel turned away from her and waved his hand toward the wall, and he showed her in the distance the mountain of God:

Exo 24:17 And the sight⁴⁷⁵⁸ of the glory³⁵¹⁹ of the LORD³⁰⁶⁸ was like devouring³⁹⁸ fire⁷⁸⁴ on the top⁷²¹⁸ of the mount²⁰²² .KJV...

The glorious sight almost took Mary's breath away. “It is so beautiful. Can we go closer?” Mary asked. “In time, Mary, in time,” answered the angel.

All that night, she lay on the floor, but she did not feel uncomfortable, so glorious was the vision she had seen. The angel stayed by her side through the night.

In the emergency room, she again dreamed – Her children and grandchildren and her sister stood anxiously by her bed. She could see them, but she could still see the angel too. The angel spoke again: “Mary, Come here. I'll show you the Bride, the Wife of the Lamb." 10 He took me away in the Spirit to an enormous, high mountain and showed me Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God, 11 resplendent in the bright glory of God. The City shimmered like a precious gem, light-filled, pulsing light.”

The sight captivated her. In the emergency room, her children and the doctors kept poking and prodding her, but she was not paying attention. Heaven was so beautiful. The doctors insisted on examining her – told her to stick out her tongue . It took a mammoth effort to respond, so fixed was her attention on what she was seeing..... The city had light⁵⁴⁵⁸ ... like unto³⁶⁶⁴ a stone³⁰³⁷ most precious,⁵⁰⁹³ even like⁵⁶¹³ a jasper²³⁹³ stone,³⁰³⁷ clear as crystal;²⁹²⁹ she could just make out a wall⁵⁰³⁸ great³¹⁷³ and²⁵³² high,⁵³⁰⁸ with twelve¹⁴²⁷ gates,⁴⁴⁴⁰ and²⁵³² at¹⁹⁰⁹ the³⁵⁸⁸ gates⁴⁴⁴⁰ twelve¹⁴²⁷ angels,³² and²⁵³² names³⁶⁸⁶ written thereon,¹⁹²⁴ which³⁷³⁹ are²⁰⁷⁶ the names of the³⁵⁸⁸ twelve¹⁴²⁷ tribes⁵⁴⁴³ of the³⁵⁸⁸ children⁵²⁰⁷ of Israel:²⁴⁷⁴ Not just once – but repeatedly the doctors were still insisting she stick out her tongue. “What are you doing here?” she wanted to ask her family, but then the scenes of heaven began to fade, and the hospital emergency room appeared. Mary was beginning to get a little annoyed. She tried to focus on the things the angel was showing her.....she doesn't want to be bothered. But the doctors are insistent. She sees Sherryl standing by her bed – and she tries to say to Sherryl – “Would you please tell these annoying young men that I don't want to stick my tongue out?” But she could not form the words – so she just winked – she will know what I mean!!!!! The emergency room faded again, and she could see.....

Rev 21:13 ...three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, three gates on the west. 14 The wall was set on twelve foundations, the names of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb inscribed on them.

Throughout the next days, she faded in and out of the emergency room. Shge noticed that she was moved to her own room. Sometimes she could see her family, other times all she could see were the beautiful sights the angel showed her.....

At one point in her tour, she asked when she gets to see my husbands?

There are no husbands here – Mat 22:30 For¹⁰⁶³ in¹⁷²² the³⁵⁸⁸ resurrection³⁸⁶ they neither³⁷⁷⁷ marry,¹⁰⁶⁰ nor³⁷⁷⁷ are given in marriage,¹⁵⁴⁷ but²³⁵ are¹⁵²⁶ as⁵⁶¹³ the angels³² of God²³¹⁶ in¹⁷²² heaven.³⁷⁷² (KJV) – but when you come back to stay, you will get to see the two men whom you loved when you were on earth. But not until then.

Come back to stay? Mary was puzzled. “I thouht I was here to stay.”

“No Mary. You will come soon to stay. You must go back for a short time. There are some finishing touches that Jesus and your two special friends of yours are putting on your mansion – besides – your family wants to say goodbye to you. When you decide you are ready, I will take you.”

“I want to stay now – I love it here.” The angel looked at her patiently, “I know, Mary. I know. But we must never question the Father's will. The time will come soon enough. You will know when it is time.”

Mary regained consciousness for a short time, knew family and friends when they came to visit – even knew me. She tried to talk - but having talked to the angel with her in heaven, she found it extremely difficult to talk on earth. Her body felt so heavy. Something was not right. She could tell it. If I could just get to my home, I would feel better, she thought. OFTEN. Everything seemed so hazy – like she was on the border, and able to see both worlds at once. Sometimes while laying in her hospital bed, she saw angels walking the hallway. Other times, she just saw her family next to her bed. Two different times, she saw a bright spirit accompanied by angels come straight through her floor and disappear through the roof heading to that wonderful place she had been privileged to visit – and to which she longed to return to. This world seemed to drab, so colorless, so blah compared to what she had seen.

Daily, her angel stood by her bed, even as family members sat and held her hand, either reading or sleeping, or visiting – waiting to care for her smallest need. Her family.....she loved them. All of them – her children, her grandchildren, their spouses and their friends.

One evening, when noone else was around, she complained to her angel. “How much longer is it going to be? I want to go home. I hate this hospital. I can't rest. You say it is not time to go to heaven. Can I at least go to my own home? I can't get comfortable here.”

“I have one more thing to show you in heaven, and then you can go to your home here.” The angel's eyes seemed to twinkle. She stepped out of her bed, took the angel's hand and they passed through the ceiling, passing the moon, the sun and the stars. There again in the distance, the awesome glow of the glory of God like a fire on the mountain...as they drew closer she could tell

Rev 21:18 The wall was jasper, the color of Glory, and the City was pure gold, translucent as glass. 19 The foundations of the City walls were garnished with every precious gem imaginable: the first foundation jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate a single pearl. The main street of the City was pure gold, translucent as glass.

This time, they passed through the outer walls of the city.....How wonderful! She thought....³² the³⁵⁸⁸ street⁴¹¹³ of the³⁵⁸⁸ city⁴¹⁷² was pure²⁵¹³ gold,⁵⁵⁵³ as it were⁵⁶¹³ transparent¹³⁰⁷ glass.^{5194 KJV} 

As they approached a long line of stately mansions, she remembered Jesus' words

Joh 14:2 There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? 3 and if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. 4 And you already know the road I'm taking."

The angel watched as she stared at the mansions. “Is mine finished? Can I move in?”

“Your mansion is complete.” The mansion defied description. It was absolutely PERFECT! Everything more wondrous than she could have ever imagined. She was enraptured. The stairways, the floors, the rooms so expansive, so amazing.” The angel was speaking: “Mary, you will go home soon. Just a few more days to say goodbye to your family.” “But I don't want to now,” she complained. The vision faded, and she found herself in the hospital room. She saw very little of the angel, though occassionally she caught a glimpse of him in the corner of the hospital room.

She enjoyed the visits of family and friends. How she would miss them, she thought, but what a wonderful place I get to go to!!!!!

The doctors agreed: Mary should could go home. There was nothing more they could do for her here, they said. She was awake when she got to the house. Her anticipation was strong as they moved her into the familiar setting. But, as she looked around the place that she so loved, and enjoyed being, she could not get the exquisite beauty of her new home out of her mind. When they got her settled in the family room, she looked around, decided the home on the other side was better, and closed her eyes. When would that angel come to take me, she though impatiently. I am ready. The next day, she saw her angel again: “I am ready.” The angel answered: “But won't you miss your family once you have gone? Maybe you should stay a little longer.” She thought for only a moment – glanced over at the family members getting ready to eat their evening meal. “They'll get over it. They know where I am going and they know how to come and visit me. I am ready. Let's get this death thing over with – I want to see my men – and my Jesus and my mansion!” The angel took her hand and she stepped out of her tired body, and the familiar journey began again – only this time, she knew it was permanent!

They know where I am going and they know how to come and visit me.

We who are left behind have HOPE.....

All Scripture quotations come from the Message unless otherwise noted.

That God has a place prepared for YOU.

Joh 14:2 There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you?

That he cares personally about my eternity in heaven enough to prepare for me.

Joh 14:3 And if I'm on my way to get your room ready,

That he will come and take me to that place.

Joh 14:3 b I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live.

That he makes possible the means to get there

Joh 14:4 And you already know the road I'm taking."

That though I have sinned and have no right to enter, He has made a way.

Rev 21:27 Nothing dirty or defiled will get into the City, and no one who defiles or deceives. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will get in.

That the death of Jesus was because he loved me and wanted me to have eternal life.

Joh 3:16 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

Then way to receive is so simple – everyone should accept:

Rev 3:20 "Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you.”

New Greeter Needed

Psa 84:10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

 Heaven was all abuzz. The Father had sent out word that a new greeter was being assigned to the Eastern Gate. This position, one of the most desirable in all of heaven, required just the right person. A search was underway even as the word went out and the lines were beginning to form. You see, nearly anyone that was anyone entered the city by way of the Eastern Gate. Besides, this person got to work with St. Peter, just inside the gate. 

 Because this was such a vital ministry, only the most friendly, the most loving, the most Christ like person was chosen to serve. Within an hour after the announcement went out, applicants lined the golden street in front of Gabriel’s office to apply for this most sought after position. One after another walked out, unchosen. The search continued. After the first thousand applicants, Michael began to grow impatient. “Perhaps we should seek a clear word from the High and Lofty One Who Inhabits Eternity.” Gabriel, far more patient, wanted to wait. But, after what seemed an eternity and several thousand more applicants, Gabriel turned to Michael, who was tapping his foot impatiently and said, “I agree. Let’s seek a clear word from the Almighty. I am unable to find just the right person for the position.” Michael agreed and together they sought audience with the Almighty.

 The throne room of heaven blazed with unspeakable light as the two favored angels entered. The shimmering sea of glass spread out in front of the throne, glittering like a crystal. The familiar lightnings and thunderings and voices came out of the throne. It didn’t seem to matter how many times they entered His presence, it always seemed like the first time – so fresh, so vibrant, so full of vitality and life was the Almighty! The lustrous rainbow of emerald shone brightly around the throne. Glowing brightly in front of the throne were the seven lamps of fire, which are the seven spirits of God.

 Before the two mighty angels could make their request, the Almighty’s voice rang like thunder. It was a brief word, but both understood completely. The new greeter was not here yet. Their mission was to go to him and to convince him to accept his new job – and that would require tact and persuasiveness. The angels, so accustomed to life in the real world, as they called it, were continually amazed at how attached humans could get to living in the ‘shadow world’ – which is what they called the world of men.  The two angels arrived in the hospital room Friday evening. But, we are getting ahead of ourselves. James had been taken to the hospital Wednesday.

His family, and his pastor had already been to visit and had gone home, and James now lay in the CCU, alone. Alone, that is, except for his unseen, yet constant companion, a little guardian angel named Ariel. Ariel was a bright, fun loving angel who loved a good joke more than anyone. This had made being James’s guardian angel an especially enjoyable assignment. For nearly 70 years now he had watched over him and had fun with him….. through his school years as he was growing up. In fact, part of his job had been to make sure that Bernard and Margie had allowed James, Edward, Julia and later Hazel to attend that little Pilgrim Holiness Church at 19^th and Melrose up on the hill. It had also been his job to make sure James continued attending until he found the true meaning of life: and the morning it had happened, Ariel had danced around him as he confessed his sins to the Savior and accepted the forgiveness of sins and the birth from above that all humans had to have before they could enter the spirit realm of Light and Goodness they called Heaven. He had carefully guarded him and protected him from danger over and over again as James had delivered groceries for IJ Thomas Grocer. He had his work cut out for him, though, when he took his little sister Hazel along for the deliveries. She was always into something, it seemed. But she had a good guardian angel too, so that wasn’t really that hard.  He had been with him through the 28 years at Coca Cola. He loved this man, James. He loved his friendliness, his constantly positive attitude, his bright eyes, his simple, but open looks, his kind words spoken to everyone he met. He really enjoyed watching James make new people feel welcome at the church where he now attended, First Wesleyan Church, and where he was always, whether assigned or not, the greeter! He loved James as much as James so obviously loved the people the Almighty had allowed to cross his path. This was one human he was surely going to miss. How thankful Ariel was that James had allowed the Spirit of God to draw him to salvation when he was young. It had not been this way with all of his charges down through the years. When the time to part had come with those who refused the offer of eternal life, Ariel had had to step back as the darkness and dark spirits had come to take away his charge. Not that he didn’t fight right until the end – but, alas, he was only one little angel, and if they didn’t respond to the all powerful Spirit of God, not even the strong angels, like Michael and Gabriel could force one made in the image of God to choose against their will. But, that was no worry with this one. He had chosen many, many human years ago to make Christ his life. All would be brightness and light from this point on.

  Ariel stared at James’s little bald head, his round face which seemed always ready to smile or laugh. It never ceased to amaze him how much love and confidence the Almighty placed in a frail being like James. He had long ago given up trying to understand. This was the part he found most difficult – to watch and not be allowed to do anything. The lack of instructions from HQ told him that the end was near.

 All through Thursday, Ariel kept a vigilant watch as James’s condition worsened. By Friday evening, he could barely keep his eyes open. He was slipping fast.

It was about 10pm Friday evening, when Gabriel and Michael appeared in James’s room. The entrance of the two most important angels in heaven caused an easily detectable stir there, but here, in the sort of quiet private room of the CCU, Ariel was so surprised that he almost jumped through the ceiling. “Is something wrong?” His eyes sought the eyes first of Gabriel, his mentor and friend, then Michael, the stern, sometimes impatient archangel. Fun loving Ariel often found himself just a little uncomfortable in this mighty angel’s presence. “Not at all. James is needed. His time is short. We come with an assignment.” Ariel brightened as he calmed down. An assignment? James was very special, that he already knew. But, an assignment? That meant that the Almighty had a special job in heaven and his charge was going to be offered that special job. Only once before, over a thousand years ago, had this happened with one of his charges.

 “What is our time frame,” Ariel asked the two towering, important angelic visitors. “That is up to him. Depends on how long it takes to convince him to come with us. The Almighty left him that choice. We are allowed to persuade, but we cannot force.” Ariel smiled. How wonderfully patient the Master was. How much He valued this thing of free will in humans was yet another source of amazement to him. 

 Venturing the next question took a huge amount of courage on the part of this little angel: “How soon can I let him know I am here?” Ariel asked. That part of his assignments always gave him a surge of excitement. To reveal himself to someone he had watched over unseen for such a long time was highly rewarding. The look in their eyes when they realized that he had been the agent of the Almighty, that he had been with them through thick and thin, guarding, protecting, strengthening them. It was nothing short of exhilarating. “Not yet. He is not yet ready.” Michael was firm, then he fell silent.

 They kept their silent vigil through the night hours, into Saturday. Family members and the pastor came to visit, but the angels observed that James was not speaking much to them. Sunday morning, as the sun was coming up, Ariel happened to look over the bed to see Gabriel and Michael exchange a look. He knew that look. The moment he had been waiting for was almost here. Michael looked somberly at the little angel, and spoke in his deep, powerful voice.

 “Speak to him, little one. Let him know you are here.” Michael always sounded so serious when he spoke. Ariel fairly tingled with excitement as he leaned over the sleeping form of this man he loved so much. Gently, he reached out a hand and touched James’s eyes. “James. James. Can you hear me?”  James opened his eyes, and for the first time since Thursday morning, knew where he was and who he was. Slowly his eyes focused to a brighter, clearer hospital room filled with a penetrating kind of light far brighter than he remembered Wednesday. Then his face brightened with the light of recognition glowing in his eyes. A huge grin broke over his round face. Ariel didn’t need to explain. “How’re you doing, Buddy! You are my angel, aren’t you?” Ariel nodded. “It has been my privileged assignment since your birth to watch over you.” James spoke slowly, “You were there when I passed out in my apartment when I had my heart attack in October, weren’t you?” “Yes, I was there. I brought Debbie and John just in time. It was all part of the plan.” A puzzled look came over James’s face. “Am I going to die?” Ariel loved answering this question. To an angel, the crossing was not a mysterious thing. To humans, though, it was very troubling and confusing. Ariel looked straight into James’s eyes. “Well, you might call it that. We angels prefer to call it ‘the crossing’.” “It has always been a little scary to me,” James confided in his angel, “but then, from our viewpoint on the human side, it seemed to happen alone. Seeing you is really nice. I never did like the idea of dying alone.” “You mean, ‘crossing’ alone? Well, I will be with you. The Almighty One, your Savior has given me that job.”  

Just then, James noticed the other two, huge angels standing by his bed. “Hi fellas. Are you angels too?” James’s spirit was nowhere near as weak as was his body. Michael was beginning to give a serious answer, when Gabriel quickly spoke up, “Yes, we sure are. I am Gabriel, and this is Michael. We have come with an assignment for you.”  “Well, just so you know, I am not ready to go anywhere yet. I really think my doctors are going to help me get better. I’m doin’ pretty good, you know. And besides, I don’t have anyone to take care of Precious – that’s my cat.” Michael and Gabriel looked at each other. This was going to be harder than they thought. “Don’t you want to know what the assignment is?” Michael was bordering on impatience. “Sure.” “The Almighty has a job for you. He needs another greeter at the Eastern Gate.” “How soon does He need me?” “Our instructions are to take you to Him when you are ready. Are you ready?” Gabriel just looked at Michael when he said that. How little he understood humans. “I don’t think I am ready yet. I will let you know when I am.” Michael almost grimaced – if an angel can grimace. Gabriel just chuckled under his breath. Michael always seemed a little uncomfortable when he was in the world of mankind. 

Monday came. Ariel and James talked and laughed throughout the day over things that had happened years before. They acted like old friends, but of course, that is what happens when one meets his guardian angel. Meanwhile, as he enjoyed his visit in the bright, penetrating light of the angel’s world, his physical condition grew steadily worse.

Monday evening, Michael tired of waiting. “When is he going to agree to go. The Almighty is waiting. We can’t keep the Almighty waiting.” Gabriel smiled at the archangel. “Relax. The Almighty knows how long this will take. It shouldn’t be long now.” “I am tired of waiting. I am going to do something.” Michael moved across the CCU room to where James’s pastor stood by his bed reading from Psalm 84. As the pastor read verse 10, where it said, “…a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Michael spoke clearly into the pastor’s mind “James is needed to be a greeter in heaven just inside the Eastern Gate.” It was no surprise to hear the pastor echo the words of the archangel – “James, I believe God has chosen you to be a greeter at the Eastern Gate in heaven. If you need to go, you can go.” When he finished, Michael disappeared. In a few moments he returned. “Where did you go,” Gabriel and Ariel questioned. “To plant the same thought in his sister Hazel’s mind.”  The next day, as Hazel sat watching the slowly breathing form of the brother she loved so well, Michael whispered to her, “Tell him, it’s okay to go.” Gabriel could hear him clearly: “Tell him he is needed in heaven. The Almighty needs a new greeter just inside the Eastern Gate, and he has been chosen. Tell him it is allright to go.” Once again, neither angel was surprised to hear Hazel echo the words of the angel. 

The things of the world of men were growing dimmer all the time, the light in the room seemed to fade and nearly go out – James couldn’t see his new friend, Ariel, but he did hear his sister as she and other family members told him it was allright to go if he needed to. The room grew brighter and he saw Ariel again. “Ariel, buddy, I am not ready to go yet. Can you tell Hazel that I will go when I get ready?” “Well, I am not permitted to speak audibly to her, but I can plant the thought in her mind.” Ariel glided to where Hazel stood and spoke clearly into her mind, “You know how stubborn your brother James is. He will go when he is good and ready.” Once again, it came as no surprise to hear Hazel echo the words of the angel.

LateTuesday, James was moved to a private room out of CCU so his family could stay with him. Dimly, he was aware of this. Tuesday evening, the visitors came and went. Throughout that evening, his spirit heard the words of appreciation and encouragement spoken by those he loved. He heard the precious Word of God being read to him by people he deeply cared for. Yet, it seemed that all of that was part of a dream world. The only thing that seemed real now was his new friend, Ariel, standing by his bedside talking with him, telling him about the wonderful city he was going to show him, and about the splendor of the Savior he was taking him to meet soon…oh, and the two huge angels standing by the window, one of who seemed to almost be tapping his foot with impatience. 

By Wednesday morning, Michael was really getting antsy. He was always eager to be about the business of the Almighty, and this guy was not in a hurry at all. Suddenly, about 9:20pm Wednesday evening, James said to Ariel, “I guess we should be going, huh? That big guy over there seems a little bit in a hurry. Can I say goodbye to my family before I go?” “Of course.” Ariel reached out and touched James’s eyes, strengthening them – and in a flash, Ariel and the other two angels faded, the light dimmed, and James could see his family. They hurried to his side, showering him with love, telling him goodbye. His physical body was so weak, he could not speak, but his eyes said it all. He desperately wanted to say good bye. Oh,how he loved them – all of them. But he knew it was his time. For 70 years he had lived with them. He had loved every minute of it. But, the Almighty had a job for him – a job greeting people, just like he had loved to do at First Wesleyan. Besides, the way he felt when he was with Ariel was far better than he had felt for years. This old body was about worn out. A tear welled up in each of his eyes as his spirit said goodbye. His eyes closed. When he opened them again, the light had become bright again. There were the two big angels, and there was his new buddy, Ariel. The biggest one, Michael, was still tapping his foot, looking the other direction when James got up from the bed, walked over to him and said, “Hey, buddy, you ready to go?” With a smile from Gabriel, and with Ariel at his side, James said to the big guy, “So, tell me, what is the best thing about this new job I am going to do?” Without looking at the others, Michael said, “Our Boss is the BEST! He thinks the world of you. In fact, He died just for you!” Then, with the closest thing Gabriel had ever seen to a twinkle in his eyes, Michael said, “Besides, I hear there will a lot of people that will want to say ‘Thank You' when they get here.”

In memory of James "Jimmy" Falls, long time member of First Wesleyan Church, Roanoke,VA who went to be with the Lord May 26, 2004 after a short illness.