Psalm 31:3-8,17-21 ~ You have redeemed me † (3 POSTS Finding and Seeing Gratitude! Gratitude! Redemption! )

Matthew 6:24-34

Proverbs 3:3-4 ~ The Tablet of your Heart 

The Redeemed of the Lord; 

Reading the Scriptures helps us know God's love. 

†

Nevah evah, thought I'd post about our Poodles. And then... you realize you have to make the Post.

It was February of 2019, we were in the emergency room. I had been sitting shoulder to shoulder with a man diagnosed with Pneumonia for about 4 hours. I was sitting, bleeding on the floor.  ER attendants had removed the careful wrap of our good GP Dr. hours earlier. The RN going past said, not to worry, the emergency room had seen blood before.  

We had been taking care of our eldest son's dog, Jackson, who was 14 and dying. We had turned the den into a giant dog playpen. And sat with Jackson to get him comfortable at night and sleepy with the medication.  Our other dog was sad and depressed, too. Beau, the beautiful 7-year-old Springer Spaniel. About 1 AM, I came in to get my slippers and Beau was awakened with Springer Rage. I had been his favorite person, but the next thing, I was calling to Edward, asleep in bed, to rescue me 3 rooms over, quickly, because Beau was shredding my right upper arm and literally hanging from the upper arm muscle. Beau was surrendered for biting and shredding my upper arm, a hip deep bite and a punch on my thigh from his jaw that took 6 weeks to go from black, to purple, yellow and gone.

And that afternoon, I looked out over the parking lot, with pretty trees, from the ER waiting room and went from misery (at my IV needing injury and the shock of loss of my beautiful, beloved Springer) to a glimpse of something far away, bringing great joy.  Something was stirring, God was telling me.  Misery fell far behind, and I noticed how beautiful the trees were.

I told Edward we were not waiting 5 more minutes, of the 4 hours, for an IV and I was going home. We exited.  I wondered what was stirring, as we gladly came home.

In a few weeks, a friend had told me I was just made to have Standard Poodles. And the first dog, who overcame my 4-year-old self fear of dogs, was a Standard Poodle, Springer mix. Sadie. In about March, I was looking for a brown poodle. And discovering this could be a 70 lb dog. 

Then, in Tyler, Texas, a well-known Poodle breeder had 8 puppies. 50 lbs. We were on the road, and time seemed to drag, forever, as we drove there. In came 3 white Poodle Puppies. I knew I wanted all 3. Edward said no, but was most concerned to find this was a Birthday Present from my mother, and I got to say how many Poodles came home. We flipped a coin and I got to pick out the boy and a female. I was surprised to find, on the way home, we had the fraternal sister and not the twin. But the fraternal, was a thrill. She loves everything that is life and seeks fun continually. Yes, God was right, something big had happened. Edward and I were now singing to dogs. The baby dogs slept on our Jackson. Jackson didn't mind.  Big, and hugely, furry Husky meets two small, white Poodles. 

And the Poodles have my father's Birthday. There you go. Smile with me.

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing, after prayer, is to meet Lily. Who is in my face, and has to have her eyes cleared of the gigantic morning goo. 

Now, this is the reason for the Post:

After this small, for a Standard, Poodle has her eyes gently cleaned out, she begins to let me know by kissing both of my hands, how grateful she is. 

She is grateful to see, she is grateful for the day, she is glad for her good life, she loves me, she loves Edward. She kisses me because she has her own Big Brother Poodle. Her Brother Poodle kisses her, since meeting the two, kissy orange, adopted kitty cats. She kisses me because she knows we will play fetch the Tennis Ball.  The kisses flow from gratitude for the daily walks. And the veggies and yogurt with Kibble.  She knows Gummy children vitamins. She kisses me because love flows from her heart. She is the most grateful and happy dog, who finds even when having separation anxiety, that she has her Brother Poodle to have love.  This is a very loving and grateful Pup.

2011 Photo I took on the San Diego Plane Ride

Many people took a photo when I showed Edward. Screaming Poodle.

It was a blurt.

Wooley Booley, Wooley Booooooley

Yes, I cut their hair. 80s Hair Band. And there is always a mistake,

but, hey, in 7 days, Voilà.

This is an everyday event. And on Monday, what struck me, if my sweet Poodle can have so much Gratitude, I should practice this. 

And so, Monday, I began to pray Gratitude Blessings as my Poodle displayed her heart. And I found out, Lily is much more experienced finding Gratitude than I have been practicing.

 

Proverbs 3:3-4

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; 

bind them around your neck; 

write them on the tablet of your heart.

 So you will find favor and good success 

in the sight of God and man.

 

Abba, Father,

Hello, today I discovered my

pup has a lot of Gratitude.

In fact, I was surprised to consider,

prayerfully, how much gratitude she has.

And I hope to grow my Gratitude,

Thanks ability

and notice Gratitude more

often.

Thank You for showing me

how much Gratitude really abounds.

And this month, I will be 

saying Thank You a lot more.

Bless You for

Giving us

Jesus Christ.

We certainly need Jesus.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Thank You Lord Jesus 

†

Thank You, Lord Jesus 

Psalm 31:3-8,17-21 ~ You have 

redeemed me †

Psalm 31:3-8,17-21

3 Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; 

for thy name's sake lead me and guide me,

4 take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for thou art my refuge.

5 Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, 

O LORD, faithful God.

6 Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD.

7 I will rejoice and be glad for thy steadfast love, because thou hast seen my affliction, thou hast taken heed of my adversities,

8 and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; 

thou hast set my feet in a broad place.

17 Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, 

for I call on thee; let the wicked be put to shame, 

let them go dumbfounded 

to Sheol.

18 Let the lying lips be dumb, 

which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt.

19 O how abundant is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for those who fear thee, and wrought for those who take refuge in thee, 

in the sight of the sons of men!

20 In the covert of thy presence thou hidest them from the plots of men; thou holdest them safe under thy shelter from the strife of tongues.

21 Blessed be the LORD, 

for He has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me 

when I was beset as in a besieged city.

Exodus 15:13

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. 

In your strength you will guide them 

to your holy dwelling.

Nehemiah 1:10

They are Your servants and Your people, 

whom You redeemed by Your great strength and Your mighty hand.

Job 33:28

He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, 

and I will live to enjoy the Light.

Luke 1:68

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, 

because He has come and has redeemed His people.

Peter 1:18

For you know that it was not with perishable things 

such as silver or gold 

that you were redeemed from the empty way of life 

handed down to you from your forefathers

Redemption is different from life. Life has triumphant times & difficulty. Life rarely rests in one angle, but redemption is constant victory. God has paided the price for our redemption. Redemption doesn't guarantee happiness, but redemption requires gratitude. Finding gratitude is one of the best highways to peace, serving others & finding kindness in a tight

corner.

Remember 10 lepers were healed, 

but always pray to be the one who returned! 

To Praise God!

Abba, Father,

Dwell in us, please, Father.

Dwell in those we Love.

Help us to seek You first.

In Jesus Christ, we will finish well.

In Jesus Christ is 

Our Love, Joy and Hope.

Thank You for Jesus.

Thank You for memories,

that fill our eyes

and roll down our face.

Before the Great Reunion!

Lord Jesus Christ,

and our Father,

We Pray Amen with our Alleluia. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes Bless The Lord Jesus

Yes Thank You Father

Psalm 103 ~ Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers, who do His will!

 

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

    and all that is within me,

    bless His Holy Name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

    and forget not all His benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,

    who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good

    so that your youth 

is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness

    and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

    his acts to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,

    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 He will not always chide,

    nor will He keep His anger forever.

10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,

    nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far  

does 

He remove our transgressions from us.

13 As a father shows compassion to His children,

    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.

14 For He knows our frame;

    He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;

    He flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

    and its place knows it no more.

But the steadfast Love of the Lord 

is 

from everlasting to everlasting 

on those who fear Him,

    and His righteousness 

to 

children's children

To those who keep His covenant

    and remember to do His commandments.

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens,

    and 

His Kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, O you His angels,

    you mighty ones 

who do His word,

    obeying the Voice of 

His Word!

21 Bless the Lord, all His hosts,

    His ministers, who do His will!

22 Bless the Lord, all His works,

    in all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

As we collect years, we have our favorite things. One of my favorite things was the Blessing of the Name of Jesus and, then, asking His Blessing. Reminding ourselves, we please the Lord of our Hearts as we give the Lord thanks and praise, worshiping His Goodness. The joy of reminding ourselves of the Joy of God and His Love and Blessings.

 Bless the Lord, all His hosts,

    His ministers, who do His will!

The meaning of Lord of hosts in the Bible? “ The Lord of Hosts” implies God reigns over the Heavenly and earthly armies of God. As Gabriel begins the most famous of angel encounters, he assures the Zechariah, Gabriel stands in the presence of God.

Stand is a military obligation, a sacred duty. And stand is what we saw in, "To Kill a Mockingbird" for Atticus Finch.  Stand. Stand the Line. Hold the Hope. Stand as a joy accomplished. 

John the Beloved Disciple stood in the presence of God during his lifetime. Exalted, allowing us to have glimpses of this glory on earth. Putting our hearts right, our feet right and our paths in His Plan.

He calls the Heavenly Host by Name.

The Heavenly Host  description -  being made up of angels, and gives descriptions of angels in terms of the military command and structure. Daniel saw this as well, on earth, like the stratosphere, to the sun. A Heavenly structure to be found on earth.

Genesis 32:1–2

Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

 2 And when Jacob saw them he said, 

“This is God's camp!” 

So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

Psalm 91:11-12

For He will command His angels concerning you

    to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up,

    lest you strike your foot against a stone.

Daniel 10:1-10

In Cyrus’ third year as king of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel (who had been renamed Belteshazzar). The message was true. It was about a great war. Daniel understood the message because he was given insight during the vision.

2 During those days I, Daniel, mourned for three whole weeks. 3 I didn’t eat any good-tasting food. No meat or wine entered my mouth. I didn’t wash myself until the entire three weeks were over.

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was by the great Tigris River. 5 When I looked up, I saw a man dressed in linen, and he had a belt made of gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl. His face looked like lightning. His eyes were like flaming torches. His arms and legs looked like polished bronze. When he spoke, his voice sounded like the roar of a crowd. 7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision. The men with me didn’t see the vision. Yet, they started to tremble violently, and they quickly hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone to see this grand vision. I had no strength left in me. My face turned deathly pale, and I was helpless. 9 I heard the man speak, and as I listened to his words, I fainted facedown on the ground.

10 Then a hand touched me and made my hands and knees shake. 11 The man said to me, “Daniel, you are highly respected. Pay attention to my words. Stand up, because I’ve been sent to you.”

Daniel 10:13

 

For twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia 

blocked my way. 

Then Michael, one of the archangels, 

came to help me, 

and I left him there 

with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.

Matthew 13:41-45

41 The Son of Man will send His angels, 

and they will gather out of His kingdom 

all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 

42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. 

In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

43 Then the righteous will shine 

like the sun 

in the Kingdom of their Father. 

He who has ears, let him hear.

44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, 

which a man found and covered up. 

Then in his joy he goes 

and sells all that he has 

and buys that field.

45 “Again, 

the Kingdom of Heaven 

is like a merchant in search of fine pearls"

Matthew 26:53

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, 

and 

He will at once send Me

 more than twelve legions of angels?

Hebrews 1:7

Of the angels He says,

“He makes His angels winds,

    and His ministers a flame of fire.”

Moses and the

Burning Bush

The most said phrase, said by Angels, the messengers of God, "Fear Not!" Understandable!

Today, I had the most unique thing happen. I was so overcome, I climbed into the car and meant to call Edward. I said to my phone with the button held down, for all the world I mean to say, "Call Edward." And what actually came out of my mouth, with the button pushed for Siri, was this: "Tell Father God, Thank You!" And the reply returned, "You are welcome."

This week I woke up with sciatica. In the middle of the night. 

I haven't had this since 2018, which was when I took up swimming, treading water, in the pool in the backyard in 50' water. Works amazingly well.  I tread water a lot.

And we had some repairs made to the pool, I missed probably about 5 weeks, but I've been swimming again for a week and a half. So, 3 nights ago, I woke up and suddenly was in pain and had very little sleep. Felt terrible everywhere.  Rotten enough to not want to unload the dishwasher and rest continually. Not surprisingly, I have been praying a lot and asking God to remove the pain from my body. I could completely visualize this leaving my body and felt very comfortable with this prayer. Not to have a healing time, but to heal.

Today, I decided to take the dogs, not to walk over roots and trees paths, but to find solid ground and take the tennis ball thrower.  Keep moving is good for the back, in moderation.

And we discovered this was working. As I threw the Tennis Ball Thrower, I stepped forward and landed perfectly on our big Poodle's Leash.  Full throttle, full body now on his leash. He ran pell-mell for the tennis ball.  Standard Poodles can pull 2,000 pounds.  There are Poodle contests to find their torque.

Taken completely by complete surprise, I noticed I was now flying backward, eyes on the blue sky. And my body held no weight. Until I landed my full-body weight on the grass, on my sciatica backside.

My first reply, "Wow, I really did not need that." From my back on the park ground, I wondered about traction and doctors. What next year would be like, for back pain. All this while looking at the sky. My two dogs looked, at me and above me, in concern. I really hated to stand up. Being flat on the ground, seemed to be ok.  I slowly stood up and felt no trauma. I wondered if I'd had a miracle. Something that forced everything into place. In fact, we had just begun to throw with the tennis ball thrower and I continued to throw until the Poodles, let me know, we are now bone weary and this is fine. Time to go.

Got home and rested upon the heated blanket. And I feel as good as I did a week before all of this happened. I'm thinking I have had a Work of the Lord. And Celebrate this in full happiness. Thank You, God.

Edward did this same type accident the week we moved into our house, 23 years ago. The boys had been given Razor Scooters by my mother as a moving gift. Edward decided he would scooter, to give them a try. As he incredibly pushed the Scooter, it shot out from underneath Edward and he flew up in the air, all 6'4" of legs and arms dangling in the sky. And he landed on the concrete in a Perfect V. Edward was so contrite, he jumped to his feet and marched into the house. We went from utter horror to complete hilarity. Not what one hopes, when you are display and injury. Especially from family. However, Edward could relate exactly to the picture my flight and fall made.

Abba, Father,

From Ghoulies and ghosties, 

and long legged Beasties. 

And when we make our own personal thump, 

Good Lord Deliver us. 

And Thank You, Jesus Christ.

Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Thanks, be unto the Lord

and His Blessings

To all who Love Him

and bring

more Heaven to earth