Tastes of Heaven

So I've been reading a book entitled, Heaven, by Randy Alcorn. It discusses in depth about what the present heaven is like and what the new heaven and new earth with look like after Jesus' return as referenced in Revelations 21.  I will admit I've always wondered what heaven would be like and wanted scripture references to back up what eternity looks like for those that believe God created this world, man sinned, God created a plan to send his Son as payment for our sin so we can spend eternity with a resurrected King.  Many scripture references throughout the book point to how there are hints of heaven and the new earth here on our current earth.  Just as if someone handed you a brand new car, you would know it is a car based on some of the typical characteristics known of this type of transportation (ie, steering wheel, requires gas, four tires, etc), the new Earth that God has planned in Revelations will have hints/connections to the fallen earth we are currently living in.  We won't have sickness or sorrow or pain but we will recognize the earth's beauty, fellowship with others, and some of the amazing things that if we were to be honest we would say we would "miss" about this current earth.... they will probably be planned for within the eternity God has created for those who believe in Him on the new earth.  Throughout scripture, Earth is referenced, making Randy Alcorn state that our eternity will be connected to earth in some way, only the best parts of earth that is.  As I type this, I've been thinking about some of the thoughts we will have when we finally see this eternity God created for us.  I look at my two boys and see the excitement and pure joy they feel when they hear snow is in the forecast.  The commitment to get completely dressed in their snow gear and play uninterrupted in this frozen water falling from the sky.  The willingness to plop down right where they are to make a snow angel.  The giddiness when snow hits their tongue.  The satisfaction when a snow ball lands on the object they aimed at (even if it is their brother or mommy, haha!)  The enthusiasm to ask for hot chocolate, a warm fire and hot soup as these are staples on a snowy day.  I feel like this is a hint or taste of heaven.  I think when we look at how kids approach a little snow, we can catch a glimpse of what heaven will be like.  No pain or sorrow, just joy and happiness about something so simple as water falling from the sky as unique snowflakes.  Here are some pictures from our snow day..... we had fun..... it was "heavenly".;)