Pursuing Salvation
Chronicles Part Deux

Thankful Thursday -

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

This month we are spending the HOT month of July here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Next month we will meet up with Laurie of Women Taking A Stand and in September we will share our thanks with Iris of Grace Alone

Hi Everyone. So glad you joined me to give praise and thanksgiving to our Lord. 

I have so many things to be thankful as we start the second half of 2010. SAY WHAT?  Half the year has rushed passed already. Whoa!

I must pause on this July 1st to give thanks for the privileges of living in America. As we celebrate our 234th birthday, I do pause to ask all of you to pray along with me for this nation, it's leaders and especially the people and animals affected by the Gulf oil spill.

On another note, I want to share one of my favorite people with you. Okay, he's not a people but he thinks he is.

Imported Photos 00115

 

This is Peanut.

Believe it or not, I learn a great deal about unconditional love and loyalty from this mutt. I also see so many parallels in living for the Lord as this little pup lives for the joy of our family.

Peanut was born a happy, playful and pretty much a giddy little dog. He was sweet and curious and always up for adventure. He would prance around the kitchen when he received a dog bone and he would race to the front door when it was time for a walk.

But..... life happened to Peanut.

Early in his life he slipped away from the safety of our home late at night. He was met, we think, by one or two coyotes who were looking for a meal. I don't know how he escaped but he limped home, torn, bleeding and full of fear.

Five days later I visited Peanut at the veterinarian hospital and the vet pronounced, "I think Peanut has decided to live."

Whew! We took the little guy home. But that's not all. 

He tore his foot open at the park. Another vet visit

He was jumped by a big dog on a walk. Gash in the side, Another visit to the all night animal hospital

Seizure. Another late night to the Animal hospital. Etc.

I have spent more money on this dogs injuries than all of my other pets I have own my entire life combined. There is a brand spankin' new addition to the vet's office that is named after the Donovans *grin*.

Sheesh!                                                              

The many traumas this little guy has experienced has changed my dog. He is often frightened. Won't go outside for long. He trembles over any loud noise and is jumpy and hesitant. I've watched as fear has taken up residence and squashed his once adventurous spirit. 

He has learned the hard way, much like we do, that we live in a dangerous world at times. He has also learned that under our protection he is safe well cared for and receives enormous amounts of pets on the back each evening.

I think about the times I ran away from the Lord during my prodigal years. How I encountered danger and struggle. Those dark years were often scary and uncertain. I made bad choices and today, bare the consequences of my actions. There were wolves disguised in sheep's clothing waiting to tear my heart apart......

However, I returned home.

My Lord doctored me up. Invested enormous amounts of love and care into my healing. His Son paid a heavy price to have a mansion built for me. 

So, as I look down at my little Peanut tonight and smile at him with love and stroke his back to give him comfort and security, my big imagination comes to life. I see my Lord, reaching down with a gentle smile, a hand of comfort and a heart of grace as he gently speaks soothing words to the broken places in my soul.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 

I read this passage this morning as my dog sat with my on the couch during my quiet time. Tears flooded my eyes. He indeed, heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

and..... those of little dogs as well. Imported Photos 00111  

Be blessed, Lynn

What are you thankful for. Write your Thankful Thursday post, then link up here, visit a few of the others and mostly offer praise for the Lord is good and He is faithful. Hugs, Lynn

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