We just returned from our stress-free Texas trip with wonderfully warm memories filling our 10-gallon hat.

Our visit with Christ United Methodist Church in College Station filled us with optimism, encouragement and hope.

We had moved from the heart of Texas 10-years ago to live closer to our family. Nonetheless, the greetings Vicki and I received overwhelmed us, filling our hearts with joy.

About a dozen or so friends met us with outstretched arms, full hearts, face-filling smiles and sparking eyes. Vicki and I were just as joyful.

As we hugged, shared memories and events with each other, a spirit-filled visualization filled my heart.

Our greetings were just like the experiences we will encounter when we get to heaven. There will be our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers; our other loved ones and friends, old and new, from all around greeting us with open arms and clear eyes. We will see the heart and soul of all who surround us.

We will greet each other without condemnation; there will be no judgment, no jealousy, no petty disagreements. Just pure hearts filled with joy.

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.                                                                                                         

Revelation 5:11

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

                                                                                                2 Timothy 4:6-8