serenity.

I spent most of the morning and afternoon alone today. It's funny how I savor those moments the older I get. Reading, thinking, resting, sipping coffee. The quietness and the stillness of the day have been peaceful, beautiful, blissful... I've definitely been that native Texan who has been grinning like an idiot all day, on cloud 9. The snow, the sights, the brightness of the winter sky, the purity...it overwhelms me and fills me with joy.

I took a long scenic walk this afternoon. Here I am, living in Dallas Texas...and behind me is this Narnia winter wonderland. I stood there, tears filling my eyes and my heart about the burst. All I could think of is... "what must heaven be like..."? If this sight overwhelms me to the core, how overwhelmed will I be when I dance the streets of gold?? When I finally see Jesus face to face? It was incredible walking amidst that beauty...surrounded by the purity of the freshly fallen snow, with snow still falling. It was quiet and still. I could have stood there for hours just taking it in.

I'm so thankful He gives us these reminders...of His love for us. Of the redemption, reconciliation, and purity found in Him. Of the glimpses of eternity....

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Revelation 22:1-5

He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon!" Amen. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Revelation 22:21