The Gift That Keeps On Giving

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8)

The GI Joe M3 Tank Destroyer. It came with a 12” GI Joe action figure, a 75 mm gun with elevation recoil action and operating breech. It had a working rear door, removeable gas can, flexible rolling rear tracks and the tools of any good military action figure, an axe and a shovel. It was everything a 10 year-old boy could hope for and as I listened to the pastor describe this Christmas gift he had dreamed of so many years ago, I could see his face light up, and the excitement of miniature military glory welled up inside of him all over again. He recounted his pleas to his parents, his letters to Santa, his frantic screams to his mother in the kitchen that would have her scrambling to rush and stop the blood that must be hemorrhaging from somewhere to elicit such a cry, only to find him pressed against the TV and pointing excitedly to the scenes of luckier boys than himself playing with the ultimate destroyer on the GI Joe commercial.

On Christmas morning, paper and boxes flew as he desperately sorted through new socks, a baseball bat, and a pair of pajamas to find the toy he had hoped and prayed to receive. It wasn’t there. He didn’t notice in all his hysteria, his father quietly slip out of the room and head for the garage. As he sat amongst everything that signified his dashed hopes and dreams, a black Lab puppy came bounding into the room. Our pastor smiled as he recalled Chance’s entrance and wondered if there was some misunderstanding on exactly what he meant when he pleaded for a “destroyer”. The puppy shredded paper, ran off with the newly opened socks, and preceded to do what puppies do. Although he was happy with his new puppy, it didn’t come with elevation recoil action.

It wasn’t what he wanted.

God is the master of patiently listening to our wants and desires. He sifts through them and some he blesses us with and some he does not. God’s focus is not what we want but what we need. “...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matt. 6:8) Our pastor would discover over time that the puppy he named Chance, may not have been what he wanted then as a 10 year-old boy but over the years, this dog would fill his heart like no toy ever could. God’s desire is to fill our lives with abundant blessings that don’t always come in the form of worldly gadgets.

After all, how many toys that he would absolutely die without were already gathering dust under his bed? How many cars were lying at the bottom of his toy chest with 3 wheels and a broken door? They were all begged for and dreamed about but never quite followed through with the limitless joy and entertainment that the commercials promised. God’s promises are true. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.’” (Jer. 29:11) The hope we have in Him is a hope that fulfills. His ultimate gift to us was his very own son, Jesus Christ. And that gift came so that we may have everything we need. Jesus himself said, “but few things are needed--or indeed only one.” (Luke 10:42) Jesus. He sacrificed all to give us what we need. Not a better car, a bigger house, although those things are nice and are blessings to us, but they are above and beyond what we need or even deserve.

Chance lived well into the pastor’s adult life. This warm and loyal black lab was a gift that continued to give when all the other toys and electronics had worn out, broke, or just weren’t cool anymore. It was a warm body that gave comfort through storms that raged outside his bedroom window or inside his heart. Like the great Comforter, who promises to never leave us or forsake us, that dog was an ever present symbol of love and unconditional affection. The puppy that bounded in wasn’t asked for but aren’t those sometimes God’s greatest gifts to us? The one’s that come unexpected and undeserved? When we really think about it, aren’t the things that we desire often empty and disappointing? Trust that God knows what you need. Be grateful. Know that God hears your prayers and will meet your needs. And don’t be surprised if those “needs” come wrapped in fur and wagging a tail.

Be Still...

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;’” (Ps. 46:10)

My dogs are a wealth of information. As I stated in a previous article a few months back, they continually reveal God’s truth to me in quiet moments when I’m perceptive enough to listen to their silent speech. One of these moments happened the other evening as I prepared to turn in for the night.

Dogs are creatures of habit and my dogs, Deion and Bacetti, are no exception. They know that anytime between 9:30pm and 10:00pm, I call it quits, grab their dog beds and head up the stairs. If, for some reason, I’m feeling extra saucy, I may even stay up until 11:00pm and that drives them batty. They pace and stare at me like somehow the planets have become misaligned and I really should do something about it. But this night, I was right on schedule and they raced ahead of me in happy anticipation of the sleep that awaited them and all was right with the world. I tossed their beds on their respective spots on the floor and decided to give my daughter one last “goodnight”, so I closed the door behind me and headed to her room. Well, the “goodnight” turned into a chat and before I knew it, twenty minutes had passed, that’s all it was, twenty short minutes but when I opened the door, you would have thought I had circumnavigated the globe. To Deion, at least. I heard him whining before I even opened my bedroom door and when I finally did, he was standing right there, ears alert, his stub of a tail wagging and a nervous look in his eye. He danced around me as I walked in and followed me around my room, watching my every move to make sure that this time I was, indeed, settling in for the night. He made sure the extra pillows were tossed on the chair, the comforter was folded back, before he decided that yes, I was going to bed now and it was safe for him to fluff his bed, spin in a couple of circles and plop his big frame into his doggy bed.

Then there was Baci. As I entered the room, she slowly lifted her head, looked over and welcomed me with a couple of tail wags and gently laid her head back down on her bed. There was never any doubt in her mind of my return. She heard my footsteps, my voice down the hall, and knew that while I may have stepped out of her range of vision temporarily, I was never very far and I would return. I hadn’t forgotten about her, or Deion, or our plans for a good night sleep. I smiled as I looked over at Baci; so relaxed and content. Then I glanced over at Deion, lying down but still staring at me.

Which dog am I?

When I call on God, am I Deion? Do I pray then stand at the door, heart racing, pacing back in forth saying, “okay God, now? How about...now? Are you there? Any time now...” Or am I like Baci? Do I follow my prayer with patient quietness, knowing that God has heard me and in his perfect timing, maybe not today, maybe not next year, but I will experience the answer to my prayer?

“....you need only to be still.” (Ex. 14:14), “Be still,..” (Neh. 8:11), “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;” (Ps. 37:7), “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;’” (Ps. 46:10), “‘...cease and be still.’” (Jer. 47:6) and so it goes. I know that God has heard me yet I worry and the parade of “but what if’s....” continue. Like Deion, I stand impatiently, eyes wide, heart racing, and occasionally scratch at the door just in case He’s forgotten I’m here but deep down, I know he hasn’t. He’s just on the other side, working things out in His time. His will is being done whether I’m raising my blood pressure, whining at the door or simply relaxing on the couch and enjoying life. One behavior says, “I trust you but....”, the other, “I trust you.” The end result is always the same. He has listened. He will act. In His own time. So, I might as well stand up, return to a comfy place, circle a few times, and be still.

“Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s”. (2Chron. 20:15)

In the tiny Pacific Island of Guam stands a statue. Atop it lies a Doberman Pinscher; ears erect, attentive; haunches not relaxed but poised at the ready. He stares straight ahead, ready to receive the next command of action from some unseen individual. Etched into the stone below are the names of 25 dogs who gave their lives in the battle against the Japanese who captured the small island less than twenty-four hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In Captain William W. Putney’s book, Always Faithful, he recounts his experiences with these brave animals.

On July 21, 1944, American soldiers fought the Japanese in a battle lasting only a few weeks but in that short time span, over 7,000 Marine, Army, and Navy men were killed along with 25 of their faithful canine recruits. These dogs, primarily Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds, were specially trained to scout ahead of the troops through the tangle of jungle thickets and treacherous terrain for Japanese soldiers hidden in caves and bush. Their keen senses alerted soldiers to land mines, booby traps, and approaching Japanese in the middle of the night. These dogs carried ammunition, messages and medical supplies. The most valuable weapons these Marines brought into battle weren’t their guns and grenades, they were the noses and ears of these military dogs. These dogs led over 550 patrols on Guam and were never once ambushed. They saved hundreds of lives and gave 25 of their own. Surprisingly, the dogs that were used in battle were nicknamed, “Devil Dogs”. The devil has no desire to protect us. He leaves us swaying in the wind, raising the white flag. These dogs were angels, sent by God to protect us and to provide a divine example of trust, obedience, and selflessness.

What was in it for these dogs? For them, there was no freedom to fight for. They had no concept of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. There was no hope of a Purple Heart or a high ranking position. They did it because the soldiers asked them to. The praise of their friend was enough. There is an innate trust that dogs have in us when we provide a healthy, balanced relationship of leadership and respect. When these dogs headed out on a dangerous mission to hunt out the Japanese fighters, there was no fear. They forged ahead among the thorns, reptiles, bugs and unseen enemies because it was what they were trained to do by the men following closely behind. They knew their friend, trainer and fellow soldier was there. Any command issued would be quickly obeyed and through this teamwork, lives were saved.

What an example of trust and faith. Everyday we head out into this world, we have a protector following close behind who we can trust. God has our back. Through his Word, he has given us instruction and training to help us battle our enemies, seen and unseen. Does it mean we’ll never get injured in battle? Of course not, but it does mean that he’ll be there to help us get through it. We’re often overwhelmed by “the great horde”; we get “dismayed” and frightened by the lump the doctor has discovered, the impending layoff, a troubled marriage. Stop. Turn around. Look to your protector, obey His commands; He’s prepared you for this. This battle is not yours to fight. You’re going to need an army. You’re going to need faith. And there’s no better equipped force than God and his angels. He’ll get you through it and in the end when the smoke has cleared, look up and thank Him for his guidance. There’s nothing on earth you can give him in return. Just praise him. The praise of a friend is enough.

A 12lb. David

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

I wonder what Lucy thought when she entered our home. This four pound, twelve month-old Yorkie Maltese Mix pranced in with an air of superiority but her look of confidence turned to shock as she suddenly came nose to nose with a 85 lb. Doberman Pinscher and a pushy, inquisitive Boxer/Pit Mix. She stopped and crouched worriedly as Deion, the dobe, lifted her off the ground with every sniff at one end while Baci, my boxer mix, poked and prodded with her nose at Lucy’s other end. She was obviously fascinating to them. She entered carrying in all the smells from the outside world. She was full of information for their inquisitive snouts. Her paws smelled of squirrel feces, slug slime and other scents undetectable by the human olfactory system. She released a resume of information regarding her sex, mood and fertility. After about 2 seconds of this molestation, she also released a big ole’ can of the proverbial fury. Deion and Baci recoiled in fear. Baci immediately rolled into a submissive white flag and Deion bounced into a play bow; a dog’s way of saying, “Hey, calm down, I’m here for fun!” She was neither intimidated by their size or obtrusiveness. Like David, she drew her stone, flung it, and the giants fell.

There was nothing about Lucy’s outward appearance that promised such internal strength. She entered the home as if she believed she was taking ownership of it but reality set in as she was faced with obstacles larger, stronger, and seemingly insurmountable. What she thought was a fun excursion to a new and exciting place turned into her worst nightmare.

I was fascinated as I witnessed this interaction between the three dogs and studied the change in Lucy’s demeanor. I looked on as the truth of Timothy 1:7 unfolded before my eyes. This tiny, crouching, patient animal realized her true strength and potential in the midst of what seemed like impossible circumstances. As I watched Lucy, I realized the Dobermans of life are no match for the spirit of power that lives in us.

We don’t start out life with a “spirit of timidity”. Like Lucy, most of us, as children, see each new experience as the adventure of a lifetime. Somehow along the way, a few unkind words. disappointments and failed attempts come along and convince us to approach troubles and worry as if they were too big for us. God did not equip us that way. We cannot find the strength to tackle the seemingly impossible from inside of ourselves. We have to look up and not rest our gaze on the looming obstacle before us but past it, up to the Lord who gives us power.

Being timid is easy. It’s safe to stay in the corner in a crowd of people and give the excuse, ‘I’m just shy’. We feel protected surrounded by our insecurities. Lucy could have laid there the rest of her life getting nosed and poked at but eventually, the dogs would lose interest, walk away and live life as dogs do. And Lucy would have stayed there feeling used and dejected; never moving forward. Never experiencing the companionship Deion and Baci could have provided. Never roaming the house and discovering the bit of cookie hidden under the chair that only she could reach.

But like most dogs, Lucy possessed inner strength. She may have crouched down and become submissive in the name of self-preservation but she didn’t cower. She quickly understood through the body language that Baci and Deion presented that they weren’t all that their physical stature presumed them to be. It was as if she thought, “Okay, I’m done being pushed around; I’m taking control here.” God gives each one of us that same ability. Our responsibility as humans is to take control in a spirit of “love and of self-discipline”. Lucy did what cornered dogs do, she lashed out with ferocity. After all, when you’re 12 lbs. facing a 80 lb. opponent, it’s all about perception. However, we can face that verbal jab by a co-worker in the conference room not with fangs bared but with love and self-discipline. Knowing who we are, what the truth is, and who it is that grants us that power. God.

For the remainder of Lucy’s visit, the dogs got along just fine. Deion and Baci knew Lucy’s limits. They gave Lucy her space and she took it. She held her head high and though it may not have been in reality as high as the other dogs, Lucy thought is was. And that was all that mattered.

Tails of Angels: Angels With Fur

Tails of Angels: Angels With Fur: "“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being un..."

Angels With Fur

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

The inspiration behind these pages sprang from a journey down two different paths. One path is worn bare with my footprints and leads me on a never-ending journey to grow closer to God; studying my Bible, yearning to discover God’s nature and His will for my life. The other path is freshly paved but equally long and I’m just at the trail head. To become a professional dog trainer and in doing so, learn more about dogs; how they think, what they know. As I traveled along, the paths began to move closer to one another and although they didn’t become one, they ran parallel as one road began to reveal more about the other.

Walk into any bookstore and you’ll find the dog section packed with more books about them than any other animal on earth. Dogs are studied and researched today more than ever before. Most books I’ve read examine dogs from a scientific and psychological perspective. My desire is to experience them from an emotional, spiritual viewpoint; viewing them as God’s creation filled with his invisible qualities. Love, grace, forgiveness, and strength are just a few of the many qualities of God I witness through dogs that have touched my life either by personal experience or by news stories, books or articles. Dogs, like God himself, are mysterious, delightfully unpredictable, and bring an incredible amount of joy into my life.

While there is an exhaustible amount of information written on both subjects: dogs and God, we are constantly trying to figure them out. Digging deeper into their psyche. What does everything mean? How do we, as humans, figure in to their existence? What do they think about us? Could it be that we are not as important as we think? What I believe; and that is all it is, no science, no data, just a simple belief, is that both God and dogs exist out of and for love. Dogs reveal to us God’s nature. God uses them to reveal things about himself to us. Even his angels, at times, indwell in them. How else could so many amazing feats of bravery by dogs go unexplained?

Dogs have a purpose in our lives. What other animal have we invited into our home? Why is it that we share our bed with a dog and not, say, a beaver? Why do we put up with the shedding, slobbering, muddy footprints, and cold wet nose that awaken us at two a.m.? Could it be that they fill a need in our lives that God knew humans couldn’t fulfill? Regardless of the reasons, dogs are special animals. Whether or not you choose to pursue a relationship with God; you more than likely, at some point in your life, have chosen to have a relationship with a dog. Whether it was yours or someone else’s, a dog has touched your life and God was there, closer than you think.