"THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEORE GOING TO HEAVEN"

                               "KNOW THYSELF"

       "You are here" are three of the most important words you

           can find on a map of unfamiliar territory.  Even if the

           words themselves aren't actually printed there for you,

           your location better be FIRMLY imprinted in your mind.

           If you don't know where you are, how can you get where

           you want to go?

       On the road to heaven, knowing where you are means

           more than knowing your geographical location. It

           means knowing YOURSELF.  Knowing where you are

          physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, and

          spiritually.  Having a firm grasp on your own strengths

          and weaknesses. Understanding what gifts you have

          to offer and what talents need a little nurturing. Without

          knowing who you are right now, you cannot see how far

          you have to go to become the person God created

          you to mature into.

       Sometimes it can be difficult to get a clear picture of

          who you are on your own.  Your best resource is to

          go straight to God for insight. However, another valuable

          outside soure is a close friend. Ask this person to tell

          you - honestly - what areas of your life you've matured

          in lately and what areas could still use some work.

          Together, try to come up with some ideas on how you

          can strengthen your weak areas, expose any blind spots,

          and develop any budding talents you may have. Ask your

          friend to check in on your progress every so often, which

          will help keep you accountable in following through with

          your plan.

       Each new day is unfamiliar territory. Some of the terrain

          may look the same, but the truth is, you never know

          what's beyond the next rise, what new roads and borders

          GOD HAS JUST AHEAD FOR YOU TO CROSS. The

          better you know yourself, the better you'll be able to

          discern the route you need to travel, THE ROAD BEST

          suited to who you are and who you will yet become.

David Bordon/Tom Winters