Before long we will be going on our family vacation.  I can hardly wait!  We will be going to the Emerald Cost in Florida; a place we have never been before.  I hear it is beautiful, the water is clear and the sand on the beach is sparkling white.  Sure sounds beautiful.  In advance of our trip, Marta has been doing some research and learning about some different things that we might see and do while we are there – dolphin tours, beach parties, swimming pools and time with the family.  Like I said, I can hardly wait.  While I don’t think I can fully imagine what to expect until we get there, I am glad we will be informed ahead of time so that we can be ready to hit the ground running.

Somebody told me the other day that area is just like heaven.  And while I know they were just using an expression to describe the beauty of that area, it got me to thinking about what the real heaven will be like.  I know it is hard for my mind to fully comprehend it because Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:9 “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard nor has it entered into the heart of man, all the things which God has prepared for those who love him.”  It will be beautiful and glorious!   And while I know we cannot fully imagine what to expect until we get there, we can do some studying and research up front.  Christ says He is going to prepare a dwelling place for His followers, a place with streets of gold and other beautiful sights.   One of my favorite verses about what to expect is in Revelation 21:4

Rev 21:4  and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” 5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

No tears, no death, no pain and no sorrow – all things will be new.  I like the sound of that and I am glad the Lord is preparing a place for me so that where He is, someday I will be too.   And I will get to go there, not because of anything I have done but because of what Christ has done for me.