Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Budded on Earth to Bloom in Heaven



     When my family went to Idaho this summer, we visited one of the Nez Perces Indian Reservations.  On this reservation there is a cemetery with graves of both Indians and missionaries.  I found an inscription on one of the grave-stones that really impressed me.  Alvina Moore lived only six years on this earth from 1914 to 1920.  Her grave is marked with a stone that has a lamb and below that her name, the name of her parents, and then this beautiful little phrase:  “Budded on earth to bloom in heaven.”  What a beautiful way to look at life!  This is a good life that God has given us no matter how long or short it is.  It is a good life because in Christ it is never just a faded or fading flower, but rather a flower that will live on forever in heaven.  Embrace it with faith, thanksgiving, wisdom and joy in Jesus.  Live it for God’s purposes of salvation and for His eternal glory.  

     From the sermon "Are You Ready?" 2 Timothy 4.6-8
     All Saints Celebration, November 4, 2012 

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