Understanding real courage

 

Lucy is chill!

Our dog, Lucy, is very relaxed, very chill. Sometimes she looks at our other dog, Finley, who is full of vigor, liveliness and mischief, and you can tell Lucy is thinking, “Settle down. You are expending way too much energy. If you keep this up, the humans are going to expect us to start doing tricks or chase after sticks that they throw in the back yard. Kick back and have some herbal tea.”

Lucy has a goal of getting 19-20 hours of sleep each day. The remaining hours are dedicated to rest and relaxation.

Lucy started to ask me not to write this post because she is concerned that people will think she is lazy and lacking in ambition, but she stopped to lie down for a few moments before fully expressing her thoughts and was never able to complete her request.

We can get along with people who are different than us

 

Say “Yes” to God

 

Making an effort to use our words wisely

Check it out!!!

How to recognize when deception is happening

 

My backyard or the beach? ...Hmm!

I was thinking today about being at a beach; a warm tropical beach, not a cold one. To be clear, I am not at a beach, I’m in my backyard watching Lucy and Finley roll around in the grass. It’s nice but it’s not the same. It’s quite a bit colder and wearing my swimsuit seems to have been a slightly awkward choice.

I’m pretty sure God’s favorite place is a tropical beach. I can’t find a Bible verse to establish this idea as true it just seems to me that it is a self-evident truth like, for instance, the widely accepted self-evident truth that chocolate is the most nutritious vegetable.

Anyhow, the important point to keep in mind is this: a warm tropical beach is slightly better than my backyard.

 

Lord, please! Send anyone else! – Full message

 

If we will be obedient, God will handle the outcome

 

Finley loves to eat!

Finley loves to eat. In fact, she desires food more than any other dog. More than any other dog on planet earth. Scientists have verified this fact. And they were wearing lab coats so you know it’s official.

When Finley doesn’t have food. She wants food.

When Finley does have food. She wants more food.

When Finley gets more food. She is finally satisfied.

Ha! Just kidding. She is never satisfied. She always wants more food.

If any food in our house is left in a place that Finley might possibly be able to access…she finds it and she gets it.

If any food in our neighbor’s house is left in a place that Finley might possibly be able to access…she finds it and she gets it.

The neighbors have gotten much better about locking their doors.

There is never dull moment with Finley.

 

Rachel's new form of Pilates

Rachel has invented a new form of Pilates. It is much simpler than the other forms.

It works like this:

Lie very still on the floor, being sure to maintain an atmosphere of total quiet.

Take several deep breaths, inhaling through the nostrils and exhaling through the bottoms of the feet.

At some point sleep comes to the practitioner.

When the slumber has ended and the practitioner awakens, get up off the floor and enjoy a chocolate shake as a post-workout recovery drink.

Do not share the shake with others who may be standing nearby even if they say, “Wow, that shake looks really good. I wouldn’t mind having a taste.”

Repeat the process 3-4 days a week—while watching videos of people lifting weights—for optimal results.

 

We have an advocate

An “advocate” is: “One who pleads the cause of another.” [Merriam-Webster]

If you actually had an advocate, it would be a wonderful benefit. Your advocate would offer support, counsel and help. Your advocate would be your defender.

So hang on, because what follows is some terrific news from God’s word:

“…[W]e have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” 1 John 2:1