The Couch

Last evening I was sitting on the grass in town overlooking the lake and I saw two poodles. Both of them were off-white, one of them was nicely trimmed. His hair about one inch in length all over his body, and he walked very proudly on a leash next to his owner. The other one, also on a leash walking rather proudly, was covered in puffs and poms from head to toe!  She had a bit of a prance to her step and I imagined that her toe nails were pink. I thought of Fur Ball and his race to get back to the house from our mountain hike and tried to imagine how he might look in puffs and poms, and I couldn't help but burst out in laughter.
This morning as my husband was reading to our children, Fur Ball helped himself to our son on the couch. It seemed like the most comfortable place to be, and he read the sign on our wall which says "If you want the best chair in the house, move the dog." He didn't bother to move my son, he just sat on top of him, it was softer for him that way.
My daughter told Fur Ball that she missed Stinky Dog. We all do. I think he understands. He's been putting up with a lot of Stinky Dog talk around here and working hard to walk in her paws. Even though he has made some mistakes, like pee on the floor and eat a few socks, I'm thinking Fur Ball is pretty nice. He's taking it all in stride, and even with poodle syndrome and the inability to use a leash, he knows how to cuddle, and he listens well. He reminds me of love, I think he loves me.
This morning I read Ephesians 1:3 and it says this: "Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son."
Wow, like Fur Ball, I can go to the couch of my Father and know that I am loved. I am adopted into His family, accepted. I am the focus of His love and He is making me whole and holy. Isn't it amazing?
Jesus, Say That Again!

The First Hike

Fur Ball and I went for a hike today behind our house. I told him it use to be one of Stinky Dogs favorite things to do, and it was the last hike she took. He wasn't that impressed, actually. I've determined that Fur Ball has poodle syndrome.  He stayed pretty close to me as we took the trek up the hill and when we made it to the top, I took him to my favorite log bench, so we could take pictures. Once again, he thought it was all a bit of a bore. He kept turning his head towards home, and it seemed to me he was thinking of the chair and the shower! Maybe he really does want to have pom poms!!

I continued to talk to him about all the fun times we have had as a family on top of the hill and how Stinky dog use to run and run on this hill. He did venture out a little bit and explored, then he ventured towards home and I chased after him...."Fur Ball, Fur Ball, come back!" 

It reminded me of how sometimes God brings me to places and He tries to tell me that it is good and He is with me and there is purpose, but my head is turned in another direction. I can't hear Him or see what He is talking about because I want something else or I have another idea. But, He is right there with me, talking to me, calling to me, right on the mountain top or in valley! He has everything to offer me, all that I need right where I am. 

Jesus, Say That Again to me, even with the problems, You are equipping me to live with You on the mountain top and the valley, in your presence. Thank you.

The Peace

Someone read to me from their devotional again today and I found it to be a true blessing.  The opening statement was this: "If you learn to trust me with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from My Peace." It went on to say that all things can be put to use in a good way, to be used in a way to learn how to trust Jesus, and to obtain peace in Him.  "Fear no evil."  In all situations, God can bring good.
I have thought about this a lot lately, and realized that even while feeling fearful, there can be a deep sense of peace. That in the midst of turmoil and questions, I can know peace. It is His promise to me, and to all His children.
He has continually asked me to focus on Him, when I listen for His voice, I hear Him say: "focus on me." I am seeing that the more I am able to focus on Him, the more I am able to remain calm in adversity. The more I can see that He has been there, He will stay, He never left. Sometimes, when life has felt evil, it is hard to see that He was there, but His promises are true. He takes all things and turns them into good for those that love Him. He gives me peace and truth, because He is sovereign and He walks before me.
Jesus, Say That Again, You are peace, truth, light, love, hope, and nothing can separate me from You.

The Sure Thing

Yesterday was a full day of yard work at our ministry house. We had a team of people show up and we dug out flower beds, we made new flower beds, and we trimmed trees and bushes. Some of us recognized our age as we began to limp around the yard a little sooner than others. Our designer made curves in the flower beds and told of her vision for the yard. She brought flower bulbs to plant, and seeds. In just four hours, we saw a transformation.
I have always loved the yard at this house, its big, and the kids can easily play in it. There's a lot of trees, and there's a big wrap around deck, built by my son and husband. There's a lattice fence also built by my son and husband in the side yard that encloses a sand box, boxed gardens, a pergola, fire pit, and a rock patio. All  of these bring to me special memories of my family and people I care about. It's a place of rest and peace, not just for me but for many people.
This morning I read Isaiah 26, and this is the verse I want to share with you:

"Throw wide the gates so good people can enter.
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing."

Just like the yard work, we had to keep at, and we will continue to keep at it.  Just like the ministry, the gates are wide open so good people can enter, and we will keep at it. And, my mind will be set on HIM. He will continue to keep me and all those who keep their minds on Him completely whole, steady on my feet, because quitting is not an option. Depend on God, He has promised to be a sure thing. Say That Again, God You are a sure thing!

The Naughty Dog

So, Naughty dog hasn't given Fur Ball much notice. I don't think he believes Fur Ball is even alive, I think he has been telling himself all this time that Fur Ball is a new stuffed animal that our noisy children have brought home. But, his world of denial came crashing down around him, last night.  Fur Ball, after intentionally walking into the shower, on his own, for his spa treatment. was rather frisky for the rest of the evening. Naughty dog suddenly realized that he better establish in Fur Balls mind whose in charge, and he better do it right away.
So he started with a growl, and a couple circles around Fur Ball, thinking that should do it. But, Fur Ball didn't even notice this form of intimidation. Fur Ball placed his paw on The Naughty Dog and challenged him for more.  The Naughty Dog showed some teeth and did a little pounce, all of which Fur Ball found very playful, and did a bigger pounce! Around and around they went, each time The Naughty Dog becoming more and more frustrated that Fur Ball simply would not listen to his warnings. The Naughty  Dog, I think was beginning to worry that he had lost his job as top dog in the house. Fur Ball was all about play, and could care less about what obeying his threatening commands. The Naughty Dog even tried to corner Fur Ball in another room and make him stay there, but Fur Ball would have nothing to do with such ideas and simply jumped over The Naughty Dog and continued on with his annoying play, ignoring the growls, the teeth, and the obnoxious threats.
Fur Ball has figured out who he is. He sits in the front seat of the Land Rover now, He lays on the bed. He walks into the shower. He belongs here, and not even The Naughty Dog can tell him otherwise. He is wanted, loved, accepted, and he will behave accordingly.
This morning as Fur Ball followed me down the stairs to sit with me by the fire, I noticed that The Naughty  Dog stayed upstairs. He has a lot to think about today. Maybe he's not in charge anymore.
I know God continually reminds me that I am not in charge. If I want my life to work, He is the One that must be in charge. I read Psalms 139 this morning and I love this part:
"You scrutinize my path and  my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me."
He knows who I am, He is acquainted with all my ways,  and all my words. He has a Hedge around me, His Hand upon me!  The enemy cannot touch me, and just like Fur Ball, I can rest in my identity, because I know  Who I belong to.
Say That Again, Heavenly Father, You are intimately acquainted with all my ways, You have enclosed me.

The Truck Ride

Fur Ball went in the truck with me last Monday. I put Stinky Dogs bed in the back of the truck and then Fur Ball sat on the bed and we went for a ride. He seemed to think it was okay.  So, today, I put Stinky Dogs bed in the back again and Fur Ball on top of the bed and drove to our ministry house, all went well. I introduced him to the kitchen, the living room and then to my office with the old flowered couch. He was especially fond of the couch, and helped himself to the cushions for a nice long nap. He seems to be adjusting to the pampered lifestyle rather quickly.
After a good snooze, I carried him down our steep stairs and ushered him into the yard. He sat down and stared at me, as I coaxed him to potty. If I could read Fur Balls mind, I think he might be saying "she sure is silly, and entertaining, this must be the part where I am suppose to pretend like I am interested!"
He did finally get up and casually potty, maybe he thought I didn't notice. I snatched him up and proceeded to put him in the back of the truck on Stinky Dogs bed. But, he began to protest and made great efforts to escape. He clearly was not interested in staying in the back on Stinky Dogs bed! He was ready to progress to the front of the truck, next to me! I spread a blanket on the front seat and sat him upright in the passenger seat. He sat there proudly, just like Stinky Dog use to do. I told him he was a good boy and off we went. He seemed rather impressed with himself and for awhile he looked out the window and watched the cars go by, but then he tired of it all and laid down to take another nap.
This brings me to my need to sit next to Jesus! I need Him to be in the drivers seat, and like Fur Ball, I want to be right up next to Him riding along. I want Him to steer the way, lead me, take me, and show me what's going on. Without Him, it's just not going to work. Just like with Fur Ball, without me, he's not going anywhere.
Jesus, Say That Again, You are the driver here, I am the passenger. Speak to me, I will listen! Take me with you.

The Devotional

Yesterday someone read out of the Sarah Young devotional to me. It's one of my favorite devotionals, and yesterdays reading was especially meaningful. It was like God was speaking just to me.  Later, in the evening, when I was with a group, someone else pulled out her Sarah Young devotional and read the same page to me again! I knew God was really trying to get His point across to me then.
This morning, I was on the phone with someone and she read her Sarah Young devotional to me. Again, it felt very personal and perfect for my day. Then just after we hung up from our call, the phone rang again and it was another friend, she was calling to read to me out of her Sarah Young devotional!! Same book, same page! Okay God, I'm listening.
Today He was saying that the path is not random. He has plans and I don't need to worry about tomorrow. Just this morning I prayed for God to make some things very clear to me as far as direction. It didn't take Him long to do that. He sent two people to speak direction into my life very clearly, and to help me understand His path for my life.
Even when I feel afraid, and that is often, God works through my fear and leads me on His path when I ask Him. He sends His Spirit and His people and covers me in love.  Jesus, Say That Again, You continually speak in numerous ways, every single day.