We're Expanding the Family!!

No, it's not what you might think (hey, it IS April Fools:-).  After much thought, the Hubby and i have  decided to add a new lab puppy to our family.  We've gone and picked him put of the cutest (aren't they all) litter of 6.  The Mom & Dad Lab belong to friends of ours, so we know he comes from good stock and they're getting lots of TLC right now.  We still have to wait a few more weeks, until they're ready, so I thought we'd share a little about the pets we've had through the years.

Ginger was our first dog.  She joined us, right after we bought our first house (around 1995).  After all, if you've got a great fenced in corner yard, what better way to fill it up, than with a dog.  Ginger was a 2-3 year old beagle-lab mix.  Originally, Ginger was rescued by another couple, who then decided to place her in a new home, when they found out a baby was on the way.  Their loss was our hairy gain.  Other than shedding faster than a dandelion in a wind storm, Ginger was grant dog.  She had mothering instincts that served us ver well when our later puppies came along.  I nicknamed her "Velcro" as she walked in almost direct sidestep to one of us, usually Robert.  We had Ginger until 2009 - 14+ years.  She lived to the ripe old age of 16-17 before going to Rainbow bridge.

Jake was dog #2 and our first puppy.  He came along in 1998.  Hey, we had handled a full grown dog, so surely a 12-lb. puppy can't be THAT much trouble :-).  Jake was a close-to-full blooded Black Lab, and the largest in a litter of 9-10 boys.  Both his parents were of 100 lbs. and true to form...Jake would up around 125.  A ginormous, kingsize black lab with the soul of a couch potato and the heart of your best buddy.

Next edition...the Beagles :-)

We're Off to See the Wizard...

I've been looking forward to the new "OZ" movie that opened this weekend, soon. On a recent trip to Walt Disney World (who owns the film), promos for the movie were EVERYWHERE.  Print ads, commercials, you name it. There's even an Oz section that's been added to EPCOT, as part of this year's Flower & Garden show.  It includes a playground, glass flowers, places for picture taking, you name it.

Yep, I grew up watching  the classic "Wizard of Oz" movie annual airings on CBS.  This was back when there was such a thing as "appointment TV".  Have to admit, the winged monkeys always scared the pants off me, but I still loved the movie. My favorite bit of OZ trivia: Buddy Ebsen was the original Tin Woodman, but had to drop out after an allergic reaction to the makeup cause an almost-fatal allergic reaction.

I later read the "Wizard of Oz" book in elementary school and loved it...but have to admit at the time, I was slightly confused.  The book had LOTS more details and scenes not in the movie.  By my way of thinking it must have been there in the original (1930s) theater showing, and then cut out to make room for the commercials:-).  The new movie looks to have some of those plot elements and characters.  What it has done..is also made me want to go back and re-read "the Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Before Harry Potter...there was another wizard whose story charmed readers (and who also had a smart girl to help him out of a jam - even if the "jam" was getting back to Omaha.

Reminders of Grace

Last month, my childhood pediatrician (is that an oxymoron?) passed away.  Dr. Sizemore was one of those "old-school" doctors, who practiced medicne and was so much more than today's "health care provider".  Our families were members of the same church when I was growing up, so we got to know the Dr and his family as outside the confines of the office, as good, caring people with a love of family, faith and a calling to serve the children of our community.

Ironically, I  found out about his death, on the same day I learned two co-workers were facing the imminent loss of a child, both due to illnesses.  Almost 40 years ago, it was my parents who were in the same place as my CW's.  You see, I had to go through a serious illness, where the outcome wasn't a given.  And yes, it was Dr. Sizemore, who played a big role in my recovery and being a friend and comfort to Moms & Dad.

Just like its easy to ask "why me?" when we face tough times, we sometimes ask the same thing when we've been given a blessing.  When we've done nothing to deserve that blessing, it's a reminder of grace.  The word "grace" has several definitions, but for believers, it's often thought of as 'unmerited favor'' aka something that God gives us or does for us that we didn't earn by our actions. 

There are times when good things happen because of something we've done: the promotion that's long overdue, the dream vacation we've long saved for.  Other times, theres no rhyme or reason for the good that comes our way.  In those times, we should simply just be thankful and not feel guilty for appreciating the blessings. "Grace" is also synonymous for Thanks (as in saying grace/blessings before a meal - even if it is the old standard "God is good, God is great, let us thank Him for this food")

In Ephesians 3, Paul says "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me...His intent was that now...the manifold wisdom of God should be made known...In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

I Know Whom I Have Believed (Daniel W. Whittle/Public Domain)

1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace To me He hath made known, Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love Redeemed me for His own.
2. 
   
3. Refrain:
4. But “I know Whom I have believed, And am persuaded that He is able; To keep that which I’ve committed, Unto Him against that day.”
5. I know not how this saving faith To me He did impart, Nor how believing in His Word, Wrought peace within my heart.
6. I know not what of good or ill May be reserved for me, Of weary ways or golden days, Before His face I see.
7. 
   

A Story to Tell...

"There are times I wish my story wasn't mine...but it is mine to tell" MaryBeth Chapman.  

I heard this tonight from MaryBeth Chapman, wife of Grammy & Dove award winning CCM singer, Steven Curtis Chapman.  The Chapmans were part of an event in Connecticut, along with other Christian singers/speakers to minister to folks in the Newtown area.  

For those not familiar with the Chapman's story: In May 2008, their youngest (5 yrs old) daughter was killed when she ran in front of a car driven by her then-teenaged brother.  The accident took place in the driveway of the family farm/home.  

Both MB and Stephen expressed with her words and his music that even with the passage of time, they would love more than anything if they & their family had not suffered the loss they did.  That this event, which will always be part of 'their story'  just simply had not occurred.  

The other part of their message is that  even when life gives us those trials that we cannot change or "make it all better", we can get through it.  Our faith is still there beside us, even when we wish things were different.  We may can, at some point in the future minister to someone who may be experiencing a similar loss/challenge.  

What I took from Marybeth's remarks were that it's absolutely normal and OK to wish our circumstances were different.  There are times where maybe we won't "count it all joy", but we can heal.   My 'story' is uniquely mine and and each chapter brings us  lessons we may not be aware we need.  Some lessons can be shared...others will be for our own "private tutoring" 

The song I was reminded of was "I Love to Tell the Story". I'm not into 'tract evangilism", I just hope simply to be a witness as I go about my daily activities.   If you want to hear more of my 'story'...all you have to do is ask.  

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.  I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true.  It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.

1. • Refrain:
     I love to tell the story,
     ’Twill be my theme in glory,
     To tell the old, old story
     Of Jesus and His love.
2. I love to tell the story, ’tis pleasant to repeat, What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet; I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
   The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.  Arabella Hankey/Public Domain
3.