“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  Matthew 7:24-27  NIV

It is during our walks as we cross the street when Famous and I utilize differing judgments. Famous chooses the diagonal direction which in the long run would seem to be the quickest path to our destination. What he does not realize is that this keeps us in a busy street a few seconds longer than my path which cuts directly across the street to the sidewalk on the other side. He insists his choice is best, but I have knowledge which will protect both of us in the long run.

Do we start each morning thinking we know what is going to happen without consulting the One who should direct our paths? How  can we know the obstacles and dangers which we will confront, and how best can we deal with them as we move through the day? Listen for God’s voice in the morning. Follow his counsel, and He will lead you around the sinking sands.

Forgive me when I put my own agenda ahead of God’s plan for my day.

“Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back
from a grocery store with the most amazing haul–chicken, pork, half a
cow. They must think we’re the greatest hunters on earth!”
–Anne Tyler

FAMOUS FRIDAY FUN FACT

Dogs dream just like you

This won’t come as a huge surprise to anyone who has watched their own dog twitching or whimpering in their sleep. Dogs have the same brain wave patterns while they are asleep as humans, so they dream just like we do.

But what is more surprising is the fact that not all dogs dream the same amount. Small dogs actually have more dreams than big dogs. For example, a small dog such as a toy poodle may dream once every 10 minutes, whereas a great dane may have around an hour between each dream.

“If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.”  I Corinthians 13:2  NLT

I think I would really enjoy the ability of Dr. Dolittle to speak with Famous. Such knowledge would give me a heads up when he wanted to go outside, when he was hungry, or whether or not  he really cared for my cooking. We do understand each other to a degree, and I believe I could answer each of the questions above. I also know I would never have achieved such a level of understanding if I did not love him so.

God imparts his gifts not to make us superstars but to allow us to glorify him through our deeds that others might also be pointed to his love. We are not our own gods, and those who use their gifts for personal gain, loving self more than others, are spending their time on earth foolishly.

Grant me first the realization of Your love so that I can be unchained from my own desires to serve only myself. 

“Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John 6:35  NLT

These are the hot days of summer, and short spells of cool dry air are always appreciated. We have had these for the past two days. But often these are the hottest and the muggiest days of the year. So I have stocked up on a favorite sports drink to help satisfy my thirst after working outdoors or going for a run in the afternoon.

Tonight Famous found my stash of bottles stored on the kitchen floor underneath a stool for lack of more cabinet space. He has had a long relationship with empty bottles ever since he was a puppy and they became a favorite play thing. But there were about a dozen new bottles sitting on the floor and he was now doing his duty and barking to tell me someone had left them on the floor where they did not belong. I got the message.

Have we found the message of our Savior who can satisfy our truest longings, not for status or power, but for inclusion and love? He is the source of our healing and our satisfaction.

When today has left me empty, fill me with Your holy renewal, dear Lord.

“For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”  Psalm 84:11  NLT

We are so blessed to be in the middle of the summer! Everything is green and blooming. We do not live in a tropical location, but the humidity makes up for it! Walks are easy when you avoid the heat. Naps are on the porch rather than by the fireside. Famous luxuriates in rolling in the grass. Walks are for sheer enjoyment rather than to “take care of necessary business.” Neighbors stop to say hello and linger to give Famous a belly rub. It is easy to forget that winter is coming and that these days, these years, cannot continue forever.

But God is forever. His mercies are infinite. We celebrate the gifts of his goodness knowing this day is a blessing. He will shield us when times are not as joyful, and He will continue to grant everything we need. Let us give thanks for all that surrounds us.

Teach me the art of living in Your grace and glory. Amen. 

Sign Outside of One of the Researcher’s Offices in My Hospital:

“Dogs Are Just God’s Way

of Apologizing for

Your Relatives”