“May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.”  Psalm 20:4  NLT

It is said dogs are happier than people because the simplest things are the greatest things to them. Even so, I cannot always make Famous “happy” because I have to leave him behind often. He seems disappointed when he is left at home. But every time I leave, I have the opportunity and the pleasure to return and grant all of his wishes.

I believe there is a lesson here. Life can seem pretty complicated, and trying to figure it out can take more than a lifetime. But Famous has already figured it out! Life is knowing that happiness is being in the presence of love. And as impossible as it is for us to comprehend the nature of God, we can understand that the essence of God is love itself. The only thing which should concern us is how we can approach and remain in God’s presence.

“Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord to Thy precious, bleeding side.”

“On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and impurity.”  Zechariah 13:1  NLT

A garden hose can be very handy when you have been out with a dirty dog. Famous does not mind silt, sand, or mud, as long as he is out having a good time. But I know I will not have such a good time if all the muck gets tracked into the house. So with one hand on the hose and the other on his leash, I can usually help him to wash out most of what his coat has picked up in the great outdoors.

A kind Creator would also offer a way for us to be cleansed from an impure world. We now understand this was the fountain of Christ, given to wash us white as snow. As his provider, I have to observe that Famous is unclean and then make the decision to wash him with the hose. But we have to admit ourselves that we have sinned and are in need of the fountain of Christ.

Father, forgive my impurity and lead me to Your cleansing fountain.

“I know, LORD, that a person’s life is not his own. No one is able to plan his own course.”  Jeremiah 10:23  NLT

Could Famous have had any influence on where he would live and how he would spend his days? Of course, he had that adorable puppy face which helped me to select him, and I will at times give him the option of choosing which path to take. But he did not have much say so in my upbringing, education, career, or bank account. All of these things had a role in bringing us together and determining how he lives now.

Many of us would like to take credit for our successes and blame the government and anyone else but ourselves for our failures. But even though I believe our work, effort, and choices have consequences, I believe God directs the events that befall us. When I look back on my journey, I can see many pivotal moments that I did not predict but were perfectly orchestrated. I have been made privy to discussions that determined some of my achievements of which I had no control. And yet, there has been a beautiful flow of my life that carries me through the days and years.

So whether I chose Famous, he chose me, or God brought us together, there is an energy that propels me to make the most of it. And I believe that God will gently guide us.

Help me to live this day, Lord, seeking Your leading so that Your will shall be fulfilled.

” Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake.”  Isaiah 55:3a  NLT

Pets use the tones of our voices as much as they do the phrases we say to determine what they are supposed to do. I can use the word “outside” in fairly simple discourse, and Famous might raise an eyebrow. But when he hears the same word posed to him in a question with the inflection on the last word in the phrase, “Do you want to go outside?”, he looks up with tail wagging looking to see if I am heading for the door.

But he knows to listen for a special sound when we are outside if he should trot off just out of sight. If I need him to return, I simply whistle by placing my tongue behind my front teeth as though I were hailing a cab. This is the only time I ever make this noise, and he knows he needs to come back to me when he hears it.

It could be one day that this trick could save him from danger. Yet, Isaiah reminds us that our very souls are at stake if we ignore God’s voice. His is the distinct, unique call that rises above the din of life and can save us from eternal hell.

Tune my heart, O God, to hear You whenever You call. 

“Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”  James 4:8a  NLT

Each day holds a different dance for Famous and me. By that, I mean our steps to and away from each other vary even though we will retrace similar patterns. For example, each morning and afternoon you will see us walking up and down our street. But there are the familiar back rubs while I am sitting down or his approach following dinner signaling my turn  to reward him with a treat. The variations where he surprises me and jumps in my lap or lays on my feet give me the most joy.

We have a daily dance with God. There are days when we draw close for hours at a time. But most days there are but fleeting moments when we are actively seeking God. And I imagine God delights in all of these times, but especially the ones that are fresh and new.

God, You are the Lord of the Dance. Teach me to draw closer today.

“The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”  Proverbs 10:22  NLT

From the moment we became a pair, our reputation started to precede us. People sometimes heard of Famous before they heard of me. Rich and Famous work much better as a team, as evidenced by the 5K fun-run’s announcer broadcasting our “first dog” finish. And when I tell friends his name, they are baffled until they put our names together.

The “deal” we made as he came home with me was for him to make me rich and for me to make him famous. He seems to get more press than the average dog, and I am certainly blessed by him. The richness he brings each and every day makes me truly blessed.

God’s blessings are not double-edged. They are complete and unconditional. In other words, God does not expect us to suffer because of his gifts. They are sent to assist us on our journey and make it a little easier.

Help me to see the true meaning of wealth in the gifts and provisions given by You.

“Sing to the LORD; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.”  Psalm 96:2  NLT

In celebrating a birthday with a friend, looking back on the years and thinking about the possibilities in the years to come, we stopped to remember each day as a gift in itself. Famous is a daily reminder of the gift of time–not something that robs us of youth and health, but something which gives us memories and new opportunities. Even when it seems during the day that I am “running out of time,” Famous can help me pause and indulge in a sweet, loving moment. My account is full of memories, my cup runneth over!

One of my lessons learned many years ago, and one which I attempt to share often with others, is practicing the presence of God. This involves active seeking and waiting. It is a way of finding beautiful moments with God which are meant to delight both the Creator and his creation. If God did not intend for each day to be a gift, I believe time would then stand still or not exist at all.

Dear Lord God, I seek your help in discovering hundreds, if not thousands, of special moments today.

“But God never left himself without a witness. There were always reminders, such as sending you rain and good crops and giving you food and joyful hearts.”  Acts 14:17  NLT

It has been one of those weeks. You wonder if the fabric of life is coming unraveled. Several strands are intact and parts of life go on as normal. But there are small holes becoming larger and areas becoming weaker.

Rather than stepping back and seeing the full tapestry, we have the habit of examining the  holes and becoming obsessed with them. Whenever we do this, the beauty of the whole work is forgotten. We only see damage, neglect, and harm.

I doubt Famous ever does this. He always sees the bigger picture and likes to bask in its wonder. His infectious love of life quickly helps to alter my perspective.

The Bible reminds us God’s people were frequently facing life’s hardships. But they were never abandoned. Just as God reminded them of his presence with “ordinary” blessings, so He reminds me with just a dog that He is always near and always watching over me.

In the difficult days, remind me to look up and behold your glory!

“Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth.”  Revelation 16:18  NLT

With an approaching thunderstorm on the horizon a neighbor asked if Famous was afraid of thunder. I answered saying he usually manages very well. Truthfully, he will bark and notify me if the clap makes the house shake, as if I could not feel it myself. But otherwise he remains calm. This may not be the case if he is alone during a storm, but I have never seen evidence of anxiety on his part upon my return.

When Famous was very small I tried to show him how things were going to be in the world. There would be wind, and rain, and storms. We both enjoy the first two on occasion, but storms require shelter and patience. During one thunderstorm we experienced during our first summer together, I opened the backdoor so we could hear the thunder in all of its fury. I lay down on the floor with Famous beside me and reassured him every time there was a mighty clap. This was easy! We could face loud noises together.

Just as I calmed Famous during the storm, so God will be watching over us during the end time of destruction. God can become our shelter today from lies, harm, and evil, and comfort us during our worst fears.

God, teach me to not fear and to remember You are a “shelter in the time of storm.”

“Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.”  Psalm 60:5  NLT

You have read the slogan associated with A.A.R.F. (Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation), “Who rescued whom?” It implies when we help another creature we are helping ourselves.

Famous helps me in the way that many dogs help their human companions. He rescues me from loneliness, he responds to my initiatives, and he gives me a purpose in perpetuating his well-being.

I know his instincts make him a good companion and protector. But he also inspires me to be in the present moment, to put others first, and to give thanks and praise to God.

God knows what we need to survive each and every day. When we need protection from harm, He sends his Spirit to be with us, even if we are facing death. When we need a lifeline to bring us from the depths of despair and grief, He wraps his loving arms around us. Because He loves us, He will not let us perish from existence. He will send a dog to accompany someone on his journey, and He has sent a Savior to bring us into his eternal home.

Before I ask You, Father, to rescue me today, show me how I can help rescue another.