Tag: hope

It’s Coming, Part 2

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

Are you celebrating? The melting snow has uncovered green grass, and the time change is extending daylight into the evening. And it will only get better—spring will officially arrive on March 20. When we were blanketed with snow in bone-chilling temperatures, we eagerly anticipated the blessings of spring, and we see them increasing day by day. Let’s talk about the forever spring of eternity and return to our musings about the joys ahead.

I love thinking about what will not be in Heaven, such as sickness. Can you imagine never having a headache, toothache, or body ache? Our knees won’t buckle, our backs won’t spasm, our bones won’t break. There will be no tumors, no abscesses, no mysterious anomalies. We won’t cough, sneeze, or blow our noses. We won’t suffer from indigestion, worry about heart palpitations, or experience chronic fatigue. Our memories will be sharp, never forgetting thoughts or searching for words. We will have no medication, no surgery, no tooth extractions. We will not need glasses, hearing aids, or joint braces. We won’t run out of breath, run out of energy, run out of time. Mountain climbing, galaxy surfing, and deep-sea swimming will not tax us. We will breathe deeply, and our senses will be sharp, allowing us to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel acutely. Selah. These thoughts are too wonderful!

Consider what will be “no more” in heaven, and we’ll continue our ponderings next Thursday. For today, savor this:

God Himself will be with us and be our God. 
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, 
for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4

It’s Coming, Part 1

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

I’m looking out my window at snow-covered ground, but my weather app promises a heatwave by this afternoon—47 degrees! I was thrilled to spot my first robin in our backyard, even though he wasn’t hopping on green grass but on ice-covered wetlands. And the ducks are back! But rather than swimming, they were waddling atop frozen water. Regardless of the view or the chill I feel, there is one thing I’m sure of: Spring is coming!

What is it that fuels our anticipation of a new season? I think it’s more than a longing for beautiful greenery and colorful flowers. I suspect we are simply so “over” winter’s challenges—the snow removal, the restrictions, the heating bills, the layers of clothing, the threat of slipping. Putting that all behind us elates our hearts with happy thoughts—green buds, getting out and about, fresh air and open windows, lightweight jackets, walks in the sunshine.

This is not different from my anticipation of the next life, when I will shed everything that weighs me down. I will walk in freedom, without restraints. I will observe only life and health. Everywhere I look, I will discover unseen wonders. I will never be concerned with comfort control, hidden dangers, or inconvenient disruptions. This is my inheritance for all eternity.

What do you anticipate? We’ll ponder more next week.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Anticipation

~ Barbara ~ 3 Comments

It’s coming! In the wake of the Blizzard of 2026, our anticipation is high. In three weeks and one day, we will officially emerge from winter’s hibernation and welcome spring, relishing the remarkable changes it brings—warmth, buds, and the promise of life. God’s rhythms always bring blessing.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

God designed the cadence of the seasons and never wavers from the perfect rhythm He created. Whether it is a season of nature or a season of suffering, His plans, wisdom, and grace await us. His vision always holds promise and blessing.

  • We see snow on branches; He sees sap running beneath the bark.
  • We see ice on the walkways; He sees flowers preparing to break through.
  • We see freezing temperatures; He sees warmth waiting to kiss the earth.
  • We see storm-gray skies; He sees bright days filled with sunshine.

How abundant are the good things
that You have stored up for those who fear You.
Psalm 31:19

February is a great month to anticipate God’s goodness!

Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay

Love

~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

A five-minute search will reveal that Valentine’s Day has questionable origins, including a pagan Roman fertility festival and the martyrdom of Saint Valentine (of which there are at least two). But honestly, who cares? It has become a feel-good, syrupy emotional celebration of love. In the midst of snow and frigid temps, we are given a reason to decorate our homes with red, ice cupcakes, and send cards.

Although the sentiments are often superficial—less about commitment and devotion and more about lace and hearts—it’s a fun day! But I throw out a challenge: if we’re going to celebrate love, let’s do it right and go to the source. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the Bible’s “love chapter” and explains what is and is not love.

We learn that love is not revealed in chocolates and roses, or dinners and candlelight. Love is exhibited in patience and kindness, humility and gentleness, forgiveness and mercy. Selah.

Our most eloquent professions, generous gifts, and greatest sacrifices are actually nothing without love. The qualities of true love run deep:

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance” (verse 7).

Love isn’t found in a cut-out paper heart, but in cutting out the selfishness in our own hearts.

The final verse of the chapter reminds us what has enduring value:

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—
and the greatest of these is love” (verse 13).

February is a great month to share love!