55 LESSONS FROM THE DOGS

Last entry, I talked about trying to understand others a little bit more. Well, here may be a new one, I now understand my dogs a little bit better. Since I was a baby, my family has had dogs, some were pets. Once we moved as a family to Kenya, the purpose switched from just being pets to being security.  When I got old enough, I began taking over much of the obedience training.  I did a lot of research, read a lot of books and tried a lot of things.  I declared some things were not good ideas.  I feel I did a fairly good job with dogs and basic obedience and a few fun tricks with dogs ranging from a 3-pound Poodle that one visitor one day, mistook for a rat in the house, to Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Schnauzers and other mixed breeds. There have only ever been two I feel I failed with. They are pictured below.  Spike and Chloe currently live in Kenya with my brother, Doug. Their purpose is security and while they do a good job of that, their basic obedience I failed at before I left Kenya.  Sorry Doug.   Now Sophie (here in America) is an entirely different story because of the abuse she experienced before I got her, but even she has come a LONG way.  I feel successful with all the dogs I worked with in obedience training (except these two).  However, there has always been one thing that has baffled me.  How do dogs get so tangled in their leashes?  Well, now I get it.  I went out on Tuesday of this week for some lab work.  Before I could get that done, I was so twisted in my cords, from the device I wear on my head (Optune), just from getting out of the car that my brother, David, had to come over once we got inside and straighten me out.  I thought in that moment.  “This must be how the dogs feel when they get all wrapped up in their leashes.”  You never know what you’ll learn when you go out.

Here’s Spike and Chloe when they were young, innocent and cute:

Here they are now:

You may find my humor odd that I am amused by understanding more about how dogs get twisted in their leashes and feeling the same way, myself.  However, we all need to look for amusement in frustrating situations and enjoy life.  It passes by too quickly and we miss lessons or times of joy.  Now, let me share a verse that encouraged me this week.  Despite the steps I do or do not take forward, everything I do is a gift from God, every breath, every laugh (even if at myself), every walk down the road, every day in which I may need an extra nap.

I pray my life shows that at all times.  It’s not about me; it’s about HIM.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7

Find something to smile about when life gets hard, you may just make someone question what’s different about you.  What an opportunity to talk about the Lord.

PRAISES:

Safety, and strength for each new day.

One thing doctors continue to check is regular lab work to ensure blood levels are where they should be.  I continually hear.  “Your lab work is great, keep it up.”  I have had very little sickness, apart from the chickenpox in November 2016.  With all the chemo, I am very susceptible to catching just about anything. Thankful for protection from all those germs out there.

I’m also thankful for the local lady who draws my blood here in Sebring, so I don’t have to travel to just get lab work done.  She is so friendly and encouraging, notices my progress physically in walking and is very skilled at her job.

Lessons God continues to bring my way about Himself, me, others around me and life in general.

On Monday I walked partway down the road. Something I haven't done since around last Easter. I went to the neighbor's property line which is actually two properties down, as there are two empty lots between here and there. Next stop will be their mailbox. Cancel that, on Thursday, that was a success. Now the next step is the stop sign at the end of the road. But for today. I'll take what I can get, since it's another step in the right direction.

PRAYER REQUESTS: (Many of these remain the same, but are still relevant/needed.)

Extra fatigue.  So please pray for extra strength on a daily basis.

Continued strength to manage the physical strain of some of the treatment and exercises to improve mobility.

Courage to face the unknown and opportunities to show the grace of God through difficult times.

Safety.

Family who are hanging in there with me through this battle.

Wisdom to know my limitations and observe them.

Next MRI and doctor visit Feb 8.