If you have an event that you're involved in and would like to include it include it in our calendar (See "Regional Events" Page), send to awaken@Sonrisen.com
I don’t know all of the reasons why God began showing me literal portals to heaven. It’s probably because He wanted to reassure me of His presence.
But there’s a suspicion within me that points to my wandering mind. Slights, disappointments, anger, comparisons, pressures and any innumerable variables can conglomerate between my ears and close down the very senses located there that are intended to direct my heart to God.
To overreach for portals would be manipulation on my part. But to overlook them would be heartbreaking for the both of us. "Portals" in Book Form:
But another victim of missing out on God’s signs and metaphors is the whole aspect of pondering. How many times have I been engaged in a heartfelt conversation with someone and said to myself, “I must pray for him or her.”
Then, upon leaving their sight, I forget my good intentions…out of sight, out of mind.
This brings me around to thanking God for portals. Whether it’s through
nature, people, scripture or an intersection of “coincidences” or even a steady hand of them, I realize that portals slow me down to ponder the wonders, intricacies and all of the thoughts too wonderful for me as the psalmist puts it. He is never out of sight if I am looking and that lessens the tragedy of Him being “out of sight, out of mind.” My good intentions turn into intentionality.
Portals instill a gaze. A gaze reveals a portrait. Within His portrait lay all of the pondering of a man - even one with a wandering mind like mine.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: Pondering the endless glory of God can be the joy of every wandering pilgrim.
be transformed by the renewing of your mind…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…’Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Romans 12:2 (NKJV), Philippians 4:8 (NIV), Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)