Life

Death is unrelenting, inevitable, and final. It carries pain and despair with it and visits us all sometime, somewhere in our lives. For those who are grieving, joy and sorrow become a constant companion. Joy from our memories and sorrow for our loss.


So how then are we to live abundantly? Gardenfire has created a beautiful testament to the loving grace of God, our Heavenly Father reminding us that we never loose our lives nor loose the lives of those bought by Jesus' blood. While we may be separated for a time, we will be reunited with God forever.


When Jesus arose from the dead, He had in His possession the keys of death...He triumphed over the last stronghold of God's enemy...fear of death. No longer do we have to feel the despair of so great a loss for we will be with our loved ones again.


Having lost someone very dear to me recently, I rejoice that I will see her again. But in my humanness, I am missing her greatly. I struggle with the loss of my Mother...often reach for the phone to share some thought with her...miss her voice, her wisdom, her teasing , and her all consuming love. I even dared to ask God why He needed her...I needed her! Instead of chastising me, I sensed God's love and understanding as He patiently waited for me to trust Him and understand.


The darkness that enveloped me after my Mother's death is not as dark now. There are tears of joy and laughter now more than before. But I still miss her.


Gardenfire reminds me that we have "passed from death into life" when we accept Jesus. My Mother has also passed from death into life...a new life with her Savior! I cannot say that I am glad...but I can say that I am grateful and my spirit rejoices in the knowledge that one day I will be reunited with those I hold dearest. Thanks be to God. For all of you who share this journey...rejoice in that God has made a way.

Religion

Interestingly enough, throughout history it is "religion" that has been at the base of many conflicts. "Religion" has claimed rule over peoples and has abused the very existence of others. Please understand that I am using the term "religion" in a broader since meaning that which we, as mankind, have made out of God's law and ways. When mercy and love are removed from a God relationship, "religion" is what is left.
So what kind of experience are we suppose to have with God, our Father? Scripture tells us that God call us His Children, Friends, the Redeemed, even His Family. Those titles are indicative of a relationship born of love and grace. We were born to walk with Him and talk with Him...to be a companion with Him. Because He is holy, we must strive to be holy. That is done through a relationship...not a set of man-generated dos and dont's. How hard it is for us to let go of control and just love God with all our hearts following His ways and His desires.
In this Holy of Holiest seasons we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice given of His free will so that we might have a relationship with God. To die for someone demonstrates a relationship...not a set or rules or rituals. In these next coming days, let us each examine our beliefs. Let's make sure our Faith is based on relationship and not "religion". When this sinks into our finite minds, everything changes...how we respond to God and how we respond to others. They will know us by our love (a relationship) not our "religion".

Shine

When I look into a mirror I see the obvious...my own face with its signs of aging and life. But when I look through the eyes of my Heavenly Father Who allows a glimpse now and then of how He sees me, I see something else entirely!! And the "new me" gives me hope that I am a child of the King. But what I strive for...fail and try again for...what is all important, is that I reflect Jesus. They say the eyes are the window into the soul...but I say our lives are the reflection of our love for Jesus. Children want to show their love to Mommy and Daddy by their words and actions. We, as God's children, also show our love in word and deed. So here's a reminder....Be the Jesus' reflection that will bear a life-changing message to the world. Shine in love...in thought...in action!

Start Now

Most of my life has been lived with a wish list of things I planned on accomplishing at some point. Needless to say while there are many things I have gratefully crossed off my list, the list of "yet-to-do" is still rather long. However, due to a decision I made early on, eternal life is not one of those "yet-to-do" things. I have God's word that I will spend eternity with Him. How glad I am that I have the Life insurance policy bought by Jesus Christ through His sacrifice for me. But here's the thing....Jesus paid the price with His life for ALL ...so what are you waiting for? Start living now!!! Start living for Jesus and be guaranteed life eternal with God!