Pixie scare!

I had just got home and didn't feel well. I was going to lay down and take a nap. But I knew I had to take the dog out first. I had a strange feeling in my stomach all day that just would not go away. I didn't give it much thought until I got home. I usually arrive home and am greeted with the sound of Pixie barking. (Yes, she even barks at me!). But today was different. I heard no Pixie and saw no Pixie. After looking around for a few minutes I realized she wasn't there. My heart sank. Justin had left right after me this morning. He was in a hurry and on his way to the airport and off to Canada. So I was alone with nobody to help me. No family or friends nearby. What was I do do? I had never lost a dog before. Should I call the police or make flyer's? Call the police? Why? Maybe she was kidnapped! That is ridiculous I told myself. Who could have kidnapped my dog? And how? And why should I spend my time making flyer's when I could be looking for Pixie. So with nobody to turn to I prayed. I grabbed a picture of Pixie and headed out for the hunt. I was determined to find her. All the times I was mad because she pied on the carpet was forgiven. All the dogfood she spreads throughout the condo didn't matter anymore. I finally understood why people have kids, why the work is worth it.................so off I went to find her. My neighbor greeted me outside and saw my concerned expression. I quickly explained my situation and she helped me look for Pixie. Minutes later I let the lease office know of my predicament and they said they would keep a look out for me. Only what seemed liked minutes after that I saw another neighbor. She said she saw my dog half an hour ago. This was just the encouragement I needed to hear to keep me motivated. She quickly got in her car to look with me and asked her grandson and his friend to look by riding their bikes around the neighborhood. What a wonderful community. In the distance I heard some dogs barking. Could one of them belong to Pixie? Were the dogs barking because they saw Pixie? As I followed the sounds I prayed and heard my voice saying that it would be a miracle if I found my beloved Pixie. Close by I saw an elderly couple who lived next to the neighborhood playground. We locked eyes as if they knew something. I approached them and the news that someone was looking for the little MinPin was a relief for the couple. She had been resting underneath their car most of the day but would not allow anyone to approach her (this is typical Pixie). I hurried up the street and saw some dogs in a yard. Could this be yard where the barking was moments earlier? I walked a little further and called "Pixie! Pixie"! Around the corner of a house I saw a little black and brown object cautiously approach me. "Pixie", I called. It only took a few moments for her to recognize me and jump into my arms. What a joyous reunion. With a grin on my face and Pixie in my arms I said a prayer and thanked God for helping me find Pixie and for the support of the neighborhood people. I made sure to stop and thank everyone for helping me and then gave Pixie a bath and looked her over. I'm so glad my baby is home and God gave me this miracle today.

It's a choice

I have come to realize that I have to constantly make the choice to be happy. Life will throw you curbe balls and challenges and I am the only one who can decide how I am going to handle the situations. No matter how rude or mean other people are to me I can still be happy and not let others ruin my day. When life seems hard and stressful I learn to work through my feelings and move on. It's not worth it to me to stay mad about anything. The Bible tells us be joyful no matter what and to not let the enemy steal out joy. I am so happy to know the truth and be able to overcome life's challenges, eventually. I have been known to hold a grudge, too. But bitterness and resentment are not worth it. I need to forgive. The sooner the better. Others don't really seem to care how you feel or react. So it's not worth it to stay mad. Facing trials actually helps me to grow stronger and learn how to more effectively deal with angry people. I recall the commendment we were given in the Bible to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors (everyone else).
I also liked how Carrie Underwood says in one of her songs "love is all the matters after all". I hope she makes writes more christian songs and gives God the glory. She can be an effective witness and reach a lot of people.

Spring Break in Memphis with Family and Friends

http://www.justinwsmith.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=2104

Keeping it real

On the one hand it can be fun and exciting to move to a new city. Make a new life and establish yourself. Yet it can be difficult when you don't have a sanguine personality and the people you work with are in elementary school. I don't want to complain, I just want to be real. I want to be honest and for me it is hard to build relationships. There it is, out in the open, the truth. Relationship don't happen over night. They take time, like a plant takes time to grow. In our instant world it can be easy to forget that all good things take time. I am learning a lot of new lessons. I've always had my family around and well......with them so far away....I've had to learn how to do a lot of things...I've had to become more confident and assertive.....more independent.....it's like I've just started life for the 1st time. I am surprised with lots of obstacle's and learning experiences all the time. Living without family and close friends around isn't easy. But I know with His help I can do all things. I am returning to my first love and aligning my purpose with His will. I am saying "yes" even when its hard. I am reminded of what is pure and good and lovely. I am on a new journey which I hope can build the strength and the hope of those around me, and the ones who will join me on this blogging adventure. God bless.