Good Training

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

One of the most difficult and frustrating issues in puppy training is housebreaking. It takes consistency on the owner’s part, but success will be the eventual reward. Other areas of dog care require the same diligence on the part of the owner. Once behavior is learned, it becomes a normal part of the animal’s life.

The Lord instructs us to follow the same dedication in training our children. We teach them the basics. However, further instruction helps them become the men and women He wants them to be. God entrusts parents to provide spiritual and moral training.

Sadly, one of the marks of our fast-paced society is the lack of respect for other human beings. We have lost sight of the need for ethical training. We are caught up in living our lives and have forgotten the responsibility we owe our young people.

This training begins with parents. However, all adults in a child’s life bear significance. When they touch a young life, they are to set an example - one that promotes and encourages positive behavior. The reward is children who grow in the spiritual and moral way they should go.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the adults in my life that set the example of Your love. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share that example with the young people in my life.

Roll in the Grass

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” - Psalm 16:11 (KJV)

Seasons in Oklahoma are often milder than in other parts of the country. Extreme temperatures do happen, but they usually only last for days or weeks, not months, at a time. My little dachshunds like to take advantage of the weather breaks by racing to the yard. They will spend hours running, rolling, and rummaging in the grass. Pure joy.

The chaos of this world tends to draw focus away from simple pleasures. What is truly important gets crowded out by obligations and responsibilities. So much “stuff” is crammed into each twenty-four hour day that we can lose sight of living.

This is not unique to people of the twenty-first century. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, many approached Him with interest in His teaching. Some refused to turn loose of their possessions and positions to follow Him. Their “stuff” blocked the view of a life full of joy with Jesus.

It is essential to spiritual health to release the clutter in our lives. Just as my dachshunds find pleasure in rolling in the grass, we may find pleasure in simple things. When we spend time in the presence of the Lord and discover the path of life He has for us, we experience the fullness of His joy.

Dear Lord, 
Help me to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in this life. Teach me through Your Word to be who You want me to be.

Hearing the Master's Voice

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (KJV)

Centuries ago, people realized the advantage of domesticating the canine species. Dogs were receptive to human attention, and over the years, different breeds were developed. Each breed was designed to perform functions that complimented human life. They became working dogs, hunting dogs, tracking dogs, vermin control, and companions.

In today’s world, most dogs are valued as family members and bring unconditional love.

However, that attachment is not immediate. There must be training involved. That means owner and dog must spend time together. A bond is required for complete devotion. That is only accomplished when the dog understands what the master expects from him. He recognizes his master’s voice and focuses on it.

My dogs have taught me quite a bit about devotion. As a Christian, I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. That brings responsibility and training into my life as well. To grow in my faith, I must focus on my Master. Training involves Bible study, fellowship with other Christians, and prayer. It also involves listening.

The more training I receive, the more I learn my Master’s voice. Sometimes it comes like a forceful wind and sometimes it is small and still. Focus insures I will not miss His communication, no matter the speaking volume.

My faith, as a follower of Christ, strengthens by spending time with the Master. I can distinguish His voice from the many voices of this world. He knows me and assures me that I am a valued member of God’s family.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your patience and care in allowing me to understand unconditional love more deeply.

The Importance of a Name

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

I have yet to meet a young couple who is not excited about expecting a baby. They spend the months leading up to the birth in preparation for the blessed arrival. Perhaps the most important preparation is choosing a name for the coming child.

Names hold a special meaning. Whether carrying on a family name to the next generation or adding a favorite one that will be unique to the new addition, the parents plan carefully. The child will bear the chosen name all of his/her life.

As a dog breeder, I also felt a responsibility in choosing appropriate names for puppies. I needed to choose wisely, because these puppies would represent my breeding and kennel. The name would stamp the pedigree of future generations in the show ring.

Names are important.

About 700 years before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah reassured the Israelites that there was a savior coming. He declared that this child would be the son of God and defined by several names. Each name held importance; each identified Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Now may be a good time to consider the personality of Jesus and reflect on the names by which He is known. I know Him best as Savior.

Dear Lord, thank you for showing us who You are through Your many names. You are truly the beginning and the end.

First post

Happy New Year! How exciting to begin 2017 with fresh opportunities and adventures. I hope to get acquainted with many as I share on my blog.

I am a devout Christian and a dog lover. Family and friends are also very important to me. This blog will touch on those things through devotionals. I hope you laugh with me and maybe cry with me, but always feel my heart in what I write. Thank you for spending a small part of your day with me - Blessings, Kathy