[srmorton]

Those of us who loved Tony would have wanted him to live to be 100, but, if he was in pain and could not be the person he wanted to be, it would be selfish of us to demand that he remain here on earth when he could be in the Presence of the Creator of the Universe! I have often heard it said that once the believer finds himself in that awesome "City Called Heaven", he is surrounded by such love and happiness that he would not want to return to this sinful world, even if he could.

Many on this board have criticized Rick Warren, but one thing that really stuck with me from The Purpose-Driven Life is that our time on earth like a blink of an eye when compared to eternity. We spend our days on earth so consumed by the things of this world that seem so important, but do not always spend enough time preparing for eternal life in Jesus. I am as guilty of this as anyone else until the death of someone so young and so good makes me focus again on what is really important.

[Jo Nuvark]

I was just reading the Scripture in John where
Jesus brought Lazarus out of the tomb after being
dead for a few days. Before bringing him back
from the bosom of Abraham, Jesus wept.

It occurred to me that Jesus was grieved because
he had to bring Lazarus back here, to this sinful
place, away from the presence of God.

[Biggirl]

Often the saints of God suffer not only as a reminder of the sufferings of Our Lord in the Passion, but also to give the Creater glory and as a witness to the need to have faith in Him. Plus to run the race to the end.