I want to share with you all the recent experience of God that I have had, and how it has changed, and will continue to change, my life. Those who know me personally will be aware that I suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis, and recently have had one illness after another. Nothing too major - just enough to make me feel a bit under the weather and not running at full capacity.

One Monday morning I arrived at the prayer meeting at Knutsford Methodist Church as usual. I'd had quite a bad journey in, with many motorists taking unnecessary risks. The roads were very busy and I arrived slightly stressed and my breathing was very laboured. The prayer meeting continued - and I continued to cough. Eventually Paul, our Minister, had had enough, and, following another person's prayer for me, he discerned what was going on. He prayed with me and the Holy Spirit ministered to me - my breathing changed instantly and I was in a very special place. It was very bright, very peaceful and I didn't want to leave. On the outside it looked as if I had nodded off in the prayer meeting!! However, God was using this time to restore and refresh me.

When I had come round from this time we chatted, and Paul prayed again specifically for the arthritis and the reasons it had started - which were related to the death of my dad, and the shock.

I went to meet with God again, the Holy Spirit ministering to me. This time the place was so bright that the light hurt my eyes and I felt as if I needed a pair of sunglasses!! Words fail me in an attempt to describe the serenity of the place, or the complete feeling of safety; and here I met with Jesus - in HEAVEN! I did not see His face but I knew instantly this figure was Him. He spoke to me and I felt as though someone was stroking my head. Jesus told me that my dad was fine, that he was with Him and he knew that I loved him, even if I had not had the chance to physically tell him. He wanted me to let go and move on, releasing me from the feelings that were hidden deep inside me.

After coming around again I couldn't stop grinning ('The Cheshire Cat' syndrome), and my joints felt much better right away. I skipped down stairs and was smiling at everyone. Through the week that followed, people noticed something had changed and told me how well I was looking, even that I was glowing!!! This gave me the opportunity to share with them what had happened and how I had met Jesus!!!!!

Over the few weeks that have followed I have slept like I have not slept in 6 and a half years, and have begun again to play the guitar (which I haven't been able to play for 3 and a half years) - I am looking forward to when I will be able to play my flute again. The pain in my joints is very much reduced and some of the swellings have begun to subside. Praise God!!

The experience was amazing. I never thought I would see Jesus until I was taken to be with Him in eternity. I have had a glimpse of Heaven, and I can tell you that I can't wait to go!! I know that I have changed physically and spiritually, and I know that God is constantly with me in all that I do.

Matthew 28:20b - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."