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Assurance - Promise, Celebrations, Christian Living, Giving Thanks, Uncategorized

Many – A Little Bits

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Thank you to many friends who through various social medias have sent us heart warming condolences.  We appreciate you so much! We are comforted. Jerry’s request is for composure as he returns to the office today. Walking from the back door to the car door was not without tears for the both of us this morning.

Susie was special. She is still teaching us even now.

Yesterday we said Life is Fragile. If you missed the post click HERE. And it is. And none of us get out of this life unscathed by grief. And when grief comes it brings gifts. Gifts of memories, reflections and encouragement. It encourages us to seize opportunities to be a little kinder. A little more thoughtful. And slow down just a little bit more. There were a few times, not many, but still too many, that I rushed past Susie either to get to the truck or in the house without saying hello to her and giving her a pat on the head.

She was so smart. Outspoken. She knew what she wanted and she was not shy in asking. Why do I say that? Glad you asked. You see weekends were often outside work days for Jerry. Susie watched from the backyard. Often I’d step outside to lend a hand or watch too; and when I did Susie would notice. She’d wait a moment or two and then she would bark, looking square at me. That was her outspoken request. Come pat me. And I would. And she’d be satisfied. And I was blessed to be so loved by such a smart and loving creation.

Oh to be like Susie. To know our own needs and desires. To make them know to our MASTER and be content with what HE gives. And to know HE was blessed by His smart and loving creation.

Philippians 4:6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

via Phil 4:6 NASB – Be anxious for nothing, but in – Bible Gateway.

Regrets? Yes. But refusing guilt. And embracing good memories, reflections, and encouragement.

Perhaps there is a friend, canine or human, that you might not rush pass today. Perhaps there is a need to lay before our DADDY GOD and when HE responds, be content.

Joy to you,

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Life Is Fragile

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Today my beloved and I are painfully aware again that life is fragile.  In a moment life is swallowed up and there’s an empty space. This time it’s in the backyard.

Susie.

We miss her. The backyard is bare without her. She was an exceptionally good companion.  Playful. Excitable. Obedient most of the time. Non-malicious all the time.  Unconditional love. That’s what she gave us. A yellow lab named Susie, her little heart so big with love went quiet today and our hearts are more than sad. As we gave her a resting place of honor in the side yard we thanked her and her Creator for the memories.

9 The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.

via Psalm 145 NIV – Psalm 145 – A psalm of praise. Of – Bible Gateway.

Susie

We miss you, Susie.

Thank You, Father, for creating companions that teach us about You.

Joy to you,

Guests

You(s) Too?

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I am eager to get to my James study for today before my local world finds that I am awake. :)   So I am borrowing this morning to wish you a quick good morning. This comes from my YouVersion devotion for today.

CONDITIONS

Richard Wurmbrand tells of the joy believers knew while confined in Nazi prison camps. Although many were cursing their lot, hating their captors, and plotting revenge, believers were serving their Christ faithfully, sincerely, and with great joy. Both the believer and unbeliever were subjected to the same conditions. However, one reacted as a saint while the other reacted as a sinner.

Viktor Frankl reminds us that true happiness in life depends not on conditions but on decisions. If our hearts are firmly turned toward Christ then we can and will joyfully worship Him–in good times and bad. This seems to be the essence of Psalm 148. Wherever we are, with whatever we have, we should still praise the Lord.

When our praise is based on God’s goodness, rather than the conditions of our lives, then we have reached the state of true faith. No matter what the conditions, we will remain true. Like Paul, we learn both to be abased and to abound. Circumstances do not dictate our happiness–that is a result of a living relationship with Christ. And when He is in our hearts, we cannot help but sing–whether it be from the mountaintop or from the cellar.

11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

via Philippians 4 NASB – Think of Excellence – Therefore, my – Bible Gateway.

We (HE and I) are still working on this and no doubt we (HE and I) shall be till I see HIS face.

You(s) too?

Psalm 146 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

1 Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 I will praise the Lord while I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

via Ps 146 NASB – The LORD an Abundant Helper. – Praise – Bible Gateway.

(emphasis mine – I will)

May the emphasis be my experience and yours too.

Joy to you,