Relevant

This image illustrates for me what is relevant today. In fact, that is what last weekend's public school retreat at Camp AuSable was all about. Seeing my grand daughter happily prancing across this bridge summed it up for me.

What a blessing it was: to spend time with others praising God, to hear my son's testimony of what God has done for him, to escape into a wilderness of His wonderful creation, to watch my grand daughter peacefully  enjoy life away from the troubles of the world. What a blessing it was to catch this fraction of a glimpse of what life will be like in heaven.

Years ago, I had a dream that made everything crystal clear for me. I was in the kitchen of an old country house, having tea with friends who are yet unknown to me. As they sat at the cafe type round table, I turned to the sink to add more water to the tea pot. While turning toward the sink, I caught out of the corner of my eye, my mother running after my sons down the hallway. At the split second I was turning to ask my friends Did you see that?, there was tremendous noise, and my question turned to Did you hear that? My friends were no longer at the table! Immediately, my mind processed. The noise was the trump of God! JESUS IS HERE!  I exclaimed as I ran toward the screen door. There He was full of glory in the clouds with His host of angels! While reaching for the handle of the screen door, I hesitated, Wait.... my family. Jesus' voice gently said to me JUST COME.

Then, I woke up. I realized that I could no longer sit on the fence of salvation. I could no longer be (as my son put it) a church hopper frantically trying to find a church that would be appealing to my husband and sons. I could no longer deny the biblical truths of the Sabbath, the state of the dead, and the fact that we are in the end times. I realized that if God could bring me from the darkness of this world, He could do the same for my family.

I implore all who read this. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES for in it you will find truth and as Jesus said "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Blessings to all. I pray that each and every one of you finds the peace and love found only in a saving relationship with Jesus.

Long Walk, Short Pier

This image brings to mind the idiom "Take a long walk off a short pier." It reminds me of when I was young and how popular it was to say senseless sayings like this.

One recent morning in Sagola, Michigan, I was filled with awe for the beauty of this moment. It was the most serene, inspiring morning I have ever experienced. At 7 o'clock the fog gently rolled over the lake while the rest of nature groggily contemplated rising.

Yet, it was a solemn moment as well. Truth is, we all are taking the walk to the end of the pier. Some might take the plunge before reaching the end. While others will make it to the day when Jesus returns.

Jesus is in heaven right now preparing for His return. Though only the Father knows when that day will be, in Mark chapter 3 Jesus talks about the signs of the end times. In fact, many Christians believe we are in the end times right now.

One thing we can be sure of is that when Jesus does return, He will take those who are in a saving relationship with Him to heaven. Jesus said to John the Revelator "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."

It is my prayer that all who read this will be in heaven with the Lord forever.

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.