"Just a Dog"

From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile....because they "just don't understand."
(Author Unknown)

What if...?

What if you're right? He was just another nice guy.
What if You're right?

What if it's true? They say the cross will only make a fool of you.
What if it's true?

What if He takes His place in history with all the prophets and the kings
who taught us love and came in peace, but then the story ends?

What then?

But what if you're wrong? What if there's more?
What if there's hope you've never dreamed of hoping for?
What if You jump? Just close your eyes.
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig way down deeper than your simple-minded friends?
What if you dig?

What if you find a thousand more unanswered questions down inside?

That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic and begin poke the holes?
What if the crown of thorns is no more than folklore that must be told
and re-told, and re-told?

But what if you're wrong? What if there's more?
What if there's hope you've never dreamed of hoping for?
What if You jump? Just close your eyes.
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by suprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

'Cuz you've been running as fast as you can.
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long.

But what if you're wrong?
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~This song, by Nichole Nordeman has challenged me for many years, it has frequently brought tears to my eyes while driving down the road, hiking a mountain, praying and meditating. The lyrics have strengthened me and provided me a constant confidence in the hope of what I believe. I have often poised this question to many I know...

You see, if I'm wrong and Christ was nothing more than just an ordinary, or somewhat extraordinary, man, how would my life, my eternity be affected?! I would have lived a wholesome, meaningful, purposeful, fulfilled life and if it all ends there, I would not have been any worse for it.

... BUT, what if you're wrong??? What if everything the Bible says, the truths that we've been taught, the conscience that so often solidifies this seeming truth is RIGHT, then what? Your life would have been lived purposeless, in constant confusion and in turmoil only to find yourself suffering those same punishments, only to a greater measure - eternally lost. So... what if I am wrong? But... What if I'm not!!

God help me to live so others can see that there's something more... peace, contentment, fulfillment... a joy in this journey... until we get home.

My love for God today is deeper than it's ever been, not only because of His sacrifice for me but because of His CONSTANT guidance and unending love. For truly, "No greater love hath a man than this, than He who laid down His life for His friends" His FRIENDS!! He called us - friend!! What a privilege, what an honor to be a friend to the Almighty! May I not squander this opportunty.

Jeremiah 29:11

Many years ago, the Lord gave me this scripture as the promise for my life.

"I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Another version says, "I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord, plan to prosper you and not to hinder you, to give you hope and a future."

What a promise! This year I have not only proved it to be a promise but a reality. God has done so much for me and spared me from so much I could not see.

"A vessel of honor, I am today... all because Jesus didn't throw the clay away."

My life is preparing to slow down some, and I will begin to post more frequently of how God has been faithful to me. I only hope it will strengthen you as much as I have been strengthened.