I Don’t Get It but…

Going to church today, I bumped into the marathon. A 26+ mile run for fun? In the rain?As those who read my blog know I live on the Mississippi river within a 4 city metropolis called the Quad cities, with 2 cities either side of the river. This is the runningest place I have ever lived in, or maybe because of the size and layout of the land here, I see them more. This particular marathon hits all 4 cities. It takes major amounts of commitment, courage, perseverance and love of running. Some run for a cause, some for themselves to beat the last run time and some just run for the fun and enjoyment or it, regardless of the weather. I don’t get it but I admire it.

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I realize these picture are not clear, I was driving at the time, but that folds into what my true purpose of this post is about.

Runners train endless hours to be able to preform the endurance that is required for any given race. They train their bodies to withstand the pressure they may encounter, they revise their diets to help strengthen their endurance and they gear their minds into the proper mindset to be able to finish the race. Sometimes it not about a clear manor in running but that clearly you finish.

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For me, walking .2 miles can be a challenge on some days depending on what the weather is doing to my arthritic knees. But I admire the training of the runner and this morning I thought of a different thought pattern for running a race, which includes all the training mentioned above in different forms.

What if we turned our life into a race of…Running TO Jesus. What if we put a marathon’s passion of running to run toward the one who loves us more than we can imagine. I look at it as a child being lost and then being found like the prodigal some spoken of in scripture. The father running with love toward the some. Our heavenly father is forever running to us, and if we will just turn toward Him…of course it is easier to say than to do.

Or for animal loves, tears come to my eyes as soldiers are reunited with their canine loves upon their return from service. They RUN to each other with love overflowing.

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That really is what God wants from us…to run to Him with His overflowing love for us. Scripture talks about running the race of life and to run it with Christ as our goal, while in fact He is running beside us to make sure we finish with Him.

So when you see runners cheer them own and remember to run your own race to God. He never said it would be easy but it did say it would be worth it.

And while you are running, remember to reflect the love he is showing you and share it with for other to see His love.

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National Dog Day, Frisky Business

Judy of lifelessons wrote an awesome poem celebrating our canine counterparts for this National Dog Day. They are without a doubt part of our family as we take pictures of them all the time and post them to bring laughter not only to us but to others. We tell their stories, write poetry about them and even a few songs show the ability for them not only to steal our supper but also our hearts. Below are Mimi and Max. Max is the basset.

Max n Mimi 2 (2) — How can you not laugh at their patience of “NOT BEGGING” for people food.

While these two are my and my daughter’s current household loves, below are well remembered loves of past that I thought I would share.

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This is Junior, aka Dittims. 185 pounds of the most gentle dog I have ever had. If you can ever adjust to the size of this breed, they are awesome. He is the main character in the book I have written, due out soon.

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Nope this is not Mimi. This is Baby Ruth. She was my heart throb for 16 years. Still miss her. Yes this is a favorite breed. Our other favorite breed is below, bassets.

In all fairness, Muffin, the tan one in the first picture is half basset and half beagle. Ruby, the middle picture was one of the first dogs from my early adult years and Sam(Samantha) actually belong to my mom when I was a teenager…but she loved me best.

Yes, our canines are our 4 legged children who love us unconditionally and only want to be loved by us. May we always be deserving of the love. In watching NATGEO special on the white wolves of the Arctic this week proves that all creatures just want to be loved. So lets remember that as we go day to day to show love where we can and kindness always.

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Frisky Business: Animal Mischief

From Pauper to Prince

Fairy tales are noted for taking those humble well meaning people with no visible riches and taking their story up a notch to give them the visible riches that matches their gifts of love they give to those around them, as in Cinderella.

But sometimes riches come to people unexpectedly, like the lottery, and because they have never had them, they don’t know what to do with them, and they waste them on un-needed items, then the riches are gone. Putting them back into worse conditions than before.

But today’s story is a follow up on a previous post of God’s guiding light to shine not only on a bedraggled mutt that was dirty beyond belief and covered in fleas to a now happy home, fully loved by two people, which also gives these people a much needed purpose in care for others. If you don’t know the story, this pup was found in the middle of the road by the church and a neighbor brought it inside to hopefully find its home. People, like dogs, sometimes lose our way as well in hopes of a kind neighbor to rescue us. We all need to be loved and we all need to be able to love. It is how God has programmed us – Love one another as I have loved you. And I think that goes for all of His creation. He created it in love, asked us to take care of it in love therefore we must love.

The last time I talked to his new mom, they still had not settled on a name but that doesn’t really matter, when ever she gets up, so does the new little prince. He follows her everywhere and sleeps in his own cushioned bed next to theirs. If you have ever had anything to do with a rescued dog, you will know that they fully understand they have been rescued and are forever grateful shadowing the new mom/dad with love and honor. See below the pictures from bedraggled pauper and the new little prince.

Remember, God looks at us the very same way. He created us all and loves us all and when we get lost from his care, he rejoices when we return and covers us in his love. Never forget that your heavenly father is a king, therefore you are a prince or princess, so stay fast in his love and show other the kindness he has lavished on you – even when it feels like no kindness may be falling on you at the moment. Let your kindness shine through the storm.

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Are They People or Animal?

Max n Mimi 2 — Are they people or animal

With some this can be a tough question. They look like animals, smell like animals but some of their actions make us questions people or animal? So lets compare a few instances?

1- Only people can snore right? So then who in my house snores the loudest, Mimi or Max or the two legged people?

Both of these are snorers…and log sawing loud.

2-How about getting or never gets treats and having to settle for being under the table?

3-Or maybe the sleeping arrangements will help us decide?

And I know in some instances, some “animals” are smarter than some people? I don’t have pictures of that but you know its true.

Our dogs are our family. We love enjoy them, spoil them, laugh at them and miss them terribly when they are gone. So my answer to the title question is YES.

But most of all they are family. And like family they can get aggravating when the steal most of the bed, stand on the back of the sofa to guard us from the mail, UPS or the occasional plastic bag that the wind carries through the yard. Or when they beg mercifully for food they have no business eating but like us, know its pretty tasty and let us not forget the free fumigation we get from them when they do eat things they have no business eating…like people.

Our four legged family members are precious and a gift from God. If you look closely enough you can see the gifts God gives them to give to us, like unconditional love or the ability to sit next to you when you are sad and lift your spirits with a gently nudge or sloppy kiss. And they are always there for you. They know no meanness…unless they have been taught it and sadly that does happen.

But I remind you today to give your pet some extra kindness. Let them know you love them almost as much as they love you for their love has extra power from above and that is hard to match. And as you receive that love given from your 4 legged friend, remember to share it with others and spread God’s love and kindness where ever you go.

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Our 4 Legged Children Vs. Emotions

You know that look you see …or give when someone says something really…outlandish, (didn’t want to say stupid, oops, said it anyway).

The animal version…

This is the look I give people when they say animals don’t display love, kindness, naughtiness or other “thought of only as human” emotions. Below are a few of my favorite pictures that I repost from time to time as they are precious or hilarious and show a wide range of emotions.

As with all people, all animals are creations of God. God created the ability for emotions. Therefore… ‘Nuff said. But my fun post on this dreary rainy afternoon deals only with one animal in particular…Mimi. For those who may not know Mimi, she is my black and tan coonhound/black lab mix of a best friend. She was a rescue so she is very protective…and loud. When she sees the very idea of someone walking down the sidewalk, it is a high pitched reverberating noise from living room window, running through to bedroom windows then back to living room where I get this look…

IMG_20181210_104817 — Are you seeing this???

I assure her I see it and all is well. You can literally hear her sigh as gives up and comes back to the sofa until someone else breaks “her” rule of walking on “her” sidewalk.

But today it is raining and while she is welcome to go out at her leisure, she looks back at me when on the stoop and comes back inside. Heaven forbid our feet getting wet unless it is absolutely necessary for business. So now we look for ways to entertain ourselves. The rope is no fun, the sick is boring, the chicken bone is not right either. Lets see, oh look, mommy left her hair clip on the end table and left me to go wash clothes downstairs.

A lot of her shenanigans come from boredom or not getting the attention when others are in the room. Jealousy, just a human emotion?? When I came back upstairs, this is what I found.

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I pick it up and say nothing but show it to her. This is the look I got and of course the hiding pace where no one can see her. Dead give away that she knows she did wrong.

I had another dog that thought the dining room table was a good hiding place. Guess she knows she is too big to get under the bed. Knowing right from wrong only a human emotion??

Do they take clues from us in guessing right and wrong, yes, but I think it is already there, just like children. If you don’t keep it in check, it gets out of control. But the majority of the time they are just loves, providing that they are allowed to share their love for us. They love us, they need us, they want us to know they are always there for us. And they want the same from us.

So look at your family pets with a different perspective in knowing they need you as much as they want you to want them. Share in their love and kindness and watch them smile at you when you do.

And remember to share the kindness with others…people and critters. Kindness is a reflection of God’s love so share it often.

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Funny Dog Memes

Bordering on the humorous to the ridiculous I submit the silliness of my dog’s favorite sleep position. She has 2 speeds…on guard or sleep and sleep is definitely more interesting.

She truly is a mistreated animal. Hmmm. She is currently pacing as she knows something is up. It’s Friday night, and Friday night is eat out night. They are not going anywhere but mom still has on her shoes. Something is definitely up. So she waits and watches.

In about 10 minutes, as we just got the notice that the food delivery is on it way, there will be total chaos and loud barking as a stranger has pulled in front of the house. We run from window to window telling the world “Danger Danger!!”

Then when the food gets inside the reality of “Food – whats for me, can I have some, can I can I can I.” So goes the life of living with a dog. A life I would be miserable without. There is just something special of sharing your home with fur babies. Even with the mishaps that inevitably go with it. The joy they bring far out weight the mishaps.

So I remind you as with all of my post to be kind. But this time I lean it toward out fur babies. Without their devotion to us, we would not have that extra dose of love handed to us with no questions asked.

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Pets = Stress Relief…at my house

I saw this definition on adogslove.com and thought it very appropriate for my house and a good source of my stress relief.

“Canine Paralysis – The condition of a person’s inability to move due to a dog being in their lap.”

rough 1 — Partial paralysis – only holding down left leg under plaid blanket

sofa — Full on ‘You ain’t going nowhere’ paralysis

They make us laugh, cuddly us when we are sad, sit with us when we are quiet and understand us better than anyone else. There is just something special that our pets do for us, whether is be a dog or a cat. For me, I prefer dogs, they seem to be more in tune with what I need.

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I found several pictures on Pinterest that I have saved as they touch my heart strings and I thought I would share. Its Friday, after a cold icy week, and we all need some warmth. And even if it is not icy where you are, puppy love is always a comforting warmth.

I don’t go to shelters when its time for a new love without abundant support as I would bring them all home.

And one last one…

I could post picture after picture after picture but I think you get the idea and my love for dogs. And if a dog can be that devoted to its person, think how much more God is devoted to you. Both are His creations and both deserve abundant love…as God gives. So I remind you to carry the devoted love of a dog to those strangers you meet on a daily basis and be kind.

Music to My Ears, #SoCS

Music is a form of expression that we all hear differently and march to using a genera that satisfies our very soul. What can sound like a soothing sound for some is a screeching sound to other. To some the beauty and technical prowess of the opera far out reaches other forms and is their genera of choice.

But other enjoy a more loud and instrumental form of music like you find in the rock bands.

Then of course you can not leave out the country genera story telling aspect of music.

But to me I find music in all of life. It can be found in the whispering pines as the winds blows softly through the needles heading to destinations unknown.

How about the sound of a babbling brook as it moves through the forest heading to the nearest river

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Then there are those of us who love our talented pet friends who entertain us and makes us laugh.

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But my favorite music forms of all times is the music you hear in the laughter of a child. Not much else is quiet as rich or fills the soul quiet as full.

But regardless of the genera of music makes you heart sing, listen to it intently. Breathe it in and let it fill your soul. And teach others about you favorite. You may never know how many of us share the same types that enrich our lives and make us smile.

And I remind you at the very special time of year the music of kindness. It too can bring a peace to your soul. Share it wide and far.

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I tie in with Linda G Hill on her Saturday fun of #SoCS. Come join in on the fun.

For the Love of Mimi…Really?

Our fur babies really get under our skin and strike our heart strings but sometimes I wonder if they do things just to annoy us. We all know how smart they are and that they think they are the boss…sometimes they are.

IMG_20181127_100749 — How appropriate sometimes

I saw this on Face Book and thought it was very true at times. It can be annoying…or am I the only one with this problem. Let’s do today’s example.

Due to training as a puppy and other situations at the time we had a water bowl located in 2 areas – there was three but enough already. One with her food station, by the kitchen and one in the bathroom. I tried to eliminate the one in the bathroom but gave up due to all the back talk I got.

IMG_20181101_153502 — I have never had a verbally complaining dog before this one.

She will sit there “back talking” until she is satisfied that I have done what she wants done. I am really not that much of a pushover, she is that demanding. Yes, she is spoiled and likes the fact that I am retired now and can be at every whim of her desire. Today, her water bowl in the bath was very low – not empty- but lower than she wanted so she brought it to the living room to show me it was low, spilling the remainder of the contents as she placed it in my view.

This is her ice chest to keep her off of the window where the sill needs repainting. Since my current ability to get around is hindered for a few more weeks, I was not fast enough for her. Oh, and she had to walk by her feeding station to get the now empty bowl to the window and that bowl has plenty of water in it.

IMG_20181127_105443 — Not the bowl she wanted to drink from.

So we made sure all bowls were full and in their correct places. Mimi. She can be a butt sometimes but I do still love her. Anybody else got a dog that controls the house?

In closing remember to be kind, it still amazes me how animals fully understand inter-specie kindness and love. Kindness is a gift from God to all of creation.

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November Thankful Challenge, Week 4

I did not get this posted yesterday so I am a day late for week 4. The month of November is where we focus on things we are thankful for so I am posting this weekly during the month to share all that I am thankful for. Some overlap a bit but thankfulness has a way of doing that because life overlaps in many ways as it should. If you didn’t see the others and would like to, they are listed here; week 1, week 2, week 3.

Nov 19 – I am thankful the Lord has given me yet another day. Hopefully I use each day as the gift it is.

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Nov 20 – I am thankful that although the pain in my foot is minor as I recover from surgery, at least I still have a foot that is healing nicely. Now both are done.

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Nov 21 – I am so thankful for God’s light that shines on all of us and for the many artist that use their talents to remind us and lift us when we need that lift.

Nov 22 – I am thankful for what this day remind us of and for the love of family and friends that surrounds at this time. Also for the many memories of this day, the “Wow” moments and the “Oh, Really” moments.

Nov 23 – I am so very thankful that I do not have the shopping bug so that I do not have to get out in the madness of Black Friday.

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Nov 24 – I am thankful for the fun I have with college football and super excited that my team won and is headed to the conference championship, Go Dawgs!

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Nov 25 – I am thankful for all the blessing I have received and the ability to enjoy sitting on the couch watching the birds eat as much as they can before the snow gets too thick on the feeders. Then of course it did.

Nov 26 – I am so thankful that I have a daughter that is taking care of me as I heal and that she took care of all the snow removal since I am still on the knee walker from surgery. Don’t think it would do well in 13″ of snow.

And remember as always, especially when times, weather and situations get trying, be kind. It can be the greatest gift you could give.

kind 10 — Friendship and kindness and healing tools