Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it” – Mark Twain

Showing kindness in the face of hostility is the aroma of Christian love. In the first century, those who chose to express love, even when persecuted, were called followers of “The Way.” The “Way” of Christ is the way of love. It is in this “Way” that the blessings of God flourish and follo

w us. Become a follower of the Way.

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1Pet.3.9 Conversations Within” ts 6/5/2020 

“Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!” Hymn

I think that one attitude and action of Heaven is simply to accept God’s invitation to live in the joy of the present moment, in other words, to embrace the life before you right now. We do not necessarily have to leave Earth in order to embrace Heaven. Let the joy of Heaven come down and fill your soul right now, this very moment. 

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Phil3.20 NIV Conversations Within” ts 5/26/2020

”Almost Heaven” John Denver

We sometimes describe a place here on earth as “almost Heaven.” I know that when I do this is because some experience that I am having now touches what I know Heaven will be later. Heaven is as much an attitude of the heart as it is our future home. Gratitude expresses it, because underneath every heavenly attitude is the simple desire for all things that please God. You can always smell love in these places.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1Cor.2.9 Conversations Within” ts 5/25/2020

“Coming home to a place I have never been before.” John Denver

I know when I die I will go to a place I have never seen but still. I remember as a young budding Christian that my new vision of Heaven may have been simple, but it became a powerful motivator for how I wanted to live my life. I answered to call to live for something more than working so I could retire for a few good years. Anything that I could store up here pales by comparison to the lasting joys that can be had in Heaven.  Jesus didn’t tell us not to store up treasure; He told us where we should do so.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/24/2020

”We all live, then we all die, and sooner than we expect or prefer.” Unknown

When I hear that some celebrity that I admire has unexpectedly died, a powerful sense of loss comes over me. I think, “Aww man, they’re gone and gone too soon!” I am actually surprised that these emotions can last for days, even weeks, and for someone I really don’t know. I wonder if my attachments to life  are not as strong as my longings for the next. Or are they? The simple truth is I love life and love it so much I want to do it forever.  Jesus promises that I will. Lord help me to see death not as loss but as gain.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Phil.1.21 Conversations Within” ts 5/23/2020