Puppy Inspired

This post is 100% puppy inspired! Because puppies are just darn cute and lovable! My life has gotten a bit busier lately. I usually do about one post a week, but five weeks ago, we got our stud dog boy puppy who is now 13 weeks old. Over Thanksgiving my husband went back to the same breeder and got our boy puppy a girlfriend, who is 6 weeks old.

Potty training and teaching commands, in addition to hoping they sleep through the night has been quite a project with two dogs. Luckily, the boy is helping with the training of his girlfriend. But I need to be ever alert. We have “kiddie proofed” the living room into a puppy playground. I sit on the edge of my chair keeping watch for when it looks like a bathroom break is about to occur, and rush them outside. Also, when they are out wandering in the rest of the house, I don’t not walk normally. Instead I shuffle my feet slowly, so I don’t accidentally step on one. No fast turns either, because they are super fast, and are under foot, especially if food is involved.

This is in addition to our three existing dogs! Two of these three dogs have been great with playing with the puppies and keeping them occupied, up to a point. After a bit, these older dogs have had enough and need a break. It is also an exercise in alert mindfulness when all of the dogs are going to the door to go outside. I don’t need one tripping me up!

One of the things Holy Spirit has been teaching me is to be ever alert. The enemy (you know, satan and his demons) are always on the prowl trying to trip us up. (See 1 Peter 5:8) Sometimes when you least expect it, you get smacked upside the head with something nasty and want to react and retaliate in the worst way. That’s where be alert and mindful is so crucial.

I have also noticed that since I’ve had a conceal carry permit, I am more mindful of what is going on around me. It is a big responsibility, and I don’t want to be caught off guard. Same holds true for my relationship with Jesus. I cannot afford to be irresponsible with it. I need to be ever vigilant to what He is showing me to do in a day, so I don’t miss any opportunities to encourage someone with His love.

Because if I get lazy, I will stray away from spending time with Him, and my life suffers when that happens. “Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13 [NCV])

This is what we need to do every moment. We cannot let our guard down, because when you really think about it, this is war!

I need to “keep a close watch on all I do and think and stay true to what is right.” (1 Tim. 4:16 [TLB])

I heard that you can’t be hateful and grateful at the same time. So when one of these incidents pops into my head where I want to react, I need to alert that it is happening and then be strong and replace it with something to be thankful and grateful for. Sometimes it is hard to begin, but once I start, the blessings I’ve received come more and more to mind, and before you know it I’m spouting off all sorts of things I am thankful to God for.

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thes. 5:5, 16-18 [NIV])

It says always, continually and in all circumstances. What a great habit to begin. And you don’t have to wait until the New Year, you can start it right now, this very minute! Because that’s another thing I’ve noticed about puppies, they live completely in the now. They are not worried if they will be fed and loved, nor should we. So be inspired by my puppies and join me in making this practice a part of your life too!

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