New Beginnings - Part V

Recognize last week's flowers now?

They become what's in the next picture....

Cacao pods.

New beginnings. You never know how they're going to look!

Last weekend I began a bunch of new acquaintances that I hope will become friends. I gave and received encouragement. The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever.

Take time this week to encourage someone. And receive encouragement when someone offers it to you. That's actually one of our purposes in being followers of Christ, isn't it? To strengthen feeble knees, to give a word in due season, to give words of comfort, edification and exhortation?

I believe that's one reason why we're here and why God puts us in relationships with others.

Ends and Beginnings - Part IV

This little mum is called "Golden Prophet." Each year it comes up because it's a perennial.

But it's planted on a grave...my dog's grave. I purchased this flower as a reminder that my dog lived - after she died.

I've always loved the color of "gold" because I'm reminded of where I'm going to go when I die - to a place where there are "streets" of gold. I love the word "prophet" because it implies future orientation - but in a "now" and life-giving way!

This place is beautiful! There's no more night...no more curse...no more crying, sighing or pain. Just heaven!! Just light! Just the Lord!! Just the fellowship with the saints and the angels! There is a river that flows through the middle of Main Street - and trees on each side for the healing of the nations!

Come Lord Jesus! What comes to your mind when you think of heaven? Post a comment and let me know!