Tag Archives: adopted

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Adopt a Spot

One of my favorite running routes takes me through our downtown city park.  It’s a nice, shaded area with lots of room for families to play, eat and relax.

In one far corner rests a small flower bed. It’s an official “Adopt A Spot” location for the City of Martin. You’ve seen these places…different organizations and businesses adopt public areas and keep them clean and beautiful. I’ve seen hands working in this particular area on numerous occasions.  Planting, weeding, watering.  Multiple people pouring time, energy and care into one small spot.  The results are, well…amazing. It’s a vibrant bed of color because of the constant attention it receives.

What if we had our own “Adopt a Spot” approach to our daily lives?

Pick someone. A neighbor. A co worker. The widow down the street. The single mom or dad next door.

What if we poured our time, attention and genuine love into someone right beside us?

There’s brokenness all around us. Pain, suffering, despair. But what if we adopted a “spot” from our neighbors and showed some attention and love?

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13: 34-35

This week my prayer will be to focus on a small need around me…and to have the courage to act and make a difference.

And please let me know how to pray for you.

God bless.

 

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Adopted

I want you to meet my new friend, Ben.

Ben is a nine-year old black Labrador Retriever.  He’s had a rough year.

His owner died two weeks ago.  He’s had cancerous cysts removed from his legs, which have left some debilitating nerve damage in his hindquarters.  Ben has gained a lot of weight and has developed arthritis in his front shoulders.

So when we met last week, the dog I encountered was overweight, limping and in incredibly poor health.  And depressed.  He really missed his owner and the family farm where he grew up.

Hollianne and I agreed to foster him, as Ben had no place to go.

We were prepared to deal with the health issues,  but Ben’s depression was the saddest part.  He wouldn’t look us in the face.  Ben simply wanted to sleep or just sit by the window and look outside.

Sound familiar?

Life is hard.  We face sickness and sadness.  Unexpected blows hit us at every turn.  People disappoint us.

But there’s one constant for the believer.

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.  Galatians 3:26

God loves us.  He sent his son, Jesus, to provide salvation for the sinner and hope to the downtrodden.

For my father and mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.  Psalm 27:10

We have hope.

Ben’s demeanor has changed quite a bit over the past week.  He loves getting exercise with the kids.  Our veterinarian has prescribed some medicine to help with his physical ailments.  But best of all, there’s a renewed sparkle in his green eyes and a constant wag in his tail.  The personality is coming back quickly.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  John 14:18

When you are weary- remember the one who has promised hope for all of us.

Please pray for us as we try to care for Ben.

And let me know how to pray for you.

God bless.

 

 

 

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