Animals Do Have a Spirit
The word "spirit" (ruach in Hebrew) means "wind, breath -- the living power of God's will at work." The spirit is the essence and will of God given to all humans and animals.
"I decided that God is testing us, to show us that we are no better than animals. After all, the same fate awaits man and animals alike. One dies just like the other. They are the same kind of creature. A human being is no better off than an animal, because life has no meaning for either. They are both going to the same place - the dust. They both came from it; they will both go back to it. How can anyone be sure that a man's spirit goes upward while an animal's spirit goes down into the ground?" (Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 TEV)
God has dominion over both his lesser creatures and man. All souls belong to Him and God can do with all His creatures whatever He chooses. The Book of Job says:
"Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." (Job 12:9-10 KJV)
By: Mary Buddemeyer-Porter
WAITING
I got to the gate of heaven today,
After we said good-bye,
I began to miss you terribly,
Because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel,
And she asked me to enter heaven's gate,
I asked her if I could stay outside
For someone who would be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl,
I'll only wait here patiently,
And play with my tennis ball.
The angel said I could stay right here
And wait for you to come,
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
If I went in alone.
So I'll wait right here, you take your time,
But keep me in your heart,
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
Without you to warm my heart.
-- Author Unknown --
Dear Family,
I just wanted to let you know
that I made it home
The journey wasn't an easy
one, but it didn't take too long
Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new
I wish that you could close your eyes and that you could see it too
Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand
God is taking care of me...I'm in the shelter of his hands
Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain
Here there is no crying and I'll never hurt again
Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing
I really have to go for now...I've just got to try my wings.
-- Author Unknown --
A Message.........
"You were with me to the very end and even
after I had 'gone' you held me,
and as my soul left my body and I looked down and saw you crying, I wanted
so much to tell you that I understood. You did so much for me.
"I tried to tell you that it was time for me to leave, and I
thank you for understanding. No other will take my
place, but those I left
behind will need your love and affection as I have
had.
"You still think of me, and there are
times when you try to hide your
tear-filled eyes..... but please, be happy and think
not of sadness, but of
how I made you happy and made you laugh at the funny
and smart things that I did.
"There are no fences here, for no one has the desire to 'dig out'.
"There is no hunger. There is no thirst.
There is much to explore. There is much to do...
"Many of us who are older take care of the
little ones and guide them.
It's fun watching them run with their ears flopping
and their curly tails wagging.
"We have four seasons here........and most
of us agree that Spring is our favorite.
"So you see, my beloved family, I am very happy.......
and what is more important, is that I am not sick anymore,
I have no pain and I can actually RUN again!
"When it is time for my friends to leave,
I will meet them at the Gates,
and I will acquaint them with this beautiful and
serene place, and I will take care of them for you.
"Thank you for loving me, caring for me, and having the courage to let me go with dignity."
--(adapted from) original by Jane S. Morris
Zack....You Live in Our Hearts...Until we Meet Again...
