We are creatures of eternity. This present life is only temporary, and compared with our everlasting life with God, will be over in the blink of an eye.

We need to remember this; failure to do so makes us buy into the idea that 'the only way we can be happy' is 'X'. For us that means having a relationship with a boy. For others it means having a sexual relationship that God has forbidden. Yes, it's a hard choice to say 'no'. A good relationship with a boy will make our life special; to quote Woody from 'Toy Story' – you are only really alive when you are loved by a kid'. It IS special. Being in love is special. And it can be a God blessed part of our lives. Or He may call us to a harder path without such special moments. But whichever route is ours we need to remember that the long term is with Him in our true home with Him.

A song which reduces me to tears is:

There is a higher throne
Than all this world has known,
Where faithful ones from ev'ry tongue
Will one day come.
Before the Son we'll stand,
Made faultless through the Lamb;
Believing hearts find promised grace-
Salvation comes.

Hear heaven's voices sing;
Their thund'rous anthem rings
Through em'rald courts and sapphire skies.
Their praises rise.
All glory, wisdom, pow'are,
Strength, thanks, and honor are
To God our King, who reigns on high
For evermore.

And there we'll find our home,
Our life before the throne;
We'll honor Him in perfect song
Where we belong.
He'll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die.
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King;
We'll reign with Him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAGX9iWQ8kI

I write this on the birthday of one of our members who has now been promoted to glory, as the Salvation Army describes it. My response is 'Isn't he the lucky one?' Do we believe this, or allow the present circumstances to distract us from the realities of our eternal life?

• ( https link ) There is a higher throne
[Anonymouse]