The New Jerusalem or The Fiery Lake

(1) I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. (2) Then I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, dressed like a bride ready for her husband. (3) I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “God lives with humans! God will make his home with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them and be their God. (4) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There won’t be any more death. There won’t be any grief, crying, or pain, because the first things have disappeared.” (5) The one sitting on the throne said, “I am making everything new.” He said, “Write this: ‘These words are faithful and true.’” (6) He said to me, “It has happened! I am the A and the Z, the beginning and the end. I will give a drink from the fountain filled with the water of life to anyone who is thirsty. It won’t cost anything. (7) Everyone who wins the victory will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my children. (8) But cowardly, unfaithful, and detestable people, murderers, sexual sinners, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will find themselves in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
-- Revelation 21:1-8 (GWT)

Click here: Heaven is Our Home - YouTube

You are our God. We are Your children. Heaven is our Home.
Grateful

P.S. O how Jesus loves us, proven clearly in the fact that He became our Way of Escape from the Fiery Lake.

A Sacredness in Tears

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.
-- Washington Irving

Jesus wept.
-- John 11:35 (KJV)

Grateful

On Wings of Butterflies

“On Wings of Butterflies”

Ruth Paylor

The day had come, the scene was set, soft music filled the air,

Family and friends had gathered, this special day to share.

The hour came, they entered, each took an honor place,

With hearts so full of happiness, reflecting on each face.

And then my daughter entered, a radiant bride was she.

The groom with sunlight on his face was handsome as could be.

My son and his wife were standing there, they made a charming pair

And then my heart grew heavy, for the son who wasn’t there.

Now a butterfly has always been a special joy to see.

It seemed from out of nowhere, the air was filled with three.

Then four, then five, then dozens began to fly about,

They lit on bridal party, they fluttered o’er the crowd.

They flew above the altar with sunshine on their wings,

My heart which once was heavy, began to leap and sing.

The minister began to bless, this special hour of love,

And God who wished me happiness, sent blessings from above.

I knew my prayers were answered, the day was bright and fair.

The son who couldn’t be there, I seemed to hear him declare:

“I bring you joy to lift you up, a joy your soul can feel,

For God who hears and answers prayer, the broken heart can heal.

I’m with you mom in spirit, with sister, brother, dad,

And memories of the years we shared, the good times that we had.

So when your heart is troubled and teardrops dim your eyes,

Through God I’ll send you joy and peace…On Wings of Butterflies!”

Note: My dear childhood friend, Jeffrey Kent Paylor, made his passing at age 19 after a very heart-wrenching car fatality. His mom, Ruth Paylor, who was like a second mom to me as a boy, wrote these words on the day of her daughter, Linda’s, wedding a few years after Jeff’s departure. My only son, Grayson, bears Jeff’s middle name as his own -- Grayson Kent Willis.

Your pain is still in my heart, Mrs. Ruth.

I'm grateful for you.