Heaven Is Near
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I gaze at stars and see Your smile
Your eyes that sparkle all the while
For I am Yours and You are mine
So soon we’ll toast with wedding wine
~
In dreams I see Your perfect face
So filled with love and purest grace
There is no one that I desire
More than You with holy fire
~
For what mere men can satisfy
Eternal souls that cannot die?
For soon their patience wears too thin
But not with You who knew no sin
~
So while I live and dream of You
Give me the strength to follow truth
That I may seek eternity
Where You embrace all those set free.
~
Wendy/2014
~
~
This poem is dedicated to Deborah.
(She passed from her earthly body on January 15, 2014
according to another tribute that I read.)
I searched back to read her latest comments on my own blog.
She was a poet and an angel of encouragement.
If you read the excerpt below,
you will see that we talked about heaven one week before her death.
Deborah was one of the reasons I was so excited to post
my nature pictures.
She was unable to get out and about
because of her illness.
I delight to share creation with all of you
and especially with those who rarely get out into it.
~
I will miss you, dear angel poet. ❤
~
Heavenly Blessings ~ Wendy
~
~
Here is Deborah’s blog:http://girlwiththepen1118.wordpress.com/
~
Here’s our last conversation: ( I cut and pasted it from the link that follows.)
I HAVE A VOICE
Poets are picked by different prodigious reasons and capacities and talent… you possess such abilities to bring the soul to it’s fullest potential — that’s what I experience when I read and connect your photographs to your writing ~ Wendy, do publish! Faithfully Debbie
January 6, 2014 at 4:10 pm (Edit)
Reply
greenlightlady
Thank you for receiving and blessing my words, Debbie. It is my reading and believing of the Written Word that pulses through my writing veins. It seems that all my poetry roads lead to Heaven; this life appears briefer with each New Year’s Eve that passes. Blessings for your 2014 & beyond. xo
January 6, 2014 at 6:50 pm (Edit)
Reply
I HAVE A VOICE
You’re absolutely right Wendy! I wasn’t to supposed to love beyond 14! Here I lay, 53 yrs old, every year has passed me so much quicker, especially when I acknowledge that so many loved ones have left this sphere before me. Heaven is right here– like Emily wrote: Earth is crammed with heaven.” Your soul is drippring out heaven! Faithfully ~Debbie
January 7, 2014 at 3:40 pm (Edit)
greenlightlady
Debbie, your comment reminds me of a recent blog post of one of my favorite Christian bloggers, Bill. I don’t know if you have ever read his blog. He, like me, is a born-again Christian who follows Jesus; he is an awesome inspiration. He speaks of his own diagnosis of ALS here: http://unshakablehope.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/thankful/
Let me know what you think dear poet friend. xo
January 8, 2014 at 1:16 pm (Edit)
I HAVE A VOICE
Odd, I hadn’t come across his blog until now! Thank you sincerely Wendy! I am certain he’s very inspiring! Thank you dear Wendy. Blessings ~Debbie
January 8, 2014 at 2:20 pm (Edit)
These comments are from this post of mine:http://wendylmacdonald.com/2014/01/03/lonesome-river/
~
Rest in peace, sweet poet angel.
~
Deborah did not get to hear that I am going to try to have something of mine published…
_____________________________________________________________________
*****************
NOVEL UPDATE:
******************
The first draft of the novel I’m working on is now at over 20,000 words…
only 65,000 more to go (and editing).
The characters have been taking me on an emotional roller coaster ride.
I’m learning as much as they are about how unpredictable life can be.
A book is only one page at a time;
life is only one day at a time.
We can do this journey.
~
I am saddened to hear of Deborah’s passing. I did enjoy her blog whenever I got over there.
You have written a beautiful poem in her honor.
Thank you, Jeff. She is going to be missed by a lot of bloggers. Deborah was bedridden, and yet she blessed so many people with her kindness.
I am sorry I didn’t get to know Deborah, thank you for sharing this beautiful poem and her encouraging words to you. You are both beautiful souls.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Linda. I think she would have loved your blog.
This is such a heartfelt tribute Wendy. Thank you. As always, your magnificent photos take me to a place I long to inhabit.
Good luck with your novel.
Thank you, Rita, for your kind visit and encouraging words.
Sad to hear about Deborah. Your poem, thoughts and photos are beautiful Wendy.
Thank you, Elina. I’m always surprised at how close we WordPress bloggers become. It’s like a family.
That’s so true and wonderful. 🙂
Thank you for this post – great blessing! I lost a dear friend to cancer in 2012. Met her in college, was a fellow organ major. Shocking to lose one your age. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Wanda, I’m all for His speedy return. It is love that makes him tarry; God is love. We are so blessed to believe. Thank you for your kind visit.
Wonderful series of B & W–It appears that you have lost a friend–I’m very sorry and our prayers will be with you.
Thank you, David. I thought of you when I decided to do these in B&W. Blessings to you both.
A packed post. Firstly, a wonderful tribute to Deborah and a very poignant one! And secondly a beautiful post by you, as usual!! And lastly, congratulations on actually starting your book. You write so well. I am so glad you are doing this and wish you inspiration and courage every step of the way.
Ellen, your words will encourage me when I doubt my vision. I admire that you are already a published author. Thank you, dear poet friend.
It is such an honor to be called a dear poet friend by you. I always admire your work. I have no doubt that you will write a wonderful book! Thank you for your encouragement!
So so sad, I had to push back a tear. But a truly beautiful poem and beautiful photographs.
Thank you. A lot of us miss Deborah; but her writing and her love will carry on in our hearts.
You are much like your friend in that you’re a great encourager also. I always appreciate you reading my blog and leaving a like or a comment. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend, but know she is with the Father in heaven now. That’s where we all want to be someday. Until then, we write! Keep up your lovely work and I know you will publish! Blessings, Elaine
Thank you, dear Elaine. Yes, I agree that we have so much to look forward to, and “until then, we write!” I appreciate your encouragement. ♡
Great poem, Wendy, and also a lovely tribute to Deborah. She would be pleased. Blessings and hugs, Natalie
Thank you so much, Natalie. I know that Deborah loved your blog as much as I do. Hugs & blessings to you also.
Beautiful poem and beautiful photos and even lovelier tribute.
Thank you, Irene. WordPress has been a good place to meet and share with so many lovely souls — such as you! 🙂
What a beautiful tribute … Thank you for drawing our hearts always upward, toward the Maker and His merciful love for us.
Heidi, I could not receive better words than to be told that I point to our Maker. Thank you. ♡
Oh Wendy, how sad, but a beautiful poem to remember Deborah.
Thank you. Deborah has a beautiful soul.
Such a loving tribute.
Thank you. She was a very loving person.
Oh gosh Wendy, this is so sad. Im so pleased I didnt miss this tribute of yours, which is so very beautiful, as I may not have discovered this news. Debbie was always a great encouragement to me, especially when I put myself down regarding my poetry. She was always a source of much inspiration to me too, when going though “down”moments with my progressive condition. Her positivity simply shone like a very bright light. This news has saddened me very much but I also am aware how strong her faith was (something I envied for want of a better word) so I am sure she is in a very peaceful place now. I will miss the stories and wise words from her grandmother.
Love and blessings (and gratitude for another day)
Christine
Christine, I read on her Facebook that she died peacefully; she was at her computer and suddenly closed her eyes and was gone. Debbie will be missed by so many people.
By the way, I love your new profile picture. ♡
Thank you Wendy, for telling me, she certainly will be missed; I wont forget her, she had an impact on me. And Im glad you like the new photo! The small one at he side of my name is fine but I cant get the big one the right shape; I look all squashed! I dont think I can make it right so I may change that one but keep the small one as it is 😊 x
What a glorious tribute. Your friend is now whole and healthy, safe in the company of that One Who loves her better than any mere human could.
Persevere on the book – it will come. I can tell you that the book I wrote, though on the same subject, was not at all what I started out to write
Thanks, Clarence, for your kind words. Truly there is no one who can love so perfectly as our Lord.
I have been experiencing plot surprises too — much like the unexpectedness of real life. Making plans can make God laugh. 🙂
Dear Wendy, what a lovely tribute to a friend! I am so glad that you are writing a novel. Write on Wendy! It is a privilege to read your words of faith.
Thank you, Mollie. I always enjoy your writing when I get over to visit your blog.
Great peom and beautiful tribute to youy friend.
Thank you, Marylou. I enjoy your photography, as always.
Wonderful tribute, Wendy! We will all miss our encourager…
Indeed, Melody, we all do miss Debbie. Thank you.
wow…..such a beautiful person….! Hope she has her peace now.. 🙂
Yes, I believe that she does have peace.
Dear Wendy,
I am very sad to hear about Debbie’s passing. Thank you for letting us know. I was beginning to wonder how she was doing as I have not seen updates in her blog lately. Debbie was such a blessing and encouragement to a lot of people, myself included.
This poem you share is so beautiful, it uplifts the soul. I pray for the Lord’s continued strength, inspiration and guidance in the completion of your novel. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
Love in Christ,
Dee
Thank you, Dee. I am honored by your words as I was so often by Debbie’s. She would want us to remember her kindnesses to us and allow them to fan the flames of our creativity and love. ♡ I appreciate both you and your poetry, dear poet sister in Jesus.
This post gave me chills. I didn’t follow Deborah, but she sounds like a beautiful soul. Your tribute is beautiful. Jennifer x
Thank you, Jennifer. It also gave me goosebumps and tears as I read back to see our last conversation. We just don’t know how long any of us has here on this planet. She had muscular dystrophy. ♡
Beautiful tribute to Deborah. I’m always inspired by your art. Blessings to you, Wendy.
Thank you, Cheryl. You have blessed me with your kind words.
A stunning poem for a beautiful spirit, I am sure she is following you and will be proud to hear that you are going to publish. Beautiful and sad a lovely tribute.
Thank you, Kath. A person may leave, but their kindnesses remain.
What a beautiful tribute to Deborah you have created here. Many of us meet an angel who enters our lives and then departs after a short time. Their presence is such a blessing as their memory lingers on. Your black and white photography is stunning.
Thank you, Mary. You are so right that an angel’s “memory lingers on.” Looking back over the decades I think we can all list some angels who have inspired and encouraged us. Right at this moment I am feeling thankful for your encouragement. 🙂
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
ANOTHER FINE EULOGY FOR OUR BLOGGER FRIEND, DEBBIE…SEE MY OWN, ALSO.
Thank you for sharing this, Jonathan. I think there are still quite a few people who don’t know about Debbie yet. She was friends with a lot of bloggers.
oh oh Wendy. I’ve been waiting for Debbie to visit and I just dropped by her blog earlier today because I’ve been missing her. And now, through your blog, I know why. I’m sorry I am overcome with the news that it seemed most of your other words here disappeared. Ah, I wish you all the best with your book.
Imelda, I send you a hug. ❀
What a touching tribute. So sorry to hear about Debbie.
She was a lovely angel poetess; I can’t help but believe that she is still writing poems.❀
Wendy, what a beautiful tribute to your friend. Though I didn’t know her, I can see, from her comments to you, that she possessed a kind and gentle spirit. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
I’m so happy to learn that you’re writing a book. I look forward to reading it my friend. If it is written as well as your blog posts, and if it’s a beautiful as your photography, I’m certain many will be blessed by it.
Much love to you,
Cheryl
Thank you, Cheryl, for your kind and encouraging words. ❀ Blessings to you, dear sister xo.
Wendy,
This is all so much gorgeous life and heart. From your beautiful poetry to your friendship to Debbie to the hope which springs eternal in you to shine to all the world. You bless me!
You also bless me on my blog. You’ve been over there for a long time and I appreciate that encouragement. Things are better in life pains because of Jesus and those God sends to bless us.
You are a true blessing.
In Christ,
Heather
@40YearWanderer
Heather, thank you for blessing me with your visit. Jesus truly is the “Lily of the Valley” in so many ways. He fills us with his Love that can’t help but pour out onto those He places on our path. It hurts to love sometimes–but it is worth it. ❀