Two grave diggers paused from the backbreaking chore of opening a fresh grave in a cemetery. Looking across the way they saw a funeral procession entering on one of the asphalt ribbons that wound its way among the monuments. As they watched, the hearse came to a stop and pallbearers removed what was the most expensive and lavish mahogany casket they had ever seen

Leaning on his shovel, the first grave digger said to the second, "Isn't that the life?"

Irony aside, that was far from "the life." More likely, the poor soul whose body had been buried not too many feet away, in a plain pine box, with a cross chiseled on a simple stone, exemplified "the life." That individual did not crave big houses, cars and caskets, but rather "the life" in Christ.

So must we all who live in Jesus' resurrection.

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Heaven is not understood in the same way by all people, For some, heaven is a place where you float on a fluffy white cloud, wear a halo, sprout wings, and play a harp for eons of time. For others it is to live in a bright mansion, walk on streets of pure gold, be citizens of a city that has walls of jasper and gates of pearl. and eat daily from the tree of life. For others it is a spirit world where the soul is forever with God, ever growing in love and creativity and knowledge, with infinite capacity for enjoyment.

But no matter what you think of heaven, be assured on the strength of Jesus' words that it is a real place. And in that place called heaven, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life who promises us everlasting life and peace in his abode.

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As Christians, all that we do in our present life is geared toward our destiny in the Father's house, planned and promised us by Jesus Christ. Not only should the Christian be prepared for eternal life, but also for leaving this life in good order for loved ones.

But Donald Robert of Boise, Idahoi is finding out how lively things can get after his "death."

Roberts walked out from the wilderness area near Stanley, Idaho, long after he had been given up for dead. He said he had hurt himself while hunting and decided to stay put in the wilderness.

Roberts, thirty, was missing for eighty five days. Here were some of his problems when he returned to the living:

His official church records were stamped "Deceased."

Two different courts declared him legally dead.

A life insurance company was just about to pay off the mortgage on his home.

A dispute had arisen between his business partner and his family over the estate's share of the company .

His relatives were quarreling over his possessions.

'Mr. Roberts had a unique experience,' said a source familiar with the bickering that usually accompanies a probate case when there is no will. "He is probably one of the few people in history who has had opportunity to observe what happens to his property and debts and what happens among the remaining friends and relatives when he dies."

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CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

A few years ago, a letter appeared in the national news that was sent to a deceased person by the Indiana Department of Social Services. It read as follows:

Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away.

May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.

Well, except for an occasional Lazarus, there haven't been too many who have seen a change in those circumstances!

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ASLAN

"Are you not thirsty?" said the lion.

"I'm dying of thirst," said Jill.

"Then drink," said the Lion.

"May I -- could I -- would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill.

The lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience. The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic.

"Will you promise not to -- do anything to me, if I do come? Said Jill.

"I make no promise," said the Lion.

Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.

"Do you eat girls? she said.

"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.

"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.

"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.

"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."

"There is no other stream," said the Lion.

 from "The Chronicles of Narnia" by CS Lewis

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POWER IN THE PRESENCE OF A RISEN SAVIOR

C.H.Mackintosh wrote: "There is power in the presence of a risen Savior to solve our difficulties, remove our perplexities, calm our fears, ease our burdens, dry our tears, meet our every need, tranquilize our minds and satisfy every craving of our hearts."

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Chosen Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?
"Take me", cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and lustre will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!"
   
The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
"I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine
And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You."

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was widemouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
"Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view."

"Look at me", called the goblet of crystal so clear,
"My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide."

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
"You may use me, dear Master", the wooden bowl said,
"But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!"

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

"Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine."
"I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is big mouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might."

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. "There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you."