Amazing

My favorite definition for amazing is "astonish greatly". I overuse the word because lately I have been amazed by so many things. I am amazed that God loves me and how He has shown his grace and mercy, I am amazed that He has blessed me with such amazing children and family and with a partner/significant other that I feel connected with in every way.

Yesterday our 9 month old labradoodle, Leo, passed away. It was very emotional. I was sleepy so that exacerbated my response (constant tears). But I want to skip to my daughter's reaction. She is six years old and very wise.....When she returned home I had to tell her. The other kids are older and have dealt with the death of pets many times and they seemed sad but okay. But my six year old returned from her first weekend with her dad-that alone was emotional, too....twelve more years of every other weekend visits?......Of course I know she will be with me the majority of the time and I am so GLAD but it's a change and a big one

I told her about Leo and she wanted to see him so I had to explain that he was buried but his body was in heaven. Of course I realize that I have never seen a passage of scripture referring to animals in heaven but I BELIEVE they will be there!

Usually she wakes up in the morning in a wonderful mood. She either plays with her toys in her bed until she gets hungry or sneaks around the house looking for me to jump out and say "Boo" but this morning I heard her crying. I went in and she was hiding under her favorite blankie. She asked me not to come in, to let her pray!!!! I stood outside the door and heard her asking God why he would let such a good doggie like Leo die. So I went back in and asked if I could pray with her and she said yes so we prayed for Leo and discussed heaven.

So we just finished reading about heaven. Here is what we found:

Revelation 21:21

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.

In another book I found some other passages referring to heaven but really, not a whole lot.

I guess I need to do more research.

I took Liz and Rachel to Lifeway today (Christian bookstore). Elizabeth had asked for a Bible since her other was KJV and pink and little girlish....so we found a good student Bible that she loves. Rachel just wanted a Vegie Tales DVD. Josh wouldn't get out of the car. He listened to his IPod while we listened to praise music.

He does go to church with his girlfriend and I have told him I want him to try going to church with me a few times and then we would go from there.