The crisp smell of pine fills the fresh North Woods air. The placid lake looks like glass as its steam rises up to meet the soft colors of the morning sky. Loon calls echo like a peaceful song across the water. The morning could not be better until the fishing line is cast in the water. Then it is truly paradise.

We all have a place in our minds that we believe to be paradise don’t we? Sometimes we mentally escape to that place just to make the day feel a little better. But, how often do we take the time to think about Heaven? Most people have the misconception that they will be floating on a cloud playing a harp forever and their thoughts of heaven end there.

Honestly, we have so much more to look forward to than a cloud and a harp! In Heaven, the entire city glimmers of gold, and before the throne room is a sea of glass as clear as crystal. There is no need for the sun, moon or stars because the Lamb is the light. Composed of precious stones are 12 majestic gates each named for a tribe of Judah with 12 foundations each named for an apostle. The beautiful River of Life proceeds from the Throne of God. At the center is a tree which produces a new fruit every month, and the leaves of that tree are for the healing of the nations. There, in that magnificent, holy city, we will see our blessed Savior face to face for all eternity.