GABE, OUR ANGEL DOG

He was an 8 pound golden fur ball that instantly captured our hearts. Steve wanted to buy a memorable present for my 40th birthday and I wanted a puppy. I have always loved dogs and acquired my first, Rex, at the age of 10 months old. This would be a special dog so I spent a month researching all breeds of dogs and finally settled on a Golden Retriever. One sunny Saturday in September, 1997, we paid a visit to a home that had a litter of 5 week old Goldens. One puppy lay quietly in the pen while his sisters playfully nipped each other and yipped for attention. One by one the puppies were placed in the open where we could observe them and make our choice. One little puppy followed us around and began chewing on my husband’s toes; it was an easy choice. One week later Gabe joined our family.

He was house-broken within a week, maybe because I sat my alarm and took him out every 4 hours even in the rain. He went to obedience school but never lost his independence. A year later we acquired a brother for Gabe, another Golden named Charlie. Suspicious at first, Gabe finally accepted and loved Charlie, but let him know that he would always be in charge. Gabe was a true alpha dog. Charlie would stand patiently while Gabe ate, then eat his portion. The played tug-of-war and chased each other across the yard; always on Gabe’s terms. Charlie died of cancer a year ago in April and Gabe never played with another dog.

Although Gabe was getting old and had slowed down, he still managed to play with Caleb. He would lie quietly as Caleb would climb on top of him; use him as a pillow while watching videos; happily share his treats and wait patiently for the crumbs to drop under the high chair. Last Thursday, Gabe allowed Caleb to ride him, check out his tongue and try a piece of his dog food. He lay in the yard as Steve and I completed some landscaping and slowly followed me into the garage to get a drink out of the hose as I filled my watering can. Little did I know that this would be the last evening that we would share with Gabe.

Friday morning he seemed listless and exhausted. He would not eat or go outside. His breathing became more labored and at a little after 2 pm Gabe’s great big heart simply stopped. I knelt beside him as he took his last few breaths and stroked his silky golden red fur and told him how much we loved him; then he was gone.

This week has been a little lonely and the house has been a little too quiet. For just a moment every morning I expect to see him at the foot of the stairs. I am still getting used to coming into a silent house and listening for a door bell instead of a friendly bark to signal visitors. I have no one to eat the crust of my sandwich and share a big bowl of popcorn. There are no hairballs in the corner or dog bowl to avoid in the kitchen and leftovers are placed in the garbage.
Instead of dwelling on what we have lost, I choose to remember what we had. We had a loyal friend for 11 years. We had a faithful companion that tried so hard to please us and always gave unconditional love. We miss you Gabe. You will always be in our memories and in our hearts.

SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOU

It has now been FIVE full months!!! Healthy living has its rewards. I have lost over 45 pounds, wearing clothes I have not been able to wear in 3 years and have more energy than ever. Believe me, the energy required to chase after my one year old grandson is a huge reason to continue eating healthy and exercising daily.

I have to confess the hardest part was getting started. For the entire month of December I hated the way I felt, the way my clothes fit, and my appearance in the mirror. Negative feelings are not a good motivator for change. Despite the constant negativity, I continued to stuff cookies, candy and other rich holiday foods into my mouth. Finally, January 2, D-Day dawned. My husband had announced that beginning on that magical day, we were going to start eating healthy. I started off on the right foot with a healthy breakfast and progressed to a healthy lunch with Steve. So far, so good!!!! Then the long afternoon happened, I polished off some leftover holiday dessert, ate two or three pieces of chocolate crèmes and a handful of nuts. I prepared a nutritious supper so Steve wouldn’t know how “bad” I had been. He came home bragging about his “successful” day of dieting and I had a monumental revelation; SOMEONE WAS COUNTING ON ME. I was not on my own anymore; someone was depending on my dieting expertise and moral support. I could be hypocritical and lip sync the experience or I could become committed to the cause and gain the future rewards. I decided to quit fooling myself and become a real part of the team.

There are times we become discouraged. The “whole picture” is so overwhelming that we give up before we can even start. There have been times in my life that I have felt like giving up on my walk with God. One of the things that kept me hanging in there was my husband and kids. It was nothing they said or did because they were not even aware of my secret thoughts. No, what kept me going when I couldn’t make sense of anything was SOMEONE WAS COUNTING ON ME. Influencing someone else to give up on God or bringing a loved one down to my level was more horrible to contemplate then continuing to blindly plod along on an uneven path. Although to some it may seem hypocritical I continued to go to church and give lip-service praise. God rewarded my faithfulness to my family even when I waivered in my faithfulness to Him. The breakthrough finally came. One day I realized I was excited about the Sunday service; I wanted to pick up the Bible again; the tears began to flow as I raised my hands in worship; it had changed from a commitment to my family to a commitment to my God.

Psalms 61:1-5 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Every one of us has someone in our life who is counting on our walk with God. It may be a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor or a friend. If you are in a situation where it seems like too much effort to fully commit, do it for them. As you continue doing the “right” things and making an effort when your strength is gone, God will join you on your journey. Soon you will find a little more strength and a little more joy. The path will become more clear and the burden lighter. SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOU; DO IT FOR THEM!!!

SAY I LOVE YOU OFTEN; PEOPLE FORGET

Martha Harper writes about a group of professional people who asked a group of 4 to 8 year olds, “What does love mean?” There were the usual endearing answers. Five year old Elaine replied, “Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken. According to 7 year old Chris, “Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.” Nikka, age 6 has this advice, “If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.” Every parent can agree with 4 year old Terri’s insightfulness, “Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” Have you ever noticed the wisdom that comes from innocence? Children have the unique ability to bypass all the peripheral junk and get to the real meaning of life.

My favorite quote comes from 4 year old Billy, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” No one says my name quite the way my husband, Steve, does. Whether his tone is loving, aggravated, questioning or even sometimes “accusing,” I know my name is safe in his mouth.

Mary was downcast, all hope was gone, for Jesus had died and been placed in the tomb. Every time she closed her eyes all she could see was His face, the tender smile and eyes full of forgiveness. She longed for His gentle touch on her head and if she could only here Him call her name; maybe rest would come to her weary body. Finally, she arose from her bed and went to the place where they had laid Him. The tomb was empty, now she was confused. Was there no end to her grief? With tears streaming down her face, she began to walk toward a gardener standing a short distance away. Maybe he would know who had taken Jesus’ body. Surely he could direct her to the new burial place. Then He spoke her name, “Mary.” There was that voice, no one could say her name like Jesus; she felt so safe as peace flooded her soul.

Walking down the street or sitting at your desk, you will hear the name of Jesus several times a day and most of the time it has nothing to do with our precious Savior. It is a term that is used like any other word to mean anything but what was intended. I believe there is nothing so precious to Jesus then to hear his children say His Name. All of Heaven stands at attention when the Redeemed begin to call on the Name of Jesus. No one can speak that Name quite like we who have been filled with His Spirit and taken on His Name in baptism. He knows His name is safe in our mouth. We can call His Name often; He is never too tired or busy.

Eight year old Jessica wraps it up with her comment, “You really shouldn’t say, “I love you,” unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” Is there anyone in your life that has forgotten that you love them? Has it been too long since you spent a little time with God letting Him know how much He means to you or maybe just speaking His Name? Hopefully, it hasn’t been so long that He’s forgotten. Take a little time this weekend to let the ones you care about hear you say it. Say their name in a way that makes them feel safe. Make sure you include Jesus in your circle of loved ones. When He hears your voice, He will whisper your name back.

WHAT MEANETH THESE STONES?

Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1888. It was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who died in our nation’s service and an opportunity for relatives to decorate the graves of their loved ones. Many cemeteries will offer Memorial Day Services today but very few people will take time out of their busy day to decorate a grave or pause to remember a fallen soldier. Most of us celebrate Memorial Day as a day off work, the beginning of summer and an opportunity for cookouts with family members.

Memorials are very important to God. God spoke to Moses and Joshua on several occasions to set up memorials as a reminder to future generations. One of my favorite accountings is found in the 4th chapter of Joshua. The Children of Israel had journeyed for 40 long years and the only barrier between them and the Promised Land was the Jordan River. God gave Joshua explicit instructions regarding their crossing. Then He told them to take 12 stones from the river to set up as a memorial. When future generations would ask, “What meaneth these stones,” they were to be reminded of Gods deliverance and provision. Joshua 4:24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. As the priests with the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders stood in the middle of the Jordan River, God parted the river so that everyone could walk over and once the priests with the ark reached the other side, the water returned to its normal flow.

There were other important memorials established by God. Some were set aside as feast days and holidays which are still significant and celebrated today. Others were set up to honor the faithfulness of specific individuals. The Jewish people still celebrate the holiday of Purim which was set up as a Memorial to honor God’s great deliverance of His people through the obedience of Queen Esther. In Bethany, a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster box of precious ointment. The woman break the box and anointed Jesus’ head. When the disciples became indignant at such a “waste,” Jesus said in Matthew 26, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

One of the final and most important memorials instituted by Jesus Christ is Communion. Most Christian religions regularly celebrate Communion, the “Lord’s Supper,” or the Eucharist as it is called. In 1 Corinthians11, Paul reminds us of this important Ordinance; That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.

Although the official Memorial Day holiday in the United States is almost over, the remembrances don’t have to end. In the life of a Believer, a celebration of Memorial Day should be observed on a regular basis. Gather some stones for a memorial. When your children ask, “What meaneth these stones?” tell them about the goodness of God, His deliverance and provision for your family. Tell them He is Jehovah Jireh and of the time when He made a way where there was no way. Remind them of His protection for all who abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. Teach them that He will be a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path. Most of all declare unto them, His Name is Jesus and Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

I pray this will be a Memorial Day holiday unlike any that you have experienced. May you and your family be blessed as you remember and give honor to God.

TWO IMPERFECT PEOPLE IN A PERFECT MARRIAGE

Today I celebrate 32 years of being married to the most wonderful man in the world. We were 18 years old, Steve was working part time at a Penney’s Auto Center, I was working full time making $3.10 per hour, we had no assets and no money set aside to buy any; but we were in love. Conventional wisdom would suggest that we had all the strikes against us. I would agree except that we had one thing going for us that would carry us through all the struggles, victories, smiles and tears we would encounter over the next 32 years; we had God at the center of our marriage and a family who wanted us to succeed. It has been said, “There is no perfect marriage.” I disagree!!! Marriage was instituted by God and everything God touches is perfect. A more accurate saying would be “Two imperfect people in a perfect marriage.”

We decided from the beginning that our relationship was more important than possessions; easy to do when there are no possessions. We found joy in the mundane things of life, laughed uproariously at the predicaments we got ourselves into, had dream vacations in the backyard and dined on gourmet pizza once a month if we had coupons. The biggest blessing in our relationship has been the 2 wonderful sons that were entrusted to us. Since then our family has grown to include 2 beautiful daughters-in-law, 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. God has been truly faithful.

We have lived in gorgeous homes with 4 bathrooms and a small apartment on the back of a church with 1 tiny bathroom; drove new cars with leather seats and 10 year old well rusted vehicles; traveled to the Bahamas on a cruise ship and found enough gas money to take the kids to the beach at Tawas for the day; I have worn clothes from Macy’s and sported ensembles from Walmart; dined on 4 course meals complete with soft music and cloth napkins and shared a foot-long turkey sub from Subway; but through it all only one thing has mattered, that we were walking through life together. Looking back over 32 years I have to say, it has been the perfect marriage for two imperfect people.

I love you Steve with all my heart. You are and will always be my Knight in Shining Armor that makes my heart beat faster by just walking in the room. I would love to try for another 32 years.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB

Saturday, we celebrated Caleb’s first year of life with a party. He, of course, did not have that great of time. A First Birthday Party is an opportunity for the parents and grandparents to take a lot of pictures of other children opening his gifts, eating food he cannot yet eat and of course the indignity of trying to eat his very own cake without the help of utensils and managing to smear the frosting in his hair, ears, face and torso. Such was Caleb’s party and we loved every moment which has been captured in movie and still form.

It is hard to believe that we have been blessed with Caleb for a whole year. I have enjoyed spending every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday watching him grow, learn new things and develop into a wonderful little boy. The gummy grin has changed into a smile with 8 shiny teeth and the hungry, wet-diaper wail has developed into loud grunts when told NO and car sounds when playing in the floor. I love the feel of those tiny arms around my neck and hands that pat my back when I pick him up for a quick hug. My morning oatmeal and afternoon snack are no longer my own, now there is a wide-open mouth asking for his share.

There are very few “do-over's” in life. We have successes and failures and move on to the next challenge. Grandparenting is one of those gifts from God that is close to a “do-over.” You have the opportunity to learn from all the mistakes you made with your children and get it right with your grandchildren. I find myself running through the grass, crawling on the floor, making funny faces and noises, discovering birds and flowers all over again and marveling at every new accomplishment. I take more time to be silly, have more patience and tolerate actions for which their parents would have been reprimanded.

Caleb, along with his cousins, Mackenzie and Madison has been a true joy to this Grandma. I am so thankful to be part of his young life, for the things he has taught me and the unconditional love I have experienced once again. Happy Birthday Caleb.

ITS ALL ABOUT THE SHOES

What is this strange relationship women have with shoes? It is another one of those special qualities we possess as women that most men will never understand. My husband, who has more shoes than he will admit, cannot comprehend why my closet contains two rows of black shoes, a row of blue, one of various shades of white, cream, brown and taupe, another of all the colors of the rainbow and finally a row of casual shoes. His idea of a complete shoe wardrobe is black and brown dress shoes, black and brown casual shoes, a pair of athletic shoes and a pair of sandals. He actually owns more than that only because he never gets rid of anything. I have tried to explain that one pair of black shoes may not compliment every outfit or that some events call for a conservative look while a wild pair of shoes may be the perfect accessory to express exactly who I am on another occasion. Unfortunately, his problem-solving, matter-of-fact brain cannot process such information of higher understanding.

My latest acquisition was a gorgeous pair of bright yellow heels. I am convinced that an outfit can go from mediocre to spectacular when paired with the perfect shoes. On the other hand a stunning outfit can be forgettable when no thought is given to your feet. I can be transformed from a dowdy house wife into a gorgeous femme fatal simply by donning a outrageous pair of shoes. It may only be a mental transformation but we tend to act out the mental picture we have of ourselves, so watch out!!!

Several years ago, my sister Deb, stated that she loved shoes so much that when she died she wanted to be buried with only her feet showing clad in gorgeous purple shoes. Since everyone who passes by the coffin always seems to remark on how good the deceased looks, she wanted to give them something really beautiful to talk about. I agree with her totally except I want my coffin closed and surrounded by a display of my fabulous shoe collection in lieu of flowers.

Shoes are very important to God also. As the children of Israel were preparing to leave Egypt, God gave them explicit instructions. Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S Passover. The women fully understood the order to have their shoes on their feet and without being told that they should be of the best quality. As the next verse tells us they had to travel a long way to get to the next Dillard’s or Macy’s. Deuteronomy 29:5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. That verse makes you a believer in the Grace of God. In our own strength it would be impossible to have tolerated 40 years of the same style shoe.

Moving into the New Testament, we again find the important role that shoes play. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father falls on his son, kisses him, puts the best robe around him, a ring on his finger and don’t forget; shoes on his feet. Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: That’s right, we find shoes listed right up there with the fatted calf. After all how could he attend a party in his honor and enjoy such a grand feast in the same shoes he had worn in the pig pen.

Speaking of footwear, one of the most important verses in the Bible is Ephesians 6:13. After we have been born again, we are instructed how to withstand the onslaught of Satan that will inevitably come our way. God gives us very specific wardrobe advice and because He is God, He includes footwear. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Whether you like pointed, square, round or toeless shoes; leather, patent, suede, or canvas; black, red, yellow, pink or polk-a-dot; boots, spike heels, sandals or flip flops; don’t forget to slip your feet into “the preparation of the gospel of peace” every morning. Our ensemble may include a skirt of truth, blouse of righteousness, a Sunday hat of salvation, our sword of the Spirit covered in lace and a matching handbag of faith, but to make a lasting impression don’t forget your shoes of preparation. We can make an eternal impression on everyone we meet; IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHOES.