Dear John and all Doves,
      There have been individuals of every generation since the Messiah first came who have prayed to be translated in the twinkling of an eye. Those from fifty generations or more, if a generation  is forty years, have longed for translation in eleven hundredths of a second. That is how quickly a twinkling of an eye happens. Among those currently living, will the transformed taste death? Whether it does or not, it will be like ultra fast self martyrdoms. It took longer for other martyrs to die. "Quo Vadis" is one of my favorite movies because it is a transcendent story of faith beyond death. There were many young martyrs who witnessed in faith into eternity. Entire young Roman families died in Rome. I visited where they witnessed and died in Rome and it moved me beyond words to describe. But for one generation, very honored, we prove to be martyrs to ourselves. Others do not make us martyrs . We cast our lives away and choose for quick transformation. It is special to be found worthy to stand before the Son of Man. The Life Gate of Him takes us from life to LIFE.The living who are transformed are The Honorarium . Like others of The Bride we can bring gifts as valuable as gold, frankincense, or myrrh. We have been given the wedding presents of the Fruit of The Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
      What are The Crowns? Are they rewards for years or a lifetime of service? Are they better understood as wedding presents for The Groom we know he will value? He will delight in them. Paul advises us that no one should be allowed to take away your crown. These are the crownly wedding presents from The Bride for Her Groom according to the phrasing of Jack Van Impe:
            The Watcher's Crown    2 Timothy 4:8
             Soul-Winner's Crown    Matthew 28:19
              Runner's Crown           1 Corinthians 9:24-27
               Shepherd's Crown       1 Peter 5:1-4
                 Suffer's Crown           James 1:12
      Which wedding present crowns from The Bride, The  queen of queens, will be  given with love to The King of Kings? I hope and pray to see each and all Doves there in His Presence with Crowns for The Wedding Day of the Ages.

With Love and Shalom,
Jean Stepnoski