Who Could've Known?

Who could've known? 

 The last time we were we. 

Image, burnt in my mind 

by flaming bridge for eternity. 

Who could've known? 

One last glimpse

would mean:

never again hearing 

laughter singing with brook,

never again seeing

sunshine paled by smiles

never again hiking

winding trails,

never again feeling

your loving embrace

never acknowledging

resemblances of your face

to the one we adored who is no more.

Who could've known?

Life could be so cruel

as to let love drown in a pool,

not of blood, but tears.

BUT, the sadness and trials of life will not prevail.
For the One who comforts knows of this and more.
All we need do is knock on the door
and it will be opened.
For He wants to comfort and take care of us.
He loves us so much that His Son died for us.

My hope is in Him.
Who could've known, that I would ever feel so loved.

The Perfect Gift

Whew!! Trying to avoid the crazy hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season can be difficult. During some last minute holiday preparations, I came across this empty gift jar. At one time it held delicious chocolates; they didn't last long!!

Most people have received gifts like this one. You know, the kind that are a nice gesture from someone you didn't really expect would give you a Christmas present.

Our materialistic society leads us to believe that a gift is not only necessary, but it must be reciprocated. Even though I appreciate the gesture, I would rather spend time visiting with the gift giver over a cup of tea or during a walk.

Giving of yourself is the best gift anyone could give.

In fact, Jesus modeled this same concept when He came to Earth: to spend time with man, to teach man all about love and His triune divinity, to bear the guilt of all of mankind on His shoulders, and to die a horrible death so that each person who believes Jesus is Lord might be saved.

So the next time you are searching for the perfect gift, think about the wonderful gift described by the Apostle John and remember the best gift comes from the heart filled with love.