<p style="text-align: left;">Lovely Kolleen, thanks! Eternity is promised for those who are obedient we shall remain in His presence! For the disobedient, apart from His presence! Yet eternity for one and all! TR</p> As Tammie says: "I love to talk with my Father and feel cheated from my conversations when interrupted with this life’s responsibilities. What a mix of humanity we are." T.R.'s words, too: God tests our love so that no future rebellion will occur in Heaven later! This is why eternity is promised! " All the generations that existed since Jesus came, up until this most recent generation, understood that the Lord would come back at some point but did not understand theirs to be THE generation that would see the Rapture and the Second Coming. We understand that ours is the THE generation and with that knowledge we long all the more to go to our promised Home. The scripture which reveals a promise for a long life, I believe, is to encourage the young people to grow in their faith and walk in His ways to receive this promise, which when one is young.....that is what one assumes that one wants. I remember being younger and wanting to live a long time, but I literally knew nothing then... lol I also think that there has always been suffering in the world, but the perilous times that the Bible speaks of are very specific to our present time. The Lord said that He wants us to have life and to have it more abundantly, and in my life I have come to understand that there is a big difference between joy and happiness. The more I see of the darkness of this world, the more I long to go home and happiness eludes me. I always have joy because of our future in Heaven. Paul experienced the same as he mentioned how it would be better to be away from the body and with Christ, but here there was opportunity to spread the gospel. It is probably more frustrating for us at this time because folks are not interested in the gospel, even hostile to it and that makes it feel as though our work is done. You all know that my daughter Brandi awaits me there and that alone make me long for Heaven all the more. I do experience some amount of fulfillment from helping people that are sick and to achieve wellness. It is the job that the Lord led me to do, but in all honesty I will look forward to being out of work in Heaven :mdrmdr: I am a girl that loves to watch football so I will leave this analogy with y'all today. The game is at the end of the fourth quarter with 2 minutes remaining, the score is 35 to 7, the enemy is ahead and he also has the ball. We know how this particular game is going to end.....it's not a playoff game or the superbowl, just regular season....but there is no need to stay until the end of the game because we know where it is going..... so we head to our cars to avoid the worst part of the traffic. It is possible that in that little bit of time our team could intercept a pass, pick up a fumble or even score a touchdown or a field goal.....but we know that is not going to change this game and what it coming......so we are ready to go! We plan to rest up off season and prepare for the big game.....the second coming! and we know Who wins that one! so hopefully you enjoyed my little sports analogy....lol :mdrmdr: but at this time we are headed to the parking lot, looking for our cars but actually we are looking to the skies and listening for that trumpet of God, and praying everyday Come Lord Jesus :yahoo: The apostle Paul must have had a hard time of it because he had a visitation from Christ and knew better than we at the glory of being in His presence. He didn’t have to wait too long. That is a good analogy, Churchgal. Even if the conservatives had won this past election in a tsunami it wouldn’t change the outcome of the game. It would only give a very short term reprieve……….maybe. Tammie, that must be a bittersweet pill to preserve a life that will only exist in misery. It’s compassion that brought you into this profession and yet your oath must override your compassion at times. I believe God has a special place for care givers. I remember well when my mother was going through cancer treatment and we’d go with her to the cancer center. I was so moved by the compassion of those doctors and nurses. In the midst of hell there were heavenly angels handling and caring for many who would ultimately die. They, and most likely you too I’m guessing, had seen far more death than a person should see. Yes, I believe there is a special place for caregivers. I know that Donna has also given so much of herself in the time of her husband’s need. I am blessed to know some real angels in this broken world. I see God’s love in you all. Churchgirl, I’m a football fan as well, fairly versed in the game. Been a Cowboys fan since Tom Landry days, through ups & downs & stupids. I have to say 2-minutes is a long time in Football. Can we move it a bit to 4th quarter with 10 seconds to go and the home team (that’s the bride) is in the 1-yard line with & its 4th and goal. We have a strong defense (the Word of God) and our offense is His armor, the QB is King Jesus about to take His team home over the goal!!!!! Yohanan, thank you for your kind words, there are many among us here who wear the badge of giving our hearts for others and that is the honor. Yes, I understand the sting if death all to well at every age it has come and taken those I have had the privilege to touch and am thankful to see it wiped away by the Father. TR - we all know the Father and He holds each of us gently to His heart. He is our forever Almighty.
TR makes a very good point. God will not suffer another rebellion in His home. We are rebellious enough here. I am anyway.
One of the things I so appreciate about you women is how you relate to God. You see Him as Daddy whereas we guys tend to see Him as Father. You can accept His gifts and His forgiveness easier than we can. You see Crowns that He promised. We, or at least I, will be happy enough to sweep the streets. I struggle greatly with the concept of rewards. I deserve none and expect none. But you grab ahold of His promises. You reflect His forgiving nature. If you look at it from an earthly perspective daddy’s love their daughter and are stern with their son’s. And we view our Heavenly Father in much the same light. Kolleen’s thread it a good example. It has the most beautiful promises from God and I read them often. They are a comfort to my soul.
I am so thankful for my sisters here! You shine His light brightly and it gives me hope and helps me along this journey, however long it may be. And not to leave my brothers out. You guys have been champions and I value your perspectives! Godly men are hard to find these days. So as long as we are here I am blessed to worship Him with all of you!
