Puppy Love

grace-1 

Three weeks ago I had come to the end of a particularly rough week, so when I got home I told my family I was declaring the next day to be “National Be Kind To Craig Owens Day.” I figured that was one way to get some love!

That day was so wonderful I decided to extend NBKTCO Day through the weekend, and I talked Betsy into letting us buy a puppy. And so Grace became a part of our family.

Since I didn’t want to leave her home alone, I started bringing Grace with me to my office. While I’ve been trying to potty train her, she has been training me in a few areas too. Here are some of the lessons I’m rediscovering —

  • Always greet people warmly. Even if they only left the room a couple of minutes ago. It always makes people smile when they are greeted so warmly.
  • Treat everyone like a friend. It doesn’t matter if they are the one who feeds you or a perfect stranger, everyone deserves to be treated like they are the nicest person alive. 
  • Genuine puppy “kisses” makes anyone’s day!

The Apostle Paul had a friend like Grace… someone always so welcoming and encouraging to others. Paul wrote to Philemon, “Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.” (Philemon 1:7, The Message).

Thanks, Grace, for the lessons. I’m learning how to show some puppy love to everyone.

Land Of Angels

My cousin ministers in Sudan — a country and a people ravaged by war and persecution. But there is hope for hopeless people! For when we pray, hope is boundless! This poem was recently written by my cousin:

Three angels stood before the throne
Two together, one alone
Each in turn petitions brought
Each a favor meekly sought

The first was young, was fair, was bright
With little hands, with gentle light
This angel pled for child and wife
Who bore the brunt of Darfur strife

The second angel, scarred but brave
Represented knight and knave
Who in Darfur did Gospel tell
Who gave out food, who dug up well

The third before the throne stood grim
Yet, O what love there was for him
He cried for rapist, victor, thug
He asked for them Mercy above

All angels knelt, all angels paused
All three had answers kindly caused
All three sped back with burning story
All of Darfur shall fill with glory

Please pray with me for God’s glory and God’s grace to flood Darfur and the devastated people there.

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