Refreshing Faith
Let me introduce you to our standard poodles. We currently have two males. Max is 87 pounds of affection and stubbornness. His younger brother is 44 pounds of playfulness and sweetness. We lost our 53 pound female in 2020. While each one has varied in build and demonstrated a unique personality, the breed shares many common traits.Continue Reading
I washed my dogs’ food and water bowls one morning and thought about how they never worry about whether they’ll have fresh food and clean water for the day. They don’t even know I wash their bowls. Our animals know where their food and water bowls are, and that is enough.
If Strider needs something, like the door opened so he can chase a squirrel, he gently lays his head on my lap. If Max wants something from me, he paws the cabinet until I jump to attention.
Psalm 104 recalls God’s care of His creatures. Note verses 27 and 28 (NIV),
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.”
Seeing my fur boys’ wagging tails and happy prances makes me smile. Genesis says we are created in God’s image so that we can take care of the animals (Gen. 1:26). As an image bearer, caring for my dogs brings me joy. I think the Lord also smiles when I enjoy the sweet fragrance of jasmine and honeysuckle in the spring and show appreciation for His provisions.Continue Reading
I asked my special friend Dottie Stam to share a story with you that she told at Bible study. Her comical retelling of what could have been a tragic incident with her standard poodle will entertain and challenge you. Now, here’s Dottie.Continue Reading
My dear cousin recently lost Ketu, her Tibetan Mastiff. Ketu was a gentle giant. In memory of her sweet dog, I am sharing what I wrote when we lost Corrie, our yellow lab.
To be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8 NASB).
The hope of a reunion with loved ones in the faith helps us say good-bye. But what solace do pet owners have?
Photo by: Krista Mangulsone
The God of hope offers hope, joy, and peace for any situation, including saying good bye to a pet (Romans 15:13). This hope comes from trusting Him.
God loves the animal kingdom. He took time to create different personalities for each animal, not just each species. No two labs are alike even though the breed has similarities.
God gave people a choice whether to board Noah’s ark, but He compelled the animals He rescued onto the ark. The rainbow confirmed His covenant with all the creatures of the earth, not just humans (Gen. 9:10, 15, 17). God had compassion and spared wicked Nineveh in part because of its many animals (Jonah 4:11). He never forgets even one small sparrow who dies (Luke 12:6).Continue Reading