Some things just fascinate me. People especially do, and just the complexity of the human race in general.
I am always at amazed at how closely truth and untruth are related, and how easily twisted it can become in a matter of seconds.
Satan wants to make us confused into believing the lies that he tells us, and skew them into half truths so that if we are not careful, or in tuned to the Holy Spirit, it gets us off the path. The scary thing is, that to get us off path and our focus off the Lord, it doesn't take something huge or even important in the big scheme of things. Little issues can become huge ones if allowed. What are some of those "little" things that get us off track?
Politics. People pick sides, Democrat, Republican, Independent, etc...... and we hold fast and hard to the "right" side. Bi-partisanship gets thrown out the window, and we buy into everything our preferred candidate says, hook, line and sinker! Republicans assume that ALL Dems are bad, Democrats assume ALL republicans are bad, and so on down the line. But when we step back and look at the big, giant picture, we realize that 1.) most politicians are out for #1 and #1 is not the constituents that got them elected, 2.) the right thing to do is usually found somewhere in the middle of where the republicans and democrats meet. and 3.) sometimes its best to throw them all out and start fresh with new grunts....... 4.) realize that in the long run, it does not really matter. Honestly. Yes, vote your conscience for sure, but really, God does not need help writing the book of Revelation. He already did that. It's already figured out and who we vote for is not going to change the course of history.
Yet, we still debate, get into huge disagreements, pick sides and throw our real purpose out the window, which is to point people to Christ, not a president. We get to worried about making sure people vote for the one we want them to, instead of tell people about Christ and then letting them make the decision on their own. I certainly care more about who people vote for to save their lives in eternity, more than someone who will promise them the world and deliver nothing.
Homeschool vs. Public school: I've tried both, and honestly, unless God grants me a HUGE measure of patients, then for the sake of my children, I choose Public school for my kids. That being said, I LOVE the idea of homeschooling, and I wish I could do it. Honestly, I do. I love having my kids home, most days, and I would love to keep them from hearing lies taught by secular teachers. BUT, I have met people who pretty much think I am sending my kids to hell in a pretty little hand-basket because I don't homeschool.
The only thing I can say to that is, if I can't do a good job of teaching my kids how to serve Christ and live for Him in a public school setting, or in the "world", then I'm doing a pretty horrible job as a parent anyway.
Yes, it is SUPER hard to raise Christian kids in the public school setting. Like, WHOA, hard! But it IS possible. I also know that there are many homeschool families who do a great job getting their kids active in the community and are a great witness. It's just a balance. Neither is easy, but both is possible. Whichever one you choose.
Skinny vs. Fat: So which one will get to heaven first? That seems to be a big question on the minds of many christians. I honestly never had even dreamed it was something to be debated. Yet, in the last 5 years, it has been brought up to me, or in other circles, that skinny will be the reigning queen in heaven. Ok. Well, then I guess I am going to be the poop scooper. Really? Does it really mean one person is more "spiritually" endowed than the other? The funny thing is, that many and honestly MOST of the people that are proponents of the skinny heaven theory, are men. Yes, I said it, men. OR skinny women with no history of having issues with weight.
Let me tell you something....... skinny people are grumpy. Welll....... NOT alllllll skinny people...... but some. Ok, here is my thought. If I thought for one single second that the only way to pleasing God was to be skinny, then I would be the first one to sign up for Jenny Craig. However, I was under the impression the pleasing God meant that I am to serve Him with my whole heart, love others as I love myself, tell others about Jesus Christ.
Ok, so now I'm going to have those who disagree point out the verses about gluttony. Yes. I do think that gluttony is wrong. Nothing should be as important as Christ in our lives. If someone has a problem with over-eating and that is their god, then yes, they should work on that. Does that mean I expect them to be a size 2 or even 8? No. I expect them to put God first in their lives. That's it. Nothing more. Nothing less.
The same goes for people who make golf or friends, or tanning, or whatever other million things it could be, the center of their lives.
My point is this. Being skinny is not always a sign of righteousness. It's not a sign of godliness. It is only a sign that someone is ....... skinny. And might possibly have a eating disorder or tapeworm.
Being over-weight does NOT make a person nonspiritual or less of a christian. It makes them.... wait for it..... over-weight. Or a thyroid disorder. =)
We should be more concerned with the heart. Not the outward appearance.
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So, yeah..... people are complicated and odd at times..... but that goodness we are not all the same. It would be a very boring place if everyone was just like ourselves.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Boston trip
So it has been a completely we awesome and exhausting three days. Sunday we, as in Ron, Daniel and myself traveled from home, which is in Alfred, NY, to New Canaan, Ct for the first leg of our Boston trip. That part of the trip nice and we got to see family, which is always a plus. On Monday, we left for Boston and the first of two very long and strenuous Doctor appointments.
The whole process of coming out to Boston has been an answer to prayer, and if you don't believe in that sort of thing, then look out because this is nothing short of amazing!
Ok, so I'll start at the beginning....... Our youngest son Daniel was born with multiple disabilities, one of which was diagnosed as Moebius Syndrome. This condition affects the craniotomy-facial nerves and many organs mid-line. because of Moebius , Daniel can not blink or close his eyes, and the eyes themselves do not dilate or function normally. He has had multiple corneal ulcers which have resulted in scarring on his cornea. Because of the chronic dry eyes, his eyes constantly feel as if you are rubbing them with sand paper.
So........ Fast-forward a bit and that takes us to about two months ago. I was doing an interview with a person from Harvard who was doing her thesis on caregivers of Moebius Syndrome. In doing that interview, we talked about Daniels problems with his eyes and she got in touch with her Professor who happens to be the number two doctor in the country for Opthomology. In short, he is nothing less than brilliant! Anyway, back to the story. so it turned out Dr. Hunter emailed me and wanted to see Daniel in Boston and he suggested we see Dr. Engle as well. So who is Dr. Engle, right? she is another brilliant specimen of a doctor! She is the head of Nuerology at Boston Children's and also is on the board of the NIH. To make a long story shorterISH, she and Dr. Hunter run a specialized clinic for kids with specific craniotomy-facial disorders which Daniel qualified for. So, after getting the approval from the insurance, which was the second miracle, the first was that we were even being seen by Dr. Hunter, we headed to Boston. Now fast forward to yesterday's appointment with Dr.'s Hunter and Engle....... We got there at 12:30 and stayed for 5 hours. Every bit of that time was with the doctors. Another doctor from New Zealand was there as well. It was discovered that Daniel doesn't smell, well, CAN'T smell. His olfactory bulb is missing. Everything else we learned was very interesting. However the most important thing was that Dr. Hunter made a call and got us into the Boston Foundation for Sight, third miracle, so Daniel could be assessed for the possibility of wearing prosthetic lenses to keep his eyes moist so he won't lose his sight down the road. so at 7:30this morning we were at BFS in Needham Mass waiting to see the doctor. It turns out, Daniel is a great candidate for this prosthetic, and he was even able to get one in his eye.
so now we just need to figure out funding. The first step is checking with insurance to see if we can get them to pay for it. if not there are some grants that would help, but each eye will cost $5000. Yes, per eye. It's impossible to put a price tag on your child's health and vision so if I need to sell a kidney, then so be it. Either way, I am thankful that we have had this opportunity and I know that the Lord answers prayers!!!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
It's on its way!
After feeling like it was nothing more than a dream, I am beginning to feel as if my book is actually going to become a reality.
The process has been a great learning experience for me and something that has challenged me and for that I am grateful.
We are in the production stage of the book being published. It's gone through the outside editing, and the submissions processing so far. I talked with my Marketing coordinator yesterday and I think he is going to be a wealth of knowledge and help for getting the word out there. He gave me a bunch of ideas and I've been working on some of them today. Notice the new blog design? Yeah, that is thanks to Mr. Guise.
I have run from one end of my feelings to the other regarding this whole process. It's humbling, it's scary and it's so very exciting. In fact the word exciting doesn't even come close to explain how I am feeling right now.
I will keep updating this blog and my facebook as the process evolves so keep checking back.
The process has been a great learning experience for me and something that has challenged me and for that I am grateful.
We are in the production stage of the book being published. It's gone through the outside editing, and the submissions processing so far. I talked with my Marketing coordinator yesterday and I think he is going to be a wealth of knowledge and help for getting the word out there. He gave me a bunch of ideas and I've been working on some of them today. Notice the new blog design? Yeah, that is thanks to Mr. Guise.
I have run from one end of my feelings to the other regarding this whole process. It's humbling, it's scary and it's so very exciting. In fact the word exciting doesn't even come close to explain how I am feeling right now.
I will keep updating this blog and my facebook as the process evolves so keep checking back.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Holy Shmokes it's been a long time.........I guess I've been super busy or something. Nothing like writing a book to make a person not feel like writing a blog, or anything for that matter. So here is a snapshot at what's been happening in my world in the last few months since I last wrote:
-I finished my book..... finally. After over a year of planning, writing, editing, crying, more writing and on and on, I am finished. For the most part. That is not to say that I don't have more things to do with the book, I do. It's just that it's brainless stuff. At least it's at the publisher and out of my hot little hands.
-We've endured some life changing happenings in our family. It's taught us a lot about forgiveness and patience and resisting the devil. I've seen a new side of my husband which has been encouraging to me throughout this whole ordeal and I've learned to appreciate him much more so if nothing else, that is a positive.
-We got the approval for Daniel to see two specialists in Boston dealing with Moebius Syndrome. We were not sure the insurance would pay for it but they agreed to do it so we were happy. Very happy. The whole thing was very much a "God thing" . I truly believe in "God things" and you should too. Wow, I'm bossy, aren't I? Anyway, the whole ball started rolling when I participated in an interview regarding a research paper being done by a student at Harvard on the effects of caregiving and Moebius Syndrome. Anyway, I sooooo moved the interviewer (said VERY tongue and cheek) that she contacted her Professor and Harvard who happens to be the Chief of Opthomology at Boston Children's. He and his colleague Dr. Engle who is a Neurologist, have a clinic which deals with Cranio-facial disorders and Moebius Syndrome. Dr. Hunter contacted me, and wanted to see Daniel. SO. That is how the ball got started. And we are very excited. We head to Boston in May and we are hoping it will be very helpful.
-I'm learning more and more every day about per-judging people. As a mother especially, I'm not real good at being objective to boyfriends or girlfriends. I'm just being honest.
Recently, my daughter reconnected with a boy who from pictures, I thought he resembled Vanilla Ice. You know, the white, wanna-be black rapper of the 80's? Anyway, in my head I was thinking "there is no way in heckarooni that I want my daughter dating this guy. Nope, not going to happen, no way." I was adamant that I did not want to meet him, etc. Well, guess what? I met him, and he is NOTHING like I thought. Let me say that again. NOTHING. First of all, he doesn't even like rap music. That right there makes him a 100% better than anyone else. Second of all, he is a born again Christian. Committed Christian. Third of all, he is a Southern Gentleman. And that, my dear friends, is the end of the story.
Had I refused to meet him, I would have missed out on all the good he has in him, just because I per-judged. And all of that got me thinking about this: Does Ty have some baggage? Yes, he sure does. Do I have baggage? Does Abby have baggage? Does everyone around have baggage? YES!!!! And to think someone elses baggage and yuck is worse than our own is stupid. The important thing is if that person has learned from it, and more importantly repented from it. That's what's important to God so that is good enough for me. And if it's not good enough for others, then oh well.
-I finished my book..... finally. After over a year of planning, writing, editing, crying, more writing and on and on, I am finished. For the most part. That is not to say that I don't have more things to do with the book, I do. It's just that it's brainless stuff. At least it's at the publisher and out of my hot little hands.
-We've endured some life changing happenings in our family. It's taught us a lot about forgiveness and patience and resisting the devil. I've seen a new side of my husband which has been encouraging to me throughout this whole ordeal and I've learned to appreciate him much more so if nothing else, that is a positive.
-We got the approval for Daniel to see two specialists in Boston dealing with Moebius Syndrome. We were not sure the insurance would pay for it but they agreed to do it so we were happy. Very happy. The whole thing was very much a "God thing" . I truly believe in "God things" and you should too. Wow, I'm bossy, aren't I? Anyway, the whole ball started rolling when I participated in an interview regarding a research paper being done by a student at Harvard on the effects of caregiving and Moebius Syndrome. Anyway, I sooooo moved the interviewer (said VERY tongue and cheek) that she contacted her Professor and Harvard who happens to be the Chief of Opthomology at Boston Children's. He and his colleague Dr. Engle who is a Neurologist, have a clinic which deals with Cranio-facial disorders and Moebius Syndrome. Dr. Hunter contacted me, and wanted to see Daniel. SO. That is how the ball got started. And we are very excited. We head to Boston in May and we are hoping it will be very helpful.
-I'm learning more and more every day about per-judging people. As a mother especially, I'm not real good at being objective to boyfriends or girlfriends. I'm just being honest.
Recently, my daughter reconnected with a boy who from pictures, I thought he resembled Vanilla Ice. You know, the white, wanna-be black rapper of the 80's? Anyway, in my head I was thinking "there is no way in heckarooni that I want my daughter dating this guy. Nope, not going to happen, no way." I was adamant that I did not want to meet him, etc. Well, guess what? I met him, and he is NOTHING like I thought. Let me say that again. NOTHING. First of all, he doesn't even like rap music. That right there makes him a 100% better than anyone else. Second of all, he is a born again Christian. Committed Christian. Third of all, he is a Southern Gentleman. And that, my dear friends, is the end of the story.
Had I refused to meet him, I would have missed out on all the good he has in him, just because I per-judged. And all of that got me thinking about this: Does Ty have some baggage? Yes, he sure does. Do I have baggage? Does Abby have baggage? Does everyone around have baggage? YES!!!! And to think someone elses baggage and yuck is worse than our own is stupid. The important thing is if that person has learned from it, and more importantly repented from it. That's what's important to God so that is good enough for me. And if it's not good enough for others, then oh well.
Monday, December 26, 2011
on and on and on
Oh crud..... it's almost the end of 2011 and I haven't blogged in quite a while. I figured I better get right on it because if the Mayans are right, 2012 will be ending abruptly. And I really would like to be the one to get the last word in..... my husband tells me I'm very proficient in that area. I just tell him my tenacity is a fruit of the spirit.... but so far he isn't buying it.
I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas. I know we did. It took days of wrapping and in 5.3 seconds, it was done. Ok, well, maybe it took a couple hours, but still. It didn't really seem like the wrapping to unwrapping ratio was very even.....
After waking up at 4:00 am on Christmas morning, I thought for SURE I would be able to sleep in today. Nope. My eyeballs popped open at 5:15. Literally, they popped open. It was like they had built in alarm clocks and my eye lids were like blinds that got yanked down and spun up out of control. Even after I coaxed them back down, my brain was in gear writing my book, erasing, editing, retyping...etc. Then the puppy, well, Justin's puppy needed to be taken out. So, I got up. Ron finally got up a little after 8am. Not that I'm bitter or anything......... but guess who will be driving home after the hockey game tonight at midnight? Not me.
So, about this hockey game. Is it bad to hope that there are some knock down, drag out fights? It's kind of like watching Nascar..... it's only good if there are some good crashes. Not that I want anyone to get hurt, but a few body checks into the glass might be a fun way to start the night.
So I tuned into a few minutes of Hoarding.... Buried Alive on TLC this morning.... Yeah. I seriously just don't understand. I am sooooo the opposite of that. I HATE clutter. Hate it. Let me say it once more. I HAAATTTTEEEEE it. In fact, I hate it so much that I'm probably the polar opposite of a hoarder and I'd probably be classified as a Thrower awayer. I guess maybe I should pitch that as an idea for a show. Thrown away.....nothing left. Ok.... maybe that is not exactly true. I don't throw everything away, but if it doesn't get taken care of, it's gone. A chair that doesn't fit where I want it? gone..... To many clothes in my drawer, or closet, even when they fit? Gone.... Kids papers, toys, etc, etc...... so gone! It's not that I'm organized, I'm really not. It's just that I don't like STUFF. If you aren't using it, then give it away, throw it away, burn it. Why have it? Ok.... I'm done.
Me thinks I've had to much coffee......... but since I'm trying to get the last word in edge wise...... I'll go on.
Nope.... the brain just kicked off...... wow, that was awkward.
I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas. I know we did. It took days of wrapping and in 5.3 seconds, it was done. Ok, well, maybe it took a couple hours, but still. It didn't really seem like the wrapping to unwrapping ratio was very even.....
After waking up at 4:00 am on Christmas morning, I thought for SURE I would be able to sleep in today. Nope. My eyeballs popped open at 5:15. Literally, they popped open. It was like they had built in alarm clocks and my eye lids were like blinds that got yanked down and spun up out of control. Even after I coaxed them back down, my brain was in gear writing my book, erasing, editing, retyping...etc. Then the puppy, well, Justin's puppy needed to be taken out. So, I got up. Ron finally got up a little after 8am. Not that I'm bitter or anything......... but guess who will be driving home after the hockey game tonight at midnight? Not me.
So, about this hockey game. Is it bad to hope that there are some knock down, drag out fights? It's kind of like watching Nascar..... it's only good if there are some good crashes. Not that I want anyone to get hurt, but a few body checks into the glass might be a fun way to start the night.
So I tuned into a few minutes of Hoarding.... Buried Alive on TLC this morning.... Yeah. I seriously just don't understand. I am sooooo the opposite of that. I HATE clutter. Hate it. Let me say it once more. I HAAATTTTEEEEE it. In fact, I hate it so much that I'm probably the polar opposite of a hoarder and I'd probably be classified as a Thrower awayer. I guess maybe I should pitch that as an idea for a show. Thrown away.....nothing left. Ok.... maybe that is not exactly true. I don't throw everything away, but if it doesn't get taken care of, it's gone. A chair that doesn't fit where I want it? gone..... To many clothes in my drawer, or closet, even when they fit? Gone.... Kids papers, toys, etc, etc...... so gone! It's not that I'm organized, I'm really not. It's just that I don't like STUFF. If you aren't using it, then give it away, throw it away, burn it. Why have it? Ok.... I'm done.
Me thinks I've had to much coffee......... but since I'm trying to get the last word in edge wise...... I'll go on.
Nope.... the brain just kicked off...... wow, that was awkward.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
school is now in session
Oh the joys of the first day back to school after a long summer vacation! Probably the majority of mothers across the country are smiling today. We are smiling because our children have gone back to school. Not because we hate our children, and not because we are vile, evil, selfish beings. It is simply because after a long summer of the kids being home, it is time to send them back from wenst they came. Is that correct old english? Either way, I believe school was developed by God, or at least by a very smart female so that mothers would not eat their young. Even deer kick their fawns out the door at the end of summer.
Now, it may seem that I am a cold and heartless mother. I would argue that I'm not, but it may seem pointless. I do enjoy the "me" time, I can not lie. I did enjoy the kids being home this summer. For at least the first three weeks. Then my job became more of referee and entertainment specialist and that is where I simply draw the line. Just like most referee's, I felt like I had been thrown to a pack of wolves most of the time. I truly sympathize with the black and white wearing men who get things thrown at them and the occasional "you suck ref" comments. Not that my kids ever said those words out loud, but I knew they were thinking it. That is another thing mothers do, we read minds. It is a proven fact. It's the roll of the eyes, the heavy sigh that tells us what kids are thinking. They are thinking "ugh, when I have kids I will be a cool parent" " when I have kids I won't be mean". HA! We all know that the joke is on them because as soon as a woman becomes a mother, we automatically become mean. It's just nature.
So, that being said...... I am not sad my kids went back to school today but I think it's time to go pick them up now and by Christmas I will be counting down the days until summer break is here.
Now, it may seem that I am a cold and heartless mother. I would argue that I'm not, but it may seem pointless. I do enjoy the "me" time, I can not lie. I did enjoy the kids being home this summer. For at least the first three weeks. Then my job became more of referee and entertainment specialist and that is where I simply draw the line. Just like most referee's, I felt like I had been thrown to a pack of wolves most of the time. I truly sympathize with the black and white wearing men who get things thrown at them and the occasional "you suck ref" comments. Not that my kids ever said those words out loud, but I knew they were thinking it. That is another thing mothers do, we read minds. It is a proven fact. It's the roll of the eyes, the heavy sigh that tells us what kids are thinking. They are thinking "ugh, when I have kids I will be a cool parent" " when I have kids I won't be mean". HA! We all know that the joke is on them because as soon as a woman becomes a mother, we automatically become mean. It's just nature.
So, that being said...... I am not sad my kids went back to school today but I think it's time to go pick them up now and by Christmas I will be counting down the days until summer break is here.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
God and Dog....
How many of you have dogs? For those of you who don't, or just don't like dogs, you may read this and assume I've lost my mind. Well, you may be right. I probably have lost it, but for those of you who do have dogs and actually like them, you will understand and rescue me from the insane asylum that I'll be locked away in.
Does anyone see the similarities of the word DOG and GOD? If you hold them up to the mirror they would spell GOD and DOG..... get it? So THAT little bit of craziness got me thinking about how much alike the two are. Yes, I know, there are TONS of things that make them different. Maybe I should list a few of those first. #1- I'm pretty sure God doesn't smell like my dog. At least I hope not, because it would be a huge bummer in Heaven if God smelled like He rolled in something rancid.
#2- God is wayyyyyy smarter than my dog. He has to be. Because my dog can't remember his tail isn't another animal trying to sneak up on him and God, in His spare time was able to create the whole universe. I'm so THANKFUL that God is infinitely smarter!
#3- Lastly, or at least the last one that pops into my head is that dogs sleep A LOT! If God slept as much as my dog we would all be in major trouble! So it's probably safe to say that God probably doesn't sleep. PHEW!
NOW, on to why they are so much alike.
First, let me say that I am NOT trying to be disrespectful. Not at all. If you hate dogs (shame on you) then you might suppose that I am. How wrong you would be. If you love dogs then you know what I say is the truth.
#1- Dogs are faithful! No matter how many times we neglect them, they are willing to forgive us and welcome us back into their world. God is so much like that. Psalm 89:33 says "but I will not take my love away from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness". As humans, we are so unfaithful. Whether it be in our prayer life and spending time with the Lord, or saying we will do something and not following through. Thankfully, God isn't like that. Whatever He says He will do, He will do.
#2- Dogs don't remember much, if anything. We go away for the day and when we come home it's like we have been gone forever. The four legged friends are hopping around like they haven't seen us in years. How much is our God like that? We walk away and yet when we finally remember to come "home" God is right there hopping up and down, so excited that we have returned. Luke 15: 11-32 is a perfect example of how ready Christ is to welcome us back. This passage is the one about the prodigal son coming home, knowing he screwed up and assuming (incorrectly) that his father wouldn't really want him back. How wrong he was. The passage tells us his father RAN to him! How neat is that? He didn't meander over and say, "what an idiot, I told you it wouldn't work out", NO. His father RAN to him and wrapped his arms around him and welcomed him home without any condemnation. That is the perfect example of our Lord! Whenever we have walked away, or run away, He is ALWAYS there to RUN to us and welcome us home.
#3- Dogs don't stay angry long and they sure don't hold onto grudges. They are super forgiving, which is a really nice thing. Well, guess what? Yep. So is GOD. I am so thankful for God's forgiveness. I have screwed up in big, HUGE ways sooooo many times that I would be in deep water if God hadn't forgiven me. I'm sure by now, I would have drowned. But, nope. God is so cool that He forgives us and best of all, He doesn't hold our stupidness against us. Micah 7:18,19 tells us "who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea" also, 1 John 1:9 says "if we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness"
How awesome. How completely awesome. Think about it! We screw up. That is a given. It's going to happen no matter how hard we try. BUT, if we realize we have sinned, and ask for Him to forgive us, He will. Simple as that. People don't always do that, cats don't do that. But God ALWAYS does that.
#4 Lastly. Is that a word? Odd little word. Anyway, the last thing that I can think of is the way dogs just love us. They look at us with their big dark eyes, so full of love, no matter how ugly, rotten and grumpy we are. When we have had a bad day, they just snuggle up to us, or quietly put their head next to us to let us know they care. The God I love and serve is so much like that. He loves us so unconditionally, and completely. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 31:3 " I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness" Another great verse is:
Titus 3: 4-5 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
But best of all is John 3:16 which says "for God so loved the world, that He gave us His son. That who ever believes in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life"
Did you get that? I sometimes forget. But this verse spells it out so clearly. God loved us SO MUCH. So much people! That HE (God) gave us His ONE AND ONLY son. Not number 5 or 8, but His ONLY one! All we have to do is believe that Christ died for us because we are sinners and we get to live with Him forever. Not until he gets sick of us, or wants to trade us in, but FOREVER! Cool? I think so.
So, I just think it's cool that my smelly dog reminds me of how awesome and great my God is. Maybe it's a silly analogy, and slightly odd, but isn't that just like God to use simple things to remind us that He is in everything? Even our four legged friends.
.
Does anyone see the similarities of the word DOG and GOD? If you hold them up to the mirror they would spell GOD and DOG..... get it? So THAT little bit of craziness got me thinking about how much alike the two are. Yes, I know, there are TONS of things that make them different. Maybe I should list a few of those first. #1- I'm pretty sure God doesn't smell like my dog. At least I hope not, because it would be a huge bummer in Heaven if God smelled like He rolled in something rancid.
#2- God is wayyyyyy smarter than my dog. He has to be. Because my dog can't remember his tail isn't another animal trying to sneak up on him and God, in His spare time was able to create the whole universe. I'm so THANKFUL that God is infinitely smarter!
#3- Lastly, or at least the last one that pops into my head is that dogs sleep A LOT! If God slept as much as my dog we would all be in major trouble! So it's probably safe to say that God probably doesn't sleep. PHEW!
NOW, on to why they are so much alike.
First, let me say that I am NOT trying to be disrespectful. Not at all. If you hate dogs (shame on you) then you might suppose that I am. How wrong you would be. If you love dogs then you know what I say is the truth.
#1- Dogs are faithful! No matter how many times we neglect them, they are willing to forgive us and welcome us back into their world. God is so much like that. Psalm 89:33 says "but I will not take my love away from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness". As humans, we are so unfaithful. Whether it be in our prayer life and spending time with the Lord, or saying we will do something and not following through. Thankfully, God isn't like that. Whatever He says He will do, He will do.
#2- Dogs don't remember much, if anything. We go away for the day and when we come home it's like we have been gone forever. The four legged friends are hopping around like they haven't seen us in years. How much is our God like that? We walk away and yet when we finally remember to come "home" God is right there hopping up and down, so excited that we have returned. Luke 15: 11-32 is a perfect example of how ready Christ is to welcome us back. This passage is the one about the prodigal son coming home, knowing he screwed up and assuming (incorrectly) that his father wouldn't really want him back. How wrong he was. The passage tells us his father RAN to him! How neat is that? He didn't meander over and say, "what an idiot, I told you it wouldn't work out", NO. His father RAN to him and wrapped his arms around him and welcomed him home without any condemnation. That is the perfect example of our Lord! Whenever we have walked away, or run away, He is ALWAYS there to RUN to us and welcome us home.
#3- Dogs don't stay angry long and they sure don't hold onto grudges. They are super forgiving, which is a really nice thing. Well, guess what? Yep. So is GOD. I am so thankful for God's forgiveness. I have screwed up in big, HUGE ways sooooo many times that I would be in deep water if God hadn't forgiven me. I'm sure by now, I would have drowned. But, nope. God is so cool that He forgives us and best of all, He doesn't hold our stupidness against us. Micah 7:18,19 tells us "who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea" also, 1 John 1:9 says "if we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness"
How awesome. How completely awesome. Think about it! We screw up. That is a given. It's going to happen no matter how hard we try. BUT, if we realize we have sinned, and ask for Him to forgive us, He will. Simple as that. People don't always do that, cats don't do that. But God ALWAYS does that.
#4 Lastly. Is that a word? Odd little word. Anyway, the last thing that I can think of is the way dogs just love us. They look at us with their big dark eyes, so full of love, no matter how ugly, rotten and grumpy we are. When we have had a bad day, they just snuggle up to us, or quietly put their head next to us to let us know they care. The God I love and serve is so much like that. He loves us so unconditionally, and completely. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 31:3 " I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness" Another great verse is:
Titus 3: 4-5 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
But best of all is John 3:16 which says "for God so loved the world, that He gave us His son. That who ever believes in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life"
Did you get that? I sometimes forget. But this verse spells it out so clearly. God loved us SO MUCH. So much people! That HE (God) gave us His ONE AND ONLY son. Not number 5 or 8, but His ONLY one! All we have to do is believe that Christ died for us because we are sinners and we get to live with Him forever. Not until he gets sick of us, or wants to trade us in, but FOREVER! Cool? I think so.
So, I just think it's cool that my smelly dog reminds me of how awesome and great my God is. Maybe it's a silly analogy, and slightly odd, but isn't that just like God to use simple things to remind us that He is in everything? Even our four legged friends.
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