Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

(1 Timothy 1:15-16)

I love this scripture!  The worst of sinners.....the worst of sinners......ME...... Jesus Christ displays His immense patience to ME....!  It just speaks to me in such a personal way.  God's patience is immense, so immense that I can't understand or comprehend it.  I'm grateful and humbled, not quite able to grasp the whole concept, but trusting the truth in the Bible, knowing that even someone like me can receive eternal life.  Praise the Lord!

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
(Matthew 7:13-14

I think many people think that Heaven has many doors and many ways to enter.  Good deeds, good words, good thoughts, whatever.  The truth, which comes from the authority of the Bible, is that only one door will gain entry into Heaven and that door is "manned" by Jesus Christ.  Good works and being a kind and thoughtful person is absolutely wonderful, it just isn't the way to Heaven.  Jesus Christ holds the key to open the gate and He is longing to share that key with all who will follow Him.   

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
(John 5:24)

Death is conquered for believers!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

God gives us His Word.  He gives us nature.  He gives us the Holy Spirit.  He gives us life.  He gives us miracles.  But no matter how many clues, how many books in the Bible, how many helps, it just isn't possible for us to grasp the enormity of God's power and wisdom.  I try to not get wrapped up in understanding all of the details.  The most important lesson is trusting God at His word and knowing that all of His promises will be fulfilled.  The "how" really doesn't matter.

You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
(Psalm 16:11)

God's path leads to eternal life and joy beyond our comprehension.  For Rosemary, who was laid to rest today, you now know, first hand, the joy that the rest of us can only imagine.  Many will weep for you today but in their hearts, they will be happy that you are at peace with the Lord. 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4:18)

Our focus should always be on the unseen but it can be hard to keep that focus when we live in the here and now.  Even though our life on earth is the only life we really understand and know, it's only temporary and the best life is yet to be lived.  And I believe in that unseen, unknown life with all of my heart!

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.
(John 10:28)

It's possible for me to be snatched from this earthly world (can't wait!) but I will never be taken from the hand of God.  Nothing can take that promise away from me.

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matthew 19:28-30)