FRIDAY FUN DOG FACT
Your pet pooch may get jealous, but researchers found those puppy dog eyes are not a sign of guilt. In fact they are just the way we interpret a dog’s reaction to being scolded.
Alexandra Horowitz, from Barnard College in New York found all dogs looked ‘guilty’ after being told off for eating a forbidden treat like a biscuit – and those who were wrongly accused often looked more ‘guilty’ than those who really deserved to be in the dog house.
“The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” I John 2:6 NASB
Henri Vibert, the author of All About Dogs, wrote, “I never can quite get away from the habit of slipping into a dog’s skin and trying to see the thing as a dog sees it.” I think I have done the same thing on many occasions in an effort to better understand what Famous is experiencing, to try to interpret what he is trying to tell me, and to enhance my own experience in this world.
Fortunately, I am the one usually trying to communicate with Famous. But when he is trying to tell me something, I have to forget myself for a moment and try to see things as he does. This is easy if he is standing in the kitchen barking at his bowl. He is hungry. Barking at the door means he has a reason to get outside. And there are other times when I have to take the time to work a little harder to figure him out.
Christ is not ambiguous in his example for us to follow. We should follow his perfect example showing us how to live our lives in honor to God. This will bring new awareness of his perfect plan for our lives in this world and the reward of the harmony of living in his power, love, and grace.
Remake me in Your perfect image, O God.
“I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News.” Galatians 1:6 NLT
I was awake enough to be prepared — prepared for a quick start out the door this morning! I noticed Famous was fixed on the door, just waiting for it to open. And as soon as it did, he was off, bounding down the steps and after the squirrel that only he had spied. Realizing I only had a second or two to react, I braced myself from being pulled over the brick steps to the concrete sidewalk. Once we were settled we proceeded with the morning walk, and I was thankful I had not taken an early morning tumble.
We all love surprises for the most part. We like for our lives to be improved, but we should not be surprised that our Lord, God, wants the best for us. But we must also be on guard for powers that would seek to pull us away from God. There are people in positions of authority, both in political and religious circles, who would seek to deceive the followers of Christ for their own gain. Do not be surprised, but do be diligent in understanding God’s Word and the truth it contains!
Show me how to deal with the surprises, both good and bad, which lie before me today.
We have a new “grand-dog” staying with his master’s parents. He is a young schnauzer, and he is a perfect gentleman. I am continuously proud that Famous greets other dogs in a civil manner. He remains calm unless provoked. Then he will protect himself without attacking a more aggressive dog.
Let the joy of my heart be evident in my walk today.
It’s pink. It’s loud. And he was proud! Famous was very fond of the rubber pink doggie bone that he received today. It was meant to be an enticement for him to enjoy his new doggie pool. He only stayed in the pool long enough to retrieve his new toy, but then he wanted to carry it through the neighborhood on our next walk to show it to everyone. He would only put it down for a second before carrying it off with his head held high. He kept it with him the rest of the day even when he fell asleep. We will see if it replaces any of his furry pet toy friends.
In my walk today, let me be bold to say I belong to Christ.
JUST A HEAD’S UP
Every time
Man
Forces one dog
To fight another dog
God
Moves one step closer
To handing the world over to the roaches
Francesco Marciuliano
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 NLT
Please don’t be sad! After getting to spend a whole day with Famous, I know the look he gives to me when the next day arrives and he sees me preparing to leave in the morning. Today just happened to be a church day, and I know he can no longer distinguish the difference between “work” and “church” when I tell him where I am going. It does not matter. The dress tie means the same thing: “You’re leaving me again.”
Yes, I am leaving you. But you should be glad. You should know the things I do help us to have shelter and food and those treats you like. But I also know I will miss you, and we will both be very glad when I return. And because it is a Sunday, I will be able to return sooner than on most days.
Many things in life may worry us. They can “bring us down” to the point it starts to be difficult to enjoy the gifts of the day. But this is the great grace of God: He has taken all of our griefs and sorrows upon himself. He has painted a bigger picture for us to see. Our broken hearts and spirits are not ignored by God. However, they are insignificant when we consider an eternity with our Lord.
Be glad and light of heart.
“The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.” Psalm 121:5 NLT
Long shadows when Famous and I take summer walks are a sign we are missing the heat of the day. Even on days with predicted highs in the 90’s, we can find strolls at sunrise and sunset to be pleasant. Even if the sun were high, Famous would know to head for the shady areas. And should he become distracted by tantalizing scents in the grass, I would know to stand and allow my shadow to keep the sun’s rays off of his dark coat.
Do you think that God dismisses us when we are not paying attention to his work each day? Do you think He waits remotely for us to summon him like a genie from a bottle? No! He is actively watching and loving us, providing protection of which we may never be aware. He knows the dangers around us better than we do, and He can give and take life as He pleases. Seeking his presence each day not only assures us of his protection, but it also equips us to be bold in accomplishing his mission.
Protect me with Your shadow throughout this day, O God!
FRIDAY FUN DOG FACT
Dogs can fall in love. They don’t call it puppy love for nothing. The concept that dogs can fall in love was suggested by anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Social Lives of Dogs, who believed two dogs named Sundog and Bean were agonized star-crossed lovers kept apart because neither of their owners wanted to give them up.
It may sound far fetched but Paul Zak, a professor at Claremont Graduate University in California, found that a dog’s brain releases oxytocin – the love hormone – when it interacts with humans and dogs, just the same as a human brain does when we hug or kiss.
“If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
(Attributed to President Harry Truman)
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