A trail, laced boots, a trekking pole in hand, and Finley–a perfect way to spend the first day of the year (and any day, for that matter!). Don’t get me wrong, writing to all of you on New Year’s Day filled my soul. 💛 Yet, my “soles” didn’t feel grounded.
I’m moving very little (with good reason at times). Speaking of little…my tiny dog wonders why I’m not lacing my boots more. I think you’ve all met Finley, haven’t you? Dogs, and the love of God, warm my heart. Here are some heart-warming dog shares I hope you enjoy!
Two days ago, A call with my dear friend/fellow blogger, Tim, filled my soul AND motivated my “soles”—-he always makes me smile. Our conversations swirl around spiritual topics and our Savior, authors he’s shared or we’ve read about, Bible verses, quotes, encouragement, humor, and always, nature and adventures. Tim’s an amazing writer, adventurer, business leader, speaker, and preacher. He uses all his gifts for God’s glory! The pursuit Tim refers to on his website is this: “The one thing that resonates with our true self is the pursuit of our God.” According to Tim, “There is no pursuit that will bring life to us as knowing, loving, and having an intimate relationship with the God of the universe. This is what it means to pursue our highest purpose, to live our best life. Only this pursuit will satisfy the deepest and most fundamental longings of our hearts.” Sadly, (and recently), Tim lost his Mom. We talked of grief and faith. It inspired me. Yesterday morning, Tim said goodbye to his beloved 4 legged companion, Jackson. He shared it was peaceful and quick. Jackson was well-loved and known by many in Tim’s circle of friends and churches. Recently, during a message Tim was delivering, Jackson moseyed up the aisle and sat by a woman, his head in her lap. What a show of love! Jackson has been a ring bearer in a wedding, too. After sharing condolences, my thoughts, and how my prayers would be with them, we spoke about the goodness of God–through all times. It doesn’t take grief away, but it gives hope. As we ended our conversation, I told Tim I had ordered new hiking boots and couldn’t wait to get out in nature.
But, the boots would take a few more days. Or so I thought.
Meanwhile in Monte Vista, Colorado (unbeknownst to me), my dear friend, Martha, had a WIN walking her precious dog, Teddy on a new-to-him, but old & well-used on other dogs, leash. Martha is an incredible and professional writer/reader, teacher, and painter (& more!). If you follow her, you know of her beloved dogs, Bear and Teddy. Martha has rescued MANY dogs and yes, they all hike. MAK, as I call her, is another outdoor ENTHUSIAST and adventurer! Her adventures began in her early years in Montana and have taken her to China and other beautiful places across the globe (to teach AND hike). She retired after teaching for 30 years in San Diego. Her memoir, “My Everest”, is my favorite for many reasons! But she’s also written many other amazing books (historical novels set in Switzerland). MAK, Teddy, and Bear are an amazing and fun trio! Through them, I vicariously enjoy THEIR Refuge, the valley, the peaks in the distance, and the cranes. She happily lets Finn and I accompany them in my mind. Did I tell you how much she loves dogs?
My friend, Russell, wrote a humorous post outlining his New Year’s Resolutions—no more “low-hanging fruit” for Russell. Although, resolving to be just his dogs, Rosie and Patrick, sounds kinda easy in SOME ways ;-). Like the napping, Russell. Russell is a retired United Methodist pastor, father, grandfather, stumbler, seek, and servant! He’s such a gifted writer with one heck of a sense of humor and common sense. He loves to travel with his wife to visit family, finds the good in all things (even if it’s hard), and always weaves lessons in his words! Did I tell you he loves dogs?
All 3 of my friends, and many others who are dog owners, would agree that dogs DO provide wonderful companionship, unconditional love, and joy. Yes, like ALL of God’s creations, they can be hands full, too! As Russell states, “They don’t judge. They don’t hold grudges…even when you leave home without them.”
Hmmm. That love seems familiar.
I see no greater acts of love than when unselfish decisions are made. Or when “comfort” is sacrificed to care for those we love; including God’s creatures.
Back in Missouri my pain had lifted. There was a flicker of energy that flamed with faith. My security camera gave evidence of a package on my steps. Was it a boot box? Yippee! I laced them up with a few happy tears. They fit better than any boot I’ve worn. Finn went outside to enjoy the sunshine, and do her “duty”. Stubbornly, she refused to come in. I got THE look. “C’mon Mom, it is STILL the beginning of the year and your boots DID come in today.” “Ok, Finn…let’s go walk!” We didn’t go THAT far, but there was a teeny tiny bounce in my much slower step. I could FEEL the goodness of God all around me. “Thank you, God, for my life, family, friends, nature… and for dogs.“
May God work miracles in YOU—providing joy and sacrificial love that can ooze out to your loved ones—including those with 4 (OR 3 ) legs!
Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓
Each Wednesday the LACNETS support group meets via ZOOM. If you live with cancer or chronic disease (ANY condition whether mental, physical, or emotional), you understand how tiring it can be to just…LIVE.
I often wonder, “What do we all have in common that resulted in this rare cancer?” We’re from from all walks of life–former nurses, teachers, full-time moms and caregivers, outdoor enthusiasts, knitters, writers, military members, and so much more. We range in age from 30’s to 80’s. In a sea of studies in genetics, N.E.T. is a “desert” in shared traits. We are all zebras.
Through this journey, with treatments beginning again tomorrow with future visits to the N.C.I./N.H.I., scans, and procedures, I’m still seeking to praise HIM through the storms. It takes a conscious effort, reframing thoughts, meditation, and also, surrendering to rest. Three good hours in a day is 12.5% better than 0%. When I have 6 good hours that’s 25% a win! I’m here and 100% thankful!
We are ALL zebras. God made each one of us unique. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could ZOOM and come together weekly–respecting differences, upholding shared beliefs, supporting our suffering, and strengthening our support?
Seek support in suffering, cling tight to your tribe, and if you so choose…fasten your faith, forego fear, and trust the timing of today. Life is made in the mundane. Pain might promote your perseverance. JOY can still juxtapose your journey.
You are loved. No matter what. 💚
In other news! Today is “National Missouri Day!” Do you know when YOUR state’s day is planned? In honor of this day, I’d like to include a link to my book, “Faith and Finley Tour Missouri” (you can visit the Adventures of Faith and Finley page here on my website, too). Finley and I are looking forward to visiting new schools and sharing our love of our home state, the outdoors, and history!
Keep the faith 💚
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air