I would like to introduce you to our newest addition, Angel.  Angel is a girl golden retriever.  She is smart - already retrieves a ball and is learning to sit.  She is 7 weeks old and was from Jamie and Logan's litter of 11.  She misses her siblings and her mother but I love her today because she slept through the night for the first time last night.  And this morning she whined to go out to do #2.  She is a chewer, biter an most puppies are so we are in constant need of a chew toy.  Some are asking about poor Zip.  Zip is still around and not particularly happy about this new addition.  She does let Angel eat her food if she is finished.  But she does not like her chewing on her ears. Terry is now living in a house of 3 girls.  He is not complaining.  Thank God for the joy of little ones.

Why I love puppies

When have I experienced the Generosity of God?

Oh Lord, as I look around at the harvest of fall I see your generosity: apples, squash, tomatoes, more.  I stand outside at night and wonder about the galaxies and how you made things so beautiful and perfect.  When I see the Sandhill Cranes fly or do their mating dance I smile and am in awe of You.  I wonder how the birds know to fly south and the squirrels know to build nests.  I watch the sunsets and am amazed by Your creativity.  I pick my Sweet Peas and the smell reminds me that you created life in a way that would bring us joy.  Each spring I am delighted by the perennials that surprise me in spite of their consistent return. The shapes in the clouds; the winds and the storms - all a part of your gifts to us.  I could fill a book with all you give so freely.
And even as I am aware of the generosity in creation I undersrand why the Psalmist says, "What is woman that you are mindful of her."
I come to You empty and beg for Your Spirit.  You faithfully fill me.
I ignore you and go about my life as though your existence didn't matter and when I remember to turn back to You, You receive me and bless me.
When my wanderings take me far from feeling You and my life becomes complicated, I come to You and You help me simplify and center.
I say to you, "Lord, I don't feel love for You.  You have become a duty to me. I don't even know how to make Love happen."  That very day You show me how.  You have someone give me a book, just the right one. You slow me down so I have eyes to see and ears to hear Your Love.  Your generosity amazes me.  Your love is better than life, better than all I have come to want or think I need.
In the darkness of the prison I have made for myself, You give light.  When all seems to fall down around me, Your presence makes it all worthwhile. I love You - help me to love you more - no matter what it takes.

listen

I remember a scene in a movie. The woman was looking out her window at the street below. She had just lost a loved one. "Why are people moving so fast?" There is a time, following the death of someone you love, during the time of grief, that is a precious time. It is a time to listen. Not with your ears only but with your whole being. It is a time to walk slower, to be silent, to wait. It is not a time to hurry, to begin new things or hurry into old ones. It is a time when we are open.
It is a time when we hear cries of pain louder; when we are tender toward those who are marginalized, when we cannot bear to see someone hurt or left out. It is a time when we see things more accurately; when we have a heart like the heart of God.
It is a time to listen and be still. It is not a time to push past or stuff down. It is a time to listen to God and to all that God has created. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.