Relationship -- It began in The Garden.

"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about the garden."

Adam and Eve heard the Lord in the garden! Can you imagine, walking in the garden with God? When I walk through a forest with the sound of wind in the trees and bird song all around I catch a glimpse. When I look out over a broad green valley I catch a glimpse. When I gaze at an azure sky tufted with clouds I catch a glimpse. I can see Him and feel His presence. And yet, it isn't The Garden.

In the beginning there was no enmity between man and God. Adam and Eve conversed with the Lord. He was Father God. They loved one another and spent time together. They had a relationship. And then sin destroyed the perfection of that relationship.

Since that time, mankind has longed for what he lost. It is only because Jesus Christ permitted men to nail him to a cross and then accepted our sins as His own that it became possible for us to walk with The Father as Adam and Eve once did. Do you find yourself longing for that kind of relationship? To be so close to God that He isn't further away than your next breath?

I do. And I hunger for that kind of relationship with the people in my life. The Garden is the place we begin. The Father reaches down to us, we accept His embrace, His unconditional love and then we reach out to others. Human love is flawed and insufficient unless it is coupled with the love of God.

If we're to love one another as God commands us, we must begin with Him.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day: Best in Show

Evidently dogs are becoming more significant in our lives. An example of this is the prestigious Westminster Dog Show, where the "best in show" will be decided this evening. Even the rich and famous have been spotted cheering on their favorites. Personally, I enjoy dog shows. It's always fun to have a look at what are considered the best in each breed. This year there's a newcomer, a Pekinese who just might take the top crown. But we can't forget the stately Great Danes, or a Shar-Pei who is the first of its kind to win in the non-sporting class. These and all the rest are special animals, bred for perfection. But . . . they're still just dogs--lovable, lively animals who make our lives better.

I've considered this world of dogs and pondered the reasons why we've become a dog-loving society. What is it about our beloved pets that makes us do all sorts of crazy things like take them out in a snow storm just to make sure they get their walk, carry them in our purses or make sure they are groomed by the "best" groomer in town. We spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars at our local veterinarians. Cesar Milan, better known as The Dog Whisperer has become wealthy simply by doing what he calls, rehabilitating dogs and training people.

What makes our dogs extraordinary, pedigreed or not? They love unconditionally. Even when we don't take them for a walk or even forget to feed them or lose our tempers with them, they keep on loving us. All they want is our love in return and maybe a belly rub.

I have a dog named Bentley. He's nothing like the extraordinary dogs that will be competing today at the Westminster Dog Show, but he's mine. He's a hard-headed boxer with too much energy who is too smart for his own good. He knows how to open gates and he loves to dig holes, but we love him anyway. We try to remind ourselves that he's still a puppy although he weighs seventy pounds and already at eight months of age bravely protects his people.

I've been an imperfect dog owner. I get frustrated and sometimes even angry with this clown of a dog. But he loves me anyway--unconditionally.

Dogs are a beautiful example of how we ought to love one another. Pedigreed or not Bentley has the credentials that matter--LOVE. Even when I've been too busy for him, he'll rest his head on my lap, look up at me with his big brown eyes and let me know how much I matter to him.

We love him because he first loved us. Dogs can be a reminder of The One who first loved us and gave His life for us.

If you get a chance give your dog an extra hug tonight. Let him know how special he is.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- House Training

I have a new puppy name Maggie. I’m not so sure getting a puppy was a good idea, but she is sooo cute and sweet. She also loves to chew on anything and everything. She whines sometimes during the middle of the night, doesn’t come when she’s called, and potties anywhere she happens to be when the urge strikes her. And she’s perfectly content to remain just as she is.

While working to shape this young pup into a sociable house pet I’ve been reminded that training can be difficult and learning to be obedient does not necessarily come naturally. Sometimes I'm frustrated with my new pup. Mostly because she doesn’t want to learn or simply doesn’t understand the concepts I’m trying to teach her. I figured she’d get “it” by now. After all, I’ve been consistent, clear in my instructions and I’ve continued to lavish her with love.

It dawned on me—I’m not so different from Maggie. I don’t always listen and I can be stubborn. Yet, God patiently teaches and guides, and gently walks me through the process of learning again and again. Even though I sometimes do exactly the opposite of what He wants me to do, He loves me anyway.

When I realized the similarities I immediately asked God to forgive me for my obstinance and my inability to maintain focus. Like Maggie I want things my own way and often push through to achieve my own goals. How blessed I am to have a Lord who is patient and merciful. He doesn’t give up on me.

I’m certain that eventually Maggie will understand household rules, and she’ll do well. That doesn’t mean she’ll be a “perfect” dog. There is no such thing. And, though she's imperfect, I’m confident our relationship will grow and we’ll become buddies. I’ll love her, even when she makes mistakes. But she'll love me better. One of the most beautiful things about dogs is they love unconditionally. Perhaps I have a thing or two to learn from Maggie.

God uses all kinds of tools to teach, if we'll only listen and learn.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie