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Topic: Will there be animals in heaven? (Read 182 times) |
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*StarMan*
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Will there be animals in heaven?
« Thread started on: Apr 3rd, 2004, 11:59am » |
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I don't know if there is a Biblical basis for or against this notion.
In my heart, though, I can't help but believe that those precious beings we have loved and cared for while on Earth will be with us forever.
What do you think?
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*StarMan*
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #1 on: Apr 6th, 2004, 09:52am » |
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bump
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takedown
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #2 on: Apr 6th, 2004, 6:37pm » |
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If they are, will they still be animals?
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ladybyrd
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #3 on: Oct 19th, 2004, 3:56pm » |
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i agree, starman. anyone who has ever experienced the love of a pet just feels something very big at work there! maybe some feel that it somehow diminishes the worth of the human soul. ah, there we go; putting God in a box again.
wanna hear my story?
several years ago, after exhausting every medical possibility, i lost my 12 year old shepherd, Gretel, to cancer. it was more difficult than most two-legged deaths i had experienced. it was then i began to really ponder this question; asking God to speak comfort to me. the following spring, some red begonias, apparently wind-blown, had self-seeded and bloomed at her grave. it reminded me of the power of resurrection and how all things are in God's hands.
i never wondered again.
grab a hanky...
I WISH JESUS HAD A DOG
I wish someone had given Jesus a dog
As loyal and loving as mine
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.
As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog
Would have followed Him all through the day
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away
To face death alone and apart
With no tender dog following close behind
To comfort its Master's Heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn
How happy He would have been
As His dog kissed His hands and barked its delight
For The One who died for all men.
Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine
the old pal so dear to me
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone
Knowing they're in eternity.
By Rudyard Kipling
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*StarMan*
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #4 on: Oct 19th, 2004, 10:34pm » |
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ladybyrd - Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your story and the beautiful poem by RK. I had never heard it before. It's very moving.
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*StarMan*
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #5 on: Sep 18th, 2005, 9:19pm » |
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I recently had to make the decision to have my 15 year old dog "Jennie" put to sleep. She was suffering from heart and kidney failure.
I held her in my arms as she breathed her last breaths. I told her there wouldn't be any more pain and that we'd never have to say goodbye again. I told her I'd be along shortly.
A friend sent this poem to me:
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
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ladybyrd
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #6 on: Sep 19th, 2005, 10:13pm » |
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starman...
i am so sorry for the loss of your beloved jennie.
ladybyrd will hold you in her thoughts and prayers.
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Diz
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #7 on: Jul 28th, 2008, 3:23pm » |
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TEXT
A DOGS PRAYER
Trust me kindley, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ears.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Feed me clean food so that I may stay well, romp and play, and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am old and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I shall leave the earth knowing with the last breath that I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
I will always be your best friend.
Farewell Master, yet not farewell.
Where I go, ye too shall dwell.
I am gone, before your face,
A moment's time, a little space.
When ye come where I have stepped,
Ye will wonder why ye wept.
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ladybyrd
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Re: Will there be animals in heaven?
« Reply #8 on: Aug 21st, 2008, 2:12pm » |
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that was really touching, diz. thanks for sharing it.
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