Lessons Learned from a Mini-Dachshund

I never realized I could learn so much from my mini-dachshund.

Willy had surgery recently to repair a ruptured disc in his back. He was in agony and paralyzed in his hind quarters.

Despite the vet’s cautious optimism and the raised eyebrows of the many nurses who treated him, Willy is proving that through his determination, he’s going to beat the “50/50 chance” to ever walk again. He’s incredible and getting stronger each day!

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

Willy has shown me that it’s not enough to simply “want” something. You have to think past the pain and into the victory; to pull yourself up on wobbly legs, maybe listing to the left or to the right but never losing focus of the end result. Maybe the process isn’t pretty or graceful; maybe even a little humiliating, but it’s necessary to meet the goal. And, like the many prayers that have helped him heal and find strength to move forward, those prayers turn to rejoicing when we can stand without help and run on our own!

I praise God for the many practical ways He speaks to my heart.

And I praise Him for the work He’s doing in my sweet Willy.

  

The Light of the Lord

The hours and the minutes blurred past. A typical afternoon spent rushing, doing, racing against the clock and checking off the boxes…and then this.

How it stopped me.

Caught me off guard and held me there in honey-colored sunlight.

The unexpected shadows that give dimension to life and define our strength...or our weakness.

It’s grace that moves the shadows onward.

They only settle for a time casting their many shades of light like long fingers stretching, searching.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

There's truth in those glorious shadows. A hallelujah to sing strong and loud. Praise Jesus - the light has overtaken the dark! Rejoice in the light of the Lord!

The shadows are no match for the light that fills the soul

and the heart

and the home.

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:24)

"...weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

The dark shadows are temporary, my friend. 

May you always seek to live in the light of Jesus!

Debbie

Looking Forward to 2014!

Hello and Happy New Year to you!

I’m packing away all the memories and experiences of 2013 and embracing 2014 with both arms! I’m excited for the future and for all the ways God will spiritually grow me in the coming year.

Speaking of looking forward to the future…I just have to share what a blessing it is to work with the amazing group of ladies who contribute to CW Voice Magazine. We wouldn't even have a magazine if these sweet ladies hadn't been willing to take that leap of faith and join me in my mission to encourage women for Christ through this project.

Our new January/February issue will be out in a few days and once again, they have each shared their hearts in such beautiful ways. I just want to take a minute and share the love by encouraging you to stop by and visit the blogs of these very special women. I’m so proud of each of them and the many, many ways they allow themselves to be used by our amazing God. 

I'd like you to meet the ladies of Christian Women's Voice Magazine!

Robin Prater is a writer and book reviewer. She shares her heart at her blog, Robin’s Nest:

http://robinsnest66.blogspot.com/ She is currently working on her first novel. She is the wife to the man who stole her heart twenty-one years ago, mother to three blessed children and Nanny to two of the most beautiful grandbabies in the world.

Nancy Sullivan enjoys writing about life’s simple pleasures of faith, family and friends. You can visit her at her blog,

A Softer Voice,

asoftervoice.blogspot.com

Christine Wright, visionary behind www.Godsizeddreams.com, has a heart for broken women who find it impossible to believe God has a dream for them. Christine has walked a grief-filled road and believes the places her own heart has broken, are the places she can best help others. She is married to Mr. Wright and has four children, ages 17, 14, 8 and 3. If ever forced to choose a favorite between coffee and hairspray, she’s not sure which one would win. Christine blogs at: www.livingjoel225.com

Kim Wolf is a wife and home-schooling mom. She is a writer/reviewer and speaker. She shares tips from the kitchen and the art of frugal living. Drop by and visit her blog, Marmee’s Pantry at:

http://marmeespantry.blogspot.com

Heidi Avery is a wife and stay-at-home home-schooling mom. She is most passionate about Jesus and flowing out of that passion is a deep desire to write and encourage others. She is also co-founder of Mothers on Mission Ministries. Visit her at:

mothersonmission.org

Kelli Zaniel is a simple country girl from Marietta Georgia. She and her family have resided in Reno for the past ten years. She is co-founder of Mothers On Mission Ministries, the Castaway Motel Ministry, and is a free-lance writer. She struggles to keep goldfish and hamsters alive, put a balanced meal on the table, and raise godly girls in the midst of a crazy, messy world. Kelli feels like everyday life is a success if she can get through the day having spent time with the Lord, had a laugh with one of her kids, found a matching pair of socks, had clean underwear in her husband’s drawer, and made a stranger smile. mothersonmission.org

Dr. Rita Hancock is a Pain Management Specialist who practices in Norman, Oklahoma. She is also a Christian and regularly counsels patients on emotional and spiritual issues that relate to her patients’ pain and overall well-being. Visit Dr. Rita at:

www.RadicalWell-being.com

http://theedendiet.com/

www.RitaHancock.com

And on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/RadicalWellBeing

I am Bethany Learn, fitness instructor, I taught pilates and yoga and step and cycling all through my pregnancies, but it wasn’t until later when I realized I had a diastasis recti that wouldn’t go away that I also realized I may have hurt myself. My births were strong, and my body was strong, but my belly was blown apart. Armed with the information and research that I’ve been tracking down for the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve created a whole website full of family-friendly routines that are TummySafe™ for those with who have healed from or who are struggling with abdominal trauma. Check out fit2b.com today!

Pamela Johnson and her husband, Jason, have 3 grown children. They work together in their construction business and she’s a Certified Health Coach for Take Shape for Life. Visit her at: Take Shape for Life, www.pamjohnson.tsfl.com

Kimberly Lomont is a wife of more than 25 years and a mother to her grown children. She resides in New Bern, NC, and enjoys the blessing of time spent in the garden. She blogs at Garden of Secrets:

fleur-de-li.blogspot.com.

I wish you every blessing in the coming year, sweet friend.

Love,

Debbie

Through it ALL, He Reigns!

I happened to look out my back window this morning only to find my mini dachshund staring back at me. No, he hadn’t grown 4 feet to peer in through the window – he simply jumped on top of the picnic table to get a better view of things.

I walked away sipping my coffee and thinking how very smart Willy (my dog) is. From his view at ground level, (his little legs are only about 3 inches long), the top of that table must seem impossible to reach. But, he was determined. I love how he didn’t see the bench in between as a hindrance, but as a stepping stone to get to the top. Very clever J

I could probably learn a lot from Willy - looking at all the things in my life that hinder and impede progress as stepping stones or necessary rungs of the ladder.

But sometimes, the distance between those stepping stones is too great. When I’m standing on one, the next is too far out of reach and the answers stop coming. The path becomes unclear and discouragement settles in deep.

The bright sky turns to cloudy gray and a cruel wind blows in disappointment, negative thoughts and fear which clutter the air waves and block out the Lord’s voice. How hard He has to work to get through my thick head sometimes.

It’s so easy to default to despair and discouragement.

To fall down instead of up into the saving arms of Christ.

Yet His voice does not fall silent and His words do not cease simply because of my frame of mind. What I feel and what dictates my mood has no bearing on what the Lord has planned. His agenda will still play out. I will struggle and I will triumph. I will laugh with my whole heart and I will cry with my whole being. We all threaten to wave the white flag at some point in our lives, yet we’re given precious moments of rest to savor and through it all, He reigns.

Regardless.

He reigns!

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deut. 8:2-3)

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We're Celebrating Spring with this GREAT Give-Away!

Hello! This is Debbie Dillon, Founder and Editor of Christian Women’s Voice Magazine.

   Here at CWV, we’re celebrating the glorious season of spring by sharing an awesome gift with you!

    During the entire month of April, when you subscribe for 1 full year to our magazine, you can order a FREE copy of our beautiful, March/April issue for a friend! (Believe me, if you love gardening, you’re going to LOVE this issue). Is that cool or what? It’s simple—just visit us at:

christianwomensvoice.org

click on the subscription tab to place your order, then send us an email to let us know the name and address of the lucky recipient.

Sounds pretty simple, right? Well….it is!

Visit us today and enjoy articles and information that will surely bless you all year long! There truly IS something for every heart in each issue of CW Voice!

Celebrate the Season With Our Nov/Dec Issue!

Can you feel it in the air? That certain chill? That certain fragrance of the most special time of year? It’s got me breaking out the candles and fluffy throw blankets. I’m stocking up on firewood, my baking supplies and favorite coffees, and starting my secret shopping list; all the necessary items in shining up a season of joy and celebration.

Speaking of joy and celebration: now is the time to check out the new November/December issue of Christian Women’s Voice Magazine. Our contributors have shared their favorite holiday recipes and special family traditions. You’ll find great articles, contest winners, special features and SO much more! Let our brand new issue awaken your holiday spirit and…

Join us as we welcome the glorious season of Christmas!

Give the gift of hope and encouragement this Christmas with a 1-year subscription to Christian Women’s Voice Magazine!

Visit christianwomensvoice.org today!

Wishing you many blessings,

Debbie