Blessings, Princess Warriors! The New Year is well underway and already there's so much to share. First, I must acknowledge the tragedy in Haiti. I trust your prayers are with the precious people of that broken country. Miraculously, as with any tragic event, God is bringing light into a very dark situation. I'm not going to debate the "why it happened" questions, but, only say: God loves people. God can and does use horrendous circumstances to change lives, families, even nations. I will continue to pray for His provision and purpose in Haiti. I'd like to play a more personal role in the aftermath, unfortunately, that is simply not feasible unless God does some major rearranging and providing in my own life.
As for my own personal life, it was suggested that a dog might prove to be the perfect companion pet for my daughter. So, we are now the proud owners of a 10-month-old American Eskimo Dog. His name is Stryder and he looks like a fluffy, white, mini-husky. Too cute! All puppy. We've been watching dog training videos and my daughter is reading books from the library. The whole household is working to teach this precious pup how to be obedient. Well, let's just say, this process is not as simple as those video's make it seem. In fact, I feel like we have a toddler that moves really fast and barks. And although he's semi-house broken, he still has little "accidents." Despite these doggy challenges, we love our new baby. When he gazes up with those big dark eyes, you fall in love all over again.
However, one thing I've noticed is that he has great difficulty allowing us to lead him on a walk. If you're a dog owner, I'm sure you've experienced this at some point in your doggy- owning-career. Some dogs tug on the leash attempting to force their will on you. They don't want to follow, but would prefer to lead! If the dog is strong enough, it can drag you all over the place.
As I was observing this struggle between my daughter and her pup, I was reminded of how I react to God's directions at times. I, too, tug and pull, fighting to go the direction I want. Granted, our Heavenly King has power that we don't wield as human pet owners, but I think the similarities can serve our purpose of discussion.
God certainly doesn't drag us around with a leash, instead he extends his hand and asks us to follow him. He is the leader, we are His followers. He knows the best way to travel. He understands how far we can walk without overtiring. He is aware of dangers that we have no clue about. He cares for us and wants us to stay on the right path doing the right things, the things He has purposed and planned specifically for us individually, and as a body of believers.
Unfortunately, like Stryder (cute name, huh?) I have many ideas about what I think I should be doing. I want to go one way and God is leading me another. When I fail to follow his expert advise and guidance, I often end up face down in a puddle of muck. I waste time, energy, even money, and wish I'd adhered to my Master's leadership to start with. Ahhhhh ....! Can anyone relate?
Have you even seen one of those professional dog walkers? I'm amazed they manage to walk so many dogs at once. Good "walkers" actually keep their charges all going the same direction with minimal difficulties. They obey and heed their walker's direction. Imagine all the people God is leading, the major difference is that He doesn't leash us to lead us.
He offers His hand.
It's up to us to connect with Him and follow.
One of my ongoing challenges is to stop being like Stryder. Stop tugging, fighting, and attempting to do my "own thing" when it doesn't line up with God's best. God does know best -- always. My own best ideas have gotten me in a world of trouble of the years. When I slow down and listen to God through His Word, wise council, and prayer, I find the going a whole lot easier.
I suspect that when a dog struggles against its master's wishes, it can end up sore from its misguided efforts. I know when I choose to struggle against God's guidance, I can end up "sore" emotionally, spiritually, and possibly even physically. Taking the wrong trail can lead us places better left untraveled.
So, what do you say that we, as God's priceless princess warriors, spend less time on what we want and more time on what our All-knowing Father desires for our lives? We can truly trust His intentions and directions. Amen!?! Won't you take His hand? He's waiting.
His Word Says:
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 ESV
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NIV
Come and follow me, Jesus said ... Mark 1:17a NIV
As for my own personal life, it was suggested that a dog might prove to be the perfect companion pet for my daughter. So, we are now the proud owners of a 10-month-old American Eskimo Dog. His name is Stryder and he looks like a fluffy, white, mini-husky. Too cute! All puppy. We've been watching dog training videos and my daughter is reading books from the library. The whole household is working to teach this precious pup how to be obedient. Well, let's just say, this process is not as simple as those video's make it seem. In fact, I feel like we have a toddler that moves really fast and barks. And although he's semi-house broken, he still has little "accidents." Despite these doggy challenges, we love our new baby. When he gazes up with those big dark eyes, you fall in love all over again.
However, one thing I've noticed is that he has great difficulty allowing us to lead him on a walk. If you're a dog owner, I'm sure you've experienced this at some point in your doggy- owning-career. Some dogs tug on the leash attempting to force their will on you. They don't want to follow, but would prefer to lead! If the dog is strong enough, it can drag you all over the place.
As I was observing this struggle between my daughter and her pup, I was reminded of how I react to God's directions at times. I, too, tug and pull, fighting to go the direction I want. Granted, our Heavenly King has power that we don't wield as human pet owners, but I think the similarities can serve our purpose of discussion.
God certainly doesn't drag us around with a leash, instead he extends his hand and asks us to follow him. He is the leader, we are His followers. He knows the best way to travel. He understands how far we can walk without overtiring. He is aware of dangers that we have no clue about. He cares for us and wants us to stay on the right path doing the right things, the things He has purposed and planned specifically for us individually, and as a body of believers.
Unfortunately, like Stryder (cute name, huh?) I have many ideas about what I think I should be doing. I want to go one way and God is leading me another. When I fail to follow his expert advise and guidance, I often end up face down in a puddle of muck. I waste time, energy, even money, and wish I'd adhered to my Master's leadership to start with. Ahhhhh ....! Can anyone relate?
Have you even seen one of those professional dog walkers? I'm amazed they manage to walk so many dogs at once. Good "walkers" actually keep their charges all going the same direction with minimal difficulties. They obey and heed their walker's direction. Imagine all the people God is leading, the major difference is that He doesn't leash us to lead us.
He offers His hand.
It's up to us to connect with Him and follow.
One of my ongoing challenges is to stop being like Stryder. Stop tugging, fighting, and attempting to do my "own thing" when it doesn't line up with God's best. God does know best -- always. My own best ideas have gotten me in a world of trouble of the years. When I slow down and listen to God through His Word, wise council, and prayer, I find the going a whole lot easier.
I suspect that when a dog struggles against its master's wishes, it can end up sore from its misguided efforts. I know when I choose to struggle against God's guidance, I can end up "sore" emotionally, spiritually, and possibly even physically. Taking the wrong trail can lead us places better left untraveled.
So, what do you say that we, as God's priceless princess warriors, spend less time on what we want and more time on what our All-knowing Father desires for our lives? We can truly trust His intentions and directions. Amen!?! Won't you take His hand? He's waiting.
His Word Says:
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 ESV
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NIV
Come and follow me, Jesus said ... Mark 1:17a NIV
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