This is a picture of Mia, our new German Shepherd. It was taken when she was about a month old. She is now almost 3 months old......and still not FULLY housebroken.
I have to say that every emotion you feel as a parent of babies has come back full force. The "YEAH's!!!" for when they do good, to the thousands of "NOOOO,s!!!"........ I had just forgotten. :)
We had been really encouraged this past week, after being totally DIScouraged last week. We have her in training classes at Petsmart on Thursdays and were feeling like complete failures. She would do everything with the trainer.
Get home???
The 'idiot-gene' would kick in. Completely not listening!
But this past week, she actually went to the door to be let out!!!!!! Wow! Maybe we arent such bad dog owners after all! Maybe she really is starting to get it.
Til this morning.
"BAAAADDD Mia!!! You go potty OUTSIDE!!" as I threw her out the door. :)
It got me thinking though. So often we expect people who come to God to change long-standing habits instantly. "If you REALLY loved God, you would quit ______________" is our attitude.
But maybe that isnt the real problem. Maybe the problem is that WE are impatient, expecting a "puppy" to act like a mature, trained, full grown "dog".
I just wonder how many are out there, on the side-lines, no longer in church, because they were made to feel like they were not "at the standard" WE had set for them, .....not the one GOD had set for them. I just wonder.... if they were given more encouragement,.... more love,.... more patience, .....more prayer......
Just thinking......
PB
Pastor, I think you picked a perfect name for the puppy, Mia. Tomorrow, when Mia wakes up, I will tell her that Pastor Bobby named his new puppy after her. LOL God bless you and we miss ya'll so much! At least, in addition to the wonderful Church we found up here, I can still be filled with my "fix" of Harvest.
Love to all,
The Soares Family in freezing Massachusetts
Posted by: The Soares Family (Christy, Bobby, Lexi, Mia and Tori) | March 06, 2009 at 09:58 PM
PB-
I can't tell you how much I agreed with your post. I think it's so easy to get into that mindset of " if you really love God etc..." forgetting that the H.S. gives us the power of self-control. It's by God's grace we have been saved! We cannot boast of our own goodness.
As for pups I hear ya. We have our own new pup who eats everything she can get into... including a lot of chapstick and the inside of a an antique hankie...grr.
Posted by: Vicky | February 27, 2009 at 08:43 PM
I'm sure familiar with the sidelines PB. Much of it was brought upon myself though. As you know; once a person truly inclines his heart to belief, Jesus starts pruning the bad branches away. I say this, not many fellowships in this area are like Harvest. I must say that finding commonality and forging Godly friendships is TOUGH over here in Milton. I wanted to find a fellowship over here, but it "seems" to me that I stand a better chance at forging Godly friendships with you folks. In my new job I am helping Ed Gungor out with his internet networking as he is about to publish another book in August. I am going to fly out to Tulsa this weekend to meet him and his church. I believe I will see you folks March 8th. I have made my mind up.
As for your new puppy...
At least you weren't foolish enough to take on a Husky. Dameyune came over to live at my place at 9 months old in December of 2007. Most of the work was done as far a house breaking. A word of encouragement... usually after about 3 to 4 months old they really kinduv' want to "do their business" away from there living area. It will pass PB, your Mia will learn.
Have great weekend PB and Harvest!
Thomas!
Posted by: Thomas | February 26, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Great analogy. As for your pup, it's only for a season. It took our GSD a good 4 months to catch on, but now she's a WONDERFUL dog. It also helps to have a husband who is highly skilled in the most valuable profession to pet owners ;)
Posted by: Sheryl Braun | February 25, 2009 at 11:00 PM
I think it is a VERY valid point. I have only been saved for a little over a year. I went to church for a year before getting saved, and did not get plugged in untill 6 months after being saved. Not coming from a church background, I always loved God, but feared church. My insecurities magnified the pressure I recieved from believers.I was very afraid of not being "good enough" fast enough. I wanted to change but didn't know how. God had patience, answered my prayers, and lead me down the right path, and I am grateful. But becoming a christian, adopting a new life, and letting go of old ways, for me it was and still is a process not a light switch.
Posted by: Kimmy Gross | February 25, 2009 at 02:03 PM