Looking at my journal, I read an entry about one of my childhood heroes, and a letter from him, and realized this;

If I ever wanted another reason to love and appreciate Sundace, I got it;

Because, very simply, if he knew him, Joe Willie would!!

Fall simply meant football season to me as a young sophomore who had become the starting quarterback, a surprise to me, having been a tailback up to this, my first varsity year. Big shoes to fill following the graduation of our very popular quarterback from the previous year.
With three quarterbacks on the roster, as the starter, on numbers day, I got first pick, and there was no doubt at all what it would be.
I WOULD WEAR number 12, AND white cleats because, very simply, Joe Willie did.

I would be a playboy because, simply, Joe Willie was. And over the summer break, knowing I was changing positions, to quarterback, I had the longest hair of my life, because, very simply, Joe Willie did.

Taking the field the night of our first game, I didn't know yet how I would play, but I knew how I would look. Just like Joe, just like I dreamed the day I started little league at seven years old. I choke up remembering my first game then, when my father showed up, screaming mad at me, but I didn't care. Why was he so mad?
Well, my aunt had carried me to every sporting goods store in Virginia it seemed, and disappointment met me each time we heard they don't make white shoes in sizes small enough for little league. But tenacious I was then, and am now.

So the morning of our first game, I got a bucket of white house paint from the basement, and with the help of that white paint, I had my white cleats.

And as we left to go to the game, I also made sure I had my prize, most favorite possession, the one I carried everyday, without fail for two years. The letter I showed everyone I could, the one you saw sticking out of my back pocket, worn, tattered, but there, always. My letter from Joe Willie Namath!

I had written his address in a sports magazine in the spring, and checked the mailbox everyday for three months until one day, there it was.
I showed that letter as much of the population of my home city I could, anyone who would let me.

Disliking Joe, my father belittled him every chance he could, but I dug in, staunchly defending the coolest guy in the world.

And don't tell me you can't be a playboy at 7, 8 , 9, 10 or 11. I worked the cheerleaders for all the smiles and screams I could get, especially Mary Jane, my favorite, with the most beautiful legs and face I had ever seen. And it worked, because I got hugs, and kisses behind the bleachers I still remember!
She saw the letter more than anyone, and told everybody she could that I had a letter from Joe, and was cool, just like him. As a little leaguer, that was “livin large!”

The day I lost that letter was one of the worst I ever had. What happened? Where was it? I thought I would have it all my life. I cried, searched, begged God to help, ask half the neighborhood to be my search party, and finally after a few days, I sat down, crying and weary, and simply accepted my letter, the proof of our connection, was gone.

I'll never know how I lost it, but I just got busy making sure everybody remembered we were connected, they had seen it, I was his friend, and that wouldn't change. But that letter, a piece of paper, had meant more to me than two new bikes, a color TV for my room, and the five new pair of Converse High Tops I had gotten during the time I had it.

Joe, I watched every game, every play, and was a Jets fan when they lost most games, never waivered and cared less when they lost, well almost! I just watched the magician, number 12, throw bullets and learning to do it too, because, very simply, Joe Willie did.

 Those memories, that letter, remind me that gifts, or things with the most meaning, can even be something as simple as words on paper, because it symbolizes the most valuable thing we as humans possess, "connection” just as relationships, like Sundance and me, are priceless and eternal.

Although I need absolutely no other reason to love Sundance as I do, if I wanted to add one, it would be easy. I’d love Sundance simply because I have no doubt, Joe Willie would.

 by
Steve Chapman

 There is a story of a small monkey who, on a cold winter day, escaped from the organ grinder he belonged to. He made his way to a house, and perching on a window sill, looked in and saw a warm fie in the fireplace. 

Somehow, he made his way into the house, sat down in front of that fire, and raised his little paws to it.

Sadly, the little monkey froze to death anyway, because the fire he hoped  would warm him was not real, it was just a painted illustration on the fireplace screen

 So I ask this question of me, and of you;

 Will those who come to us, cold, lonely, misunderstood, judged and hurting find the warmth of a real fire for their heart, or the cold, lonely ending of losing hope?

 The day I saw Sundance, 8 weeks old, having been picked up, lost, on a lonely road, and now locked in a big, overwhelming and cold cage at the animal shelter, I knew, instantly, I would take him into my home and heart, no question

 It did not matter that he was a pit bull pup, indeed it was what helped me understand his need, because like him, I was strong, and needed protection from my own power, or possible traits I did not understand. And for him, I was commited to prove his qualities and gifts far exceeded any real or imagined challenges he could bring.

 Being told the shelter, having an unwritten policy of not adopting out pit bulls, I am so grateful, that because they knew "my house", we were given this beautiful animal.

 And Sundance, in the year he was here with us, and on God's behalf, changed my life.

His life, his lessons and his love, even the horrible incident he endured which ended his life as I watched, helplessly, running to him from a brief instant of my distraction and poor judgement, have changed my life, forever.

 I know see God in all is creation,

 Sundance's face, my dolphin friends in Florida ( Pax and Jax), the tulip on Easter morning I didn't plant and on the wings of the hawks (known as messengers of Great Spirit to me and my native american friends)

 I see God in the birds, and all the color he paints my world with.

 I see God in the faces of my children, your children, my wife, my brother, and in all life.

 I feel God in his acceptance of me, and in the love of those who know me and choose to see in me, first and foremost, all thats right , while seeing my faults, last and least.

And because of the mercy of God, and his son, the man who hung on "spikes", not nails, they were 5-7 inch "spikes!", I will live on the new earth, with Sundance, forever.

 For them, I will build an maintain a fire to help.

 For those you love, what will they find as they sit at your fire?

 from blog.foreversundance

copyright/stevechapman 2009

It was simply overwhelming as I watched the video on CNN last night of a dog's heroic love yesterday on a busy New York freeway.

At first, I was taken back to that awful day and incident, seeing Sundance crying in the road, as I watched the news video yesterday of a 9 year old dog laying wounded on a New York freeway after being hit while crossing the freeway.

But then, for her, the calvary came. Suddenly, another dog ran into the freeway, in front of her, and as witnesses said, all by himself, diverted traffic away from the wounded dog.

You see, he was her son, and come to her he did, ferociously guarding her, at his own life risk. And she will be ok!

That, my friends, is not just animal “instinct”, that is Love, and it is a God presence that once again affirms what I know, I know is true, these animals are not just “not” insignificant, they are a source of deep pride to God. And then I realized, God does not intend us to know we are made in his image to simply know the honor and privilege in that, it is that very fact, being made in his image, that tells us as he would, that privilege had a purpose; To love his lesser beings with all our heart, and open our hearts to them, celebrate and cherish them, not as a literal equal, but as an equal as far as beings made in his image should, on his behalf.

My whole world has changed beyond what I can say, and scales of pain, pride, loss, error, and struggle now lay in a pile of simple ruin.

Now I understand that without the night, I would never have seen the stars. It's all coming together

'it's not a dream, God will make all things new that day, gone is the curse from which I stumble....no more night, no more pain.....we will live in the light of the risen lamb'

-David Phelps

AND,

'I have a thankful heart, that you have given me.....help me be a man of God, a man whose after your own own heart, help me show my gratitude, for giving me a thankful heart'

-Petra

Sundance, I'll see you there!

Hi Sundance. It's just been one of those hangin on days. I miss you so.

I just wanted to say, again, as long as there is a breath in my body and a prayer in my heart, I will tell the world about you.

They called you an animal rescue. You were the one who did the rescuing, for God, of me. I love you with all my heart.

Hang on baby boy, I'll be there, I promise, if God will have me, I'll be there. We will begin again

I love you Sundance

 


Since losing Sundance on January 7^th, God has helped me by giving me thoughts and scenes of what I hope to experience in heaven, and on the new earth.

And I have a favorite, although I've had to ask myself, what will my first words be?

As I went out into the yard, just feet away from where the terrible incident that cost Sundance his life (on this earth) took place, I noticed one, just one, flower standing alone, and it was the prettiest salmon color I have ever seen. I knew four things right away:

It was a tulip
It stood alone
It was beautiful
I didn't plant it

It was striking, the bud closed, but against the backdrop of the trees and lots of green, it almost glowed. I'll never forget feeling it was there for me, for us, and how it comforted me. On Easter morning I went out, and there it stood, fully open, so perfect.

Each morning since, whenever I leave the house and approaching my car, I have glanced over, and there it has been, a comforting and affirming reminder to me of God and Sundance looking down on us, and that everything would be ok 

But today, as I went out, i felt very sad when I looked over and saw it was gone. It really was a painful few minutes, searching, then accepting it was not there anymore.

Still struggling to build faith, and needing to learn God doesn't give and take back, my first thought was one I need to learn is not true, that I must have done something wrong and God had taken away this symbol of presence. It really will take time to understand fully grace has saved me, it's not about anything I do or don't do

I know God loves us, and that flower was here for us, we did notice, were thankful for and comforted by it  
Now, I must hang on to the faith I have, to self acceptance, God's love and forgiveness, and the "knowing" God has given me that Sundance is ok and with him.

Today, the flower is gone, but they are not, I will continue with hope and faith in whats unseen.

Thank You God, for helping me see that sign of your presence, and it's color, and realize it was also the wagging tail of Sundance. He is with us still, through you.

Steve and Sundance Dec-2008

Below are my comments regarding the article 'keeping Pets In Their Place" by Charles Colson on ChristianityToday.com While I respect mr. Colson, and his incredible contributions to the lives of many, I felt deeply compelled to respond


Mr. Colson, these are lonely and unchartered waters for me. No voice, money, status or backing to challenge you on this, and trying to learn anger (mine) is not helpful and really just mask my hurt.

First, I am broken, having been so wrong in so many ways, I seek forgiveness and want to change, and make My God proud of me. So maybe this will help you see my point:

You will never see me picketing, disrupting, fighting ,or as some of the animal advocate extremist do, harm people and property, rationalizing that absolute wrong as animal defense. I would gladly stand with you any day, side by side, and defend the church against ANY such behavior. But just as if you were standing on one side of the Grand Canyon, and they on the other, it is not kind or necessary to trample those of us in between who deeply love our animals like Sundance, who have literally done a divine work for God in our lives on his behalf. These relationships are the catalyst for many of us finding, or in my case, returning or truly surrendering to God, wanting to change.

Mr. Colson, the morning of January 7^th, before I could react and began running to Sundance, he was hit, and he slid along the pavement with his head raised and turned back towards me, he cried. It is only because I tell myself that at impact Christ was not only with him, but holding him, and took that hit with him, that I can even get up each day.

I read in your biography (extensive and truly shows how your work has been helpful to thousands for God) and of your “cutting edge work between the Evangelical and Catholic Church. But Mr. Colson, in 1990, to a public audience, Pope John Paul II made a statement that animals DO, as I believe possess a soul and are to be held equal to man (text of statement on my blog “Animals Possess Souls”) and here is a concern I have:

I cannot come to terms with the disconnect of your words in the article you wrote I speak of “Keeping Pets In Their Place” because in your words from that article, 'we know from scripture animals are soulless creatures”, which is a direct and extreme opposite of the Catholic Pope's teaching.

Further the ( Fido's operation vs Uncle Ben's Life support) comment is so deeply unkind, and untrue in our house.

And Mr. Colson, the “as if Christ atonement somehow included them” comment really hurt us deeply” and sounds very sarcastic

How would anyone, seeing things that way, want to give a child a pet to love, and tell them, “ok open your heart and love this animal, but if it passes away tomorrow, it's over, they are soulless, and will, in your comments, “perish with creation”

Mr. Colson, among some of the services our dogs are helping with is much deserved and healing therapy for our most suffering citizens, our soldiers and the soldiers behind the soldiers, their families.

I do not agree with you at all, but further I ask you, is it truly necessary to sound so harsh, all knowing and cold to do what you believe, while many of us are looking forward to God, in his mercy, reuniting us with our beloved pets

And it breaks my heart to think of having the privilege to go to Heaven and Sundance have his existence simply end when his life, on behalf of OUR Creator, brought me to my knees, seeking God.

Think about what you say Mr. Colson, and how you say it.

I am struggling, truly seeking God as a child needing to make many changes, but I am his child too, as is Pam. I would like you to remember  some words like "boasting" and "works" a man named Paul used, and also I will close by sharing words that help me beyond what you know

Second status is not the definition of spiritual. Check your tone Mr. Colson, in that article, and know, I'm working on my tone too!

My friend Mike, a pastor, has encouraged me to find a “band of brothers, very wise and perceptive on his part. Pam and I have been pretty isolated daily for too long.

Third, AND I SAY THIS FOR SUNDANCE:

Psalms 37:4, a promise with a condition I will meet, ASSURES ME, My God will give me the desires (right desires) of my heart, so know this:

I WILL Be with Sundance in Heaven and on the New Earth, he lives in spirit with my Lord because he did his work in my life. I WILL have the opportunity to tell him I love and am proud of him, and I am grateful for you and all of us going to Heaven. most certainly I am grateful for God's forgiveness and kindness that will let me in through Christ.

Christ, as stated in Hebrews 6, is our anchor, and as Paul said to the Corinthians if our hope in Christ is for this world only, we are to be pitied above all men.

Sundance, though a canine, if the truthful obidience and living as God intended were the Lord's requirement, heaven's entry was on merit alone under Christ atonement, and the Lord had not created me in his image, Sundance is more deserving of Heavens entry than I because he lived far more respectful and representative of our LORD than I have. You, as a child of God, should have the compassion to understand that I hope my salvation, and the horrible incident that cost Sundance his life, which was the catalyst that turned me back to my God, was not a loss for Sundance he will never have made right for him, and Romans 8:28 gives me hope that God will right that horrible wrong. It is hard to accept or understand how my loving God, would not reward him for a job well done.

And, if I am wrong,

In the words of ReepACheep from " Dawn Treader" by CS Lewis, " If I sink, I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise"

I want to be proud of you, but I'm sorry sir, I just truly and deeply believe what we feel for Sundance, and the reasons for our deep hope he will be with us in heaven and on the new earth is not in any way wanting to dilute or minimize Christ atonement. Christ answered many by using the example of a child's trust and faith. That's what we are doing

Take your suit and glasses off Mr. Colson, put some flops and shorts on, go on down to Florida and swim with some dolphins like those who I joined in helping support several years ago, my friends Pax (latin for Peace) who was born on an Easter, and Jax, who lost half his dorsel fin and  was rescued on a beach and survived, and have been part of God's work with special needs people. They swim with them, and as an instructor once said, know intuitively what special needs people “need” when they get in the water, they don't even have to be shown.

Sounds like a wonderful God thing to me.

Enjoy your swim,

I wish you well sir, and will see you there when it's time. I'm done with this.

An Unexpected Embrace: Six Big Hearts

I pulled into their driveway, walked to the door, and was greeted by the person I was there to see, for what I thought was the purpose of having her repair a piece of equipment from that alien land (to me anyway), the land of electronics. A few hours later, as I left, I realized that may have been my purpose, but there had been a “purpose” far beyond mine, and it was a truly majestic gift of God to me. My purpose had been nothing more than the circumstance.

And so I entered their home, a home shared by a couple, their friend (human friend!) and 3 canine friends, pit bull terriers, who like Sundance, were a combination of Power and Peace. A home with 6 Big Hearts. The next few hours were a gift best described as one told of by a physician in the following story:

This physician had been caring for a young girl, 8 years old dying of cancer. He described how each day entering her room how heartbroken he felt for her. On this particular day he wrote of, entering her room, it was not the usual sadness and heartache that overcame him. It was seeing her grandmother, knowing the little girl was only hours or a few days from death, had crawled into the bed with her grandchild, holding her, doing what he so beautifully called “participating in her suffering” Not just witnessing, listening and simply being there, but “participating”

The hours I spent in this home and sharing the story of Sundance and Me, my pain and hope, these 6 hearts had done for me the very same thing. They had “participated in my suffering” They didn't just listen, validating by presence, they cried with me, remembered with me, and cared for me. Literally.

Christ said the greatest love was that of those who lay down their life for their brother, meaning, I believe, laying down (PARTICIPATING), and laying down their hearts, time, love and hope. In those hours they had done this for me. I have ask God for the privilege to introduce them to Sundance someday on the New Earth

It strengthened and comforted me. It also left me feeling that no matter what darkness, heartache, pain or suffering Satan and his Shadow of lies and deceit, because of love, he doesn't have a chance, not a chance.

And so, I say to God, in words similar to those in a song I recall by Sting, “ I will never lose my faith in you,

and to Sundance, I say simply, “every time I close my eyes, I see your face”

Peace my baby boy

Thank You Kimberly

Hello and WELCOME!

ForeverSundance is a place where we hope The Legacy Of Steve And Sundance will help you or someone you may know. On behalf of  Sundance, the dearest friend I have ever known, Myself, and Our Loving God, who Sundance is now with, I say hello! and please visit again.
Below is our welcome to you, a copy of our first writing here, entitled "The Symphony Of Creation", with all other content following in sequence.

We will be praying for you, and humbly ask the same, asking for strength to answer the darkness each day by remembering these words, the words that will carry Sundance and Me to a new beginning someday:

'Be Of Good Cheer, For I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD'

Peace2U, our prayers will be with you,

Steve and Sundance

                                                             "The Symphony Of Creation"

Prior to January 7th, 2009, I could not hear it. But on that day, "Sundance", when he lost his life, opened my heart in a way I have never known, and I will never be the same again. 
In the days since, as I have turned full face and on my face, to our God, I have learned there is a God given sound which is perfect, in that it is a symphony of all creation, not just man. I have heard the sounds of heartache, yearning, and loss, regarding the love and loss between us as human beings, our pets and animals. These friends bring us an absolute and perfect devotion, commitment, and mirroring of our God, their God, creations' God.
I never knew the depth of love between animals and people and had not experienced it. I now understand it is a kinship and connection which has joined Sundance to my heart, soul and spirit. Sundance, for the year he was with us, gave me gifts and helped me heal in areas I have kept hidden. He broke down and crumbled a fortress around my heart, and fully exposed it for the first time, the day I saw his face.
I needed him, and I needed what he has given me in his death, though unintended, he has shown me the way back to my God, and the sound of the symphony 

copyright/SteveChapman 2009
sc.email@foreversundance.org

If I were to open my door as I cried tonight, and stood, face to face with the most powerful or influential person in the world (as the 'world” sees them), anticipating their negative and weak opinion of me, my pride would probably encourage me to respond by shutting down, followed with a show of “strength” (as defined by that pride), a posturing (just so you know) reaction to satisfy that pride.

Interestingly and thankfully, if the person I believe is the truly most powerful person (God incarnate) who has ever lived, Jesus Christ, showed up at my door, I feel completely unashamed and no fear at all of rejection or judgment. Further, I feel he would cry with me. All that said, I think of a man named Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet.”

Jeremiah is an inspiration as a man for several reasons: Not only is it manly that I cry for my dear friend Sundance, grieving for his loss, missing him as I pray for strength and my “knowing” we will be together again, Jeremiah showed us a deep and meaningful example of compassion through tears for others.

My search for help and hope since losing Sundance, which began as a sadness for him and I, has opened my eyes as I learn, each day, of so many heartbreaking losses (by others) of their pet/animal friends. Although grateful for and understanding we can so readily find support, help and hope for our human loss and suffering, these losses and it's burden is increased many times by the minimizing and value diminishing words, actions, or inactions of others. I say it again, love is love, connections, sharing, learning and memories have tremendous meaning.

Enter a heart like Jeremiah, a man who's life may have been seen as an exercise in sadness, when it was actually one of outward sadness, it's care and compassion for others. God's compassion and nature, which goes further and is for ALL his creation, is my source of strength and hope when missing my beautiful friend Sundance. As Jeremiah showed us, the purest tears of all shed by any of us, are those shed for others, followed by our actions to comfort them,

Paul, in The Book of Romans reminds us of this again, 'We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (15:1) (NIV)

We who are strong means those of us not in grief or suffering the burdens that are breaking us down, in those times, we need to be there for each other. This does not mean neglecting our (needs), which used to be called codependency, it means beyond the deserved and necessary attention and effort to care for ourselves and our families, those energies need to be focused on the burdens of the weak (those presently suffering)

To me, this simply means when anyone I (we) see experiencing weakness, in grief or burden, I (we) need to take the time and make the effort to be there, and not satisfy ourselves by only focusing on our lives.

I love you Sundance, and I look forward to seeing you. While I am here, I will pay tribute to you by being there for them in loss, and again I see, how truly blessed I am that you taught me so much..

When I lost Sundance, I immediately had to seek a comfort and assurance I would see him again, but more important to me, that God, our creator could give to him far better than the life and joy he had lost. I believe Satan yearns for us to decide God is unfair and unkind, and his weaponry includes senseless loss such as what I watched happen to Sundance, my dear, dear friend.

When I roll it, as a replay in my mind, recalling the awfulness of that event, his cry and my desperation to comfort and help him, followed with the efforts of others, it is a powerful, a tempting and “baiting” weapon which calls me to choose it and deliver my own “justice” for Sundance.

In that place, my only hope is God answering me as I have ask and to protect me from not only Satan and the dark lies, but from myself.

Each time, he has armed me with an armor and weaponry of my own, and through each day  it has defeated every assault, but the assaults will never stop, as my need for God, as I have learned so severely, will never stop. Sundance will not go down, as long as there is a breath in my body and a prayer in my heart, to the darkness of that day. He does not deserve anything but reward for what he brought into my life, and I AM a child of God whose eyes have been opened by the love of this animal.

My defense comes from God who created us both.. It is an assurance and a confidence that has given me as an unbreakable knowing.

The past few weeks as I prayed, searched, and at times begged for help and hope, it has become clear to me that my answer is not from one passage or one reputable interpretation or teaching of God's word. It is in the very nature of my God. I understand and feel he has answered me in the “theme” and consistency of his word, beginning to end.

In a great book, “Student's Bible Handbook” developed by The Livingstone Corporation for, and published by Tyndale House Publisher 2008 (p238-241) there is an overview and explanation of Paul's letter known as 1 Corinthians.

In the above overview, we find Paul, after an extended stay in Ephesus, receives “disturbing news” about the young church in Corinth. This news is followed by his first effort to tackle the major problems of the church.

Next, he responds to a list of questions he has received from the church.

A “split” in loyalties within the church, a rallying around various leaders and teachers within, are described as loyalties which led to intellectual pride and the resulting division.

Then these words; Our loyalty to human leaders or human wisdom must never divide us into exclusive groups. It goes on and references various sections in the letter; (8:1-13; 9:19-27; 10: 23-33; 11:1) as Paul having taught freedom of choice on practices not expressly forbidden in Scripture. We are free in Christ and we must never abuse that freedom by being inconsiderate or insensitive of others.

This had been very comforting to me, when, in my grief, I encounter non-committal, minimizing or invalidating words or conduct that is insensitive to my hope, anyones hope, that our pet or animal friend(s), a living life form here on this earth are safe and living at peace, and will be with us as a part of our eternity, just as we hope for ourselves and our loved ones. I now understand, it is deeply important to those of us who have loved, learned from, and enjoyed many wonderful times with them. Whenever I encounter or learn of minimizing, hope shattering words, teachings or interpretations it infuriates me. I truly and sincerly believe and feel God loves ALL his creation, even beyond my capability to comprehend.

The combined effort of love and logic, working together, an accomplishment all it's own ( they often collide in priorities or input) and both being God given, have (together) seen and validated the senseless and brutal loss of Sundance. I also know sharing my thoughts and feelings are a protection against "wishful thinking or straw grabbing", and I have been careful in asking for the external clarity and input of Godly people I trust. This is a responsibility to myself and others.
 
I am free to believe, ask for and claim, my hope, request and desire, regarding this wonderful animal. He is  and will be in heaven, we will begin again, in joy and peace.

I love and will follow my God, and hope to grow in doing what is proper and right. To those who read this blog, and in need of comfort and assurance, I say this; Call on our God, he will answer.
 
He has come to me each day in this grief, and has opened my heart and my eyes to the heartbreak and suffering of others in losing animal friends, as many do experience each day.

I clearly understand and accept I am not to add to, or take from the Word Of God, yet, as I have said before, I am also not required to accept teachings absent of the obvious.

As in Psalms 37;4, for those committed to God, I can claim this desire of my heart for Sundance, and yes for us, and I do. Flawed and imperfect as I am, and having many wrong desires which I need his help with, this desire is of love, hope and faith for life, honoring him, and his glory. Simply, I claim it as done.

I am committed to God, understanding deeply, I cannot honor that commitment through self effort, and I ask for his help for me, and for you. 

 
The nights are the hardest baby boy, and I pray you played today. Sundance, I'm trying hard, I just miss you so. I will be there, I Promise! And I will bring a treatI For now, I'll just have to keep telling others of your wonder. I don't know what else to do. 
Because I work independently from a home office, I have had a flexibility which meant, when you saw me, you saw Sundance. If I was there, so was he. I am so grateful for that freedom now, I never dreamed we would only have him for one short year. Almost everytime we went out, I would make a stop at one of several small stores before going home, to get his favorite treat, beef jerky.
Our kinship became one where, people at these stores would know when I walked in, they could look out the window, and in my drivers seat, would be Sundance, regal, so absolutely beautiful, an unblinking lock on my position through the big windows as I would check out. I hope he knows the pride I felt each time I stood there, people always noticing him, watching and complimenting him, continuing to watch, as I would open the door of my Expedition, and complete our ritual by giving him the beef jerky he loved so. I hope he knows and feels my pride in him, and in our loving creator, who gave life to such a beautiful being.

I was in the store tonight, waiting in line as I glanced over to a small snack section, I saw the packs of his favorite treat, and an agony, anger and dark grief, washed over me as it does, but was answered by our God, a whisper reminding me of these words of assurance, comforting me, from the book of Romans

'In ALL THINGS, GOD works for the good of those who love him...(NIV)(8:28)

He alone can work to right a horrible consequence suffered by this beautiful being, and will give us the opportunity to begin again, while in the hands of my anger, justice would be nothing but the continuing of an ugly consequence. That terrible and ugly memory, fuel for rage, which I struggle to not see and feel each time I go out my door, and that driver, cannot, and will not win. 
The words of Paul remind me, I do not need to know how, it is beyond my ability to grasp, I just know this: Those words are called a promise, and God delivers, as he is doing now.

copyright/SteveChapman2009

Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot pulled by horses (2 Kings 2:11). We're told there are horses in heaven (Revelation 6:2-8; 19:11). In fact, there are lots of horses, enough for the vast armies of heaven to ride (Revelation 19:11; 2 Kings 6:17).

Other animals aren't mentioned in the Revelation passages, presumably because they don't play a role in Christ's second coming (an army bringing deliverance rides horses, not Dalmatians or hedgehogs). But isn't it likely that since there are innumerable horses in heaven there are all kinds of other animals too? Why wouldn't there be? Why would we expect horses to be the only animals? If there were no other animals, there wouldn't be horses.

In Isaiah 65:17 God refers to creating a New Heavens and a New Earth. In subsequent verses the text seems to move back and forth from the millennial kingdom to the New Earth. God makes clear he will have animals living there-either in the millennium or the New Earth or both (Isaiah 65:25).

Some also argue for animals being in heaven based on Ecclesiastes 3:19-21, which says "Man's fate is like that of the animals...all go to the same place." However, in the larger context of Ecclesiastes Solomon is simply talking about the outward appearance of death. Men and animals both die and we can't see where they go. Scripture tells us elsewhere, however, that man has an eternal soul. It tells us he goes one of two places at death. Animals are not said to have eternal souls. They are not said to relocate when they die. The presumption would be that at death they cease to exist.

However, this doesn't mean beloved animals won't be in heaven. I once read Billy Graham's response to a little girl's question, "Will my dog who died this week be in heaven?" Graham replied, "If it would make you any happier, then yes, he will be." Animals aren't nearly as valuable as people, but God is their maker and has touched many people's lives through them. It would be simple for Him to recreate a pet in heaven. I see no reason to believe he wouldn't if it would bring his children pleasure.

Romans 8:18-22 says that the whole creation was subject to suffering and futility because of human sin. The creation groans in longing for the liberation that will come to humans, and thereby to all creation itself. Creation is under man's dominion and will share the rewards of his redemption just as it shared the punishment for his sin. Animals are a central part of that creation, next to man himself the most significant part. After all, besides his wife, Adam was called upon to give names only to one other part of the creation-the animals (Genesis 2:19-20). He worked the garden, but he wasn't invited to name the vegetation. Clearly, the animals had certain qualities that set them above other creation. They were to be special to man, and his naming them makes his connection with them personal.

If the New Earth is all the best of the old earth and more, then we should expect it to contain animals. If animals weren't part of the New Earth, this would seem an obvious oversight. Eden was ruined through sin and will be restored through Christ's reign of righteousness. All that was part of Eden, and then made wrong through the sin of the first Adam, we would expect to be part of the New Earth, made right through the virtue of the Second Adam.

Would God take away from us in heaven what he gave, for delight and companionship and help, to Adam and Eve in Eden? Would he revoke his earlier decision to put animals with man, and under man's care? If he remakes the New Earth with new men (who look very much like the old men, only perfect), wouldn't we expect him also to make new animals (who will presumably look like the old animals, only perfect)?

by Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries, 39085 Pioneer Blvd., Suite 206, Sandy, OR 97055, 503-668-5200, www.epm.org, www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com

 

A DOG FOR JESUS
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.

Day after day, the whole day through
Wherever my road inclined
Four feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.


Written By: Rudyard Kipling

I believe in the sun even when I cannot see it

I believe in love even when i cannot feel it

I believe in GOD, even when he is silent