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.

  

His Compassions Never Fail

Good morning, friend.

I’m enjoying the view this morning from my front-row seat here on the patio. The finches and sparrows are putting on quite a show in the garden. They’re fun to watch dressed in vibrant yellow and detailed markings - each one has its own purpose. Its own agenda. They freely flit in and out stopping to perch on the trellis, the feeder, the fence post or splash the dust from their feathers in the bird bath. Not a care in the world. I think they must know, sense it somehow, that our amazing God cares and provides for their every need.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26)

As you start this new week; perhaps with a mix of challenges and joys, blessings and disappointments…resolve right now to make it a great week. One. Day. At. A. Time.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Sometimes it’s not easy to pick up the pieces of our yesterdays and begin fresh and new each morning with a smile. But with Jesus, we certainly can. His compassions NEVER fail. He is ALWAYS with us. He alone is our true hope.

I just want to encourage you as you begin this new week. Whatever leaps of faith you’re contemplating, God can and will replace your uncertainty and doubt with strength and reassurance. Whatever situations you face with trepidation or fear, remember that you already have the authority to cast them out in the name of Jesus. Only accept what is from Him this week. You are His and He is yours.

Claim Him Lord of all!

Debbie