Man's Best Friend

This is Jake, he came to live with us in February of 2007. He was rescued from the Capital Humane Society. Yup, Jake's a pound puppy. He started out as my dd's dog (and still is, and one day I am sure he'll move out with her, sad day) but he has won a spot in all of our hearts. When Jake came home with us he weighed about 20 pounds, today he's a 60 pound lap dog.

Jake appreciates the little things in life, a romp in the snow, a nap on a warm blanket, a tummy rub, and a good bone. He lives in the moment and doesn't worry about tomorrow.

He shows unconditional love when we come home, sometimes too much love, and is quick to forgive us when we get mad at him. He is a protector, always on guard listening to every sound and alerting us to potential intruders. We do need to teach him that every car door he hears is not for our house nor does he have to tell us when ever someone walks by.

And how is it that dogs can always sense when you don't feel good. They lay beside you, give you a loving nudge and even lick your face and wake you up once you've finally fallen asleep :)

Jake has ate several blankets, comforters, and pillow shames. He's had accidents in the house and barks his fool head off at nothing in the back yard. And we won't even talk about what happens when he get loose in the front yard, let's just say he stretches his legs. Basically, Jake is a good dog that does naughty things once in a while but we still love him.

As it is with God, sometimes we do naughty things but God still love us. He has an unconditional love for us and blesses us more then we could ever deserve. He is our protector, our savior, and our redeemer; He is slow to anger and quick to forgive.

God is in the little things of everyday life. He is in the snow that is falling, the flower that is blooming and the smile on a young child's face; we should enjoy the beauty of that snow, the wonderful fragrance of the flower that only God can create and strive for the pure joy seen in that child's smile. We need to stop worrying about tomorrow, as it says:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34,

So, learn to bloom where you're planted and appreciate what God puts into your life. Look at Jake, he had absolutely nothing to say about being adopted but yet he has adjusted and has made our home his home.

Over the last 2-3 weeks I have come to love and have faith in the following verse; thank you Susan for showing it to me.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11