And God Laughed

Isn't it interesting how our plans go up in smoke even when our plans were so foolproof?

It's as if the things we pray for are only allowed when it's convenient; heaven forbid they aren't accomplished the way WE think they should be!

Lately there have been many changes in my life. Changes that I'm sure I prayed for somewhere along the line.

And I have the choice to go along with these changes or fight them every step of the way.

Either way the changes WILL be made.

Over time I've come to realize that disagreeing with God is common. But in the end, He's going to win. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

In the back of my mind I often hear this response when I hear of someone's ambitious plans or have plans of my own:

"And God laughed..."

Not AT us but more in love as He knows our tendency to plot and plan our own way. He knows what is best; He sees the big picture and how we have to go through some tough stuff to get to where we're supposed to be next.

"And God laughed..." in delight at our sincere desire to minister and do things for Him.

"And God laughed..." at how foolishly we behave when we think things are going horribly wrong when really they're going very right.

So in the midst of your thwarted plans and deep anxiety over situations in your life, remember there is a God that is so able to do what He says He will do that He can laugh.

Even when we can't.

Being Truthful

You know how I determine if I'm supposed to tell someone something that might offend them or hurt their feelings?

I don't want to do it.

I hem and haw and delay. I tell God that I'm just being patient and that maybe I misunderstood what I saw and/or heard. I mean, if I'm wrong it will create unnecessary pain in that relationship and who needs that?

But I've learned over time that my hesitation is a signal to me. It means my attitude and heart is right before God; when I do share my concerns with someone it's not because I can but because I have to.

When I was a much younger Christian, I thought it was my (gleeful) duty to point out the flaws of others.

Not necessarily to the offender, but to anyone within listening distance. I mean, I don't want a confrontation, right?

I realized later (having also been the recipient of that behavior and being really injured) that what I was doing was not helping the person. Rather, it was gossip.

So now I find it better to ask myself, "If I were in this situation, would I want to know?" If the answer is 'yes' I force myself to discuss it with the person. If the answer is "No, it wouldn't change anything or help" I keep it to myself.

I am not the Holy Spirit. I don't want to wave my righteous finger in front of anyone.

But if it were me and I knew the person talking to me did it for the right reason I'd be able to listen.

And hopefully change.

Uh, Ok...

Computer woes are getting me again.

As many of you know, we have a new puppy.

A mouthy, rambunctious, bouncy, chewy, slobbery puppy.

He just doesn't know what's cool to pounce on and what isn't.

Bless his heart.

I say that because his favorite chew toy at this point is either ME or expensive computer wires.

...Bless his heart...

During my Christmas break I've had to stock up on bandages because Teddy surprises me and snags my ankle or wrist.

One time he almost pierced my nose (THAT took some explaining).

These last few days Don and I have been dogsitting along with tolerating our own playful pup.

Unfortunately, Teddy thinks these well-behaved, quiet, peaceful older dogs are new playmates (or chewtoys)and he has pestered them mercilessly.

Poor things. Bless their hearts.

Usually our visits with Jordie and Murphy are a delight; this time, however, I'm reminded of those commercials that feature starving children who woefully gaze at the camera. These dogs stare at me as if begging me to DO SOMETHING!!

Sorry, Dudes. You're on your own. I'm on my way to Walgreens to get more bandaids.

Here We Go Again!

Christmas Overload

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all pacing yourselves and enjoying this holiday season.

Most of you already know that dear hubby Don loves Christmas movies. He's been known to watch Lifetime movies ad infinitum, especially if the word 'Christmas' is in the title.

Out of curiousity, I just checked out the menu on our tv DVR. Here is a partial list of movies Don has either watched, is currently watching, or plans to watch in the very near future:

A Christmas Proposal
A Boyfriend for Christmas
The Christmas Wish
The 12 Wishes
An Old-Fashioned Christmas
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
A Princess for Christmas
Eve's Christmas
Christmas in Paradise
Christmas Blessing
Cancel Christmas
November Christmas
Moonlight and Mistletoe
Mistletoe Over Manhattan
The Christmas Card
Christmas Wedding

...Remember, this is a PARTIAL list because he's already watched some and deleted them. If you notice, there is no mention of the classic movies like 'White Christmas' or 'Christmas Carol.'

Not even the 'Muppets Christmas Carol.'

I wonder if there's a 12-step program for Christmas movie addicts. If there is, there might be a support group for family members of Christmas movie junkies.

I might be the founding member.

I'd better go now. The movie is now getting to the end where it magically begins to snow and everyone is smiling and the credit card bills haven't arrived yet.

I love that part.

Puppy Changes Everything

This is like deja-vu all over again.

Our new puppy Teddy has totally retooled (redrooled?) our way of thinking. It's as if we had a baby in the house again.

This time we're almost prepared: the shoes are above chew level, the grab-able dangly earrings are stored away for a while.

We even had to put a baby gate up to protect the Christmas tree.

Alas, we were too late in some instances: A button mysteriously disappeared from my cozy slippers, a few ornaments became chew toys, and we've had to splice the wiring on not one but two phone chargers.

But we're more resilient this time. Unlike a toddler, we can crate this rascal. The protesting noises are similar but the guilt I feel isn't the same.

We've had visitors to see the new family member, each person presenting gifts which promptly were ignored in favor of the packaging they came in.

Hey, I gotta go- I just realized it's been way too quiet for a few minutes. I have to go check on the little furball to see if he's writing on the walls or sticking his tongue in a light socket.

Later!

Puppy Love

I would have written sooner, really. My brain is filled with lots of stuff (or is it stuffing?) I want to share with you.

But I have been detained.
Derailed.
Hindered.
Sideswiped.
Kidnapped.
Dognapped.

Actually, of all the descriptive words mentioned above, the last one is the most accurate. I have been captured by the attentions of a dog.

A puppy.

This weird little black ball of fur- daughter Kari calls it a 'Lint Trap'- came into our lives two weeks ago.

And I haven't slept through the night since.

You'd think I had a newborn around here, what with the demands this little mutt has made on my oh-so-cushy life.

I call it a mutt because we're not really sure what he is. If we took a poll (and gambled with real money) the odds are that he's a labrador/chow mix and I'd be rich.

A Chowbrador or a Labchow.

At any rate, a dear(?) friend of mine rescued this stray puppy and brought him to me.

I resisted but was overtaken by the irresistible aroma of puppy breath. Baking chocolate chip cookies and fresh mountain air can't compete with the smell of puppy breath. Wars could be averted if, instead of cyanide gas, armies sprayed puppy breath.

I wasn't quite ready for a dog since the loss of Barney, my 17 year old beagle mix in June. But my friend (??) decided we were this little canine's only hope.

Don and I hemmed and hawed and reasoned and debated until finally...

Well, his name is Teddy.

I'll tell you more about this little guy but I might have to wait until he's past his teething phase.

He's clamped onto my pantleg and I'm having trouble getting to the computer.