by Carol Roberts | Jan 2, 2016 | Encouragement
Sometimes beautiful trees are chopped down to create a pathway to a destination. A lot of times a tree can stand for years and bring beautiful scenes in the fall and shade in the summer. It seems almost shameful to remove such a tree. When we focus on the beauty of that one tree it’s a tremendous loss. When we look ahead at the destination and the pathway that has been created we find that it’s easier to travel.
When compared to life it is easier to believe that when God allows people and things in our lives to fade away we can know God is directing our paths. Jobs, relationships or material things that seem tragic to lose we can know God is working all things for His purpose. When the focus is on the beauty of people or things many times we do not move ahead to God’s calling on our lives. As God chops, prunes and removes debris, no matter how beautiful, it is to make our steps easier to move into His presence and His will.
God is love and the things that do not work out will be replaced with things that work out better.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
by Carol Roberts | Jan 1, 2016 | Grief
Sometimes people will say that the best day of their life is a day free of all troubles. It is compared to a sunny warm spring day. All flowers are blooming with no pollen blowing. Everybody is getting along and there is a smile on everyone’s face. To take a day like that and multiply it by millions upon millions will equal heaven.
Any person who has moved on to heaven will choose to remain in heaven if given a choice to return to earth for the best day of their life. When we miss those we love it’s comforting to know that the peace they are experiencing far exceeds even our best day here. Jesus loves us so much He left heaven to come here and experience human life along with us. Therefore He understands everything.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.