Previous Posts

This is a post from pulpitandpen.com by author Jordan Hall. What a great read and so on target. I discovered Pulpit and Pen from my friend Jeremy of jeremyarber.com.

This was a letter sent to Scott McKnight who has the Jesus Creed blog. I think it is telling, concerning the "Jerkness" of many Calvinists:

Dear Scot,
We met a few years ago when I was youth pastor. Now I am at a church plant in Minnesota. I know that you are up to speed with the post modern church. That's all really good.
The main reason I am writing is to see if you know anything a person can do in response to hyper-Calvinism. Around these parts, we are getting killed by very vocal, self-righteous hyper-Calvinists, especially those who are connected with Piper's church. He has a very strong following around here. They always use the same language and have the same condescending attitude toward everyone else. This stripe also seems to revere Bob Dewaay, Kirk Cameron, and Lighthouse trails research. They turn up their nose at Rick Warren and Bill Hybels.

The problem is that they just are relentless. Absolutely no discussion or compromise. I have had the life kicked out of me at my church this past year by some of these people. For them, it just isn't good enough to be a solid evangelical who really loves Jesus and wants to serve him. It has to be all about reformed theology.

With regards to these dear folks at my church and the proud Calvinists, my approach has always been exactly what you were suggesting. I went out of my way time and again to be friends with them, and the number of hours spent over coffee and lunch (funny thing, it was always on my dime!) was incalculable. The tool that I had leaned on for so many years in youth ministry, namely loving relationships, failed me. They were just too stuck in their theology to see anything else. We couldn't ever just agree to disagree and leave it at that.

Which is why it is such a stretch for these people to find a home in our church. We deliberately say that we will not divide over theological issues like this. We are centered on the cross, on walking with Jesus. They just seemed like they were always picking a fight.

So, any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions?

In Christ,

________________________________________

Let me explain why Calvinists are such jerks (I'm conceding that Calvinists really are jerks - I just want to explain why they are jerks).

1. We are called Calvinists. We do not like being referred to as Calvinists. We do not worship John Calvin. I do not know any so-called "Calvinists" that like the term. When we occasionally refer to ourselves as Calvinist it's only so you clowns know what we're talking about - because that's your term that you purposefully use despairingly to make it seem as though we worship a man or to try to convey the message that what you call Calvinism began with John Calvin. I, for one, came to believe Reformed theology as truth without reading a single, solitary work of John Calvin.

2. You call us hyper-Calvinists. By your use of this term, you are trying to radicalize our theology. It's just like the media calling all evangelicals "fundamentalists" or calling all conservatives "right-wingers" or "neo-cons." You call any 5-point Calvinist a hyper-Calvinist. The error here is that there is no such thing as a 4-point Calvinist, thus we are all hyper-Calvinists.

3. You see Calvinism as being divisive and therefore unnecessary. As sound theology is watered down and tainted, it is never seen as controversial because it is such a subtle devolution. Reformation is always divisive. All of the great Baptist benchmarks of faith - first and foremost believer's baptism - is and always has been infinitely controversial and divisive. I am appalled at the lack of respect for sound teaching that is exhibited by anti-Calvinists who care nothing about what the Bible teaches and care infinitely about how well we get along in our heresy. The lack of respect for sound doctrine exhibited by many non-Calvinists makes us want to vomit. It's not that you don't believe It correctly, it's that believing It correctly is not even a priority to you.

4. You see our respect for certain men as being troublesome or suspicious. As the above letter indicates, many look at suspicion of our affection for men like John Piper. Let me explain this. The average Baptist pastor is an uneducated, borderline illiterate dolt. Perhaps because of bad ecclesiology where we have made our pastors into deacons, we do not emphasize in the modern church that our pastors are to be scholars. Therefore, the men filling our pulpits should typically preach less and study more. We have no choice but to turn to men like Piper, Sproul, and MacArthur to teach us, so that we can merely escape the abject ignorance of the man standing in front of us on Sunday morning.

5. As you turn up your nose at our leaders, we turn up our nose at yours. You don't see the appeal of men like Piper, whose sermons are meant to be neither entertaining nor instantly practical. And yet you are shocked when we ridicule hacks like Rick Warren or Bill Hybels. As we study the Doctrines of Grace, forgive us for scoffing at men like Warren (who is the textbook definition of sell-out) and men like Hybels who reduce salvation to a prayer and grows his church by bringing guest speakers like Bono and Jimmy Carter. We just don't think flashy lights and shiny objects can replace sound doctrine.

6. We are relentless. We just won't shut up about it. Since when did this become a bad thing? Did it ever cross you mind that we are so relentless because we are right? It's the Word of God. It's important to discuss it. The author of the above letter complains that with us, there is no compromise. Duh. Since when is being relentless in our beliefs bad and compromise is good? The common denominator I have found in most non-Calvinists is not that they disagree, but it is far more disturbing than that - it's that they have no opinion whatsoever. That's what's truly dangerous. They couldn't care less about what salvation truly is. The author asks, "isn't it enough that I am a solid evangelical? NO. NO IT'S NOT ENOUGH. If you are going to preach the Gospel, you must first understand it. Or else you end up with seeker-friendly nonsense that sends people to hell blissfully unaware that they are not saved just because they consume religion at your church and said a superstitious prayer. About that danger, we are relentless. Sue us. I spoke to a fellow pastor this summer who was very concerned that the young people in their church were becoming "consumed" with Bible study because they started to listen to Paul Washer (whom the pastor said he "hated"). But the part that concerned him was that they began to ask questions (which he was no doubt unable to answer). They were studying the Bible on their own, in their homes, "relentlessly." And instead of praising God, this pastor was suspicious as if something just had to be wrong.

7. You don't understand why it has to be about Reformed Theology all of the time. Likewise, we don't understand why you don't understand it. Reformed Theology is the most obvious doctrine in all of Scripture. Once you lay down your silly, unBiblical free-will presuppositions, Reformed Theology SCREAMS at you out of the text in every passage. It is obvious. This makes us angry that you don't see it (because your presuppositional eisegesis is blinding you). I'm not saying it should make us angry, but it does. It's like taking someone hunting that just can't see the deer you're looking at. What the #$@& is wrong with you!? It's right there! It's right in front of you! This is evident in how one changes between the two doctrinal viewpoints. I have never met a single Calvinist who became an Arminian - not one! However, I have met countless Arminians who became Calvinist after studying the Scripture. As a Baptist, chances are incalculably small that you were born a Calvinist. Ninety-nine percent of Reformed Baptist I know got there through their own, independent study of the Scripture, almost as Luther was reading the Bible, saying "hold on a minute... if the Bible is true, then what I've been taught is a load of crap." Thus is the theological evolution of the typical Reformed Baptist.

8. You treat Reformed Theology as though its importance is on par with what happened to the dinosaurs or eschatology or what happened to Enoch. Your "what's the big deal?" mentality really ticks us off. Oh, geez, I don't know - maybe it's because its the story of the Gospel, salvation, the main theme of all of Scripture. Paul begins nearly every epistle - as does Peter, James, John, by stating that we are chosen. Reformed Theology begins nearly every book in the New Testament. Why? It is a precursory understanding of who we are. It is Christianity 101 that you treat as though it is irrelevant Bible trivia.

9. You don't seem to care that your own theology is embarrassingly inconsistent. Let me get this right, you non-Calvinists. Salvation is achieved through human decision making (according to you), and yet you can't un-choose Christ? If you had just a bit of understanding of historical, orthodox Christianity you would know that in the beginning there were two types of Baptists - particular and general. Particular Baptists believe Christ died only for His people and that salvation could not be lost because it was not earned. General Baptists believe Christ died for all (even those who would not accept Him), and that salvation is brought about by human decision and that salvation could therefore be as easily lost. I respect both groups for being consistent. What I don't respect is a mixed up, inconsistent, ridiculous hodgepodge that combines the two - that Jesus died for all, but only saved some, that you choose Christ unto salvation, but can't un-choose him. Let's face it - you dislike Calvinists because you think we're "self-righteous" because we think we have it all figured out. You believe nobody can really have it all figured out, that salvation is an inexplicable mystery. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe we think we have all figured out because we do have it all figured out? Maybe it seems all wrapped up and easily fit together in a Reformed system because it works. The puzzle pieces actually do fit.

10. You seem to care little about the Text, and care far more about implications. For example, most arguments with non-Calvinists revolve at all around the Bible. Let's face it - you non-Calvinists FEAR arguing with Calvinists. It's sad to say, but we absolutely beat you to death with the Scripture - it's a virtual blood bath. Usually what the argument is concerning is the implications. "If everyone believed this, there would be no evangelism!" Or "If this is true, God is cruel!" I could care less about your contrived implications of Reformed Theology (which are always untrue). I care what the Bible teaches, and to hell with implications.

11. You should spend less time trying to "figure us out" and spend more time reading the Bible. We're not this strange cult or something that you have to figure out. In fact, Orthodox, historical Christianity is on our side, not yours. Quit trying to quarantine us like zoo animals and start reading the Scripture without your free-will presuppositions.

None of these 11 reasons for why Calvinists are such jerks are meant to excuse us being jerks. I'm personally sorry about being a jerk about it. It's just that when faced with such abject ignorance and disrespect for the Bible, it's easy to become arrogant - about like how you would expect from a grown man rough-housing with a five year old. It's not a fair fight, in fact it is almost humorous. That is how we feel when arguing with those that deny the truth behind Reformed Theology, and that makes us jerks. We definitely need more humility. Sometimes, arguing with those poorly equipped for such a battle of wits makes us too proud. Except by the grace of God...

Posted by Jordan Hall at 10:07 PM

Random Thoughts

03/06/2012

1. God wants us to be secure in the reality that we as His children have full access to Him.

2. I have come to peace with the fact that there will be people in my family and close friends that will not be in heaven. They, as I, have heard the good news, but they, unlike I, have not ears to hear.

3. The pains and horrors of this world cannot compare to the promise by God for what is to come for all that believe.

4. So many people do not understand what Jesus was saying on the cross when He said "It is finished."

5. When our world starts to fall apart and our faith becomes shaky, just remember what the disciples must have been thinking after Jesus's crucifixion.

6. My grandmother was never concerned or upset with world events or political turmoil. Now I understand why. She placed her trust completely in our Sovereign God.

7. Spiritual change is a different work for each person.

8. Is it terrible that I am saddened/frightened/scared to think of what will become of Mattie and Wrigley if Jesus would come back today?

9. I'm ok with the fact that some people hate me. John 15:18-27

10. You can't begin to see the love of God and the need for a savior until you have seen how wicked and evil you truly are.
11. I am living proof of God's workmanship. If you knew me 10 years ago, you'd understand the truth of that statement.

My Sleeping Arrangement Dilemma

02/29/2012

I have always slept on the right side of the bed. Always! Well, that was until Wrigley joined the family 2 years ago. Mattie has never slept in the bed. She always liked her own bed on the floor next to mine. As long as Mattie was in the bedroom with me, she was a happy camper.

This is how bed time plays out at my house....When it's time to go to bed, I say "let's go to bed", both Mattie and Wrigley get up from wherever they are and off to the bedroom we go. Once we get in the room, I immediately go to the bathroom and brush my teeth. Once I exit the bathroom Mattie is already nestled on her bed and ready for a long slumber. Wrigley, however, is standing on my bed ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE! I walk over and push her to the left then I get under the covers and wait for Wrigley to make her move. It's like clockwork...she comes over and stands on my chest until I push her to the left side of the bed. She then proceeds to walk to the bottom of the bed, outlining my body, then walks up the narrow path on the right. She stands there until I move over. I know what you're thinking "Just don't move over". Yeah, I tried that but it doesn't work. She will stand there until I decide to move. One night she literally stood there for at least 10 minutes before I caved. Since I am not a person that particularly cares for confrontation (unless absolutely necessary) I have learned it's just easier to get used to the left side of the bed. Ok, I will never get used to sleeping on the left side of the bed, but at least I sleep much better on the left side of the bed knowing that Wrigley and Mattie are comfortable. I'm such a pushover. No pun intended.

Random thoughts on an early Sunday afternoon.

02/26/2012

1. I don't believe a regenerated believer can possibly be pro abortion, not EVEN in cases of rape or incest or otherwise.

2. After watching several sermons on YouTube, I understand how some fall for their false doctrine. A little truth makes deception believable.

3. If you claim to be a regenerated believer and you don't shutter at the sound of God's name being taken in vain, you better test your salvation.

4. Every day I am becoming more and more Libertarian in my political thoughts. I do not trust Republicans or Democrats anymore.

5. The fact that most "self proclaimed atheists" become hostile at the idea of their being a God only reaffirms my belief that there are no atheists.

6. Saving faith is more than the fear of hell.

7. God bestows two types of Grace on us. Common Grace on all of mankind and saving Grace on His children.

8. Satan is smarter than any living person.

9. There are so many unhappy, depressed and miserable people that call themselves "Christians". From where does their joy come?

10. Some call it a hangup, while others call it a weakness. I think it's called sin.

11. When people start talking about their relationship with God and start it off with "to me", they have created their own God and made their own laws.

My suggestions for Follow Friday on Twitter!

02/24/2012

8 Comments

I decided I would do one big fat #FF shout out to all my favorite people on Twitter. If you are new to Twitter or if you are a seasoned veteran, these are the ones that I suggest you follow. They will encourage you, but more importantly, they will engage you in conversation. As far as I'm concerned...this is the best #FF list available to mankind. This list will never be complete, I will add to it often and tweet it every Friday.

If there is someone you want to follow, just click on their name and it will take you to their Twitter bio page.

@barbara1216   Barbara, AKA The toast of New Haven, CT. She is also the keyboard behind @visitnewhaven. She also bakes the best brownies that I have ever tasted in my life!

@adidas247 Annie is a great follow and a truly great friend. My favorite Georgian!

@khakigent Jordy is one of my first Twitter friends and one of my best.

@juliasblues Julia is the first friend I made on Twitter. She is an up and coming novelist. Soon to be at a Barnes and Noble near you. Juliasblues.com

@luvreading05 Amy is a Cincinnatian transplanted in Atlanta. I forgive her because Cincinnati is so close to the good side, it's almost like she's a southerner.

@dbroos Diane hails from Canada. She's one of a handful of people from Twitter that I actually had the honor of meeting in person. Great follow.

@goofytha Tha and I go back several years to when I used to be active on FB. My only friend from Brazil.

@mywrbc Chip is the pastor of Westport Road Baptist Church in Louisville. A great man of God and I am so lucky to call him my friend. WRBC

@blurtjunk Mary is my friend just south of the border in Tennessee. Good one to follow and owner of Baxter the wonder dog!

@danamoos Dana and I have been following each other for a couple years. She's the best dat gum realtor in all of Maine.

@jen1951 Jen is a dear friend that lives in Texas with Belle and Abby.

@danemeryprice I consider Danny a real life friend. I have learned so much from him. Pastor of Trinity Church of Northwest Arkansas. Spot on theology! Check out his page at www.trinitychurchnwa.com.

@jeremysarber Jeremy is one of the brightest on Twitter. My NC friend. You have to follow his podcasts at www.jeremysarber.com Great guy and Pastor. So glad to call friend.

@tomf80 Tom is a computer tech from Illinois and has a love for Jesus that is awesome to read in his tweets.

@llanphere Les is another one that has taught me so much about God's word. He has one of the most informative websites out there. www.killerrobotnija.com

@shelly_w Shelly is an ex-Louisvillian now living in Kansas City. She is one smart gal...... Engineer!

@achordingtome Chris lives in the great state of Texas. Great guy and excellent one to follow. So glad to call him friend. He is also a wanna be tornado chaser...can you say crazy!

@closetcalvin Great follow if you want to have a better understanding of the reformed church. I know the true identity of the person behind this name, but I have been sworn to secrecy. ClosetCalvinist.com

@ericatwitts A fellow Louisvillian and nurse. Been a dear friend for a long time.

@robertthenorr Robert loves the Lord and he shows that in his tweets. He's one of the good guys.

@lynnmosher Another Louisvillian. She has a great blog at www.lynnmosher.blogspot.com

@spweber Stan has such a powerful testimony. You can see it on www.stanweber.com

@djhein Deb is a teacher from western KY. I love reading her tweets, always entertaining.

@lexxregenerate Lexx is my southern Florida friend. Smart man with great knowledge of God's word.

@jonbennett78 Jon is my friend from England now living in St Louis. Check out his videos on adfinesterrae.com So much wisdom.

@chelseyveturis @haleyveturis @rochelleveturis My favorite people from all of California. Such good friends and such great social media personalities. You will enjoy following their tweets.

@angelstrange54 Dale lives in Ft. Lauderdale and has a heart the size of Florida, I mean Texas. Good one to follow. She also sends dog biscuits to my girls. Gotta love that.

@dougweaver75 A fellow Louisvillian and a good one to follow. Doug is another one that has been there for me when I had so many questions concerning our reformed beliefs.

@matthewbreddan Matthew is another Southern California friend. He is also an Attorney. So if you live in SoCal and need a lawyer....you know who to call and I'm not talking about ghostbusters!

@jodymay Jody is one of my newer friends on Twitter. Good man of God and great one to follow. Check out his blog...www.gunsandgospel.com

@spreadingjoy Marie and I go way back. Been following her for a long time and love her enthusiasm for the Lord.

@guitargeekette Stephanie will make you feel so welcome on Twitter. A great one to follow that will engage you in conversation and make you feel like part of the family.

@andypaul1976 Andy is another new friend that I find so easy to chat with. Good follow.

@ti_aki Ti seems to always be available on Twitter. She is a good one to follow.

@jmbuckingham My NJ friend from way back. Jeanne always has a kind word to say.

@robbenefiel Rob is a Louisville friend. Avid runner and good follower.

@alancult Alan, recently relocated to California. Good man of God and great Twitter friend.

@whiteCHS Ray is my friend from England. Glad he is in my camp. Strong believer and encourager.

@allyrae Ally is always sharing something good on Twitter. Fun follow. Good conversationalist!

@REALjdowney John is a great one to follow. His Twitter bio reads: "Follow me...you know, on Twitter not just around, that would be creepy." Dead Pastors Society

@tjacobbsmith Jacobb is a new friend that knows the gospel well. Great follow and always tweets truth.

@drewdyck Drew is not a new friend, not sure how I left him off this list for so long. Author of Ex-Christian. He is also an underwater Gymnast and has been on Twitter since 1983. <--Something is wrong here.

@evanwelcher Evan is a former atheist and now Senior Pastor and Teaching Elder at 1st Christian Church. Good one to follow. Check out Evan's page.

@williamsetiadi Check out some of the pics of food he tweets. Always engages in conversation.

@johnleesandiego John always engages in conversation. My conservative ears sometimes bleed while reading his left tilted tweets but I have to say, he is a good guy. (see I can be non biased, contrary to what some believe)

@thejonmartin Jon is one of the good guys on Twitter. Good family man.

@jonathanpearson A millennial who writes, tweets, & speaks to communicate Christ, vision, & challenge bold living. Good one to follow.

@seanianmiller Sean and his family are missionaries with CEF to St Kitts and Nevis. A moment with the Millers

@prockey Josh is one of the Pastors at HomeTown Church in Cartersville, Ga. He's also good friends with @jodymay so he is a must follow. Good people. Hometownchurch.org

@WhoIsBrandonC Brandon is a fellow Louisvillian with a love for the Lord and a passion for helping others in need. Check out his blog--> http://www.WhoIsBrandonC.com/

@joymauter Joy is a believer and hails from Sevierville, TN. Excellent conversationalist and good one to follow.

@juliemahany Julie is an encourager. I love those that God has given the gift of encouragement to. They keep us strong and going. She's also from England, so you have to read her tweets with a British accent.

@randybrockway   Prideful man pursuing humility by the grace of God. My new friend from Charlotte. Randy is also a fellow Cubbie. #Chicagocubs

@aheartforgod Mike and I have followed each other on Twitter for a long time. Not sure how he was not on my favorites list a long time ago. Great man of God. Check out his blog--> aheartforgod.net

@michaelserves Michael is a fellow Louisvillian. Tweeting about faith and family. Good man to follow.

@vermontbeliever John is a humble brother in Christ and a definite must follow.

@bjornole777 A true man of God striving to live the life God has appointed him to. Good follow.

8 Comments

Finally a Forthright Fortune Cookie.

02/22/2012

I am not one that places ANY faith in fortune cookies, horoscopes, fortune tellers, mediums, psychics or anything of that nature, because I know what God's word teaches about those things, however, I must confess that I finally got a fortune cookie that was as true as true can be.

After a delicious lunch at P.F.Chang's with a good friend, we were given our fortune cookies along with the check....lunch was on him...yay! As I cracked mine open, this was my fortune... "You will get what your heart desires". It's such a true statement. That's why I was shocked to see it in a fortune cookie. The things that my heart desires today is not like the things my heart used to desire before I was truly regenerated (saved, born again). Before becoming a regenerated Christ follower, I desired so many things of this world. Things that I thought would make me happy and fulfill the emptiness I felt inside. Back then, nothing fulfilled the emptiness and nothing satisfied me. I always wanted more and when I got it, I wanted even more. A nice home, nice car, fine furnishings etc. etc. etc....I do appreciate all that I have. I am human and I still like nice things, but if I lost it all tomorrow, I can honestly say....I would still be satisfied because the desires of my heart have changed. Galatians 2:20 is a verse I often quote because it sums up my life today.

I no longer have a desire for the things of this world. My desires are Christ centered because I was given a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 37:4). Before one is adopted by God and can call themselves a son of God or one of God's children, you MUST be born again (John 3:3-7). An unregenerate heart can't be trusted (Jeremiah 17:9) and that is exactly what I had before I was regenerated. You will get what your heart desires.

Questions is...what does your heart desire?

Why I Believe The Bible.

01/25/2012

5 Comments

One of the biggest problems I have when talking to non believers or people that do not believe in Jesus, is trying to explain to them why I place my faith in the Word of God...the Bible. I can refer to certain passages in the Bible all day long and try to get people to understand why I believe the way I do, but if they don't believe it in the first place...quoting the inspired writings of Moses, David, Paul or even the words of Jesus will be rubbish to them.

I don't ever remember a time in my life that I did not believe the Bible to be the Word of God. That is because I was blessed to have a grandmother that loved the Lord and lived for the Lord. It was easy for me to believe, but what about the people that did not have that foundation? Trying to convince them to open the Bible and start reading (the Holy Spirit will do the rest) can be a tough challenge.

I recently watched a YouTube sermon by Voddie Baucham Jr. and he was explaining why he chooses to believe the Bible. He said "In the Bible, we have a reliable collection of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report super natural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecy. The writings are divine rather than human in origin." He is right. Scientists have tried to disprove the Bible for centuries without any success. Some people will also argue that the Bible has been interpreted so many times that it has lost it's original meaning. Really? The Bible has been interpreted several times but always from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts, not from the last interpretation.

Think about this....when Jesus was being crucified, He cried out " ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" (Matthew 27:46). Jesus was referring to the writings of David in Psalm 22. When David wrote Psalm 22, there was no such thing as crucifixion. That method of torture had never been used or even been thought of yet. David wrote that Psalm 1,000 years before Christ's crucifixion. Now, go and read Psalm 22. It is prophecy of what Jesus was going through on the cross.

God wants us to know who He is. That is why He has given us His word....the Bible.

5 Comments

I have so much to be thankful for.

01/05/2012

I'll be the first to admit that I have a problem with traffic and an even greater problem with inconsiderate drivers. My patience was really tried today as I was driving to Kroger. I was trying to turn left into the shopping center and the cars on the other side of the lanes would not move up even though they were at a red light and had enough space between them to open a path where I could slide through. Ugh!

I finally got into the shopping center and the only space I could find to park had a grocery cart in it. That also irritated me to no end. I thought to myself "you lazy pig. Couldn't take a few extra steps and put the cart in the parking lot cart rack". So now you have an idea of how impatient I can get. Once in Kroger, I grabbed the few items I needed and then proceeded back to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription when the pharmacist told me my order wouldn't be ready for another 15 minutes. I looked at her and said "I called it in early this morning and the lady on the phone said it would be ready in an hour" (it was now 7 hours after I called it in). I just stood there until the order was ready. Now, I'm really frustrated and a little peeved at all the circumstances that have made my afternoon so miserable.

I walked away from the pharmacy and was standing in line to pay for my groceries when I heard someone yell out "Bobby, how are your girls?". It was Heather, a mentally challenged girl that works at Kroger. She is a member of the church I used to go to. I adore her, she is such a sweet person. I told her the girls were doing just fine, paid for my groceries and out the door I went. As I got into the car to leave I started thinking about Heather and how she made me forget about the bad experiences I had earlier.

On my way out, I had to drive past the other shops in the center. I only got about four stores from Kroger when I stopped to let a mother and her young son cross the street in front of me. Her son had leg braces on and was struggling to walk. It was obvious that he had cerebral palsy or something of that nature. After they crossed, I exited the center and was on my way home. I kept thinking of Heather and that little boy and wow did it put my stupid traffic hangups in perspective. God used both of those situations to remind me how grateful I should be and how very blessed I am.

Don't be afraid to adopt an old dog.

12/24/2011

During this Christmas season, many people will receive puppies as gifts. Puppies are wonderful; so full of life and energy, they offer you many years of unconditional love and loyal companionship. My Wrigley is two years old and I love her dearly. I also have Mattie. She just turned fifteen on December 1st. She has been a constant in my life and if it weren't for her faithful friendship and loving demeanor, I don't know how I would have dealt with the passing of my basset hound, Summer, in 2009.

If you are planning on adopting a dog, please don't overlook the older ones. They offer so much love and all they want in return is a loyal friend that will love them and take care of them until their time on this earth runs out.

Below is a poem I found about all those older dogs waiting to go to their new homes.

One by one, they pass my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can’t run and play.
They shake their heads slowly and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn’t belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can’t justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
Those younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond the cage

You took me home, gave me food and a bed.
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To You, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the angel who made my last days so dear.