Canine Perception

Many people judge others on their appearance. The fat lady is honored only in opera. The short man is considered sissified. Some folks reject those of different skin color, a limp, lack of so-called style in dress, the job they pursue, their education, their ancestry, or where they live.

 

Our canine friends are wiser. Dogs sense the real person and instinctively recognize a person’s personality. They relate to kindness, generosity, even the interior happiness. They shy away from shallowness, egotism, “me first” self-serving persons. They respond to sincerity and turn away from hypocrisy. Is it any wonder some people prefer their dog to their neighbors? 

Imagination Gone Amok

I rarely have trouble falling asleep at night. Usually, I read five or six pages of a novel, turn out the light, say my prayers and go to sleep within minutes.

 

On the rare occasion I cannot drop off, I silently recite a few Bible verses or the lyrics to a hymn, and drift into dreamland.

 

A few weeks ago, after praying, my thoughts ran rampant in my head and I could not nod off. I switched position and recited a few more verses. No luck.

 

Then imagination took over. I had always heard of counting sheep jumping over a fence as a sleep inducement, but had never tried it. Hmm. I wonder if it works.

 

I closed my eyes and imagined a little wooly white lamb jumping over a low fence and running off. A second little sheep followed—three—four…ten, eleven… twelve.  The next lamb had a red face.

 

I opened my eyes and frowned, rolled over on my side and tried again. Two more little red-faces leaped over and disappeared. I settled more comfortable. Then, the next lamb had a lime green face, then a sky blue one, a neon yellow one. I smiled. This was fun.

 

To my surprise, the following two had normal white face. Then, in quick order: a lamb with pink polka-dotted wool, one with purple stripes, followed by one with green and blue plaid wool.

 

I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. What next? I wondered.

 

I decided to go downstairs and have a cup of hot milk. I had never tried that either, but how could my imagination possibly mess up a cup of milk?

God's Hand

GOD’S HAND

God has His hand on the universe,

The stars and comets follow His direction;

He sets the paths they traverse.

Planets and moons orbit in perfection.

He knows their names.

The seasons obey His timing;

They rotate at His command.

Sowing, growing and harvesting,

Are set to befriend the land.

God has His hand on you.

He knit your bones, and substance.

He knows your thoughts and stance.

All you are, He foreknew.

He knows your name.

Arlene J. Warner

Http://www.ArleneJWarner.com

DISCOVERING THANKSGIVING

Sometimes it is difficult to find much to be thankful for. This year may be one of those times. However, if you are in this predicament, the search for good can be revealing and fulfilling.  Consider some of the following  events you may have celebrated since last Thanksgiving:

1.      A new baby or grandchild was born.

2.      Your loved one returned safely from Afghanistan.

3.      Your daughter graduated from college and got a job.

4.      Your son married a wonderful young woman.

5.      The x-rays proved that your mother’s fall resulted in only a bruised hip.

6.      Your husband or wife still has a job.

7.      The breast test came back negative.

8.      You celebrated fifty years of marriage.

9.      You lost 15 pounds

10.  Your oldest child started kindergarten.

11.  Your pet loves you.

12.  You have a sense of humor.

13.  You can gaze at the sunset, or the tide rolling in, or the snow on the mountains.

14.  You give and receive love.

15.  Your child gave you a homemade Mother’s Day card.

16.  You received sufficient rainfall for your crops.

17.  Your roses bloomed all summer.

18.  Your son escaped without a scratch when he totaled his car.

19.  Your husband gave you a surprise party.

20.  Your neighbor shared his zucchini with you. J

             Give thanks for our servicemen, police, and firemen who risk their lives to keep

              us safe.

A major blessing is our Bill of Rights. No other country has a much individual    freedom as we do. Give thanks for the freedom of the press, religion, assembly, to bear arms, to vote, trial by our peers, unreasonable search and seizure. Give thanks for our unique Constitution.  

This is a short list. I’m sure you can think of many more. Some may appear frivolous, but think about it – they are each a blessing.

The Bible says laughter is good medicine. A positive attitude puts a spring in your step and is contagious. All those around you benefit. Remember, some things are like the weather, you can’t do anything about it. So, as the old adage says, “When you’re dealt a lemon, make lemonade.”

Most importantly, remember your heavenly Father is still on His throne and in control.

“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 a future.”

Celebrate. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.       

ALL THAT JAZZ

 A tyrant lives at our house. Our daughter found a gray, two pound ball of fluff inside a coke machine a year ago and brought him home. After spending a day or so assessing his situation, he asserted full authority over the entire household. We named him All That Jazz (for some unexplainable reason) and promptly shortened it to Jazz.

Jazz appropriates my favorite chair at will and turns into a handful of cooked spaghetti when I try to remove him. Another resting place is the laundry basket, atop freshly laundered and folded clothes.
His hobbies include chasing the long cord my husband uses to connect his laptop to the phone. Cat toys bore him, but he has been known to rip a newspaper or homework into confetti when thwarted.

At mealtime, he wraps himself around my feet in a disgusting fawning manner, even though he knows the rule is no feeding in the kitchen or dining room. He prefers pasta to cat food, but his all time favorite food is tuna.

Each night he honors one of us by sleeping on the chosen one's bed. Once settled, you move him at your own risk. He appears benign enough as you gently slide him over so you can slip under the covers. Don't be fooled by the fact that he doesn't move an eyelid, or stiffen his tail. In half an hour or so, just as you are nestling into a sound sleep, he exacts revenge by nipping a toe.

I once scolded him sternly: "I'm the mistress, you're the pet." He stared at me with unblinking green eyes for a few moments, swishing his tail all the while. Then he yawned and turned his back on me. I am almost sure I heard "Dream on Lady" as he stalked off.

Father, Save America

FATHER, SAVE AMERICA

Lord, You delivered the Israelites from slavery,
and moved them across the sea.

You raised up Moses, Joshua and David
to lead them;
You gave them the Promised Land.

You delivered the Pilgrims from prosecution,
and took them across the sea.

You raised up Washington, Adams, and Henry
to lead them;
You gave them America.

You produced the Ten Commandments
To guide your chosen people;
You inspired the constitution
To govern the new land.

Israelites fell away.
America fell away.

Israel called out to You, and repented;
You heard their cries and healed their land.

On my knees I called to You. I repented.
Lord, hear my prayer and heal our land.

Father, please save America.

MY NAME IS PEANUT

My name is Peanut. I live with my master and mistress (Mom and Pop) and two cats. You’re probably wondering how I got such an inappropriate name. I suppose it might be because I weighed only two-and-a-half pounds when I came here, and I guess I am sort of peanut-colored. Even so, it doesn’t suit me. I’ve considered changing it, but everyone in the neighborhood knows me, so it would be cruel and confusing.

I have a large house and yard to guard. More responsibility than a small-uh - I mean single dog should have on his shoulders. However, I don’t flinch at carrying out my duties, no matter how arduous.

The household has accepted my leadership pretty well. Oh, it took some time, but all is settled now. I decide when it’s time to get up each morning, meal times, snack times, and bedtime for me and cats.

Patches is the elder cat. She ruled things around here before I arrived. She was the hardest member of the family to convince of my high position, but she has come into line for the most part. Actually, she ignores me a lot, except when I put my foot down when she moves into my space.

Baby is aptly named, as she’s a rag-doll breed. She is so laid back that I have to prod her into playing with me. As long as she is fed and can go outside to lie in the sun, she’s content. I rarely have to discipline her.

Pop is lots of fun. Almost always when I’m ready to play, he accommodates me - especially since he retired. He chases me around the house and sharpens my skills in scaring off the guys.

Mom - well she’s not so playful. She tosses toys for me to fetch, but racing around the table is not her idea of exercise. She does control the treats and is fairly generous. Both of them give me tidbits from their table, but mostly I have to depend on dull dog food. I can’t really complain. I’ve grown to ten-and-a-half pounds in less than two years.

The weight gain has been a great advantage. I can now push the swinging door in the kitchen open enough to get through, so no one can hide what they are doing from me.

I love company, especially Carmen. She cuddles me and plays. Most visitors like me and don’t mind me jumping up for attention, but after a few minutes, I’m commanded to knock it off. Sometimes my exuberance gets the best of me and I don’t listen. Unfortunately, this usually means I get snatched up and stuck outdoors - on a leash for heaven’s sake. How humiliating!

How I’m supposed to do my job as a guard when I can only travel ten feet beats me.

A couple of neighboring cats like to hang out by the squirrel’s tree. I can’t allow that invasion of my beat. My ferocious bark and threatening demeanor usually frightens them away, even though I’m tethered to a porch post.

I hate going to the grooming place. That guy trims my fur almost to my skin. The last time this happened, we had a cold spell the next day. I thought I would freeze. Luckily Mom and Pop got me a sweater. It’s great - the orange color suits me and signals invaders to beware. I especially like the added authority it gives me with the patch on my shoulder that assigns me to “Squirrel Patrol.” O course, I don’t chase the squirrels. They run up the tree and it’s foolish to bark at them from the ground. Besides, I rather like to watch their antics.

I helped Mom in the garden and flower beds all summer, but now it’s cool and she doesn’t go outside so much. So I don’t either. When I get bored, I made a fuss and she lets me out on the leash unless I find the right moment to slip from her grasp. What fun! I roam around the neighborhood and meet all kinds of new friends. When I get tired, I go home. Usually, there’s no punishment and I can get a drink and eat something before taking a nap without too much fuss.

When Mom and Pop leave for an evening or a shopping trip, I’m given full authority inside the house. I also get to take a much-needed nap on the couch. I’m alert, though, the least sound gets my attention.

A couple of time I’ve gone to the pet boarder. They love me there, naturally, and I get a lot of attention. After a day or so, it’s boring, no squirrels to catch or cats to chase. I hear Pop’s voice as soon as he walks into the office and I call an attendant to get out of my cage. I really perk up when I get near my digs. There’s no place like home.

That’s about all about me. If you want more information, I’ll be glad to oblige. It owe it to my public to keep them up to date on all my achievements. It’s good to teach the young pups how to behave. All in all, a dog’s life is pretty cushy.