Life Lessons from a Naughty Dog

...and her family...who's always awaiting her next adventure!

trust...

Sun worshipping season is upon us, and for the first time in many years I have been able to claim my chair without a fight. Naughty always got first pick of the chairs we would use to sit on the deck. And, if by chance, my Ma or a niece, or a friend were here to visit--she still claimed her sun worshipping throne, and they simply had to accept what spots were left! If not, the howling wouldn't cease until her throne was relented. And don't even consider sharing a seat with her---that was inconceivable.

It has been a while and things here on her page have been pretty quiet, other than the shares encouraging others to check out a few of our local rescues.(Adopt! Don't shop!!!) Behind the quiet, is the reason for the quiet. I have been "fighting the fight" and trying to "keep on keeping on". The RA flare I shared a while back has been pretty relentless in leaving and the whacky weather has not helped at all. I find the more I fight, the more tired I get, and the harder it is to keep my perspective--to keep my eyes and heart where they need to be. Through this latest bout, I have found myself clinging to God's Word, and trying to sit in the quiet and listen to what He has to say. He also showed me how stale my prayer life had become, and, as always, God was and is teaching me. He always shows more of Himself through our struggles and--the uncomfortable part--He exposes where we may need some work. For that, I am grateful. Three words have continued to echo in my mind: "TRUST". "JOY". "REST".

Through our trails, we can grow weary. Tired. Satan casts doubt. Sometimes we listen. Fear comes. Are we doing the right thing? What if? Are we making the right decisions? We can easily fall into dark places…we withdrawal. Suggestions and comments are made from well-meaning people, but only cast more doubt, or cause more frustration. And then, in the middle of all of it, a small voice says, "DO YOU TRUST ME?"

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight." --Proverbs 3:5-6

This verse is probably one of the first verses a new Christian memorizes. I think, many times we scan over these words, or quickly recite them, but so easily overlook the meaning and depth behind them---I know I have, until recently, when I heard them recited from the pulpit, by a dear friend and Elder. To hear him recite those words, it was like the first time I had ever heard them. It wasn't---for sure--but hearing them, that day, at that point in wherever I was--they pierced my heart.

Not with part of your heart, Shannon, or "you can have this part Lord, I'll hang on to the rest"--ALL of your heart. There is something so freeing in laying whatever it is at His feet. Giving it all to Him and trusting His plan is so much better than anything I can fathom.

"Not on my own understanding"--it isn't about me or how I think I can figure it all out. It isn't about my plans or my ways. It's all about HIS. He is God. He knows so much more than our little brains can fathom!

"Acknowledge him"--not with just a quick drive by on Sunday morning. Earnestly look for Him, sit in the quiet and listen for Him--then, acknowledge Him in the areas He is working--the places He shows up every day! (Even in the small stuff!)

"He will make my path straight"---Straight paths are so much easier to navigate!!!

I know my battles, my struggles, my thorns, my heartaches…I don't know yours. But take comfort in knowing God, our Creator, does, and trust Him.

"He performs wonder that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." --Job 5:9