TOO ENCOMPASS CHRISTMAS
I would think we have all been a little disappointed ourselves when another
is opening a present from us. We were sure this would make their day. We had
went to a lot of trouble, time or expense to get the perfect gift.
Children in the excitement of other packages hardly even glance at our special gift. They lay it down quickly and are unaware we are a little let down. We seemingly have failed to ring their bell as well.
I think we as adults are often guilty of this as well. We always have something we have our eyes on in anticipation. There is nothing wrong with this, but we should reflect back on all of the gifts we have been given. We have eyes to see the gifts. We can smell all the food and cookies. We can hear laughter of our family members that are there with us at this special time of year. We seem to accept them and fail to think to thank God for all our blessings. In our excitement we fail to think back on and to ponder and treasure Jesus, the greatest gift this world has even known.
It is so easily to wrapped up in all the festivities; we forget that He sent His only son to save us from our sins. The birth of Christ is the first story in the greatest
rescue mission ever known. This is the season of living and giving, and maybe forgiving others who have let us down. Let us all rejoice in the light of His light from above!
Our minds, like the needle in a compass, can focus on a variety
of subjects throughout the day. But in the end, they're left alone
to settle, they'll focus on the objects of our greatest affections.
Bill Hybels
A HAPPY TALE
We have two dogs, and they are our kids now. Our boys have left the nest and have
homes and families of their own. We have a black half lab and pit bull named Skyler. We also have a 3-legged dog named Buster. Our oldest son Josh and his wife found him injured on the interstate on a brutal cold night. They saved his life. There is no way he would have survived the frigid night.
At first, they did not like each other but are like two peas in a pod. Like us they have their own funny quirks.
Buster is scared of thunderstorms and cuddles close during storms and I cover him with a blanket. He still trembles even though I hold him close. We call Skyler "Sky Sky". She is not afraid of anything. I should not say that because she has a lot of bad dreams. She squeals and moans during bad dreams. I always wake her up and tell her it is all right. She seems embarrassed yet relieved to know she is home with us, and all is well
I read in my office before work every day. Sky Sky lays on a reddish colored pad in front of my bookcase. Buster always lays under my desk on green dog bed. That is where he goes to hide when storms come through when we are not home. That is his safe place and refuge
One morning a month or so the dogs were on their pads as i checked my email. I heard a sound I could not place. I was a thumping sound. I would hear it 3-4 times then nothing.
A minute or two later it started again. I have trouble locating sounds. I was about to get up when I realized what it was. I smiled because Skyler was having a happy dream. She was wagging her tail, and it was her tail hitting my bookcase. I have seen a lot of dog's yelp in their sleep but this was a first for me. No, I did not wake her, and she did this many times.
I do not have to research if dogs dream. I no longer wonder if they have happy dreams.
They have filled our home with joy, and we miss and worry about them when we are away.
People often asked me if our beloved pets will be with us in Heaven. No one knows for sure, but Billy Graham said he thought they would be. I hope he is right! Reverend Graham says he believes anything that brought us joy on earth will be there with us.
I know there is at least one horse in heaven. Jesus will return on a white horse. As I was Jesus tells us we can ask Him for anything. I cannot think of anything that is not covered by the word anything I do not think it is wrong if we ask for our furry beloved family members to be there with us. ;)
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.
Will Rogers
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
Josh Billings
To own a dog is one thing, but to be owned by a dog is quite another,
and is ten times better and so much more wonderful than the other. GKG
STAND YOUR GROUND
It is Father's Day 2025. In a few hours are sons will be at our house with their wive and children.
My beautiful wife, Kim, is making wonderful kitchen related sounds preparing for a great meal later in the day.
I am looking so forward to seeing them all and enjoying food, family and fatherhood. My middle and youngest sons are now father's themselves, and we will celebrate together. I watch my boys with their own
and stand amazed how the years have flown.
My own dad has been gone for 30 years now, and I miss him more than ever. His wisdom still guides
me daily. His own dad ran off when he was only two and I cannot imagine how painful that must have been.
He was a great father, and I think he must have imagined what a great dad might have been like and became just that. I know he is in heaven, and I tear up even now when I think of seeing him again. He
snored so loud I could hear him even in college when I came home for the weekend. Even though I was much larger and stronger, the fact he was down the hall made me feel safe.
He had a love of planes his entire life. He built and flew his gas-powered planes and flew them in the very hill where our house now sits. I had a goal to be a pilot but an accident as a child closed the door to that dream and left me almost deaf in my right hear. It has caused me frustration and embarrassment. Looking back, I am not so sure it has been a blessing in disguise. I am not sure Kim, and I would still be married for almost 44 years if I could hear out of both ears.
My dad was not a brawler by any means. He taught me to stand my ground. I have passed his wisdom down to my sons and they will do the same to their children.
He would be surprised and proud to know one of his grandsons also loves flying and is a pilot in the Navy.
Josh will not be here today because he lives in Virginia Beach. My heart misses him and stings a little more knowing he will pack his things and leave on a sea tour in about a week. I know one of the things he will take with him. Ten years ago, yesterday, I gave him a jar of dirt from our back yard. It came from right under the kitchen window behind our house. It would have heard his mother humming as she did the dishes. Maybe it listened to the sounds of the kitchen as his mother prepared yet another delicious meal. Another strong possibility would be the sound of her voice scolding me as I have made another mess.
My dad taught me the famous president Eisenhower quote about how dog always fights harder in his own back yard. I passed this along to all three sons. Josh has always taken dirt with him to the various places the navy sends him to fight for his country. It is symbolic but it makes that place his own back yard. He will always have a home field advantage. He will be on the newest vessel the Navy has, the U.S.S Gerald Ford.
I have not laid eyes on the Ford, but I know there are several flags on her. I am sure on one thing, none of them are white. Even though he will be far from home, he has taken with some home with him. Just knowing that he will do this, comforts me greatly!
Lord willing, we will chat later today by phone or facetime. Josh was very tight with my dad. I am proud of my dad as well because he was a Sargent in the U.S. Army. I plan to ask Joshua if he realizes the same man that carried him in his big strong arms name is on the side of the massive aircraft carrier that will carry him to the other side of the world. I hope this will comfort my son.
What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the
dog in the fight. Dwight D. Eisenhower
