Oh I don't mean depression in the psychological sense; although for some, the darkness and somberness of winter can produce depression. What I am thinking of is the depression of the symbols of life that winter suppresses. It is the loss of flowers, leaves and green grass that I miss so much. But spring — now there is not only the return of all these beauties, there is, at least for me, the reminder of that great Springtime of God, the resurrection to eternal life. A time when the heat of summer and the dread of winter vanish into the joy of everlasting life!

There is a desire that far exceeds the longing for springtime.

This reminder is what really fuels my joy this season of the year. The life of a minister is sometimes overwhelmed with death and the accompanying sorrow that follows. For many years, I have made it a habit to always stop by the nursery in the hospitals just to remind myself that there are two sides to the events of each day. If one is constantly faced with death, he really needs to be confronted with life to keep things in balance. It is not that death is a fearful thing. It is just that, with the sadness of separation, we tend to lose focus on the life which bursts forth each day.

East Texas is in full resurrection today. The pattern continues. First the daffodils, then the tulip trees with their gorgeous blooms, along with the beginnings of the "white bloom" trees and the redbuds. Now along with everything else, the azaleas are bursting out with radiant bloom. Yet, with beauty at every turn, there is nothing here to compare to what lies before the child of God on that Great Day.

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NLT)

WOW Worship 2006 by Various Artists Fly away on the wings of the year's best worship songs! Two CDs.

Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

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