ABBEY AND MEREDITH

I received this beautiful story in my e-mail today.

It came from Dr. Jon at PetPlace.com.

It is proof of what God can accomplish...through us...when we just open our hearts to let Him!

"Our 14-year-old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4-year-old daughter, Meredith, was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to Heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in Heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog.

I really miss her.

Love,

Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to 'God/Heaven'. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to Heaven.

That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed to Meredith in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.

On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.

Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in Heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and send it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love,

God"


Who needs YOU to share God's love with them today?


For help in caring for your pet visit: PETPLACE.COM!

"...WHOEVER IS ASHAMED OF ME..."

I don't know about you, but I talk about God all the time...to anyone...anywhere.

He is a part of me...He is the very air I breathe. He is closer to me than my sons...my husband...my friends.

It is just a natural thing, for me to tell people I will pray for them, in whatever circumstance happens to be under discussion.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a bible-thumper...I do not go door-to-door handing out prayer cards...I do not stand on street corners with a placard...but, God does come up, at some point, in many of my conversations outside of the parish.

I've begun to notice, however, that my faith appears to make others uncomfortable.

And, I don't understand WHY!?!

Cases in point:

Last year, when I brought my aunt for her first surgery, I escorted her to pre-op. When the doctor came to explain everything they would be doing, I told him, I would be praying for them...the doctors and my aunt...during surgery.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

This past March, when my aunt was again in the hospital, I received a telephone call, early one morning, from the surgeon who was going to perform the procedure. He kindly explained everything he would be doing...how long it would be taking...and...what the prognosis would be. I thanked him and told him I would be praying, for both he and my aunt, during the operation.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

Last week, one of my dogs went in for surgery. The doctor called to tell me exactly what he would be doing...what the dangers were...and...that she had a 50-50 chance of survival. I told him I would be praying for him and my baby.

That stopped him right in his tracks!

Yesterday, I received the monthly telephone call from the bereavement arm of hospice. The lady is very kind...she asked how I was doing. I told her: "I seem to be surrounded by cancer and death at the moment. I would probably be drowning, right now, if I didn't have God."

There was an awkward pause on the other end of the line...a tentative chuckle...good wishes...and the promise that I would receive another call next month.

Why do people, living in a country established under GOD...living under independence declared in GOD's Name...with the motto: "In GOD We Trust"...squirm when...GOD...is mentioned?

Or worse, when you simply say you will pray for them?

I just don't get it!

When I speak my mind on any other subject, I do not witness this uncomfortable reaction from others.

I am not trying to convert anyone...I am not trying to get anyone to drink any kool-aid...I am merely expressing myself...in what is a very natural way...for me!

How about YOU?

Do YOU believe in GOD?

Do YOU speak about Him outside of prayer, home, and church?

OR,

Does it make YOU uncomfortable when others speak of GOD?

If so, WHY is THAT?


Only YOU know the answer!


For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. ~ Mark 8:38 ~

RECYCLE: ADOPT A SHELTER DOG

70 Australian Shepherds seized in Mason Michigan. Foster homes needed. Ingham Co Animal Control (517) 676-8370. The dogs were in bad conditions. Shelter is overcrowded and may need to euthanize them. Please help if you can!