I believe animals will be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven. We read in Isaiah 65:25 that the wolf and the lamb will feed together. That neither animal or human will cause harm on God's Holy Mountain. In Romans 8:21-22 we are told that all creation groans as they wait upon the coming of the Lord. That all creatures will be released into the glorious times ahead. Psalm 145 says that God loves all His creation and Luke 3:6 teaches that all flesh will see the salvation of God. Animals were meant to live forever according to Psalm 148 5-6 where we read he issues his command, and they came into being; he established them forever and forever. God's care and love extends to even the tiny sparrow according to Luke 12:6 and He has promised that He will restore all living things according to Acts 3:21. Because I love my pets so much, I've thought about this alot. As a christian, it doesn't make sense to me that God would take away something that is so precious to us. God created them and I know God loves them more than we do. My heart knows what it knows. I have 1 cat, and 2 pups. This morning, while I was puttering, I was singing the song "Blessed Be The Name of The Lord." Suddenly, I noticed they were following me back and forth, from room to room. So, I sat down on the couch and continued to sing to them. They all gathered around my feet, giving me their full attention, making me feel like the pied piper. The baby of the bunch even gave me a huge, adorable smile. It really tickled me. Since I have two friends who have recently lost their precious pets, this experience inspired me to share this thought. It was said to me by my vet when my Angel pup passed away. It brought me so much comfort and continues to comfort me today. He said, "For an animal, passing into the next life is the next natural process for them. Unlike humans they already know their creator. For them, it is not a decision they have to make." (Thank you Dr. Goodwin.) If you have recently experienced the heartbreak of losing your precious pet, I pray these scriptures and thoughts bring comfort to your heart. Don't think of him as gone away His journey's just begun; Life holds so many facets This earth is only one. Just think of him as resting From the sorrows and the tears In a place of warmth and comfort Where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing That we could know, today, How nothing but our sadness Can really pass away. And think of him as living In the hearts of those he touched For nothing loved is ever lost And he was loved so very much. Midi: "My Heart Sings" Used with permission Written and copyright by Bruce Deboer