Heaven or Hell

I read the saddest thing today in the Parade. An actor is playing the part of a single dad who is dying. There is a twist to the afterlife. The actor said that in real life he is a "bad boy" and thinks heaven would be boring. He wants an apartment in heaven during the week and go to hell to party on the weekends!
I wanted to cry when I read how misinformed he was. Will anybody tell him that is NOT the way it works. Heaven will not be boring and hell is certainly not the party many think it will be.
"The rich man died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, not can those from there pass to us" Luke 16.
Bout says it all doesn't it? So who will go tell this man who speaks so flippantly about traveling from heaven to hell that there won't be that opportunity and the rich man is having no party. He is in torment.
Love, that is how we are to respond to this man whose eyes have been blinded by the evil one. Love for the lost, that is what I have been praying for. Father give me love for this actor and those like him who don't have a clue. Send someone Father to tell him the truth. I am praying someone will warn him before it is too late. Father, you love him and desire for him to come to the saving knowledge of your dear self. Send him someone Lord.

Waiting on the Snow

We have a winter advisory once again for today and tomorrow. After my quiet time this morning, I thought maybe I could get a walk in before it started. I looked out the window and there were snowflakes already coming down. The temperature was 34 degrees, so when it starts we know it will stick on the ground.
I donned my layered clothing, my head covering, gloves and my husbands big coat. Off I went. It was kinda neat to see the snow flakes falling all around me. I seemed to be out all alone save a lost minature pincher (who ran scared when I tried to call him) and the wild birds looking for food.
By the time I got home I was really sorta warm from the clothing and the walking. I am glad I went when I did. I was also grateful to have a warm shower to get into afterwards. My face and legs were blood red and took some time to return to normal. It was rather invigorating to be outside. Neighbors were out putting out salt and moving cars at the end of their driveways in preparation for the weather to come.
I am now curled up in my study getting some projects accomplished while the snow begins to increase in it's intensity. I have a fresh brewed cup of coffee on the table beside me and my little faithful dog at my feet. Life is good!
I am beginning a Precept's Bible Study which was to meet tonight but I got a feeling it will be canceled. I have most of my homework done but need to put some finishing touches on it. Guess I will have more time to do that than I thought.
I am thinking about my little co-workers who will be out in this weather trying to get to work. I have had to travel many a day on snow and ice. As a nurse if we were scheduled to work no excuses were accepted.....you came to work regardless. I remember the nights I spent in either the hotel near by or my time in a hospital bed in order to be at my post come clock in time. One advantage was you didn't have to get up as early since you were down the hall from your work station. Hopefully the snow and ice will be outta here by the time I go to work this week.
Who knows, I may just curl up and take a nap. My husband is sleeping after his night at work. All is quiet. Sounds like the perfect opportunity! You all stay safe.

Gift Wrapping

I love cats, but never more than at gift wrapping time. (I couldn't resist letting you see mine in the act).My cats have always loved to help wrap the gifts. They walk on and lay down on my gift wrapping paper, roll in the tissue paper, and chew on the bows. They also like to lay in the boxes.
Ming is not suppose to go in the living room but he jumps over the gate and investigates the tree. When he comes out he has tree needles on his back and takes them everywhere in the house.
He also drinks the water, especially right after I put some in, like he doesn't have water in his bowl. They say people live 5 years longer who have animals. They are stress relievers most days.
We have a neighborhood cat who has come here since he was a kitten. I can't resist leaving him food and when it is really cold he comes in the garage to sleep. He thinks he owns the place and when we drive up he comes running just a talking to us, like where have you been. Both the cats are male but amazing are the best of friends. No fighting! Ming never goes out and Skittles never comes in they just talk to each other through the door or the screened in porch.

Dove Tree

I wanted you to see how beautiful my dove tree was at Christmas. I have been collecting doves for years and it was my dream to have a dove tree. Well, I did it this year. I just sat and admired it some days. There were gold, silver, white, and glass doves.
I wish I could have had you all over to admire it with me:-). Mind you, you will have to turn your head sideways to see it cause I couldn't figure how to turn it the right way.
There are doves that were given to me by friends and family that will be cherished for years to come. They all have a lot of meaning to me. So you might say I had a Holy Spirit filled tree this year. My grandchildren loved it and helped place the doves.
It was really a representation for me of purity, holiness, and God's presence. I kept it up as long as I could before it dried to a pencil. All the needles were shedding from it and I believe one little spark would have set it on fire. Oh well, I enjoyed it while it lasted. I will have fun putting it back together next year and having my grandchildren come to help place the doves on the tree.
Don't you know I will have fun this year collecting from my travels to add to it. I had doves from all over, even from the Cove! Memories......