Hope Springs Eternal

Yesterday, the co-leaders of what was to have been our 2020 Women’s ACTS 4-day Retreat in April, met to catch-up. Obviously, our retreat didn’t happen, but we’re counting on a coast-is-clear later this year. We’re all still together in heart and spirit. Yes, I was disappointed about the six months of preparing for the retreat that didn’t happen, and I’ll admit I even shed a few tears. Amy’s son didn’t get to finish his last season of high school baseball and his graduation certainly didn’t look like the final year of high school as they had expected. Deb’s precious father passed away during this time after many trips back and forth to Houston to see him, but couldn’t because of the hospital’s COVID regulations. The funeral was on Facebook Live so we could ALL see the beauty of this Godly man who served with his whole being. Since we couldn’t go to Houston to celebrate his life with the family, we had this lovely stone made for her – perfect timing for Father’s Day.

Michelle brought us the other half of the wooden hearts that she gave us early on in quarantine, promising the other half when we’d see each other again. She didn’t disappoint. And, she made us laugh as she told us about the possums that made their home under their deck, who by the way can sure scream when her dogs got near. Here’s the aha about all these things that happened to us All these circumstances, that we’d like to blame on COVID-19, might have all happened anyway.

In the grand scheme of God’s ways, He is well aware of all our disappointments. I reminded us: “Thank God, for the hope we have in Him Who isn’t shaken by what is shaking us.” As I type this blog today, I think “Hope springs eternal!” I had to look that quote up to see where it came from. It turns out Alexander Pope, an 18th century English poet, wrote those wise words in "An Essay on Man".

But, does hope really spring eternal? Why do people continue to hope, even if there is no evidence indicating the outcome we desire will come to pass? May I say, unequivocally, that hope doesn’t just spring eternal, it finds its roots in an eternal place.
King Solomon wrote that God “has put eternity into man’s heart." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) That is why we cling to hope through tough times. Those who believe in God – just know. We know that God has something better in store for us. It’s that hope and trust that something good is going to happen.

We should never doubt that God is working many, many things out in our lives. Because hope springs eternal. Sometimes hope is hard to come by. Notice how the psalmist reminds himself to remember the good things God has done and to put his hope in God. We can do that, too! "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:1-8) God doesn’t tell us everything about our future, nor do we understand the bliss we will experience in heaven; instead, our blessing for now is to have hope, including the hope of heaven that springs eternal.

Homeward Bound

On Thursday, at 7 am, I am walking with my earbuds in, and Chris Tomlin’s song “Home” comes on from my playlist. As I hear the words, I think about my dear friend's dad who is lingering in his final hours of life. I tear up because I just imagine that those words must be his words this morning. He had already said “I want to go home!” to his family earlier in the week. I stop to send the song to my friend with these words "For your daddy and you this morning, sweet girl. Love you so much. "Home" by Chris Tomlin. Praying for you all this morning. God is with you so strong. I just know it." At 9:30 am, I receive this text from my friend: “He just passed into paradise!”

The day after, Friday, my usual flow of ideas for my blog isn't coming as readily as usual. I have nada – nothing, but I know to hang in there because soon it will come. It does. “Homeward bound” pops into my head. This day, "homeward bound" can only mean one thing. Since I'm at home in Frisco, it must reference the day before, when my precious friend replied to my text that I sent to her while on my morning walk.

I sent the song onto my sis-in-law because Mom’s 94-year-old sister, and Mom, 97-years-old, keep saying those words, “I want to go home!” In fact, on a recent phone call from Mom to Auntie Alma – they both said, “Let’s go home together!” Perhaps you have a loved one, or even yourself who has a longing for "home", too. This song will bless you. Here’s the link, followed by the lyrics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIb4NC5ikYo

"This world is not what it was meant to be /
All this pain, all this suffering /
There's a better place waiting for me / In Heaven
Every tear will be wiped away / Every sorrow and sin erased /
We'll dance on seas of amazing grace / In Heaven / In Heaven

I'm goin' home / Where the streets are golden / Every chain is broken / Oh I wanna go / Oh I wanna go / Home
Where every fear is gone / I'm in your open arms /
Where I belong / Home

Lay down my burdens, I lay down my past /
I run to Jesus, no turning back /
Thank God Almighty, I'll be free at last / In Heaven / In Heaven
Blinded eyes / Will finally see /
The dead will rise / On the shores of eternity /
The trump will sound / The angels will sing /
Hallelujah, Hallelujah"

Home-goings are like a double-edged sword – we ache at the thought of a loved one apart from us, yet, oh the joy we have that they, as a child of God, are in heaven and our parting is just temporary. One day we’ll be back together again for a joyous celebration of being "home" forever.

When I think about my friend's sweet daddy, my husband, my parents, grandparents, all my siblings who have gone “home” and Mom and Auntie Alma who want to go “home”, I think about the joy and celebrating we’ll have together in heaven.

As Chris Tomlin says in his song, this world really is filled with so much suffering, so much pain, so much sorrow and so much fear. But, the beauty that this song points to is that one day Jesus is going to make it all right. God will make all things new and all our tears will be wiped away. No more sin. No more sorrow. Chains will be broken off! How amazing! The fact is -- for those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are already living eternal life -- as we'll just step through the doorway to our home sweet home one day.

Rick Warren says: “Here’s what I know -- the tears that dampen our eyes in times of mourning, are tears of homesickness, tears of longing for our loved ones. But it is we who are away from home, not they! Death has been for them a doorway to an eternal home. They are still with us, lovingly and tenderly waiting for the day when we, too, will enter the doorway of our eternal home. For us who believe, death is a preparation for eternal union with those we love, in the peace and joy of heaven. We were made for heaven. We were made to last forever.”

So, while we are still on this side of heaven.....let’s continue to finish our assignments well and live every day in the light of eternity -- enroute to our heavenly home. We are homeward bound! Let's plan to meet up there!

I Flew the Coop After Forty Days of Quarantine

May 1st! Can we even believe it? We have learned some things during this time of quarantine that will serve us for the rest of our days. We've been given many opportunities to grow spiritually and for that we'll forever be grateful. I sincerely believe that God is in Master-control of everything! I am completely at peace when one of these days, He'll call my number and I’ll show up on time! I’m confident of this – like St. Paul writes: “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:10) Win – Win – either way!

I’m not an alarmist, but these times certainly do conjure up thoughts about our end of days. And if it is -- "What a day that will be when my Jesus I will see. I will look upon His face – the One Who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand, and leads me to the Promise Land. What a day – glorious day that will be!" I’ve studied the Bible long enough that I know there are many proof-positives that God is up to something! This is a friend's FB post a few days ago that intrigued me:

“The official COVID-19 lockdown started March 23rd and will likely end May 1st. That is EXACTLY 40 days. The Latin root of the word "quarantine" is "forty". So, what does the Bible say about 40? The flood lasted 40 days -- for 40 years Moses fled to Egypt -- 40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments -- the Exodus lasted 40 years -- Jesus fasted for 40 days – The law was 40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth – The optimum number of weeks for human gestation is 40.

A group of theologians says the number 40 represents change. It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a change. Something will happen after these 40 days. Just believe and pray. Remember, whenever the number 40 appears in the Bible, there is a change. Please know that during this quarantine, rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder, healing is happening, and most importantly, people are turning to Christ. The Earth is at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming.

Remember we are in the year 2020 and 20 + 20 = 40. Also, 2020 is the year of the United States Census. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born during a census. Lastly, 2020 is perfect vision. May our sight focus on the Lord and living according to His perfect vision for us knowing He holds us in the palm of His hand. May these days of quarantine bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation, and our world.”

That was a great lesson in numerology – a lot of people are into that study. And they give great credence to their findings. But, here’s what makes my day! One day history will come to a close and eternity will go forever. The future is as bright as the promises of God. Remember our reward will last forever. The Bible says, "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”. 2 Cor 4:17

Imagine what it is going to be like when one day, with ALL of us standing before the throne of God (no necessity for 6-foot social distancing there), as we present our lives in deep gratitude and praise to Christ. Together we will say, “Worthy, oh Master! Yes, our God! We will praise Him for His perfect plan and live for His purposes forever! Did I give you something to think about?

Live Like Tomorrow May Never Come

All of us are still in shock at the news of the tragic death of Kolbe Bryant, his daughter and the other seven victims. Our hearts ache for what their families are going through right now. I pray for God’s peace to bring them comfort. It is this side of heaven that mourns such a great loss of lives – what seems to be way too soon. But, on the other side – in heaven – there is great rejoicing for those that came home. That has always brought me so much comfort whenever I have experienced the separation of loved ones in my life. That gives us the opportunity, instead of "Good-bye", to say "See you later!"

I don’t think anyone can argue with the statement: “He was one of the greatest athlete of all times.” A quote of Kolbe’s captured my attention. “It’s the one thing you can control. You are responsible for how people remember you—or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.” And, isn’t that what living each day with purpose and on purpose to make a difference in this world what really matters? Living like there is no tomorrow. “You do not know what tomorrow will bring” (James 4:14).

A resource book I've held dear to my heart is Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life". My favorite chapter is the one that is entitled "Made to Last Forever". This excerpt blesses me so much: "This life is not all there is. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on the other side of death, in eternity, than you will here. Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next. The Bible says, "No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord." 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Don’t those words ring true about all the practice workouts and physical training workouts that Kolbe Bryant must have experienced in his career? All the preparation for the next big game. Does it make us wonder if his life of generosity and kindness plus, hopefully, a tight relationship with God, were the preparation for the life he is living now on the other side of heaven?

When Kolbe, his daughter and the other seven boarded that helicopter on Sunday morning, living in the light of eternity was probably the furthest thing on their mind. But it begs us to stop and think about our own lives and what if this were our last day here? My blog today is to honor a great sports figure. No doubts about that. But, this is an occasion of looking inside our own lives at times like this. Our motive should be, each day, to live like there's no tomorrow. Tomorrow just may not come.

I’d love to think that we can say to Kolbe and the others onboard “See you later!” If we live each day as if it were our last, then we'll walk through that door to our home sweet home one day, too. The bands will be playing, the choirs will be singing and our loved ones will be on the sidelines cheering for us loud and strong as we cross our Finish Line – even more so than all those that are pouring their heart outs for Kolbe Bryant on this side of heaven.. In the meantime, let's give our best to God in each day while we live with eternity in our hearts. I intend to finish strong right along with you! I'll see ya' later!

Are We There Yet?

Happy New Year! Yes, we are there! 2019 came in like a breath of fresh air – especially if you walked outside at the midnight hour to light some firecrackers or simply to take in 2019 from the outside in. Now, an entire year of awesomeness awaits us. The squares on our 2019 calendars are blank, but very soon those squares will be filled with a host of activities, events, ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries and exciting opportunities for a new year of great conquests, victories, and adventures.

Back to my post title: “Are we there yet?” Those are familiar words to moms and dads who venture out to take road trips with their young ones. After the first hour of an eight-hour journey, they'll ask: “How long until we’re there?” Then, it’s “Are we there yet?” And that’s the language we often use with God. We pray for a quick fix or an on-the-spot answer to our prayers, but more often than not, God’s timing is NOT our timing. I’ll admit it. Sometimes God’s Word doesn’t make a lick of sense to me (as we say in the South). “If you say to this mountain, be removed and do not doubt in your heart, it will be removed!” (Mark 11:20) Okay. I’ve got this! “Mountain be removed!” Nada; nothing; zilch! I’ll try this one! “All things are possible to those who believe.” (Mark 9:23). I AM believing! Nada; nothing, zilch! I stare at the words on my thin-papered pages of my Bible and end up scratching my head with the end of my Bible highlighter.

I felt that way when I recently read this, “So God led the people by the roundabout way” (Exodus 13:18). This mind boggling little passage is about the Israelites leaving Egypt to go to their Promise Land. It’s before they messed up and God said they had to wander around for forty years. This is a whole different deal where God intentionally led them the roundabout way.

Have you ever felt that way? Did you have a lot of roundabouts in your 2018 year? I sure did, and I suspect that last year didn’t turn out the way many of you planned also. There might have been some chaos and something unexpected happened. If so, let’s take heart. It doesn’t automatically mean that we’re not in God's will. Sometimes He just leads us the roundabout way.

Why? Because His ways are not like ours. Because we think in minutes and He thinks "eternity". We barely see a foot in front of us and He knows the whole story, the whole winding way that is going to get us where He wants us to go. It makes me sigh and laugh when He sometimes takes the slower, scenic route.

Maybe this year I’ll act less like the kid in the back seat asking “Are we there yet?” every two minutes. Maybe I’ll roll down the window and enjoy the view. Maybe I’ll remember that life is like a road trip. It’s about so much more than just getting there.

We don't know what tomorrow holds -- or this new year holds -- but one thing we do know -- HE KNOWS and HE holds our tomorrows and, better yet, He holds our hands and is with us through the straight and narrow AND the roundabouts. Our future is so bright. Let's purpose to wake each day to the prospects of what each day will hold by Him Who knows everything about everything -- and with that kind of Trip Advisor, if we pay close attention, He'll guide us into making 2019 to be our best, most blessed year EVER!

Merry Christmas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

Merry Christmas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

It’s the birthday of our Savior! A day of celebration and joy to the world on this beautiful Christmas Day. Yesterday, I was blessed to be a communion server at my church. It hit home to me that the baby boy sleeping in the manger came to die, so in serving His body and blood, I was giving the Savior of the world -- the conqueror -- not as a little baby. What a privilege!

My Frisco family and I celebrated Christmas Eve at my home for dinner, then a precious time of Payton playing the piano and Staci and Alexia leading us in singing and praising our Lord for His willingness to become one of us earthlings. They opened my gifts to them. Then we headed over to the Wallace’s for their Christmas Eve gifts-giving. It’s always been our Christmas Eve tradition to open gifts and on Christmas Day, we opened the filled stockings.

I kept our traditional Christmas Eve alive as I read our family’s favorite Christmas book “The First Christmas Story” that Papa read to the grandchildren from since the oldest grandsons were just little boys. I did my best to be in the “Papa-style-and-form” with the Austin Family on FaceTime with us. Technology can be such a blessing to us.

In a couple of hours, we’ll travel over the rivers and through the woods to our Austin family for a reunion that celebrates Jesus’ birthday, enjoy a great meal together, get my traditional family photo and embracing everything that Christmas is about – love coming down to earth. We’ll celebrate that love today.

Maybe, this Christmas morning you're having your traditional family breakfast and opening "Santa's" presents and seeing what he left everyone in their stockings.....no longer hung with care. Now they're on the floor, stuffed full of goodies and treasures. Santa's cookie plate only has a few crumbs left.

Oh, the joy of hearing children's laughter and excitement today -- and the thrill of Christmas in their eyes. If your children are grown, enjoy the sweet memories of past Christmases. If you are missing children and loved ones today, then spend Christmas with God's Son praising and thanking Him for coming to be one of us. And if your loved one is in heaven, like mine is, we can know with certainty that he or she is having the most joyful Christmas possible.

Christmas and the tangible gifts we received from friends and loved ones are temporary. But the gifts that heaven brings us are eternal. Just think of it. We know the end of the Christmas Story. Eventually, that sweet little baby boy would grow up and would ask for this "cup" to pass from Him, but it didn't and He pursued and prevailed to become EVERYTHING we would ever need, or want, wrapped in one package. That sweet little baby boy grew up to die for our sins on a cross, just like He said He would. Then, He rose from the grave on the third day, just like He said He would. So that’s not really the end of the story – it’s just the beginning of our future where we will spend eternity with Him, just like He said we would.

Let's spend today celebrating the fact that the baby in the manger was God's perfect gift to us. I hope you will receive all that Jesus was born to give. May your Christmas be blessed with faith, hope and love. God's greatest gift is love. "For God so loved you that He gave you and me His one and only son."

May God richly bless you and those you love, on this special day. From our family to yours.....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Treasuring the Treasures of Life and in the Light of Eternity

If you keep up with my posts, you’ll know that I’ve been going back and forth to Tulsa over the last few weeks to help with my 95-year old Mother-in-Law‘s move to Karen’s (my sis-in-law's) home. It was Mom’s admission of not wanting to live alone “in this big house” any longer, when she told Karen, that she was ready to move. How beautiful that Mom made that decision on her own. We all knew that was soon-at-hand because she hasn’t been feeling well for some time now. Though Mom's room at Karen's was beautifully prepared and ready for her weeks ago, Karen never pushed her to move as she wanted her to still fill in control on the timing. But a couple of days ago, she announced that she was ready and within a couple of hours, they had her at her new home with them.

It came after many sweet and precious moments of her letting go of so many treasures that she had accumulated over her 95 years, and 52 years of marriage. Treasures that were so important to her at one time, now are only important enough to pay-them-forward. The reality of heaven getting so close for her, motivated her to part with those things that, in the light of eternity – just won't matter any more.

How beautiful that many years ago, Mom started writing different ones’ names and the date under the bottom of some of those treasures. With the things not marked, she invited the children and grandchildren to come and select what they wanted. It has been a process, for sure, because Mom wanted to go through drawers, book shelves, cabinets and closets to be able to assign any particular item to one of five places: 1) take with her to Karen’s; 2) leave for children, grandchildren, close friends and relatives to select from; 3) to place in the estate sale that Karen and I will have in the Spring; 4) to give to charity and finally, 5) throw away.

You can just imagine that years of memories and collections of treasures presented many opportunities for story-telling times about “where, when, why and who I got that from”. How thankful we have been to be able to slow our own schedules down to patiently listen and savor the moments with her. And, even greater, that God gave us this time with her while she's still with us, instead of after she graduates to heaven.

One of the dearest treasures I found was a binder of poems that she wrote. She had so many talents – cooking, sewing, playing the organ, ceramics painting, making others laugh at her wit and humor, praying, giving, and now, we knew her brilliant ability to write poetry.  

On Saturday, I drove to Mom’s sister-in-law (Dad’s sister), Aunt Joyce Litke’s home in Waxahachie TX to deliver many of Mom’s clothes, as well as other items that Mom had designated just for her.

Among those things were ceramic reindeer that Grandma Lena Wuerch (Joyce’s Mom) painted and Mom wanted Joyce to have them. Aunt Joyce and I had such a special time together, recalling so many family times together, but the one I treasured most was when she teared up and said, “I miss Ron so much (that’s my husband). He cared for me and encouraged me so much during Adolf’s illness and passing.” I loved that she remembered and it made me remember how devoted he was to her with daily telephone calls and trips to see and encourage her. She gave me an intangible treasure to take home with me. It was worth the trip.

Mom and Dad met with many challenges over the years, but none were as devastating as the tornado that tore through their home and church at Lake Keystone, OK. So much was lost, but a few treasures remained for us to enjoy. Joyce has a ceramic rabbit that made it through the storm and it sits in a prominent spot in her home. After the tornado, Karen’s daughter found a hand painted picture in a frame that was torn and broken. Mom had it repaired and that is the treasure that Georgianne requested Brad, Karen’s son, selected a painting done by another aunt. My Staci chose one of her Bibles and a ceramic flower that she remembered from before the tornado. Ryan wanted anything to do with the “Wuerch” family legacy, so he wanted legacy photos.

Shawntel was given a beautiful Lenox-like teapot, sugar and cream holders that Dad bought Mom when they were ministering in Alberta, Canada and when she was pregnant with my husband, Ron. I received the mink stole that she let me wear to Ron’s Senior Prom. I was also overjoyed to be the recipient of Mom’s little Christmas Tree that sat prominently in her den year after year that Karen had decorated so beautifully (pictured here), as well as her hand-painted nativity set. We all took home many other treasures from our visits with Mom -- that we will all treasure, on earth, until we start to see "in the light of eternity" and pay them forward to our families.

I’m sharing with you this really “big moment” for our family of transition time from one earthly home that was dear to Mom and Dad, and all of us for many years, to her new home with Karen and George. It is a major transition time for them as well. We know that God is the conductor of this symphony of life. It may appear that Mom is getting closer to her transition to her heavenly home, and, indeed it is. One day soon, Jesus will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come to your home sweet home."

Rick Warren, in his wonderful book “The Purpose Driven Life” said, "When you fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, and you realize that life is just preparation for eternity, you will begin to live differently. You will start living in “light of eternity”, and that will color how you handle every relationship, task, and circumstance." St. Paul said “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” Philippians 3:7

I think that’s the way Mom is living these days. That’s why when she’s feeling pretty good, she calls people to encourage them and pray with them. She gets it. In the light of eternity. nothing else matters except for Jesus. We’ll treasure her treasures until “the light of eternity” draws us home, too.

Spoiler Alert

Day 287 of Photo Inspirations -- Spoiler Alert
I was just getting ready to file the sweet birthday cards I received for my birthday and I saw this one again:  "Spoiler alert -- the hero comes back to life".  In case you don't get it, the guy is in a book store and has the Bible in his hands -- and the message he's hearing is the Hero -- Jesus rose from the grave and LIVES! The inside of the card said, "Happy Birthday and many happy RETURNS!  I loved it when I received it, and I still love the message today.

The fact is Christ's resurrection changed everything for all of us.  Spoiler Alert again:  Those of us who claim Him as our Lord and Savior will really live forever and ever because our HERO paid the price for us to spend eternity with Him.

It really is a phenomenon that 12 peasant fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, a doctor exponentially multiplied to billions of followers throughout the ages.  It's amazing that Jesus never wrote a book yet there are more books written about Him than any other subject in the world.  He never composed a song, but there is more music written about Jesus Christ than any other subject in history.  Jesus never drew any pictures or sculpted any sculpture, but there is more art made about Him than any other subject in history.  Jesus never traveled more than 100 miles from where he was born, and yet, we can find followers of Jesus in every nook and cranny of the planet.

The HERO mentioned on this card, really is about GOOD NEWS.  It's not bad news. It's actually GREAT news!   It's great news because, when it's understood, we are radically impacted by such indescribable love, peace, joy and so many other benefits that cause us to have a full, vibrant, abundant life on this side of heaven......AND BEYOND!!!  Jesus defeated death so we don't have to fear it.  We can be certain of our future in heaven, but the best part is while we are still here, God gives so much purpose for our lives.

I don't know who your hero is, but mine still lives.....He walks with me and talks with and tells me I am His own.  He lives.  He lives.  Salvation to impart.  You ask me how I know He lives......He lives within my heart!

In the Light of Eternity

One of my favorite sayings is “In the light of eternity….it just won’t matter”! And, I usually say it when discussions go controversial, or when I'm making a trivial decision. Bottom line, like the “God quote” here, this life is just so short, why should we sweat the small stuff? We’re going to spend much more time in heaven, than we are on earth. In his book, "Purpose Driven Life", Rick Warren said “Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next”.

When we really understand that there is so much more to life than just the here and now, and we understand that this life is just preparation for eternity, we’ll begin to live differently. And, my saying “in the light of eternity” will make much more sense. We’ll be able to handle every task, every circumstance, every relationship “in the light of eternity”. Those things that once seemed so important to us—the activities, the problems, the conquests will seem quite unimportant on the radar. Maybe on this earth’s radar, a BIG DEAL. On heaven’s radar, not even a blip on the radar screen.

That’s why, on the day of my Sweetheart’s graduation to heaven, I became his Mid-Wife. I coached him to “Push, Baby, Push!” to the other side….for there he would be living where the wonder and splendor of heaven is beyond explanation. What I knew, is that I loved him too much to keep him from one more minute of the bliss that awaited him. It was time for his BIRTH-day in heaven -- where "in the light of eternity", he was home sweet home.