It's no wonder many of us travel through life feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances. We move from one crisis to the next hanging on by a thread. Our emotions shift from sadness to exhaustion to depression to fear. We'll cling to a friend's advice. We'll grab the self-help book off of the shelf. We may even venture to church on the occasional Sunday desperate to hear a hopeful message. We're always surprised when we forget the advice of our friend, disappointed when the methods in our self-help book do all but deliver. And that warm fuzzy feeling that came over us in Sunday morning church quickly fades sometimes before we even make it to the car in the parking lot as we exit the church building.
What if I told you I had a remedy? What if I told you I had the answer to overcoming sadness, conquering fear, finding true joy and peace? Would you listen? Better yet, would you do what I suggest? What if I told you that if you would only do what I recommend, then it is quite possible that you will find purpose in life? That you might even make some new friends along the way? That what I suggest you do might even change who you are for the better? Are you convinced? Have I peaked your interest enough?
Here is my recommendation. In order to have purpose, to experience true joy, to overcome obstacles such as sadness, fear and depression, simply...
Serve others.
That's it. Figure out a way to forget about yourself and put the needs of others ahead of your own. Love people especially the ones who are hard to love. They need it the most. Look around you. What needs to be done? Who needs help? What about those who try to act like they have it all together but you suspect they need love and friendship more than they know? Who is going through a hard time around you? Is someone ill? Has someone lost a loved one? Do you have a lonely neighbor, co-worker or family member? Is there someone in your life with whom you haven't spoken? Would you consider reconciliation?
Jesus didn't spend very many years walking among humans. On His resurrection day, he was merely 33-years-old. Most every minute of His time on planet Earth was taken up with serving others. And in the very few moments we read about in the Bible where He does experience real human emotions - fear (Gethsemane), pain (Calvary), betrayal (Passover) - He always went to the Father in prayer. Always. Every time.
Let me ask you. Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it? As much as you've cried about it? As much as you've raged about it?
Let me also ask you. When was the last time you did something for someone other than yourself? And while I have your attention let me offer you a piece of reality. If you wait to serve others until you actually feel like it, you will never do it. Ministry is not about feelings. It's messy. It's rocky. It's scary. It's risky. But it's what was modeled for us through Jesus Christ. Jesus didn't just show up for ministry on Sunday mornings wearing His finest suit with a box of donuts in hand. He didn't stand at the coffee maker with a smile on His face asking everyone how their work week went. He didn't attend a Sunday School class or pass an offering plate or play the organ or count the offering.
NO! His feet were dirty from all His travels. His legs were weary as He walked from one town to the next healing, preaching, and serving. His friends were few but they were dear. His enemies were many only because Truth hurts. He was hated. He was loved. He was mocked. He was embraced. He was betrayed. He was beaten. He was even murdered. But, He is risen!
Don't make His time on this planet and the lessons He taught humankind and the sacrifice He made on the cross all be for nothing. As you celebrate Easter this week, be reminded of what Christ did for you. Why? Because He loves you. And He needs others to know of His love, as well. Which brings me back to the original purpose of this post. How will others know? How will you come to experience it for yourself?
Serve.
That's all,
Linds
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 7
Well, it's that time again. What are you memorizing this month? It's April 1st and I am continuing on in Psalm 139. Here is my verse...
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" -Psalm 139:7 (NIV)
Looking forward to hearing from you. Remember to tell us your verse, the address and translation. Have a great Easter. He is RISEN!
Linds
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" -Psalm 139:7 (NIV)
Looking forward to hearing from you. Remember to tell us your verse, the address and translation. Have a great Easter. He is RISEN!
Linds
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 6
Today is Verse Day! I look forward to these two days every month; I really do. I pray the Lord is strategically using your verses to speak to you, to encourage you, to challenge you, and to strengthen you. Here is mine for March 15...
"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." -Psalm 139:6 (NIV)
Another passage the Lord brought me to this month was from Numbers. I wanted to share it with you in case any of you would like to memorize it. It is perfect to pray over yourself, your family, anybody!! It is...
"May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." -Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
I can't wait to hear from you. Let me know how the Lord is using these verses in your life. Somebody testify, amen?!
Love y'all,
Linds
"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." -Psalm 139:6 (NIV)
Another passage the Lord brought me to this month was from Numbers. I wanted to share it with you in case any of you would like to memorize it. It is perfect to pray over yourself, your family, anybody!! It is...
"May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." -Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
I can't wait to hear from you. Let me know how the Lord is using these verses in your life. Somebody testify, amen?!
Love y'all,
Linds
Monday, March 12, 2012
When Enough Becomes Enough
In the morning she wakes up, pours the first anticipated cup of coffee, showers, puts her make-up on, fixes her hair, dresses, and takes one quick glance in the mirror before heading off to start her day. Before she steps away, she takes a few extra seconds to stare at the image in the mirror. In less than a second, she hates what she sees - the wrinkles, the extra weight, the pale skin. She wonders how her husband would have any interest left in his heart for her. He tells her everyday how beautiful she is. She's thankful for that and wants to believe it for herself, but it's much easier to self-loathe. She takes a few more moments as she stares in the mirror to offer up a few more critical words in her mind. "If only you'd lose a few more pounds," she thinks. "If only you didn't have those stretch marks," she tells herself. "If only your skin was clear," she tortures herself.
As she walks out the door and begins her day, her Father lets out a heavy sigh. He watches her go about her day. He hears her thoughts of self-hatred and wonders how it came to this. As she completes each task of the day, she goes between hating what she sees in the mirror and hating what she perceives to be true of her inner being, as well. The place where she once asked her Father to take up residence is the place she is most critical. She ridicules her personality. She over-analyzes every word she has said. She thinks, "No wonder you have no friends." She convincingly says, "You'll never be liked." She believes, "You are replaceable."
And THAT becomes the last straw. Her Father speaks up. He no longer can just sit back and watch. He takes His place of glory in her heart and with force says, "That is enough." She folds in defeat. She looks up at Him and He motions her over. She climbs in His lap and as she lays back against His chest, He speaks. Gently He says, "For I created your inmost being. I knit you together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I love you." As the tears roll down her cheek, she is grateful for the reminder. In the silence, she is comforted by her Father's presence. She breathes a sigh of relief. In her heart, she waves her white flag and asks her Father to fight for her. He comes to her aid just like all the times before. But this time is different.
She realizes something. She IS fearfully and wonderfully made because she was made in His image. What took place in the spiritual realm as her Father so cleverly wove her together in the depths of the earth was no mistake, no coincidence. Her eyes are opened and she begins to see. She trusts what He promises - that all of the days ordained for her were written in His book before one of them came to be. She begins to live again believing that her future is filled with promise and purpose because THAT is what her Father has promised. She decides enough IS enough. She creates a plan and develops a defense mechanism holy in nature. When the waves of defeat threaten to take her under she remembers her Father's promise. And with that, she lives. With that, her purpose is revealed. With that, her destiny becomes a reality. With her, her Father is pleased.
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:9-10
As she walks out the door and begins her day, her Father lets out a heavy sigh. He watches her go about her day. He hears her thoughts of self-hatred and wonders how it came to this. As she completes each task of the day, she goes between hating what she sees in the mirror and hating what she perceives to be true of her inner being, as well. The place where she once asked her Father to take up residence is the place she is most critical. She ridicules her personality. She over-analyzes every word she has said. She thinks, "No wonder you have no friends." She convincingly says, "You'll never be liked." She believes, "You are replaceable."
And THAT becomes the last straw. Her Father speaks up. He no longer can just sit back and watch. He takes His place of glory in her heart and with force says, "That is enough." She folds in defeat. She looks up at Him and He motions her over. She climbs in His lap and as she lays back against His chest, He speaks. Gently He says, "For I created your inmost being. I knit you together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I love you." As the tears roll down her cheek, she is grateful for the reminder. In the silence, she is comforted by her Father's presence. She breathes a sigh of relief. In her heart, she waves her white flag and asks her Father to fight for her. He comes to her aid just like all the times before. But this time is different.
She realizes something. She IS fearfully and wonderfully made because she was made in His image. What took place in the spiritual realm as her Father so cleverly wove her together in the depths of the earth was no mistake, no coincidence. Her eyes are opened and she begins to see. She trusts what He promises - that all of the days ordained for her were written in His book before one of them came to be. She begins to live again believing that her future is filled with promise and purpose because THAT is what her Father has promised. She decides enough IS enough. She creates a plan and develops a defense mechanism holy in nature. When the waves of defeat threaten to take her under she remembers her Father's promise. And with that, she lives. With that, her purpose is revealed. With that, her destiny becomes a reality. With her, her Father is pleased.
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:9-10
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 5
If this is the first time you are reading a post on this blog about Scripture memory, I pray you will consider joining us. Several of us have committed to memorizing two verses a month for 2012. Each month, on the 1st and 15th, I have posted/will post the verse I have/am going to memorize(d) for that time frame.
This year, I've decided to memorize the entire Psalm 139. It has 24 verses which makes learning two a month quite easy. Please consider memorizing with us. I know it's already March, but it's never too late to jump in. My suggestion would be to choose a verse that is not too long. If you choose a lengthy verse, you may feel overwhelmed and give up before you've given yourself a fair shot. If you're not sure where to start, I suggest the book of Psalms. Psalms is always encouraging and hits on almost every issue in life.
When you've made your selection, simply comment on this blog post and let me know your name, your verse, its address, and the translation in which your learning your verse. (The point of this is to first, hold each other accountable, and second, I just like reading your verse in case I want to learn it sometime in the future.) Here is mine for March 1st...
"You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." -Psalm 139:5 (NIV)
By the way, feel free to join me in memorizing Psalm 139. This passage is speaking directly to my heart these days. God is simply brilliant and so is His Word. I can't wait to hear from you.
Love y'all!
Linds
This year, I've decided to memorize the entire Psalm 139. It has 24 verses which makes learning two a month quite easy. Please consider memorizing with us. I know it's already March, but it's never too late to jump in. My suggestion would be to choose a verse that is not too long. If you choose a lengthy verse, you may feel overwhelmed and give up before you've given yourself a fair shot. If you're not sure where to start, I suggest the book of Psalms. Psalms is always encouraging and hits on almost every issue in life.
When you've made your selection, simply comment on this blog post and let me know your name, your verse, its address, and the translation in which your learning your verse. (The point of this is to first, hold each other accountable, and second, I just like reading your verse in case I want to learn it sometime in the future.) Here is mine for March 1st...
"You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." -Psalm 139:5 (NIV)
By the way, feel free to join me in memorizing Psalm 139. This passage is speaking directly to my heart these days. God is simply brilliant and so is His Word. I can't wait to hear from you.
Love y'all!
Linds
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Magnolia Tree
When I was a girl, we had an amazing Magnolia Tree in our backyard. I would climb it almost everyday, and because of its many branches, it became an adventuresome land of childhood imagination. With each branch, I would climb higher and higher. As I would pursue the top of the tree, I found myself overcome with a sense of achievement - a feeling of invincibility. I just knew I could do anything I set my heart to accomplish.
At the base of the tree, there was a set of two perfectly designed branches. They attached to the tree one on each side of me so that when I grabbed onto them with my hands, I could pull myself up as if I were a real Olympic gymnast on the Parallel Bars. I would lift myself up using all the strength of my arms and would swing my lower body back and forth, back and forth. Other times, I would wrap my legs around one of the branches and hang down from the thick limb as if I were a monkey. With the back of my knees giving me all the support I needed, I would oscillate as fast as my young body would let me. I imagine I was an interesting site to behold as my poor mother would look on through our living room window.
It was in this tree where my innocent mind would fantasize about the days ahead. It was there, atop this glorious Magnolia Tree, where I first imagined being a wife and a mother. As I sat on the branches, I would remember the sweet prayers of my parents - prayers that asked of God to provide me with a man who loves Him more than anything in the world. Because if He loved God more than anything, then he would love me. I would smile as I imagined becoming a mother for the first time. It's interesting because I always pictured myself as being a mother of sons. Perhaps it was a subconscious heart-felt desire of mine, but I knew boys would be a part of my offspring. I also knew I would have a daughter as evidenced by the attendance of all my female Cabbage Patch dolls at the base of my Magnolia Tree. They, along with my first baby doll Karen, were always with me, and nothing gave me greater pleasure than to discipline them if they ever got out of line.
I do have many fond memories of that ol' Magnolia Tree, but I remember some sad times, too. My grandparents would visit about twice a year, sometimes only once a year. Their arrival would bring so much excitement to my little girl world, that I would literally lose sleep over it. But just with the heightened excitement of their coming, there was a direct correlation to the amount of sadness I would experience at their going. I can remember being sad for days after their departure. It was such a sweet treat to have them there. And once they left, I would of course, venture outside to my special place of solitude. On those magical branches, I would cry and mourn over the time I wish I had with my grandparents. Again, I would find myself imagining the days ahead. I would console my heart by dreaming of future Christmases and birthdays surrounded by my very own children. And in the picture, by all means, would be my grandparents and my parents. We would ALL be there doting on one another and laughing as we celebrated life together. Being together. That, for me, was the most wonderful part.
As I grew up, just like so many other people, my childhood fantasies didn't quite turn out the way I had imagined them. There might have been a time in my life where I would have believed the philosophical idea of, "If you build it, they will come." But with each passing year of my life, I realize that no matter how much we pray or dream, things just don't go the way we hope. And as much as I would like to kick and scream about that, I've learned, also, that doesn't help things either. Divorce happens. People pass away. Illnesses change the direction of our lives. Loved ones come and go. Friends don't mean to forget about you, but they do. And it's all because of one thing - we are human. Merely mortal beings. Unfortunately, people will fail you. But...
God. Never. Fails.
I wish I knew why life brings rough patches. I wish I could explain why Godly people do ungodly things. I wish I understood why diseases take the lives of people who have done nothing but serve the Lord for their entire existence. But I don't. And honestly, I am not entitled to an explanation. One thing is certain. As life has brought its share of trials and tribulations this truth I can hold onto...
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 (NLT)
So on this spring-like day in February, I think I will venture out to that ol' Magnolia Tree one more time. As I climb those elderly but thick branches, I will remember. I will remember what my God has done for me. And as I wrap my knees around that limb just one more time, I will throw myself back. I will let the wind blow through my hair and I will laugh. I will be downright giddy as I imagine the days ahead. Because this I know - Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so. My time in this life will come to an end. When it does, the very thing I fantasized about as a child will finally come true. I will be in the presence of family. And as we celebrate eternity together, I will look in the actual face of my Savior. I will touch His cheek and before I kiss it, I will say, "I'm home, Father. I'm home."
And just like that - every hardship I've faced in this life won't matter. Any dream I had as a child and as an adult will pale in comparison to the reality of eternity with my Heavenly Family. Friends, hold onto the dream that matters. You can bet on this. Hope is on His way.
At the base of the tree, there was a set of two perfectly designed branches. They attached to the tree one on each side of me so that when I grabbed onto them with my hands, I could pull myself up as if I were a real Olympic gymnast on the Parallel Bars. I would lift myself up using all the strength of my arms and would swing my lower body back and forth, back and forth. Other times, I would wrap my legs around one of the branches and hang down from the thick limb as if I were a monkey. With the back of my knees giving me all the support I needed, I would oscillate as fast as my young body would let me. I imagine I was an interesting site to behold as my poor mother would look on through our living room window.
It was in this tree where my innocent mind would fantasize about the days ahead. It was there, atop this glorious Magnolia Tree, where I first imagined being a wife and a mother. As I sat on the branches, I would remember the sweet prayers of my parents - prayers that asked of God to provide me with a man who loves Him more than anything in the world. Because if He loved God more than anything, then he would love me. I would smile as I imagined becoming a mother for the first time. It's interesting because I always pictured myself as being a mother of sons. Perhaps it was a subconscious heart-felt desire of mine, but I knew boys would be a part of my offspring. I also knew I would have a daughter as evidenced by the attendance of all my female Cabbage Patch dolls at the base of my Magnolia Tree. They, along with my first baby doll Karen, were always with me, and nothing gave me greater pleasure than to discipline them if they ever got out of line.
I do have many fond memories of that ol' Magnolia Tree, but I remember some sad times, too. My grandparents would visit about twice a year, sometimes only once a year. Their arrival would bring so much excitement to my little girl world, that I would literally lose sleep over it. But just with the heightened excitement of their coming, there was a direct correlation to the amount of sadness I would experience at their going. I can remember being sad for days after their departure. It was such a sweet treat to have them there. And once they left, I would of course, venture outside to my special place of solitude. On those magical branches, I would cry and mourn over the time I wish I had with my grandparents. Again, I would find myself imagining the days ahead. I would console my heart by dreaming of future Christmases and birthdays surrounded by my very own children. And in the picture, by all means, would be my grandparents and my parents. We would ALL be there doting on one another and laughing as we celebrated life together. Being together. That, for me, was the most wonderful part.
As I grew up, just like so many other people, my childhood fantasies didn't quite turn out the way I had imagined them. There might have been a time in my life where I would have believed the philosophical idea of, "If you build it, they will come." But with each passing year of my life, I realize that no matter how much we pray or dream, things just don't go the way we hope. And as much as I would like to kick and scream about that, I've learned, also, that doesn't help things either. Divorce happens. People pass away. Illnesses change the direction of our lives. Loved ones come and go. Friends don't mean to forget about you, but they do. And it's all because of one thing - we are human. Merely mortal beings. Unfortunately, people will fail you. But...
God. Never. Fails.
I wish I knew why life brings rough patches. I wish I could explain why Godly people do ungodly things. I wish I understood why diseases take the lives of people who have done nothing but serve the Lord for their entire existence. But I don't. And honestly, I am not entitled to an explanation. One thing is certain. As life has brought its share of trials and tribulations this truth I can hold onto...
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 (NLT)
So on this spring-like day in February, I think I will venture out to that ol' Magnolia Tree one more time. As I climb those elderly but thick branches, I will remember. I will remember what my God has done for me. And as I wrap my knees around that limb just one more time, I will throw myself back. I will let the wind blow through my hair and I will laugh. I will be downright giddy as I imagine the days ahead. Because this I know - Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so. My time in this life will come to an end. When it does, the very thing I fantasized about as a child will finally come true. I will be in the presence of family. And as we celebrate eternity together, I will look in the actual face of my Savior. I will touch His cheek and before I kiss it, I will say, "I'm home, Father. I'm home."
And just like that - every hardship I've faced in this life won't matter. Any dream I had as a child and as an adult will pale in comparison to the reality of eternity with my Heavenly Family. Friends, hold onto the dream that matters. You can bet on this. Hope is on His way.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
A Rocky Boy Tribute
When the hubs and I were engaged, we got our first puppy together. It was a 2 pound chihuahua we named Honey. She was our pride and joy. We loved her so much and still do. Your first "child" always holds a special place in your heart. She still does since we are so thankful she is still a part of our family. She turned 11 in December and we hope to celebrate several more birthdays with her. I tell you about Honey so that you'll know how much dogs mean to our family. They are a huge part of our lives. There is no doubt that we are dog people. Totally.
A few years after we got Honey we decided to have another doggie child. We knew quickly that we wanted a Boxer and after searching for a while, we found the perfect one. It was love at first sight. He, to us, seemed like the pick of the litter. While all of his rowdy brothers and sisters were running about, there he sat on his hind legs, still as he could be, and perfectly cute as could be. It was a match made in Heaven. We couldn't wait to get him home and start our new lives together as a family of four - dad, mom, big sister Honey, and little brother Rocky.
You can imagine our shock and disappointment when we got home only to learn Rocky was a bit more hyper than we anticipated. He thoroughly enjoyed bouncing around our tiny apartment. It just wasn't the same to nap on the floor. He much preferred the couch or our bed. And who needs to actually pee outside when you can just take care of your business right there on the carpet? Just like any new parents, we were exhausted. Did I mention cute little Boxer puppies grow up to be big Boxer dogs?
At night, we would kennel Rocky, and I remember hearing Rocky move in his kennel. I would shoot straight up out of bed because I knew what was coming next. And then it would happen. He would stand up and pee right in the floor of his kennel. The force of his urine was so strong, it would splatter all over the wall and bedspread of the bed in our guest bedroom. Usually I would run in there and try to take him outside before he had time to pee, but I often didn't make it in time.
We were so relieved to move out of the apartment and into a house with a large backyard for Rocky to run and play. He loved being outside and we loved having him outside. Not just for the safety and purification of my carpets, but because he loved having the freedom to run and play. He was a great guard dog. I always felt so safe knowing he was out there keeping watch over the comings and goings on our country dirt road.
Sadly, Rocky passed away today. We knew he had cancer and had also battled heart worms. (We really tried to avoid this happening through regular heartworm treatments. But they don't always work 100% of the time.) I knew his time was coming but these things always catch you by surprise. I don't care how much you try to prepare yourself for the heartbreak, you can never prepare enough. It always stings. Of course, we gave Rocky a proper burial in our backyard, and I know it will be sweet to have the opportunity to honor his sweet life each time we see his grave.
So, this blog post is for our Rocky Boy. Rocky, we already miss you so very much. You left an impression in our hearts. And here is what we vow to never forget about you...
You were always so excited to see us come home. You would wag your tail and I swear, you'd smile at us. Your nose had a way of curling up out of excitement which is why one of your nicknames was Curly Nose.
You loved chasing the neighbor's cars. But you had a way of discriminating. You didn't chase every neighbor's car...just one in particular. I think you knew it annoyed them because as they drove by, they would roll down their window and yell at you to get out of the way. This negative interaction had a way of energizing you. You just kept right on chasing them. And if you were feeling really spunky, you would bite at their tires.
As your mother, you must know how special you are to me. Not only were you my first doggie son, but you were the big brother to all 3 of my children. Each time we brought a baby home from the hospital, you were the first one to greet them. You would take a sniff of each of their little heads and this was your way of approving their existence. When the boys played outside, you were always at their side walking next to them as they played in the yard or went on adventures along their nature trails created by them and/or their dad. If you weren't walking alongside them, you were sitting nearby watching carefully so that no one would get too close. You were an amazing guard dog.
You loved your big sister Honey. Although Honey grew up to be a whole 4 pounds, she always treated you as if she was bigger and in charge. She was, by definition, the Alpha Dog. And you always respected her for that. Although you had every right to be jealous since she was the "Inside Dog" and you were the "Outside Dog," you never did. You loved her and would go crazy if the other neighborhood dogs got anywhere near her. I know she misses you.
Yes indeed, Rocky Boy. You were a great dog. We love you and miss you. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Curly Nose. Rest in peace.
A few years after we got Honey we decided to have another doggie child. We knew quickly that we wanted a Boxer and after searching for a while, we found the perfect one. It was love at first sight. He, to us, seemed like the pick of the litter. While all of his rowdy brothers and sisters were running about, there he sat on his hind legs, still as he could be, and perfectly cute as could be. It was a match made in Heaven. We couldn't wait to get him home and start our new lives together as a family of four - dad, mom, big sister Honey, and little brother Rocky.
You can imagine our shock and disappointment when we got home only to learn Rocky was a bit more hyper than we anticipated. He thoroughly enjoyed bouncing around our tiny apartment. It just wasn't the same to nap on the floor. He much preferred the couch or our bed. And who needs to actually pee outside when you can just take care of your business right there on the carpet? Just like any new parents, we were exhausted. Did I mention cute little Boxer puppies grow up to be big Boxer dogs?
At night, we would kennel Rocky, and I remember hearing Rocky move in his kennel. I would shoot straight up out of bed because I knew what was coming next. And then it would happen. He would stand up and pee right in the floor of his kennel. The force of his urine was so strong, it would splatter all over the wall and bedspread of the bed in our guest bedroom. Usually I would run in there and try to take him outside before he had time to pee, but I often didn't make it in time.
We were so relieved to move out of the apartment and into a house with a large backyard for Rocky to run and play. He loved being outside and we loved having him outside. Not just for the safety and purification of my carpets, but because he loved having the freedom to run and play. He was a great guard dog. I always felt so safe knowing he was out there keeping watch over the comings and goings on our country dirt road.
Sadly, Rocky passed away today. We knew he had cancer and had also battled heart worms. (We really tried to avoid this happening through regular heartworm treatments. But they don't always work 100% of the time.) I knew his time was coming but these things always catch you by surprise. I don't care how much you try to prepare yourself for the heartbreak, you can never prepare enough. It always stings. Of course, we gave Rocky a proper burial in our backyard, and I know it will be sweet to have the opportunity to honor his sweet life each time we see his grave.
So, this blog post is for our Rocky Boy. Rocky, we already miss you so very much. You left an impression in our hearts. And here is what we vow to never forget about you...
You were always so excited to see us come home. You would wag your tail and I swear, you'd smile at us. Your nose had a way of curling up out of excitement which is why one of your nicknames was Curly Nose.
You loved chasing the neighbor's cars. But you had a way of discriminating. You didn't chase every neighbor's car...just one in particular. I think you knew it annoyed them because as they drove by, they would roll down their window and yell at you to get out of the way. This negative interaction had a way of energizing you. You just kept right on chasing them. And if you were feeling really spunky, you would bite at their tires.
As your mother, you must know how special you are to me. Not only were you my first doggie son, but you were the big brother to all 3 of my children. Each time we brought a baby home from the hospital, you were the first one to greet them. You would take a sniff of each of their little heads and this was your way of approving their existence. When the boys played outside, you were always at their side walking next to them as they played in the yard or went on adventures along their nature trails created by them and/or their dad. If you weren't walking alongside them, you were sitting nearby watching carefully so that no one would get too close. You were an amazing guard dog.
You loved your big sister Honey. Although Honey grew up to be a whole 4 pounds, she always treated you as if she was bigger and in charge. She was, by definition, the Alpha Dog. And you always respected her for that. Although you had every right to be jealous since she was the "Inside Dog" and you were the "Outside Dog," you never did. You loved her and would go crazy if the other neighborhood dogs got anywhere near her. I know she misses you.
Yes indeed, Rocky Boy. You were a great dog. We love you and miss you. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Curly Nose. Rest in peace.
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